A Bovine Bezoar Stone reputidly from Goa, India, in a silver cup engraved 'BEZOAR', the cup stamped stirling on a wooden base under a glass dome, stone 6.5cm wide

The Bezoar Stone: A Historical Perspective on its Use in Medicine.

A bezoar (/ˈbizɔːr/ BEE-zor) is a mass that forms in the gastrointestinal system, often in the stomach or intestines, and has a long history of intrigue, particularly in traditional medicine. While modern science views bezoars primarily as medical anomalies that can cause blockages and require removal, they were once revered for their supposed magical and curative properties.

Origins and Varieties of Bezoars.

The word "bezoar" is derived from the Persian word "pādzahr," which means "antidote." Historically, bezoars were believed to possess powerful healing properties, particularly as antidotes to poison. The stones themselves are found in various forms, depending on their composition. Some bezoars are organic, composed of materials like hair (trichobezoars) or plant fibers (phytobezoars), while others have inorganic constituents.

In addition to these naturally occurring bezoars, there are also pseudobezoars—indigestible objects intentionally introduced into the digestive system, often for medical experiments or other purposes.

The Use of Bezoars in Traditional Medicine

Bezoars were highly prized in medieval and early modern medicine, particularly in the Middle East and Europe. Physicians, alchemists, and royalty alike believed that these stones held miraculous properties. The most famous type of bezoar was the "oriental bezoar," found in the stomachs of wild goats and other ruminants in the East. These were especially valued and often commanded exorbitant prices.

The primary use of bezoars in traditional medicine was as an antidote to poison. It was believed that placing a bezoar in a drink or consuming it could neutralize any toxins. This belief was so widespread that bezoars became a must-have item in the courts of European nobility. Monarchs would often carry a bezoar with them, ready to use it if they suspected they had been poisoned.

In addition to their supposed antidotal properties, bezoars were also believed to cure a range of ailments, from epilepsy to the plague. Physicians would grind the stones into a fine powder and administer them to patients. Some believed that bezoars could purify the blood, cure fevers, and even protect against evil spirits.

The Scientific Reassessment of Bezoars

With the advancement of medical science, the mythical status of the bezoar began to wane. By the 17th century, more skeptical voices emerged, questioning the effectiveness of bezoars as universal antidotes. Scientific experiments, such as those conducted by the French physician Ambroise Paré, demonstrated that bezoars did not have the miraculous properties attributed to them. Paré famously tested a bezoar on a condemned criminal who had ingested poison, only to find that the stone had no effect.

Despite these findings, bezoars continued to be valued for some time, especially among those who clung to traditional beliefs. However, their use gradually declined as modern medicine provided more effective treatments for poisonings and other ailments.

Bezoars in Modern Medicine

In contemporary medical practice, bezoars are recognized as a health hazard rather than a cure. They can cause blockages in the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Treatment often involves the removal of the bezoar, either through endoscopic procedures or surgery.

While their role in medicine has dramatically shifted from revered antidotes to medical curiosities, bezoars remain a fascinating chapter in the history of medicine. They serve as a reminder of the ways in which ancient cultures sought to understand and combat the dangers of their world, blending myth, magic, and early science in their pursuit of health.

Provenance: from the estate of Wilf Lunn (1942–2023)who was a British inventor, Collector of all things curious and unusual, prop maker, and television presenter, best known for his work on children's TV shows such as Vision On and Jigsaw. Born in Rastrick, West Yorkshire, Lunn was raised by deaf parents and later taught lip-reading. His creative flair for quirky inventions and novelty bicycles earned him a devoted following. Lunn's eccentric persona made him a beloved figure on British TV in the 1960s and 1970s. In addition to his TV career, he authored several books and showcased his inventive spirit through stage shows. He passed away in December 2023.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilf_Lunn

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0526767/

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2023/12/20/wilf-lunn-madcap-inventor-tricycles-vision-on-deaf/