DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.11638#0285
262
TRAVELS IN UPPER
sidered as an antidote against the poison of serpents
and of other venomous animals. The quacks of
every country make use of this species of stone to
deceive the multitude, and in order to give it greater
reputation, they say that they have taken it out of
the head of a serpent or of a dragon. It is in reality
nothing more than a mineral concretion, which
owes all its efficacy to superstition and credulity.
This is also the case with respect to the stone of
Benazir (hadzsjar Benazir), which takes its name
from a village near the place where it is most com-
monly found. The inhabitants of Egypt look upon
it as another precious antidote. When it is rubbed
against a vessel containing a few drops of water, it
whitens them and makes them like milk.
My medical skill was put to a severe trial before
my departure from Kous. The new Kiaschef fell
from his horse and dislocated his shoulder. He ho-
noured me with a confidence which could not have
been worse bestowed. It was in vain for me to point
out the established distinction between physic and
surgery : it would not have been understood, and
the confession of my inability to relieve him, would
not have been without danger. I was obliged then
to become surgeon ; my companions became my
assistants. It was a singular spectacle to see us tor-
ment the Mamcluc by useless efforts, whilst he, not
perceiving
TRAVELS IN UPPER
sidered as an antidote against the poison of serpents
and of other venomous animals. The quacks of
every country make use of this species of stone to
deceive the multitude, and in order to give it greater
reputation, they say that they have taken it out of
the head of a serpent or of a dragon. It is in reality
nothing more than a mineral concretion, which
owes all its efficacy to superstition and credulity.
This is also the case with respect to the stone of
Benazir (hadzsjar Benazir), which takes its name
from a village near the place where it is most com-
monly found. The inhabitants of Egypt look upon
it as another precious antidote. When it is rubbed
against a vessel containing a few drops of water, it
whitens them and makes them like milk.
My medical skill was put to a severe trial before
my departure from Kous. The new Kiaschef fell
from his horse and dislocated his shoulder. He ho-
noured me with a confidence which could not have
been worse bestowed. It was in vain for me to point
out the established distinction between physic and
surgery : it would not have been understood, and
the confession of my inability to relieve him, would
not have been without danger. I was obliged then
to become surgeon ; my companions became my
assistants. It was a singular spectacle to see us tor-
ment the Mamcluc by useless efforts, whilst he, not
perceiving