Object Details
- Description
- Round paper-wrapped tin can with lead soldered side seam, top and bottom. Nestle/Vervey Swiss embossed on one side of the tin. Paper wrap-around label with black print, trademark, and medal representations from Paris and Marseille expositions (1874-1889). Pressed tin lid with round paper label, black print. Distributed in the United States and Canada by Thos. Leeming Co. New York and Montreal. Price 50 cents. "DIRECTIONS FOR USE: For Feeding bottles. -- Mix one tablespoonful of the Milk Food with ten tablespoonfuls cold water; then boil the mixture for a few minutes, with constant stirring. For a light Pap. -- Mix one tablespoonful of the Milk food with five tablespoonfuls of cold water; then boil the mixture for a few minutes, with constant stirring. Neither milk nor sugar should be used in preparing the Milk food."
- Swiss pharmacist Henri Nestlé (1814-1890) developed one of the earliest commercial infant milk products, "Farine Lactée Nestlé." The formula, a mixture of cow's milk, wheat flour, and sugar, was introduced in the 1860s and by the late 1870’s was available in the United States as “Nestlé’s Milk Food.” Nestle’s product was modelled on the earlier work of German scientist Justus von Liebig, who developed a soluble food for babies based on his studies of animal nutrition. However, Nestle’s food was considered easier to prepare and, unlike the Liebig formula, only required the addition of water, making it the first complete infant food.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- maker
- Nestle, Henri
- Measurements
- overall: 11.6 cm x 7.7 cm; 4 9/16 in x 3 1/16 in
- Object Name
- Infant And Invalid Food
- Other Terms
- Infant And Invalid Food; Nutritional Products
