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xi.
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either
for those engaged in the trade, or for such of the public as may desire
to acquire a knowledge of the history, formation and uses of Pearl and
Pearl-shell.
It
may be useful here to give a brief explanation of the general
arrangement of the book. After a short introductory chapter, the
subject of Pearls is discussed historically, and reference made to the
use of Pearls by the principal nations of antiquity.
The
historical chapter is followed by one in which I have sought to give a
fair notion of the views of ancient writers on the origin and virtues
of Pearls. The fanciful theories which were current in pre-scientific
ages—some of which are not quite exploded at the present day—I hope
will be found to furnish many subjects of interest. Not only the occult
virtues of the Pearl, but its reputed medical properties claim
consideration ; while the curious notion, still current in certain
quarters, as to the self-generation of Pearls, is too strange a subject
to be passed over, and hence a section is devoted to the so-called "
Breeding Pearls."
Having
thus described most of the fallacies and fancies connected with Pearls,
I proceed to treat the subject from a natural-history point of view.
The various Pearl-bearing Molluscs, both marine and
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