CREM

CREM

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Description
This blown and molded square-shaped jar has a wide neck and flared lip. The white baked enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. Above the shield is a yellow crown. The bottle’s label bears the alchemical symbol for Powder, the word CREM, and the alchemical symbol for Tartar. This jar would have held powdered cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate) and is a byproduct of the winemaking process, crystallizing from the must (juice, skin, and pulp of grapes) in the fermenting barrel. Tartar was used as a diuretic and as a cathartic.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
bottle
Other Terms
bottle; Pharmaceutical Container; Pharmaceutical Container
date made
17th-18th century
Physical Description
glass (overall material)
paint (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 12.1 cm x 6.4 cm x 6.3 cm; 4 3/4 in x 2 17/32 in x 2 15/32 in
ID Number
1991.0664.0372
catalog number
M-05521
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 233
catalog number
1991.0664.0372
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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