Ephemeral Beauty: A Bookmark from the Family Druggist

You must click on the image to see the larger picture since it's very attractive.  I insist.  

A chinoiserie-inspired scene on a celadon background, this antique bookmark mimics the look of the japanned objects and furnishings which were so popular in the mid-to-late Nineteenth Century while incorporating the “it” colors of the 1880s—minty green, rust, coral and umber.

It’s a dandy little thing. I love the color palette. If given this bookmark/trade card by my local druggist today, I’d surely save it and use it. I think its inherent loveliness is the very reason that it’s survived well over a century to end up in the collection of some guy in Texas in 2012.

EVERARD H. KELLEY, FAMILY DRUGGIST handed out these cards. I wonder if he liked his name. I’ve never heard the name “Everard” before, but you can rest assured it’ll pop up in "A Recipe for Punch" or some of my other projects. Mr. Kelley’s apothecary shop was located on the Post Office Block of Lawrence, Massachusetts. That’s not too specific is it? Well, I suppose if you lived in Lawrence in the 1880s that was as specific an address as was necessary. I’m sure everyone knew Mr. Kelley. I’m sure Everard was the president of some local organization—the Elks or the Loyal Order of Anteaters or, perhaps, he was a member of some group like one which we had here in my hometown in the 1880s—the ‘Possum and ‘Tater Club. Everyone probably knew him, and everyone probably liked him. I’ll bet the men thought he was “aces” and the ladies admired his taste and gentle spirit. Or…maybe he was a real jerk and everyone cringed every time they went to buy a Scrofula tonic. “You know, Midge, he’s bitter about his name. That’s why he’s like that.”

Either way, for some reason, this card has been preserved, and I’m glad it has because it’s awfully pretty. And, that’s the sort of thing I think about here in my house full of old paper.

Unusual Artifacts: A Medicine Pot and Cover, 1540-55

Apothecary Pot and Cover
Italy, 1540-1555
The Victoria & Albert Museum

During the Middle Ages, as the art of creating medicines become more prominent and standardized, books of the ingredients of medicines were shared by apothecaries, and soon, an increasing demand for appropriate storage vessels for medicines developed.

Pharmacies were, subsequently, a major source of income for makers of maiolica.  As the V&A tells us, “The pharmacies and dispensaries of monastic orders, hospitals and noble families required large numbers of jars to store their various herbs, roots, syrups, pills, ointments and sweetmeats. These were sometimes marked with coats of arms or other heraldic devices.”

Such drug containers , inscribed with their contents, began to be produced in the middle of the Fifteenth Century.  Non-inscribed vessels continued to be made.  The  upside of these were that they could be washed and refused for other tinctures.

The shape of this Italian, Sixteenth-Century pharmacy bottle is based on Fifteenth Century  glassware.  It is made with a lid.  On the front, in a panel enclosed by a decorative band with leafy scrolls scratched through a blue ground, is a half-length figure of a bearded man in profile against a blue sky. Below this panel, a scroll is inscribed in Gothic characters with the name of the contents: “A. Eufragia.”  This was also called “Eyebright water,” a suspension of roses and herbs which was meant to cure illnesses of the eye, and, in doing so, strengthen the head and promote better memory.

This was made in Castelli, Italy, between 1540 and 1555 by the workshop of one Orazio Pompei.

The Decorative Apothecary: A Drug Jar, c. 1675

Apothecary Jar, 1675
The Victoria & Albert Museum

In a Seventeenth Century apothecary shop,  this sort of jar would have been a common sight.  It is what is known as a “wet” drug jar and was used for dispensing syrup of quinces, which presumably had some sort of soothing or laxative properties. You can see that it featured a narrow foot which enabled it to be pulled out from a row of jars on the druggist’s shelf. A handle at the back was used to tilt it forward for easy pouring of the undoubtedly sticky contents. A paper lid would have been tied around the top.

One side of the jar is painted in blue with a band which is inscribed “S. CYDONIORU” surmounted by a winged angel's head. The band has two knotted ends with fluttering terminals which hang down, the left one is inscribed “S.”

