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138 THE MAGIC OF JEWELS AND CHARMS
be
derived from some annotation to the Iliad made in the Alexandrine
schools, for Homer himself knows nothing of it. In the fateful
encounter of Hector with Achilles, the form and aspect of Dolon are
assumed by Athena to deceive Hector into the belief that his friend was
at his side to aid him in the unequal struggle. The blood of Uranus
when wounded by Kronos is stated in "Lithica" as the generating cause
of hematite, and the stone is recommended as a cure for eye-diseases.50
A
peculiarly stimulant and tonic effect exercised by the jacinth was
noted by Ben Sina (Avicenna), and to this is attributed its value as an
antidote for poisons. Not, however, to the material composition of the
stone was this effect to be attributed, for it proceeded from the mass
in the same way as did the virtue of the magnet. Hence Ben Sina is
opposed to the theory that the natural warmth of the body acted upon
the jacinth, when taken internally, producing a transmutation,
dissolution and mingling of its substance with the volatile spiritual
essence.51
In
Constantinople, at a time when the plague was exceptionally prevalent,
the citizens used to wear jacinths, because of the special virtues
these stones were supposed to possess as guardians against the plague.
That jacinth amulets intended for therapeutic use were occasionally to
be found in pharmacies, is attested by Ambrosianus, who states that a
jacinth the size of a human nail, and set in silver, was kept in a
"pharmacy in Poland." This stone, if held to a wound, was said to
prevent mortification.52
•° " Lithica," lines 636 sqq.
Ά Avicennœ, " Liber canonia," Basi lese, 1556.
"Aldrovandi, "Museum metallicum," Bononiœ, 1648, p. 965.
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