In the Renaissance new healing treatments come to light, many based on ancient medicine. In the 17th and 18th century these include hairballs, caustic toxins, purging medicines, crab eyes, wormwood, flowers of sulfur and more. Some might even work.
Balsamus fuliginis (Balsam of Soot)
Balsam of soot is a historical medicinal remedy that was used as an arsenic-based salve for treating wounds and injuries. This ancient ointment is believed to possess healing properties to help in the recovery process of various skin ailments and injuries.
The name comes from Latin balsamum "gum of the balsam tree," ultimately from a Semitic source such as Hebrew: בֹּשֶׂם, romanized: bośem, lit. 'spice, perfume') referring to the biblical Balm of Gilead. Fuliginis means "of soot".
Bezoar
A bezoar is an indigestible mass of hair, fiber, organic or inorganic substances. It's found in an animal's digestive system. In the Renaissance it's a mystic stone of universal health qualities. The experimental poisoning of a French convict in 1597 proves this is not the case.
Legends yet speak of its miraculous properties of healing various ailments and diseases. Bezoar may be figuratively applied to other remedies, like Bezoardicum minerale (a mineral bezoar, antimony pentoxide, formed by reaction of aqua fortis with butter of antimony).
Butter of antimony
Butter of antimony, also known as antimony trichloride, goes back to the seventeenth century. This compound is made through distillation of a dry blend of corrosive sublimate (mercuric chloride) and antimony (antimony trisulphide).
The alchemical transformation during this procedure results in formation of a substance termed "butter" due to its appearance and consistency. The butter of antimony, upon distillation, manifests as a fluid with a pale white or yellowish hue.
Over time it solidifies into a texture like actual butter. In veterinary medicine of the past it's been used to treat foot rot on sheep, and to remove the horn buds of calves. Due to the toxins animals have died after its application.
Balsamus Samech
Balsamus Samech is a product of the Paracelsian tradition. This remedy is crafted through fusion of alcohol with tartar salt or potassium carbonate. Tartar salt is important to the alchemical transmutation that takes place.
As the salt interacts with the alcohol, typically an ethanol solution, the potassium carbonate within the tartar salt acts as a desiccant, absorbing moisture present in the alcohol. This catalyzes a change. This alchemical marriage leads to formation of a dense, viscous liquid.
The medical uses of this remedy are as a laxative and diuretic.
Pulvis angelicus
Another harsh purgative is pulvis angelicus, commonly known as angel dust, Powder of Algaroth, or mercurius vitae. It's created by combining antimony trichloride (butter of antimony) with water to produce antimonious oxychloride.
It's not the street drug angel dust (PCP). In archaic medicine pulvis angelicus is used as an emetic, purgative, and diaphoretic (causing profuse sweating). During the late Renaissance purging through laxatives, vomiting and sweat-causing medications is a major health trend.
Colcothar (Copperas Red)
Colcothar, also known as iron(II) oxide or copperas red is produced when iron vitriol, or ferrous sulfate, is strongly roasted. The process of roasting iron vitriol leads to the conversion of the ferrous sulfate into iron oxide, resulting in the formation of colcothar.
This reddish-brown powder is mainly composed of various iron oxides, with its characteristic color and properties making it unique from other iron compounds. Historically, colcothar is used as paint pigment, and in cosmetics, ceramics and dyes due to its earthy deep red hue.
Crabs' eyes
Calcareous concretions found in the bodies of crayfish, "crabs' eyes" are structures made predominantly of calcium carbonate. These concretions are unique biological features with medicinal significance. They are not actual eyes.
Liquor derived from crabs' eyes is created by dissolving these calcareous formations in vinegar, resulting in a solution popular in traditional medicine. The liquor is used in folk remedies for ailments ranging from digestive issues to skin conditions.
Drif
This term is used by Van Helmont in his influential work Ortus medicinae published in 1648. He refers to "Drif" as a potent medicinal substance crafted and administered by an Irish alchemist named Butler.
Drif is believed to possess remarkable healing properties. Due to its unique preparation process the method is secret.
Essential oils
The term "essential oil" refers to a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds extracted from plants. These oils are typically obtained through processes like steam distillation or cold pressing.
Essential oils have been used for centuries in various cultures for their therapeutic, aromatic, and medicinal properties. They are known for their distinct fragrances and are often used in aromatherapy, skincare, and natural medicine.
Each essential oil has unique properties and benefits, ranging from relaxation and stress relief to promoting focus and energy. The popularity of essential oils continues to grow as people seek natural alternatives for health and well-being.
Essential salts
Ancient alchemists and herbalists seek the existence of an "essential salt," a substance derived from plant material thought to encapsulate the very essence of the herb. This concept is inspired by the idea of essential oils, aromatic compounds extracted from plants.
The essential salt was believed to be a concentrated form of the herb's properties, containing its unique characteristics and healing properties. Alchemists strive to capture the plant's essence in a tangible form. Alchemists make tinctures or remedies with salt as base material.
Flowers of ...
A sublimate; the term comes from the radiate crystals resembling flowers often produced during sublimation of certain substances. Sublimation involves direct transition of a substance from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase, for example, dry ice.
Sublimation results in the formation of crystal structures resembling flowers. One example is the production of "flowers of sulfur" through sulfur sublimation. This refined sulfur, bright yellow and powdery, is used in medicine for antibacterial and skin soothing qualities.
Wormwood
A bitter European herb, Artemisia absinthium is a perennial native to Europe, particularly regions with temperate climates. This herb has a long history of traditional uses. Its name is derived from a characteristic bitter taste, often described as intensely sharp and pungent.
Artemisia absinthium has been used in various cultures for its medicinal properties. It is believed to have digestive benefits and is sometimes used to stimulate appetite. Wormwood is also known for antimicrobial properties, used or pain, parasites and infections.
It's most famous in production absinthe, a highly alcoholic beverage popular in the 19th century. Wormwood is responsible for its distinctive bitter flavor and contains the compound thujone, toxic in high doses.
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