BEE-MASTERS IN THE MIDDLE AGES 45 



for stiff joints and aching muscles. The supposed 

 curative value of beeswax in its natural state, 

 however, was as nothing compared to its capa- 

 bilities when distilled. This preparation, known as 

 Oil of Wax, and famous at the time all the world 

 over, seems to have come nearer the ideal of a 

 panacea — a cure-all — than anything else before or 

 since. The making of Oil of Wax seems to have 

 been a very complicated affair. First the wax 

 had to be melted, poured into sweet wine, and 

 wrung out in the hands. This was done seven 

 times, using fresh wine at each operation. Then 

 the wax was placed in a retort with a quantity of 

 red-brick powder, and carefully distilled. A yellow 

 oil came over into the receiver, and this was dis- 

 tilled a second time, when the " Coelestiall or 

 Divine medicine " was ready. Miraculous portents 

 seem to have accompanied its preparation, for we 

 are told that "in the coming forth of this Oile there 

 appeareth in the Receiver the foure Elements, the 

 Fire, the Aire, the Water, and the Earth, right 

 marvellous to see." 



The power to stop immediately the falling out 

 of the hair, heal the most serious wounds in a few 

 days, and cure toothache and pains in the back, 

 can be reckoned only among its minor virtues. 

 Much greater properties were claimed for Oil of 

 Wax, for it not only " killeth worms and cureth 

 palsy and distempered spleens, but it bringeth 

 forth the dead or living child." 



