Precious Stones: For Curative Wear and Other Remedial Uses (c. 1907) - W. T. Fernie

Precious Stones: For Curative Wear and Other Remedial Uses (c. 1907) - W. T. Fernie

£6.99
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Precious Stones: For Curative Wear and Other Remedial Uses (c. 1907) - W. T. Fernie
  • Precious Stones: For Curative Wear and Other Remedial Uses (c. 1907) - W. T. Fernie
  • Precious Stones: For Curative Wear and Other Remedial Uses (c. 1907) - W. T. Fernie
  • Precious Stones: For Curative Wear and Other Remedial Uses (c. 1907) - W. T. Fernie
  • Precious Stones: For Curative Wear and Other Remedial Uses (c. 1907) - W. T. Fernie
  • Precious Stones: For Curative Wear and Other Remedial Uses (c. 1907) - W. T. Fernie
  • Precious Stones: For Curative Wear and Other Remedial Uses (c. 1907) - W. T. Fernie
  • Precious Stones: For Curative Wear and Other Remedial Uses (c. 1907) - W. T. Fernie
  • Precious Stones: For Curative Wear and Other Remedial Uses (c. 1907) - W. T. Fernie
  • Precious Stones: For Curative Wear and Other Remedial Uses (c. 1907) - W. T. Fernie
  • Precious Stones: For Curative Wear and Other Remedial Uses (c. 1907) - W. T. Fernie
Precious Stones: For Curative Wear and Other Remedial Uses (c. 1907) - W. T. Fernie

Precious Stones: For Curative Wear and Other Remedial Uses (c. 1907) - W. T. Fernie

£6.99

Precious Stones: For Curative Wear; and Other Remedial Uses; Likewise the Nobler Metals

W. T. Fernie, M.D. | Originally published 1907 | Historical digital facsimile

What if a ruby could warn of approaching danger? Why was amethyst associated with sobriety, and how did sapphires, emeralds, pearls and garnets become entangled with medicine, magic and the stars?

In this wonderfully curious Edwardian exploration, physician and herbal writer William Thomas Fernie gathers centuries of beliefs about precious stones and noble metals, tracing their place in healing traditions, folklore, religion, alchemy and everyday life. From gemstones worn against misfortune to the elaborate symbolism of birthstones, Fernie opens a glittering cabinet of forgotten lore.

Inside the book

  • Gemstones and their reputed virtues: ruby, sapphire, emerald, amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, turquoise, opal, pearl, coral and many more.
  • Amulets and protection: the remarkable historical idea that a jewel might change colour to foretell danger, sickness or bad fortune.
  • Birthstones and the zodiac: stones assigned to months, days of the week, planets and astrological signs.
  • Old remedies and lapidary medicine: stories of gems carried, worn, powdered or included in medicinal preparations.
  • Scripture, ceremony and symbolism: the gemstones of the biblical breastplate, sacred jewellery and the traditions surrounding talismans.
  • The meeting of nature and mystery: crystal-gazing, the occult reputation of minerals and the relationship between gemstones, herbs and metals.

Fernie, also the author of Kitchen Physic and Herbal Simples, writes with an exuberant appetite for unusual stories and forgotten sources. The result is a captivating reference for readers of historical medicine, gemstone folklore, esoteric traditions and the natural world.

Book details

Author: W. T. Fernie (William Thomas Fernie)
Original publication: 1907
Original publisher: John Wright & Co., Bristol
Language: English
Format: Downloadable historical PDF scan
Collection: Hearthwise Historical Library

A historical exploration of the beliefs surrounding gemstones and metals, offered for research and enjoyment rather than as contemporary medical advice.

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