The name Serpentine appears at different periods as serpentyn, serpentyne, sarpentene, sarpentin, scharpentyn. It is derived from the Latin SERPENS, and its more ancient term HYDRINUS indicates exactly the Sea Serpent family (Hydridæ), so well known to ancient and modern writers. Precious serpentine is translucent—or about so—and of a rich oily green colour. Common serpentine is opaque. The precious serpentine is called “noble,” the impure “common.” The colours are dark oily green, light green, olive green, black green, brown yellow, green yellow, sometimes almost white. The Serpentine is identified with the Tarshish stone, the 10th stone of the High Priest’s Breastplate. It was known as “Ophite Stone” by Dioscorides and Pliny, and Agricola writing in the 16 th century calls it “Lapis Serpentinus.” Other writers called it “Serpentinum,” hence the modern name “Serpentine.” In Italy, especially amongst artists, some specimens of the stone are known as “Ranochia,” because of its similarity to a frog’s skin. It was recommended of old as a cure for rheumatism and rheumatic pains in the limbs, and for that purpose specimens were carried on the body next the skin, attached to the arms or legs. It was believed to cure dropsy and all moist complaints, especially if the sufferer held a specimen in each hand whilst resting in the sunlight. The wearer was also warned not to overdo this sun-bathing with Serpentine in his hands because of its affinity with all natural bodily fluids. It was said to be a charm against serpent bites or stings and to scare away poisonous insects and reptiles of the sea and land. Serpentine was much esteemed by the ancients for its healing virtues and peculiar beauty. They effectively employed it in the manufacture of vases, pillars, boxes, etc., and for the making of special charms and talismans. The figure of a goat with a fish’s tail cut on a serpentine when the moon, well aspected, was passing through the 3rd and 4th degrees of the sign Capricorn, was a charm against rheumatism, skin troubles, gout, stiff limbs, accidents to the limbs, falls or hurts. The Serpentine was largely used by the ancient Egyptians in the making of sacred scarabs, and the Persians favoured it especially for shaping into cylinders of authority, one of which is described by Mr. C. W. King, as follows: “A King contending with two andro-sphinxes, Ormuzd hovering above on the Tree of Life”—a very symbolic cylinder. The Serpentine or Hydrinus is under the celestial Capricorn. SOAPSTONE OR STEATITE