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The Talismanic Use of Special Stones: Rumphius

Rumphius (Rumphius, "Amboinsche Rariteitkamer," Amsterdam, 1741.) states that in 1687 he was told by a chirurgeon that the latter had seen in the possession of one of the rules in the island of Amboin a carbuncle said to have been brought by a serpent. The story ran that this ruler, when a child, had been placed by his mother in a hammock attached to two branches of a tree. While there a serpent crept up to him and dropped a stone upon his body. In gratitude for this gift the parents of the child fed and cared for the serpent. The stone is described as having been of a warm yellow hue, verging on red; it shone so brightly at night that a room could be illuminated by it. It eventually passed into the possession of a King of Siam. Carnelian Talisman ist Karneol Glaubigen bringt er Gluck und Wohl; Steht er gar auf Onyx' Grunde, Kuss' ihm mit geweihtem Munde! Alles Ubel treibt er fort, Schutzet dich und schutzt den Ort; Wenn das eingegrabene Wort Allah's Namen rein verkundet; Dich zu Lieb' und Tat entzundet; Und besonders werden Frauen Sich am Talisman erbauen! (Goethe Westosterlicher Divan I, Segenspfander.) Carnelian is a talisman, It brings good luck to child and man; If resting on an onyx ground, A sacred kiss imprint when found.

It drives away all evil things; To thee and thine protection brings. The name of Allah, king of kings, If graven on this stone, indeed, Will move to love and doughty deed. From such a gem a woman gains Sweet hope and comfort in her pains.