Cetonia aurata is one of the insect species used as apothecary ingredients, besides the Cantharidae (Spanish fly or soldier beetle) and others.
The
rose chafer is the insect closest to the ancient scarab, with its metallic,
golden shine. It is common throughout Europe
(less so in the northern part of the continent). During the nineteenth century
the beetle was considered an efficient cure against rabies.
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| Vintage engraving of a rose chafer (Cetonia aurata) |
Such ingredients are exhibited
part of the "Animals
that heal" temporary exhibition currently on display in Cluj-Napoca, at the History
of Pharmacy Collection (Unirii Square 28). One of the artifacts is a small
glass bottle for Cetonia aurata dilution from a 19th-c. homeopathy set from a
pharmacy in Baia Mare. Homeopathic dilutions are diluted forms of certain substances. there are several kinds of dilution: decimal (1:10), cent decimal (1:100) or even higher, through successive repetition.
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| Homeopathy bottle with paper label Cetonia aur. and cork stopper |
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| Detail of the homeopathy set from Baia Mare |
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