as
nearly alike as they could be made, so that it was not possible for him
to know them apart. One specimen after another would then be handed to
her ; and each would be described with the same accuracy as before.
This was considered a supreme test; and the doctrine that " things," in
common with " men," have (thus to say) "souls," was thought to have
been demonstrated.
Our
present contention is, that, granting the said hypothesis of the
Professor to be true, Gems and Precious Stones retain within themselves
a faithful and accurate record, even to its smallest detail, of
physical conditions, and acquired properties, from the primitive time
of their original molecular beginning; and that, if we allow a
suspension for the while of the wearer's ordinary perceptions, as
commonly exercised, the Precious Stone in use will continue to assert
meantime its long-remembered virtues, for his, or her, welfare (or the
reverse), mental, and bodily.
Thus
the salutary sunlight stored up from past ages, in tropical regions,
the electric endowments from volcanic furnaces, the marine boons
derived from many waters, and the remedial virtues of many curative
herbs, may come to react, healthfully, and beneficially, for the good
of the fortunate owner, and for that of the modestly confident wearer.
Reasoning after which convincing, yet plain-sailing fashion, we may
readily comprehend how to a right-minded wearer, when debilitated by
the wearisome exactions of a London season, the Diamond, by its
adamantine brilliancy, representing, as it does, the sublimated
sunshine of many tropical aeons, may be found to supply renovated
strength and vigour ; how the Corundum group of Gems (including the
Sapphire, the Ruby, and- the Oriental Amethyst: each identical
