POLYCHR

POLYCHR

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Description
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.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
jar
date made
18th century
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
ID Number
1991.0664.0469
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05618
collector/donor number
SAP 330
catalog number
1991.0664.0469
Credit Line
Gift of American Pharmaceutical Association and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
subject
Pharmacy
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Health & Medicine
European Apothecary
Art
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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