Bezoar
(red). A precious stone supposed to be possessed of magical properties, and found in the bodies of certain animals. At one time these stones would fetch ten times their weight in gold, being used as a remedy against poison and contagion; and for this purpose they were both taken internally, and worn round the neck. It is said that there are nine varieties of bezoar, differing greatly in composition; but they may be generally divided into those which consist mainly of mineral and those which consist of organic matter. A strange origin was assigned to this stone by some of the early naturalists. It is said that the oriental stags when oppressed with years fed upon serpents, which renewed their youth. In order to counteract the poison which was absorbed into their system, they plunged into a running stream keeping their heads only above water. This caused a viscous fluid to be distilled from their eyes, which was indurated by the heat of the sun, and formed the bezoar.