Amber

There are two varieties of this substance, viz., the grey and the yellow amber, of which the latter only need here be more particularly noticed. Its use may be traced back to a very early antiquity, the purposes to which it was applied being the setting of jewels and furniture. It was employed by the Jews for making amulets. Amber was also used by the Egyptians in the fabrication of necklaces composed of pearls or other delicate materials. By the Romans it was sculptured into vases or statuettes. The name of vasa electrina was given to amber vases set with silver, and that of electrina patera to pateræ made of amber alone. Amber was largely used by early painters as a varnish, and also as a vehicle. It is harder than copal, and is said to be the most durable of all varnishes. It requires a long time to fit it for polishing. Amber is supposed to be a vegetable fo il; it is washed up by the sea, especially on the shores of the Baltic.