Talisman
a species of charm, consisting of a figure engraved on metal or stone when two planets are in conjunction, or when a star is at its culminating point, and supposed to exert some protective influence over the wearer of it. The terms talisman and amulet are often considered nearly synonymous, but the proper distinctive peculiarity of the former is its astrological character. A species of talisman which has acquired considerable celebrity is the abraxas. A species of talisman at present in use in Asia is a piece of paper on which the names of the Seven Sleepers and their dog Kitmer are inscribed. Pasted on the walls of houses, it is believed to be a protection against ghosts and demons.
Phylacteries were used as talismans; and in Christian Byzantium phylacteries were made bearing the figure of Solomon, the compeller of demons. See ASTROLOGY: DIVINATION: INCANTATION:
MAGIC.
TALKING MACHINE. See GRAMO- PHONE.