Apothecary Bottle

Description:

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The white baked enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The jar is labeled with the alchemical symbol for Spirit, Tartar, and the letters RI in black. Tartar, also known as cream of tartar, or potassium bitartrate is a by product of the winemaking process, crystallizing from the must (juice, pulp, and skin of grapes) in the fermenting barrel. Tartar was used as a diuretic and as a cathartic.

Date Made: 18th century

Location: Currently not on view

Subject: Pharmacy

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Medicine, Health & Medicine, European Apothecary, Art

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Related Publication: Urdang, George and Ferdinand William Nitardy. The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy: A Catalogue of the Collection

Credit Line: Gift of American Pharmaceutical Association and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1991.0664.0365Accession Number: 1991.0664Catalog Number: M-05514Collector/Donor Number: SAP 226Catalog Number: 1991.0664.0365

Object Name: bottleOther Terms: bottle; Pharmaceutical Container

Physical Description: glass (overall material)paint (overall material)Measurements: overall: 14.2 cm x 7 cm x 6.5 cm; 5 9/16 in x 2 3/4 in x 2 9/16 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a8-68fc-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_993784

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.