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LicenseTin-glazed earthenware albarello
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Tin-glazed earthenware albarello
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Tin-glazed earthenware albarello, polychrome decoration on white groung, labelled "SOLIMATO", possibly Derutan, Italian, 16th-18th century
Mercury compounds were traditional treatments for syphilis – a once very common, potentially deadly venereal disease. But this toxic treatment slowly poisoned the patient. Sublimate of Mercury, if soaked into a piece of cloth and carried next to the heart, was also believed to protect against plague. The earthenware drug jar has a badge painted on the side, probably referring to an Italian pharmacy.
Details
- Category:
- Medical Ceramic-ware
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A42455
- Materials:
- earthenware (tin-glazed)
- Measurements:
-
overall: 203 mm 113 mm, .8 kg
- type:
- drug jar
