220 PRECIOUS STONES.
bodies
thus examined. Conversely, therefore, the mouth in healthy persons is a
point by means of which all objects may be charged with odylle,—even
more strongly than by the hands. And, hence we obtain a not altogether
uninteresting explanation of the true nature, and significance of a
kiss. The lips are a focus of odyllic force, and " the mouth being
negative, the kiss with the lips seeks to establish an equilibrium." By
a parity of reasoning the curious action of tickling may be explained.
As a puzzled querist asks, in The British Apollo, if the Editor
can inform him, so far as to give him a reason " why I, that am so very
ticklish, cannot tickle myself ? " " And what power," says Robt. Boyle,
" the Passions have to alter, and determine the course of the blood may
appear yet more manifestly in modest, and bashful persons, especially
women; when, merely upon the remembrance, or thought, of an unchaste,
or indecent thing, mention'd before them, the motion of the blood will
be so determined as to passe suddenly, and plentifully enough into the
cheeks, (and sometimes other parts), making them immediately wear that
livery of vertue (as an old philosopher styl'd it) which we call a
blush." " In the animal economy, on-coming night, sleep, and hunger,
depress, or diminish the odyllic force ; whilst taking food, daylight,
and the active waking state, increase, and intensify it."
All
Precious Stones when cut with smooth surfaces, and intently gazed upon,
are able to produce somnamÂbulism in the same degree as the Crystal,
likewise to induce visions (in the same way as hypnotism may be induced
by fixing the eyes intently for a time on any shining object near at
hand); the Diamond will thus deprive the Loadstone of its virtue ; and
is, therefore,
