Questionable Medicine in the 17th C., Two Medical Recipes & Birth Record

A unique group of three medical documents, consisting of a birth record notation and two recipes for medicines.

The first, measuring 6" x 2", records the birth of "Sarah Judson Borne February the 16:/1682."

The second, measuring 7.5" x 3", is a medical liquor, made of ground mint, chamomile, rum, molasses, and powdered aloe, to be boiled and taken every morning and evening. It is unknown what this concoction would be meant to treat.

The third and final item, measuring 6.5" cx 1.75", is a powder mixture of Epsom salt, Sperma-Cela, and Mastic powder, one spoonful to be taken each morning. Again, it is unknown what this mixture was meant to treat, but Sperma-Cela is listed in old apothecary books as "excellent for inward bruises."

Each document has flattened folds and rough edges. Varying degrees of toning, soiling, and foxing. Overall, very good.

17th-century apothecaries prescribed a whole host of various, and frankly odd, mixtures to their patients. Many used various herbs, minerals, and animal products, but commonly prescribed drugs also included highly toxic compounds of mercury and arsenic, as well as hemlock and deadly nightshade. The "Pharmacopoeia Londinensis", published in 1618, offers a fascinating and detailed insight into what used to be considered "medicinal" in seventeenth-century England.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!