Authors and Sources
The following gives a brief introduction to some of the major Authors and Sources of Materia Medica and Formulas. The left column shows major authors of the Western Tradition along with formulas they wrote. The right column gives links to Wikipedia biographies of various noted authors and physicians of Traditional Medicine. Wikipedia links are given purely for biographical information as this is outside the scope of this website.
1. The Western Tradition
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The original sources of many formulas is obscure. In some cases, an author has traditionally been ascribed a formula to him, when in fact he may have either copied or modified an existing formula.
Hiera Picra is a good example. For nearly 2000 years, various versions appeared by various authors, and many agreed Galen to be the originator. However, some authors stated that it was not penned by the hand of Galen, and that it was in use long before him. It is also to be noted that many formulas were in common use throughout England, Europe and the Mediterranean for many centuries, and yet they bared the name of no author. |
Further, authors that were commonly the source of formulas, such as Mesue and Nicholas, often had their own versions of formulas that went by the same name. So later European writers may have written the name of a formula, and sometimes without the name of an author. Thankfully, a formula that bears the name of a herb usually had the same or similar virtue irrespective of the author.
It is also important to note that any formula which was in use over a great period of time, and over a great geographical distance was likely to be modified, so that a great many variations existed of various commonly used formulas. In some cases, different Apothecaries within one country or city may have had radically different preparations sold under the same name. |
A. Classical Greek Physicians
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Andromachus
Andromachus was physician to Nero; his most famous achievement was Theriac, which was modified by Galen, and then used for nearly 2 millennia. Sweet scented Troches for Theriac Sweet Smelling Troches Troches of Squill for Theriac Troches Polyidae Treacle of Andromachus (Theriac) Azaricon (thought to be Aeschrion) A teacher of Galen Electuary for Stones Electuary for Crass and Viscid Humors Electuary to Strengthen the Internal Members Galen Galen of Pergamum (129-c. 216 AD). Took the teachings of Hippocrates to a new level; his works remained in use for over 1500 years after his death. His work was again elevated by Avicenna around 1000 AD. Anodyne Troches (Galen) Potion for Headache Decoction for Back Pain and Kidney Stones Hiera Picra Compound Hiera Picra of Galen Powder for Hemoptysis Powder for Dysentery Powder Proven for Lung Defects and All Coughs Lohoch of Squills |
Troches of Agaric
Troches of Saffron Pills for Migraine Pills for Migraine (2) Pills proven to Improve Vision Foetid Pills Lesser Foetid Pills Greater Lesser Pills of Cocchia Philonium Romanum Antidote for Back Pain Confection for Melancholy Electuary to Clarify the Voice Electuary for Head and Stomach Pain Electuary of Calamint Electuarium Dianthu Cooling Ointment Troches of Andronius Zenon (Zeno) Greek Physician, 3rd to 2nd century BCE. Follower of Herophilis, quoted by Galen. A noted master of Materia Medica. Electuary of Black Hellebore Electuary of Centaury Electuary of Frankincense Electuary of Gums Electuary of Indian leaf Electuary of Maidenhair Electuary of Rhubarb Electuary of Sealed Earth Electuary of Turbith |
B. Arab and Persian Physicians
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Avicenna
