Wooden snuff box, cylindrical, lacquered, top painted with the scene of a man preparing " The Black Draught"

Used to contain a finely powdered tobacco known as snuff, this lacquered wooden box has an illustration of a man preparing ‘The Black Draught’. This probably refers to a well known laxative that could be bought at pharmacists or made at home, although ‘Black Draught’ could also be coffee.

Snuff is snorted or rubbed on to the gums and was well-liked for its aroma, taste and stimulating nicotine boost. It was once believed to ward off colds, be good for ear, nose and throat problems and stop snoring.