Of its tincture or foyl.

THe tincture, foyl, or colour for a true Diamond is thus made: R. pure mastick and a small [Page 47] quantitie of ivory, burnt black, and finely powdred; mix it according to art, then distend a small portion of it, and fitly dispose of it for your foyl or tincture.

Of the adulteration of the Diamond.

A True Diamond may be adulterated or counter­feited with a Saphire, or with an orientall Ame­thyst, or with a Topaze, or with a Chrysolite, and by all stones that are hard and transparent, and which may be deprived of colour. The colour of those gemms which are fit for this use, may by the heat of fire be thus taken away: R. calx viva, and the filings of steel; bury the stone in them, or in either of them, then overwhelm them w^th a fire at some distance frō them, that the stone by degrees may grow hot; then increase the fire, and the colour will vanish. Jewellers and judicious artists well know in what space of time, by the continuance of this great heat, any such ex­cellent gemms may be deprived of all their colour; which colour of the gemm, so soon as they do con­ceive it is vanisht by the power of the heat, then do they extinguish the fire by degrees, till there be no more heat left. And if by this first operation it be not perfectly deprived of all its colour, then the same work must again be begun, and carried on as before by severall degrees of heat: and if need be, it may be iterated: ever observing this, that as it must be heated by a graduall increase of the fire, so likewise by a graduall decrease of the heat the fire must be extinguisht:Caution. for the over-sudden heating or over-sudden cooling of the stone may cause a crack [Page 48] in it, and so rob the stone of the glory of its beautie and value, and the artist of his hopes by frustrating him of his endeavours.

Anselmus Boetius saith, that he saw a Topaz in this manner changed, (which is better then an other stone for this purpose because of its hardnesse) and it was in weight seven Ceratia, that is, twenty eight grains, which was valued at three hundred Florens, or Crowns.

Of the names of it.

In Hebrew [...] jahalom, that is, Adamas: as Exod. 28.18. it is the third stone of the second row of stones that was set in the Ephod. [...] cometh of the vetb [...], that is, domo, to tame; hence by the exposition of S. Hierome adamas doth signifie indomitum. And well may it so do, for neither fire nor iron can destroy its glory, or lessen its vertue. In Arabick it is called Hagar subedhig, and Almatz. In Dutch ein Dhemuth, Demanth, and Adamant-stein, and Adamant. In Italian and Spanish Diamante. In French Diamant. Of the natives where it is found Iraa. In the Malayan language it is called Itam.

The kinds of it.

There are seven kinds of Diamonds.

1. An Indian one, which hath some affinitie with Crystall. This is turbinated into an edge with a smoothnesse of six sides, and it is sometimes found in the bignesse of a filberd; but this is not found grow­ing in gold.

[Page 49]2. An Arabian one: this also doth not grow in gold: this is somewhat lesse, but like unto the former.Plin. cap. 4. lib. ult. Neither of these (saith Pliny) can be hurt by anvile and hammer, because of their irresistibility; for be­ing smote they flie away unhurt.

3. A Chencrean one, which is found in the big­nesse of Millet seed.

4. A Macedonian one, which is found in gold like unto a Cucumer seed.

5. A Cyprian one, enclining to an aerie colour, very efficacious in Physick.

6. The sixth is called Sideritis, from the splendor of steel: it is of greater weight then the rest, but unlike in nature: This may be broken like the Cy­prian one, and cut with an other Diamond. Plin. lib. 37. cap. 4. Of these we may reade in Plinie.

7. The seventh kind are either round or six-cor­nered. Of these some are harder then others, and some softer. These have their names from the places in which they are found: hence some of them are called Bohemian ones, some Armenian ones, some English, Scottish, and Hungarian Diamonds. Of these kinds the cornered ones are the softest, and not much better then Crystall: The round ones are like unto flints, but farre harder, and these have the splen­dour of the orientall ones: But these, as saith Boeti­us, can no wise be taken for the true ones, because they do not receive into themselves the tincture. To these we may referre the Cyprian ones, and Mace­donian ones.

The orientall ones are distinguisht from the place where they are found.

Of the places where they are found.

The places in which they are found are these.

In Bisnager a Province of the East Indies there are two or three rocks which bring forth Diamonds, sometimes exceeding the weight of two drachmes a scruple and eight grains.

In Decan a Province of India there is another rock which is called The old Rock: the Diamonds which are here found are called Diamonds of the old Rock: they are small, but very good, naturally polisht, and of great price.

In Tanian in Malacca there is a rock which bring­eth forth Diamonds, which are also called Diamonds of the old Rock: these are small, but of great esteem, and more ponderous then the others.

Monardus writeth, that he saw Diamonds in Bisna­ger that weighed 140 ceratia; and every ceratium is foure grains. The greater ones are found in the low­er part of the rock, the smaller ones in the upper part of the rock: when the upper part of the mine is ex­hausted, after two years, new Diamonds are brought forth and perfected; so saith Boetius. These are ne­ver found in Crystall, as Plinie thought.

Of the properties, qualities, and faculties of the Diamond.

A True Diamond is so farre from being hurt by being in the fire some dayes, that it will grow better for it, and the more fair. Plinie saith, that a true Diamond cannot be hurt by the force of hammer [Page 51] and anvil: other Diamonds experience teacheth us may be brought into broken pieces, and into a fine impalpable powder, by the frequent strokes of an hammer.

The Ancients have had a very high esteem of this stone,Andreas Bac­cius, c. 15. de Nat. gemmar. insomuch as they have thought it to be endu­ed with divine vertues; and such, as that if it were but worn included in a ring, or carried about a body neare his heart; it could asswage the fury of his ene­mies, and expell vain fears from his heart, preserve from swooning, drive away the vanity of dreams, and the terrours of the night, and frustrate all the maligne contagious power of poysons. It is report­ed of it that it is endued with such a faculty, as that if it be in place with a Load-stone, it bindeth up all its power, and hindereth all its attractive vertue.

If a true Diamond be put upon the head of a wo­man without her knowledge, it will make her in her sleep, if she be faithfull to her husband, to cast her self into his embraces; but if she be an adulteresse, to turn away from him. It hath been by the Ancients esteemed powerfull for the driving away of Lemures, Incubos, and Succubos; and for the hindring of con­tentions, and to beget in men courage, magnanimi­tie, and stout-heartednesse, as appeareth by Serapius,Serapius, l. agre. c. hagar. Subedhig. and by Evaces in his Lapidary. Rulandus, Carda­nus, Garcias have all written very much concerning these vertues, to which Authours I referre the cour­teous Readers for their further satisfaction, till better opportunities shall give me leave to make a further discovery of what may be spoken concerning it.

Of the dignities and value of it.

IT is of esteem for that it hath been of sacred use; what was the sacred use of it may be read in the book of Exodus,Exod. 28.18. where we find it to be one of those excellent stones which was to have a place in one of those foure rows of ouches of gold set in their seve­rall orders upon the breast-plate of Judgement, upon the Ephod of the High-priest. It is of esteem for its own irresistible hardnesse, and for the puritie of its perfect glory, in which it doth excell all other gemms of price, and stones of worth.

A well polisht Diamond without fault, of the weight of a pepper-corn, is worth ten Florens or Crowns, Boetius pag. 63. If a pointed Diamond be fitly fastened in any convenient thing that a man may hold it withall, he may not onely cut glasse with it, but also penetrate arms with it, as saith the same Authour.

There is a proverbiall use of it, which is taken from its hardnesse, and applyed either to animate or inanimate things:Statius lib. 1. Hesiod. l. 1. Horat. 1. & 3. carm. of this use we may read in Statius, Hesiode, and Horace. A main use of it there is in the way of Symboles and Emblems: for by it is figu­red innocencie, constancie, and fortitude.

The forms into which most commonly it is cut, is a Tablet, which consisteth of one plain upper Table, and foure latterall Tables, two of which are wont to be longer then the other two, that they may make the just proportion of the upper Table; and such a Tablet as this, Boetius saith, is of form most per­fect: a Diamond thus cut weighing one Ceratium [Page 53] or foure grains, is worth fiftie Ducats or Crowns. Boetius pag. 64.

They are also cut in Pyramidall forms, with Qua­drangles, but these are of lesse value then the Ta­blets. The smallest of these best Diamonds are va­lued at very high prices, the biggest are of infinite value.

Cardanus in his book de subtilitatibus, Cardan. de subtil. lib. 7. pag. 345. maketh mention of a Diamond that is at Antwerp, which wanteth one scruple of the weight of an ounce, and is valued at the worth of an hundred and fifty thou­sand Crowns.

The shivers and dust of a good, perfect, true Dia­mond are of admirable vertue, and of very great worth, esteem and value: for by their hardnesse they do divide all gemms: in the engravings of all other gemms they are not onely profitable but neces­sarie; for what-ever pretious stones have an excellent hardnesse joyned with their glorie, puritie, and beau­tie, they will want the help of these, or they will not easily be either cut, graven, or polisht.

Of its tincture or foyl.

THis though it be a very glorious stone and of excellent beauty, yet a foyl is used to it, as to all other gemms of transparency & perspicuity. The foyl is either made of tinctured Mastick, or of a [Page 55] dyed vitreous substance, or else a red gold foyl is used about it.

Of its Adulteration.

IT may be adulterated by a Rubine of a very di­lute rednesse, by putting a red gold foyl tincture, or colour under it, or by putting some splendent glasse dyed with a red colour under it; And thus without diligent caution it may be taken for a true jewell, and the rather because all are helpt with a foyl. Another way of its adulteration is by a white Saphire, or a Crystall, or a Topaz, or an ordinary Diamond, with a red gold foyl placed under it, in its enclosing, either in ouch or ring. Another way they have of adulterating of it, and that is, by glew­ing two fair Crystals together with a little mastick tinctured with a red or crimson colour: In this man­ner I have seen two pieces of Crystall so glewed to­gether, as that they being once set with a foyl, they could hardly be discerned from a true Ruby.

The adulteration of this gemm may be thus dis­covered, First by the want of sparkling and sending forth of lively rayes. Then by bringing the gemm to the triall of the file. A true Rubie will endure the file; but a factitious stone, or a soft counterfeited adulterated stone will not. Another way of discern­ing the falshood will be this: take the jewell you suspect, and direct your eye from the verge or mar­gine of its inclosure, through the gemm unto the opposite side of its enclosure; and if it consist of two parts with a tinctured foyl betwixt, you will [Page 56] easily perceive the upper part to be void of colour, from whence you may gather that it doth receive its glory from the foyl. Such Artificiall angles and corners will jewellers cut and excavate in the bot­tome of soft transparent stones (as I have seen) that by the manifold reflection of these lower super­ficies, into every part of the uppermost superficies of the jewell, a skilfull jeweller shall hardly perceive their craft.

There is an adulteration of the Ruby with boiled orpement, but these are fit for nothing else but sta­tues, of this mention is made in Baptista Porta in his Magia. lib. de gem.

Of its Names.

IN Hebrew [...] Barakath, that is, Carbunculus, vel Pyropus, the Hebrew word cometh of the verb [...] barak, which signifieth fulgurare, and indeed this stone doth cast forth the glory of its splendour and its sparklings like lightning. Of the Greeks it is called [...] from the splendour which it hath in its self like unto a fire-coal: hence also in Latine it is called Carbunculus: it is also called Pyropus, from the Greek word [...] which signifieth fire, and Apy­rausta, quod ignem sentire non videatur. In Latine, Carbunculus. In Germane, ein Rubyn. In Italian, Un Rubino, Carbunculo. In French, escar boucle. In Spanish, el carvoncol piedra. In English, Carbuncle.

The kinds of it.

THere are divers kinds of it as the Rubine, Gra­nat, Almandine, Red Hyacinth, which all are to be shewed in order as followeth.

Of the places wherein they are found.

THe best of these are found in the Isleland cal­led Zeilan, some small ones are found in Co­ria, Calecut, Cambaya, Bisnager; there are excellent ones found in the River Pegu, the inhabitants there try them with their mouths and tongues: the colder and harder they are, the better they are; they grow in a certain stony matrix of a rosie colour, which if it be transparent is called Balassium Rubinum; Hoc est, Pal­latium. for the most part it is found in the same mine where the Saphire is found: and according to the varietie of its nourishment it is found of a mixt colour.

Boetius saith that Rodolphus the second the Em­perour had one of the bignesse of a small hens egg.Anselm. Boe­tius. p. 72.

Of its properties.

THis gemm which Aristotle calleth Gnomonem, Sigillum, and Gemmarum regulam, if it be great and very excellent, it doth emulate the bright shining of a flame of fire. It is of so great lustre and of so excellent a splendour, that S. Epiphanius saith of it that if it be worn, whatever garments it be covered withall it cannot be hid; this speaketh Andreas Bac­cius of S. Epiphanius in his book de natura gemma­rum, [Page 58] in the chapter of the Carbuncle. It is reported of it by Baccius, Boetius, and others, that if it be worn in an Amulet, or drunk, it is good against poison, and against the plague, and to drive away sadnesse, evil thoughts, terrible dreams, and evil spirits. It is also said of it, that it cheareth the mind, and keep­eth the body in safety, and that if any danger be to­wards it, it will grow black and obscure, and that being past, return to its former colour again.

Of its value and dignity.

THis is a gemme that in former times hath been esteemed of very great worth and value for its sacred use, in that it was commanded of God to be set in the ouches of the Breastplate of Judge­ment, as Exod. 28.17. If it weigh two scruples which is the greatest, (for seldome any of the excellent ones are found of greater magnitude then a fil­berd) because of its gratefull colour with which it feedeth the sight; and because of those glorious beams which it seemeth to dart forth of it self, it is esteemed of as great worth as the most excellent Dia­mond. If it be found in the weight of four Ceratia, that is, of sixteen grains, it is of the same value with a Diamond which weigheth so many Ceratia.

The round ones which are of no exact form, are of the least value.

Those that are so big that they may be brought into Tablets, are of the greatest value; according to the value and worth of the best Diamonds, so are these to be esteemed and valued, if of equall pro­portion and weight.

The foyls of it.

THe foyls that are used for the help of this, are such as must have respect to the diluted co­lour wherewith it is tinctured. The adulterations of this stone are like those of the Ruby.

The place.

THe place in which it is found is the same with those.

The kinds of it.

THere are divers kinds of it, some as perfect as Rubies; and there are some of them called Rubies of the old rock, but they have the colour of Rubasses. Some of these stones are enclining to the colour of a Hyacinth, and it is not yet de­termined whether they be Spinels or no: expert jewellers do not take them for Spinels, but for Ru­basses, or Rubicels, or Hyacinths, yet some of them are so good, as that they are compared to Spinels, and sold for them.

Of its vertues and properties.

THe Balassius or Pallatius, is supposed to be of like vertue with the true Rubie, but of a more remisse power. Boetius reporteth of it, that it doth restrain fury, wrath, and lust. Rulandus reporteth this of it, as a wonderfull thing; that if the four corners of a house, arbor, or vineyard be covered with this stone, it will preserve it from lightning, tem­pests, and worms.

Of its worth and value.

IT is of much lesse value then the Ruby. Linshortanus saith, that one of the weight of one Ceratium, or of four grains, is worth ten ducats.

A Spinel of the old rock, of the weight of one Ceratium, or four grains, cut into a tablet, is worth half so much as a Diamond of the same weight: if in its own glory and rosie lustre it be found, and free from blemishes.

Their value.

If they be without any fault, they are not above half so much in value as the Balasses.

Its tincture or foyl.

The foyls for the help of these, by which they are made quick, vivid, and lively, are small reddish [Page 63] bracteae, or silver foyls tinctured with a crimson, which being substrated, and fitly and aptly placed in the inclosure under the gemme, stirre up in it a certain chearfull discovery of lustre.

Of its adulteration.

Impostours have many frauds and deceits for the adulterating of this gemme; which frauds and de­ceits in the adulteration, together with the great dif­ference of its severall species, make this gemme, saith Andreas Baccius, of greater difficultie then any other to be known. So will impostours adulterate this gemme with their bracteae and crimson foyls, as that it is not an easie thing to discover a true Granate from their spurious Rubine. They have a way also of cal­cining Orpment with a slow fire in any convenient vessel, or a vessel called Carafetta, till such time as the vessel seemeth to be covered with certain red drops, like Rubies.

Of its names.

It is called in Hebrew [...], Adem, that is, Ru­binus, as Ezek. 28.13. the Hebrew word [...] Puk, is also taken sometimes for the Rubine: but that which for the most part Interpreters do interpret it to be, is Stibium, or gemma Antimonii, which indeed in colour hath some resemblance with the Rubine. In Latine it is called Granatus, Rubinus, and Granetus. In Dutch Granatlin, and ein Granat. In English a Granate or Ru­bine. In Italian Rubino de Rocha, and Granato.

Of it kinds.

There are three kinds of it; the best of which is tinctured with the excellent rednes of a Pomegranate flower. The second hath a rednesse enclining to the colour of a Jacinth. The third kind is red, tending to a violet colour, which by the Italians is esteemed the most perfect of all others, and hence they call it Rubinum de Rocha.

Plinies history concerning the Ethiopians wayes of reco­vering the glo­ry of these stones.Plinie relateth of the Ethiopians that they have a way of quickning obscure and dull Rubines, so as that they will make them to discover their splendour and nitour for fourteen moneths together, even like a flaming coal; and that is by macerating of them for fourteen dayes in vineger: But by this means, though their glory be increas'd for a time, they are made softer, and more subject to a brittle and fragile con­dition.

The places where they are found.

They are brought from India, Calecut, Cananor, Cambaia, from Balaguar, and from Ethiopia, and Bo­hemia.

Of its properties.

Andr. Bacci­us, cap. 6. de nat. Gem.S. Hieroms opinion concerning this is, that it doth illuminate the heart to contemplate true and divine things. Its declining from glory to obscuritie, doth prognosticate some misfortune; as appeareth by this which Andreas Baccius speaketh of a Rubine of his enclosed in a gold ring. On the fifth of December 1600,Historie. he was travelling with his wife Catharina A­delmania [Page 65] to Studgard, and in his travell he observed his Rubine to change its glory into obscuritie, where­upon he told his wife, and prognosticated that evil thereupon would ensue either to himself, or her, which accordingly did: for not many dayes after his wife was taken with a mortall disease, and died: after which he saith his Rubine of its own accord did again recover its former lustre, glory, beauty, and splen­dour.

The value, dignitie, and worth of them.

The Bohemian ones are worth twenty shillings a piece: and if they be found bigger then ordinary, the price of them is increas'd.

It is reported of Rodolphus the Emperour, that he had one of the bignesse of a filberd.

The best orientall ones of the weight of foure grains, are worth two crowns; and by how many times soever they are found to be double in weight, so many times double will their value and worth amount, and raise their price; as if they weigh eight grains, they are worth foure crowns, and so propor­tionably according to their greater weight, great will be the increase of their value and worth, but with this proviso, that their colour for their glory, be alwayes the perfect colour of a Rubine: for it is the pure ex­cellencie of its colour and tincture that determineth its price.

The Rubine de la' Rocha, is of the same price with the Spinels.

Of its foyl or tincture.

The foyl or tincture of this may be either of leaf gold, or silver fitly tinctured, and aptly placed to commend its lustre.

Of its adulteration.

Impostours do adulterate it by a kind of glasse made of lead; but this will be easily known upon tri­all with a true Jacinth: for it will be softer and lighter then the true jewel is. But of so low a price are or­dinary Jacinths, that very few will attempt the adul­terating of this jewel.

Of its names.

It is called in Hebrew [...] Techeleth, as Exod. 26.36. it doth appeare, where the hangings for the doore of the tent, are commanded to be made of the colour of a Hyacinth, as there it doth appeare by the translation of the Hebrew word Techeleth, Hyacin­thinum. In Greek this stone is called [...], in La­tine Hyacinthus, in English both Hyacinth and Jacinth, in Dutch ein Hyacinth, and ein brennender Jacinth; in French Jacinth la' belle.

Of its kinds.

Albertus Magnus maketh two kinds of it, one [Page 68] kind which doth albescere in flavo, or which is white in a yellow; the other kind which doth aquescere in rubeo, or appeareth waterish in a red.

Boetius speaketh of these kinds of it:

1. There are some that flame like fire, or are like in colour to crimson, or to naturall Vermilion, these the French jewellers call Jacincte la' belle. These they esteem the best, and they may be referred to the kinds of Carbuncles.

2. Such as are like to Stibium, with a yellow red colour.

3. Others which are like unto Amber, so that they can hardly be distinguish'd from it, but by their hard­nesse. Such an one Anselmus Boetius saith he had. These are of no great value, by reason of the atomes which they do contain, and the multiplicitie of small bodies which are in them, which do hinder their transparencie and diaphanity.Card. de sub­til. l. 7. pag. 339. One of these Car­danus saith he was wont to wear about him, to the in­tent of procuring sleep; to which purpose he saith it did seem somewhat to conferre, but not much. This hath been by some taken for the Amber: but Boetius saith, that he thinketh these rather to be the Lyncuri­us of the Ancients, then Succinum or Amber: for saith he, it is scarce credible that the Ancients should take Succinum, a thing so subject to the injuries of the fire, by reason of its softnesse, for a pretious stone.

4. There is a fourth kind which have no rednesse at all in them, which are like to white pellucid Am­ber, and these are of least value.

Those stones which Plinie called the Hyacinth, are in these dayes taken for kinds of Amethysts; as now [Page 69] also the Amethyst of the Ancients is called a Granate.

Martinus Rulandus maketh five kinds of it:

• 1. Hyacinthus qui in auro rufescit.
• 2. Hyacinthus aurei coloris.
• 3. Hyacinthus ad Electri colorem declinans.
• 4. Hyacinthus scaber. and
• 5. Hyacinthus adulterinus, factitius, tincturâ adhi­bitâ.

