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BATRACHITES. 47
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amidst the unapproachable treasures of the centre of the Sahara.
The
Brontia (supposed to find its way into the head of the tortoise during
thunder-storms), extinguished fires occasioned by lightning.
The
Cinaidia, found in the brains of the fish so called, of a white colour
and oblong shape, foreshowed tempests by a change of hue, being clear
in fine, but cloudy in stormy weather.
The
Chelidonia was of two kinds, in colour like the swallow, on the one
side entirely purple, on the other purple dappled with black spots. But
Isidorus, improving upon this simple statement, which derives the name
merely from the colour, makes these stones to be found inside the
swallow, of two kinds, white and red, of wonderful virtue for the cure
of insanity and for giving good fortune to the wearer.
The
Chelonia, or Indian tortoise's eye, smeared with honey and laid on the
tongue, bestowed the power of divination for periods varying according
to the moon's age.
The
Chelonitis resembled in shape the tortoise ; the Magi told wonderful
stories of its power in appeasing storms ; nevertheless the kind
starred over with gold spots, if thrown, together with a beetle, into
boiling water, would raise a tempest.
The
Chloritis, of a grass green, was to be found inside the wagtail; this
tho Magi recommended should be mounted in an iron ling " to produce
some of those prodigious effects thoy are wont to promise." The
Draconitis or Dracontia, from the serpent's brain, had no lustre unless
cut out of the living reptile. Sotacus, who had himself seen it, says
it was colourless and transparent, could not be polished, or admit of
any artificial improvement. In
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