[The theriac Diatessaron; oligopharmacy against polypharmacy]

The theriac of Andromachus was the symbol of polypharmacy and the theriac Diatessaron was a product of oligopharmacy. The four substances that entered in its composition were gentian roots, aritolochia roots, sweet bays and myrrh. The excipient, honey, was sometimes replaced by peppermint syrup. It was possible to add juniper berries extract. Symbolic interest of number four was confirmed by a reference to the four elements of Empedocles. The pharmacological activity, which was attributed to the diaressaron, was not very different from those of the great theriac. Since the end of 18th century, this theriac began to loose its prestige.