ke
a Bone, with the Marrow taken out; but with a fit _Menstruum_, I found that
I could easily dissolve it, like other soft Stones: and possibly it may
prove as fit as _Osteocolla_, for the same Medicinal uses.

* * * * *

_Of the nature of a certain Stone, found in the _Indies_, in the head of a
_Serpent_._

There was, some while ago, sent by Sir _Philiberto Vernatti_, from _Java
major_, where he resides, to Sir _Robert Moray_, for the Repository of the
_Royal Society_, a certain Stone, affirmed by the presenter to be found in
the Head of a _Snake_, which laid upon any Wound, made by any venomous
Creature, is said to stick to it, and to draw away all Poyson: and then,
being put in Milk, to void its Poyson therein, and to make the Milk turn
blew; in which manner it must be used, till the Wound be cleansed.

The like Relations having been made, by several others, of such a Stone,
and some also in this City affirming, to have made the Experiment with
success, it was thought worth while, to inquire further into the truth of
this Matter: since which time, nothing hath been met with but an
Information, delivered by that Ingenious _Parisian_, Monsieur _Thevenot_,
in his second _Tome_, of the _Relations of divers considerable Voyages_,
whereof he lately presented some Exemplars to his Friends in _England_. The
Book being in French, and not common, 'tis conceived it will not be amiss
to insert here the said Information, which is to this effect:

In the _East Indies_ and in the Kingdom of _Quamsy_ in _China_, there is
found a Stone in the Head of a certain _Serpent_ (which they call by a name
signifying _Hairy Serpents_) which heals the bitings of the same Serpent,
that else would kill in 24 hours. This Stone is round, white in the middle
and about the {103} edges blew or greenish. Being applyed to the Wound, it
adheres to it of it self, and falls not off, but after it hath sucked the
Poyson, then they wash it in Milk, wherein 'tis left awhile, till it return
to its natural condition. It is a rare Stone, for if it be put the second
time upon the Wound, and stick to it, 'tis a sign it had not suck'd all the
Venome during its first application, but if it stick not, 'tis a mark that
all the Poyson was drawn out at first. So far our _French_ Author: wherein
appears no considerable difference from the written Relation before
mentioned.

* * * * *

_Of the way, used i