Philtron
Philtron ( Greek φίλτρον , Latin philtrum ) is a love potion that superstition used to arouse love in individuals of the opposite sex. The Thessalian women in particular were considered very experienced in preparing such potions . Its components were different. The so-called Hippomanes , parts (especially the tongue) of the bird Jynx , various herbs, including insects, a certain fish ( Remora ), lizards , calf's brain, pigeon blood and other ingredients that are mostly disgusting from today's perspective were used for this purpose.
However, there were also magic drugs which did the opposite, i.e. H. suppress the passion of love, and should be particularly effective when love has been aroused by sorcery, e.g. B. the so-called chaste mud ( monk's pepper , Vitex agnus castus), the white water lily etc.
When the mischief with such magic drugs became too bad as a result of the rampant corruption of morals, a senate consultation appeared among the first emperors, according to which the use of Philtren should be treated as poisoning and punished.
A synth-pop band from Hamburg named themselves after the drink, which released three albums between 1995 and 2002 and then split up.
literature
- Urs Benno Birchler: The magic of love (Philtrum) and its connection with love sickness in medicine, especially between the 16th and 18th centuries. Century. Medical dissertation, Zurich 1975 (= Zurich medical history treatises , 10)
