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Ch. 1: Introduction

Ch. 1: Introduction Page of 377 Ch. 1: Introduction Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
INTRODUCTION.                               35
shews itself but little, and produces little effect. Wherefore Hermes ' On Stones' hath that' stones of the same species vary in power in consequence of the confusion of the matter, and even of the place of their generation, by reason of the directness or the obliquity of the rays that strike together upon these places—and this to such a degree that frequently no effect proper to the species is induced.' Wherefore, considering the matter philosophically and upon the authority of Albertus Magnus, let us declare that the virtues of stones proceed from the species through the means of the substantial form of the particular stone when generated in a place suitable, and of matter apportioned, be­fitting the essence of the stone." As a specimen of the argu­ments by which these notions were upheld, the following extract will serve the purpose admirably:—"In the first place experience militates against these objectors, inasmuch as we see with our own eyes a virtue subsisting in stones. Do we not see the Magnet attract iron; and the Lapis-lazuli cure the carbuncle and similar diseases in many people ? The man would not be of sound mind who should deny such facts, since they are established with us as first principles. Moreover I will use an argument against objectors derived from the common proverb, 'the report that all people spread is not entirely empty.' Now, as report both amongst some of the ancients and all of the moderns has ever declared that virtues do subsist in stones, we must therefore believe doctors that virtues do subsist in stones. The authority of Solomon also is of great weight in this matter where he says, ' Divers are the virtues of stones: some give favour in the sight of lords; some protect against fire; others make people beloved; others give wisdom; some render men invisible; others repel lightning ; same baffle poisons; some protect, and augment treasures. Others cause that husbands should love their
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Ch. 1: Introduction Page of 377 Ch. 1: Introduction
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