D'Athanasi, Giovanni; Salt, Henry [Hrsg.]: A brief account of the researches and discoveries in Upper Egypt: To which is added a detailed catalogue of Mr. Salts collection of Egyptian antiquities (London, 1836)

84

SCARABiEI.

whilst others are in silver, and a few in bronze.
The poor wore them on their fingers, on which
they fastened them with thread. Sometimes, in
the female mummies, bracelets are found com-
posed of a vast number of small Scarabaei of dif-
ferent kinds. (See Cat. No. 633.) I venture to
advance an opinion, founded upon a long course
of observations, that the Scarabaei were used
amongst the ancient Egyptians in place of rings
and seals; in proof of which I adduce the following
facts:—first, that on each Scarabeus is engraved
the name of its apparent owner;—secondly, that
they all differ from each other, presenting an
endless variety;—thirdly, that urns are sometimes
found covered over with mud, which bear the
impressions of Scarabaei, which themselves are
sometimes found attached with thread to these
urns;—and, fourthly, that papyri are also found
bearing the impressions of Scarabsei.

In the collection which I brought over to this
country were a great number of Scarabsei of the
most beautiful description; there was one of
transparent stone, resembling the ruby, set in
gold, containing hieroglyphics of incomparable
beauty; and another of oriental amethyst, without
hieroglyphics, but very beautiful, and nearly two

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