Mattei's electro-homeopathic treatments, Bologna, Italy, 1871-1885

Mattei's electro-homeopathic cures (quack)

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Mattei's electro-homeopathic cures (quack)
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Mattei's electro-homeopathic cures (quack), with 4 labelled glass bottles and 16 phials, c1870

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Details

Category:
Pharmacy-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A600342
Materials:
leather, glass, cork, sealing wax, felt, silk, materia medica and cotton wool
Measurements:
overall: 54 mm x 157 mm x 105 mm, .4kg
overall (closed): 52 mm x 159 mm x 106 mm, 0.404 kg
overall (open): 51 mm x 159 mm x 214 mm, 0.404 kg
type:
medicine chest, medicine bottle and materia medica

Parts

Medicine chest for Mattei's electro-homeopathic cures comprising shallow rectangular box with two velvet-lined compartments. The main compartment has six slots for bottles and a long, thin slot perpendicular slot for other items. The secondary compartment (located in the lid) is separated by a purple silk-lined divider with golden lettering reading 'ELETTROMEOPATIA / MATTEI / DISPENSA GENERALE / IN / BOLOGNA', which opens to reveal eight slots for vials. Dated c.1870.

Medicine chest for Mattei's electro-homeopathic treatments, Bologna, Italy, 1871-1885

Medicine chest for Mattei's electro-homeopathic cures comprising shallow rectangular box with two velvet-lined compartments. The main compartment has six slots for bottles and a long, thin slot perpendicular slot for other items. The secondary compartment (located in the lid) is separated by a purple silk-lined divider with golden lettering reading 'ELETTROMEOPATIA / MATTEI / DISPENSA GENERALE / IN / BOLOGNA', which opens to reveal eight slots for vials. Dated c.1870.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Measurements:
overall: 54 mm x 157 mm x 105 mm, .4kg
overall (closed): 52 mm x 159 mm x 106 mm, 0.404 kg
overall (open): 51 mm x 159 mm x 214 mm, 0.404 kg
Materials:
leather , felt , silk and cotton wool
Object Number:
A600342/1
type:
medicine chest
Glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading '[Ant?]iangioitico No 1' (antiangiotic), containing white spherical pillules. The label is torn at the top of the glass tube, indicating it acted as the seal for the stopper.

Glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading '[Ant?]iangioitico No 1', containing white spherical pillules

Glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading '[Ant?]iangioitico No 1' (antiangiotic), containing white spherical pillules. The label is torn at the top of the glass tube, indicating it acted as the seal for the stopper.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/2
type:
vials and materia medica
Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Antiangioitico No 3' (antiangiotic), containing white pillules. The label is torn at the top of the glass tube, indicating it acted as the seal for the stopper.

Glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Antiangioitico No 3', containing white spherical pillules

Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Antiangioitico No 3' (antiangiotic), containing white pillules. The label is torn at the top of the glass tube, indicating it acted as the seal for the stopper.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/3
type:
vials and materia medica
Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Febrifugo No 1' (febrifuge), containing white pillules. The label is torn at the top of the glass tube, indicating it acted as the seal for the stopper.

Glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Febrifugo No 1', containing white spherical pillules

Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Febrifugo No 1' (febrifuge), containing white pillules. The label is torn at the top of the glass tube, indicating it acted as the seal for the stopper.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/4
type:
vials and materia medica
Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Febrifugo No 2 (Nuovo)' (febrifuge, new), containing white pillules. The label is torn at the top of the glass tube, indicating it acted as the seal for the stopper.

Glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Febrifugo No 2 (Nuovo)', containing white spherical pillules

Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Febrifugo No 2 (Nuovo)' (febrifuge, new), containing white pillules. The label is torn at the top of the glass tube, indicating it acted as the seal for the stopper.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/5
type:
vials and materia medica
Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Anticanceroso No 1' (cancer remedy), containing white pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

Glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Anticanceroso No 1', containing white spherical pillules

Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Anticanceroso No 1' (cancer remedy), containing white pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/6
type:
vials and materia medica
Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Pettorale No 1' (chest remedy), containing white pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

Glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Pettorale No 1', containing white spherical pillules

Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Pettorale No 1' (chest remedy), containing white pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/7
type:
vials and materia medica
Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Antiscrofuloso No 5' (scrofula remedy), containing white pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

Glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Antiscrofuloso No 5', containing white spherical pillules

Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Antiscrofuloso No 5' (scrofula remedy), containing white pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/8
type:
vials and materia medica
Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Antilinfatico (Rimedio Nuovo)' (antilymphatic, new remedy), containing white pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

Glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Antilinfatico (Rimedio Nuovo)', containing white spherical pillules

Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Antilinfatico (Rimedio Nuovo)' (antilymphatic, new remedy), containing white pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/9
type:
vials and materia medica
Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading '[An]tiscrofuloso No 1' (scrofula remedy) containing off-white spherical pillules. The top of the label, which would have extended onto the cork stopper, is missing, indicating it acted as the seal.

Glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading '[An]tiscrofuloso No 1', containing off-white spherical pillules

Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading '[An]tiscrofuloso No 1' (scrofula remedy) containing off-white spherical pillules. The top of the label, which would have extended onto the cork stopper, is missing, indicating it acted as the seal.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/10
type:
vials and materia medica
Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Pettorale No 3' (chest remedy), containing white pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

Glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Pettorale No 3', containing white spherical pillules

Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Pettorale No 3' (chest remedy), containing white pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/11
type:
vials and materia medica
Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and torn printed label reading '[...]scrof[...] one', possibly a scrofula remedy, containing white pillules. The remnants of label on the cork stopper and pattern of the tear indicate that the label was used to seal the stopper before first use.

Glass vial with cork stopper with printed label, containing white spherical pillules

Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and torn printed label reading '[...]scrof[...] one', possibly a scrofula remedy, containing white pillules. The remnants of label on the cork stopper and pattern of the tear indicate that the label was used to seal the stopper before first use.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/12
type:
vials and materia medica
Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Antivenereo' (venereal disease remedy), containing brown spherical pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

Glass vial with cork stopper with printed label reading 'Antivenereo', containing brown spherical pillules

Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Antivenereo' (venereal disease remedy), containing brown spherical pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/13
type:
vials and materia medica
Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Anticanceroso No 5' (cancer remedy), containing white pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

Glass vial with cork stopper with printed label reading 'Anticanceroso No 5', containing white spherical pillules

Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Anticanceroso No 5' (cancer remedy), containing white pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/14
type:
vials and materia medica
Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Vermifugo No 1' (vermifuge), containing white pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

Glass vial with cork stopper with printed label reading 'Vermifugo No 1', containing white spherical pillulesVermifugo

Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Vermifugo No 1' (vermifuge), containing white pillules. The label, which acted as the seal for the stopper, is intact.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/15
type:
vials and materia medica
Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label, containing white pillules The label is torn at the top of the glass tube, indicating it acted as the seal for the stopper.

Glass vial with cork stopper with printed label, containing white spherical pillules

Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label, containing white pillules The label is torn at the top of the glass tube, indicating it acted as the seal for the stopper.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/16
type:
vials and materia medica
Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Marina', containing white pillules. The label is torn at the top of the glass tube, indicating it acted as the seal for the stopper.

Glass vial with cork stopper with printed label reading 'Marina', containing white spherical pillules

Round, clear glass vial with cork stopper and printed label reading 'Marina', containing white pillules. The label is torn at the top of the glass tube, indicating it acted as the seal for the stopper.

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/17
type:
vials and materia medica
Empty square, clear glass bottle with printed label reading 'Elettricità Rossa' (red electricity).

Empty square, clear glass bottle with printed label reading 'Elettricità Rossa' (red electricity)

Empty square, clear glass bottle with printed label reading 'Elettricità Rossa' (red electricity).

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
wax , paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/18
type:
medicine bottle and materia medica
Empty square, clear glass bottle with printed label reading 'Elettricità Gialla' (yellow electricity).

Empty square, clear glass bottle with printed label reading 'Elettricità Gialla' (yellow electricity)

Empty square, clear glass bottle with printed label reading 'Elettricità Gialla' (yellow electricity).

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
wax , paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/19
type:
medicine bottle and materia medica
Empty square, clear glass bottle with printed label reading 'Elettricità Verde' (green electricity).

Empty square, clear glass bottle with printed label reading 'Elettricità Verde' (green electricity)

Empty square, clear glass bottle with printed label reading 'Elettricità Verde' (green electricity).

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Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
wax , paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/20
type:
medicine bottle and materia medica
Empty square, clear glass bottle with printed label reading 'Elettricità Bianca' (white electricity).

Empty square, clear glass bottle with printed label reading 'Elettricità Bianca' (white electricity)

Empty square, clear glass bottle with printed label reading 'Elettricità Bianca' (white electricity).

More

Cesare Mattei, an Italian count, was interested in homeopathy. Mattei believed that fermented plants gave off ‘electrical’ energy that could be used to cure illness. He also believed that every illness had a cure provided in the vegetable kingdom by God. He began to develop his system from 1849. The large bottles are labelled ”Red”, ”Green”, “White”, “Yellow” and “Blue” so the actual ingredients remained a secret. Ointments were made up with ingredients from the small and large bottles. The vial labelled “Canceroso 5” was used for bruises, cancers, chilblains, hair loss, skin diseases and varicose veins, among other conditions.

Although dismissed by the medical profession as quackery, Mattei’s system was popular. It formed part of the treatment at St Saviour’s Cancer Hospital in London from 1873. However, by the 1930s Mattei’s ideas were generally dismissed.

Materials:
wax , paper (fibre product) , glass and cork
Object Number:
A600342/21
type:
medicine bottle and materia medica