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CHAPTER III.
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Ancient Ideas on the Origin and Virtues of Pearls.
" And precious the tear as the rain from the sky, Which turns into Pear! as it falls in the sea."
—Thomas Moore.
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F
all subjects connected with the study of Pearls, none is more
fascinating than that referring to the ideas which were entertained by
ancient philosophers and poets, regarding the origin and occult virtues
of these beautiful gems. Among the ancient Persians, by whom Pearls
were very highly extolled, a solar origin was attributed to them—an
idea which harmonized well with the sun and fire-worship of the
followers of Zoroaster. Such an idea is expressed by the poet Sheikh
Fizee, and is found in an
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