Though made in the style of Delftware, this jar was created in England between 1675 and 1685.  It is made of tin-glazed earthenware.  Earthenware was handy to use for such purposes because it could so easily be painted, albeit in a limited range of colors. Still, it was a medium which was ideal for neatly-labeled apothecary drug pots and tools such as candlesticks. 

Here, our friend is hanging out with a "dry" jar buddy.

Object of the Day: A Bookmark from the Family Druggist

You must click on the image to see the larger picture since it's very attractive.  I insist.  

A chinoiserie-inspired scene on a celadon background, this antique bookmark mimics the look of the japanned objects and furnishings which were so popular in the mid-to-late Nineteenth Century while incorporating the “it” colors of the 1880s—minty green, rust, coral and umber.

It’s a dandy little thing. I love the color palette. If given this bookmark/trade card by my local druggist today, I’d surely save it and use it. I think its inherent loveliness is the very reason that it’s survived well over a century to end up in the collection of some guy in Texas in 2012.

EVERARD H. KELLEY, FAMILY DRUGGIST handed out these cards. I wonder if he liked his name. I’ve never heard the name “Everard” before, but you can rest assured it’ll pop up in “Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square” at some point now. Mr. Kelley’s apothecary shop was located on the Post Office Block of Lawrence, Massachusetts. That’s not too specific is it? Well, I suppose if you lived in Lawrence in the 1880s that was as specific an address as was necessary. I’m sure everyone knew Mr. Kelley. I’m sure Everard was the president of some local organization—the Elks or the Loyal Order of Anteaters or, perhaps, he was a member of some group like one which we had here in my hometown in the 1880s—the ‘Possum and ‘Tater Club. Everyone probably knew him, and everyone probably liked him. I’ll bet the men thought he was “aces” and the ladies admired his taste and gentle spirit. Or…maybe he was a real jerk and everyone cringed every time they went to buy a Scrofula tonic. “You know, Midge, he’s bitter about his name. That’s why he’s like that.”

Either way, for some reason, this card has been preserved, and I’m glad it has because it’s awfully pretty. And, that’s the sort of thing I think about here in my house full of old paper.

Object of the Day: A Bookmark from the Family Druggist

You must click on the image to see the larger picture since it's very attractive.  I insist.  

A chinoiserie-inspired scene on a celadon background, this antique bookmark mimics the look of the japanned objects and furnishings which were so popular in the mid-to-late Nineteenth Century while incorporating the “it” colors of the 1880s—minty green, rust, coral and umber.

It’s a dandy little thing. I love the color palette. If given this bookmark/trade card by my local druggist today, I’d surely save it and use it. I think its inherent loveliness is the very reason that it’s survived well over a century to end up in the collection of some guy in Texas in 2012.

EVERARD H. KELLEY, FAMILY DRUGGIST handed out these cards. I wonder if he liked his name. I’ve never heard the name “Everard” before, but you can rest assured it’ll pop up in “Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square” at some point now. Mr. Kelley’s apothecary shop was located on the Post Office Block of Lawrence, Massachusetts. That’s not too specific is it? Well, I suppose if you lived in Lawrence in the 1880s that was as specific an address as was necessary. I’m sure everyone knew Mr. Kelley. I’m sure Everard was the president of some local organization—the Elks or the Loyal Order of Anteaters or, perhaps, he was a member of some group like one which we had here in my hometown in the 1880s—the ‘Possum and ‘Tater Club. Everyone probably knew him, and everyone probably liked him. I’ll bet the men thought he was “aces” and the ladies admired his taste and gentle spirit. Or…maybe he was a real jerk and everyone cringed every time they went to buy a Scrofula tonic. “You know, Midge, he’s bitter about his name. That’s why he’s like that.”

Either way, for some reason, this card has been preserved, and I’m glad it has because it’s awfully pretty. And, that’s the sort of thing I think about here in my house full of old paper.

Object of the Day: Museum Edition: A Medicine Pot and Cover, 1540-55

Apothecary Pot and Cover
Italy, 1540-1555
The Victoria & Albert Museum

During the Middle Ages, as the art of creating medicines become more prominent and standardized, books of the ingredients of medicines were shared by apothecaries, and soon, an increasing demand for appropriate storage vessels for medicines developed.

