CATELAN, Laurent. Discours et démonstration des ingrédiens de la Thériaque. 1614.

Rare first edition.
Theriac was a universal potion. It was the panacea that is applied to all kinds of diseases. It was also supposed to possess admirable virtues to extend life.
It was also used as against poison.

There were many different receipt of theriac, but that of Montpellier, which contained 83 ingredients, selected and prepared with care, was one of the most famous.

Catelan contributed to the reputation of the Theriac by conducting public meetings where he prepared and explained the benefits of this remedy.

Theriac is composed of four groups of powders :
- A first group of expectorant, purgative and expectorant powder
- A second group of tonics
- A third group of foods
- In the fourth group came 17 components, the most effective was opium

This book presents the content of the 15 conferences on the preparation of the Theriac of Montpellier given by Catelan.