Goa Stone with Gold case
Photo: Metopolitan Museum (Wikimedia)

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Gasper Antonio (Florentine Jesuit missionary in Goa)

Preparation:

The stones must all be levigated very well with Rose water until impalpably fine; they are then combined with the Musk and Ambergris. Next, a mucilage of Tragacanth or Deer horn is used to form a pill mass from which pills of 1⁄2– 1 scruple each, and dry in the shade. They were traditionally polished with a limpet shell until glossy.
According to some sources the mixture was left to ferement for 6–12 months before being formed into pills.

Function:

Clears Heat, protects against Poison, calms the Mind and Spirit, benefits the Heart

Use:

1. Antidote against Epidemic and Infectious diseases including Plague
2. Malarial Fevers
3. Venomous Bites, including Rabid Dogs and Cobra bites
4. Melancholy
5. Consumption
6. Internal Abscesses
7. Leprosy
8. Morphew and Psoriasis-like skin diseases
9. Diseases of the Brain caused by Cold and Damp
10. Apoplexy
11. Increases Wit and Memory, benefits Brain function and Improves Eyesight

Dose:

1 scruple

Cautions:

1. Dangerous if the stones are not prepared properly.
2. Not suitable in weak digestion

Modifications:

1. The original was said by some to contain Fossil shark teeth and Deer horn.
2. A reformed version was said to replace Ambergris with Amber.
3. Some versions listed a type of White Earth, which later versions replaced with Armenian Earth.
4. Some versions added Tabasheer, Garnet, Armenian Earth, Ivory, Unicorn (Narwhal) horn, and Crabs Eyes.
5. Later versions also added herbs including Angelica, Contrayerva, and Virginian Snakeroot

Comment:

“Accounted one of the richest Cordials in the World”.

“An Antidote against Plague and Poison, and cures the Bitings of Serpents, Mad Dogs [Rabid Dogs], or any other venomous creature; it revives the Heart, fortifies Nature, resists Melancholy, restores in Consumptions, prevails against all diseases of the Head and Brain proceeding from Cold and Moisture, causing a lively Presence, nimble Wit, a pleasant Countenance, and a sweet breath”. (Salmon, Pharmacopoeia Bateana)

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