Art

Panorama of the Army of the Cumberland

The National Museum of American History is not an art museum. But works of art fill its collections and testify to the vital place of art in everyday American life. The ceramics collections hold hundreds of examples of American and European art glass and pottery. Fashion sketches, illustrations, and prints are part of the costume collections. Donations from ethnic and cultural communities include many homemade religious ornaments, paintings, and figures. The Harry T Peters "America on Stone" collection alone comprises some 1,700 color prints of scenes from the 1800s. The National Quilt Collection is art on fabric. And the tools of artists and artisans are part of the Museum's collections, too, in the form of printing plates, woodblock tools, photographic equipment, and potters' stamps, kilns, and wheels.

Topic: Pharmacy

SAL. SEDATiV. H

This wide mouth blown glass jar has an applied foot and a baked enamel cartouche decorates the clear glass container with a white shield framed by blue stylized leaves and yellow ribbon, and topped by a crown. It is marked SAL, SEDATiV, H.Currently not on view
Description
This wide mouth blown glass jar has an applied foot and a baked enamel cartouche decorates the clear glass container with a white shield framed by blue stylized leaves and yellow ribbon, and topped by a crown. It is marked SAL, SEDATiV, H.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0172
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05320
1991.0664.0172
collector/donor number
SAP 29

Drug Jar

This turned wooden drug jar is painted reddish-brown. The ivory-colored band inscribed with gothic letters indicates this jar dates from the seventeenth century.
Description
This turned wooden drug jar is painted reddish-brown. The ivory-colored band inscribed with gothic letters indicates this jar dates from the seventeenth century. The shield in the center depicts three acorns and leaves on a stem, and probably represented the name of the apothecary where it was used.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0869
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
1991.0664.0869.01
1991.0664.0869.02
collector/donor number
SAP 792

Albarello

This blue and white glazed albarello is attributed to 18th century Verona by George Urdang co-author of The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This blue and white glazed albarello is attributed to 18th century Verona by George Urdang co-author of The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1700 - 1799
ID Number
1991.0664.0624
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 548
catalog number
1991.0664.0624

Ell: d Ribes

This tureen has a flared mouth and a domed-shaped foot . The vessel and its mate, 1991.0664.0582 have a deep blue glaze over a white glazed background with handles depicted as serpents. A label within the escroll is marked, Ell: d Ribes.
Description
This tureen has a flared mouth and a domed-shaped foot . The vessel and its mate, 1991.0664.0582 have a deep blue glaze over a white glazed background with handles depicted as serpents. A label within the escroll is marked, Ell: d Ribes. The bottom of the foot is glazed and bares the makers mark of a lighthouse. According to pharmaceutical historian George Urdang the lighthouse is the mark of a well know Genoese pottery.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
18th Century
ID Number
1991.0664.0584
catalog number
M-05796
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 508

Mortar and Pestle

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0137
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05690
1991.0664.0137.01
1991.0664.0137.02
collector/donor number
SAP 402

BACCAE JUNIPERI

This drug jar is marked BACCAE JUNIPERI. Baccae refers to the female worshipers of the Greek God Bacchus. The oil from the Juniper berries were used as a flavoring, and for a variety of conditions including inflammation, liver, and kidney disease.
Description
This drug jar is marked BACCAE JUNIPERI. Baccae refers to the female worshipers of the Greek God Bacchus. The oil from the Juniper berries were used as a flavoring, and for a variety of conditions including inflammation, liver, and kidney disease. Pharmaceutical historian George Urdang attributes containers 1991.0664.0760 through 1991.0664.0825 to Hanau in the late 18th century based on the floral design surrounding the medallion and the initials HN on the bottom of many of the jars in the series. However, in a letter to museum curators dated August 1983, the pharmaceutical historian Wolfgang-Hagen Hein wrote that the containers without initials and those marked FH were made in Florsheim in the German state of Hesse twenty-three miles southwest of Hanau.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1790-1810
Date made
1775 - 1799
ID Number
1991.0664.0811
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 735
catalog number
1991.0664.0811

