Electuarium de Ovo
Or, Electuarium Aurum Ovi
Electuary of Eggs
Or, ‘The Golden Egg’
Tradition:
Western
Source / Author:
Emperor Maximilian (Pharmacopoeia Augustana)
|
Herb Name |
Latin |
Amount * |
|---|---|---|
|
Dictamnus albus | ||
|
Potentilla tormentilla |
2 drams ea. | |
|
Commiphora molmol | ||
|
Cornu Cervii Usta | ||
|
Strychnos nux-vomica |
1 dram ea. | |
|
Angelica archangelica | ||
|
Pimpinella saxifraga | ||
|
Juniperus communis | ||
|
Curcuma zedoaria | ||
|
Camphora |
4 drams ea. |
Preparation:
Blow the white out of new laid eggs, leaving the yolk, then fill the empty space with powdered Saffron (1 1⁄2–2 drams); close the holes with a piece of shell moistened with a little of the Egg white. Roast them in ashes as long as the shell can stand, or until the shell is brown all over. When cool, remove the shell and powder what remains, adding an equal weight of Mustard seed powder, along with the above in fine powder. Some formed a soft Electuary by adding three times the weight of Syrup of Lemons.
The Nux Vomica would not be able to be used in most developed countries. However, if it were used, it should be prepared as per Eastern methods. See the Nux Vomica monograph for details of preparation.
Function:
Resists Poison and Infection, opens Obstructions
Use:
1. Prevents infection if taken during Epidemics
2. Taken at the beginning of Infection to cure. It was taken in the early stages of Plague with apparently effective results.
3. Spotted Fever including Measles and Small Pox
4. Also taken against various Poisons and Venoms
5. used for all types of “bad Humours and Venom”; in these the Nux Vomica was often omitted.
Dose:
½–1 dram (up to 2 drams)
Traditionally, it was said that within 12 hours of being infected, the sick was to take the weight of a duccat (for a man), a Rhenish gildern (for a women), and half that for a child. These should be taken with a little Wine if the symptoms are cold, or with Water of Chicory (or a mix of half Wine and half Vinegar) for symptoms of Heat.
Cautions:
Largely obsolete due to Nux Vomica.
1. Avoid overdose. Nux Vomica is very toxic.
2. Not used during Pregnancy.
Modifications:
1. A version of Renodeus omitted Mustard seed, added Elecampane, Cinnamon and Mace, reduced Camphor to 1 dram, and added 3 oz. of Theriac.
2. Many later versions added Theriac.
The Original author was said by some sources to be uncertain, although Emperor Maximilian (1459-1519) was claimed by some to be the author (most probably his court physician). There were many versions in use over a period of time, and it was often guarded as a great secret. Original formulas, such as those listed in the Pharmacopoeia Augustana did not contain Theriac. However, most later versions contained Theriac.
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Weights & Measures
It was said to keep 30 years.
“The description of this Electuary is as uncertain, as the former’s Author’s name; for neither are known: Yet there is no Seplasiary so rude, but he will boast, That he hath its best description, I have seen many, but never two alike: that is best, which is divulged by the Augustine Medicks [Pharmacopoeia Augustana]; yet some things therein are not tolerable: for though its ingredients be few, and described in small quantity, yet there is half an ounce of Camphor, and as much Mustard as may equalize both the Saffron and Egge yolk there prescribed: whereas neither of them may be so admitted; the Mustard being very hot, and not cordial; the Camphor cordial, but not suaveolent, save in small quantity. Besides, those grave men command the Powders and the Theriack to be mixed together, without the intervent of Honey, or a Syrup: and so it cannot be an Opiate, but a Paste, more solid then any mass for Pills. But we have detracted Mustard from it as noxious, and Pimpinella as useless; adding thereto Enula [Elecampane], Mace, and Cinnamon, as cordial and bezoardical; we have instituted a just dose of Camphor, an idoneous quantity of Theriack, and a sit Syrup for their receipt and subaction. It should be a new Hens-egg, of a moderate magnitude, through whose perforated head, the White should be educed, and the Yolk left; what is empty should be filled with Oriental, not pulverisatous Saffron; and the hole stopped with Paste, or another shell, that nothing might expire; then the included being cocted [burned] in a furnace or oven, by a flow fire, must be-pulyerated, the shells being abjected.
Some disallow of the vomitory Nut [Nux Vomica], because it is deletery to dogs and Cats, and subverts [vomits] Man’s ventricle [Stomach]. But we have oft satisfied to this dubitation, for the nature of Man differs from that of Brutes; for that is often poison to men, which to beasts is meat. Thus Starlings feed on Hemlock, which is death to man; Aloes and bitter Almonds kill Foxes, which man safely uses. Furthermore, the vomicory Nut being alexiterial, and provoking vomit, is very convenient; for vomits conduce much in contagious diseases, especially to such, whose first region abounds with prave humours; for the chief parts being thereby purged from their corruprion, their faculties are more operative, and apt to opposing poison,
The use of this Electuary hath been rare in France hitherto; but I hope when our emendation is better Known, it will be more frequent: for thus described, it is most efficacious for the cure of the Pestilence; for it is a certain small Theriack, which later sedulity hath invented.
It is very commendable, both for the prevention and curation of the Plague, and all pestilent diseases: it is either given alone, or with some conserve, water, or cordial decoction”. (A Medicinal Dispensatory, Renou, 1657)