7 DECEMBER 1907, Page 40

Precious Stones. By W. T. Fernie, M.D. (J. Wright, Bristol.

6s.) —This is a curious collection of old beliefs and stories about the curative uses of various stones and metals. There is the "amethyst," for instance, which, as its name indicates, is con- trarius ebriolati. Dr. Fernie gives an account of its composition, and puts together some of the fancies which have gathered about it. The subject is one which must be treated digressively, but the characteristic is somewhat in excess. Still, it will be found a very interesting volume.