Bezoar, of which there are two kinds, one of which comes from the West Indies, called occidental, and the other from the East Indies, called oriental; which latter is worth double the price of the other.  Both are of divers forms; some round, others oblong like the stones of dates, some like pigeons eggs; and others like the kidneys of a kid, and others again like chesnuts; but most are blunt at both ends, and not sharp.  There is no less variety in the colours; some being light-red, others like the colour of honey, many of a dark ash-colour, but most of a waterish green.  The East India or oriental bezoar consists of many coats, artificially compacted together like the coats of an onion, each inclosing the other, and all bright and shining, as if polished by art; when one coat is broken off that immediately below being still brighter than the former.  These several coats are of different thicknesses, in proportion to the size of the bezoars; and the larger is the stone so much the more is it in request.  There is one sure way to make trial of bezoars:  Take the exact weight of the stone, and then put it in water for four hours; then see that it is not cracked, and wipe it quite dry; and if it now weigh in the smallest degree heavier than before, you may be assured that it is not good.  I have ascertained this many times at Bantam, having found many of them to turn out mere chalk, with a bit of stick in the middle, that weighed a Javan taile, or two English ounces.  Most of the counterfeit bezoars come from Succadanea in Borneo.  The true oriental bezoars come from Patane, Banjarmassen, Succadanea, Macasser, and the Isola das Vaccas at the entrance to Cambodia.[139]

[Footnote 139:  In old times, oriental bezoar was prized at a high rate in medicine, having many fancied valuable qualities, now found by experience to be altogether imaginary; so that it is now confined to cabinets of curiosities.  It is merely an accidental concretion, which takes place in the stomachs of various animals, somewhat similar to a gall-stone.—­E.]

Of Amber,[140] in regard to colour, there are many different kinds, as black, white, brown, and grey; of all which the black is usually the worst, and the grey the best.  That which is freest from filth or dross of any kind, and purest in itself, ought to be chosen; of a colour inclining to white, or ash-coloured, or intermixed with ash-coloured veins, and other white veins.  When put into water it ought to swim; and though some that is sophisticated will likewise float, it is certain that none which is pure will sink.  The greatest quantity of this commodity comes from Mozambique and Sofala.

[Footnote 140:  Ambergris is assuredly meant in the text.—­E.]

Sec. 9. Of the principal Places of Trade in India, and the Commodities they afford.[141]