Salpe

Pliny's account

Salpe was a Greek midwife, or obeterix, from Lemnos. Her name is Greek, and it was also the name of a fish. Salpe's medical remedies were described by Pliny the Elder, and he is the single source for knowledge about Salpe. Atheneus also wrote about a Salpe who came from Lesbos and wrote paignia, or frivolous works. It is possible that these are the same person.

Salpe's remedies

Pliny described Salpe's remedies for sunburn, stiffness, dog bites and sore eyes. He also includes information on an aphrodisiac, a depilatory cream, and a way to stop a dog from barking. Two of her key ingredients are saliva and urine, both were believed to have both natural and supernatural powers. Salpe is often likened to Laïs, as they both agreed on the magical powers of menstrual fluid against rabies and intermittent fevers. The mix of herbal cure and belief in the magical potency of certain substances is typical of medicine of the time.