Civet, c1745-1807

Description

Glass jar containing specimens of civet, a secretion from the glands of the civet cat. From the Burges Collection.

Pomet, in his Compleat History of Druggs, says that ‘Civet is of very little Use in Physick, but is most in Request with the Confectioners and Perfumers, where it serves to perfume and give a Scent to other Ingredients.’ But Lemery believed that ‘It comforts the Spirits, and is good against all Diseases of the Head, Brain and Womb’