W here this remarkable example of the έχθρων αδωρα δώρα now exists I have been unable to discover. It is not to be found amongst the Royal Gems.
NATURAL PROPERTIES.
The
Diamond is highly electric, attracting light objects when heated by
friction ; and alone amongst gems has the peculiarity of becoming
phosphorescent in the dark, after long exposure to the sun's rays.* The
Romans attributed magnetic powers to the Diamond in a far higher degree
than to the Loadstone ; so much so that they believed the latter was
totally deprived of all its effect in the presence of the Diamond ; but
this notion is quite ungrounded. Their sole idea of magnetism was that
of attractive force : seeing therefore the stone possessed this for
certain objects, the step to ascribing to it a superiority in this, as
in all other respects, over the Loadstone, was easy to their lively
* Or steeping in hot water, says Boyle.
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