Dispensing pot for hemlock extract, Italy, 1771-1830

Italian pharmacy vase, early C19 polychrome maiolica, possibly Ligurian, used for hemlock extract

The jar labelled “Extr: Cicut: Storc”, second from the right, once stored Störck’s Extract of Hemlock. Used to treat cancers and tumours, the treatment was invented by Anton Störck (1731-1803), who was a Viennese medical professor. Hemlock is a poisonous plant. The jar, one of four shown here, was presented as a gift to the Wellcome collection on the previous owner’s death in 1932.