† ˌdiacaˈtholicon Obs.
[So in OF. (Cotgr.) and med.L., repr. Gr. διὰ καθολικῶν composed of general or universal (ingredients).]
Old term for a laxative electuary; so called from its manifold composition, or, according to some, from its general usefulness: hence, a universal remedy or appliance.
As prescribed by Nicolaus, it was made of senna leaves, pulp of cassia and tamarinds, roots of male fern, rhubarb, and liquorice, aniseed, sweet fennel, and sugar. (Quincy.)
| 1562 in W. Bullein Bk. Simples (Blount). 1621 Burton Anat. Mel. ii. iv. ii. iii. (1676) 237/2 Solid purgers are..Diacatholicon, Weckers Electuarie de Epithymo..of which divers receipts are daily made. 1656 Blount Glossogr., Diacatholicon..so called because it serves as a gentle purge for all humours. 1657 in Physical Dict. 1665 J. Wilson Projectors i. Dram. Wks. (1874) 226 Certainly nature and art..could not produce such another diacatholicon that shall equally serve to all purposes,—roast, bake, boil. |