CHAP. 40.—SAMIAN STONE: EIGHT REMEDIES.
Samian stone [Note] comes from the same island which produces
the earth in praise of which we have spoken already. [Note] It is
useful for giving a polish to gold, and it is employed medicinally
for the treatment of ulcerations of the eyes, combined with milk
in manner already [Note] described. It is good, too, for watery discharges
of a chronic nature, from the eyes. Taken internally,
it is useful for affections of the stomach, and it has the effect
of dispelling vertigo and restoring the spirits when depressed.
Some writers are of opinion that this stone may be administered
with advantage for epilepsy and strangury; and it is employed
as an ingredient in the restoratives known as "acopa." [Note] The
test of its purity is its weight and its whiteness. Some persons
will have it that, worn as an amulet, it acts as a preventive of
abortion.
