shaped, and worked in the lapidary's hands only by one of its fellow stones:—" Diamond cut Diamond."
The
protective virtue of this superlative Precious Stone has always been
commonly believed among all civilised nations. Napoleon the Great had a
Diamond set in the hilt of his sword, with a confident assurance that
it would secure for him protection, and victory. The Third Napoleon
always wore a lucky ring which had belonged to the First Napoleon. The
Prince Imperial refused to have this ring removed from his father's
finger after death; so that it was buried thereon. Since which
time—remarkably enough—the House of Bonaparte have had a succession of
misfortunes. President Kruger had an unlucky Diamond, which first
belonged to Chaka, the Zulu chief. Chaka's brother assassinated him,
and possessed himself of the Diamond. It had changed hands fifteen
times before it became the property of Kruger,—each previous owner
having died a violent death. Kruger's own misfortunes were associated
with this Stone by many persons.
De
Boot's notion as to the beneficial effects on the health, and spirits
which may be looked-for under the influence of varied light has been
verified recently by ascertained facts. Thus M. Redard, Professor of
Medicine in the Geneva University, has made a communication lately on
this subject to the National Institute at Geneva. He states that each
of the primary colours has a definite, and characteristic effect on the
human organism. Red light is found to be more or less irritating ; with
yellow light the general effect is depressing ; while blue light proves
calming, and produces a sense of well-being. Professor Redard puts his conclusions, as thus stated, to practical effect
