Exploring Medicines
Discover how a variety of medicinal preparations have been made through the centuries and the essential pharmaceutical equipment used.
Terra Sigillata medicinal clay bowls
These two bowls are made from Terra Sigillata (Sealed Earth) medicinal clay. The mineral rich clay was believed during the Renaissance to have medicinal properties ...
Terra Sigillata Silesiae, c1745-1807
Glass specie jar with glass lid and paper label, containing specimen of sealed earth (Terra sigillat. Silesiae). From the Burges Collection. Label on body of ...
Testae Mytuli, c1745-1807
Glass specie jar, with glass lid and paper contents label, containing three specimens of mussel shells. From the Burges Collection. Text on paper contents label ...
Testae Ostreae, c1745-1807
Glass specie jar, with glass lid and paper contents label, containing specimens of oyster shells. From the Burges Collection. Text on paper contents label reads ‘...
Testes Equini, c1745-1807
Glass jar, with glass lid and paper contents label, containing specimens of ‘Testes Equini’, possibly a callous excrescence. From the Burges Collection. Text on paper ...
The “Iglodine” Nasal Douche, Circa 1908
Ceramic nasal douche labelled ‘The ‘’Iglodine’’ Nasal Douche’. This apparatus was patented by Henry Igel in 1908. Igel had patented the chemical Iglodine a year before, ...
The “Iglodine” Nasal Douche, Circa 1908.
Ceramic nasal douche labelled ‘The ‘’Iglodine’’ Nasal Douche’. This apparatus was patented by Henry Igel in 1908. Igel had patented the chemical Iglodine a year before, ...
The Collision Inhaler, Circa 1932
Apparatus labelled “The Collision Inhaler” including a screw fitting that attaches to a cylinder and two flow-meter flasks, and a rubber connection to steel mouthpiece ...
The Hygienic Premature Feeding Bottle, 1900-1960
Cardboard box, now empty but originally containing ‘The Hygienic Premature Feeding Bottle’, four-ounce size. The bottle was accompanied by a teat and valve. Manufactured by ...
Toads (Burges Collection of Materia Medica, late 1700s)
Toads were used as amulets to stop bleeding, or could be tied (alive or dead) to wounds to aid in healing. They could also be ...