of
confusion between one species and another. His principal object in
writing was to point out the medicinal virtues of the several stones.
Nevertheless, a few things of considerable interest to the mineralogist
are to be gleaned from amongst his undigested gatherings: such as his
definition of the three species of the Hyacinthus; and of those of the
Jaspis; with his allusion to the Adamas as a cerulean stone, a proof that his ancient authority upon that head had understood by the name the blue Corundum, our Sapphire.
The book ' On Rivers,' which goes under Plutarch's name, but by some has been attributed to the grammarian Parthenixis, the
preceptor of Virgil, notices particularly the precious stones found in
all the principal rivers of Asia and Europe, or in the mountains by
which they flow. Unfortunately these notices also are of no scientific
value, having reference only to the medicinal or magical properties of
the gems indicated. To give a specimen of this catalogue of things
marvellous: " In the Pactolus is found, though rarely, a stone like the
pumice, which changes its colour four times a day. It is only to be
discovered by little girls as yet too young to know anything, but if
worn by nubile virgins it protects them from all attacks upon their
chastity." " The Sagaris produces the Autoglyphus (natural intaglio)
representing the figure of Cybele: this stone if found by one of her
emasculated devotees, enables him to endure courageously all
supernatural manifestations. Here, too, is found the Aster, which
flames in the dark, hence called ' Ballen,' the King, by the
Phrygians." But the climax of " travellers' tales " is reached in his '
Thrasydeilus ' (Bold-coward), " found in the Eurotas, in shape like a
helmet, and so named because as soon as it hears the trumpet sounded it
leaps out upon the bank ; but if the Athenians are mentioned it jumps