Abu Ali el-Hosein ben Abdallah Ibn Sina (‘Avicenna’), a Persian Physician, 980-1037. He wrote the Canon of Medicine (Britannica) which modernised and elevated the medical teachings of Galen, and was to become a major reference-book of medicine throughout Europe for the next 8 centuries and is still taught in Unani colleges today. Albotin (Electuary of Turpentine) Warming Pearl Powder Powder of Turbith Troches of Spodium (Tabasheer) Pills to Cleanse the Chest Pills of Agaric Pilulae Assajeret Pills of Fumitory Electuary of Aloeswood Electuary of Figwort Electuary of Pearl The Apostles Ointment Mesue The name Mesue is associated with two different Physicians, a ‘Younger’ and an ‘Elder’ Mesue. There were a number of formulas used that were penned under that name, but it is not always certain who was responsible for what. The Elder Mesue created various elegant laxative/purgatives using fruit such as Myrobalans, Cassia etc. The Younger Mesue was responsible for the majority of formulas listed in various European Pharmacopoeias under the name ‘Mesue’. Many formulas penned under the name Mesue remained in common use well into the 18th and 19th centuries, a large number appeared in the early London Pharmacopoeias. Mesue the Elder. Abu Zakerijja Jahja ben Maseweih (776–855) A Christian who was director of the Bhagdad School of Medicine; supervised the translation of ancient Greek texts. He was noted for opposing the use of harsh and violent cathartic medicines used so commonly by the Greeks and Romans. Instead, he used Cassia, Tamarinds, Myrobalans, Jujubes and similar gentle laxative compounds. He also promoted correction of the stronger medicines, either with preparation, or in formula. He wrote Aphorisms (with Rhasis) Mesue the Younger Yahyā ibn Masawaih al-Mardini (Died 1015, aged 90); contemporary of Avicenna. Wrote several important books on Medicine and Pharmacy. More than 70 editions, mostly in Latin, of his Receptarium Antidotarii were printed from the invention of the printing press to the mid-seventeenth century. Nearly half of the formula of the first London Pharmacopoeia are attributed to him. Nearly all formula attributed to Mesue in the present work are from Mesue the Younger. Of Mesue, Culpeper said he ‘is called the Physicians Evangelist, for the certainty of his Medicines, and the truth of his Opinions’. This type of praise was common. Thus, his formulas were in common use throughout Europe and the Arab world for a millennia and his formulas are still the basis for the modern Unani Pharmacopoeia. Simple Syrup of Sorrel Simple Syrup of Vinegar Syrup of Poppy Comp. Syrup of Wormwood Comp. Syrup of Vinegar Byzantine Syrup (Simple) Byzantine Syrup (Compound) Comp. Syrup of Fumitory Comp. Syrup of Licorice Comp. Syrup of Hyssop Comp. Syrup of Horehound Comp. Syrup of Mint Comp. Syrup of Poppy Syrup of Apples Purgative Syrup of Purslane seed Syrup of the Five Opening Roots Syrup of Stoechas Comp. Syrup of Violet Comp. Syrup of Jujubes Oxymel Oxymel of Squill (Simple & Comp.) Electuary of Calamus (Diacorum) Royal Confection of Alkermes Electuary of Saffron (Diacrocon) Eyebright Confection (Confectio Humain) Philonium Persicum Electuary of Dates Electuary of Pine kernels A Sound and Experienced Electuary Indian Electuary Lesser (Mesue) Electuary of the Juice of Roses Theriac of 4 Ingredients (Diatessaron) Triphera Minor (The Delicate Electuary) Triphera Persica (Mesue) Triphera of the Saracens Triphera of Dodder of Thyme (Mesue) Lohoch of Poppy (Lohoch de Papaver) Lohoch of Fox Lungs Comp. Amber Powder Comp. Powder of Aniseed (Dianisum) Aromatic Powder (Mesue) Aromatic Clove Powder (Aromatic. Caryophyllat.) Comp. Cinnamon Powder (Diacinnamonum) Comp. Galangal Powder (Diagalanga) Warming Powder of Gems Powder of Gum Lacca Lesser Powder of Gum Lacca Greater Warming Pearl Powder (Diamargariton Calidum) Sweet Powder of Musk Bitter Powder of Musk Powder of Three Peppers (Diatrion Pipieron) Troches of Wormwood Lesser Troches of Wormwood Greater Troches of Colocynth Troches of Winter Cherries Troches of Aloeswood Black Troches for Coughs (Trochisci Bechici) Troches of Barberries (Trochisci de Berberi) Troches of Capers Troches of Gum Lacca Musked Troches of Aloeswood Troches of Ramich Troches of Rhubarb |
