El uso de productos del reino mineral en la terapéutica del siglo XVI. El libro de los "Medicamentos simples" de Juan Fragoso (1581) y el "Antidotario" de Juan Calvo (1580)

Abstract

This work aims to approach us the use of “mineral products” in medicine during 16th and 17th centuries. To have an idea about the use of minerals in daily practice, we have studied Juan Fragoso’s “Libro de los medicamentos simples” (1581), and Juan Calvo’s “Antidotario” (1580). We have also checked the presence of these substances in Dioscorides “Materia medica”, version of Andrés Laguna, and the “Diccionario de Autoridades”. In addition, but not exhaustively, we have followed the use of these products in medicine until the present. This work proves the medical application of about half a hundred of mineral products, the use of which, was common in metallurgy, in paintings and varnishes manufacture, in ceramics, in dying industry, etc. However, the physicians of those times, such as Fragoso and Calvo were careful when applying mineral substances due to their great toxicity.