or
Crystal, must be set in a brass or copper ring. Whosoever looketh upon
the stone of a Sunday before sunrise shall have victory over all his
enemies. If he look upon it of a Thursday, all men shall obey him
willingly. But he must be clothed in white, and abstain from eating
pigeons." Interpretations like the above of the most easily
intelligible types in classic mythology are the rule with these
doctors: and in truth the country that gave birth to these fancies is
indicated plainly enough by the fact of Camillo's designating many gems
by their Arabic names, such as " Gagat romasus," " Kaman," "
Zumech," and " Ziazia." The sigils most cognate to the specific virtue
of each of the precious stones are thus stated upon the highest of all
authorities, that of Hermes Trismegistus himself in his '
Liber Quadripartitus':—" 1. Head with a long beard and a little blood
around the neck cut on Diamond, confers victory and courage, and
defends the body from hurt. It also gives success in obtaining your
petitions.
2. Virgin, or a Torch, on Crystal, preserves the sight.
3.
Man making a speech, on Ruby, bestows honours and riches. 4. Man
playing on an instrument, on Sapphire, exalts to dignity, and gives
favour with all men. 5. Greyhound, on Beryl, avails for the obtaining
of honour, wealth, fame, and friendship. 6. Cock, or Three Maidens, on
Agate, renders the person acceptable unto all men, gives power over the
spirits of the air, and is of potency in magic. 7. Lion, or Murilaga, on
Garnet, gives riches and honour, cheers the heart, and drives away
sorrow. 8. Stag, or Snake, on Onyx, gives the wearer courage, drives
out devils, but likewise commands and convokes them, and binds noxious
winds. 9. Man like a merchant carrying wares to sell, or Man seated under a centurion, engraved on Emerald, gives wealth and victory, and delivers from