Pharmacies were, subsequently, a major source of income for makers of maiolica.  As the V&A tells us, “The pharmacies and dispensaries of monastic orders, hospitals and noble families required large numbers of jars to store their various herbs, roots, syrups, pills, ointments and sweetmeats. These were sometimes marked with coats of arms or other heraldic devices.”

Such drug containers , inscribed with their contents, began to be produced in the middle of the Fifteenth Century.  Non-inscribed vessels continued to be made.  The  upside of these were that they could be washed and refused for other tinctures.

The shape of this Italian, Sixteenth-Century pharmacy bottle is based on Fifteenth Century  glassware.  It is made with a lid.  On the front, in a panel enclosed by a decorative band with leafy scrolls scratched through a blue ground, is a half-length figure of a bearded man in profile against a blue sky. Below this panel, a scroll is inscribed in Gothic characters with the name of the contents: “A. Eufragia.”  This was also called “Eyebright water,” a suspension of roses and herbs which was meant to cure illnesses of the eye, and, in doing so, strengthen the head and promote better memory.

This was made in Castelli, Italy, between 1540 and 1555 by the workshop of one Orazio Pompei.

Object of the Day: A Rather Confused Trade Card for Cologne

 

The front of this trade card depicts a snow-covered abbey illuminated by the moon.  Above it, the text reads:

Delicious and Delicate

Fleming’s Mikado Cologne.

Price 25 cents

Clearly, this fragrance is named for Gilbert and Sullivan’s famed operetta.  However, the illustration doesn’t keep with the theme.  Curiously, the reverse has nothing at all to do with the front and seems to advertise a Pennsylvania druggist and sundries shop.

Often, these cards were printed so that they were blank on the back, allowing a vendor of the product to stamp or print his own information.  That seems to be what’s happened here.

It reads:

SICK HEADACHE

Dyspepsia, Liver Complaint, Malaria & Indigestion

------------------------------------------------------------

Cured by the use of

Dr. C. McLane’s Liver Pills

------------------------------------------------------------

Price 25 cents a Box.

**Beware of Counterfeits made in St. Louis Mo. And Wheeling W. Va.

                                  _________                 

None genuine without the Signature of

Fleming Bros.  *  Pittsburgh, Penna.

___________________________________

Use * CRUDOFORM * for

Bruises, Sprains, Stiffness, Neuralgia

Pleurisy and Pain of All Kinds

Prepared by Fleming Bros., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Price, 25 Cents.

 -----------------------------------------------------------

A.K. Henderson

Dealer in

Drugs, Perfumery & Toilet Articles,

300 Frankstown Av.  PITTSBURGH, PA.

The card also has two handwritten names, in pencil:

Robbie Henderson

Robbie Ross

They’re written in the same childish hand.  

The Decorative Apothecary: A Drug Jar, c. 1675

Apothecary Jar, 1675
The Victoria & Albert Museum

In a Seventeenth Century apothecary shop,  this sort of jar would have been a common sight.  It is what is known as a “wet” drug jar and was used for dispensing syrup of quinces, which presumably had some sort of soothing or laxative properties. You can see that it featured a narrow foot which enabled it to be pulled out from a row of jars on the druggist’s shelf. A handle at the back was used to tilt it forward for easy pouring of the undoubtedly sticky contents.  A paper lid would have been tied around the top.

One side of the jar is painted in blue with a band which is inscribed “S. CYDONIORU” surmounted by a winged angel's head. The band has two knotted ends with fluttering terminals which hang down, the left one is inscribed “S.”

Though made in the style of Delftware, this jar was created in England between 1675 and 1685.  It is made of tin-glazed earthenware.  Earthenware was handy to use for such purposes because it could so easily be painted, albeit in a limited range of colors. Still, it was a medium which was ideal for neatly-labeled  apothecary drug pots and tools such as candlesticks. 

Here, our friend is hanging out with a "dry" jar buddy.