What does «polvo de juanes» mean in Spanish?
- Red precipitated mercury (or red mercuric oxide), invented by the famous Spanish surgeon Juan de Vigo (c. 1460- c. 1517). Also called mercuric deutoxide. This powder is reddish, odorless, metallic tasting, insoluble in water and alcohol. These red crystals can be easily converted back to mercury when heated. It was used as a wound disinfectant, antiseptic and bleach.