You mean it wasn't all snake oil? Because this would have been real medicine! Now, let's not assume that it was manufactured perfectly, mind you. Back in the day, chemistry was a real "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" type of deal.
And even without the deep understanding of the 'whys', they knew the scientific method well enough. Do something, then see what happens. If it works, keep doing it. If it doesn't work, do something else.
Which is a hell of a lot better than today's "science" of: if it doesn't work, do it twice as much.
You mean it wasn't all snake oil? Because this would have been real medicine! Now, let's not assume that it was manufactured perfectly, mind you. Back in the day, chemistry was a real "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" type of deal.
"Back in the day" there were a lot of skilled alchemists who developped their craft into the pharmaceutical, medical and chemical field.
Oldest pharmacy in Germany in Trier "The Golden Lion" pharmacy from 1241.
https://sedulia.blogs.com/photos/europe_today/trier_oldest_pharmacy_in_germany_1241.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_pharmacy
Yup.
The idea our ancestors were stupid always cracks me up.
Most today couldn't stand toe to toe academically.
And even without the deep understanding of the 'whys', they knew the scientific method well enough. Do something, then see what happens. If it works, keep doing it. If it doesn't work, do something else.
Which is a hell of a lot better than today's "science" of: if it doesn't work, do it twice as much.