Note 16 — Chapter VI · MAGIC RITES AS AFFECTING THE LIFE OF MAN
Reading edition
The Filer of Teeth explained that the file being of iron, and hence emblematic of earth, the bowl of water in which the file was to be dipped emblematic of water in general, and the limes emblematic of the vegetable creation, it was necessary to invoke the three “Prophets” who are supposed to be in charge of those departments of creation. The explanation, however, is not a satisfactory one, and it is more probable that these lines have taken the place of an older invocation now forgotten. Their Arabic character in itself is almost conclusive on this point. ↑