Irish medicine chest and contents, late 18th century

Made:
1771-1790 in Republic of Ireland
maker:
Unknown
Medicine chest with glass bottles with silver lids, 4 labelled Medicine chest with glass bottles with silver lids, 4 labelled

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Medicine chest with glass bottles with silver lids, 4 labelled
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Medicine chest with glass bottles with silver lids, 4 labelled
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Cruciform medicine chest covered in black shagreen and fitted with a blue velvet-lined interior containing a selection of pharmaceutical accessories and medicines. The contents comprise a silver-gilt medicine cup, silver-gilt funnel, brass container holding thirteen apothecary weights, six cut-glass medicine bottles fitted with glass stoppers and silver-gilt covers (including examples labelled 'SAL VOLATILE', 'SPIRIT OF LAVENDER' and 'COMPD. TINCTURE OF RHUBARB'), and an additional loose silver-gilt bottle cover. The hinged lid contains an octagonal mirror with a detachable padded velvet mirror protector. Possibly made in Limerick, Ireland, between 1771 and 1790.

This ornate medicine chest contains six glass bottles (all with silver lids), a funnel, two weights and a decorated silver gilt cup. Four of the glass bottles have labels, two of which read “Sal Volatile”, which is more commonly known as smelling salts, the pungent smell being used to revive someone who has fainted. The recommended dose is twenty to sixty drops.

The “Spirit of Lavender” was potentially also used as a remedy for faintness – as well as for improving the appetite and combating sneezing and flatulence. Another bottle reads “Tincture of Rhubarb”. Rhubarb was used to help upset stomachs. A tincture is an alcoholic or water-based extract of a drug.

The quality of this medicine chest suggests it probably belonged to a wealthy family.

Parts

Cruciform wooden medicine chest case covered in black shagreen and raised on eight brass feet. The hinged lid and body are shaped with scalloped corners and fitted with an ornate pierced brass lock plate and a ring carrying handle. The interior is lined in blue velvet and fitted with shaped compartments for pharmaceutical bottles and accessories. The inside of the lid contains an octagonal mirror bordered by gold-coloured gimp trim and a detachable padded blue velvet mirror protector. Possibly made in Ireland, Limerick, between 1771 and 1790.

Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest, late 18th century

Cruciform wooden medicine chest case covered in black shagreen and raised on eight brass feet. The hinged lid and body are shaped with scalloped corners and fitted with an ornate pierced brass lock plate and a ring carrying handle. The interior is lined in blue velvet and fitted with shaped compartments for pharmaceutical bottles and accessories. The inside of the lid contains an octagonal mirror bordered by gold-coloured gimp trim and a detachable padded blue velvet mirror protector. Possibly made in Ireland, Limerick, between 1771 and 1790.

Measurements:
overall: 141 mm x 171 mm x 210 mm,
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy) , textile , shagreen and wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
A600155/1
type:
medicine chest
Small silver-gilt medicine cup with a circular foot and two opposing openwork scroll handles. The lower half of the body is decorated with a band of foliate ornament in relief, while the upper section is plain and polished. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Silver-gilt medicine cup, late 18th century

Small silver-gilt medicine cup with a circular foot and two opposing openwork scroll handles. The lower half of the body is decorated with a band of foliate ornament in relief, while the upper section is plain and polished. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Measurements:
overall: 61 mm x 78 mm
Materials:
metal (unknown) and silver gilt
Object Number:
A600155/2
type:
cup
Silver-gilt funnel. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Silver-gilt medicine funnel, late 18th century

Silver-gilt funnel. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Measurements:
overall: 40 mm 53 mm,
Materials:
metal (unknown) and silver gilt
Object Number:
A600155/3
type:
funnel
Circular lidded brass container housing thirteen brass apothecary weights of varying denominations. The weights are stamped with their values and accompanied by two handwritten paper notes listing the dram, scruple and grain weights contained within the set. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Set of apothecary weights in lidded container, late 18th century

Circular lidded brass container housing thirteen brass apothecary weights of varying denominations. The weights are stamped with their values and accompanied by two handwritten paper notes listing the dram, scruple and grain weights contained within the set. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Measurements:
overall: 8 mm 35 mm,
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy) and paper (fibre product)
Object Number:
A600155/4
type:
brass weight , and case - container
Circular brass container with a screw-on lid for the storage and transport of apothecary weights. The cylindrical body and lid are decorated with simple turned mouldings. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Brass container for apothecary weights, late 18th century

Circular brass container with a screw-on lid for the storage and transport of apothecary weights. The cylindrical body and lid are decorated with simple turned mouldings. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Measurements:
overall: 8 mm 35 mm,
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
A600155/4/1
type:
and case - container
Part of:
A600155/4
Square-cut brass foil apothecary weight marked for ½ grain with a stamped symbol. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Brass half-grain apothecary weight, late 18th century.

