Teriaca – the Divine Potion
Teriaca – the Divine Potion to “cure all evils”, was produced by Venetian apothecaries under license from the State. Out of the ninety apothecaries in Venice, only about forty were licensed to produce this medecine under strict rules. The license holders who were known as “teriacanti”, made the potion on the street in bronze cauldrons; carefully watched by the public and state officials.
The production of Teriaca was considered to be a noble art; meaning Apothecaries could marry into Patrician families!
In the 1940s, new regulations concerning pharmaceutical products led to the banning of opium, which was added for its pain-relieving properties, rendering the original recipe unproducible.
Traces of past production
The Legend
Licencing and Regulation
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Teriaca – the Divine Potion: Traces of past production
There are three sites today, where traces of the past manufacturing process can be seen.
Firstly, in the San Marco district, just opposite the Pharmacy at the junction of Calle Spezier and the Campo Santa Stefano. About five metres from the Pharmacy are three circular depressions in the paving. These mark the space where cauldrons were placed.
Secondly, in the Cannaregio district outside the pharmacy Alla Colonna e Mezza (originally called the “Alle Due Colonne”), in Campo San Polo; is another depression where the Teriaca manufacture took place.
Thirdly, in the San Marco district just this side of the Rialto Bridge, is to be seen high up on a wall the Golden Head (Testa D’Oro). This marks the original site of the “Alla Testa D’Oro” (At the Golden Head) pharmacy.
Licencing and Regulation
Beginning in 1603, they held the exclusive license to produce Teriaca three times annually due to its superior quality, while other apothecaries were limited to once a year.
Apothecaries were required to display all ingredients outside their shops for three days before starting the production process. The most common ingredient, derived from vipers, was believed to have rejuvenating effects on aging skin. Snakes were gathered from late spring to summer and housed in lattice-work cages, entertaining the public.
The Venetian Republic’s significance bolstered the medicinal trade, thanks to its near-monopoly in the spice trade with the East, ensuring access to high-quality ingredients at fair prices. Starting in 1468, to protect the city from contamination risks, all trading vessels, crews, and goods were quarantined for forty days on the island of Lazzaretto Nuovo.
By the 16th century, the burgeoning trade in medicines prompted authorities to restrict the number of new apothecaries.
The swift advancement of Venice’s printing and publishing industry led to the production of key medicinal and pharmacological texts. The Biblioteca Marciano today houses a collection of essential texts on Arabic medicine, providing Venetians with the knowledge needed for diverse medicine production.
As medicine manufacturing became more prominent, Venetian officials implemented stringent regulations and quality controls, paving the way for international market expansion. Nevertheless, the success of these potions also led to unregulated overproduction and ingredient or labeling counterfeiting.
In the 1940s, new pharmaceutical regulations prohibited the addition of opium for its pain-relieving properties, rendering the original recipe incomplete.
The Legend
In the 2nd century B.C., Nicandra, a physician-poet from Colophon in Ionia, composed a poem titled “Teriaca.” His work focused on remedies for bites from wild animals, especially snakes or serpents, and by extension, various poisons. The title “Teriaca” originates from the Greek word “Therion,” which means viper or serpent.
In 65 B.C., Mithridates, the King of Pontus in northwest Turkey, was the first to concoct a potion with 29 ingredients and later Andromachus, Nero’s personal physician, added 25 more substances to the mix.
Criton, physician to Trajan, and Claudius Galenus, the philosopher-physician who lived from 131-201, were instrumental in enhancing the potion’s reputation.
Over the years, numerous recipes emerged, often varying based on their European region of origin. Common lavish ingredients included powdered viper, opium, dried wine lees, powdered stag’s testicles, and the horn of a unicorn (narwhal).
These concoctions were believed to cure a wide range of ailments, including the plague, all infectious diseases, bites and stings, tuberculosis, stomach issues, and vision problems.
The Venetians, known for the quality and effectiveness of their state-licensed and regulated product, established a significant international export market.
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See my other related posts in the Potions and Medicines category
Teriaca Veneziana: Medieval Elixir Against All Ailments ~ 1001 Past Tales (fragrantica.com)
VIDEO: Teriaca – Five piece heavy rock band out of Pittsburgh PA. USA.
Teriaca – The Divine Potion Teriaca – The Divine Potion Teriaca – The Divine Potion