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His own object, King says, was first to establish a sound system
of nomenclature in the antique department; to define each species
with precision to consider all these substances in their ; bearings upon
art and history; and lastly, "to supply accurate guidance to the
admirer in our own days of these the choicest of Nature's treasures."
It is interesting to note how many in the above summary were
either clergymen or physicians. King himself, author of several valuable
books on antique gems, for one. It is only now and then that a
jeweler publishes his more exact if less "literary" knowledge. Yet
the only important works since 1875, when King disappeared from
public view, are by mineralogists and dealers in precious stones. As
an elegant study for men of leisure, the subject seems to have passed.
have written author-
Only a few men within the last half century
itatively on stones besides King, whose specialty was carved gems.
Dr. Max
Among these are Hodder M. Westropp, the archaeologist ;
Bauer, with typical Teutonic thoroughness and detail, on precious
stones; Emanuel, Streeter, W. R. Cattelle and George Frederick
Kunz, jewelers and connoisseurs of yesterday and to-day.