Sl8 ALGAZEL. 



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, 

 &c. &c. He relates a case from Monardes, in 

 which a certain licentiate, ^\\\o 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 Or/- 

 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. 



