142 PRECIOUS STONES.
The
true Ruby—a variety of crystallised Aluminium— is a Corundum, of red,
or reddish colour. All Corundums contain more than half their weight of
the metal Aluminium. Hebrew legends tell that the " blushing " red Ruby
became the symbolical representative of Reuben, who brought such a
blush upon himself by irreverent conduct towards his father. The name
Ruby is derived from the Latin adjective " rubus "—red. Formerly it was
alleged that the Ruby, when bruised in water, relieved infirmities of
the eyes, and helped disordered livers. If the four corners of a house,
garden, or vineyard, were touched with one of these precious stones,
they would be preserved from lightning, tempests, and worms. It also
dispersed infectious airs; and, when worn, it could not possibly be
concealed, as its lustre would show itself beneath the thickest clothes.
According
to Dr. Jno. Schroder, 1669 : " You may try the goodness of the Rubine
by the mouth, and tongue ; for the coldest, and hardest are the best.
They grow in a stoney matrix, of a rose colour, and at first are white,
then by degrees growing ripe, turn red. As to their vertues : it
resists poyson, resists sadness, restrains lust, drives away frightful
dreams, clears the mind, keeps the body safe, and, if a mischance be at
hand, it signifies this by turning of a darker colour."
It
is more than probable that the specially pronounced sparkling red hue
of the Ruby serves to exercise occult chemical, and psychical magnetic
actions on any sensitive wearer of this stone. Properties of the same
nature, but more crudely developed, are familiar in the practice of
Photography, where the important fact is turned to essential uses that,
whilst the violet rays of light blacken Silver-Chloride most readily,
the red rays of light will
