This jar is marked, G GUAIAC below the alchemical symbol for powder. This jar would have contained powdered guiac, the resin or wood of lignum vitae tree. Guiac was used as diuretic, cathartic, and diaphoretic, and was especially effective in treating syphilis. The jar has a wide mouth, flattened collar, and an applied round foot. The container is decorated with a baked enamel white cartouche and is framed by blue stylized vines topped by a yellow crown.
Date Made: 17th-18th century
Location: Currently not on view
Unspecified: Germany
Subject: Pharmacy
Subject:
See more items in: Medicine and Science: Medicine, European Apothecary, Health & Medicine, 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: 1991.0664.0154Accession Number: 1991.0664Catalog Number: M-053021991.0664.0154Collector/Donor Number: SAP 11
Object Name: jarOther Terms: jar; PHARMACEUTICAL CONTAINER
Physical Description: glass (overall material)paint, enamel (overall material)colorless (overall color)white (overall color)blue (overall color)yellow (overall color)black (overall color)red (overall color)blown (overall production method/technique)Measurements: overall: 9.6 cm x 6.2 cm; 3 3/4 in x 2 7/16 in
Metadata Usage: CC0
Guid: https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-adab-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
Record Id: nmah_994123
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.