GEMS AS MEDICINE

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 291, 8 September 1928, Page 24

GEMS AS MEDICINE

There is magic in jewels. In the emerald or the sapphire, the ruby or the diamond there is a witchery which is a part of the soul of all human beings. It has always been so, since the earliest days of men and women. An occult power was attributed to beautiful gems, which were often worn as talismans and amulets, because of their magical quality. In ancient days the diamond, the hardest of stones, was believed to possess attributes like those of an Aladdin’s lamp.- Collections of such stones, some with, and some without, intrinsic value, but all of which are supposed to possess • occult powers, are still handed down from father to son in many Hindu families in India that storehouse of rare gems. Scientists tell us that our love of gems emanates from a pebble mania that is inherent in the’ human race, and that tins mania- was first responsible for the discovery of precious stones (states Pola Negri in the “Daily Mail”). . . , Curiously enough, in the Middle Ages, and later, precious stones, were supposed to have tremendous medicinal value. A price list of a firm of German druggists, printed in 1757, lists al! the precious stones as components of "tonics” to protect the heart against poison and plague. The following precious stones were regarded as being indispensable to every drug store: Jacinth, sapphire, emerald,, topaz, margaritha (pearl), coral, hematite, aetites, and jasper. When the gems failed to produce cures, this was attributed to the fact that the stones were not genuine. Agate was supposed to cure the bites of spiders and scorpions, quench thirst, and cure fevers. - Beryl was credited with curing quinsy and swollen glands, and also eye trouble and hiccoughs. Carbuncles were credited with making those who wore them proof against poison, and also immune to sadness, evil thoughts, and dreams. If corals and emeralds were wrapped in the skin of a Cat they would drive off mortal fever—provided they were attached to the neck of a patient. A diamond was supposed to have six flavours —sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and acrid. Since diamonds were reputed to have all of these qualities, is it strange that t.bev were also'supposed to cure all diseases and lessen all ills? The diamond has, since the earliest time, been prized as an ornamental stone. The emerald was especially treasured by the medievals because, if suspended from the neck of a child, it was believed to preserve that child from epileptic convulsions and prevent the falling-sickness. Jacinth was noted as an antidote for poisons! Jade lessened pain and had many other magical properties. Jasper cured colic, and had a beneficial effect upon the circulation of the blood. Sapphire was supposed to taste "bitter and lukewarm,” and to have a remedial action “against phlegm, bile and flatulence” and boils. The blood-stone has a peculiar religious significance, being used frequently in Christian ornaments, particularly in Russia. The sapphire, as emblematic of the Star of Bethlehem, also' has a deep Christian significance. For many centuries the opal was under a cloud, owing to the erroneousfancy that it was associated with illluck. possibly due to the comparative fragility of the gem. However, Queen Victoria did much to dispel this fallacy, for she wore the gem constantly and brought it back into favour, so that now the opal is quite a favourite bridal gift. Probably the greatest number of legends has been woven around diamonds and pearls, the stories ranging from magic tales to mysteries, murders, and tales of fatal gems.

But I truthfully believe that there is a certain inherent mystical quality in jewellery. I possess many beautiful jewels, and each makes me reflect a different mood. I believe this is due to thousands of years of mysticism .which is born in the blood and bred in the human race. I put my faith in my jewels. In my pictures I wear my jewels as they belit the mood of the part I believe that I shall reflect, and my audiences feel, the peculiar qualities in them which the human race has always recognised.