OMINOUS AND LUMINOUS STONES 175
been the impression produced upon a more sympathetic pilgrim.56
Writing
of the traditions in regard to luminous stones, Sir Richard F. Burton
says, "There may be a basis of fact to this fancy, the abnormal effect
of precious stones upon mesmeric sensitives."57 However,
while some instances are recorded of psychic impression produced by
precious stones on the minds of persons possessing a highly sensitive
nervous system, it seems likely that some legends of luminous stones
had their origin in the refractive powers of cut gems, by means of
which a dim and distant light would be reflected from the surface of
the stones and would seem to spring from them. Quite possibly, in other
instances, there was a disposition to cater to the popular belief by
placing a light so that the hidden beams traversed the stone and
appeared to emanate from it.
MMoryson, "An Itinerary containing his Ten Teeres Travell through the Twelve Dominions," etc., Glasgow, 1907-8, vol. i. p. 216.
51 Burton, " Supplementary Nights," London, 1886, vol. iii, p. 354, note.