Jar, Elec. Rosal Sol

This wide mouthed waisted drug jar has a yellow square border that frames a scene with a monk kneeling in prayer in front of a tree. The jar bears the text Elect. Rosat. Sol.
Description
This wide mouthed waisted drug jar has a yellow square border that frames a scene with a monk kneeling in prayer in front of a tree. The jar bears the text Elect. Rosat. Sol. The jar would have contained Electuary Rosatus Solutivus, a solution made from rose petals and sweetened with the addition of sugar. The solution was used as an aperient, or appetite stimulant. In a letter dated 7 October 1983, pharmaceutical historian and author Dr. D. A. Wittop Koning speculates that this drug jar is probably not authentic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
16th century
Date made
1756
ID Number
1991.0664.0513
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05725
collector/donor number
SAP 437
catalog number
1991.0664.0513

Prescription Label, Apotheke in Schwelm C. H. Petersen

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria.Early labels were plain and without adornment.
Description (Brief)
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria.
Early labels were plain and without adornment. Later embellishments included decorative borders, images of animals such as stags, lions, or elephants associated with the name of the apothecary.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.1213
catalog number
1991.0664.1213
accession number
1991.0664

SEMEN FOENICUL

This jar is marked "SEMEN FOENICULI" and "HN" appears on the bottom of the jar. Semen Foeniculi are seeds of the fennel plant. which can be pressed to make oil. They are also used for flavoring, as an anti-microbial, for the expulsion of gas, and for colic in infants.
Description (Brief)
This jar is marked "SEMEN FOENICULI" and "HN" appears on the bottom of the jar. Semen Foeniculi are seeds of the fennel plant. which can be pressed to make oil. They are also used for flavoring, as an anti-microbial, for the expulsion of gas, and for colic in infants. George Urdang author of The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue attributes the containers 1991.0664.0760 through 1991.0664.0825 to Hanau in the late 18th century based on the floral design surrounding the medallion and the initials "HN" on the bottom of many jars in the series. However, in a letter to museum curators dated August 1983, the pharmaceutical historian Wolfgang-Hagen Hein wrote that the containers without initials and those marked "FH" were made in Florsheim in the German state of Hesse.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1790-1810
Date made
1775 - 1799
ID Number
1991.0664.0783
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 707
catalog number
1991.0664.0783

ANIS

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red and yellow flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red and yellow flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The alchemical symbols for spirits, salt, and herbs are marked in black just above ANIS. ANIS would have referred to the plant anise hyssop (herb), steeped in an alcohol solution (spirit), with the ash of plant (salt) mixed into the solution.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0353
catalog number
M-05503
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 214
catalog number
1991.0664.0353

drug jar

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.1098.63
catalog number
1991.0664.1098.63
accession number
1991.0664

Mortar

A cast mortar with two applied square handles. The mouth of the vessel is flared and has a decorated band of alternating fleur-de-leis, gothic letters and leaves. Three raised rings are at the center of the body. The base of the mortar is formed by three graduated disks.
Description
A cast mortar with two applied square handles. The mouth of the vessel is flared and has a decorated band of alternating fleur-de-leis, gothic letters and leaves. Three raised rings are at the center of the body. The base of the mortar is formed by three graduated disks. A small circular copper disk has been placed in the bottom of the mortar to cover a hole. Marked "anno domini M CCCC L." Testing the metal content with an X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer concluded that the predominate material to be copper. The turned pestle has rounded ends.
Urdang and Nitardy catalogued this mortar as French. However, in a letter dated 13 April 1954 to George Urdang at the American Institute for the History of Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin, George Griffenhagen Associate Curator in the Division of Medicine writes that the Spanish historian of pharmacy G. Folch Jou believes this mortar to be of Dutch origin.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1474
ID Number
1991.0664.0097
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05650
collector/donor number
SAP 362

PULV FOL MENTH PIP

This blown and molded square–shaped bottle has a flared lip and glass stopper. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The label is marked PULV FOL MENTH PIP in black text.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped bottle has a flared lip and glass stopper. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The label is marked PULV FOL MENTH PIP in black text. The jar would have contained pulverized Folliae Mentha Piperita, or pulverized peppermint leaves. Peppermint leaves were used as an antispasmodic and to relieve flatulence.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0379
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05528
collector/donor number
SAP 240
catalog number
1991.0664.0379

drug jar

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.1098.33
catalog number
1991.0664.1098.33
accession number
1991.0664

Ol: Lumbricor

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
18th Century
ID Number
1991.0664.0586
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05798
collector/donor number
SAP 510

Apothecary Bottle, EL UTERINUM C.

