BE′ZOAR (-zōre). [Eng., L. indecl.; prim. Pers.[170]] Syn. Be′zoar-stone; Bezoär′dus, La′pis bezoär′dicus, &c., L.; Bézoar, Bézoard, Fr.; Bezoarstein, Ger. The name of preternatural concretions found in the stomach, intestines, &c., of certain animals, and formerly supposed to possess the most extraordinary antidotal power and medicinal virtues. So far, indeed, did this belief extend, that other substances regarded as antidotes were called BEZOAR′DICS†, or otherwise named after them; whilst the adj. BEZOAR′DIC† (bĕz-) and BEZOAR′TICAL† (bézoardique, Fr.; bezoar′dicus, L.), came to be synonymous with antidotal. Certain bezoars were once valued at even ten times their weight in gold. They were not only taken internally, but also worn as amulets. They have, however, long since fallen into disuse in this country.
[170] Some authorities derive this word from badzahr or pazahar, Persian compounds implying ‘antidote to poison,’ others, from paseng, or pasahr, the name of the goat in Persia. Mayne’s notation—bez oar, is unusual; and several of his analogues, synonymes, &c., are incorrectly given (? misprinted).
Among the leading bezoars of old medicine are—
Bezoar, Ger′man. Syn. Be′zoär German′icum, B. capri′num, L. From the Alpine goat.
Bezoar, Hu′man. Syn. B. hom′inis, L. Falsely stated to be found occasionally in man.
Bezoar, Microcos′mic. Syn. B. microcos′micum, L. Human urinary calculi.
Bezoar, Mon′key. Syn. B. sim′æ, La′pis s., L. From certain species of ape or monkey, obtained by giving an emetic.
Bezoar Occiden′tal. Syn. West′ern b.; B. occidenta′le, L. Found in the fourth stomach of the chamois or wild goat of Peru, &c.; or, according to others, of a species of antelope.
Bezoar, Orien′tal. Syn. East′ern b.; B. orienta′le, Lapis b. orienta′lis, L. From the fourth stomach of ca′pra æga′grus, a species of goat inhabiting the mountains of Persia, &c.
Bezoar, Ox. Syn. B. bovi′num, L. From the ox, and other bovine animals.