THE Steinlaus – “stone louse” in English – is a rodent-like mite. According to the German medical dictionary Pschyrembel, it can be used to break down bladder, gall bladder and kidney stones. Research into its uses has progressed rapidly since it was first listed in 1983, and homeopaths have adopted it as a remedy.
Hang on a minute. A rodent-like mite? Sound unlikely? That’s because the Steinlaus doesn’t exist.
Why would the compilers of a dictionary deliberately include a false entry? The Steinlaus may be an in-joke, but it also serves the function of protecting copyright. Dictionary editors face a problem protecting…
