Renaissance Remedies: Ancient Recipes Revealed Human Feces & Hippo Teeth | Ars Technica
A surprising intersection of history, chemistry and immunology is emerging from the analysis of Renaissance-era recipe books. Researchers, led by Dr. Sabrina Hanss at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, are using proteomics – the large-scale study of proteins – to decode the ingredients and intended effects of these centuries-vintage formulations, revealing a far more complex picture than previously understood. Initial findings, published in the American Historical Review in 2025, demonstrate that these recipes weren’t simply folklore, but contained ingredients with demonstrable biological activity, and offer a glimpse into the medical understanding – and sometimes, startling practices – of the 16th century.
Beyond Beech and Watercress: A Chemical Inventory of the Past
The project began with a collection of handwritten recipe manuscripts, many detailing remedies for common ailments, including hair loss. Proteomic analysis confirmed the presence of ingredients frequently cited in historical texts, such as beech, watercress, and rosemary. Intriguingly, these were often found alongside ingredients now considered…unconventional. The analysis revealed traces of cabbage and radish oil, chicory, lizards, and even human feces – a particularly startling discovery given the recipes’ stated purpose of addressing hair loss. The presence of these ingredients raises questions about the desperation of individuals seeking remedies, and the boundaries of acceptable medical practice at the time. As Dr. Hanss notes, the manuscripts suggest a belief that an “overheated brain” was a common cause of hair loss, leading to the use of such drastic measures.
But the analysis wasn’t limited to identifying ingredients. Researchers likewise uncovered evidence of a surprisingly sophisticated understanding of cosmetic principles. Recipes for blonde hair dyes, for example, contained traces of plants with strikingly yellow flowers. This aligns with the prevailing Renaissance belief in “similars,” the idea that remedies should resemble the desired outcome – in this case, using yellow flowers to achieve blonde hair. This concept, as Dr. Hanss explains, was a common theme in both cosmetic and medical discourse of the period.
Global Trade and Exotic Ingredients
One of the most remarkable findings was the detection of collagen peptides derived from hippopotamus teeth or bone. This suggests a far-reaching trade network capable of delivering exotic ingredients across continents. According to the research, hippopotamus teeth were believed to cure kidney stones, alleviate toothache, and were even used in the creation of dentures. This discovery highlights the global circulation of materials during the 16th century, challenging the notion of a largely isolated Europe. The logistical challenges of obtaining and processing hippopotamus teeth underscore the value placed on these remedies.
Immune Response and Antimicrobial Properties
The proteomic analysis also revealed the presence of proteins with demonstrable antimicrobial functions. Notably, the team identified dermcidin, a peptide derived from human sweat glands known to kill E. Coli and yeast infections like thrush. This suggests that some Renaissance remedies may have possessed genuine therapeutic properties, even if the underlying understanding of their mechanism was limited. The presence of immunoglobulin, lipocalin, and lysozyme – indicators of an active immune response – suggests that the body *was* reacting to these remedies, providing insight into how Renaissance individuals’ bodies responded to these treatments.
What the Proteins Advise Us About Renaissance Health
The implications of this research extend beyond simply cataloging historical ingredients. By analyzing the proteins present in these recipes, researchers are gaining a deeper understanding of the health challenges faced by people in the Renaissance, and the ways in which they attempted to address them. The identification of antimicrobial compounds suggests a recognition, even if intuitive, of the role of microorganisms in disease. The presence of immune response indicators provides a window into the body’s reaction to these treatments, offering clues about their efficacy and potential side effects.
The study also sheds light on the potential dangers of some of these remedies. While some ingredients may have offered genuine benefits, others – like the aforementioned human feces – clearly posed significant health risks. This underscores the importance of rigorous scientific testing and regulation in modern medicine.
Expanding the Scope: A Future of Interdisciplinary Research
Dr. Hanss is enthusiastic about the potential for expanding this interdisciplinary approach to other collections of medical manuals. She hopes to refine the dating methodology used in the study, allowing for even more precise analysis of historical trends. “The ingredients for success are there,” she stated. “It’s not only that we found new answers to old questions, but we are now in a position to inquire completely new questions.”
The success of this project hinges on the continued development of proteomic techniques and the availability of well-preserved historical manuscripts. Further research could explore the regional variations in recipes, the social factors influencing their use, and the long-term health consequences of these treatments. The team is also investigating the potential for using similar techniques to analyze other historical artifacts, such as clothing and tools, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of past lives.
The next steps involve securing funding for a large-scale project to analyze a wider range of manuscripts and refine the analytical methods. Peer review of the initial findings is ongoing, and the team is actively collaborating with historians, chemists, and immunologists to interpret the results. The ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive database of Renaissance remedies, providing a valuable resource for researchers and anyone interested in the history of medicine.
You can learn more about proteomics and its applications at the Human Proteome Organization website.