The fly in the ointment : cantharides in the Holy Infirmary?

Abstract

Cantharidin, extracted from some very colourful beetles of the Meloidae family, came with a sting in its tail. Although used as a panacea for a multitude of medical problems, it was recognised as a poison, and stringent measures were observed, both in its production as well in its application. It had also multiple side effects, some of which, particularly those that caused genital inflammation were specifically looked for. One of its purveyors included the Marquis de Sade who administered it to prostitutes in non-pharmacological doses. It was also used in simples in the Holy Infirmary of St John on Malta, where it was adequately stocked and used by the physicians there. The medical indications here, presumably, were dissimilar from those sought after by de Sade.