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.” 
