Sulfur in Roman veterinary prescriptions

Abstract

In ancient times medicines were prepared from plants, animal substances and minerals including sulfur. The ancients attributed a number of healing properties to sulfur and therefore it was used in the treatment of many diseases. It was used by both doctors and „veterinarians” although it was much more often used to treat humans. The use of similar methods of treating people and animals is not surprising, because ancient veterinary medicine drew on the achievements of medicine. In the treatment of farm animals sulfur was added primarily to ointments used for wounds, skin lesions and parasite invasions, as well as to potions used for strengthening and treating inflammation of the respiratory system and glanders. Compresses and inhalations with sulfur were used sporadically in ancient veterinary medicine.