Spectral analysis of pharmaceutical formulations prepared according to ancient recipes in comparison with old museum remains

A study of the composition of the remains ofancient ointments from museums was undertaken to enableunderstanding of the preparation techniques. Comparison ofancient recipes from different historical periods andspectroscopic characteristics of inorganic and/or organicremains recovered in museum vessels enabled preparationof ancient pharmaceutical–cosmetic formulations. FarmacopeaAugustana by Occo was one the most importantbooks studied for the 14 formulations prepared in thelaboratory. Three formulations are discussed in detail andraw materials and new preparations were proposed forozone ageing. The most important micro Raman results arediscussed. The spectra of the raw materials lipids, beeswax,and resins are discussed; beeswax and pig suet (axŭngia)Raman spectra were found to be similar, but different fromthose of the aged oils. SERS was applied to ancientointments and galbanum and the Raman spectra arereported and discussed for the first time.