THE VIRTUES OF JEWELS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9092, 23 November 1907, Page 3

THE VIRTUES OF JEWELS.

("World.")

A French scientist, prompted no doubt by the sight of the enormous amount of jewellery worn on all occasions by the women of our day, has just furnished us with a list of the properties attributed to ' certain precious stones by Arabian doctors. By a careful perusal of the list and the judicious expenditure of a little money we should aU be able to avoid most of the evils to which flesh is heir

Jade, we are told, will cure sciatica. Amethysts drive away giddiness and have a sobering influence upon . these who have indulged too freely in spirituous liquors. The garnet prevents fainting, while cats-eyes aTe a preventative against smallpox. Rubies strengthen the heart and act as an' antidote to poisons. The 6ardonyx purifies the blood, and the sapphire reduces fever. The emerald is a specific against cancer and all diseases of the glands. The onyx may be relied upon to stop a hemorrhage, and diamonds -purify bad air.

So much for the practical properties of our jewels. Others have a sentimental value, which varies with the nationality of the wearer, but to those who indulge in automobUism the' virtues attendant upon the turquoise and the topaz as detailed by the French authority aTe worthy of consideration. The former stone, we are told, protects us from falls, and the latter insures us against sudden death.