Of the places where they are found.

They are found in Ethiopia, India, Arabia. The Arabs make three kinds of it; as 1. Rubri coloris. 2. Citrini coloris. 3. Antimonii coloris.

The worst of the kinds is found in the river Isera, which is upon the confines of Silesia, and Bohemia.

The best and most excellent ones are brought from Cananor, Calecut, and Cambaia.

Of its properties.

It is of a cold and dry nature, saith Renodeus, in lib. de re Medica. Cardanus in his book de lapidibus pretiosis, saith, that it is endued with a power and fa­cultie of procuring sleep, of chearing the heart, of driving away plagues, of securing from thunder, and of increasing riches, honour, and wisdome, &c. be­ing worn in a ring on the finger, or about the neck as an amulet.

The last kinds are of no great value.

Of the dignities and value.

The first, second, and third of these kinds of Ja­cinths [Page 70] are of great value, worth, and dignity; because they have been of sacred use, as appeareth by the twenty eighth chapter of Exodus, and be­cause many things by them are discovered to us in holy writ, as appeareth in the book of the Revelati­ons, chap. 9. and chap. 21.

The fourth kind, by reason of the many atomes and small bodies which they do contain, though they be big enough for sculpture and engraving, yet are of little value, and will scarce quit the cost of engraving; whereas the glory and lustre of the other, together with the sacred use which hath been made of them, make them of great value, high price, and much worth.

Of its foyl or tincture.

Its foyl is a foyl of mastick, or a silver foyl di­lutely tinctured, and then fitly substrate under the gemm, in either ouch or ring.

Of its adulteration.

The excellent Amethysts are of very high value, and of great worth and dignity, comparable to ori­entall Diamonds of the same proportion, weight, or bignesse; and therefore no doubt need to be made of it, but that impostours will very much study and labour to counterfeit and adulterate this stone. Some will adulterate it with a violet colour mixt with mastick, or with a foyl thus tinctured, & placed betwixt two Crystals, or betwixt two of any other transparent, perspicuous, diaphanous stones.

Of its names.

In Hebrew [...] Ahlamah, as Exod. 28.19. It is called Ahlamah, of [...] somniare, because it is said inducere somnia gestantibus; as Rabbi Aben Ezra doth write of it: and in the Caldean tongue Enegla. In Greek [...], quasi ebrietatem arceret, as if it had a power and faculty of driving away drunkennesse. In Latine, it is called Amethystus. In English, Amethyst. In Dutch, ein Amethyst. Divers other names it hath from the places in which it is found.

Of its kinds.

There are divers kinds of it: the best of which, are those that have a rosie colour shining in a purple. These are glorious as a Carbuncle, in respect of their beauty, and of their excellent hardnesse, and because they being thus hard, may be converted into a Dia­mond of the greatest value, and as truly worth esteem, and high price, being of equall bignesse, as the best orientall Diamond in the whole world.

Anselmus Boetius saith, that he saw one of these orientall Amethysts so converted into an excellent Diamond, as that it being set in a gold ring it was comparable without any difference, to a Diamond which he saw that was sold for 18000 Aureos or crowns: it being of the same bignesse and form, and after the same manner enclosed in a gold ring. The waters (which it hath that are very like to those of the Diamond) as the jewellers call them, which it doth cast forth of it self in pleasing rayes and glo­rious sparkles, maketh this stone to be of so great value, and of so incomparable esteem and worth, as is the best orientall Diamond of the same bignesse, weight and form.

The way that jewellers have to whiten these ex­cellent gemms, is the same with that of the Saphire.

1. The best kind is called an Indian one.

2. Kind the Indians call Socodion.

3. Kind which is more dilute, is called Sapinor and Paranitor.

4. Kind is of the colour of wine.

5. Kind have some vicinity with Crystall, some [Page 73] of which are called Pederotas, others Anterotas.

Martinus Rulandus reckoneth six kinds of Ame­thysts.

1. One kind which is found in the mine of Unde­henstein, and is called in Dutch, ein Misinscher Ame­thyst, der in bergen bricht.

2. A Misnian, one which is found in the river of Misnia neare Stolpen, and in the river Trebisa neare Misen.

3. Bohemian ones, which are found in the moun­tains of Bohemia.

4. A fourth kind which descendeth to the form of Crystall.

5. A kind which is distinguished with Crystall lines.

6. And a sixth kind of a Quadrangular and sexangular form.

Of the places where it is found.

It is found in India, Arabia, Armenia, Aethiopia, in Galatia, Thaso, and Cyprus. The orientall ones are the best of all others.

There are also Amethysts found in Germany, in Bohemia, in Misnia, also in Wolkenstein, and Hohen­stein very fair ones, but soft like Crystall; and there­fore not of so great worth, value, and esteem as the others which are orientall ones.

Of its properties.

It is reported to be good to drive away ebriety, which the etymologie of the Greek word [...] doth also seem to import. Aristotle saith of it, that [Page 74] it being applyed to the navell, or worn about the navell, it will hinder the ascension of vapours: the reason of it he giveth to be this, viz. That it draw­eth the vapours to it self and doth then discusse them.

Andreas Baccius in his eleventh chapter de Na­tura gemmarum saith, that it sharpeneth the wit, and diminisheth sleep; and that it is also thought good for the resisting of poyson. With those that have a vicinity with Crystall, the Turkish women are wont to adorn themselves, they being first polished at Ve­nice, and brought thence to them to Constanti­nople.

Of its dignity, worth and value.

It is of great esteem and dignity. First, because it hath been of sacred use; This was one of the stones of the breast-plate of Judgement, as appear­eth Exod. chap. 28.

Secondly, as in the book of the Revelations, some of the glory of the foundations of the walls of the new Jerusalem is discovered to us by it, Rev. 21.

Thirdly, as it is of excellent glory and beauty in it self, and so very delightfull to the eye.

The orientall ones, if they be hard without clouds and blemishes, though they weigh but four grains a peice, they are worth many pounds a peice; and as oft as these are double in weight, so oft is their price to be doubled: others are not so valuable.

The best are worth as much as the best orientall Diamond of the same weight.

Of its Adulteration.

Unions are so much the more esteemed, because they cannot easily be adulterated. There are facti­tious jewels made of double glasse which being set in gold, jewellers cannot discern from Pearl, except they take them out.

Some will adulterate them with the powder of the shell of the Margarite; and others with chalk covered over with leaves of silver, and then an­ointed with the white of an egg.

Some adulterate them with the powder of Mar­garites, [Page 77] mixt with the white of an egge, and dried, and then polished, but these will easily be disco­vered from the true by the weight and colour.

Of its Names.

The Union is in Hebrew called, [...] as Job 28.28. and so the word Gabish is interpreted by Rabbi Levi Gerson. It is also taken for Margari­ta. [...] is by some taken for Margaritae, but in the Proverbs it is interpreted by Junius, Carbunculi; as Proverbs 8.11. If they be great, they are cal­led Unions, because they are then found single in a shell. If they be small, they are called Margarites, many of which may be found in one shell together. In Greek, they are called [...] & [...]. In Latine, the great Pearls are called Uniones, and Margaritae simpliciter: Lucian calleth the Pearle, Lapis Erythreus: Arrianus, Lapis Indicus: Statius, Erythreus lapillus: Virgil, bacca & bacca Conchea: Pliny, Unio: Cicero, Margarita: S. Jerome, Gra­num Maris Rubri: and others call it Perla. The Germans call it Perlin. In Italian, Perle. In Ara­bick and Persian, Lulu. The Indians call them Mo­ti. In Malavar it is called Mutu. The Lusitanians call it Aliofar, which in Arabick soundeth as much as de Lulfar, that is, portus in mare Persico, where the most excellent Pearls are generated.

Of the Kinds of Pearl.

The kinds of Pearl are no otherwise distinguished, but either first from their greatnesse, or littlenesse; that is, either as they are Unions, or as they are [Page 78] Margarits, or seed Pearl: or secondly, as they are of excellent beauty, purity, and glory; or cloudy, red­dish, and so lesse beautifull.

The Places.

The best are found in the Persian Gulf, betwixt the island of Ormus and the Bassoram, that is, about Baroyn, Catyfa, Julfa, and Camaron, and are thence brought into the Island of Ormus. For the excellent beauty of these it may very well be said of them, that

They are also found betwixt the Promontory of Comorin and the island of Zeilan; but these are not to be compared with the Persian ones. There are of them in the island of Taprobane, now called Sumatra. Betwixt the greater Javan and India there are very many. In Palane and Caralco a Promontory of India, there are many, but very small. In Borneo and Ainon here are great ones. The Occidentall ones are of a milkish colour, and of a silver-like splendour, and therefore not so commendable as the Orientall ones. It is reported by some, that by how much in the more deep seas the shell-fish reside, so much the lesse Mar­garits they do produce.

The Indians call the lighter, candid, or splendid shel-fish Cheripo, which is a kind of Oyster, of which they do make spoons and little cups. These little fishes do generate excellent Margarites or seed Pearl. There are others which they call Chanquo, the shells [Page 79] of these are the mother of Pearl: These generate not so fair pearl as the other; because their shells are very smooth and fair within, they are used to adorn tables and other things with them. These are brought to Bengala for bracelets and other uses. The custome there was, to have the virgins arms a­dorned with bracelets of this kind, lest they should be corrupted.

They are also found in many places of Europe; As in Scotland and Ireland there have been very excel­lent ones found in Scallops, and common oysters; And in Silesia, Frisia, and Bohemia.

About the Promontory of Comorin, they are found of the weight of an hundred grains of wheat. And neare the Iland of Borneo in the weight of 160 corns of wheat, though not so fair as the other.

It is reported of Cleopatra Queen of Egypt, that she drank one dissolved at a supper, of which draught she boasted, that she had a more costly supper then ever Antonius had: The value of which draught must then amount (according to the computation of Budeus) to an hundred and fifty thousand aureos; Thus much did one supper of Antonius stand in, as Plinie, lib. 9 c. 35. and Macrob. 3. Saturnal. c. 27. The same Budeus doth commemorate an Union of the bignesse of a filberd, which was bought in France for three thousand aureos, and another for foure thousand.

Of its properties.

Solinus c. 56. Serap. lib. aggreg. c. Hager. Albalo; [Page 80] say that these stones are cold and dry in the second degree; and that they are good against Syncopes, and cardiacall passions, that they do comfort the spi­rits, stop fluxes of bloud, cure Lienteries, and Diar­rheas, and that they are good for the sight: The same say Cardanus, Rulandus, and Baccius in their books de Gemmis.

Of their dignitie and value.

They are of great worth for their sacred use. S. Augustine in his explication of the Psalmes, speak­ing of the twelve stones mentioned in the book of the Revelations (Revel. 21.21.) and of the gates of the New Jerusalem which were every one of one pearl, saith, that the twelve Apostles are signified by the twelve stones; and Christ, the spotlesse lambe, by the pearls.

Their own glory, beauty, and excellencie amount their worth: If they be of the weight of foure grains a piece, fair, and round, they are worth three crowns a piece, Boetius p. 88. So according to their bignesse, weight, roundnesse, and fairnesse, their price is raised, doubled, and trebled.

Of its foyl or tincture.

The foyl for this is either a silver foyl tinctured for this purpose; or thin glasse or icthyocolla, that is, yseing-glasse, brought into the form of a very thin foyl, and then being tinctured accordingly, it is pla­ced in the enclosure under this gemme to set off its beauty.

Of its adulteration.

Impostours are wont to adulterate it with two Bo­hemian Diamonds, and a thin sky-coloured glasse be­twixt them: and sometimes after this manner;

R. two drachms of Zaphura, or of lapis Lazuli, put it to a pound of the glassie substance which is [Page 82] made of Crystall and Flint-stones; and they being molten together in a strong calcining pot, stirre them well with an iron hook; then take out a little of this molten substance, and see whether it doth not want more of the Zaphurae or lapidis Lazuli; or whether there be any need to adde more of the glassie sub­stance: If there be no need of either of them, but that it hath its perfect colour, then let it be set into a fornace of fire for six houres, and afterwards take forth the masse, and let it be well polisht; and if this lump be well ordered, this factitious gemme will hardly be distinguisht from a true Saphire. But these factitious gemms are usually full of little bubbles and atomes, by reason of the inequalitie of the fire work­ing upon the matter; and thus may they be distin­guisht from the true Saphires.

Of its names.

The Saphire is known almost to all nations by this one name Sapphirus. In Hebrew it is called [...], as Exod. 28.18. and not onely in Hebrew, but in Greek [...], and in Latine it is called Sapphirus; in English Saphire; and in Germane ein Saphire; in Italian Zaffiro; in French Sapphyr; in Spanish el Zuf­fir piedrá pretiosa; in Indian language and Arabick Nilaa; and from the place where it groweth Podia. Marbodeus doth call it Syrtites.

Of its kinds.

There are foure kinds of Saphires spoken of by [Page 83] some writers. The first of which is the best. Of all others of the kinds this doth onely truly deserve the name of a Saphire to distinguish this from all other Saphires it is called Sapphirus caeruleus: Dionysius Afer calleth it for this purpose Cyaneus Sapphirus, as saith Wurtzung, in 2, tab. of his generall practise of Phy­sick. The best Saphire Andreas Baccius (lib. de nat. gem. c. 7.) doth thus describe; If it have an excel­lent tenour in it self, that is, if it be neither too obtuse or dull, by reason of the grossnesse of that Succus, juyce, or nourishment of which it was generated; nor too much dejected with a propense perspicuitie; but doth pleasantly discover from it self, by reason of the mixture of light and purple, the delightfull flower of a sky-colour. This is the excellent Saphire, which in the order of noble gemms Cardanus doth rank in the fifth place.

2. The second kind declineth from the blue to a green, and is in Greek called Prasitis, and Sapphirus Prassitis, and Sapphirus viridis, Wurtz. tab. 2. gener. pract. by this name it is known to the Druggists.

3. The third kind declineth from the blue to the yellow, and is called in Greek Chrysitis, and Sapphirus Chrysitis. The Simplicists do call it Sapphirus Aureus: In English this is called the yellow Saphire. This is a gemme that doth shine with golden specks and spots, as saith Dioscorides, and Plinie lib. 37. c. 9.

4. The fourth kind is between blue and white, it is in colour like skimmed milk, very perspicuous and clear; and this is that gemm which is called Sapphirus candidus, or the white Saphire.

These are many times substituted for Diamonds: [Page 84] and they are called the female Saphires, the other the male. That stone which Pliny doth in some place call the Saphire, is the Cyanus or Lapis Lazuli.

The places.

They are found in Calecut, Cananor, and in the kingdome of Bisnager; in Zeilan, in the kingdome of Pegu, and in the Eastern Countreys: there are also of these stones found in the Western Coun­treys, as in Bohemia; and very good ones in Silesia: in these parts there are of these stones found very transparent, but soft, of a milkish colour mixt with a blew, and they are called Leucosaphirus, these are subject to many harms.

The best are so hard that they cannot be filed, the colour of these Saphires may so be taken away, as that they may be converted into a very excellent Diamond.

Of its faculties and properties.

The Saphire is of a cold and drie faculty, even as are most pretious stones: it is reported of it, that it is good against feverish distempers, hence this old distick.

The best of these are very comfortable to the eyes, if they be often looked one. It is reported of it, that if it be worn by an adulterer, by loosing its splendour it will discover his adultery: and that the wearing of it, doth hinder the erections that are caused by Venus. But surely, as either lustfull [Page 85] thoughts, or this wicked spirit Asmodeus moving them, or stirring up such disorders and irregularities without them, in the body, are the causes of such undue erections of the flesh: so when he withdraw­eth himself, this stone hath power to hinder them, and not before. Many have written of the faculties of this stone; as Galen, Dioscorides, Cardanus, Garcias, and Macer the Poet, lib. 5. c. 5.

It is reported of it, that it is of so contrary a na­ture to poysons, that if it be put into a glasse with a Spider, or laid upon the mouth of the glasse where the Spider is, the Spider will quickly die. And that it keepeth men chaste, and therefore is worn of Priests.

Anselmus Boetius saith, that S. Jerome affirmeth in his exposition of the 19. chap. of Isaiah, that the Saphire being worn of any man, procureth him fa­vour with Princes, and with all men; pacifieth his enemies, freeth him from inchantments, and from bonds, and imprisonments, and that it looseth men out of prison, and asswageth the wrath of God. (An­selmus Boetius p. 49.)

Of its dignity and value.

For its sacred use it hath been esteemed of great worth, as Exod. 28.18. And for its superstitions, take this caution, use it with much circumspection. Amongst the Ancients, and with the Heathen, this gemm hath been of very great authority, because they thought it did not a little prevail with God. Andr. Bacc. cap. 7. de gem. nat. The Gentiles consecrated this gemm to Apollo, [Page 86] because in their enquiries at his oracle,Vide Andrae. Bacc. c. 7. de Nat. Gem. if they had the presence of this gemm with them, they ima­gined they had their answer the sooner.

It is desired of many for its excellent beauty; for it is fair like unto a serene skie: No better a de­scription of its excellent beauty can you find, then that which is given of it, Exodus 24.9, 10. Where it is spoken after the manner of men (not as if the children of Israel saw any appearance of God in the form of man) That the children of Israel saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet, as it were a paved work of Saphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in its clearnesse.

This stone is valued according to the excellency of its colour, beauty, purity, and greatnesse: one of the weight of four grains is worth many crowns. The best of these are as much worth as a Diamond of the same bignesse.

Of its foyl or tincture.

Though the gemm be a transparent gemm, yet there can be no foyl for the setting of it off, for the variety of colours in the foyl, would cause a confu­sion in the various colours of the Opalus.

Of its adulteration.

Though a foyl can hardly be usefull in the setting off of the true jewell; yet by other stones it cannot be counterfeited, imitated, or adulterated, but by the help of a foyl; Impostours can adulterate it with a double glasse tinctured, or coloured, or with a con­venient tinctured foyl betwixt them, or with two [Page 88] Crystals, or other diaphanous stones joyned together with a convenient foyl.

Baptista Porta saith, that if the Calx of tinne be cast into molten Crystall glasse, it will cloud it, and colour it like an Opalus. Quercitanus saith, that the spirit of Nitrum will colour a glasse alembick with variety of colours, like unto an Opalus; as ap­peareth by his book called Priscorum Philosophorum vera medicina.

Of its names.

It is known of jewellers that are most expert, by the name of Opalus. In English it is so called. The Italians call it Girasole and Scambaia.

The kinds of it.

There are four kinds of it, The first kind of it, doth imitate red, green, skie-colour, and purple; and sometimes purple with a yellow colour, and these are the best of all other: These are known by their Carbuncle flame, by their Amethyst splendour, and by their Emerauld viridity, all shining together with an incredible mixture, and by their admirable and wonderfull ponderosity: for this is a gemm that though it be seldome found bigger for magnitude then a bean, and for the most part of lesse bignesse, yet its weight will be incredible, as appeareth by this of Cardanus,Card. de sub­til. l. 7. pag. 349. who speaketh of one of these stones that was shorter then a bean and not thicker, that weighed duos denarios, that is saith he, almost fifty grains of wheat; the best are hardest, the other are softer: the cause of its wonderfull pro­prietie, [Page 89] and of its various delightfull colours, Car­danus saith is this, because the stone is crisp, and of some pervious parts: by those parts which are not pervious or porous it doth receive the light, and re­turneth it; and by this means it cometh to passe that it hath a white snowy brightnesse and splendour: con­trariwise, by a contrary conversion it doth receive the light, but not return it: and hence it is that the stone appeareth dark, obscure, and of a brown co­lour. Vide Card. lib. de lap.

2. The second kind is black, and doth out of its blacknesse send forth as it were a flame. This is very pleasant, very rare, and very pretious. Boetius saith, that he hath seen of this kind of the bignesse of the greater sort of pease.

The third kind hath various colours, but in a yel­low body, and they seem to be quiet, lie still, and not to range; and therefore they do not so exactly feed the eyes with the reflexion of their rayes. These three kinds are brought out of Hungaria.

To this last kind there is another with a milkish co­lour that may be referred, and the Italians do call it Occhio del garto, oculus cati, or the cats eye: and of some it is called Pseudopalus, or the Bastard Opalus.

4. The fourth kind is also called Pseudopalus: it is notably diaphanous like unto fish eyes, and it hath in it a little milkish sky-colour, or somewhat of a yel­low colour. The Germanes call this Wehse, the Ita­lians Girasole: some call it Astroites and Asteria, be­cause it doth include within itself a light, walking like a starre.

The places.

India is the mother of these gemms: they are found also in Cyprus, Egypt, Arabia, Galatia, Thaso, Hunga­ry, Pontus. The Hungarian ones are found in a soft stone, distinguisht with black, yellow, and brown veins, and the body of the stone is whitish, yellowish, and blackish, and sometimes perspicuous with divers colours. Many of these are so soft that they will not endure polishing, no not upon tinne or lead, but one­ly upon a soft Tripolitan earth. Boetius 98.

Its vertues.

It is reported of this stone, that it sharpeneth the sight of the possessours of it, and cloudeth the eyes of those that stand about him, so that they can either not see, or not mind what is done before them: for this cause it is asserted to be a safe patron of thieves and thefts; as it is related in Lapidario.

Its value.

History. Amongst the Romanes it was in great request: for it is reported of Nonius a Senatour, that he had ra­ther have been deprived of his countrey and Sena­tour-ship, then part with an Opalus which he had from Antonius. This Opalus of Nonius was of the bignesse of a filberd, and esteemed at twenty thou­sand aureos. Boetius saith, he saw one of the big­nesse of a walnut, perspicuous, with various colours, and milkish, which was valued at 200 crowns. Their [Page 91] price and esteem is not great in these dayes: for one of foure grains weight of the first and best kind, is scarce worth three crowns: the other have their value according to their bignesse and beauty.

