Object Details
Description
This waisted drug jar has a flared foot with a deep blue glaze over a white background. The jar is decorated with stylized flowers and leaves on the upper and lower shoulders. The label at the center of the waist is marked Philon: Persicum: The jar would have contained Philonium Persicum, Latin for Persian medicine. The preparation, named for Philon of Tarsus and prepared according to his recipes, would have contained opium, white pepper, saffron, rosewater, and a variety of aromatics. The preparation was used to stop menses or prevent miscarriages, relieve pain, and induce sleep. This jar belongs to a set of drug containers seen in objects 1991.0664.0589 through 1991.0664.0596.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of American Pharmaceutical Association and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0589
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05801
collector/donor number
SAP 513
catalog number
1991.0664.0589
Object Name
jar
Physical Description
ceramic (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 18.7 cm x 14 cm; 7 3/8 in x 5 1/2 in
Related Publication
Urdang, George and Ferdinand William Nitardy. The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy: A Catalogue of the Collection
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Health & Medicine
European Apothecary
Art
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Pharmacy
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_993656