In this connexion the name Abraxas and the Abraxas gems must be remembered.
Abraxas-stones were so called from having the word Abraxas or Abrasax engraved on them.
Abraxas stones, stones with cabalistic figures on them used as talismans.
To the abraxas succeeded the talismans, which were of the highest estimation in the East.
Not all abraxas stones, however, are of gnostic origin, just as the name of abraxas cannot be applied to all gnostic stones.
There is a case comparable to this found in a wild species of moth, Abraxas grossulariata.
Ellopia ribearia, or the Currant-moth, was figured and described by Fitch as the Abraxas?
From the stone itself the word "Abraxas" came to be used as an amulet when written on paper.
They quickly acquired a celebrity undi165minished for ages, and were known under the general name of Abraxas.
Amulets in the form of inscriptions were called "Characts," the word Abraxas being an example.
