Latin Texts & Translations

Gagates ^[Note] is a stone, so called from Gages, the name of a town and river in Lycia. ^[Note] It is asserted, too, that at Leucolla ^[Note] the sea throws it up, and that it is found over a space twelve stadia in extent. It is black, smooth, light, and porous, differs but little from wood in appearance, ^[Note] is of a brittle texture, and emits a disagreeable odour ^[Note] when rubbed. Marks made upon pottery with this stone cannot be effaced. When burnt, it gives out a sulphureous smell; and it is a singular fact, that the application of water ignites it, while that of oil quenches it. ^[Note] The fumes of it, burnt, keep serpents at a distance, and dispel hysterical affections: they detect a tendency also to epilepsy, ^[Note] and act as a test of virginity. ^[Note] A decoction of this stone in wine is curative of tooth-ache; and, in combination with wax, it is good for scrofula. The magicians, it is said, make use of gagates in the practice of what they call

axinomancy; ^[Note] and they assure us that it will be sure not to burn, if the thing is about to happen as the party desires.