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The word bezoar originates from Persian and means protection against poison. Known as a bezoar stone, it is an animal formation created from indigestible food remnants and other materials in the stomach of herbivores or omnivores. Gradually accumulated and compressed residues form a ball the size of a pea or sometimes even an egg. The largest specimens have been found in the intestines of chamois, gazelles and camels.
Since ancient times, it was believed that this formation possessed magical healing properties. It was used either ground into powder or soaked in liquid and was considered a powerful remedy against various poisons, nausea, pain, digestive disorders, epilepsy and even evil spirits.
Thus, in the Middle Ages, bezoars attracted the attention of the wealthy and were often set into gold, richly decorated jewellery or other everyday objects.
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