In the Leyden papyrus the bloodstone is praised as an amulet in the following extravagant terms:
The world has no greater thing; if any one have this with him he will be given whatever he asks for; it also assuages the wrath of kings and despots, and whatever the wearer says will be believed. Whoever bears this stone, which is a gem, and pronounces the name engraved upon it, will find all doors open, while bonds and stone walls will be rent asunder.[56]
The carbuncle was recommended as a heart stimulant; indeed, so powerful was its action, that the wearers were rendered angry and passionate and were even warned to be on their guard against attacks of apoplexy.[57] The blood-red hue of the stone also suggested its use as a symbol of the divine sacrifice of Christ on the cross. However, not only in Christianity was this stone used to illustrate religious conceptions, for the Koran affirms that the Fourth Heaven is composed of carbuncle. In mythical fancies too this stone played its part, for dragon’s eyes were said to be carbuncles.
Rumphius[58] states that in 1687 he was told by a chirurgeon that the latter had seen in the possession of one of the rulers in the island of Amboin a carbuncle said to have been brought by a serpent. The story ran that this ruler, when a child, had been placed by his mother in a hammock attached to two branches of a tree. While there a serpent crept up to him and dropped a stone upon his body. In gratitude for this gift the parents of the child fed and cared for the serpent. The stone is described as having been of a warm yellow hue, verging on red; it shone so brightly at night that a room could be illuminated by it. It eventually passed into the possession of a King of Siam.
Talisman ist Karneol Gläubigen bringt er Glück und Wohl; Steht er gar auf Onyx’ Grunde, Küss’ ihm mit geweihtem Munde! Alles Übel treibt er fort, Schützet dich und schützt den Ort; Wenn das eingegrabene Wort Allah’s Namen rein verkündet; Dich zu Lieb’ und Tat entzündet; Und besonders werden Frauen Sich am Talisman erbauen![59]
Carnelian is a talisman, It brings good luck to child and man; If resting on an onyx ground, A sacred kiss imprint when found. It drives away all evil things; To thee and thine protection brings. The name of Allah, king of kings, If graven on this stone, indeed, Will move to love and doughty deed. From such a gem a woman gains Sweet hope and comfort in her pains.