Summary

Alternative Name(s): Sulphate of Zinc

Brown apothecary jar containing zinc sulphate used in the pharmacy at a mental health hospital, Victoria, Australia, circa 1900. manufactured by Wellcome Chemical Works, circa 1900. Zinc sulphate was used internally to induce vomiting and externally as an astringent lotion for ulcers. It was also used in the treatment of sexually-transmitted diseases into the 20th century.

Physical Description

Small, brown glass apothecary's jar has round, slightly concave base, straight sides, hemispherical shoulder, slim, fairly short neck broadening slightly toward top with protruding rim and glass stopper. Has round paper label on side - zinc sulphate. Jar contains remnants on the interior (less than 5mL).

Significance

Example of pharmaceuticals used in a Victorian mental health hospital

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