Object Details
- Description
- This urn–shaped drug container has a flared foot. The mouth of the jar is covered and tied to the container by a piece of string. The label has been applied with a cold paint technique in the rococo style. The white escutcheon is outlined in gold and framed with vines of red and blue flowers. The label is marked ELEC. HIERA PICRA COMP. Jars 1991.0664.405 through 1991.0664.0408 contained electuaries, blends of various herbs, water, honey and sugar to form a paste. This jar contained an electuary of hiera picra composito, also known as Holy Bitters. The electuary was a tincture of aloe, saffron, cinnamon, and other ingredients, and was used as a cathartic to stimulate bowel movements
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- date made
- 18th century
- Credit Line
- Gift of American Pharmaceutical Association and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
- Physical Description
- glass (overall material)
- paint (overall material)
- paper (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 10.8 cm x 11 cm; 4 1/4 in x 4 11/32 in
- Object Name
- jar