Square-cut brass foil apothecary weight marked for ½ grain with a stamped symbol. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
A600155/4/2
type:
brass weight
Part of:
A600155/4
Square-cut brass foil apothecary weight marked for one grain with a stamped symbol and one punched circular indentation. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Brass one-grain apothecary weight, late 18th century.

Square-cut brass foil apothecary weight marked for one grain with a stamped symbol and one punched circular indentation. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
A600155/4/3
type:
brass weight
Part of:
A600155/4
Square-cut brass foil apothecary weight marked for two grains with a stamped symbol and two punched circular indentations. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Brass two-grain apothecary weight, late 18th century.

Square-cut brass foil apothecary weight marked for two grains with a stamped symbol and two punched circular indentations. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
A600155/4/4
type:
brass weight
Part of:
A600155/4
Square-cut brass foil apothecary weight marked for three grains with a stamped symbol and three punched circular indentations. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Brass three-grain apothecary weight, late 18th century.

Square-cut brass foil apothecary weight marked for three grains with a stamped symbol and three punched circular indentations. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
A600155/4/5
type:
brass weight
Part of:
A600155/4
Square-cut brass foil apothecary weight marked for four grains with a stamped symbol and four punched circular indentations. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Brass four-grain apothecary weight, late 18th century.

Square-cut brass foil apothecary weight marked for four grains with a stamped symbol and four punched circular indentations. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
A600155/4/6
type:
brass weight
Part of:
A600155/4
Square-cut brass foil apothecary weight marked for five grains with a stamped symbol and five punched circular indentations. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Brass five-grain apothecary weight, late 18th century.

Square-cut brass foil apothecary weight marked for five grains with a stamped symbol and five punched circular indentations. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
A600155/4/7
type:
brass weight
Part of:
A600155/4
Square-cut brass foil apothecary weight marked for six grains with a stamped symbol and six punched circular indentations. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Brass six-grain apothecary weight, late 18th century.

Square-cut brass foil apothecary weight marked for six grains with a stamped symbol and six punched circular indentations. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
A600155/4/8
type:
brass weight
Part of:
A600155/4
Square brass apothecary weight stamped '2 DRAM'. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Two-dram apothecary weight, late 18th century

Square brass apothecary weight stamped '2 DRAM'. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
A600155/4/9
type:
brass weight
Part of:
A600155/4
Square brass apothecary weight stamped '1 DRAM'. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

One-dram apothecary weight, late 18th century

Square brass apothecary weight stamped '1 DRAM'. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
A600155/4/10
type:
brass weight
Part of:
A600155/4
Square brass apothecary weight stamped '½ DRAM'. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Half-dram apothecary weight, late 18th century

Square brass apothecary weight stamped '½ DRAM'. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
A600155/4/11
type:
brass weight
Part of:
A600155/4
Square brass apothecary weight stamped '2 SCRUP'. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Two-scruple apothecary weight, late 18th century

Square brass apothecary weight stamped '2 SCRUP'. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
A600155/4/12
type:
brass weight
Part of:
A600155/4
Square brass apothecary weight stamped '1 SCRUP'. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

One-scruple apothecary weight, late 18th century

Square brass apothecary weight stamped '1 SCRUP'. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
A600155/4/13
type:
brass weight
Part of:
A600155/4
Square brass apothecary weight stamped '½ SCRUP'. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Half-scruple apothecary weight, late 18th century

Square brass apothecary weight stamped '½ SCRUP'. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
A600155/4/14
type:
brass weight
Part of:
A600155/4
Unlabelled clear cut-glass medicine bottle with faceted sides and a tapered body. Fitted with a glass stopper and a silver-gilt ribbed cap. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Unlabelled cut-glass medicine bottle, late 18th century

