Panaceas, Theriacs & Mithridates
The history of compound universal antidotes, ancient poison resistance trials, and medieval alexipharmics.
Inside this collection
Theriac of Andromachus
The 64-ingredient compound antidote, incorporation of viper flesh and opium, and public compounding spectacles in Renaissance Venice.
Mithridatium & Mithridates VI
The historical king of Pontus, documentation of daily sub-lethal polypharmacy trials, and the lost royal formulary.
Terra Sigillata
Sealed Lemnian earth, stamped clay pastilles, historical testing for poison neutralisation, and ancient counterfeit prevention.
Bezoar Stones & Concretions
Gastrointestinal stones from ruminants, incorporation into gold mounts, dip-testing in royal wine cups, and skeptical treatises.
Narwhal Tusks & Unicorn Skepticism
The commercial traffic in narwhal horn as alicorn, tests involving bubbling poison, and early modern medical debunking.
Galenic Humorism & Plant Temperaments
Classification of botanical simples along degrees of hot, cold, dry, and moist qualities in medieval European physic.
Snakebite Stones & Snakeroots
Comparative study of Aristolochia species, porous bone-char stones, and folklore surrounding botanical venom counteragents.
Gem Elixirs & Soluble Pearls
Prescriptions calling for pulverized oriental emeralds, pearls, and coral as universal cordials for elite Renaissance patrons.
A darker leaf.
A closer look.
We trace the line between botanical evidence, historical remedies and plant lore. A beautiful specimen deserves a careful reading.
Our approach