Summary
Green apothecary jar containing Barry's Tricopherous (a hair tonic) used in the pharmacy of a mental health hospital in Victoria, Australia, circa 1880. The ingredients of Barry's Tricopherous were; 97% alcohol, 1.5% castor oil, and 1% tincture of cantharides (spanish fly). Irritant drugs such as cantharides were thought to stimulate the scalp by increasing blood supply.
Physical Description
Apothecary's jar of light green glass, has flat sides, rounded corners and rather long neck.
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 Made
New York, New York State, United States of America, circa 1880
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Place & Date Used
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Inscriptions
2 - encircled on base. BARRY'S/TRICOPHEROUS/NEW YORK,U.S.A.
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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
5.7 cm (Length), 16.5 cm (Height)
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Keywords
Hair, Pharmaceuticals, Psychiatric Hospitals, Making History - Psych Services
