The use of animals in medicine of Latin tradition: study of the Tresor de Beutat, a medieval treatise devoted to female cosmetics

Abstract

Zootherapy has belonged to the dermatological treatment in various cultures through the ages. The Tresor de Beutat is a medieval treatise devoted to female cosmetics and health, written from eastern Spain in the 14th century. Many of these treatments were from animal origin. We transcribed the Tresor de Beutat to determine which animals and which parts of animals were used, as well as how they were used and what the therapeutic indications were. A total of 223 elements (animals, plants and minerals) were identified. Of these, 47 (21%) were of animal origin belonging to 30 animals, 15 mammals, 7 birds, 4 sea animals, 2 reptiles and amphibians and 2 insects. The treatments were used mainly for facial, body and hair cosmetics, hygiene, general health, and for cutaneous, otorhinolaryngological, ocular, dental and gynaecological disorders, as well as for pain relief. To conclude, the Tresor de Beutat provides information about the knowledge of topical treatments, being remarkable the use of products of animal origin with a scientific (rather than magical) base including elaborated formulations for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes, designed to achieve the ideal of beauty and health in medieval women. Some of those elements are still evident in the 21st century.