Troches of Rose
Troches of Sandalwood Troches of Spodium Troches of Amber Troches of Earth of Lemnos Troches of Violet Solutive Troches of Vipers Polycrest Pills Aromatic Pills of Aloes Pills of Bdellium Lesser Pills of Agrimony Greater Pills of Agrimony Pills of Euphorbium Foetid Pills Pills of Colchicum Lesser Pills of Colchicum Greater Indian Pills Pills of Lapis Armenius Pills of Lapis Lazuli Pills to Clarify Pills of Mastic Pills of Rhubarb Pills of Rhubarb Greater Pills of Rhubarb and Agaric Stomach Pills Pills of Three Things Pills of Three Things with Rhubarb Oil of Wall flowers Oil of Orris Oil of Mastic Oil of Scorpions Oil of Saffron Comp. Oil of Foxes Plaster of Bayberries Lesser Basilicum Plaster Meliot Plaster Mucilaginous Plaster (Dichylon) The Apostles Plaster Egyptian Ungent The Golden Ointment Ointment of Ceruse Ointment of Roses Ointment of Sandalwood Ointment of Litharge Nicholas (Nicolaus, Nicolas) Two different authors under the name of Nicholas were sources for many formula. In some cases, it is uncertain which Nicholas was the source, and each had several names they were known under. Nicholas Myrepsus Nicholas Myrepsus (Myrepsus means ‘ointment-maker’), sometimes called Nicholas Alexandrinus, lived in the 13th century in Constantinople, and was physician to the Emperor. He made a collection of prescriptions, his Antidotary, which was a standard Formulary for centuries, and upon this the early European dispensatories were based. Quince Syrup with Spices Electuary Provoking Menstruation Hiera Logadii Compound Hiera of Nicholas Restorative Electuary (Antidotus Analeptica) Electuary of Prunes Lesser Calamint Powder Diapenidion Compound (Diapenidion Comp.) Compound Rosemary Powder (Dianthos) Tragacanth Cooling Powder (Diatragacanth Frigid.) Golden Pills The Restorative of Nicholas (Pleres Arconticon) Greater Cumin Composition Stone Breaking Powder (Lithontribon) Arabic Pills Pills for Arthritis Pills of Nitre Saffron Plaster Agrippas Ointment Ointment of Marshmallow The Citrine Ointment The Martiate Ointment Ointment of Tutty Ointment of Poplar Nicholas Praepositus Nicholas Praepositus, also called Nicholas Salernitus and Nicholas Florentinus was the Director of the School of Salerno in the first half of the 12th century. His Antidotary (Antidotarium Nicolai) was a source of various famous formulas for centuries. Syrup of Chicory with Rhubarb The Blessed Laxative Electuary of Micleta Electuary Catholicum Abbots Confect of Roses (Diarrhodon Abbatis) Powder of Three Sandalwoods Troches of Camphor The Surgeons Musked Troches ‘Pills without which I would not Be’ Simple Plaster of Betony Plaster for Hernias Rhasis Abu Bakr Mohammad Ibn Zakariya al-Razi (864-930); Philosopher, Physician, Alchemist, Astronomer, Mathematician. He wrote a number of important medical works including Medical Textbook, Famous Medical Encyclopedia, Diagnostic Encyclopedia, The Book of Nutrition and Health, and On the Plague. Wrote the first treatise on Smallpox and Chicken Pox. Many of his texts were translated into Latin in the 15th Century. Was almost as significant as Avicenna. Decoction of Dodder of Thyme Lenitive or Mild Electuary Electuary of Flakes of Iron Powder of Gum Lacca Lesser of Rhasis Powder for Incontinence Troches of Rose Troches of Myrrh Troches of Nutmeg Troches of Musk of Rhasis Letificans Almansoris Greater Pills of Cocchia Plaster of Ceruse White Ointment / Ointment of Camphor Emollient Ointment White Troches |
C. English & European Authors
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Bates, George (1608-1669)
