Spirit of Vitriol

Description:

This square–shaped blown and molded glass bottle has a heart–shaped glass stopper that is not original to the bottle. The white oval enamel cartouche is marked with the alchemical symbols for spirits and vitriol. The jar would have contained Spiritus Vitrioli, Spirits of Vitriol, or Vitriolic Acid. Spiritus Vitrioli is diluted sulfuric acid that was used topically as a caustic or internally as an astringent or tonic. The jar is illustrated on page 26 in the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.

Date Made: 17th-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: 1991.0664.0373Catalog Number: M-05522Accession Number: 1991.0664Collector/Donor Number: SAP 234Catalog Number: 1991.0664.0373.011991.0664.0373.02

Object Name: bottleOther Terms: bottle; Pharmaceutical Container

Physical Description: glass (overall material)paint (overall material)Measurements: overall: 16 cm x 7.2 cm x 7.6 cm; 6 5/16 in x 2 27/32 in x 3 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-b236-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_993772

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