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prettygoodwordopodeldoc (op-uh-DEL-dok) - n., a medicinal plaster invented or promoted by Paracelsus; a liniment made as a solution of soap in alcohol with the addition of camphor and essential oils.
We're not sure whether Paracelsus invented the plaster, used to seal wounds while they heal, or only invented the name, but either way it had a good reputation in the 1600s among surgeons. Some time in the early 1700s, the name was repurposed for the liniment, used externally, apparently because it shared either ingredients or aroma. There are many recipes for the liniment, which continued to be used through the 19th century and as of the late 20th century could sometimes be found in compounding pharmacies in New England. As for how Paracelsus coined the name, there's suggestions of compounds or components of various Ancient Greek words for possible ingredients, but really we don't have a clue.
And that wraps up a week of words invented (or repurposed) by Paracelsus. Usual mix next week.
---L.
We're not sure whether Paracelsus invented the plaster, used to seal wounds while they heal, or only invented the name, but either way it had a good reputation in the 1600s among surgeons. Some time in the early 1700s, the name was repurposed for the liniment, used externally, apparently because it shared either ingredients or aroma. There are many recipes for the liniment, which continued to be used through the 19th century and as of the late 20th century could sometimes be found in compounding pharmacies in New England. As for how Paracelsus coined the name, there's suggestions of compounds or components of various Ancient Greek words for possible ingredients, but really we don't have a clue.
And that wraps up a week of words invented (or repurposed) by Paracelsus. Usual mix next week.
---L.
