A Roman book on precious stones : including an English modernization of the 37th booke of the History of the World by C. Plinius Secundus

by: Ball, Sydney H. (Sydney Hobart), 1879-1949

Publication date: 1950

Topics: Gemology, Mineralogy--Early works to 1800

Publisher: Gemological Institute of America

Collection: gialibrary; additional_collections

Language: English

Adapted from the English translation of Philemon Holland, London, 1601.--p. v

With reproduction of t.p. of the Adam Islip 1601 ed. of the Historie of the world.

"Published posthumously from materials assembled and edited by Kay Swindler of the Gemological Institute staff but her services not mentioned."--Gemology by J. Sinkankas, entry no. 333.

Partial contents: The author, Pliny the Elder.-- Authorities cited by Pliny -- Pliny as a mineralogist and gem expert -- Roman jewelry -- Roman jewelers and lapidaries -- Geographical sources of gems -- Historical summary of the ancient commerce in precious stones -- Value and relative rank of precious stones in Pliny's time -- Gem mining in Pliny's day -- Treated and false stones -- Industrial users of gems -- Identification of Pliny's precious stones with those of our day -- Table A: Pliny's gems and minerals with their modern equivalent -- Table B: Gemstones, minerals, and substances with Pliny's name -- Translations: 37th book of the Natural history of the world by Pliny the Elder, a modernized version of Philomen Holland's translation -- Appendix: 36th book of the Natural history of the World.