diamonds weaken lodestones

An example of an historical alternative conception:

"A wanton woman, or charismatic man, posses the same virtue as a lodestone , that of attraction. Diamonds, on the other hand, weaken the lodestone, and topaz weakens lust."

[According to Agrippa von Nettesheim]

Morris Berman (1981). The Reenchantment of the World. Cornell University Press.

Author: Keith

Former school and college science teacher, teacher educator, research supervisor, and research methods lecturer. Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.