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Both in Babylonia and in Egypt, lapis-lazuli was very highly valued, and this is shown by the use of its Assyrian name (uknu) in poetic metaphor. Thus, in a hymn to the moon-god Sin, he is addressed as the "strong bull, great of horns, perfect in form, with long flowing beard, bright as lapis-lazuli." (Ward, "Seal Cylinders of Western Asia," Washington, D. C., 1910; citing Jastrow, "Religion,".) This may remind us of the "hyacinthine locks" of classical literature.
Lapis-lazuli, "a blue stone with little golden spots," was a cure for melancholy and for the "quartern fever," an intermittent fever returning each third day, or each fourth day counting in the previous attack. (Albertus Magnus, "Le Grand Albert des secretz des vertus des Herbes, Pierres et Bestes. Et aultre livre des Merveilles du Monde, d'auleuns effetz causez dauleunes bestes," Turin, Bernard du mont du Chat (c. 1515). Liv. ii, fol. 11, recto.) |
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Precious Stones Guide Vol 9
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