Dactylus Solen, c1745-1807

Description

Glass specie jar containing shells of genus Solen (Solen dactylus or Solen vagina). From the Burges Collection.

Text on paper contents label reads ‘Catal. mat. med. p. 113. No. 28. Dactylus Solen.’

Pomet, in his Compleat History of Druggs, says that ‘The Shell is alcaline, resolutive, drying, opening, etc. being taken inwardly. The Dose is from half a Scruple to two Scruples. They use it externally in some Cerats and Ointments, in the Place of the Dentalium, which is scarce.’