Of its foyl or tincture.

The Emerauld is a transparent stone, and therefore may be substrate with a convenient foyl.

Of its adulteration.

There are many wayes which impostours use to adulterate this gemm; as with Crystall, glasse, and flints calcined and melted together; and then a small quantitie of minium or red lead being added.

Others take aes ustum finely powdered, and half so much crocus Martis; these they set in a furnace of fire for the space of six hours, that they may be melted together; then they let the vessel cool, and afterwards they take out the jewell and polish it. And if this be rightly done, this jewell will be very like to the Ame­rican Emeraulds.

Of its names.

In Hebrew it is called [...], that is, Topazi­us Aethiopicus, Job. 28.19. and [...] and [...] that is, Topazius or Smaragdus, as Exod. 28.19. which is rendered by Caldeus lapidem viridem, and known amongst us by the name of the Emerauld. In Greek [...],Isiodor. lib. 16. c. 7. de Ety­molog. nomin. and in Latine it is called Sma­ragdus, by which name Isiodorus in his book of ety­moligies of names, saith it is called from its viridity, and excellent greennesse: or it may be so called from its splendencie and lustre. Is is also in Greek called Prassinus, because of the resemblance of the green­nesse of leeks which is in it. Epiphanius saith it is cal­led Neronianus and Domitianus. It is supposed to have the name Neronianus, from him that invented the use of it, who was called by that name. Horace calleth it lapis viridis. In Dutch, ein Smaragde: in [Page 93] Italian, Smeraldo: in Spanish, Esmeralda: in French, Esmeraud. The Persians and Indians call it Pacheè. The Arabians Zamarut. Serapio and Pandectarius call it Tabarget. In English it is called the Green stone, Emerauld, and Smaragde.

Of its kinds.

Amongst the pretious green stones, there are none so pleasant and so excellent as the Emerauld: it is pel­lucide, and doth much delight the eye with its colour. It hath no mixture of blue, as in the Turkey-stone; nor of yellow, as in the Topaze of the Ancients, which is now called the Chrysolite. The best Orien­tall ones are very hard, and of a very fair, pleasant, green colour, like unto a green field in the Spring. They do much sharpen and acuate the dulnesse of the fight, and therefore engravers will most willingly be employed about them. They are very transparent, and do very excellently dart forth their rayes like lightning; and therefore they are of great esteem and price. Martinus Rulandus saith of an excellent Eme­rauld, that it doth excell in its verdure the watered grasse, the neighbouring herbs, the virescencie of green boughs; and, as I may so say, even all the glo­ry of the Spring. There is a Smaragde which Plinie lib. 37. cap. 10. calleth Lymoniates. Plinie l. 37. c. 5. and Solinus lib. 20. make twelve kinds of Emeraulds.

1. Scythicus or a Scythian one, which is the most noble of all others, because of its excellent hardnes, and it is not subject to any injurie. This is found in gold mines, and cannot be obtained without a great deal of danger: For it is reported, that the Gry­phines [Page 94] take charge of this,History. stand century about it, and have their safe custody upon it. These fierce ravenous birds make their nests in the mines of gold where these pretious gemms are to be had, there­fore the Arimaspi, or Monoculi, who hunger much after the gold, and Emeraulds, are forced to arm themselves for a battell with these birds, before they can obtain their prize.

2. The second kind is called a Bactrianus Sma­ragdus, and is found in the clifts of rocks.

3. An Egyptian Emerauld, and is found about Thebes.

4. A Cyprian one.

5. Is called Atticus, and is there found in silver mines.

6. The sixth is called an Ethiopian one.

7. The seventh is called Medicus, this is of very much excellent viridity or verdure; and sometimes this its virescency doth appear as out of a Saphire.

8. The eighth kind is a Carchedonian, or Calce­donian one, and is called Smaragdites.

9. The ninth a Tanian one, and is brought from Persia.

10. The tenth is a Cilician one.

11. The eleventh is a Laconick one, and is like to that which is called Medicus.

12. The twelfth is called Chalco-smaragdus, and is found in Cyprus, in veins of brasse.

Of the places.

The severall kinds of Emeraulds are found in the [Page 95] places specified by the names of their kinds: There are Orientall ones, and there are Occidentall ones. The best are brought from the East-Indies. There are also excellent ones found in the Occidentall or Western parts, and in the parts of Europe. There are found in Peru, which have a pleasant green colour, but send forth no rayes, these are softer then the O­rientall ones, and often times full of green clouds: there are excellent ones found in Cyprus, and in the Island of great Britane, which are small; but for their bignesse comparable to the best Orientall ones, of the same bignesse. The Orientall ones are sel­dome found bigger then a filberd. The Occiden­tall ones, are sometimes found as broad as the palm of the hand.

History. It is reported of Nero that he was wont to behold the Fencers or sword-players through an Emerauld, as by a speculum, or optick-glasse; and for this cause this jewell is called gemma Neronis. Andreas Bac­cius in his book de Natura Gemmarum, maketh men­tion of a large Emerauld-vessell that is at Genoa, very fair, and of infinite value, insomuch as it can­not be prized.

Of its properties.

It is a stone which in former times was by an­cient Astrologians dedicated to Mercury; Cardanus attributeth much power and vertue to it in the point of divination, as doth appear in his seaventh book de lapidibus pretiosis.

This stone is good to recreate the sight; Andre­as [Page 96] Baccius, Agricola, Cardanus, and Anselmus Bo­etius say, that there is such an enmity betwixt it, and illegitimate venery, or the uncleannesse of the flesh, as that if it do but touch the skinne of an adulterer, it will break: and that it doth bridle the reins of lasciviousnesse, and much temper it; Insomuch as Albertus Magnus doth not doubt to affirm that the king of Hungariae Belae having carnall know­ledge of his wife,History. with an Emerauld set in gold on his finger, the Emerauld brake into three parts.

Avenzoar saith it is good against poysons, and that six grains of its powder in a convenient water is an excellent Cordiall; if so, then a drop or two of its tincture, described by Boetius, must needs be of admirable faculties.

Of its value and dignity.

Exod. 28.18.For its sacred use this stone hath been of great e­steem. This was one of the stones enclosed in one of the ouches of gold in the breast-plate of judgement. The rainbow that S. John saw in his Revelations round about the Throne, was like in sight to an Emerauld, Revel. 4.3. This is one of those stones by which the glory of one of the foundations of the wall of the New Jerusalem is discovered to us, as Revel. 21.19.

This stone hath been alwayes of great esteem, insomuch as in times past they were forbidden to grave any thing upon it. The Orientall ones, have been esteemed worth a quarter so much as a Dia­mond of the same weight.

[Page 97]Linshortanus doth esteem them of greater worth then the Diamond, and valueth an Emerauld, as big as a Diamond of foure grains, well worth 80 du­cats; whereas he esteemeth the Diamond of that big­nesse not more worth then 70 ducats. A perfect glorious excellent Emerauld is of very much worth and value, as appeareth by this of Aloysius Mun­della a Physician, who testifieth that his brother who was a jeweller, received of Franciscus Maria Prince of Urbine, the summe of 113 aureos to buy him an Emerauld of the weight of eight grains of wheat, most pure, and Orientall, that by it he might receive alleviation in an infirmity which he was troubled withall.

Of its Adulteration.

This stone, saith Anselmus Boetius lib. 2. c. 57. p. 103. is seldome adulterated by reason of its small value.

Of its kinds.

Baccius saith this gemm is a very fair gemm, and by some it is referred to the kinds of Achates, by others, to the kinds of Beryls. It is by Boetius reckoned among the kinds of Emeraulds, who doth make a discovery of three kinds of this stone.

1. A kind of an exact green colour like Leeks, or the succus porrorum, as saith Baccius.

2. The second kind hath very much yellow­nesse: and if these be of a golden splendour, then are they the Chrysopteri of the Ancients.

3. The third kind are whitish, with a little green­nesse and a greater yellownesse.

Cardan. l. 7. de lap. pret. p. 346.Cardanus saith, that all green jewels are subject to the fire, by reason of the abundance of semicon­cocted humour which they do contain in them.

The place.

They are found both in the East and West-Indies, and in Europe, and in Germanie, and these are fairer then the Orientall ones, but somewhat softer: they are found in Bohemia, and in the neighbouring countreys thereabouts.

Of its properties.

It is said to be of the nature of the Smaragde, or [Page 99] Emerauld, but of somewhat more remisse power and faculties.

Of its dignity and value.

They are valued according to their beauty; their prices will not very much amount (though for their Emerauld beauty they may be of some had in very great esteem) because they are soft stones. It is re­ported of the Prassius, that it will suddenly loose its viriditie, if there be any poyson or venome in place where it is, and again recover its lustre if it be washt. It is also said of it, that it is a great cordiall, much comforting the heart; and that it doth conferre much to the dispelling of the darknesse and cloudinesse of the sight.

Its names.

In Hebrew [...] Nopech: as Exod. 28.18. which according to Onkelos is the Smaragde or Emerauld: in Latine Chrysoprassus: in English the Chrysoprasse.

Of its properties.

It is thought to be endowed with the same facul­ties and vires that the Prassius is.

Of its dignities and value.

This stone is of esteem because of the sacred use it hath been of; by it we have the glory of one of the twelve foundations of the wal of the New Jerusalem discovered to us in the 21 chap. and the 20 verse of the Revelation of S. John; where it is said, that the tenth foundation of the wall, which was of a Jasper structure, was a Chrysoprassus, by which foundation S. Augustine doth signifie S. Thomas, in his explica­tion of the book of Psalms. The citie saith he was pure gold like to cleare glasse, whose foundations was adorned with twelve pretious stones.

The first foundation was

• 1. Jasper, that is, S. Petrus.
• 2. Sapphirus, that is, S. Paulus.
• 3. Chalcedonius, that is, S. Johannes.
• 4. Smaragdus, that is, S. Jacobus major.
• 5. Sardonyz, that is, S. Jacobus minor.
• 6. Sardius, that is, S. Andreas.
• [Page 101]7. Chrysolithus, that is, S. Matthaeus.
• 8. Beryllus, that is, S. Simon.
• 9. Topazius, that is, S. Bartholomaeus.
• 10. Chrysoprassus, that is, S. Thomas.
• 11. Hyacinthus, that is, S. Philippus.
• 12. Amethystus, that is, S. Judas, Simonis frater.

Then speaking of the twelve gates of this citie, which are every one of one entire pearl, he saith, that by these gates are meant Christ the immaculate Lambe of God; who in the Gospel of S. John, chap. 10.9. calleth himself the doore of the sheep, saying, I am the doore of the sheep, if any man enter in by me, he shall be safe, and go in and out, and find feed­ing.

Of the kinds of it.

Boetius taketh it for a kind of Emerauld, or a ba­stard Smaragde. There are two kinds of it.

1. Bohemian ones, which are transparent through a fine thin cloud.

[Page 102]2. American ones, which are half transparent, like unto Vitriol.

Of its faculties, properties, dignities and value.

It is reported of it, that if it be applied to the arm, it will by a Diuretick facultie procure urine in a Dy­sury; and expell gravell, and hinder the generation of the stone, asswage the pains of the reins, and the extream dolours of the gout. And if in the manner of an amulet it be hung about the neck, it is reported of it, that it will effect the same cures; and not onely so, but in children free them from fears and frights. This stone is known but to very few, therefore its worth, value, and price cannot well be discovered.

Of its foyl or tincture.

This gemm being an excellent transparent gemm, of a dilute green colour, may admit of a silver foyl conveniently tinctured, or of some other foyl fitted for this purpose, and then placed in the enclosure un­der this gemme.

Of its adulteration.

And as this gemme may admit of a foyl, so no doubt but it may likewise be subject to adulteration: for it is very glorious and excellently pretious; and what will sophisticatours and impostours not attempt to do for value and for price? This they will attempt by double Crystals or diaphanous stones with a con­venient green-foyl interposed, and they being thus [Page 104] set in their inclosures with a like foyl substrate, the fallacies will the more uneasily be discovered.

Of its names.

By the Hebrew words [...] and [...] some do understand the Topaz of the Ancients; (of which Hebrew words we have before spoken in the chapter of the Emerauld or Smaragde) and that because this stone is green like the Emerauld. It is called in Greek [...] of Hesych. it is thus called in Greek [...], quòd multo studio quaeritur. It is also called Topazion, from a cloudy island of the red sea, which is often sought for by Navigatours, for which frequent search it is called Topazion, and the gemme is so named because it is found in this island; Topazin from whence this name Topazion cometh, is a Trogloditish word, which in the language of the Troglodites, signifieth quaerere, or to seek. The Troglo­dites are Ethiopians, which are extended to Arabia and the red sea, who have this name from their frequent­ing of caverns and caves of the earth: hence in Greek they are called Troglodites, [...], hoc est, à specu & caverna, quòd in specubus & cavernis degant. Plinie l. 37. c. 8. saith, that this gemme was first brought out of the Island of the Troglodites, called Topazion à quaerendo, to Berenice Queen of Egypt, and from thence was called Topazion. It is called in English, Topaz; in Italian Topazzio; in French, Topasse; in Spanish, Topazziè; in Germane, ein Topass.

Of its kinds.

Plinie maketh two kinds of it: 1. Prasoin, or 2. Chrysopteron: but neither of these have the true lustre of the Topaze. Albertus magnus and Evax do likewise make two kinds of this stone, the one of an aureus colour, the other of a saffron colour: but both these are free, as well as the former two, from the delightfull glory of an excellent perfect Topaze described by me, according to the best discoveries, in the first part of this chapter, to be a pleasing green gemm, of a dilute verdure and very delight­full to the eye.

Of the places.

The places in which the true Topaze is found, is the Island of Chitis, in Arabia felix: there is a cer­tain rock in an Island of the red sea, near Arabia fe­lix, in which the Topaze is found: it is also found in the Island called Topazion, which is inhabited by the Troglodytes; and as Pliny saith, it is found in the mines of Alabaster near Thebes a city of Egypt.

Of its properties, nature, and qualities.

It is of such excellent faculties, as that it is said of it, that it freeth men from passions, and from sad­nesse of the mind. And that if it be cast into scald­ing hot or boyling water, it doth so asswage in a wonderfull manner, and so in an instant, and of a suddain astonish and stupifie its heat and fervour, as that it straight taketh away all its boyling, and its heat, and a man may in that very instant in which it [Page 106] was put in, put his hand without any hurt or danger into that water which even now with the fervency of heat boyled up. (See Epiphanius and Alber­tus.) For this cause it is thought to be a very excel­lent remedy for the mitigating of choler and of cholerick passions. It is reported of it that it doth drive away nocturnall fears; and that it is a very effectuall Amulet against cholerick distempers o the brain.

Authours do say of it, that if it be put upon a table where poyson is or venome is left, it will straight-way fail of its splendour, and loose its glo­ry, and so soon as the poyson or venome is taken away, it will recover all its glory again; wonder­full is this also which is reported of this stone, namely, that it doth increase and decrease in its strength of powers and faculties, according to the increase and decrease of the Moon.

This stone is so hard that it will endure the file, and it groweth into so great a masse, that oft times statues have been made of it. Juba king of Mauri­tania writeth concerning this pretious gemm, that there was a statue of four cubits made of it for Ar­sinoe the wife of Ptolemeus Philadelphus, which was consecrated to the gods.

It is reported of Hadrianus Gulielmus, that at Naples he had a Topaz engraven with these antient Romane letters.

[Page 107]In English thus.

Of its dignity and value.

The excellent Topaz in the glory of its viridity hath been esteemed a stone of great value, and that not onely for its innate inbred excellency whereby it is very pleasant to the eye: but because it hath been of sacred use, as both old and new Testament do affirm. It was one of those gemms which had a place in one of those four rowes of stones engraven with the names of the tribes of Israel, and set in ouches of gold upon the breast-plate of Judgement, as Exodus 28.17. where it was said of God con­cerning the order of the pretious stones in the breast-plate of Judgement, The first row shall be a Sardius and a Topaz, and a Carbuncle, this shall be the first row. It is also one of those stones where­by the glory of the ninth foundation of the wall of the New Jerusalem is discovered to us, as Revel. 21.20.

Those that are excellent Topazes, do sparkle forth their glory, and beam forth their delightfull rayes: these are of much esteem, and of very great worth, price and value.

Of its foyl or tincture.

This being a transparent gemm doth without all question admit of a foyl, such as may be a gold foyl, or some other tinctured accordingly.

Of its adulteration.

The Chrysolites for the elegancy of their aureus colour are divers wayes adulterated; the best of such sophistications, is in this following manner. R. of powder of Crystall, or of glasse lb. put two drachmes of Crocus Martis to it, and a little Mini­um: [Page 109] this must be put to it as it is molten upon the fire, or in the furnace. Baptista Porta in his Magia saith, that the Minium must first be put in, and after that the Crocus.

Or put to calcined Crystall thrice so much Mini­um, and let it stand for one whole day in a furnace, and it will be a Chrysolite.

Or R. aes ustum finely powdered, and Minium and Crystall finely powdered, and four times so much burnt Tinn; put it into a strong calcining pot and set it into a fornace for a day; this powder is easily melted; therefore the fire must not be very vehement, and it must be kept alwayes at the same stay.

Of its Names.

In Greek it is called [...], quasi aureus la­pis; and from hence also in Latine it is called Chry­solithus, from the Greek word [...], quia est lapis qui aureo colore translucet, that is, because it hath with it a Golden translucency, saith Martinus Rulandus. Solinus cap. 33. calleth it Chrysolampon. In English it is called the Chrysolite.

The kinds of it.

There are three kinds of Chrysolites.

The first, which is the true Chrysolite, is a very hard glorious sun-shine gemm; which Albertus Magnus saith doth discover the greatest of its beau­ty in the mornings, and at other times of the day is lesse beautifull then then.

[Page 110]The other two kinds of this gemm are lesse glo­rious then the former; the one of these kinds is called Chryselectrum; the other Melichrysus: both these names import something of a golden colour, but these stones are lesse glorious and softer then the former.

Of the places.

There are Orientall Chrysolites, and Occidentall Chrysolites; the best of the Orientall ones are found in Aethiopia: these are like unto most pure gold with an excellent splendour; they are the hardest of all other jewels but the Diamond. There are also Chrysolites found in Arabia, but these sometimes have too much yellownesse, and sometimes too little, sometimes they have various colours, and sometimes they are clouded; but these fall much short of the glory of an excellent Chrysolite, whose sun-shine beauty will easily make it known from all the soft troubled clouded kinds thereof. There are also Eu­ropean Chrysolites, which are frequently found in Bo­hemia, of as great glory and excellency as the Ori­entall ones, and they differ onely in this, in that these are somewhat softer then the Orientall ones. There are very excellent ones found in India, and Bactria, and those in very great weight but soft, sometimes of the weight of twelve pound. Ansel­mus Boetius saith that he saw a Bohemian Chrysolite that was given to Rodolphus the second, Emperour of Rome, that was two ells long, and half an ell broad.

Of its nature, properties and qualities.

It is of the nature of the Solaris, or Sun-stone. Cardanus in his book of admirable cures, doth re­late wonders concerning the vertues of the Chryso­lite; he saith that with the alone powder of it drunk in wine, he cured Cesar Palavicinus of a fever that he had been troubled withall fifteen dayes, and another Noble-man of Melancholy, and of the falling sick­nesse with the same remedy, after that he had long in vain been tormented with the somniferous lotions of Physicians. The powder of it, is said to be good in Asthmatick passions, and in the orthopnoea if it be drunk in a convenient liquour. If in fevers it be held under the tongue it is said to quench thirst.

It is cold and dry as all other pretious stones are.

Of its value and dignity.

It is of esteem, not onely for its sun-shine glory; but for that also it hath been of sacred use. This is one of those stones by which the glory of the sea­venth foundation of the wall of the New-Jerusalem is discovered to us, as Revel. 21.20.

It is for its gratefull aspect of very great esteem. It is so perfectly hard, as that by the heat of fire it may be made diaphanous and void of all colour, and thus like the best Saphire, changed into an admirable Diamond; in so much as it being thus dealt withall, no other stone whatever can better resemble an Ori­entall Diamond then it will.

A Chrysolite of the weight of eight grains is [Page 112] worth four crowns; one of these excellent ones of twelve grains weight is worth nine crowns; and one of these glorious ones of the weight of two scruples is worth one hundred crowns.

Anselmus Boetius saith, that he saw one of these that weighed scarce two scruples, and it was sold for two hundred crowns. The colour of which (he saith) being separated from it, it was so exactly set in a ring, that a skilfull jeweller could not know it from a true Diamond.

It is whitened after the same manner that the Sa­phires are; of which hath been before spoken.

Ovid. lib. 2. Metamorph. doth very splendidly feigne a chariot of the Sunne made of a Chrysolite, in that he saith,

Of its foyl or tincture.

This being a transparent gemme, may without all peradventure admit of a foyl to quicken it, in the dis­covery of its glory and lustre.

Of its adulteration.

Sophisticatours are wont, lucri causâ, to adulterate this gemme thus: R. aes ustum finely powdered, and mingle it with crystall and glasse powdered, or with calcined crystall and glasse, and set it in a furnace for a day, and you shall have a Beryll. One drachme of the aes ustum is sufficient for a pound of the other vi­treous masse.

Of its names.

