The word "basilicon" has an unusual spelling, but it follows the rules of English phonetics. When written phonetically using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is pronounced /bəˈsɪl.ɪ.kən/. The stress falls on the second syllable, with the vowels "a" and "i" having their usual short sounds. The "c" is pronounced as a "k" and the final "on" is pronounced as "ən". "Basilicon" refers to a medicinal ointment made from basil, which was used in ancient medicine to treat a range of ailments.
Basilicon refers to a type of ointment that was traditionally used in medicine. Derived from the Greek word "basilikos," which means royal or regal, basilicon was believed to contain powerful ingredients and was often touted as a "royal ointment" with potent healing properties.
This ointment typically consisted of various substances, such as plant extracts, resins, oils, and sometimes even animal products, all blended together to form a viscous salve. It was commonly utilized in the treatment of skin ailments, including wounds, cuts, burns, and ulcers. The belief in its effectiveness stemmed from the notion that the ingredients possessed medicinal properties.
Historically, basilicon was also utilized in the treatment of scrofula, which is tuberculosis of the lymph nodes in the neck. It was believed that the touch or anointing of a monarch had the power to cure this disease, leading to basilicon being associated with royalty and its use in the treatment of scrofula.
Over time, the term basilicon has come to be associated with any medicinal ointment or salve. However, its usage has significantly declined as advancements in medicine and the development of more effective treatments have rendered it obsolete. Today, basilicon is rarely encountered, and its significance is primarily confined to historical contexts and literature.
Ceratum resinae.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A yellow ointment.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word Basilicon is derived from the Greek word basilikón, meaning royal. It is the neuter form of basilikos, which is related to the Greek word basileus, meaning king or royal. In Latin, the word became basilicum, which ultimately gave rise to the English word Basilicon.