After
the same loftv strain spoke Sir Fridtjof Nansen, and quite as
convincingly, at the same dinner, to the following effect: " We know
that it was not long ago that the element Radium was discovered ; and
this has opened before us an entirely new world of knowledge which even
our boldest imaginations could not have pictured.'"
Bearing
in mind these utterances, so pregnant with far-seeing wisdom, by
foremost scientists speaking from conviction, we are justified in
applying the same to our present argument that Precious Stones and the
nobler metals are capable of exercising salutary, (or the reverse,)
physical effects when worn as jewels, or when otherwise applied, next
the skin, with remedial purposes in view. One most important fact can
no longer be gainsaid, that nature prefers to demonstrate her highest,
and most potential results as brought about by infinitesimal actions
rather than by gross methods. Looking back to well nigh a century ago
we may learn that a prophetic anticipation of such knowledge was
entertained by a Master of Medicine, (who thereby became the founder of
a distinct school,) as regards the latent and subtle effects of
drug-medicines reduced to infinitesimal proportions; whether by
repeated triturations, or by long-continued " succussion" of liquid
medicaments, or by dilution carried up to a point of numerous
centesimal degrees. Through the refined subdivisions thus adopted,
remarkable developments of medicinal power were indisputably obtained,
" even such inert bodies as the metals becoming actively pathogenetic,
(i.e., symptom-producing) and curative" ; whilst various insoluble
minerals, such as flint (silicon), lime, alum, and common salt, were
thus made to