The Hebrews call this stone [...] Tarshish, as Exod. 28.20. It seemeth to have its name, as it doth appear by Buxtorff, from the maritime citie Tarshish: It is a whole transparent stone, of a sea-water green. The word [...] is by S.See Biblioth. Reg. Hisp. l. Exod. c. 28. vers. 20. Hierome interpreted Chry­solithus, but indeed the Chrysolite which is verè Chry­solithus, is much different from it, as being of a gol­den [Page 114] colour, whereas the [...]arshish is green. Anselmus Boetius saith, that the Hebrews call this stone Jash­pech; but thus it hath no resembance at all with the Tarshish, as it is by S. Hierome interpreted Chrysoli­thus; but it seemeth rather to have some kind of affi­nitie with the species of the Jasper, some of the kinds of which are of a green colour like the Tarshish. What the true Chrysolite is, will appeare by the for­mer chapter, where a true discovery is made of it as it doth differ from the true Topaz, which was vulgar­ly by those of ancient time called Chrysolithus, and the Chrysolithus was by them called Topazius, but how improperly will appeare in the etymologie of the word Chrysolithus, which rendereth the Chrysolite to be of a golden colour, whereas the true Topaz is of a diluted green. This mistake hath arisen in the Chry­solite and Topaz, from the custome of them in ancient time, who were wont to call a Chrysolite a To­paz, and a Topaz a Chrysolite; whom in this their mi­stake many Lapidists have too too superciliously fol­lowed. Now because the Beryll (being a green pel­lucid stone) may sometimes be taken for a Topaz, which is likewise green and pellucid; it may be S. Hierome, according to that custome, hath interpre­ted the [...], which in its own proper significa­tion is verus Beryllus, to be Chrysolithus. In Latine Beryllus, and Beryllus Thalassius sive marinus. It is cal­led Beryll of the nation where it is generated. The Italians call it aqua marina; and in English we call it a Beryll: when they have any golden rayes, they are called Chrysoberylls.

Of its kinds.

There are many kinds of Berylls, amongst which that is the true Beryll which hath the viriditie of a calm and pure sea; a blue out of a green is discovered in these, and these are the true Berylls.

2. The second kind are paler, and are called Chry­soberylls, from the splendour of gold.

3. The third kind are called Chrysoprassus, and these are paler then the former.

4. The fourth kind are called Hyacinthizontes, from the colour of a Jacinth.

5. The fifth kind are called Aeroides, from the word aere, and these are greener then the former.

6. The sixth kind are called Cerinae from cera.

7. The seventh kind Oleaginei ab oleo. There is another kind which are said to be like to Crystalls.

The Beryll of the ancients comprehended under it, all other jewells which are like unto a Crystall, with somewhat a diluted colour; as the Topazes, and the Leucosapphiri. The Italians do untill this day call Crystalls which have some colours in themselves by reason of the reflexion of the angles, Berylls.

The places.

The Berylls are found at the root of the mountain Taurus, and in the river Euphrates, and in India, and these are the best. The other kinds are found in di­vers countreys, as in Germania, and in Bohemia.

Of its properties.

A Beryll in a spherick form hath the same power of begetting fire from the Sunne by its beams, that a Crystall glasse hath. It is said of a Beryll, that if it be wrapt in a linen cloth, and put into water, or put into water without it, the water will seem to be moved. Baccius de nat. gem. in annotat. in cap. 13.

Wurtzung in his generall practise saith, that the Beryll is used in all distempers of the heart. But take this caution by the way;A caution in the medicinall use of this gemme. Beware of the use of gemms (unlesse you are sure they be true) in Physick, by reason they are so frequently adulterated.

Of its dignitie and value.

The Beryll is of esteem not onely for its beauty, but for its sacred use: for it was one of those stones that was set in the Ephod; as Exod. 28.20. and one of those stones by which the glory of one of the foundations of the wall of the New Jerusalem is dis­covered unto us; namely the eighth foundation, as Revel. 21.20.

Ingenuous artificers do engrave the Beryll with many angles, that by the repercussion of them, they may be made the more lively, and the more to sparkle.

The price of the Beryll is augmented or diminisht according to the elegancie of its colour. And this rule is to be observed in the price of all jewells.

Of its names.

In Hebrew [...] (as Job 28.17.) that is, gemma nitidissima, which is interpreted Crystal. Aben Ezra rendereth it lapis pretiosus nitidus. The Rabbins take it for vitrum, à puritate. It is called in Greek [...]. In Latine Crystallus. In Italian Crystallo. In Germane Crystall. In Spanish and French Crystall. And in English Crystall.

The kinds of it.

The name of Crystall may be given to all gemms that are soft, diaphanous, and void of colour. Boe­tius maketh four kinds of it.

First, Crystallus Montanus, which is excellently pure, fair, and beautifull, and is found sometimes six cornered; and sometimes round and globous like flints, which are harder then others, and like unto Diamonds.

2. The second kind is called Iris.

3. Citrinus.

4. Pseudoadamas.

Of the places.

The cornered ones are found in divers parts of Europe, as in the Alpes, in Germany, in Bohemia, in Hungary, in Cyprus, in Lusitania, and in the fields of Pisania. The round ones or Pseudoadamas, are found near unto Arnemhius a Town of Geldria, & near unto Bruxels, and in France, Bohemia, and Silesia. These sometimes are so hard and do so excellently sparkle, that they can scarce be distinguished from the Ori­entall Diamonds.

Of its nature and faculties.

It is cold and dry: being held under the tongue in fevers it doth quench thirst; and so likewise in these cases it doth much recreate if it be held in the hand, and as it groweth warm, cooled in fair water; the powder of it either calcined or crude being drunk in wine, is good against Dysenteries and the [Page 120] whites, a drachme of its powder taken in the oyl of sweet Almonds, cureth those that have taken sub­limate. It is used either in powder, or the salt of it, or the oyl of it, against all obstructions of the bowels, against gouts, swoonings, and all cephalick diseases; saith Boetius, Andr. Baccius, and others.

Of its dignities and value.

For its dignitie, theRev. 21.11. and 22.1. sacred use that hath been made of it maketh it of very great esteem: and its own glory and beauty doth commend its worth, and accordingly it is valued and esteemed of Princes and great men; and of those who know how judiciously to judge of things according to their excellencie and intrinsick glory.

Its names.

It is called of Plinie Astroites, and Ceraunia. It is also called Asteria. Michael Mercatus calleth it A­strobolus. It is also called Oculus felis.

The place.

It is found in Carmania and India. Anselmus Boe­tius saith, that he supposeth that to be the Asteria or the Gemma Solis, which like a milkish Crystall ha­ving a round light included in it, doth send it forth walking with a certain inclination: and that to be the Astroiten, which hath in the middle of it as it were small starres shining. This is a kind of Opalus.

Of its nature and properties.

It is reported of it, that it doth procure sleep, and drive away terrours of the night, and troublesome dreams.

Its dignitie and value.

The Orientall ones are very beautifull, and so hard that they can hardly be engraven: it is esteemed in value worth twice the price of the engraving.

Its names.

It is called of some Oculus Solis: of the Persians Mithrax, that is, the Sunne. Cardanus calleth it the Pseudopalus; but the colours are not so distinct in this; and this also is farre harder.

Places.

They are found in Zealand, and in Pegu; they are said to be brought from the countrey of Bramaa thi­ther.

Its dignity and value.

This stone is greatly esteemed amongst the Indi­ans, because they are perswaded of the devill, that he that weareth it cannot want riches: and for this cause that which in Lusitania is sold for 90 aurei; is a­mongst the Indians esteemed worth 600 aurei. It is usually of the same price and esteem with the Opalus, Hitherto hath been spoken of transparent gemms.

Of its names.

In Hebrew [...] as Job 28.16. Buxtorff doth interpret it to be the Onyx: and others to be the Sar­donyx, as Junius in Exod. 25.7. [...] that is, Lapides Sardoniches & lapides insitivi pro amiculo & pro pectorali sacro. In Greek, [...]. In Latine it is called Sardius, [Page 125] Sarda, and Carneolus, and Corneolus, and Cornelius. The Italians and French call it Carneolus. The Ger­mans ein Corneol. It hath also been called Darne­olus, saith Pliny lib. 37. cap. 7. In English a Sardius or Cornelian.

Of the kinds of it.

There are three kinds of this gemm, as saith Boe­tius. 1. A red Corneolus, which is the best and most excellent of all other, est ruber instar sanguinis: but pellucid with its rednesse.

2. The second is of a more dilute and remisse red­nesse.

3. Is somewhat yellowish out of a rednesse.

Martinus Rulandus reckoneth up no lesse then two and twenty kinds of this gemm. Of which we may have occasion in a further addition to speak hereafter.

Of the place, and of its nature, pro­perties, and faculties.

This gemm is found in Sardinia, and about Ba­bylon, in the heart of a rock, very excellent. There are also very good found in Epirus, now called Al­bania, and in Egypt, and in India, Arabia; in the Rhine, and in Bohemia, and in Silesia there are very excellent ones found growing to stones.

As concerning the faculties of this stone, Epipha­nius asserteth of it, that it causeth him that weareth it to be of a chearfull heart, free from fear, and [Page 126] noblely audacious, and that it is a good protection for him against witchcrafts and fascinations, and pu­trefactions of humours.Andr. Bacc. de nat. Gem. c. 3. Baccius in his Annotations saith, that the powder of it taken in austere wine stoppeth the menses, and hindereth abortion.

Its dignity and value.

For its own beauty it is of value and worth: But the sacred use of it, is that that hath made it of greatest dignity, and highest esteem: in the law we find it was set in the enclosures of gold of the breast-plate of Judgement, Exod. 28.17. in the book of the Revelations we find the glory of the sixth foun­dation of the wall of the new-Jerusalem discovered to us by the glory of its resemblance, Revel. 21.20. This stone hath been of great esteem amongst the Romanes, but now the knowledge of more excel­lent jewels makes it not so much regarded. Its use is chiefly in seals, and ornaments for the necks, wrests, and hair of women; one not engraved, of the bignesse of the walnut, is worth twenty shillings. Cardanus saith that he had one,Cardan. l. de lap. pret. that was in its upper part a Sardius, and in its lower part an Onyx. In seals these gemms are much used of great men. I have had one of the best kinds of these fitted for a seal, without any engraving, with a small black line, on the side of it.

Of its Adulteration.

This gemm as the former, is adulterated with glasse, but that will easily be known by its want of beauty, and by its dusty superficies which it will con­tract; and it will be eaten out by the air.

Of its names.

In Hebrew it is called [...] even as is the Sar­dius. [Page 128] In Greek [...] quasi Sardius & Onyx. Hence this stone is also called in Latine Sardonyx, from Sar­dius & Onyx. The jewellers of these our dayes, saith Boetius, call both the Onyx and the Sardonyx, Nico­lus. It is also called Cameus. In English Sardonyx.

Of its kinds.

1. One kind of it Boetius saith hath black and white girdles, and is called the Onyx. 2. Another kind of it he saith hath one streak of one colour and an other of another colour, and this is called Came­huya, or Cameus, or Onyx, or Sardonyx. 3. An­other kind he saith there is that hath purple, white, rosie, and skie colour, compassing one another like girdles, with the resemblance of a rainbow, which he saith, for their delight to the eye are of great dignity and worth. 4. Other kinds he saith there are of an hony colour, which have drosse in them, and have not the girdle united, but diffluent, which he saith are ignoble and of small price.

The place.

These stones are found in Arabia, Germanie, and Silesia, and in the neighbouring countreys. Of these gemms the Orientall ones are the best of all others.

The Sardonyx is found in great bignesse, inso­much as cups may be made of it, which are of great esteem and worth.

Of its nature and properties.

It hath the same vertues with the Sardius and Cor­nelian, saith Boetius, Pliny, and Cardanus.

Of its dignity and value.

This stone likewise hath been of great esteem, as it was in former times of sacred use: nature here, as being much pleased with unity, hath united the beau­ty of two gemms in one, and by thus sporting it self with the consent of beauty, it hath reconciled the Law and Gospel; for the Onyx is one of those stones which was set in the enclosures of gold in the breast-plate of Judgement, and the Sardonyx is that pretious gemm by which the glory of the fift foun­dation of the wall of the New Jerusalem is disco­vered to us. Exod. 28.20. Revel. 21.20.

Demostratus saith that Scipio Africanus was the first that ever brought this gemm in use amongst the Romanes, and by this means it was famous not one­ly amongst them, but also by their perswasions, a­mongst the Indians.

The Sardonyx, with the beauty of a Sardius and an Onyx, without mixture of any other colour is of great esteem and worth.

The China vessels which are brought into these parts, are supposed to be made of this stone and the fatter part of the earth boyled together.

It is related of Mithridates king of Pontus,History. that he had 4000 vessels of this mettall.

Of its adulteration.

It is adulterated with Crystall and calx Argenti melted together in a furnace for a day.

Of its kinds.

Plinie reckoneth this stone amongst the kinds of Rubies, but these are of a blacker aspect: yet they are paler and more obscure then the Carbuncle. He saith there is a male and a female of it; and that the male hath its starres burning within it self: and that the female doth poure forth its sparkling rayes. But these for their glory, may better be referred to the Granats and Orientall Amethysts, then to the Chalce­donies.

There are Orientall Chalcedonies, and they are of a purple or sky-colour, mixt with white, and pleasing to the sight: or else they have a very pleasing red­nesse, and those that have such a rednesse, are the Chalcedonies of the Ancients; of this sort Anselmus Boetius saith he had many, Boet. l. 2. p. 121.

There are Chalcedonies of an earthy, obscure, white colour, and these are the worst of all other.

The truest and best of all other Chalcedonies, Boe­tius saith, are those in which sky-colour, white, yel­low, and red, do with a certain delightfull and plea­sing confusion appeare, which being held against the the Sunne, doth by the reflexion of its rayes, shew the colour of the rain-bow.

Of the place.

It is found in Germanie, in Belgia, about Lovain, and about Bruxels.

Its properties.

It is reported of it, that it driveth away evil spirits, that it is good against melancholy and sadnesse, that it procureth victory to him that is the possessour of it, and carrieth it about him. Andr. Bacc. in annot. su­per 6. c. de nat. gem.

Its dignitie and value.

It hath been of great esteem for its sacred use; it is one of those stones by which the glory of the third foundation of the wall of the New Jerusalem is dis­covered to us, Revel. 21.19.

The chiefest use of these is in seals; for it sealeth freely, without any devouring of the wax.

The best are of the same esteem and price with the Sardonyx.

Of its adulteration.

The want of price maketh these gemms seldome to be adulterated. That which hath the white di­stinctly from the black, is often adulterated, and sold for a Cameus.

The Onyx of Dioscorides is the Alabaster, and this truly is very like to a mans nayl.

Of its names.

In Hebrew it is called [...], even as is the Sardius and Sardonyx. In Greek [...], in Latine Onyx and O­nychium; in Italian Nicolo. In Germane Onykel; in English the Onyx.

Its kinds.

There is an Arabian Onyx which is black with white zones or circles, by reason of which many co­lours are caused in it. Then there is a Camehuia or Memphitis, with a black zone or circle under a white zone or circle.

The difference betwixt the Sardonyx, Chalcedony, and Onyx.The difference betwixt the Sardonyx, Chalcedonie, and Onyx is this: The Sardonyx hath the red colour of the Sardius or Corneolus, and the white colour of the Onyx. The Chalcedonie hath a red and black co­lour confusedly mixt together. The Onyx hath one­ly the perfect beauty of a mans nayl.

Boetius saith it is called an Onyx, when the black appeareth as it were under a white. The true Onyx, saith Boetius, is a gemme that hath many veins com­passed about with milkish zones or girdles, and meet­ing in a pleasing concord and consent.

Its properties.

Dioscorides speaketh strange things of the vertue of this stone, as that it doth excite passions, move melancholy, and stirre up strifes, if it be worn about the neck as an amulet, and that it doth hinder the fits of the Epilepsie.

Dignities and vertues.

This stone likewise, for its sacred use, hath been of great esteem; as Job. 28.16. It was much esteem­ed amongst the Jews, happily because it was com­manded of God to be set in the shoulders of the E­phod, with the names of the twelve Tribes engraven in it, as Exod. 28.20. It is sometimes of so great magnitude, that little pillars have been made of it. There are six little pillars of it in Basilica S. See Andr. Bac. in annot. Petri Ro­mae. At Colonia in the temple Trium Magorum, there is one broader then the palm of the hand. Plinie l. 37. c. 1. saith, that Polycrates had a very fair Onyx. Not onely the beauty of this stone, but the bignesse of it maketh it of very great price. Appianus testifi­eth, that Mithridates king of Pontus had two thou­sand cups of this gemme amongst his houshold stuff.

Of its adulteration.

It is adulterated with glasse mixt with divers co­lours: but this is easily known: for the Agate is so hard that it refuseth the file, and for its excellent smooth­nesse dust will not stick to it.

Its names, and places where it is found.

In Hebrew it is called [...], as Exod. 28.19. which by some Jews is interpeted the Topaz. It hath its names from the resemblances and forms which it hath in it: as Leuchachates, Dendrachates, Corallachates. The fairest of it is brought from India and Sicily; it is also found in Germany in the Landtgrave of Lich­tenbergs countrey, not farre from the town of Schind­thutten: and in Bohemia not farre from Argentine, a Leuchachates sprinkled with black specks of a pur­plish colour, very good and excellent is found.

Its nature and properties.

It is said to be good against poyson and contagi­ons. It is reported of the eagle, that it doth carry this gemme into her nest, to secure her young from the bitings of venomous creatures. So Andr. Bacc. and Dioscorides.

Its dignitie and value.

This stone hath been of esteem for its sacred use; [Page 135] it was one of those stones which were set in the en­closures of the breast-plate of Judgement, Exod. 28.19. Anselmus Boetius saith, that he saw one that was twice as broad as the palm of a mans hand, in which was artificially graven the image of Ju­lius Cesar and his wife, which was sold for 8000 crowns. It hath been used for the adorning of those crowns, which in former times were called precar [...] coronae.

Its foyl or tincture.

This gemm or stone of price, for its fulnesse of glory, and excellency of beauty, cannot admit of any foyl or tincture to commend its beauty with­all.

Of its adulteration.

It can hardly for its excellent glory be adulte­rated, but the adulteration will be discovered in the defect of beauty, if the adulterate gemm be com­pared with the true Jasper. Its species, all of them for the most part admitting of more or lesse tincture or colour, may for this cause admit of many adul­terations.See Andr. Bacc. in An­not. de Nat. Gem. It is ascribed by way of glory, to the king of Egypt; that the first adulteration of the Ja­sper by tincture was from him; but the glory of this praise if I be not mistaken, (vertitur sibi in vitium) doth even become his shame.

Its names.

In Hebrew [...] or [...] as Exodus 28.20. Rabbi Jonathan a Jewish interpreter, calleth the [...] or [...] that is, Lapis Pantherinus be­cause some of them are spotted with spots like a Pan­ther. In Greek [...]. In Latine Jaspis. In English Jasper. In Dutch ein Jasp. In French, Spanish, and Italian Jaspé.

The kinds of it.

There are divers kinds of this stone saith Diosco­rides, Andreas Baccius, Wurtzung, Pliny, and [Page 139] Martinus Rulandus. The true and best Jasper is that which hath in it such illustrious glory as that it may be said for the excellency of its beauty to re­semble the light of heaven.

The kinds of these stones according to Pliny are these. 1. A green translucent Jasper, in glory like to an Indian Emerauld. 2. A gray Jasper. 3. An aiery Jasper called aërizusa. 4. Caerulea. 5. Pur­purea. 6. Caerulea with a non-resplendent purple colour. 7. Indica. 8. Turbida. 9. A violet-coloured Jasper. 10. A Crystall Jasper.

To these Martinus Rulandus addeth another kind, namely, the Turchus, which gemm we do now call Turchoys, and the Dutch ein Turckes, and ein Orien­tischer Turckis.

Of the places.

The Jaspers are found in Persia, Cappadocia, India, Cyprus, in Phrygia, Thracia, Sardis, in Ger­many, and in the parts of America.

Of its nature and faculties.

Galen testifieth, that if a green Jasper be hung about the neck in the manner of an Amulet, so that in a direct line it may respond to the stomach, it will strengthen and confirm the naturall faculties of the stomach. It is reported of the crosse white Jaspers, that they do preserve men from the injuries of the water and from drowning: divers do very superstitiously attribute much power and vertue to them, if figures, images, and characters be engraven [Page 140] upon them. The effects which by this means are wrought in or for any, Andreas Baccius doth attri­bute to the devil, in his Annot. de nat. Gemm. It is reported of it that it doth cure Epilepsies, by No­nus an ancient Physician.

Of its dignities and value.

This gemm as many before mentioned is of much esteem, for that it hath been of sacred use, and for that by the glory of it, we have many heavenly things resembled to us in Scripture. This is one of those gemms which was to be last set in the fourth row of gemms, with one of the names of the twelve Tribes engraven in it, in the ouches of gold up­on the breast-plate of Judgement, Exodus 28.20. This is the first of those gemms by which in the New Testament the glory of the first foundation of the wall of the New Jerusalem is discovered to us; the structure and built of which wall is also there said to be of Jasper; and the light of the city of the New Jerusalem, is there likewise said to be like a stone most pretious, even like a Jasper. Rev. 21.10, 11. and 21.19. In the fourth chapter of this book, to discover the glory of him that sat upon the Throne, it is said that he was like a Jasper, Revel. 4.3.

The species of it, for their beauty are of very great esteem.Andr. Bacc. c. 8. de Nat. Gem. Baccius saith that the pleasure which may be seen in a Jasper, the beauty of which ariseth from the mixture of many excellent greens, reds, and whites, cannot be exprest: the excellent figures which some of them do make representation of are [Page 141] wonderfull: In some of them may be seen after the manner of the cleare clouds of the aire; and in some like mountains, rivers, fields, and divers living crea­tures, and sometimes like armed men trampling up­on serpents: which, saith Baccius, do assert and testi­fie their power and vertue against all enemies: hence in the book of the Revelations it is said, that the foundations and wall of the New Jerusalem are of Jasper, to signifie saith Baccius as S. Hierome inter­preteth it, that the power of the Jasper, and the greatnesse of divine wisdome and knowledge, doth overcome and beat down all the power of false do­ctrine.

