Catholicon (electuary)

Catholicon: A Remedy from Pre-modern Medicine

Catholicon is a term rooted in pre-modern medicine, describing a type of electuary heralded for its extensive curative and prophylactic properties. The term's etymology implies universality, akin to the concept of a panacea. Moreover, it was also seen as a purger effective against all humours, a fundamental belief in ancient medicine where bodily fluids governed health and temperament.

Composition and Variations

Different historical texts provide varied recipes for the preparation of catholicon. The most prevalent version was the Catholicon Nicholai, which incorporated sixteen distinct ingredients. Prominent among these were tamarinds, cassia, senna, and rhubarb. A variant known as double (catholicon duplicatum or duplex) was characterized by the inclusion of double quantities of senna and rhubarb.

Additionally, there was a version known as the catholicon for clysters, used for rectal administration. Its distinction from the common recipe lay in the exclusion of rhubarb and the preference for honey over sugar in the electuary's formation.

Example Recipe

The following is a typical recipe for catholicon duplicatum:

"For the preparation of the Double Catholicon of Nicolai, or Compound Electuary of Rhubarb, begin by simmering over a low heat a combination of half a pound of polypody root, 2 ounces of succory root, 1 ounce of liquorice root, 3 ounces each of agrimony and spleen wort leaves, and 6 pounds of water until the volume is reduced by two-thirds. Following this, incorporate 6 drachms (approximately 3/4 ounce) of fennel seeds. After straining, blend in 4 pounds of sugar and continue boiling until it attains a syrupy consistency. The next phase involves the addition of 4 ounces each of cassia extract and tamarind pulp. Gradually mix in 4 ounces each of powdered rhubarb and senna leaves, 1 ounce of liquorice root, 2 ounces of violet seeds, 1 ounce of the four cold seeds [including gourd, melon, and cucumber, with pumpkin], and half an ounce of fennel seeds. Combine thoroughly to produce the electuary. Given its complex preparation process, its use has diminished over time. For an enema-friendly version, replace the rhubarb with honey in place of sugar."

Another known remedy, aurum vitae, was utilized during the mid-18th century and beyond. This catholicon, translated as the "gold of life", was primarily composed of gold and corrosive sublimate.

Additional Context and Legacy

The term catholicon was sometimes exclusively associated with remedies intended for women. However, by the onset of the 19th century, the use and popularity of catholicons had noticeably waned.

Furthermore, catholicons permeated the realm of literature, finding mentions in works such as Religio Medici by Sir Thomas Browne and The Imaginary Invalid by the famed playwright Molière.

Quotations

Death is the cure of all diseases. There is no catholicon or universal remedy I know, but this, which though nauseous to queasy stomachs, yet to prepared appetites is nectar, and a pleasant potion of immortality.

— Religio Medici by Sir Thomas Browne

Besides, on the said date, a good cleaning clyster, composed of double catholicon, rhubarb, with honey of roses, and other ingredients, according to prescription, to scour, wash and clean the lower abdomen of Mr. Argan, thirty sols.

— The Imaginary Invalid by Molière

Catholicon (electuary) Resources
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