The preparation of Theriac — two prints (1600s)

These two prints depict elements of the public preparation of theriac at the Testa d'Oro pharmacy in Venice, at the Rialto bridge, which is seen in the background.

Teriaca (also triaca; English: theriac or treacle) was a kind of wonder medicine and general antidote, of which Venice was the main producer in Europe. The authorised pharmacies were obliged by the authorities to do much of the work in public, to prove that they didn't cheat on the ingredients or on the procedure.

While unsigned and undated, the prints are likely from the 1600s. The Testa d'Oro pharmacy made theriac from 1603, and made quite a show of it.

#Engravings #histodons #Medicine #Theriac #Venezia #Venice

Read more here: https://historywalksvenice.com/translation/the-preparation-of-theriac-two-prints-1600s/