Part 41

Emerald.—If ground into powder, this stone was supposed to cure dysentery and the bites of venomous animals. There is a chance that those who wear it will not be subject to epilepsy. It also strengthens memory and maintains chastity.

Heliotrope.—The stone bearing the name, in common with a beautiful and well-known flower, should be sought by the curious, as it renders the wearer invisible. But it is unknown in these days.

Hematite or Bloodstone.—Valuable for its power in incantations, against the sorcery of the evil eye, and to cement the bonds of friendship among male persons.

Hyacinth.—This also is a preservative against the plague, which was a common scourge in the old days, and was therefore an especial concern of occult medicine and its substitutes. The hyacinth was also a cure for dropsy.

Jade.—This is another stone which protects against venomous beasts.

Jasper.—This stone is noticeable chiefly as a favorite gem on which magical signs were engraved, so that they might be worn as amulets. But it also preserved the wearer from poisonous bites.

Linurgas or Lapis Lineus.—A stone of ancient repute which would turn white if enveloped in a linen cloth, and the use of it would then prove beneficial in projects of magic. But it has been decided that the gem itself is fabulous, not to speak of the properties attributed thereto.

Onyx.—When engraved with the head of a camel, this stone procured evil dreams. It may have been used against enemies.

Opal.—The malefic influence which is sometimes attributed to this jewel, by which it has almost come to be regarded as unfortunate in the world of gems, has little authority in past traditions. It acted rather like a cordial to the heart of the wearer, was a safeguard against poison and contagion transmitted in the atmosphere; it served to raise the spirits and was valuable in affections of the eye.

Pearl.—If worn on the neck, it preserved chastity; if ground to powder and taken in milk, it sweetened irritable tempers; if ground with sugar, it cured pestilential fevers.

Perithe.—Whether precious or not, this stone seems unfamiliar to lapidaries, and as regards its appearance we can only report that it was of yellow color. Its virtue was to cure gout, and it had the power to burn the hand when it was held firmly. There are other fabulous stones, as, for example, Lapis Aguila or Eagle Stone, said to be found in the nest of that bird. It assisted childbirth, and according to Dioscorides, served to discover thieves.

Ruby.—The range of auspicious influences possessed by precious stones is exceedingly restricted, and the same virtues recur continually. The ruby resists poison, preserves from the plague, banishes melancholy and diverts evil thoughts. If it should change its color, this is a sign of approaching misfortunes, but it reverts to the original hue when the evil has passed away.

Sapphire.—This stone was good for inflammation of the eyes, and it also attracted good fortune.

Topaz.—This has the faculty of cooling boiling water, and it has been said that those who desire to regain lost positions should not fail to carry it about their person. It procures the sympathy of the whole world.

Turquoise.—We find only that this gem is liable to change its color when worn by certain people, not otherwise described.

The Language of Precious Stones

The ancients attributed marvelous properties to many of the precious stones. We give in tabular form the different months and the stones sacred to them, with their respective meanings. It has been customary among lovers and friends to notice the significance attached to the various stones in making birthday, engagement and wedding presents.

January, Garnet—Constancy and fidelity in every engagement. February, Amethyst—Preventive against violent passions. March, Bloodstone—Courage, wisdom and firmness in affection. April, Sapphire—Free from enchantment; denotes repentance. May, Emerald—Discovers false friends, and insures true love. June, Agate—Insures long life, health and prosperity. July, Ruby—Corrects evils resulting from mistaken friendship. August, Sardonyx—Insures original felicity. September, Chrysolite—Free from all evil passions and sadness of mind. October, Opal—Denotes hope, and sharpens the sight and faith of the possessor. November, Topaz—Fidelity and friendship. Prevents bad dreams. December, Turquoise—Denotes prosperity in love.

THE LANGUAGE OF POSTAGE STAMPS

The government desires the postage stamp to be placed on a letter in the extreme upper right-hand corner. This is requested in order to facilitate the canceling of a stamp by a special machine made for that purpose.

Lovers, however, often oppose this regulation and use the stamp as a means of conveying a message to their beloved. The following are the usual meanings attached to the position of the stamp:

Placing the stamp in the upper right-hand corner at a slight angle means: “I expect an immediate reply.”

At an angle of 45 degrees: “I am provoked at your long silence.”

Placing the stamp upside down: “You are very cruel.”

Placing the stamp half an inch from the upper and right-hand edges means: “Expect me tonight.” Placing the stamp at the upper left-hand corner: “Be careful how you reply to this.”

Placing the stamp at the lower right-hand corner: “Beware! Father has caught on.”

Tearing a stamp in half and placing each half with a slight space between; in the upper right-hand corner: “Our friendship is at an end.”

Tearing the stamp and placing the halves in the upper left-hand corner: “You have broken my heart.”