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Sardius, Sard

Sardius, Sard Page of 453 Sardonyx Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
SARDIUS.                                301
the letters continue opaque and white as before. The Sard has a great affinity for iron-oxide, from which its native colour is derived. It has been observed that such as have lain for cen­turies in their oxidised iron settings have imbibed a singular depth of tint from the contact.
Epiphanius records the prevailing belief that the Sard was of virtue for the cure of tumours, and of all wounds made by iron. Marbodus, in the 11th century (translating Evax), declares that the Carnelian drives away evil spirits, and preserves concord ; whilst that of the colour of raw flesh will stanch haemorrhages, whether natural or from wounds. As usual, this list of virtues was marvellously swelled in the progress of the Middle Ages, so that we find Albertus Magnus affirming that the Sard exhilarated the soul, drove away fear, baffled witchcraft, and was an antidote to all poisons arising from the corruption of the blood ; besides its ancient property as a styptic. Cardan asserts it gives success in lawsuits, and makes the wearer rich. The philosophic De Laet, in 1647, though ridiculing all these fables, declares from his own experience its power to stop the bleeding from the nose ; and that rings were cut entirely out of it to be worn for that object. Such are still made and worn in Italy, and with the same idea.
Sardius, Sard Page of 453 Sardonyx
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