The wonderful healer continued to practise his semi-miraculous treatment until he was no longer able to raise his hands, but even then, so eager were the applicants, many of whom came from a distance, not to be disappointed, that the feeble hands were lifted for him to the sufferer’s head. In “Supernaturalism in New England,” Mr. Whittier speaks of one Austin, a New Hampshire Quaker, who practised mental healing in his day. Those who were unable to visit him were treated by letter. In truth, there is no new thing under the sun. [Illustration] VII OF FATE IN JEWELS What are the supposed attributes of certain precious stones but another form of superstition? According to the popular lore on this subject, each gem has its peculiar virtue or virtues, with which the credulous owner becomes forthwith invested. Authorities differ so much, however, in regard to this mystical language that there cannot be said to be any settled standard of meaning. If, therefore, we refer only to such precious stones as have some superstition attached to them, we shall do all that comes within the range of our present purpose. In “A Lover’s Complaint,” Shakespeare sets forth, as understood in his day, “Each stone’s dear nature, worth, and quality.” We accept, therefore, without reserve, as a starting point his _dictum_ that-- “paléd pearls, and rubies set in blood” indicated two extremes of passion, namely, shrinking modesty and bold desire. He then goes on to describe the other symbolical gems thus:-- “The diamond, why, ‘twas beautiful and hard, Whereto his invised properties did tend; The deep green emerald in whose fresh regard Weak sights their sickly radiance do amend; The heaven-hued sapphire and the opal blend With objects manifold.” Those interested in the sale of gems have observed that most precious stones have their brief day of popular favor, regardless of any superstition connected with them. In other words, the popularity of certain jewels chiefly depends upon the public taste, for the time being. And the demand, therefore, fluctuates according as the particular stone is fashionable or unfashionable. It would require a volume to give the subject fair treatment, so long is the list, and so abundant the material. Hardly a week goes by, however, in which some reference to the good or evil influence of this or that gem is not set forth in the public press, supported, too, by such an array of circumstantial evidence as to give color and authenticity to the story. The opal and the moonstone are the gems most often figuring in these tales. By turns the opal has borne a good and bad reputation; by turns it has been as fashionable as its rare beauty would seem of right to bespeak for it; and then again, owing to popular caprice or the sudden revival of some antiquated superstition, it has laid neglected in the jewellers’ drawer for years.