The best Jasper, for its excellent beauty and great glory, is of very high esteem, and of great worth and value.

Its names.

In Greek [...], in Latine Heliotropus, in Eng­lish Heliotrope, and the Orientall Jasper.

The places.

It is found in India, in Ethiopia, in Africa, in Cy­prus, in Germany, in Bohemia; and that of so great a masse or bignesse, that oftentimes grave-stones to cover dead bodies are cut out of it; and yet (which is very strange) Anselmus Boetius saith, this stone is known to very few. Boet. p. 130.

Its nature and properties.

It is reported of it, that if it be put into water which is directly opposed to the beams of the Sun, it will make the water boyl, and cause it to be resol­ved into a cloud, which not long after is dissolved in­to dropps of rain. And that if it be put into fair wa­ter, opposed to the beams of the Sunne, it doth change its beams, and by the repercussion of the aire, seem to shadow the clearnesse of its rayes; and so to induce a sanguineous colour in the aire, as if the Sun by the interposition of the body of the Moon, did suffer an ecliptick darknesse. Martinus Rulandus and Baccius do say, that this power and facultie is pro­per onely to the Ethiopick Heliotropes. Hence this me­trick elegancie of Marbodaeus:

There is a report, which ariseth of the impudence of Magicians, that if this gemme be anointed with the juyce of a Marigold, it will cause him that carri­eth it to walk invisible. So saith Plinie.

[Page 143]This gemme is said to be endued with the same faculties with the Jasper; and to procure men riches, and good report amongst men; and to be good against venoms and fluxes of bloud. Plinie lib. 37. cap. 10.

Of its kinds.

Anselmus Boetius and others reckon both the He­liotrope, and also this stone amongst the Jaspers; be­twixt this and the Jasper he puts onely this difference, namely, that this is the harder, and cannot so exactly be polisht as that may be.

Boetius saith that he had a Lapis Nephriticus like unto Crystall, perspicuous, with a little white cloud, which grew to one of the green ones.

They are sometimes found growing to the Jasper and Prassius: but for the most part they are found like unto whetstones in the fields, in so great lumps as cups may be made with them. Boet. 131.

The places.

They are found in Spain, and New Spain.

Of its nature and properties.

The Nephritick stone is a stone of no gratefull [Page 144] aspect; & though Boetius doth here place it amongst the half-transparent gemms; yet other jewellers and expert Simplicists & Lapidists do not reckon it of any such esteem. It is called the Nephritick stone, from the power and facultie which it is (as Authours say) endued withall against the pains of the reins, and to expell the stone and gravell; and this it doth (as is re­ported) by being worn on the arm or wrist. This use the Indians make of it. What being thus worn it doth effect upon its subject, is by the power of an oc­cult qualitie. Wecker saith, that a Noble-man well known to him, had an excellent Nephritick stone which he wore at his arm, by the power of which he voided a very great quantitie of gravell, so great as that he feared lest he should suffer harm by so large an expulsion of it in so short a time; and for this cause to avoid the evil, he laid away his Nephritick stone, and was never troubled with his gravell after­wards. He likewise reporteth, that the Dutchesse of Bejar being three times in a very short space troubled with Nephritick pains, made her self a bracelet of this stone, and wore it continually; and from the time of her wearing of it, for the space of ten yeares and up­ward, she was not vext nor troubled with her pain. Weck. lib. 1. de lap. pretios. Idem dixit Nic. Monardus.

Of its names.

In Greek it is called [...], that is, Malva; in Latine, Molochites, and Malachites.

The places where it is found.

It is brought from Arabia. In a tower of a temple at the gate of Tangrae, there may be seen Molochites of a good large bignesse: It is found also in Cyprus, and in Germanie, chiefly about Misnia, and the Province of Tirol. Sometimes in the largenesse of the palm of a mans hand, and sometimes so big and large, as that little cups may be made of it.

Its vertues.

It prevaileth by a singular power against all perils, dangers, and infirmities that infants are subject to, and it secureth them from vain fears, and addeth strength unto them; so saith Plinie, l. 37. c. 8. and Solinus in Polyhistor. c. 36. and Baccius de nat. gem. c. 29. Crato saith that this stone hath an excellent facultie in the strengthening of the stomach. It is said to preserve children from perillous and hurtfull chance; and cureth them of their familiar disease, namely convulsions. Superstitious persons do en­grave upon it the figure of the Sunne, to preserve them from incantations, and wicked spirits, and ve­nomous creatures. Ansel. Boet. c. de Moloch.

[Page 146]It is said to cure the Cardialgia and the Colick, it may effect this by its purging faculty: for Boetius saith, that if it be taken in the weight of six grains, it doth purge like Antimony.

Of the imitation of the Turky, and the correction of its colour if it vanish.

The Venetians have a very pretty way by which they will neatly imitate this gemm, and that is with Venice glasse, prepared with a convenient skie-co­loured tincture.

If at any time there do appear any kind of va­nishing of colour in the Turky stone, it may be re­covered by rubbing it with oyl of Vitrioll.

Of its names.

In Greek [...]. It is in Latine called Turchus, Turchicus, Turchina, Turchesia, Turchoys; Pliny calleth it Boreas, which Martinus Rulandus maketh the sixth kind of Jasper, which he saith is ceruleous like unto a serene heaven, and is called Turcica in Latine, and in Dutch ein Orientischer Turckise. It is of the Greeks called Jaspis Aerizusa; Mesues calleth it Feruzegi. It hath its name Turcicus, either because of its excellent beauty, or because it is brought from the Turks, saith Baccius.

The kinds of it.

There are saith Baccius two kinds of it, an Orien­tall one, which is of tendency to a skie colour rather then to a green; and a Spanish one, of an obscure green colour, with an ingratefull aspect, and seldome without a chink or vein.

Rulandus maketh this stone, the sixth kind of Jasper of a skie colour, which Pliny reckoneth as the third kind of Jasper and calleth it aerizusa; but [Page 148] in Greek it is called [...], because it hath a clear re­presentation of the serene morning of an Autumnall heaven. Dioscorides even as Pliny, reckoneth aeri­zusa, as a third kind of Jasper.

The place.

History. The Orientall ones are brought from Persia and from the Indies into Turky, and into these parts; these are seldome bigger then a filberd and very rarely seen so big as a walnut. It is reported of the great Duke of Hetruria that he had one of this big­nesse, on which was engraven the image of C. Ju­lius Cesar, which he kept in his repository as a gemm of very high esteem.

Boetius saith that he never saw one of these gemms bigger then a filberd.

I was once master of one of the best Orientall ones of a very pleasing delightfull beauty, about the bignesse for breadth of the nail of a mans little fin­ger, and for thicknesse of the small kernell of a fil­berd, in which was engraven a Lion Rampant with the year of its engraving, and so excellently as that no whit of the beauty of the gemm was in the least kind empaired by it.

Some of the Orientall ones are said to keep their colour perpetually, and those are called Turkies of the old rock, and some of these gemms are said by degrees to loose their colour and to grow greenish, and these are called Turkies of the new rock.

There are also Occidentall ones, or Western Tur­choys which are more greenish then ordinary, or else whitish more then is meet, and these are found in Spain, Germany, Bohemia and Silesia.

The nature, faculties, and properties of the Turchoys stone.

Many strange things beyond faith are reported concerning the vertues of this stone, which nothing but excesse of faith can believe.

As that if it be worn in a ring of gold it will pre­serve men from falls, and from the bruises proceed­ing of them, by receiving that harm into it self which otherwise would fall upon the man: yet these ver­tues are said not to be in this gemm except the gemm be received of gift.

It is likewise said to take away all enmity and to reconcile man and wife.

Rueus saith that he saw a Turchoys which upon the death of its master lost all its beauty and con­tracted a cleft, which a certain man afterwards buy­ing at an under price returned again to its former glory and beauty, as if saith he, by a certain sense it had perceived it self to have found a new master. The same Authour saith of it, that it doth change, grow pale, and destitute of its native colour, if he that weareth it do at any time grow infirm or weak; and again upon the recovery of its master, that it doth recover its own lovely beauty which ariseth of the temperament of its own naturall heat, and be­cometh ceruleous like a serene heaven.

This stone is very delightfull to the eye and is thought much to strengthen the sight, because it doth not by its over brightnesse too much dissipate the visive faculty, nor by its overmuch obscurenesse too much concentrate the visive faculty.

[Page 150]Baccius in his Annotations saith that it is sweat as a gumm out of a black stone in Persia, which the Indians call Perose; the true Turchoys is known by the change of its colour; in the day time it is excel­lently ceruleous or skie coloured; at night time by candle light it is green.

See Andr. Bacc. in An­not. de Nat. Gem. cap. de lap. Turch.Another way of triall of it is this, The lower part is sometimes black, from whence issue small veins which do insinuate themselves into the superficies.

A third way which is very much commended for this purpose; dissolve calx in water, then anoint the superficies of the gemm with it, or put a little of this dissolved calx upon the superficies, and if upon this the calx receive a tincture, or colour from the gemm; this will shew that gemm to be a very excel­lent Turchoys.

Of its dignity and value.

The excellency of the colour of this stone doth set its price, and the breadth of it doth much enlarge the price.

It is of great esteem with Princes and much plea­sure they take in its beauty; and it being set in gold they wear it on their fingers.

The Mauritanians use this stone in physick and call it Peruzegi, or Perozaa. Mesues useth it in ele­ctuario de gemmis, as Garcias ab horto hath observed.

Those Turchoyses that are of the bignesse of a fil­berd, and have an excellent colour like unto a serene skie, and not at all obscured with any black veins, are sold for two hundred crowns a peice and more. The breadth of the body of this stone doth appoint [Page 151] the price. That which is of the exact colour of ver­degrease, or like unto a serene sky, without any black veins, is excellent. Anselm. Boet. pag. 137. c. 17.

Its names.

In Greek [...] In Latine Caeruleus lapis, and Cyaneus lapis; in Italian, Azuro ultra marino; the A­rabians call it Hager and Hazul. Of this stone is made the excellent azure that is more pretious then gold. It is also sometimes made of the Lapis Arme­nus. The Lapis Lazuli is a pretious gemme, which being polisht as other gemms, is wont to be set in gold rings, and worn on the finger.

Epiphanius doth reckon this gemme as a kind of Saphire, which Plinie calleth Sapphirus Cyaneus, or the male Saphire, and saith it is a ceruleous gemme, gloriously splendent, with many bright golden starry specks. Plinie lib. 37. c. 9.

Of the places where it is found.

It is found in Africa, Asia, and Germanie, in the [Page 152] gold mines; the Lapis Armenus is the mother of it. It is also found in Egypt, Cyprus, Scythia. It is often­times of so great bignesse, that spoons and hafts of knives are made of it. If this stone being put into the fire doth not change its colour, it is called Lapis La­zuli fixus, of which is made that pretious blue colour called azure.

Its nature, properties, faculties.

Dioscorides saith that this stone hath a repercussive faculty. Other Physicians have found by experience, that it hath in it a purgative facultie; and that it is good in all melancholy diseases, and the Lapis Arme­nus hath the same faculties.

Antonius Musa Brassavolus in lib. de med. purgant. saith, that the greatest dosis of it is a drachme, and that it doth purge excellently well without any tor­ment at all. He prescribeth it in pills after this man­ner. R. lapidis Lazuli praeparati ʒj, Camphorae, Anisi, Cinnamomi, Zinziberis, Mastiches ana gr. 6. Misce, & cum succo salviae vel diacatholico fiant Pilulae quin (que) Dosis est à ℈ij ad ʒj, aut in pilulis, aut in pulvere, aut in jure, aut in aqua Boraginis, aut in conserva Boraginis, aut in vino Cretico.

Its dignity and value.

A pound of the fragments of this stone is worth ten crowns, to make azure of; (Boet. 140.) and if it be very good, ten ounces of azure may be extracted out of it by three severall extractions: The first of which extractions will be five ℥ss in weight; every [Page 153] ounce of which azure will be worth twenty crowns: The second extraction which may amount in weight to a matter of three ounces will be worth five or six crowns an ounce: and the third extraction which may amount in weight to two ounces, may be worth in value a crown and a half, or one crown.

Of its names.

It is called Lapis Armenus in Latine, from the place whence it is brought, namely Armenia. In Italian Verdazure; in Arabick Hager armeni: in Germane Bergblau. in French Verdazure, that is, blue mixt with green. This Lapis Armenus being printed on a table, by age degenerateth into a green colour, which is contrary to the nature of a true azure; for that remaineth constant and permanent, without any alteration by continuance of time.

Its places.

There is an Orientall Lapis Armenus, and a Ger­mane Lapis Armenus: The Orientall one is said to be known from the Germane one, in that it looseth not its colour, but becometh more illustrious and [Page 154] glorious in the fire. This is meant of the Lapis La­zuli, and not of the Lapis Armenus. The Lapis Ar­menus is found in Ultabade, a famous city in the king­dome of Balaguar. It is brought from Venice and Germany into these parts.

Its nature, properties, and faculties.

This stone is esteemed good against all melancho­ly diseases. Unwasht, it purgeth by vomit without any difficultie; but it being washt, purgeth by stool: for this purpose, that it may lay down all irritation of the stomach to vomit, it must be washt fiftie times: Boetius. Trallianus lib. 1. c. de melancholia, saith that it doth not at all in its purging torment or trou­ble the partie that taketh it. The dose of the unwasht stone is from ℈iij to iiij. more or lesse according as the disease, or age, or strength of the person will bear. The dose of the washt stone is from ℈v to ℈vi. in warm water; for by this means it doth not a whit trouble or molest. Or it may be taken in form of pills after this manner:

R. hierae picrae ℥ss, Epithymi ℥ss, Agarici ℈iiii, Scammo­niae ℥i, Garyophyllorum ℈i, fiat pulvis tenuissimus, & cum melle rosato aut Cydoniato incorporentur, Dosis est à ℈ii ad ℈iiji: hae pilulae Catholicae sunt, sive Panchyma­gogae: for they purge all humours, but especially adust and melancholy humours.

Guanerius doth prescribe this stone in the form of a powder, in this manner:

R. Lap. Armeni quinquagies lotae ℈ij. Croci gr. 10. Macis ℈i. fiat pulvis, sumat in aquae Saccharatae quanti­tate sufficiente pro una dosi. Aetius lib. 2. c. 47. saith, [Page 155] that it is good to give five grains of this stone, to those that are troubled with melancholy, or to chil­dren in pectorall diseases, or to Phreniticks or Epi­lepticks. or,

R. Centaurei minoris M. iii. Coque in lb. iiss. aquae majoranae ad. lb. i. Decocto colato adde ℈i, Lapidis Armeni.

See Dioscorides, Cardanus, Garcias ab horto.

The colour of this is extracted as the Lapis Lazu­li, and is then called Azure.

Its names.

It is called Astroites, Asteria, and Astrites. In Dutch it is called ein Siegstein voller sternen; and ein pater noster, von folchen siegsteinen, and that because in old times they made use of this stone to number up Pater nosters by. In English it is called the Starre-stone.

Its kinds.

Of this stone Boetius maketh three kinds, which he representeth to the eye in their severall forms and figures. The one of which is round and hath no starres at all in it: The other is full of starres and round as the former. And the last is composed of divers starres united together in longitude which may easily be separated either with the hand or by the help of some instrument, and in their separation they shiver into the form of starres. And this last Anselmus Boetius calleth Asteria vera, or the true Starre-stone. as lib. 2. de Gemm. p. 151. C. de Astroite.

Martinus Rulandus doth also make three kinds of this stone.

[Page 157]The first a male one full of starres.

The second a female one, in which is many re­semblances of the worms which do destroy the herb Rocket and Colewort, which are commonly called Canker-worms and Palmer-worms: in this he saith there is no appearance at all of any of the starres of the masculine one.

The third kind he calleth globuli ex Astroite.

Of its nature and properties.

It is reported that four grains of this stone in some appropriate water, is excellent good against the plague, and to expell worms out of the body.

History. Cardanus reporteth wonders of the Stellaris lapis; which Andreas Baccius in his Annotations attri­buteth to the male Astroite. Cardanus saith that it being put into a vessel of vineger doth move it self and imitate the goings of creatures: this stone and the power and faculties thereof, was in times past saith Cardane very well known to Rabbi Aben Ez­ra. The progression or motion of this stone in a ves­sel of vineger or wine he attributeth to the vapour of the wine or vineger, which penetrating the stone, and finding not speedy issue out of it again, doth by impulsion move the stone too and again as being a light substance. Which wonder of motion as be­fore I said Andreas Baccius in his Annotations at­tributeth to the male Astroite, and the cause of this motion he rendereth from Agricola thus; the starres being rare and of a thin substance and the inter­medium grosse and thick; the meatus, passages, or porosities of the starres do imbibe or drink in the [Page 158] vineger or wine, and afterwards expell the vapour or air of the wine or vineger which in its expulsion doth move the stone, and thus dissolve the wonder and take away the cause of admiration.

Some attribute unto it a power of obtaining vi­ctory for him that weareth it against his enemies; hence the Dutch call it Siegstein. It swelleth and en­largeth it self in its growth, in the form and figure of an eye. It is said to be good against Apoplexies, and by the very touch of the body to hinder the ge­neration of worms.

Its dignitie and value.

These stones are sometimes found of very great bignesse, and sometimes no bigger then the breadth of a mans nail, but of excellent beauty, and esteemed worth two crowns a piece, these for their beauty are oft set in gold and worn on the finger.

Its names.

This stone is called Batrachites, and Brontia, and Ombria, and Garatronium, Lapis Borax, Lapis Bufonis, Lapis Rubetae. In French, un Crapaut & Crapaudine. In Germane ein Krattenstein. Some in Latine call it Crapontina. In English a Toadstone.

Of its kinds.

Baccius maketh two kinds of this stone: One of a whitish brown colour: Another of a black colour with a bluish eye.

This stone saith Boetius is sometimes found of the bignesse of an egg, and those that are so great, are sometimes brownish, sometimes reddish, sometimes yellowish, sometimes greenish.

Some are no bigger then the nail of the hand and these by Jewellers are taken for the true Toad-stones.

It is reported of it that it is good against poyson if it be worn so as it may touch the skin, and that if poyson be present it will sweate, and that if any in­flations procured by venemous creatures be touched with it, it will cure them. So saith Weckerus, Lem­nius, and Baccius.

Of its adulteration.

In imitation of Nature, Art doth oft excellently find out a way of resembling this stone. The man­ner of it is this; Take the shrub which groweth out of the old wild Pear-tree, which is scarce a foot high, and cover it over with a very hard emplastre made of Minium, Colophonia, and White-wax: this being perfectly dry, must be levigated or polisht by the fire, and it will be so exactly like unto the Corall, that it will hardly be discerned from it. Or take the fine powder of Corall, and the white of an egge, and mix them together, and with them Minium, and then presse them in forms.

Its names.

In Hebrew it is called [...] Ramoth, as Job 28. 18. In Greek [...] and [...], thus Metrodo­rus calleth it, of the fiction of its originall from the [Page 163] Gorgons head. It is called of Plinie l. 32. c. 2. and of some others besides him, Corallum, Caeralium, Ci­ralium, and Curalium, for that it is pluckt up with nets, or cut up with an iron instrument. It is also cal­led Dentrites of Plinie. It is also called in Latine Co­ralium, and Corallium, and Sandastrum. In Arabick Bassad, Besed, Bassath, Belisis. In German Coral. In Italian Corallo. In French du Coral.

Of its kinds.

Dioscorides, Plinie, Cardane, Rulandus, and Boe­tius reckon three kinds of Corall; red, white, and black; yet all these are of the same kind of greennesse while as yet they remain in the place of their growth, under the waters of the sea.

The best of these kinds is the red Corall, which imitateth the naturall Minium. Next this is the white Corall, and then the black. There is also Corall yel­lowish, & brownish, and greenish, and reddish, fal­ling much short of the beauty of the first Corall.

Of the places.

Some of these kinds of Corall are found in the West parts of England, about S. Michaels Mount. There is Coralline found growing to Oyster-shells, muscle-shels, and to stones in the sea, under a place called Reculvers and Marget in the Ile of Thanet, and in other places along the sands from thence to Dover.

Its nature and properties.

The Corall is cold and dry, and astringent. It is re­ported [Page 164] of it, that it will be of greater beauty if a man wear it, then if a woman; and that it will contract ungratefull spots, if the possessour of it be dange­rously sick. By the change of its colour it is said to foreshew ensuing diseases. If it be worn in the man­ner of an amulet, it is said to drive away fears, and to keep men from inchantments, from poysoning, from epilepsies, and from the insultings of devills, from thunder, from tempests, and from all manner of perills: for this cause idolaters were wont to dedi­cate this stone to Jupiter and to Phoebus. This stone hath been thought of power to hinder the delusions of the devil, and to secure men from Incubus and Suc­cubus. So Ansel. Boetius, & Dioscorides. Arnoldus de villa nova, adviseth to give to new-born children as soon as they are come into the world, before they have tasted any thing, ten grains of the powder of Corall in the mothers milk; by which means he saith they shall be preserved all the dayes of their life from the epilepsie. The same remedie Camillus Leonar­dus Medic. Pisauriensis, saith that he hath often experienced. There is a composition made of it, which is called Diaccrallium, which is said to be very effectuall against vomiting, and to cure all fluxes of the belly. The description is this:

Tabellae Corallatae.

