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- used to clone dinosaurs. Indeed, dinosaur bones and small pieces of amber from the same era have been found together in Alberta. Though it is an extreme long shot, it may someday be possible to recreate an extinct dinosaur
species.
Amber as Medicine
The ancient Egyptians were aware of the preservative properties of resin for it enabled them to embalm their aristocracy. The resins retarded decay and destroyed fungi and bacteria. Since early times resins have also been used as an antiseptic for wounds. The ancient Greeks put resins in their wine to preserve it and prevent spoilage.
The preservative nature of resin and amber probably led to the medicinal cults which grew up around them, and hence their use in the cure of various ailments. In various times and locations, amber has been credited with curing poor eyesight (eliminating cataracts) and poor hearing, stomach ailments, asthma, heart disease (dissolving clots in the bloodstream), convulsion, ulcers, disorders of the nervous system and general infections. Worn around the neck, some believed it could cure disorders like goiter.
Because of its supposed protective and magical powers, and its healing energies, amber came to be placed in graves, at the entrance of dwellings, on babies� cribs, and could even be worn into battle.
Amber was highly cherished by the Chinese, especially in amulet form, as it is believed to insure to its wearer a long and happy life. A syrup, called syrup of amber, was made in China with the liquid acid of amber and opium, and used as a sedative, anodyne, and antispasmodic remedy. The book, Tang ben (650 CE) states: �it (amber) re-animates the heart, calms the soul (so as to cause sleep), stops bleeding, produces flesh, and in women cures obstruction of the bowels.� An eighth century Chinese writer, Zhen Zangqi says Small boys carry it (amber) as an amulet; ground, and dropped into the eyes, rt prevents a cataract.�
Amber in Art
In the realm of art and jewellery, amber was no ordinary material. It has a long and rich history and was one of the first �semi-precious gems to be prized by humans in numerous locations around the world. They have competed with each other to obtain this �gold� from the sea. Because of its rarity, amber was largely destined for the use of the aristocracy. Since early times it has been revered for its supposed sacred or magical powers, for treasure and for adornment as well as being placed in ancient tombs for use in the afterlife.
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