Turquoise, and Lapis Lazuli, though used for Jewelry, are not really Precious Stones.
Regarding,
therefore, these several Precious Stones, as being esteemed of leading
importance, for the most favoured wear, and of highest value, we thus
see that their chief basic principles, from a physical point of view,
which are likely to influence for good, or for harm, the bodily
condition of their wearers, and users, are Carbon, Alumina, and
Silicon. Their minor constituents may be subsequently considered, in
brief detail.
Carbon—vegetable
charcoal, of which the Diamond is the sole, and supreme instance among
Precious Stones,— is generally supposed by writers about medicinal
agents to be an inert substance as a drug, or almost so. Certain
physicians prescribe it in bulk, as finely-powdered charcoal, which
shall act, perhaps, as checking fermentation, and absorbing foul gases
within the digestive organs. But with this coarse view of the question
we have no concern, or sympathy here.
Again,
the element Alumina (or, oxide of alumina), though not recognized as an
ordinary medicament of the Pharmacopoeia, has been tested
experimentally, and thoroughly, when triturated to a high degree of
patiently-extended attenuation. Being thus scientifically utilised,
alumina " seems to affect chiefly the sexual system, and the mucous
membranes ;"—several maladies of which latter organs have completely
yielded under the influence of the mineral. Thus it has proved curative
"in sensitiveness of the nose-lining membranes to cold ; in chronic
sore throat, with redness, and dryness thereof ; in hacking cough from
persistent irritability of the windpipe; in indigestion through
deficient gastric juice ; and in constipation from lack of intestinal
secretion."
