Tycho Brahe’s Health and Death: What Can We Learn from the Trace Element Levels Found in His Hair and Bone Samples?

Abstract

Based on the analysis of Tycho Brahe’s hair and bones for the presence of elevated levels of the elements iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), arsenic (As), silver (Ag) and gold (Au), this paper tries to find their likely sources and to judge whether the unusual concentrations in which they were found could have been due to some form of medication. On the basis of an osteopathological study, an attempt is made moreover to arrive at a comprehensive picture of Brahe’s health. As a possible source of the elements in question, his three elixirs and their compositions are discussed. Additionally, further inorganic medicines of the period containing the above-mentioned elements are presented and, where possible, their medical usage is discussed. While a combination of pathological data and probable medication is used to draw a general picture of Brahe’s health and potential illnesses, some questions cannot be conclusively answered, however, until more data about the astronomer’s health conditions come to light.