A confection in Lozenges. R. Corallorum Rubeorum praeparatorum ʒii. Margari­tar. praeparatar: ʒi. boli armeni ʒss. ligni aloes ℈i. sacch. albissimi dissoluti in aqua rosarū & cinnamomi tenuioris quantum sufficit; fiat confectio in tabellis. Or this may be used in powder. and the alone powder of the Co­rall is given in the weight of half a drachme against [Page 165] all contagions, plagues, poysons, and maligne fevers, and to recreate the heart. The tinctura Corallorum, and the sal Corallorum are endued with the same pow­er and faculties: of which we may have an occasion to speak hereafter, according as our successe is in this present undertaking.

Its dignitie and value.

An ounce of Corall beads were wont to be sold for a crown; sometimes for more, sometimes for lesse. Anselmus Boetius saith, that he saw one of these shrubs adorned with many branches, which was esteemed worth an hundred crowns. These are of great esteem with Princes. If the Corall at any time fail in its beauty, it may again be restored by rubbing it with Nitre.

Of its adulteration.

I have thus spoken of the adulteration of gemms and stones of worth, immediately after the discovery of the true stones, least the distance of place, or other intermediate things should breed some confusion to [Page 167] my reader, and by this means take him off from the diligent consideration of the differences of true gemms and stones from their falsifyings and adul­terations. They being thus directly opposed toge­ther they will the more easily be discovered one from the other.

The adulterations of it are these.

Take Succinum melleum, and the white of an egg, and Saffron, and Gumme-dragon, these mix toge­ther with knats or flies, or chaff, or such like things and a little powder of the true Amber to give it an odoriferous smell, and then by the power of heat bring it into a hard substance like amber. So Car­danus lib. de Mistis.

Or take the fine powder of Crystall and the white of an egg and beat them together, adding a little water mixt with saffron, put this substance into a glasse and evaporate all the moisture till it come to a full consistence, and then form it, and by drying of it you will have your factitious Amber; and if you desire to have a diaphanous body strain it before you boyl it. So Mizaldus.

Or take liquid Mastick, strain it that it may be purged a little, and then adde of the root of Cur­cuma and so make a species of Amber. So Baptista Porta in Magia sua. c. 1. de Succino.

But the best, most profitable, and excellentest of all other artificiall wayes is this; dissolve as many small pieces of Amber as you will, and coagulate them again into a masse, and he that can do this may indeed be called verus Physicus. This, saith Boetius, may easily be done, but such knowledge as this is [Page 168] meet for none but the wise. Thus much may suffice to be demonstrated concerning the adulterations of this stone, that pious inquirers into nature may not be deceived. He that desireth to know more of this, let him reade the history of Andreas Libavius.

Of its names.

In Greek it is called [...], because it being rubbed and warmed, doth as it were entice and attract to its self small bodies, and little things, as chaff, and straws, and the like, after the same manner that the Load-stone doth attract the iron. In Latine Ambra, and Ampar, and Succinum Orientale, thus the Ro­manes call it saith Andreas Baccius, because it is concrete or congealed of a juyce, which floweth not from trees, but from the bowels of the earth. In Persian Carabe. In the language of Ham or E­gyptian language Sacal. In French de la' Ambre. In Germane Agtestien, and Augstein, and Achstein, and Borastien. Of the Scythians Sacrium Lyncuri­um, and Langurium.

Of its kinds.

Ansel. Boetius maketh foure kinds of this stone:

1. White, which is very seldome transparent, but rare and more pretious then any of the other kinds, breathing forth pleasing, sweet, fragrant, spicie, odo­riferous smells. This is endued with the vertues of Balsame.

2. A yellow Amber like unto gold, for the most part transparent, in which is usually found many motes, and little creatures, such as are flies.

[Page 169]3. An Amber adorned with various colours which is sometimes transparent, and sometimes opake or obscure.

4. A dark and spotted Amber with very many ignoble colours.

Martinus Rulandus doth also thus reckon four kinds of this stone.

1. Succina gravida, of which he saith there are se­ven kinds.

2. Succina liquida or Pellucida, of which he saith there are thirteen kinds.

3. Succina crassa, non Pellucida, of which he rec­koneth eleven kinds.

4. Succina mixta cum aliis succis, of which he sheweth ten kinds: but I omit these till I have an occasion for addition.

Of the places.

The Amber is found in Prussia, Dania, Suevia, Li­vonia, Finland, sometimes in the bignesse of the head of a man.

The white is seldome found but in small pieces.

Pliny writeth that a piece was brought to Rome of thirteen pound weight of the yellow Amber.

Of its nature and properties.

The white Amber is astringent and temperately hot, the yellow Amber hotter.

The white odoriferous Amber is esteemed the best for Physick use, and thought to be of great power and force against many diseases, as against the Ver­tigo and Asthmatick Paroxysmes, against Catharres, and [Page 170] Arthriticall pains, against diseases of the stomach, and to free it from stuffings and putrefactions, and against diseases of the heart, against plagues, venoms and contagions. The Florentine Physicians are wont to prescribe some few drops of its oyl to be taken in wine for the former purposes.

It is used either in powder, or in oyl, or in Troches either in the distempers of men; or of women, either married or unmarried, either with childe or without, or in the distempers of children.

Its dignity and value.

Princes were wont in former times to cause the Precariae Coronae to be made of the yellow Amber, which were little Crowns or Coronets of glory, gi­ven to those that did obtain masteries and set upon their heads in token of their victorious prizes. It hath been also used of women for Crowns; and it is now used in Neck-laces and Bracelets. It is oft made into small cups about the bignesse of a mans fist, which are valued at ten and sixteen crowns a piece.

If the Amber be found with great variety of shapes in it, it may be valued saith Boetius at the plea­sure of the possessour.

The Amber is used to make vernix withall.

The white Amber though it want the externall glory and transparency of the yellow Amber, yet is it best for physick use, as being endowed with a pleasing odoriferous smell, and carrying away the balsamick vertues and all the efficacy, power, and fa­culties from the rest.

Of its names.

It hath its name Gagate from the river Gagas in Ci­licia. Cardan saith, that of the vulgus it is called Ambra Nigra. In Dutch Schewarser Agstein: In French Agathe: In Spanish Elzavaie. It is of some called Succinum Nigrum.

Its kinds.

The best Gagate is that, which being put to the fire burneth like Bitumen. Of this Rulandus maketh these kinds; 1. The Thracius lapis, called in Dutch Schewars Agetstein. 2. Lithanthrax, which is a stone of an earthy colour, congealed of Naphtha or Bitumen. 3. The Stone-coal.

The places.

The Gagate is found in Britain, in Sicily and in France.

Its vertue.

It is reported of it, that the wearing of this stone [Page 172] doth secure men from nocturnall fears, from Incubus or Succubus, or the night-mare; and from evil spirits; and that it being drunk,Cardan. lib. 5. de mistis. will shew whether a maid have her virginitie or no. Ansel. Boet. c. de Gagate.

Of its dignitie and value.

This is a stone of small value, and hath been used, saith Boetius, as black patches to make women seem beautifull. Cardanus in lib. de mistis, saith that it hath been used to reckon up Pater nosters withall: for the Saints in former times were wont to wear beads and bracelets of it, to number up their prayers by, and thereby to keep the account of their devotions. Cardane saith, that pilgrims were wont to bring from Spain the images and consecrated pictures of Saints, made of the black Gagate or Stone-coal. Card. l. 5. de mistis.

Their names.

In Greek they are called [...]. There are light ones which are called bySee Martin. Ruland. Lex. Chyme Theophrastus [...], or Carbones leves. There are also Carbones graves, cal­led in Greek [...]: in Latine Lapidei Carbones: in Germane, ein Stein-kol: in English Coals.

Places.

This is found in the countrey of Liege, and in those places where the Gagate is found.

Its use.

The common use of coals is so well known to all, as that I shall not need to spend further time in the discourse of it. See Boet. c. de Lithanthr. & And. Libav.

The place.

It is found in the Alume-mines near Luneberg.

Its vertue and value.

Description of the stone. It is reported that the wearing of this stone will preserve men from poysons, and from witchcrafts; Plin. lib. 37. cap. 19. and that if poyson be present in the room where it is, it will sweat. Boet. It is a vile stone of very small worth.

Its names.

In Greek [...]: In Latine Alectorius: In Ger­mane, ein Cappaunstein: In English, the Cock-stone.

Its kinds.

The best (saith Plinie) is transparent like limpid water, or a Crystall. Boetius saith, that some of these stones are like to obscure Crystalls; and that there are others of a brownish colour; and that there are some found distinguisht with sanguine veins.

Its propertie and value.

It is reported of this stone, that it doth by a Sola­ry power which it hath in it, make him that weareth it victorious over his enemies. See Solinus cap. 4. and Dioscorid. l. 2. c. 43. It is said of Milo Croto­niates, who lived in the times of the ancient Tarqui­nius, that by the help of this stone he became invin­cible. As long as the Cock hath this stone in his stomach, it is reported that he never drinketh. Boe­tius saith, that the certain experience of the Neote­ricks hath found this stone good to allay the heat of the heart, and to quench thirst if it be held in the mouth. L. Lemnius and Albertus Magnus have written concerning the vertue of this stone.

It is reported of it, that if it be held in the mouth it procures victory: and that it hath a power of stir­ring up of love and lust; and of making constant and eloquent, and of securing from all manner of perills.

This stone is very rare and pretious, and may therefore be prized and valued at the pleasure of the possessour.

Of its adulteration.

This stone being a stone of value, it is to be feared, saith Andreas Baccius, least merchants for lucre sake should adulterate it; which adulterations he saith may thus be discovered: the naturall Bezoars are rude, une­quall, unpolished, as those stones that are found in the bladder of a man: these he saith will leave no tincture upon the palm of the hand, if they be there rubbed with a little moisture from the mouth; but the artificiall ones will leave a tincture if they be so rubbed. The adulterate ones or artificiall ones are also made in form like a kidney or a pigeons egg, and these are externally smooth and polished, and they being broken, their pieces are hard instar terrae coctae or gypsi, that is, like clay or earth dryed and hardened by the power of the heat of the fire.

Boetius saith that the artificiall or factitious Be­zoar doth usually contain in its cavity either chaff or herbs; and sometimes like small seeds.

A sure way to try a factitious one is this, give some few grains of it to a dog or such like creature that hath taken poyson, and if it be a true Bezoar, it will quickly discover its vertue in prevailing against the poyson; if otherwise, its want of vertue, power [Page 180] and prevalency will very easily discover it to be not of nature, but of art.

It is reported of the eyes of the Hyaena that they are of a stony substance; Pliny taketh the Bezoar-stones saith Martinus Rulandus for these, and there­fore calleth them gemmae Hyaeniae. Martinus Rulan­dus taketh the Bezoar for the congealed tears of a Deare: The Eastern Deare he saith in the Spring time are wont to search the Caverns for serpents, which when they find, they are wont to snuff them up into their nostrils and thus purge themselves of their annuall distempers; which so soon as they have snuffed up or eaten, strait-way they flie to the rivers or waters, and in them overwhelm themselves to the very head, so long, as till they perceive the power and force of the venome of the serpents which they have taken to be overcome: In this mean sea­son by the power and force of the venome, their eyes shed forth abundance of tears which are co­agulated and congealed about them; these coagu­lated dryed tears Martinus Rulandus calleth the Be­zoar, that soveraign medicine and antidote against all poysons.

Its names.

The Hebrews call it, [...] that is, Dominus veneni. The Caldeans call it by the same name. It is thus called by the Hebrews and Chaldeans from Bel Dominus, and zaar venenum: because it doth bear sway over poysons, and tame and master their malignity and unbridled violence. It is thought by some, to have its name from the Persian word Pazar, [Page 181] or Pazan, which signifieth a goat. The Arabians call it Hager Bezaar, that is, Lapis Bezaar, v. Serap. lib. agg. c. Hager-bezaar. In Latine Lapis Bezoar and Bezaar; and so also in English.

The kinds of it.

Boetius saith that there are 1. Bezoars that are black. 2. Bezoar-stones that are yellowish. 3. Be­zoar-stones that are brownish. 4. Bezoar-stones that are greenish. 5. Bezoar-stones that are blackish out of a green.

The greenish ones,The best Be­zoar-stones. and those that are black out of a green are the best of all others, these if they be held to the tongue or put into water, will so dissolve that there shall be nothing of sand remaining. These and the other are all hollow in the midst, and have a little sandy powder or dust w^ch they contain in their cavity, which powder will dissolve even as the stone.

The places.

This stone is found in the East-Indies, and also in the West-Indies. In the East-Indies in these parts, in Persia, India, China, Cathay; it is brought to Constanti­nople out of Persia, and by Calecuth to Portugal. It is found in Peru and other parts of America or the West-Indies.

Of its nature and properties.

Claudius Richardus in his epistle where he de­scribeth this stone ad Archiepiscopum Strigoniensem, (which epistle may be read in Andreae Baccii lib. de nat. gemmar.) maketh mention of one Dominus [Page 182] Scander a noble man who belonged to the Empe­rour, that being troubled with a very grievous dis­ease at the seventy fifth year of his age, was cured by the onely use of Bezoar taken in the quantitie of five grains in a spoonfull of wine. The same Authour saith, that D. D. Staphylus was cured of an acute fe­ver joyned with malignity, by the use of seven grains of this stone in a spoonfull of wine; half an houre after the taking of which, he took half the yolk of an egg; about an hour after the taking of which, he took a good draught of the whey of goats milk, as having eaten very little for fifteen dayes together; and there followed upon this, a purgation for six times, of much cholerick matter.

It is supposed that no other remedy is so forcible against poyson as is this.

The dose of it is usually four grains, more or lesse either in Carduus water, Baulm water, or Clove­gylo-flower water.

Anselmus Boetius saith that the powder contained in the cavity of the stone, is of more force then the stone it self.

It is used against palpitations of the heart, against melancholies, against quartan fevers, against epi­lepsies, against venoms, contagions, and all pesti­lentiall diseases, and against all chronick and diu­turn diseases.

Cardanus saith of the Bezoar, that it is lapis ab omnibus laudatus, & à nemine fermè cognitus, that is, much extolled in the mouthes of all men, but known to very few; which (saith he) Scribonius Largus though Cesars, or the Emperours Physician, writeth [Page 183] to be the tears of Deares found in Sicily, when as it is manifest that it is found in Pely a Countrey of the East-Indies. Of which saith Baccius, though the originall of it be not fully manifest to us, yet the ef­fects and admirable operations of it hath many times been confirmed to us by experience, and ought not therefore to be doubted of us:Andr. Bacc. c. 35. de Nat. Gem. yea rather saith he, in my judgement it is a very wholsome, blessed and friendly medicine to humane nature, discovering its wonderfull operations, by an unspeakable sympa­thy, and not because it is either hot or moist, or cold or dry, for it is insipid and void of all tast and savour. The greatest dose of it he saith, is the weight of ten grains of wheat in its ordinary dis­pensation; and doubts not but it may be taken with­out perill even of those that are in health, in the weight of one or two scruples.

The great Turk is wont to take it often every year though he be never so healthfull.History.

It is given to children against worms, and in ma­lignant fevers, saith Montanus and Amatus. It is said to be good in almost all diseases, especially in maligne, contagious diseases, and venomous.

Its dignitie and value.

It is of great esteem amongst Princes and great men, for the admirable vertues which are taken to be in it, in so much as one of the biggest of the best may be sold at the pleasure of the possessour. Of so great esteem it hath been, as that Almirama a great Prince of Arabia, being cured of a mortall disease by it, did afterwards give for one of the best [Page 184] of these stones, a great, magnifick, princely house of his which he had at Corduba, as is affirmed by Au­thours.

The small ones, saith Boetius, which are not of greater weight then a drachme, are sold in the lower Germanie for two ducats apiece.

Of its names.

In Greek it is called [...]. In Latine Aetites, and lapis Erodialis, vel Aquileius, & Enydros, which as [Page 185] the other kinds are pregnant either with gravell, or earth, or with a Crystall stone; so is this with water: insomuch as if it be put (saith Rulandus) into a warm place, it will sweat. Hence these verses,

that is,

It is also in Latine called Lapis praegnans, because of the matter which it doth contain in its cavity. In Ger­mane ein alderstein: in English the Aetite or Eagle-stone

Of its kinds.

Martinus Rulandus speaketh of six kinds of this stone. The first of which kinds he saith, Praegnans est lapide, insomuch as it being shaken, doth sound as if it had a stone in the wombe of it, that is, in the cavi­ty or midst of it, This kind of the Aetite is a round stone, and hollow as a nutgall.

2. The second kind is pregnant with earth, or a whitish clay; it is called Aegyptitis, and of Dioscori­des Geodes gemma.

3. The third kind is pregnant with water. Of this Plinie lib. 37. c. 11. and Solinus c. 40. say, that it is alwayes of an absolute rotundity, and of a smooth candour or whitenesse; but it being moved, there floweth too and fro a liquor, after the same manner as the liquor of an egge will move too and fro with­in it, if the egge be moved. Solinus saith of this Aetite called Enydros, that it doth so abundantly sweat, as that a man would think it did contain in it a spring­ing fountain of water.

[Page 186]4. The fourth kind is pregnant with gravell or little stones.

5. The fifth kind is pregnant with a Chelonitis.

6. The sixth kind is pregnant with a white flint: one of this kind Martinus Rulandus saith he found at Albis, which when he had opened, he found in the matrice, wombe, or cavity of it, a white flint, round and long, and very hard.

Plinie reckoneth foure kinds of Aetites. 1. A little soft Aetite, which containeth in its wombe or matrice a pleasant, white, clayie substance: This is supposed to be a female Aetite; and is easily broken. This is that stone which is called [...] Dioscoridis, or the Geode of Dioscorides: in Germane Erdtstein.

2. The second kind he saith is like unto the first, but bigger and easily broken; and this containeth in its cavity a pleasant sand, or little stones like flints, or the Conchylis, which are little fishes like muscles.

3. The third kind are called Taphiussius; this is white and round, and found in rivers, and contain­eth in its wombe or matrice that beautifull Crystall stone which is called Callimus.

4. The fourth kind is taken for a male kind, this is very hard, and like unto a nutgall: this containeth in its wombe or matrice a hard reddish stone. This stone hath been of great esteem with Dioscorides.

Andr. Baccius saith, that some of these stones are found of the bignesse of Peaches, others of Apri­cocks, others in the bignesse of Pomegranates, and others of Melons.

Of the places.

The first kind, saith Rulandus, are found in Sala. [Page 187] and Albis: and in a countrey whith the Germanes call Die Steuermarck. The second of this kind are found in Egypt, and in Dresden in Misnia, and in Sax­onie. The other kinds are found in Albis, and the for­mer places.

Plinies first kind is found in Africa. The second in Cyprus. The third in Taphiussa neare Leucas. The fourth in Arabia.

Of its properties and vertues.

This stone is said to be good to facilitate the par­tus, and to cause speedy deliverance, if so be that it be bound to the left thigh of the woman in travail; and this it doth by an attractive facultie, very powerfully and with so much force, as that if it be not removed upon the deliverance of the child, or birth, it will endanger the descensus uteri. Franciscus Valeriola a French Physician, very erudite and learned,History. maketh mention of a strange accident that happened at Va­lentia, to the wife of Ponsonus Jobertus a citizen of that citie: The time of her labour being come, to facilitate her bringing forth, there was tied to her thigh a great Aetite stone, which through the forget­fulnesse and imprudence of those that tied the stone to her thigh, was left tied in the foresaid place, after the woman had brought forth her child; which re­maining so some few houres,Andr. Bacc. 38. de N Gem. caused a lapsus or descen­sus uteri; and through this in conclusion the death of the sick partie.

It is likewise reported of this stone, that if it be bound to the left arm gravidae mulieris, of a woman with child, that it will hinder abortion and all miscar­riage [Page 188] of her birth, and the lapsus or descensus uteri.

It is taken to be of a dry facultie, and endued with astringency. If it be worn upon the stomach, or be­twixt the breasts, it is said of it, that it will strengthen a woman for the retaining of the birth, and delay the bringing forth. Some are of opinion that it hath a power of procuring love, of encreasing riches, and of making men victorious. Dioscorides saith that this stone hath a power of detecting thefts, if it be given to the party suspected to be eaten in bread. Hence arose this Proverb, Aetiticus panis huic porri­gendus, or, Give him some of the Aetitick bread to eat.

History. Petr. Bellonius observ. l. 20. c. 23. saith, that the Greek Monks called Calcieri, were wont superstiti­ously and wretchedly so to vse this stone. The man­ner of it was this; They called together the suspect­ed persons, and gave them some of the bread knead with the powder of this stone without any leaven at all in it, in such a proportion or quantitie as that they might well swallow, of which they gave thrice to e­very person, and in the mean time they did murmure ever many words, which charm by the power of the devil, their grand agent, was wont to work so effe­ctually the third time, as that the bread would stick in the throat of the suspected person, and choak him: a remedie a thousand times worse then the disease. The necessitated person stealeth to supply his neces­sities; and theft wicked wretches, to discover his theft, engage with, and take counsell of the devill to destroy him body and soul. They say that this stone driveth away serpents, but here I am sure it fell into the hands of serpents, even of a generation of [Page 189] vipers, who made use of it to work the work of the old serpent, in the destruction of body and soul of man.

The Eagles being mindfull of the security of their young, are wont in the building of their nests ever to make up their structures with these stones; by this means hoping to secure their young from the an­noiances of serpents. So saith Philostratus lib. 2. c. 55. de vita Apollonii.

Its names.

In Greek [...]. In Latine Haematites. In A­rabick Sedeneg. In Germane Blutstein. In English the Bloud-stone.

