Nidi Alcedinis Indicae, c1745-1807

Description

Glass specie jar containing specimens of Indian kingfisher nest. From the Burges Collection.

Text on paper label reads ‘Catal. mat. med. p. 128. No. 89. Nidi Alcedinis Indicae.’

Pomet says of this type of nest that ‘The Chinese…assign mighty Virtues to it, as that it nourishes extremely, being boil’d in Water with a Fowl and Ginger; they reckon it very good for curing Pains at the Stomach, and for restoring those that are in a languishing Condition.’