Primitive Psycho-Therapy and Quackery | Page 6

[9:1] C. J. S. Thompson, The Mystery and Romance of Alchemy and
Pharmacy, p. 124.
[9:2] Encyclopædia Biblica, art. "Medicine."
[10:1] William George Black, Folk-Medicine.
[13:1] Ancient Cures, Charms, and Usages of Ireland.
[14:1] George Roberts, The Social History of the People of the
Southern Counties of England.
[16:1] New York, 1908, p. 94.
[17:1] Joseph Barclay, The Talmud.
[17:2] John Kitto, A Cyclopædia of Biblical Literature.
[18:1] Vol. xxiii, 1904.
CHAPTER II
TALISMANS
A talisman may be described as an emblematical object or image,
accredited with magical powers, by whose means its possessor is
enabled to enlist the aid of supernatural beings. Frequently it is a
precious stone, sometimes a piece of metal or parchment, whereon is
engraved a celestial symbol, such as the representation of a planet or
zodiacal sign; or the picture of an animal or fabulous monster. Mystic

words and occult phrases are oftentimes substituted, however, for such
devices. It is essential that talismans should be prepared under suitable
astrological conditions and planetary influences; otherwise they are of
no value. Like amulets, they were formerly worn on the body, either as
prophylactics or as healing agents. Tradition ascribes their invention to
the Persian philosopher Zoroaster, but their use was probably coeval
with the earliest civilizations: descriptions of cures wrought by medical
talismans are to be found in the works of Serapion, a physician of the
ancient sect of Empirics, who lived in Alexandria about 250 B. C.; and
in those of Almansor (born 939), the minister of Hesham II, Sultan of
Cordova.
Talismans were fashioned out of various metals, and their mystic
virtues differed according to their forms and the symbols which they
bore. Silver moon-shaped talismans, for example, were much in vogue
as preservatives from fleshly ills; and they were also believed to insure
travellers against mishaps.
In medieval times talismans and amulets were generally used as
remedial agents. A mystical emblem, representing the inexpressible
name of God, which was preserved at the Temple in Jerusalem, is
found on many engraved gems. And two triangles, crossing each other,
are said to have been the diagram of the Gnostics, with which many
marvellous cures were performed.[20:1]
The pentacle, or wizard's foot, a mathematical figure, used in magical
ceremonies, was considered to be a defence against demons. We read in
Sir Walter Scott's "Marmion":
His shoes were marked with cross and spell: Upon his breast a pentacle.
This symbol, says C. J. S. Thompson, in "The Mystery and Romance of
Alchemy and Pharmacy," consisted of a five-rayed star, and was often
chalked upon the door-steps of houses, to scare away fiends. Thus it
served the same purpose as the familiar horse-shoe, when the latter was
placed with the prongs downward.
The belief in the pentacle's demon-repelling power has been attributed

to the fact that it resolves itself into three triangles, and is thus a triple
emblem of the Trinity. Paracelsus, according to the above-mentioned
writer, ascribed a similar, although less marked virtue, to the hexagram.
The Tyrolese physician, Joseph Ennemoser, in his "History of Magic"
(1844), observed that in his time a peculiar influence was attributed by
mesmerists to certain metals and precious stones. And he expressed the
belief that the popular faith in talismans, prevalent in the early ages,
originated through similar ideas. The Buddhists credited the sapphire
with magical power. Probably the magnetic polarities of jewels, rather
than their brilliancy, constitute their chief potency as talismans. Yet the
latter quality doubtless strongly influences the imagination.
Talismans were formerly divided into three classes, astronomical,
magical, and mixed.
The first-named consisted usually of a magical figure, cut or engraved
under certain superstitious observances of the configuration of the
heavens.
It has been defined as the seal, figure, character, or image of a heavenly
sign, constellation, or planet, engraved on a sympathetic stone, or on a
metal corresponding to the star, in order to receive its influences.[22:1]
Magical talismans were inscribed with mysterious symbols, words of
superstitious import, and the names of unknown angels; they were well
adapted to inspire with awe the minds of the ignorant. The so-called
mixed talismans bore various unintelligible devices and barbaric names.
Some of the most ancient protective and healing charms were fashioned
out of roots, twigs, and plants. Whatever its form, the talisman was
believed to exert an extraordinary influence over the bearer, especially
in warding off disease or injury.
In its widest sense, the word talisman is synonymous with amulet.
The Dutch historian, Johann Busch (1400-1477), told of his meeting a
woman, the wife or daughter of a soldier, on some public festal
occasion at Halle in Prussian Saxony. Observing that she wore a little

bag suspended from her neck, he asked her what it contained.
Thereupon the woman showed him a bit of parchment bearing divers
mystic inscriptions, and the statement that