The evolution of the bezoar: from a magical remedy to a serious illness (8 photos)

In ancient times, these inconspicuous pebbles, which outwardly even they are not close to being precious, they were very expensive. Because they had the ability to save from the most dangerous poisons.





Bezoars began to spread across Europe with a light hand Mauritanian doctors. Indeed, in the Middle Ages, the fashion for poisoning objectionable was gaining momentum. Aristocrats and even monarchs, knowing about such a fashion, even took poisons in small doses in order to accustom the body to poison and avoid death if something happens.



Bezoar in the form of a ring

The bezoar should have been dipped into a goblet of wine (and they were usually poisoned with his help, for it is noble). And the stone actively absorbed arsenic. A powder form was also used, in connection with which many surviving days healing tools are covered with scratches. In addition to poisoning, this the remedy treated ... Yes, it just didn’t cure - pediculosis, fractures, cholera and depression, so any self-respecting and, of course, wealthy a citizen was supposed to have such a little thing with him. Usually stones turned into jewelry - rings, pendants, and kept at home in a case or on stand.



Medical experiments



Ambroise Pare

The story of the experiment of the French surgeon Ambroise Pare (1510-1590), who is considered one of the fathers modern medicine.

One court cook sometimes stole. And was caught on attempt to appropriate the royal silverware. The poor man had a way one to the gallows. But Pare offered an alternative: the thief takes poison, and then the bezoar. And if he survives, then there will be no more claims against him. The man agreed, but lived after the experiment for only a few hours. So Pare proved in practice that the bezoar as an antidote is completely useless.

Mysterious bezoar, what are you?



Such a valuable contraption was just calculus - a dense stone formed in the abdominal organs and excreting gland ducts. The object was formed mainly in the stomachs of ruminants animals by gradually layering salts on a solid fragment of a plant or an accidentally eaten piece of wool. It happens in a similar way birth of pearls.

When the futility of this gizmos, then they refused to use them. And the stones became be of exceptional cultural and historical value.

Bezoar today



Bezoar from the stomach

But the story didn't end there. Since the relay people have already intercepted the wand. Mostly those who suffer from mental or an eating disorder. The reasons for their formation can also act as defects in the digestive system, delayed emptying stomach or low acidity, surgery on this organ, and even banal bad habit - insufficient chewing of food.



Bezoar from the stomach

Bezoars are divided into several types depending on their content and method of formation:

Trichobezoars. Formed from wool or hair. Accordingly, in people suffering from mental disorders, the manifestation of which is the eating of one's own hair.

Pharmacobezoars. Formed from accumulated drugs.

Phytobezoars. Appears with active use fruits rich in vegetable fibers and fiber. Most often the problem provokes persimmon.

Lactobezoars. Usually develop in preterm infants milk protein due to incompletely formed digestive systems.



Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, pain in the abdomen and the rapid onset of sensation full stomach after eating. The disease is dangerous because it can be fraught with bleeding, obstruction of the stomach and intestines, and even peritonitis.

It is treated with medication, and in difficult cases with surgery. way. Therefore, with the repeated appearance of such signs, especially when it comes to a child or person with an eating disorder behavior, do not delay going to the doctor.