CHAP. 14.—THE VARIOUS PRECIOUS STONES, CLASSIFIED ACCORDING
TO THEIR PRINCIPAL COLOURS.
We will now proceed to speak of the various kinds of precious
stones, the existence of which is generally admitted,
beginning with those which are the most highly esteemed.
Nor shall we content ourselves with doing this only; but, with
the view of consulting the general welfare of mankind, we
shall also refute the infamous lies that have been promulgated
by the magicians: for it is with reference to precious stones,
more particularly, that they have circulated most of their
fabulous stories, stepping, under that most alluring guise of
ascertaining remedial virtues, beyond all bounds, and entering
the region of the marvellous.