Summary
Clear apothecary jar containing traces of tincture of myrrh used in a pharmacy of a mental health hospital, Victoria, circa 1900.
Myrrh was used as an antiseptic and primarily used in mouthwashes, gargles and toothpastes for prevention and treatment of gum disease.
Physical Description
Small, slim, clear glass apothecary's jar containing remnants of tincture of myrrh. Jar has round, slightly concave base, straight sides, hemi-spherical shoulder and shortish, slim neck with broad protruding lip. Has glass stopper with flat, circular, horizontal top. Label is painted on back of curved oblong perspex plate which is glued into inset on side of jar. It is painted in black on white (with red and gold border) on inside of perspex plate, inset on side of jar.
Significance
Example of pharmaceuticals used in Victorian mental health hospitals
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Office of Psychiatric Services, May 1985
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Place & Date Used
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Inscriptions
TR. MYRRHAE
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Classification
Medicine & health, Mental health - pharmacy, Pharmaceuticals
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
217 mm (Height), 72 mm (Outside Diameter)
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References
British pharmaceutical codex, 1963. London. Pharmaceutical Press.
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Keywords
Dentistry, Pharmaceuticals, Psychiatric Hospitals, Making History - Psych Services