Controlled substances in Roman law and pharmacy?

By Molly Jones-Lewis Let me begin with a passage from the Digest of Roman Law within the section on the Lex Cornelia on murderers and poisoners (D.48.8.3.3): It is laid down by another decree of the senate that dealers in cosmetics[1] are liable to the penalty of this law (the Lex Cornelia on murderers and … Continue reading Controlled substances in Roman law and pharmacy?

Thinking and trying the experiment in the study of Roman pharmacy

By Ianto Jocks In continuing my investigation of Scribonius Largus, the first century CE author of a recipe book I have previously written about, I am frequently puzzled by some of the practical aspects of his recipes. This is in part because I am approaching a practical manual written for contemporaries who had personal familiarity … Continue reading Thinking and trying the experiment in the study of Roman pharmacy

Wormy beer and wet nursing in the Roman Empire

As pointed out by Elaine Leong in a recent post, beer is a favourite topic at The Recipes Project. As a Belgian, I felt I should perhaps add something to the subject. As a classicist, however, I rarely encounter beer. Famously, the Greeks and Romans were wine drinkers, and considered beer a Barbarian beverage. Still, … Continue reading Wormy beer and wet nursing in the Roman Empire

Greek and Roman Recipes

Special series edited by Laurence Totelin (Cardiff University) in January 2015. Something old – something new: Greek and Roman recipes in focus, Laurence Totelin Flower power: Cato’s medicinal recipes, Jane Draycott, Wild Thyme, Bitter Almonds, and Extract of Beavers – The Medicinal Recipes of Scribonius Largus, Ianto Jocks Painting Plantsin Roman Egypt, David Leith We also regularly feature posts on … Continue reading Greek and Roman Recipes