GEM

(Lat. gemma.) In Sculpture, a precious stone, used for the purpose of sculpture. The practice of carving gems is of remote antiquity, though it is doubtful whether they were able to cut the diamond or use the emerald and topaz for sculptural purposes. The stones usually selected are rock crystal of different colours, jasper, chalcedony, onyx, cornelian, and blood stone. Among the Greeks the art was carried to great perfection; but having fallen with the other arts into disuse, its revival was effected in Italy in the 15th century, and modern masters have more than rivalled some of the ancient productions, GEMINI, {hat. tfie Twins.) The third constellation of the zodiac, into which the sun enters about the 21st of May in each year. The Twins are named from Castor and Pollux; sometimes, also, from Apollo and Hercules. The constellation is easily distinguished by means of two conspicuous stars of the second magnitude near together; Castor being that which is furthest to the west, and Pollux that wliich is furthest to the east. GEMMIPARES, Gemmipara. (Lat. gemma, a bud, and parib, / produce.) The animals which propagate by buds, as the hydra, or fresh-water polype, . GEMS, [s. 501]