This square shaped blown and molded glass apothecary jar has a baked enamel label marked EL UTERINUM C..Currently not on view
Description
This square shaped blown and molded glass apothecary jar has a baked enamel label marked EL UTERINUM C..
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0205
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05353
collector/donor number
SAP 62

Prescription Label, Apotheke in Grasfrath von G Schnable

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria. Early labels were plain and without adornment.
Description (Brief)
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria. Early labels were plain and without adornment. Later embellishments included decorative borders, images of animals such as stags, lions, or elephants associated with the name of the apothecary.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.1153
catalog number
1991.0664.1153
accession number
1991.0664

Prescription Label, L. Klonne in Mudheim

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria.Early labels were plain and without adornment.
Description (Brief)
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria.
Early labels were plain and without adornment. Later embellishments included decorative borders, images of animals such as stags, lions, or elephants associated with the name of the apothecary.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.1227
catalog number
1991.0664.1227
accession number
1991.0664

SY D ABSINTI

This syrup jar has an applied strap handle and a spout supported by an entwined strap. The round metal lid is not original to the container. The jar is decorated with cobalt blue scroll–like vines and stylized flora.
Description
This syrup jar has an applied strap handle and a spout supported by an entwined strap. The round metal lid is not original to the container. The jar is decorated with cobalt blue scroll–like vines and stylized flora. Just below the spout is a blue, yellow, and white shield with a yellow lion standing on one hind leg. The escroll is inscribed in cobalt blue, SY D ABSINTIO which would have contained Absinthum, Absinthium or Syrup of Wormwood. Leaves and the tops of flowers of the wormwood plant were used to make this tonic, which was taken for a variety of stomach ailments and as a cure for intestinal worms.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1600
Date made
1600 - 1625
ID Number
1991.0664.0502
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05714
1991.0664.0502.01
1991.0664.0502.02
collector/donor number
SAP 426

SP SAL CRUD

This square blown and molded bottle has a flat collar. The glass container is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche that is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers. The label is marked in black SP SAL CRUD.Currently not on view
Description
This square blown and molded bottle has a flat collar. The glass container is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche that is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers. The label is marked in black SP SAL CRUD.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0215
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05363
collector/donor number
SAP 72
catalog number
1991.0664.0215

SPEC DIATART M

This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. Its white baked enamel label is framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads SPEC DIATART M in black text, with the first initial of each word in red.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. Its white baked enamel label is framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads SPEC DIATART M in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The jar would have contained Species Diatartari Mynsichti.” Adrian von Mynsicht (1603–1638) was a German alchemist who introduced tartar emetic into medical practice. “Species” refers to a powder often used in teas. This medicine would have been a tea made from the cream of tartar using Mynsicht’s formulation. The tea was used as a cathartic to speed bowel movement and an antiscorbutic to combat scurvy.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0336
catalog number
M-05485
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 179
catalog number
1991.0664.0336

jar

Vase-shaped drug jar with a round, domed foot. The background glaze is a grayish white. A round frame is created for the inscription Pluv. Magnesby thin yellow and brown stripes topped by a blue and yellow cartouche.Currently not on view
Description
Vase-shaped drug jar with a round, domed foot. The background glaze is a grayish white. A round frame is created for the inscription Pluv. Magnesby thin yellow and brown stripes topped by a blue and yellow cartouche.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
18th Century
ID Number
1991.0664.0559
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05771
collector/donor number
SAP 483

Prescription Label, Adler-Apotheke Iserlohn

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria. Early labels were plain and without adornment.
Description (Brief)
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria. Early labels were plain and without adornment. Later embellishments included decorative borders, images of animals such as stags, lions, or elephants associated with the name of the apothecary.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.1189
catalog number
1991.0664.1189
accession number
1991.0664

SPIR MATRICA

This square shaped glass bottle has a baked enamel label marked SPIR MATRICAL. Matricaria contains the leaves of the Feverfew plant, a European herb.The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment.
Description
This square shaped glass bottle has a baked enamel label marked SPIR MATRICAL. Matricaria contains the leaves of the Feverfew plant, a European herb.
The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment. The generic blue and yellow decoration with its stylized crown above the cartouche is similar to glass drug jars in the collection of the Deutsche Apotheken Museum in Heidelberg, Germany.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0244
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05392
collector/donor number
SAP 101
catalog number
1991.0664.0244

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