144 THE MAGIC OF JEWELS AND CHARMS
In
the collection of the Biblioteca di Ravenna there is a red jasper
amulet engraved with a device representing Hercules strangling the
Nemœan Lion. Amulets of this type are recommended for the cure of the
colic by the Greek physician Alexander Trallianus, who flourished in
the first half of the sixth century a.D. He directs that this design be engraved on a "Median stone," which is then to be set in a gold ring and worn by the patient.63
The fact that the constellation Leo was believed to rule over the
stomach, and possibly over the liver also, probably determined the
selection of the design. On the reverse of the Eavenna amulet are
inscribed the letters KKK, which are believed to stand for Kaiuoj, "colic."64
After
noting the power of the jasper (probably the red variety) to check
hemorrhages from any part, and its general effect upon the circulation
of the blood in reducing the pulse, thus calming desire and quieting
the restless mind, Cardano turns to another of the reputed virtues of
this stone, that of rendering the wearer victorious in battle. The true
reason for this he finds in the stone's tendency to diminish passion,
and hence to render the wearer timid and cau> tious, for "the timid
usually conquer, since they avoid a doubtful contest if possible."
Gesner states that he saw "in the possession of a writer of Lausanne,"
a green jasper, bearing the image of a dragon with rays, similar to the
gem described by Galen.65
Of the jasper, De Boot relates,66
from his own experience, that for checking hemorrhages the red variety
is the most effective, and, in this connection, he describes the case
of a young woman in Prague, who had suffered for six
63 Alexandri Tralliani, " De medicamentis," Basilese, 1556, p. 593. " Revue Archéologique, 3rd sei·., vol. i, pp. 299 sqq. M Gesneri, "De figuris lapidum," Tiguri, 1565, fol. 113, verso. " " Gemmarum et lapidum historia," Lugd. Bat., 1636, pp. 251-3.
