See Gold, Chemistry, and Mineralogy Index.

This metal was introduced into medicine by the Arabians, who esteemed it one of the greatest cordials and comforters of the nerves. From them Europe received it without any diminution of its character; in foreign pharmacopeias it is still retained, and even mixed with the ingredients from which simple waters are to be distilled. But no one, it is presumed, at this time, expects any singular virtues from it, since it certainly is not alterable in the human body. Mr Geoffroy, though unwilling to reject it from the cordial preparations, honestly acknowledges that he has no other reason for retaining it than complaisance to the Arabian schools. The chemists have endeavoured, by many elaborate processes, to extract what they call a sulphur or anima of gold; but no method is as yet known of separating the component parts of this metal; all the tinctures of it, and aurum potabile, which have hitherto appeared, are real solutions of it in aqua regia, diluted with spirit of wine or other liquors, and prove injurious to the body rather than beneficial. A place, however, is now given in some of the foreign pharmacopoeias to the aurum fulminans; and it has of late been recommended as a remedy in some convulsive diseases, particularly in the chorea sancti viti.

AURUM Fulminans. See Chemistry Index.

AURUM Mofaicum. See Chemistry Index.