Bottle of the opiate painkiller 'Papine'

Made:
1890-1920 in London
maker:
Roberts and Company
Bottle of "Papine", by Roberts and Co. for Battle and Co., St

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Bottle of "Papine", by Roberts and Co. for Battle and Co., St
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Glass bottle with bakelite lid two-thirds full of red 'Papine' patent pain-killing liquid (contains morphine). 179 mm x 65 mm x 35 mm, .43kg. Made by Roberts and Co. (London) for Battle and Co., St. Louis, U.S.A., 1890-1920.

‘Papine’ is a trade name for an effective pain killer. It is known as an opiate, which means it is a naturally occurring compound in the opium poppy. The Latin name of this poppy is Papaver somniferum, and suggests where the brand name came from. The label on the bottle promises that the sleep and seizure-inducing effects of opium have been removed. Opium and opiates are known to be addictive and if taken for long enough may lead to dependence on the drug. ‘Papine’ was available over the counter at chemists.

Details

Category:
Medical Glass-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A640382
Materials:
complete, morphine, paper (fibre product), glass and bakelite
Measurements:
overall (standing upright): 180 mm x 65 mm x 40 mm, .43 kg
type:
bottle and opium
credit:
Wellcome Trust