This blown and molded square–shaped bottle has a baked enamel white oval cartouche which is outlined with blue vines, red and yellow flowers and a three pointed crown. The cartouche is marked ELIX PPT. The Roman numeral "VIII" is etched into the jar’s shoulder. ELIX PPT likely stood for Elixir Proprietatis, or Paracelsus’ Elixir. This elixir was composed of saffron, aloe, and myrrh, and was used as a stimulant, stomachic, and cathartic. Paracelsus touted it as a concoction to continue health and long life.
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.