Of the kinds of it.

The Hematite is of kin to the Load-stone; and so of kin, as that Pliny l. 36. c. 16. calleth Haematitem, Magnetem, that is, an Hematite a Load-stone.

Of the Hematites, Rulandus maketh six kinds.

1. Haematites fossilis, of a full red colour, which is very much commended of Dioscorides. l. 5. c. 90.

[Page 190]2. Haematites niger yielding a juice like saffron, this is much harder then the former, of this Rulan­dus saith,Gemma, seu lapis Medus. that without doubt, it is the gemma or la­pis Medus niger Alberti, which being broken yield­eth a juice like in colour to saffron.

3. Haematites fossilis purpureus or the purple He­matite, which is found in mines.

4. Haematites fossilis pulcherrimus or the fair He­matite, this is used of Gold-smiths for the polishing of gemms: this likewise saith Rulandus is black, and as it were turbinated.

5. Fossilis niger trichurus, so called of Pliny l. 37. c. 10. because it being rubbed upon a whetstone doth yield three colours.

6. Haematites pulcherrimus or the fair Hematite, which resembleth in form a discovered brain, which form, saith Rulandus l. de Lap. I cannot sufficiently admire.

Pliny l. 36. c. 20. and c. 16. speaketh of these kinds of Haematites.

2. Aethiopicus Haematites which is profitable to the eyes; this is reckoned of the number of those that are called Pancrestoi, that is, of the number of those stones, or medicines which are said to be good a­gainst all diseases.

2. Androdamanta, or Atrodamanta Haematites, which is of a notable hardnesse and weight, of a black colour drawing iron like a Load-stone, and be­ing rubbed upon a whet-stone it doth yield a juice red like bloud; to this responds the Trichurus of Rulandus.

3. Arabicus, rendring very little moisture upon [Page 191] the whet-stone, & that of a saffronish colour. To this respondeth Rulandus his second kind of Hematite.

4. Hematites Elatites, so called, whilst it doth re­mainPliny l. 1. c. 16. Elatites cùm crudus est. Coctus autem dicitur Miles crude; but coctus, dicitur alio nomine, viz. miles; this is said to be good against ambusta or burnings, and it is much more profitable then the rubrica or okre, for all those evils against which the okre is used.

5. Schistos which rendereth a black juice on the whet-stone.

Of the manner of calcining these stones, and of the adulterating of them, and of their use Pliny writeth, and so likewise Dioscorides. L.C.

Of the places.

The Hematites are found in Egypt, Gossaria, Me­dia, Phasis, Hassia, Geurus, Anneberge, Salfeldia, A­frica; in Cheruscis, Northusia, Hasgeroda, Aethiopia, Arabia; in Judetis montibus, in Salburgia, in Iena, Lybia, and Hispania.

Boetius saith of the Hematites that they are some­times of the colour of Minium, sometimes black, sometimes yellow, sometimes of the colour of iron, and sometimes they are found to have many bright streaks like Antimonie. p. 191. It is, saith Boetius, usually found about the Okre or Iron-mines; and of some the Load-stone is taken for an Hematite.

Of its nature and properties.

It is supposed to be of a cold and dry quality.

Trallianus saith that the powder of the Hematite [Page 192] given from a ℈. to iiij ℈. is of great power and force to cure a Phthisis or ulcer of the lungs, or the [...], that is, a spitting of bloud.

Its names.

In Greek [...]. In Latine Smyris: est lapis quo gemmas annularii exterunt: Dioscor. lib. 5. c. 116. In Dutch Schmergel. In Italian Smeriglio. In French Emeri. In English Emeri.

Its use.

It is used ordinarily to cut glasse withall, and to burnish jewels, and arms withall.

Its names.

It is called Samius lapis, or Samia terra from the land from whence it is brought. It is also of some called Collyrion.

Its kinds.

Dioscorides writeth of two kinds of this earth.

1. White and not weighty described as before, called by some Collyrion.

2. Crustacea or of a crusty substance thick after the manner of whet-stones. These being calcined and washed like the Eretriades, are thought to be of the same vertues, power, and force.

Its vertues.

Lapis Samius is of an astringent faculty, and cold; therefore it is esteemed good against all fluxes, and inflammations of the Testes and breasts; and against poysons and stingings of serpents; it cureth those that have taken Cantharides, saith Nicander in his Alexipharmica; it is used by gold-smiths to polish gold withall, and to make it look clear and fair. Di­oscor. L. C. Plin. l. 36. c. 21.

Of its names.

In Greek [...] & [...]; that is as much as to say the splendour of the Moon, or a beam of the Moon; Bacc. Annotat. upon c. 23. l. de nat. gemm. In the same place also for its milkish colour which he saith is endued with pellucidnesse, it is called [...] that is, spuma Lunae. The Romanes call it Lunaris. Some take it for a kind of Marble; others for a kind of the Specularis lapis. It may be, the earth Selunisia which is of a bright whitenesse may be the same with this.

Dioscorides saith it is found in Arabia; and that it is endued with very great vertues; as of making trees fruitfull, and of curing epilepsies: he saith that in the night it will illustrate the place that is next to it: yet not by any transmission of light, but by the collection of light into its self.

Its adulteration.

There is no fear of the adulterating of this stone, if naturally it be endued with such power, vertue, and attractive faculties as Authours relate and write of it; for though it is not altogether impossible to make by art a Loadstone in colour, form, and substance; yet is it altogether impossible for any man, to adde such power, vertue, and attraction to it, as naturally the true Loadstone is said to be endued withall. Though I confesse an Impostour may delude an unwary buyer of this stone, by an acquired attractive faculty, scili­cet mediante daemonis pro tempore potestate.

Its names.

In Greek [...] and [...]. In Latine Ga­len, Nicander, and Plinie call it Magnes, which name by the two last named Authours is attributed to it, from him who was the first finder of its attractive power; namely, Magnes a shepherd of India, who was wont to keep his flocks about those mountains in India, where there were abundance of these stones. Herculeus lapis it is also called from its predominant power, by which it is said to draw iron to it self, which tameth all things. Heracleus lapis it is also cal­led from a citie of Lydia called Heraclea by some and by others Magnesia, where the best of these stones are said to be found: hence this stone as some think [Page 197] had its name of Magnes; and hence these verses of Lucretius;

Callimachus calleth it Heracleotis. Plinie Siderites. In Germane, Magneth. In Saxon ein Segelstein; and in Italian Calamita Piodra. It is from its use called Lapis Nauticus. In English the Load-stone.

The kinds of it.

Albertus Magnus l. 2. Metal. tract. 3. c. 6. saith, that in that age in which Aristotle lived, there were two kinds of Load-stones known: one kind which did direct or draw iron to the North, another kind which did direct or draw iron to the South. Plinie L. C. Plin. lib. 36. cap. 16. speaketh of five kinds of this stone: 1. Magnes Ae­thiopicus, which hath power not onely of drawing iron to it self, but also of an other Load-stone: hence these verses of Silius:

2. The second kind is called Magnesiacus, it is in colour of a yellowish red and black.

3. The third is called Echius, and it is more of a yellowish red then black.

4. The fourth kind is a feminine Load-stone, it is black, and of no use.

5. The fifth kind is a white one of very little mo­ment.

Cardanus l. de lap. maketh three kinds of this stone. 1. Ferrugineus, which is so called as being of [Page 198] an iron colour. 2. Candidus. 3. Candidus distinguisht with light ferrugineous veins.

The places.

It is found in Aethiopia, Macedonia, Boeotia, Alexan­dria, Troas. In Heraclea Lydiae, in Germany, in Mis­nia; in Italie in the mountains of Viterbium; in many iron mines, and the places neare adjoyning.

Its nature and faculties.

The wisdome of man which hath much searcht and enquired into the nature of this stone, hath at­tributed its attractive power to the planets, and to the influences of the starres; and saith that it doth receive its vertue from Luna and Venus, which are both found shining in Cauda Ursae minoris, in gradu 29. Virginis; Vide Andr. Bacc. cap. 2. de nat. Gemm.

The cause of the attractive facultie of this stone, is, as Authours say, that it may provide it self with a pabulum or fit nourishment of its substance;Card. lib. 7. de lap. for this cause saith Cardane, it doth draw iron to it self: for stones live, and have need of nourishment for their augmentation and conservation. The cause of such mutuall embraces, Boetius also doth attribute to their likenes of nature, by reason of which they are pleased to be assimilated into one substance and likenesse: therefore doth Boetius say of the Loadstone, that it doth draw the iron as sibi simile, or for its conservatiō or nourishment: for if you cover over the Load-stone with filings of iron, the Load-stone will grow more lively, as receiving a nourishment from such filings; and the residue of the filings will be changed into [Page 199] rust. Martinus Rulandus saith, that as by a naturall power and force, it doth draw iron and liquor of glasse, and concord with these; so likewise by an an­tipathy and discord it doth mainly disagree with oni­ons and garlick, and with a Diamond; insomuch as if these be but within the touch of a Load-stone, or neare the Load-stone, they will hinder all its attractive pow­er, and rob it of all its vertue of drawing iron. Re­nodeus (l. de mat. Medic.) asserteth the same. Alber­tus Magnus saith there is a Load-stone to be found, which with one point draweth iron, and with ano­ther point doth drive it away. History. The same Albertus saith, That the Emperour Frederick had a Load-stone, which did not draw iron, but was drawn of iron, even as a common Load-stone doth draw iron. Sera­pion saith (l. aggreg. c. Hagger. Abnantes, sive Alma­gritos) esse mineram, or that there is a minerall of this kind in the maritime parts that lie neare India, of so great a quantitie, as that they are forc'd to use, by rea­son of it, no other nails in the building of their ships but wooden nayls.

It is wonderfull to see how the Needle of a Com­passe, being toucht with a Load-stone, doth cause the maritime Card to point North and South: And it is not more wonderfull to behold this, then it is difficult to raise a satisfactorie reason from the nature of the thing concerning it.

Observation. Merchants and Mariners in their passages under the line, have observed, that on this side the line the Card doth alwayes point out the North; but when they are once past the Equinoctiall line, and are come nearer to the Antarctick pole, they say it forsaketh [Page 200] the North, and pointeth out onely the South: Reason. and that for this reason, because (say they) it doth not then so much shew the Plagae or climates, as the Pole, and alwayes that Pole which is nearest to it. The cause of this strange variation of the Sea-card in the passage under the line, is supposed to arise from a Magnetick mountain, which in whatsoever place it is, it is observed by the Sea-card. (See Boet. cap. de Magnet.) Upon these grounds and reasons, it is to be supposed that there is another Magnetick moun­tain towards the Antarctick Pole, directly opposite to that which is towards the Arctick Pole, which doth convey its attractive vertue at so great a distance, to such or such a ship on the otherThat is in re­spect of us that live in these Northern cli­mates. side the line, to the wonderfull affecting of its Needle, and strange vari­ation and alteration of its Card; insomuch as now it pointeth full South, whereas before it pointed full North. And that the vertue of this Magnetick mountain, should at so great a distance be transferred from it self, in the utmost extremities of the Antar­ctick Pole, to the Needle of the Card of that ship, which is now very neare the Equinoctiall line, is more wonderfull then the sudden variation of the Card.

Its vertue and use.

The Load-stone calcined is said to be of like nature with the Hematite. Galen and Dioscorides say it hath the same vertues. It is said of this stone, that it is good against the head-ach, convulsions, and poysons: and that it causeth easie delivery, and pro­cureth love betwixt man and wife, and preserveth [Page 201] peace and concord amongst friends, and that it driveth away fears and increaseth wisdome.

Cardanus l. 7. de lap. saith, that Aristotle that great inquirer into nature, was altogether unknowing of the maritime use of this stone, and of that use which is made of the sea-card by vertue of this stone; and that Galen and Alexander Aphrodisius, two great inquirers into the secrets of nature, have not so much as once made mention of the wonderfull nature of this stone. The maritime use of it was al­so unkown to the Romanes, and that was the reason saith Cardane, that they suffered so many ship­wracks. It is reported of Mahomet,History. that the iron tombe in which he was embalmed was by the at­tractive vertue of a great Load-stone drawn up from the earth, and continued in that wonderfull posture for many years together. See Herberts Travels.

Of its kinds.

Of these stones there are some externally of a white colour, some of a duskish colour, and some pellucid like Amber in colour.

If you take some of them and put them into the fire, they will smell like burned bones or horns, and sometimes like Cats pisse: the white ones which are found in Heildshem with a black hard stone in them, smell like Amber.

Cardanus calleth this stone Belemnites, and saith it is found in form like an arrow, and hath in the whole length of it a fissure or cavity, which con­taineth in it a stone joyned with a golden armature to the stone containing it;See Card. l. 7. de subtil. and that this stone is not; as some think, the Lyncurius.

The place.

It is found in Borussia, and in Pomerania, in many places of Germany and England: It is found in mount Ida, and from thence it hath its name of Dactylus Ideus: It is found in very great plenty about Wittenberg.

Its vertues.

It is reported of it that if its powder be drunk in some convenient liquour, it will prohibit lustfull dreams, and witchcrafts.

The Saxon and Spanish Physicians take it to be [Page 203] of the same nature with the lapis Judaicus, and therefore they use it to break the stone withall.

In officinis this stone is commonly taken for lapis Lyncurius. See Matthiolus.

Of its names.

It hath its name Ceraunia from the Greek word [...], which signifieth fulmen or lightning, and this name it hath because it is supposed to fall from heaven with the lightening. In Germane it is called Straalhamer, Donerstein, Schlegel, Donnerkeil, Stral­pfeil, Stral stein, and Gros-krottenstein. In Italian Sa­getta.

Its kinds.

These stones are smooth stones, they are some­times found round and sometimes long: sometimes in the forms of a wedge, dish, mallet, or plow-share, or of an ax, and in divers other forms. Of these, [Page 204] Some are white and pellucid. Some brown. Some black. Some reddish.

It is reported of this stone that it doth secure those that wear it, and their houses from lightning; and procures rest & sleep; and that it maketh men preva­lent over their enemies, and conquerours in warres. See Boetius C. de Ceraunia.

Its names.

The Chelonitis is by Pliny described to be a pre­tious stone in colour like to a Tortoise shell: the lapis Bufonius and some of these stones are of that colour. This stone is called Brontia from the Greek word [...], that is, Tonitrus in Latine, and in En­glish Thunder; and thus it is called because it is sup­posed sometimes to fall with the thunder. It is cal­led Ombria from the Greek word [...] Pluo, or [...] Imber; because as it is supposed sometimes to fall with thunder, so likewise sometimes with a shower of rain.

Its kinds.

These stones are diversly distinguished according to their colours. Some of them are found to be of a yellowish colour. Some of them of a greenish co­lour. And some of them of a brownish colour.

Anselmus Boetius saith, that he thinketh that the stone which is called Ovum anguinum, differeth on­ly in externall form from Brontia. The lapis Bufo­nius or Garatromo is called by these names of Bron­tia and Ombria; as will appear by that which An­selmus Boetius speaketh in the Chapt. of the Gara­tromo: whom I have in this particular observed, as you may see, by having recourse to the thirty sixt chapter of this our Lapidary.

Of the vertues of the Chelonitis, Brontia and Ombria.

They are said to be of like faculties with the Ovum Anguinum, and with the Lapis Bufonius or Gara­tromo.

It is reported of these stones that they are endued with a power and vertue of procuring victory and conquest to him that weareth them: other vertues they are said to be endued with, which are the same with those of the Ovum Anguinum and Garatromo.

Of its adulteration.

It is no impossible thing, nay, a very easie thing to adulterate this stone, and every species thereof with a fit matter, brought together after the manner of that wherewith those China cups and pots are made, which out of the Eastern parts are brought hither to us.

Its Names.

The most noble kinds of Marble Cardanus l. de lapid. doth reckon to be these: Phengiticum, Pari­um, [Page 207] Zeblicum, Porphyrites, Ophites. In Hebrew the Marble is called [...] Shaish; as 1. Chron. 29.2. By contraction the Hebrews call it [...], as Esther 1.6. [...] hoc est, ad orbes vel an­nulos argenteos, & columnas Marmoreas. The Mar­bles by a generall name are called in Greek [...], that is, from their excellent beautie and splendour. In Latine, from the Greek, for the same cause, it is called Marmor. In Dutch Marmel­stein. Almost in all languages it doth retain the same name. In English with a little variation it is called Marble.

Its kinds.

Of this stone there are divers kinds. Some white, some black, some green, some yellow, some brown, and of an ashie colour, and some of divers colours, and some very beautifully red. Of all the other kinds, the Lapis Parius which is the white Marble, and the lapis Porphyrites which is the red Marble, are the most excellent, beautifull, and lovely.

Every one of these kinds of Marble does admit of diverse species, severally denominated, some from their colour, and some from the place of their ori­ginall; as afterwards when I do come to speak of Marbles in particular, in the order of their severall originall species, I shall have occasion to shew.

There are multiplicitie of species of these stones, and all of them for the most part of very exquisite hardnesse, and fit for polishing. And the greatest part of the kinds are also endued with much beauty, and being fit for pollishing they are made of very great ornament.

[Page 208]There is a kind also of this stone which is called Marmor sectile, Cardan. lib. lap. which saith Cardane is indeed a stone like in nature to the Marble, quippe quòd sectilis sit; but it is of an ashy colour, and of an incredible softnesse, so that for any use, it may like wood be easily parted in sunder with a saw: Some by reason of its obscure colour, referre this to the kinds of flints, but not ve­ry advisedly, because it is proper to the flints to be full of scales, like those kinds of Marbles which are called marmora granulata: neither are the flints at any time found perfectly smooth, no more then are those marmora called granulata or squamosa, nor have they any glory or beauty of the marble, nor are they so fit to be cut as that, by reason of their rough­nesse, ruggednesse, scalinesse, and unevennesse.

Cardan. de lap. l. 7. pag. 378.These stones which Cardan calleth marmora secti­lia, are improperly called Marmora or Marbles; nor can they well and truly be called Silices or flints: for if we compare them to the Marble, we shall find that they do want all the glory and beautie which is in any of the species or kinds of the Marble, which their glory and beauty doth crown them with the name of marmor: for à splendendo & rutilando the Greeks call the Marbles by the name of [...], and the Latines by the name of Marmor, none of which resplenden­cy or refulgencie is found at any time (witnesse Car­dane) in this marmor sectile: therefore upon these grounds it is that we say and affirm, that this Marmor called sectile, is not a Marble.

Again, if we do compare this stone called Mar­mor sectile, with the flint, it wanteth those squamae which are found in the flints; for the flints are sel­dome [Page 209] found without scales, but the Marmor sectile hath no scales. And for this cause, saith Cardane, loco citato & allegato, the Marmor sectile is no flint. Abundance of this kind of marble is to be found in Italy about Venice.

Of the places in generall.

The marbles of the best sort are found in the Eastern countreys, and in many parts of Asia, as will appear in our speach or discourse of these stones in particu­lar: And not lesse excellent for glory, and beauty, hardnesse, and ornament, are those which are found in the countreys of Europe, as will afterwards like­wise appeare in the sequel. And these parts of the world are not alone possest of these treasuries, but we shall likewise find them by diligent search in ma­ny parts of Africa and America.

Of the use of Marbles in generall.

The generall use of the marbles is very well known to most Stone-cutters, or Statuaries; who are wont to fit them for ornament in building, and for the beautifying of great and magnifick structures. To these purposes, and for these uses we may see them employed in the palaces of Kings, in the houses of Princes, and in those Temples which the Heathen have reared and beautified with these ornaments, and then consecrated to the service of their gods. And in many of our Temples amongst Christians at this day, we see these stones are used in the structures to adorn and beautifie those places withall, which they [Page 210] have consecrated to the worship of God. The ge­nerall use of these stones may also be observed in ce­meteries and mortuaries, where the urns of great men have usually their dust and ashes covered with a marble, as a monument and ornament in some kind, gloriously to perpetuate and eternize their memori­als, and the remembrance of them upon earth.

Rabbi Salomon writeth, that the use of marble in the Temple, was much in pillars of the Temple, and for the measures of the Temple, and for the pave­ments of the Temple.

Of its adulteration.

Artists have a way as of adulterating other beau­tifull, fair, and noble stones, so also of this, and this they may do with the matter, of which the China dishes are made, and with Alabaster, and with such [Page 211] like matter as may well and firmly be compacted, and wrought up by equability of substance and po­liture of parts to the fairnesse, beauty, and glory of a white Marble.

The China vessels of which before in the chapter of the Sardonyx mention hath been made, are brought up to that beauty which we see them in, by the artificiall working of the fatter part and purest of the earth with some portion of the powder of the gemm called a Sardonyx; and to such like beau­ty and solidnesse by art may the fatter part of the earth mixt with certain proportions of Alabaster be brought, even to an emulation of the fairest beauty of the excellentest and most noble white Marble; and I see no reason but that if this matter be handled by skilfull Artists, it may be made as fit for the framing of beautifull vessels, as that other, out of which the China vessels are made; of which vessels in fairnesse and beauty emulating the Onyx and Sar­donyx; of which vessels, I say, for their pleasing beauty, Mithridates king of Pontus had four thou­sand amongst his other houshold utensils.

Its names.

In Greek [...]. In Latine Parius. This name as some think, it hath from the Island Parus; and hence in Epigrammate this of the Poet, ‘Pario Marmore structus, &c.’ Others are of opinion that this white Marble is cal­led Parius by the name of him who was sometimes an Engraver of this stone, namely Agoracritus Pa­rius; this Agoracritus Parius is that excellent antient [Page 212] Engraver that first made the image of Venus of this stone. The Germanes call this stone Wassermarmel­stein. It doth appear by Varro that this stone in old time was called Lychnitis, as being in those dayes much used for lamps. In English the white Marble.

