318 AIGAZEL. 



to have operated as a nucleus, on which the be- 

 zoar inclosing it has been gradually formed. The 

 bezoar has, in general, no particular taste or 

 smell *, and when reduced to powder, retains its 

 usual colour. 



It was formerly considered as a most powerful 

 alexipharmic, insomuch that other substances sup- 

 posed to be possessed of alexipharmic virtues have 

 been often denominated Bezoardics. It is allowed, 

 however, by modern physicians, that its virtues 

 were imaginary, and its effects entirely insignifi- 

 cant, and it has been accordingly discarded from 

 rational practice. It seems to have been first in- 

 troduced into physic by the Arabians. 



It is in Aldrovandus that we must look for a 

 full enumeration of all the virtues of Bezoar. He 

 informs us that it is a sovereign remedy against 

 the bites of poisonous animals ; that it cures me- 

 lancholy, pestilential fevers, faintings, vertigo, 

 epilepsy, and worms ; that it dissolves the stone, 

 Sec. Sec. He relates a case from Monardes, in 

 which a certain licentiate, who had swallowed 

 something poisonous, and was in consequence af- 

 flicted with most grievous symptoms, and appeared 

 to be in danger of speedy death, was so wonder- 

 fully relieved by taking only three grains of Ori- 

 ental Bezoar, that he was freed from all his dan- 

 gerous symptoms in less time than the Apostles 

 Creed could be thrice repeated ! passed a very to- 



* In the eastern regions, however, it is said to be sometimes 

 found of a highly aromatic taste and smell. 



