Basilicon

Basilicon (Gr., 'royal,' or 'of great virtue'), a name given to four kinds of ointment, all of which contain the substances yellow wax, resin, and olive oil, along with other ingredients. Basilicon proper differs from Yellow Basilicon in containing suet and turpentine in addition to the above ingredients, while Burgundy pitch is also used in the preparation of the yellow ointment. Black Basilicon, or Unguentum Tetrapharmacum (tetra pharmaka, four drugs), derives its name from containing one-fifth of black pitch along with the three drugs above mentioned. Green Basilicon contained verdigris, but has quite fallen into disuse. The resin, wax, and other ingredients of basilicon are melted together over a slow fire; the oil is then added, and the mixture, while hot, strained through linen. The straining is directed in consequence of the impurities which resin often contains. Basilicon ointment, or resin cerate, as it is usually called, is much used as a gentle stimulant application to blistered surfaces, indolent ulcers, burns, scalds, and chilblains.