5. Though Coral doth properly preserve and fasten the Teeth in men, yet is it used in Children to make an easier passage for them: and for that intent is worn about their necks. But whether this custom were not superstitiously founded, as presumed an amulet or defensative against fascination, is not beyond all doubt. For the same is delivered by _Pliny_[SN: Lib. 32.]. _Aruspices religiosum Coralli gestamen amoliendis periculis arbitrantur; et surculi infantiæ alligati, tutelam habere creduntur._ 6. A strange kind of exploration and peculiar way of Rhabdomancy is that which is used in mineral discoveries; that is, with a forked hazel, commonly called _Moses_ his Rod, which freely held forth, will stir and play if any mine be under it. And though many there are who have attempted to make it good, yet until better information, we are of opinion with _Agricola_[SN: De re metallica, lib. 2.], that in it self it is a fruitless exploration, strongly scenting of _Pagan_ derivation, and the _virgula Divina_, proverbially magnified of old. The ground whereof were the Magical rods in Poets that of _Pallas_ in _Homer_, that of _Mercury_ that charmed _Argus_, and that of _Circe_ which transformed the followers of _Ulysses_. Too boldly usurping the name of _Moses_ rod, from which notwithstanding, and that of _Aaron_, were probably occasioned the fables of all the rest. For that of _Moses_ must needs be famous unto the _Ægyptians_; and that of _Aaron_ unto many other Nations, as being preserved in the Ark, until the destruction of the Temple built by _Solomon_. 7. A practise there is among us to determine doubtful matters, by the opening of a book, and letting fall a staff; which notwithstanding are ancient fragments of _Pagan_ divinations. The first an imitation of _Sortes Homericæ_; or _Virgilianæ_, drawing determinations from verses casually occurring. The same was practised by _Severus_, who entertained ominous hopes of the Empire, from that verse in _Virgil_, _Tu regere imperio populos, Romane, memento_; and _Cordianus_ who reigned but few dayes was discouraged by another, that is, _Ostendunt terris hunc tantum fata, nec ultra esse sinunt._ Nor was this only performed in heathen Authors, but upon the sacred text of Scripture, as _Gregorius Turonensis_ hath left some account, and as the practise of the Emperour _Heraclius_, before his Expedition into _Asia_ minor, is delivered by _Cedrenus_.