There are numerous other kinds also of green stones. To the more common class belongs prasius;3125 one variety of which is disfigured with spots3126 like blood, while another kind is marked with three streaks of white. To all these stones chrysoprasus3127 is preferred, which is also similar to the colouring matter of the leek, but varies in tint between topazos and gold. This stone is found of so large a size as to admit of drinking-boats3128 even being made of it, and is cut into cylinders very frequently.
About This Book
An encyclopedic survey that first catalogs marine animals, algae, and shellfish, describing habitats, curious behaviors, reported antipathies, and numerous folk remedies and practical uses attributed to specific species, organized by ailments and applications. The later portion treats metals and their ores—including gold, silver, mercury, copper, and brass—describing modes of occurrence, extraction, alloying, testing, gilding, and decorative and monetary uses, alongside technical observations and medicinal remedies derived from metallic substances, with systematic lists and practical instructions interwoven throughout.