Crossword clues for collyrium
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Collyrium \Col*lyr"i*um\, n.; pl. E. Collyriums, L. Collyria. [L., fr. Gr. ?.] (Med.) An application to the eye, usually an eyewater. [1913 Webster] ||
Wiktionary
n. 1 A lotion or liquid wash used as a cleanser for the eyes; an eye-salve. 2 Loosely, any product applied to or around the eyes; kohl.
WordNet
n. lotion consisting of a solution used as a cleanser for the eyes [syn: eye-lotion, eyewash]
[also: collyria (pl)]
Wikipedia
In eye care, collyrium is an antique term for a lotion or liquid wash used as a cleanser for the eyes, particularly in diseases of the eye. The word collyrium comes from the Greek '', eye-salve.
The same name was also given to unguents used for the same purpose, such as unguent of tutty. Lastly, the name was given, though improperly, to some liquid medicines used against venereal diseases.
Pre-modern medicine distinguished two kinds of collyriums: the one liquid, the other dry. Liquid collyriums were composed of ophthalmic powders, or waters, such as rose-water, plantain-water, that of fennel, eyebright, etc, in which was dissolved tutty, white vitriol, or some other proper powder. Dry collyriums were pastilles of Rhasis, sugar-candy, iris, tutty prepared and blown into the eye with a little pipe.
The Sunan Abu Dawood reports, “Prophet Muhammad said: 'Among the best types of collyrium is antimony (ithmid) for it clears the vision and makes the hair sprout.'” Maimonides (12th century Egypt) mentions the use of this eye salve.
Usage examples of "collyrium".
Pliny, inspired with as truly Roman horror of quackery as the elder Cato,--who declared that the Greek doctors had sworn to exterminate all barbarians, including the Romans, with their drugs, but is said to have physicked his own wife to death, notwithstanding,--Pliny says, in so many words, that the cerates and cataplasms, plasters, collyria, and antidotes, so abundant in his time, as in more recent days, were mere tricks to make money.