Gem

Ring

Sommerville: Chalcedony-Onyx. A ring porte bonheur. A most interesting subject. The design represents a bone from the instep of the human foot called the astragalus; it is shown in four positions or faces - viz. the superior and inferior, the anterior and posterior. The ancient Romans played a game of hazard with these bones as with dice, which is the signification of the word "astragalus." The original owner of this specimen probably said to himself, in playing astragalus: "When I venture my drachmae on the anterior face, it is sure to fall on the wrong face, and vice versa when I take the superior face. Now, I will have a talisman stone engraved, a porte bonheur, representing all the four positions; then, whichever way the astragalus falls, I shall at least have it on my amulet." I avail myself with great pleasure of this opportunity to express my gratitude to my friend the learned archaeologist Dr. Dresser, who so often has aided me in deciphering engraved gems and inscriptions. It was he who first discovered that all four positions of the astragaluswere so represented. I have also a manuscript from his hand on the ring of Lucius Philogenes, the liberated slave, No. 915, Case FFF. Gold Rings - Intaglios, Case HHH.