is
my favourite remedy for this condition. I have seen the most
distressing oppression, and troubled breathing through intestinal
distension, (as recurring grievously after every meal), quite removed
by its use." " Then there is a state of bodily strengthlessness for
which the highly-triturated charcoal is likewise a specific remedy. The
condition is apart from any feverishness, and is characterised by
manifest evidences (such as blueness, and coldness, through defective
circulation, and imperfect oxydation of the blood.") " When such a
state exists, in affections of the aged, this carbon is a most
effectual rallier." And under similar physical conditions we may
plausibly believe that to wear one, or more diamonds, of fine water, in
immediate proximity to the skin, whether in finger-rings, or, without
any intervention of setting, over the site of this, or that vital
organ, will secure like benefits to the patient.
Furthermore,
on the same principle, the possession, and constant wear of exquisite
diamonds may be relied upon for a salutary exercise of dynamic, or so
to say, spiritual, virtues :—
" For, Spirits, when they please,
Can either sex assume, or both ; so soft,
And uncompounded is their essence pure ;
Not ty'd, or manacled with joint, or limb,
Nor founded on the brittle strength of bones,
Like cumbrous flesh : but in what shape they choose.
Diluted, or condens'd, bright or obscure,
Can execute their airy purposes ;
And works of love, or enmity, fulfil."—Milton.
"
The more jewels," thought, and said, Madame de Barrera (1860), " the
more guardian spirits; and, surely, very safe may be deemed the fair
one whose form is encompassed by angels."
Theophrastus Bombastus Paracelsus (1493 to 1541),