Unlabelled clear cut-glass medicine bottle with faceted sides and a tapered body. Fitted with a glass stopper and a silver-gilt ribbed cap. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Measurements:
overall: 105 mm 46 mm,
Materials:
glass , metal (unknown) and silver gilt
Object Number:
A600155/5
type:
medicine bottle and materia medica
Unlabelled clear cut-glass medicine bottle with faceted sides and a tapered body. Fitted with a glass stopper and a silver-gilt ribbed cap. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Unlabelled cut-glass medicine bottle, late 18th century

Unlabelled clear cut-glass medicine bottle with faceted sides and a tapered body. Fitted with a glass stopper and a silver-gilt ribbed cap. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Measurements:
overall: 105 mm 46 mm,
Materials:
glass , metal (unknown) and silver gilt
Object Number:
A600155/6
type:
medicine bottle and materia medica
Clear cut-glass medicine bottle with faceted sides and a tapered body. Fitted with a glass stopper and a silver-gilt ribbed domed cover. Retaining a printed paper label reading 'SAL VOLATILE' and 'Dose. 20 to 60 Drops.' The bottle is now empty. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Sal volatile medicine bottle, late 18th century

Clear cut-glass medicine bottle with faceted sides and a tapered body. Fitted with a glass stopper and a silver-gilt ribbed domed cover. Retaining a printed paper label reading 'SAL VOLATILE' and 'Dose. 20 to 60 Drops.' The bottle is now empty. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Measurements:
overall: 105 mm 46 mm,
Materials:
glass , metal (unknown) and silver gilt
Object Number:
A600155/7
type:
smelling salts , sal volatile , medicine bottle and materia medica
Clear cut-glass medicine bottle with faceted sides and a tapered body. Fitted with a glass stopper and a silver-gilt ribbed domed cover. Retaining a printed paper label reading 'SAL VOLATILE'. The bottle contains a pale yellow liquid. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Sal volatile medicine bottle, late 18th century

Clear cut-glass medicine bottle with faceted sides and a tapered body. Fitted with a glass stopper and a silver-gilt ribbed domed cover. Retaining a printed paper label reading 'SAL VOLATILE'. The bottle contains a pale yellow liquid. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Measurements:
overall: 105 mm 46 mm,
Materials:
glass , metal (unknown) and silver gilt
Object Number:
A600155/8
type:
smelling salts , sal volatile , medicine bottle and materia medica
Clear cut-glass medicine bottle with faceted sides and a tapered body. Fitted with a glass stopper and a silver-gilt ribbed domed cover. Retaining a printed paper label reading 'SPIRIT OF LAVENDER'. The bottle is now empty. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Spirit of lavender medicine bottle, late 18th century

Clear cut-glass medicine bottle with faceted sides and a tapered body. Fitted with a glass stopper and a silver-gilt ribbed domed cover. Retaining a printed paper label reading 'SPIRIT OF LAVENDER'. The bottle is now empty. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Measurements:
overall: 105 mm 46 mm,
Materials:
glass , metal (unknown) and silver gilt
Object Number:
A600155/9
type:
spirit of lavender , medicine bottle and materia medica
Colourless cut-glass medicine bottle with faceted sides and a tapered body. Fitted with a glass stopper and a silver-gilt ribbed domed cover. Retaining a printed paper label reading 'COMPD. TINCTURE OF RHUBARB' and 'Dose - ½ an ounce to 1 ounce in water.' The bottle is now empty. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Compound tincture of rhubarb medicine bottle, late 18th century

Colourless cut-glass medicine bottle with faceted sides and a tapered body. Fitted with a glass stopper and a silver-gilt ribbed domed cover. Retaining a printed paper label reading 'COMPD. TINCTURE OF RHUBARB' and 'Dose - ½ an ounce to 1 ounce in water.' The bottle is now empty. From an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Measurements:
overall: 105 mm 46 mm,
Materials:
glass , metal (unknown) and silver gilt
Object Number:
A600155/10
type:
compound tincture of rhubarb , materia medica and medicine bottle
Silver-gilt domed bottle cover with a ribbed exterior and moulded bands around the sides. An additional loose component from an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Silver-gilt bottle cover, late 18th century

Silver-gilt domed bottle cover with a ribbed exterior and moulded bands around the sides. An additional loose component from an Irish shagreen-covered medicine chest dating to the late eighteenth century.

Measurements:
overall: 20 mm 21 mm,
Materials:
metal (unknown) and silver gilt
Object Number:
A600155/11
type:
medicine bottle and cover - closure