AMBER
Amber is the product of tree resin that is preserved for millions of years. Apart from its use as ornament, in medicine and in developing perfume, amber has also preserved a variety of creatures that may have trapped themselves in trees or in the resin itself hence the term “resin fossils”.
History and names
The English word amber derives from Arabic ʿanbar Middle Latin ambar and Middle French ambre. The word was adopted in Middle English in the 14th century as referring to what is now known as ambergris (ambre gris or "grey amber"), a solid waxy substance derived from the sperm whale. In the Romance languages, the sense of the word had come to be extended to Baltic amber (fossil resin) from as early as the late 13th century. At first called white or yellow amber (ambre jaune), this meaning was adopted in English by the early 15th century. As the use of ambergris waned, this became the main sense of the word.
The two substances ("yellow amber" and "grey amber") conceivably became associated or confused because they both were found washed up on beaches. Ambergris is less dense than water and floats, whereas amber is less dense than stone, but too dense to float.
The classical name for amber, electrum , is connected to a term (ēlektōr) meaning "beaming Sun". According to the myth, when Phaëton son of Helios (the Sun) was killed, his mourning sisters became poplars, and their tears became the origin of electron, amber.
Amber is the product of tree resin that is preserved for millions of years. Apart from its use as ornament, in medicine and in developing perfume, amber has also preserved a variety of creatures that may have trapped themselves in trees or in the resin itself hence the term “resin fossils”.
History and names
The English word amber derives from Arabic ʿanbar Middle Latin ambar and Middle French ambre. The word was adopted in Middle English in the 14th century as referring to what is now known as ambergris (ambre gris or "grey amber"), a solid waxy substance derived from the sperm whale. In the Romance languages, the sense of the word had come to be extended to Baltic amber (fossil resin) from as early as the late 13th century. At first called white or yellow amber (ambre jaune), this meaning was adopted in English by the early 15th century. As the use of ambergris waned, this became the main sense of the word.
The two substances ("yellow amber" and "grey amber") conceivably became associated or confused because they both were found washed up on beaches. Ambergris is less dense than water and floats, whereas amber is less dense than stone, but too dense to float.
The classical name for amber, electrum , is connected to a term (ēlektōr) meaning "beaming Sun". According to the myth, when Phaëton son of Helios (the Sun) was killed, his mourning sisters became poplars, and their tears became the origin of electron, amber.
SCORPIONS
Scorpions are predatory invertebrates that are known in many cultures as symbols of evil or combatants of evil, and sexuality. Their ancestors were believed to have existed as far 430 million years ago, dwelling in the sea floors of the Silurian period. Scorpion remains are commonly found preserved in amber and are valued for their exotic appeal.
Scorpions are predatory invertebrates that are known in many cultures as symbols of evil or combatants of evil, and sexuality. Their ancestors were believed to have existed as far 430 million years ago, dwelling in the sea floors of the Silurian period. Scorpion remains are commonly found preserved in amber and are valued for their exotic appeal.