Sentry Page Protection
|
Electuarium de Ovo
Or, Electuarium Aurum Ovi Electuary of Eggs Or, ‘The Golden Egg’ |
|
|
Tradition:
Western
Source / Author:
Emperor Maximilian (Pharmacopoeia Augustana)
|
Herb Name
|
|
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.
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:
half–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.
"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 ... it is most efficacious for the cure of the Pestilence; for it is a certain small Theriac". (Renodeus)
Renodeus noted ‘The description of the Electuary is as uncertain ... I have seen many, but never two alike: that is best, which is divulged by the Augustine Medicks [the version above]; 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 equalise both the Saffron and Egg 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’.
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.
It was said to keep 30 years.
Renodeus noted ‘The description of the Electuary is as uncertain ... I have seen many, but never two alike: that is best, which is divulged by the Augustine Medicks [the version above]; 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 equalise both the Saffron and Egg 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’.
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.
It was said to keep 30 years.
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.
Nothing at the moment
