Among the many forms assumed by mediæval pendants were those of fruits--generally apples or pears. These fruit-shaped pendants, containing either figures or relics, were exceedingly popular. They were carried in the purse or attached to the rosary or to the girdle, or in the case of men, were hung from the neck by a cord or chain; and were constructed so as to be opened during devotions. One of the most remarkable examples is in the Waddesdon Bequest at the British Museum.[69] [69] Read (C. H.), _Catalogue of the Waddesdon Bequest_, No. 231. The use of perfumes prevailed at all periods of the Middle Ages. They were enclosed in various receptacles, and especially in those shaped like a pear or apple. These pendent scent cases or _pomanders_, worn like other pendants of the same form, were in general use throughout the whole of the period extending from the fourteenth to the seventeenth century. Pomander in early inventories is often spelt _pomeambre_, indicating its derivation from _pomme d'ambre_, a perfume apple or ball; the word _pomme_ being used for any object resembling an apple in shape, and _ambre_[70] for perfume in general. Primarily the pomander seems often to have designated a ball composed of various highly scented substances which served the purpose both of counteracting the smells which must have been particularly general and offensive in olden days, and also of protecting against infection. It was enclosed in a rich metal case, opening across the centre, and perforated so as to allow the scent to escape. The title "pomander"--originally meaning simply a scent or perfume ball--was given to the case which contained it. In many instances, the perfumes, instead of being mixed together into a ball, were placed in the pomander case each in a separate compartment, the lids of which are found inscribed with the names of the contents. These compartments, varying in number from four to as many as sixteen, are formed like segments of an orange. They are hinged below, and united at the top by a screw or pin, which being removed, allows the segments to open out (Pl. XVIII, 3). [70] Probably abbreviated from ambregis (ambergris), the well-known odoriferous substance, so called from its resemblance to grey amber. It was the most highly prized of all perfumes in mediæval times; and though its use is now almost entirely confined to perfumery, it formerly also occupied no inconsiderable place in pharmacy. [Illustration: Pomander. From _Kreuterbuch_ (Frankfort, 1569).] CHAPTER XVI MEDIÆVAL BROOCHES--THE RING-BROOCH