an Amulet against the Plague; or, if set in a King."
"
Sed quodcunque genus oollo suspendere possis, Vel digito portes, terras
securas obibis ; Nee tibi pestiferse regionis causa nocebit."
This
Gem is of a yellow-red ; and like the flame of Fire : " The Hyacinth
that is us'd in Medicine," a soft milky Hyacinth, is a little stone, of
the size, and figure of a moderate grain of salt; and of the colour of
Milk ; from whence it derives its name." The said Confection, made as
it ought, is much prescribed because of its good qualities in
fortifying the heart, and resisting of Poison.'' " The dearness of the
Medicine, and the demand for it, is the reason that you have a thousand
Sophisti-eators of it, who do it so grossly, and scandalously that they
afford you no better than Honey, Bole, Myrrh, and some Leaf Copper, for
this Confection ; and sometimes they allow you a little Bastard
Saffron; therefore, the best way is never to meddle with this except
you have it from an honest, and reputable Dealer."
" The Jacinth," wrote Barrett, in his Natural Magic, 1801,
"possesses virtues from the Sun against poisons, pestilences, and
pestiferous vapours ; likewise it renders the bearer pleasant, and
acceptable ; conduces also to gain money ; being simply held in the
mouth it wonderfully cheers the heart, and strengthens the mind."
Again, " the Jacinth," wrote Boetius, De Natura Gemmarum, " if
worn on the finger procures sleep ; and brings honour, riches, wisdom."
What a desirable Jewel for presentation to a wakeful sufferer, as a
solace for the restless brain, (besides being a handsome finger
ornament,) thereby securing for him benefit both of mind, and of body—
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