Stoned

The Blarney Stone, located in the walls of Blarney Castle, Ireland, is said to impart eloquence to those who kiss it. *** The basalt Rosetta Stone, discovered in 1799, is inscribed with a Ptolemaic decree and its markings helped experts decipher hieroglyphics. *** One who has 'sprung from the stone' has no known parents or provenance. *** To boil, roast or wash a stone or to attempt to get blood out of a stone all mean to labour in vain. However, one should leave no stone unturned in killing two birds with one stone, since a rolling stone gathers no moss. *** Stone-boiling is a primitive technique for heating water by putting hot stones in it. *** The Stone of Scone (also the Stone of Destiny) is where Scottish kings were traditionally crowned. Edward I captured the stone in 1296 and took it to Westminster Abby. The stone was returned to the Scots in 1996 and place in Edinburgh Castle. *** Kidney stones are solid masses of calcium which originate in the kidney and can pass down the urinary tract. *** The Philosopher's Stone is believed by alchemists to turn base metals to gold. *** The London Stone (possibly a Roman milestone) is built into the wall or 111 Cannon Street.