'Branalcane' tonic, London, England, 1895-1930

Made:
1895-1930 in London
Bottle containing Branalcane prepared by Jeyes' Sanitary

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Bottle containing Branalcane prepared by Jeyes' Sanitary
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Bottle containing Branalcane prepared by Jeyes' Sanitary Compounds & Co. Ltd., London, antiseptic remedy for infectious diseases of the mucous membrane and skin

The lurid magenta coloured liquid looks as though it would do more harm than good. It is actually an antiseptic tonic used for infections of the skin and mucous membrane. These could range from a sore throat or thrush to potentially fatal diseases such as diphtheria, for which treatment was limited until the mass immunisation programmes of the 1940s.

After the results of tests were published in the medical press in 1897 the treatment was considered a useful household addition against mild ailments, especially as it was also non-irritating to the body. ‘Branalcane’ was the trade name created by its makers, the same company which today manufactures the disinfectant known as Jeyes’ fluid.

Details

Category:
Materia Medica & Pharmacology
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A675683
Materials:
glass and stopper, glass
Measurements:
overall: 213 mm 64 mm, .7kg
type:
bottle and disinfectant