Gemstones and their distinctive Characters

by Frederik Herbert Smith

Overview

Excerpt: "It has been my endeavour to provide in this book a concise, yet sufficiently complete, account of the physical characters of the mineral species which find service in jewellery, and of the methods available for determining their principal physical constants to enable a reader, even if previously unacquainted with the subject, to have at hand all the information requisite for the sure identification of any cut stone which may be met with. For several reasons I have dealt somewhat more fully with the branches of science closely connected with the properties of crystallised matter than has been customary hitherto in even the most comprehensive books on precious stones. Recent years have witnessed many changes in the jewellery world. Gem-stones are no longer entirely drawn from a few well-marked mineral species, which are, on the whole, easily distinguishable from one another, and it becomes increasingly difficult for even the most experienced eye to recognise a cut stone with unerring certainty. So long as the only confusion lay between precious stones and paste imitations an ordinary file was the solitary piece of apparatus required by the jeweller, but now recourse must be had to more discriminative tests, such as the refractive index or the specific gravity, the determination of which calls for a little knowledge and skill. Concurrently, a keener interest is being taken in the scientific aspect of gem-stones by the public at large, who are attracted to them mainly by aesthetic considerations."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783965378858
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	03/06/2020
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	270
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Frederik Herbert Smith, born in 1879 in the bustling port city of Liverpool, emerged as a luminary in the early 20th-century literary scene. His works, often characterized by their meticulous attention to detail and profound philosophical underpinnings, reflect a deep engagement with the natural world and human psyche. Smith's early life was marked by a blend of rigorous academic training and adventurous exploration, having studied geology and mineralogy at the University of Oxford before embarking on expeditions across Africa and South America.Smith's literary contributions extend beyond the realm of scientific inquiry, delving into the intricate interplay between human emotions and the natural environment. His essays and short stories, published in various esteemed journals, reveal a writer deeply attuned to the subtleties of human experience and the mysteries of the earth. Notably, his controversial stance on the ethical implications of colonialism and resource exploitation garnered both acclaim and criticism, positioning him as a forward-thinking advocate for environmental and social justice.Influencing contemporary writers such as W.H. Auden and Aldous Huxley, Smith's revolutionary ideas on the interconnectedness of all life forms and the moral responsibilities of humanity resonate with modern ecological and ethical discourses. His legacy endures through his profound impact on literary and scientific communities, inspiring generations to ponder the deeper connections between humanity and the natural world.