TALISMANIC USE OF PRECIOUS STONES 79
nothing but ignorance, stupidity, and ill-nature." The same writer adds that the stone was believed to make men economical and hence to make them rich, but of this he was very sceptical, since the experience of others as well as his own showed that the emerald possessed very little power in this direction.60
A talismanic emerald, once the property of the Mogul emperors of Delhi, has recently been shown in Europe. The stone is of a rich deep green, and weighs 78 carats. Around the edge in Persian characters runs the inscription: "He who possesses this charm shall enjoy the special protection of God."
Emerald sharpened the wits, conferred riches and the power to predict future events. To evolve this latter virtue it must be put under the tongue. It also strengthened the memory. The light-colored stones were esteemed the best and legend told that they were brought from the "nests of griffons." 61
Gypsum when fibrous—the fibres being long and straight—is known as "satin spar." This material is frequently cut rounded, or en cabochon, across the fibres ; sometimes it is cut in the form of beads, or of pear-shaped drops, which are mounted in earrings, scarf-pins, or necklaces. The material is frequently found in Russia, England, and elsewhere, and is cut in England or Russia. Some of the cut stones are mounted in brass, or gilded
00 Cardani, " Philosophi opera quaedam," Basile», 1585, p. 328. " De gemmis."
" Albertus Magnus, " Le Grand Albert des secrets des vertus des Herbes, Pierres et Bestes. Et aultre livre des Merveilles du Monde, d'aulcuns effetz causez daulcunes bestes," Turin, Bernard du mont du Chat (c. 1515). Liv. ii, fol. 11.