English; Physician to the King; Member of Royal College of Physicians; Had has own Pharmacopeia Bateana (published posthumously, 1688, translated into English by Salmon, 1694). Not all of these formulas may have been created by him but his Pharmacopoeia was the first written or published source for many of them. Infusion for the Eyes Infusion of Tin Decoction of River Crayfish Decoction Against Lung Ulcers The Strengthening Gelatin Extract Against Yellow Jaundice Powder of Windpipes Stomach Powder Tablets of Coltsfoot Tablets Against Spitting Blood Crystal Mineral (Fixed Nitre) Sugared Crystal Mineral Oil of Toads Oil of Datura Ointment of Egg White Alum Water Tincture of Ceruse Paralysis Tincture Medicinal Stone of Bates Fernelius, Jean (1485-1558) French Physician; Attempted to modernise the teachings of Galen. His formulas were well formed and effective for the intended purposes, but were often large and complex. Simple Syrup of Dried Roses Comp. Syrup of Marshmallow Comp. Syrup of Mugwort Comp. Syrup of Horehound Comp. Syrup of Balm Alterative Syrup of Apples Syrup of Stoecahs Comp. Syrup of Comfrey Electuary of Asarum Arabian Confect Purging Melancholy (Confectio Hamech) (Mesue) Pills of Spurge Imperial Pills Astringent Ointment |
Quercetan (Joseph Du Chesne)
French; Introduced medicines of Paracelsus, especially Antimony, into France in the 16th century. Decoction for the Liver Decoction for Sterility Decoction of Oxe Spleen Simple Syrup of Annis Bloody Extract of Comfrey Hysteric Powder Stone Breaking Powder Powder to Purge Melancholy Panchymagogue Montagnana Montagnana’s Electuary for the Eyes Electuary of Sebestens Mynsicht, Adrian German Physician of the 17th century; published Armamentarium Medico-Chymicum. Decoction Against Arthritis and Gout Decoction of Guaiacum Ginger Rosate Comp. Tincture of Hypericum Tincture of Life Apoplectic Wine Wine for Gout Stomach Wine Sudorific Vinegar Epileptic Powder Oil Against Deafness Liquor of Tutty Schroder, John German physician, 17th C.; Wrote The Chymical Dispensatory (translated into English in 1669) Decoction for the Womb Electuary of Saffron Electuary for the Womb Arthritic Wine Wine for the Womb Pills Against Fever Sweet or Alkalious Salt |
2. TCM Texts & Physicians
Some Primary TCM Texts
Ben Cao Gang Mu (Li Shi Zhen, 1518~1593), Compendium of Materia-Medica, largest TCM Materia Medica.
Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperors Classic of Internal Medicine) prob Han (200 BCE–200 CE)
Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essentials from the Golden Cabinet), c. 220 CE
Ling Shu (Divine Pivot), prob. Eastern Han (25–200 CE)
Nan Jing (Classic of Difficulties), prob. Eastern Han (25–200 CE)
Shang Han Lun (Discussion of Cold Damage), c. 220 CE.
Sheng Nong Ben Cao (Divine Husbandmans Classic of Materia Medica), First Chinese Materia Medica; prob. Eastern Han (25–200 CE)
Su Wen (Basic Questions), Eastern Han (25–200 CE)
Wen re feng yuan (Encountering Sources of Warm-Febrile Diseases), late Qing Dysnasty (19th Century)
3. Ayurvedic Texts & Physicians
Primary Ayurvedic Texts
Ayurveda Saukhyam 16th C
Ashtaanga Hridaya 7th C
Ashtaanga Nighantu 8th C
Ashtaanga Sangraha 6th C
Bhaavaprakaasha 16th C
Bangasena 18th C
Bhaishajya Ratnaavali 17th C
Bhela Samhitaa 7th C?
Chakrapaani/Chakradatta 11th C
Charaka Samhita 1000 BC
Dalhan 12th C
Dhanvantari Nighantu before 13th C
Gadanigraha 12th C
Haarita Samhita before 7th C
Kaashyapa Samhitaa before 7th C
Kaiyadeva Nighanu 1450CE
Maadhava Dravyaguna (Nighantu) prior to 12th C
Madanpaal Nighantu 1374 CE
Nighantu Ratnaakara 1837CE
Nighantu Sangraha 1748CE
Raaja Maarttanda 11th C
Raaja Nighantu 14th C
Rajavallabha Nighantu 17th C
Shaarangadhara Samhitaa 13th C
Shaaligaraama Nighantu 1896 CE
Sahasrayoga 4th C
Shodhala Nighantu 12th C
Siddha-bheshaja-manimaalaa 18th C
Sushruta Samhitaa 1000BCE
Vagabhatta I, III, 6th & 7th C
Vaidya Manoramaa 13th C
Vrindamaadhava 8th C
Yoga Ratnaakara 16th C
4. Tibetan Texts & Physicians
gSo rig 'bum bzhi, Shenrab Miwo (reportedly 2000 BCE), the starter of both Bon religion and Tibetan Medicine