Blue mass

Blue Mass is a type of pharmaceutical preparation that was widely used in the 19th century and earlier. It is a compound that contains mercury, and was used for a variety of medical conditions.

History

Blue Mass was first formulated in the 17th century by Antoine Baume, a French pharmacist. It was initially used as a treatment for syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease that was widespread at the time. The compound was named for its distinctive blue color, which is due to the presence of mercury.

Composition

The primary ingredient in Blue Mass is mercurous chloride, also known as calomel. This is combined with other ingredients such as rose water, honey, and liquorice, which are used to mask the taste of the mercury. The exact composition of Blue Mass could vary, as different pharmacists might use different recipes.

Medical Use

Blue Mass was used to treat a wide range of conditions, including constipation, depression, and malaria. It was also used as a general tonic to improve health and vitality. However, the effectiveness of Blue Mass was questionable, and its use could lead to mercury poisoning.

Decline in Use

The use of Blue Mass declined in the 20th century, as the dangers of mercury became more widely understood. Today, it is considered a historical curiosity rather than a viable treatment option.

See Also

• History of medicine
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Mercury poisoning