COCHLEAR

Description:

This blown and molded wide-mouth jar has a white oval baked enamel label that is surrounded by a blue ribbon and topped with a golden crown. The jar is marked COCHLEAR with the alchemical symbol for spirits above. This jar would have contained Spiritus Cochlearia, or Spirits of Cochlearia. Cochlearia, or scurvygrass, would have been steeped in alcohol to create a spirit solution. As the name scurvygrass would imply, the solution was used as an antiscorbutic to combat and prevent scurvy as well as a diuretic and an aperient, a mild laxative.

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: 1991.0664.0440Catalog Number: M-05589Accession Number: 1991.0664Collector/Donor Number: SAP 301Catalog Number: 1991.0664.0440

Object Name: bottleOther Terms: bottle; Pharmaceutical Container

Physical Description: glass (overall material)paint (overall material)Measurements: overall: 10.3 cm x 7 cm x 6.8 cm; 4 1/16 in x 2 3/4 in x 2 11/16 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-c795-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_993916

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