Antimonial cup

Antimonial Cup

The Antimonial Cup (pronunciation: an-ti-mo-ni-al cup) is a historical medical device used for the treatment of various diseases.

Etymology

The term "Antimonial Cup" is derived from the Latin word "Antimonium", referring to the chemical element Antimony, and the English word "Cup". The Antimonial Cup was so named because it was made from a mixture of Antimony and other substances.

Usage

The Antimonial Cup was used in the practice of medicine during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was believed to have therapeutic properties and was used to induce vomiting in patients suffering from a variety of ailments. The cup was filled with wine or water, which was then left to stand for several hours. The liquid would then be consumed by the patient, causing them to vomit and thereby removing harmful substances from their body.

Related Terms

Antimony: A chemical element used in the creation of the Antimonial Cup.
Emetic: A substance that induces vomiting, which is the intended effect of using the Antimonial Cup.
Therapeutic: Referring to the treatment of disease, which is the purpose of the Antimonial Cup.

Criticism and Disuse

Despite its widespread use, the Antimonial Cup was eventually discredited due to the toxic nature of Antimony. Prolonged exposure to Antimony can lead to Antimony poisoning, which can cause a variety of health problems including skin irritation, lung diseases, and even heart problems. As a result, the Antimonial Cup fell out of use and is now considered a historical artifact.