Alexipharmacon

/ˌæl.ɛk.sɪˈfɑr.mə.kɑn/ noun

Definition

An archaic term for a universal antidote or remedy against poison, poison in general, or any harmful substance.

Etymology

From Greek alexipharmakon, combining alexein (to ward off) + pharmakon (poison, drug). This compound term was used in ancient and medieval medicine to describe theoretical universal cures.

Kelly Says

Medieval physicians desperately sought the 'alexipharmacon'—the magic bullet that would cure all poisons—and ironically, their search for this imaginary cure led them to test hundreds of actual remedies and discover real medicines.

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