The kinds of it.

Rulandus maketh mention of ten kinds of this Marble. 1. Marmor candidum Lunense, which he saith is the whitest and best of all the white Marbles, and called by the Dutch ein weiss Marmorstein. 2. Candidum Cartariense. 3. A Patavian or Paduan white Marble, called Marmor Patavium serratile, be­cause it is a stone that is made fit for use by sawing. 4. Italicum Marmor, or an Italian Marble, sprinkled amidst its white with many brown and ashie co­loured veins. 5. Marmor candidum Ratisbonense, or the white Marble of Ratisbone, of this at Ratisbone they are wont to make tabulae mensarum or trenchers withall. Of one of these Marbles the Altar at An­nenberg is made; the whole Altar consisteth of but one only solid Marble of this kind; then this Mar­ble there is not a fairer in all Italy. 6. The sixth kind of white Marble is called Marmor candidissimum Carolinum, because it is found in the Caroline baths. 7. The seventh kind of white Marble is called Mar­mor candidum Hildeshemium, from Heildeshem the place where it is found. This is like in whitenesse to ivory. 8. The eighth kind of white Marble is cal­led Marmor candidum Arabicum; this likewise is as the other found of whitenesse like to ivory. 9. The ninth kind is found amongst mettals at Annenberg, [Page 213] and is therefore called Marmor candidum Annenber­gicum metallicum. 10. The tenth kind of white Marble is called Hildeshemium cinereum in candido; this is of an ashie colour in a white, and in smell it is much like the odour of the burning of horn.

Anselmus Boetius maketh but two kinds of the white Marble. Namely, 1. The lapis Parius, which is the true white Marble and most beautifull with an exquisite hardnesse. 2. And the Alaba­strites or Alabastrum or the common Alabaster, which is of no lesse beauty then the true white Marble, yea if this be well polished it is comparable to the Onyx for beauty, and carrieth with it a very lovely coun­tenance and pleasing aspect: the difference betwixt this and the best white Marble is only this, that the best white Marble hath an exquisita durities joyned with its beauty, and the Alabaster is for the most part found somewhat softer and lesse concocted; yet doth not the Alabaster continue in this softnesse, but by tract of time, and length of dayes, it groweth harder and harder till it doth attain to the perfection of the best and fairest white Marble.

The places.

The white Marbles are found in the Island called Parus. There are of the best of these saith Boetius, found in Italy and Cappadocia, but seldome in the lump bigger then a man. These Marbles are also found in Hetruria; In Padua; In Ratisbone; In the Caroline baths; At Hildeshem; In Arabia; At An­nenberg.

The Alabaster is found in many places of England, [Page 214] of very excellent beauty, and very lovely if it be well polished. Of which we shall have occasion to speak in the next chapter as in its proper place.

Of the faculties, vertues, and use of the white Marbles.

Discourse concerning the faculties and vertues of these stones I must deferre to a better opportunity.

Its use commonly known, is for the most part to be seen in the ornament of magnifick structures, and in monumentall statues.

Its names.

In Greek it is called [...], and [...], that is, Alabastrum, which word of the Greeks is de­rived from α & [...] and that because capi non potest propter laevorem, ut Dioscor. lib. 5. c. 153. Est [...], that is, est Alabastrites la­pis qui appellatur Onyx, there is a kind of Alabaster which is called an Onyx, as appeareth by the fourth and fifth books of Dioscorides. In Latine it is cal­led Alabastrites & Alabastria from the countrey of Alabastria whence it is brought, so saith Martinus Rulandus. In Dutch it is called Alabaster stein. In English Alabaster.

Anselmus Boetius saith it is called Onyx, and that it differeth from that pretious stone, in softnesse on­ly. This stone doth retain the name of Alabaster in almost all tongues and languages.

Its kinds.

Anselmus Boetius saith that some make two kinds of this stone. Namely the Alabastrites, and the Ala­baster, which do differ only in this, in that the Ala­baster is so soft as that it may be cut with a knife, and the Alabastrites so hard that it cannot be cut.

The Alabaster saith Rulandus is a stone (well known to the Venetians) of the kinds of marbles.

Rulandus speaketh of three kinds of this stone.

[Page 216]1. A white Alabaster, called in Germane weissar Alabaster stein; of this he saith, that in old time they were wont to make the shrines and images of Saints; together with the monuments and sepulchres for the dead.

2. The second kind of Alabaster he saith, hath black specks and spots, which in Germane is called Bundschwarss Alabaster stein.

3. The third kind he saith, is white in a yellowish red, and therefore is called Onyx; or rather, because it is white in a red; this in Germane is called roth­lecht Alabaster stein, because it doth represent the colour of the nail of a mans hand. Properly of this kind of Alabaster, that of Dioscorides is to be understood; where he saith, Alabastrites qui & Onyx dicitur, crematus, duritias cum pice aut resina discutit.

Of the Onyx, and of the Testa Conchylii, and of the Unguis odoratus, Dioscorides doth speak in his se­cond book. In Germany there are two kinds of Ala­baster found, which are nominally distinguished from the places in which they are found. The first of these kinds is called Alabastrites Cheruscus, as being found in Cheruscia not farre from Northusia. The second kind of these Alabasters is called Saxonicus, as being found in Saxony about Hildelshem.

Of the places.

This stone is found in a Countrey called Alaba­stria in Egypt. It is also found in Damascus of Sy­ria, and in Northusia, and in Saxony, and about the Egyptian Thebes; in Carmania, in India, in Asia, and in Cappadocia; in Arabia and Italy. In England [Page 217] is found very beautifull Alabaster. There are many pieces of this stone to be found and digged up in the Colledge yard of Henry the sixth, called the Chap­pel yard in the University of Cambridge.

Its vertue.

Dioscorides saith of this stone, that it is endued with a discussive power, especially if it be calcined. The like doth Mathiolus also speak of this stone. They likewise say that the powder of it, artificially mixt instar Cerati vel Unguenti with other fit matter, and artificially applyed to the stomach, doth discusse the cause of its hardnesse, asswage its pains, and mi­tigate its dolours and griefs. Galen doth highly commend the powder of this stone to be taken in drink for this purpose.

A scruple of the powder of this stone if it be drunk in milk, is said to be good against dysenteries & fluxes of the belly; in these cases it may help by its astringency, for it is said that it is very astringent and for this cause it is also taken to be very good in Colly­riis, or in ophthalmick medicines which externally are used for the repressing of involuntary tears, and watery fluxes of the eyes, as doth appear by what Mathiolus and Dioscorides speak of it.

Of its use.

This stone made into pixes and boxes, or conve­nient vessels, is of excellent use to keep pretious un­guents from rancour and corruption, and to preserve costly oyls from wasting. Of its aptnesse for this use Pliny l. 36. c. 7, & 8. doth write; and other [Page 218] things concerning it, l. 13. c. 13. The known use of this stone is in the ornament of stately edifices. It hath been used in imagery, for the framing and forming out of it, the shrines of Saints; and for the erecting of Tombes and Monuments, and Memo­rials for the preservation of the memory of the dead, and to make their names live when their spirits have left the world, and their bodies are returned to the dust and scattered into unknown places. The common use of this stone in these our dayes is in vessels, either for eating or drinking, many of which vessels of excellent beauty, I have seen brought to the fair near Cambridge (a famous U­niversity in England) called Stirrebridge fair, and there sold at very reasonable rates. These vessels are very commendable for their beauty, and very fit for use, as being somewhat tenacious, and there­fore not broken easily and without violence.

Of its names.

This cannot well be called marmaros, because it being throughly black, cannot be capable of that re­splendency, which the white marble, and the Porphy­rie, [Page 219] and the other beautifull marbles of light colours are endued withall. This marble is called Luculleum, from Lucullus the Consul, who brought it first to Rome from the island of Nilus. So saith Boetius, pag. 245.

It is also called Obsidianus lapis from Obsidius, who first found it in Ethiopia. The Italians call it the Pa­ragone, and that because of its use: for with it they examine gold in stead of the lapis Lydius. In French Pierre d' touche. In Germane Probeirstein. In English The black marble.

Of the places.

This stone is found in the North of Ireland to­wards Gallowey; also in Belgia, and in France.

Rulandus speaketh of seven kinds of this marble.

1. Marmor nigrum Belgicum, or the Belgick black Marble. 2. Annebergicum, or the Annebergish Marble. 3. Ratisbonense, or the Ratisbonian Mar­ble. 4. Belgicum, or the Belgick Marble, which he saith hath the smell of Sulphur. 5. A black Mar­ble, which smelleth like burned or calcined horn. 6. Marmor Andegavense, which is a very black po­lisht Marble, and is found not far from that citie. 7. A black Marble called Stolpense of an iron co­lour and hardnesse. This Marble Agricola calleth Bisalten: and Rulandus Busalten. In Dutch, Stol­pischer-stein. The name Basaltes by which this Mar­ble is called, cometh of the Ethiopian word Basall, which signifieth iron. And this stone (saith Boetius) is of the colour of iron, and may be exactly polisht. Boetius saith that this stone is found in Ethiopia; and [Page 220] in diverse parts of Germany; in Silesia, and in the coasts of Bohemia: and that it groweth in the mines where it is found in the form and thicknesse of barrs of wood sharpened at one end.

Of its use.

The black Marble is used for the examination of gold and silver, and hence of some it is called Basa­nus, à Basanizo, which signifieth to examine diligently: which name is proper to the lapis Index, or Lydius; and that for its use of examination of gold and silver. Its common use is in pavements and tombes. The tombe of that illustrious Prince, Duke Maurice the Electour, was made of this Marble, saith Rulandus.

Its names.

This stone in Greek is called [...] à [...], which signifieth to examine diligently: hence also in Latine it is called lapis Index, because by examinati­on it sheweth gold to be gold, and silver to be silver; and also other metalls what they are. It is called la­pis Lydius, from the countrey of Lydia, from whence it is brought. In French une pierre de touche. In Ger­mane [Page 221] ein Probier stein. It is found in the same places where the black Marble is.

Its use.

It is used in the examining of metalls; and it may be used to the same purposes with the black Marbles. In Italy they have a greenish stone, which they call Veridello, which they use for examination, even as they do the Lydius.

Its kinds.

Rulandus speaketh of three kinds of this green Marble. 1. Laconicum viride marmor, or a Laconick green Marble, which may be seen at Venice. 2. Sub­viride Veronense, shining with bright green spots. 3. A Laconick Marble which is blackish in a green.

The place.

The green Marbles are found in Lacedaemonia. The use of these stones is in ornament. This stone may be seen in Florence, in the Temple of S. John Baptist. Cardanus lib. de lapid. saith, that he hath seen many columnes, or pillars, and tables of this stone.

Its names.

This Marble is called Zeblicum, and [...] ab [...], serpens, as saith Dioscorides, lib. 5. cap. 154. hence the name Ophites. By the Germanes Serpentin stein. In English the Serpentine Marble.

Its vertues.

Galen. l. 9. de simpl. med. facult. saith that this stone hath a detersive facultie, and that if it be taken in white wine, it is good to break the stone in the blad­der. It is of a cold nature, and may therefore miti­gate pains, as saith Dioscorides. It is said of this by Plinie and Dioscorides, that if it be worn, it will secure the person wearing it, from stingings of serpents, from phrensies, and lethargies, and from plagues, pox, and poysonings, and the like. To this purpose also Cardane in his book de lapid. doth speak of the Zeblicum Marmor which is found in Misnia. Of the various coloured Marble called O­phites, Cardane saith that Andr. Alciatus had a fair table of great beauty: and that naturally there are shapes and personages found in these various colour­ed Marbles: and sometimes in the Lapis Parius. Of this admirable workmanship of nature Cardane saith [Page 223] there is a Marble in the Temple ofin aede sapi­entiae. Wisdome at Constantinople, which hath in it the image of S. John Baptist, with his garment of camels hair very exquisite in all things. Cardan. de subtilitat. l. 7. p. 377.

Its names.

This Marble is called Phengiticum, and Marmor flavum; in English, the yellow Marble.

Its kinds.

Rulandus speaketh of two kinds of it: 1. Marmor flavum, which is found amongst metalls, and called in Germane ein gelver spot. 2. A yellow Belgick Marble which is not pellucid.

The places.

This kind of Marble Plinie saith is found in Cap­padocia: it is also found in Belgia.

Its adulteration.

It is no hard matter for those artificers that are skilled in the sophistications of this kind, and in an exquisite imitation of nature in the making of facti­tious stones, to adulterate the Porphyrie, for such ar­tists as these, who are the imitatours of nature, know what matter will be purest and most exactly com­pacted together for this purpose; they know what tinctures will best fit for the production of the beau­ty of the Porphyrie, and how to mix these tinctures so, as that their artificiall stone shall emulate in beau­ty the best red Marble, or Porphyrie of the excel­lentest beauty; for the matter of the adulteration of this stone, how such matter may be brought to the perfection of a stone by art, will appear by what hath been spoken concerning the China cups in the chapter of the Onyx; and concerning the artificiall tinctures of gemms in other chapters of this our lapidary. Alabaster and fat earth well mixt will [Page 226] raise a fit matter for this purpose, to which a conve­nient tincture being added, it will produce the arti­ficiall beauty of a very excellent Porphyrie.

Of its names.

In Hebrew it is called [...] as Esther 1.6. In Greek it is called [...] from [...] which signifieth sum purpureus, vel in purpuram vergo. So Dioscorides l. 3. c. 44. In Latine it is called Porphy­rites & Marmor rubrum. If it have any white specks, Pliny calleth it Leucostictos. The best Porphyry is by Martinus Rulandus, from its native soil called Ae­gyptium Uniforme; and for the same cause it is in Germane called ein schoner roter Marmor auss E­gypten. In English we call it the Porphyrite, and the red Marble. Divers other names it hath from the places of its birth, from the soyl where it groweth, and from its mixture and variety of beautifull co­lours, as will appear in the severall distinctions of its species by its severall colours, and severall places where it groweth, and is found, and from whence it is brought.

Its kinds.

The Porphyry or red Marble, is found of divers kinds saith Rulandus. Rulandus speaketh of eight kinds of this stone, which is called Marmor rubrum, or Porphyrites.

The first kind he saith is Marmor rubrum Aegy­ptium uniforme, or Porphyrites uniformis, that is, a Porphyrite full of uniformity, and every way like it self, of one entire beauty arising from its pleasing [Page 227] red, which is uncompounded, and not at all inter­mixt with any variety of other colours, this is that excellentest or best red Marble or Porphyrite, which is singularly hard, full of splendour, and more beau­tifull then all the other kinds, as having no dark­nesse admixt with the splendour of its rednesse; nor cloudinesse or obscurenesse shaddowing of it.

The second kind Rulandus calleth Marmor Ae­gyptium rubrum, or Porphyrites ruber candidis punctis distinctus; that is, the red Marble of Egypt, or the Porphyry distinguished with white spots.

The third kind he calleth Marmor rubrum Ratis­bonense, or Porphyrites Ratisbonensis, this is so called from Ratisbone the place where it is found.

The fourth kind he calleth Rutilans Marmor Ra­tisbonense cum candidis maculis, that is, the red Ratis­bonian Marble with white spots.

The fifth kind he calleth Marmor nigrum in rubro Bohemicum, or Porphyrites ruber Bohemicus, so called from the place where it is found.

The sixth kind he calleth Marmor in rubro candi­dum Belgicum, or Porphyrites in rubro candidus Belgi­cus variis maculis distinctus, that is, the Belgick Por­phyrite which is white in a red, and distinguished with divers spots.

The seventh kind he calleth Marmor Annebergi­cum, or Porphyrites Annebergicus in metallis repertus; that is, the Annebergick Porphyrite found in mettals.

The eighth kind he calleth Marmor rubrum in can­dido, in metallis ferè omnibus repertum; that is, the Marble or Porphyrite which is red in a white, and is found saith Rulandus, in, or amongst almost all me­tals.

[Page 228]Cardanus speaketh of but two kinds of the Por­phyrite, the one distinguished with red and white spots, the other he saith is a red Marble distinguished with shining spots.

Anselmus Boetius speaketh of these kinds of the Porphyrite.

1. A Porphyrite red and full of splendour, excel­lency, and beauty; of which before.

2. A Porphyrite which is blue or of a violet co­lour, and is found about the Gregorian mount in the field of S^t Pisans in France.

3. A Theban Porphyrite of a red colour with golden spots.

4. A white Marble with red veins which is called Lunense. And this truly if it be excellent and well polished, is of admirable and excellent beauty, and very gratefull to the eye.

The place.

It is found in Egypt, in Belgium, in Bohemia, in Ra­tisbone, and in divers places of France, Germany, and Italy, and at Anneberge, and about Thebes.

Of its dignity and use.

It is of dignity for its beauty; of use for orna­ment of Princely and stately Palaces and Tem­ples; it is also used for sepulchres, and as rich and costly tables.

Of its kinds.

These stones (according to Boetius) are of three kinds. 1. A rough gravell stone, which is generated of the grosser part of sand, and is so firmly compa­cted, as that it is not easily levigated; the roughnesse of its grosse, sandy substance, maketh this stone un­fit for levigation; but its well-compactednesse ma­keth it very fit for building.

2. A gravell stone compacted of the smallest sand, mixt with intersplendent silver spangles. But this is so soft as that it may easily be rubbed to pieces with the fingers. This stone is found neare Prague.

3. A gravell stone which is sometimes of a yel­lowish colour, sometimes of a red colour mixt with splendent golden spangles, and at other times onely red. There are of these kinds of stones also of an ashy colour, and of a blackish colour in a red. The [Page 231] gravell stones are very heavie and weighty, and for the most part they do consist of divers mixtures: for some of them are found in their substance to be mixt with a multitude of small flints, others with small shells, and other little bodies.

Rulandus speaketh of five kinds of this stone.

1. Pirnense saxum Arenarium, which in Germane is called Weisser Pirnischer Sandstein. 2. Luteum Fri­bergium. 3. Rubrum Rochlicium. 4. Cinereum Quer­furdium. 5. Saxum Arenarium Nigrum in Rubro, of Embecca in Saxonie.

Their names.

In Latine these stones are called lapides squamosi & erustosi. Id Germane Schiferstein: in Belgick they are called Shnilgen: in French, Escailles: In Franconia they are called Wasser steinen, as being in those parts found in the water. Ans. Boet. p. 254.

Of its names.

Dioscorid. l. 15. c. 135.It is called in Greek [...], & [...]. In Latine Pyrites lapis, Pyrimachus, Marchasita, La­pis luminis, Pyrsotocus, Lapis aerarius scatens rubro sulphure, & scintillas ex chalybe multas excutiens. In Germane ein kiess hat veil rots schwefels, kupffer­stein, & kupffer erss. In English the Fire-stone, or Marchasite, or the mine of brasse.

The kinds of it.

Of the Pyrites there are some of a silver colour, and some of a golden colour; the best are those out of which the fire is easily excust. Of the Pyrites there are many kinds, and so many as that I will not now speak of them all; but rather deferre that (ac­cording to the successe of this first fruits of our la­bours) for an addition. So many are the spe­cies of this stone, as there are kinds of metalls; but I omit them: Onely this, Dioscorides saith of the best of the species, that it is like unto brasse, and that brasse is made of it.

The place.

It is found in Arabia, and from thence cometh its name of Marchasite, and in Germanie, in Greece, and in England.

Of its use.

It is hot and dry of quality, & fit for the discussion of humours, and for this purpose it is used in physick. Dioscorides saith, they are fit to beget fire in any dry or fungous matter, because of the abundance of fire that they yield. They are usually calcined for physick use. By Tartar water there may sulphur be extracted out of them.

Its names.

In Hebrew it is called [...] (hoc est) Silex vel petra durissima, sometimes nomen [...] is joyned with it ad [...] or to strengthen its signification, as Deut. 8.15. [...] (that is) è rupe petrae, [Page 238] hoc est è rupe durissima, vel è rupe ex ipso saxo. And again Deut. 32.13. [...] that is, de petra rupis. In Greek [...]. Of Thucydides the flints are called [...]. In Latine Silex and Chalix. In Ger­mane ein Kyssling, or oder Kysselstein; and ein Tewer­stein. In English the Flint or Pibble-stone.

Its kinds.

There are divers kinds of this stone saith Boetius some of which are red, some white, some yellow, some green, some of mixt colours.

Rulandus speaketh of three principall kinds of this stone, which are subdivided into many kinds, as

• 1. Of various coloured Flints.
• 2. Of non-pellucid Flints.
• 3. Of pellucid Flints.

The pellucid ones, white ones, or translucide ones, which are one and the same kind, may be molten: these are those stones which Aristotle calleth Pyri­machos. Those that use to melt mettals, may poure these upon their melted mettals, that they may swim over them, and so hinder the evaporating of their metall.

Of the place.

The Flints are found in Noremberge; In Germa­ny; In Saxony; In the river of Trebisa; In England; and indeed in all stony places almost every where.

Their dignity value and use.

For dignity and value; the translucide and dia­phanous ones, are for their beauty, of esteem and [Page 239] worth; these by jewellers are engraven and sold for Bohemian Diamonds; factitious beautifull stones are by artists many times framed of these; and of these may be made excellent glasses.

The Flints are altogether unmeet for building, because they will not imbibe the lime.

They are commonly of use to procure fire by, and this they do very easily by reason of the abundance of sparks which they yield, and which is excust from them by percussion.

Oftentimes these stones are found beautified with Personages, and many other pretty sportings of na­ture in her workmanship, which are very delightfull, of which more at large we may hereafter have an occasion to speak.

In the mean while, ‘ [...], Cujus potestate freti, huic operi primitiarum nostri laboris finem posuimus.’