Bottle of extract of nux vomica, London, England, 1794-1930

Made:
1794-1930 in London
maker:
Savory and Moore Limited
Glass bottle containing extract of nux vomica

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Glass bottle containing extract of nux vomica
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Glass bottle containing extract of nux vomica, by Savory and Moore Ltd., London

Nux vomica is a bitter-tasting drug extracted from the poisonous strychnine-containing seeds of a tree that is native to parts of Asia and Australia. Nux vomica translates from Latin as “vomiting nut” – it can be highly toxic and has long been used to make rat poisons.

The drug has stimulating properties when used in small quantities and strychnine itself is a known heart stimulant. It has been used as a tonic and was recommended as a treatment for post anaesthetic shock and resuscitation. In larger doses it can cause convulsions and death. This is not untypical – quite a number of previously common drugs contained highly poisonous components. The ridged glass bottle design indicates that the contents are poisonous.

Details

Category:
Medical Glass-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A642367
Materials:
bottle, glass
Measurements:
overall: 149 mm x 49 mm x 49 mm, .239 kg
type:
nux vomica and bottle