substance,
the product of morbid functional derangement affecting the kidneys of
the pearl oyster, or mussel. Chemical analysis shows this gem to be a
compound of phosphate, and carbonate of lime, mixed with an organic
substance called conchyoline. These materials are deposited in
concentric layers, the nucleus, or centre of which is almost invariably
a foreign substance : a grain of sand, an atom of shell, an animal
parasite, or one of many other diminutive molecules, occupying the
point of concentration within the pearly matter around it, and making
eventually a concretion; which is expelled by the kidney wherein it has
become formed. It escapes almost invariably into the closely
neighbouring genital gland. Thus the highly-prized, and lovely gem is "
nothing more nor less than a urinary calculus ; whilst its parent, the
famous, and aristocratic pearl oyster, is actually a poor, unhappy,
gravelly mollusc.
Pearls
should never be wrapped in jewellers' wool, but should be kept in
magnesia, or in common hair-powder, and never suffered to become damp.
British Pearls are obtained from the mussel, not from the oyster.
Pearls are sometimes coloured black, and pink, and roseate, and
bluish-grey, and pale yellow ', but neither of these is equal
in value, nor in beauty, to the true, or typical Pearl; the symbol of
purity, chastity, and all feminine virtues. Moreover, pearls are
religious emblems, as well as ornaments of favourite, and fashionable
wear. In the " New Jerusalem " each of the twelve doors was one entire
pearl; likewise a Pearl was one of the sacred gems of the priestly
Ephod. Furthermore, in the Hindu mythology Pearls play almost as
important a part as flowers ; none of the gods, or goddesses, being
depicted without a profuse embellish-
