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APPENDIX I. 
The Bezoar Stone. By R. J. H. Scott, Esq., F.R.C.S. 
(Read December 9th, 1896.) 
This stone takes its name from its supposed antidotal properties, 
the word “ Bezoar” being an Arabian name for a “Counter-poison 
or Antidote.” 
There are several kinds of Bezoar stones, viz., “ Bezoar Orientale” 
found in the 4th stomach of the Capra Agagrus of Persia (said to be) 
oblong, size of a kidney bean, shining olive or dark green in colour. 
“ Bezoar Occidentale” found in the 4th stomach of the Chamois of 
Piedmont,—sometimes as large as a hen’s egg : surface rough, colour 
green, greyish or brown. The “Porcupine Bezoar,” called by the 
Portugese “ The Stone of the Pig,” is of the size ofa filbert ; in form, 
irregular, and mammilated on the surface. In China Bezoars are found 
in the maw of the cow, and are then called “ Nyen-Whang,” that is 
“the yellow of cows” from the colour of the stone ; which is about the 
size of a goose’s egg of a soft chalky substance ; it is esteemed a 
sovereign remedy in fainting fits. Bezoars are also procured from 
the alligator of America, from the wild boar, from monkeys, and 
from the ox. 
The Bezoars of the East and West must be distinguished. The 
former praised by the Arabians as marvellous medicament, have been 
formerly of very great price, whereas, the Western Bezoars have 
been discredited. 
The Oriental Bezoar stone is said to consist (chemically) of 
Resinous matters, and a crystalline matter, called “ Bezoardique 
Acid.” It is greenish in the interior, formed of very thin 
concentric layers, more or less green. It is bitter, and possesses a 
characteristic aromatic odour, its density is 1132, it burns with 
brilliancy like resin, and is soluble in concentrated alcohol especially 
with heat. 
“The Porcupine Bezoar” appears to be soapy and greasy to the 
touch, its colour is of a blackish green or olive green yellow ; it is 
thought to be formed in the gall bladder of the porcupine, as it bears 
all the characteristics of a bilious and soapy concretion. 
