The Leyden and Stockholm Papyri - University of Cincinnati

25. Whitening of a Pearl
A dark pearl is made white by the following method. Give it to a
cock to swallow, cut him open immediately, and you will find that
the pearl has become white.
26. Corrosion of Sunstone
A corroding of sunstone which boils it at the same time. Boil together
seeds of mezereon and vinegar with the stone until a third of the
fluid remains behind.
27. Opening Up of Stones
Make sure that the stones are receptive; and that the dense stone is
loosened up. Place it in a soft fig, lay upon the coals, and the stone
will immediately change.
28. Preservation of Crystal
In order that small stones which are prepared from crystal do not
break into pieces, take and open a fig, put the stone therein, and
lay the fig upon the coals to roast.
29. Corroding of Stones
THE STOCKHOLM PAPYRUS
Let urine and alum putrify and remain together with the stones for
30 days. Then take the stones out and stick them in soft figs or
dates. These stones should also be worked on the coats. Therefore,
blow with the bellows until the figs or the dates burn and become
charcoal. Then seize the stone, not with the hand but with the
tongs, and put it directly into the dye bath while still warm, and let
it cool there. Make as many stones as you wish of, however, not
more than 2 drachmas (each in weight). The dye bath should,
however, be like paste.
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