Bezoar Factitium, c1745-1807

Description

Glass specie jar containing specimens of artificial Bezoar stones, Bezoar factitium. From the Burges Collection.

Text on paper contents label reads ‘Catal. mat. med. p. 120. No. 11. Bezoar factitium.’ A second label reads ‘7A’.

Bezoar stones were calculi from the intestines of various animals. They were used to treat fevers and consumption.

Pomet, in his Compleat History of Druggs, says that Bezoars were used as ‘a Preservative from pestilential Air, and a Remedy for the Small-Pox, Measles, or other contagious Diseases. It is reckoned also proper against Vertigo’s, Epilepsies, Palpitation of the Heart, Jaundice, Cholick, Dysentery, Gravel, to procure Labour Pains, and against Poisons.’