Home medicine chest, approximately 1830
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- Containers:
- Artifact-box 205, Item htrent0014
- Scope and content:
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English-made, in a walnut case in double-fronted cupboard style with ivory knobs and brass drawer pull. Accessories include scales, mortar and pestle, glass measuring cups and funnel. Custom made glass bottles with contents intact.
Home medicine chests such as the walnut one shown here helped families to manage illnesses by having a convenient stock of ready made medicines close at hand. The typical chest contained an assortment of powders, tonics, and salves along with a copy of a home medical manual. An ivory crochet hook, found in a drawer of this chest, was used to hang the scales needed to weigh ingredients. Larger chests had additional bottles in a back compartment concealed by a sliding panel.
- Acquisition information:
- Received from: Dr. Josiah Charles Trent
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Access note. Collection contains fragile materials which may involve extra assistance from staff. Types of items include glass, ceramics, rare instruments, or other vulnerable materials. Contact Research Services with questions.
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