This wide–mouth blown glass jar has an applied foot. The jar is decorated with a white oval cartouche capped with a three-pointed crown. The baked enamel label is marked with the alchemical symbols for powder and salt and POLYCHR. Sal polychrestum is known as the salt of many virtues. A compound of tartrate and potash, it was used as a plaster to treat coughs and lung diseases. The remedy was developed by Christopher Glaser (about 1615–1676) a Swiss apothecary to the court of Louis XIV.
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: 1991.0664.0469Accession Number: 1991.0664Catalog Number: M-05618Collector/Donor Number: SAP 330Catalog Number: 1991.0664.0469
Object Name: jar
Physical Description: glass (overall material)paint (overall material)Measurements: overall: 9.8 cm x 6.3 cm; 3 27/32 in x 2 15/32 in
Metadata Usage: CC0
Guid: https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a8-5cef-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
Record Id: nmah_993808
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.