The Unicorn's horn, or Alicorn, has been its glory and downfall. The Alicorn has been accorded medicinal and magical properties. It is the good against all poison. Ancient physician had drinking mugs made from the horn and let their patients drink from them. The Alicorn is used as a detector for poison. It is said to sweat and change color and if a piece of horn is dipped into poison, or poison poured into an Alicorn cup, the Alicorn will effervesce and neutralize the poison.
The 16th century saw the height of demand for Alicorns in Europe, and every noble of any standing had at least one piece of it secured. Complete horns were still rare, and immensely valuable. For example, in 1550 Pope Clement paid 17,000 ducats for "the most beautiful Unicorn's horn that was ever seen". It was mounted in gold and silver before being presented to King Francoise of France. The most famous British Alicorn was that belonging to Queen Elizabeth I and listed among her crown jewels as the Horn of Windsor.
It seems that not only the Alicorn hold great value but other parts of the Unicorn's body also have great medicinal value and is even provided with recipes:
"Take some Unicorn liver, grind it up and mash with egg yolk to make an ointment. Every type of leprosy is healed when treated with this ointment.
"Take some Unicorn pelt, from it cut a belt and gird it round the body, thus averting attack by plague or fever.
"Make also some shoes from Unicorn leather and wear them, thus assuring everhealthy feet, thighs and joints; nor will the plague ever attack those limbs.
"Anyone who fears being poisoned should place a Unicorn hoof beneath the plate containing his food, or mug holding his liquor. If warm food or drink is poisoned, the hoof will make them effervesce; if they are cold it will make them steam. Thus one can detect whether they are poisoned or not."
