The ibex as a medicinal source
Doctor Conrad Gessner (1516–1565) from Zurich described all animal species known to him in his Tierbuch („Animal Book“, 1551–1558), the ibex among them (in German).Image: Thierbuoch, Conrad Gessner, Zürich 1583, S. 138, Central library, Zürich, e-rara.ch
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In his book he also described supposedly beneficial remedies made of body parts of the ibex. He recommended its blood to treat bladder stones or, for sufferers from gout, a mix of ibex droppings in wine with pepper and honey. Belief in such false healing properties led to the animal’s extinction in the Alps (in German).Image: Thierbuoch, Conrad Gessner, Zürich 1583, S. 139, Central library, Zürich, e-rara.ch
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