saracenic ointment

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

saracenic ointment (uncountable)

1. (historical) A mixture of mercury, various herbs, and fats, originally used in the treatment of leprosy, and later applied to cases of syphilis.
   • 2005, Bernard Hamilton, The Leper King and His Heirs, page 255:

     One popular ointment for use 'in the early stage of the disease' was the 'saracenic ointment' which was rubbed into the skin.

   • 2011, Simon Sebag Montefiore, Jerusalem: The Biography – A History of the Middle East, page 290:

     The 'loveable' new king Baldwin IV excelled at his studies with William, but he had to endure a variety of treatments—blood-lettings, oil-rubs in 'saracenic ointment' and enemas.

   • 2017, Walter Gratzer, First Do No Harm: Drugs from the Ancients to Big Pharma:

     The so-called 'greasers of pox' were active in Europe, anointing their patients with 'saracenic ointment', an unguent invented in earlier centuries for the treatment of leprosy, and consisting of mercury mixed with herbs and oils or fats.