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 κολλύριον, eye-salve. The same name was also given to unguents used for the same purpose, such as unguent of tutty (Sanskrit tuttha meaning variously zinc oxide or blue vitriol). 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.[1]
The 2nd century Mishnah mentions collyrium. 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.'"[2] Maimonides[3] (12th century Egypt) mentions the use of this eye salve.
References
[edit]- ^ COLLYRIUM at Chambers's Cyclopædia, or an Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences, Volume 1 page 256, year 1728
- ^ Sunan Abu-Dawud (Ahmad Hasan translation). Book 32, Number 4050.
- ^ Hilchot Shabbat 18:2
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chambers, Ephraim, ed. (1728). Cyclopædia, or an Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences (1st ed.). James and John Knapton, et al.
{{cite encyclopedia}}
: Missing or empty|title=
(help)- "Collyrium". Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. 2nd ed. 1989.
Well, that’s interesting to know that Psilotum nudum are known as whisk ferns. Psilotum nudum is the commoner species of the two. While the P. flaccidum is a rare species and is found in the tropical islands. Both the species are usually epiphytic in habit and grow upon tree ferns. These species may also be terrestrial and grow in humus or in the crevices of the rocks.
View the detailed Guide of Psilotum nudum: Detailed Study Of Psilotum Nudum (Whisk Fern), Classification, Anatomy, Reproduction