it was the popular theme for jests; it was the best cure for headache, it infallibly prevented the hair from turning grey, it imparted a peculiar delicacy to the complexion, it was the national razor which shaved close: who kissed la guillotine, looked through the little window and sneezed into the sack. it was the sign of the regeneration of the human race. it superseded the cross. models of it were worn on breasts from which the cross was discarded, and it was bowed down to and believed in where the cross was denied.