{"product_id":"victorian-era-doctor-s-medicine-chest-with-glass-containers-and-historic-prescriptions","title":"Victorian Era | Doctor’s Medicine Chest with Glass Containers and Historic Prescriptions | Circa mid-19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e United States (Virginia)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mahogany wood, glass, paper labels, cork\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid-19th Century, circa 1860s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis remarkable mid-19th century mahogany apothecary box represents a compelling survival from the early days of American medical and pharmaceutical practice. The fitted wooden case houses eleven original glass apothecary bottles, many retaining their period paper labels and traces of the medicinal compounds they once contained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for portability, the box would have been used by a physician or pharmacist to transport essential remedies and preparations for dispensing treatments. Included with the set are thirteen handwritten prescription slips and pharmaceutical notes, several bearing the printed heading of Dr. R. S. Wiley of Clifton Forge, Virginia, offering a rare and personal glimpse into 19th-century rural medical practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional elements include unused label fragments, dosage instructions, and a small corked glass vial. The bottles reference historical medicinal preparations such as laudanum, tincture of valerian, spirit of lavender, and syrup of ipecac—substances widely used in treatments for pain, nervous conditions, digestive issues, and respiratory ailments during the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Original mahogany apothecary box with fitted interior compartments\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Eleven glass apothecary bottles with period paper labels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Includes one small corked glass vial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Thirteen handwritten prescriptions and pharmaceutical notes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- References to Dr. R. S. Wiley of Clifton Forge, Virginia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Period medicinal labels including laudanum, valerian, lavender, and ipecac\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Original cork remnants and chemical residues present\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Additional label fragments and dosage instructions included\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApothecary boxes such as this were essential tools for physicians and pharmacists throughout the 19th century, particularly in rural communities where medical professionals often traveled between patients. The presence of original labeled bottles alongside handwritten prescriptions provides a rare and tangible insight into the evolving science of medicine during the Victorian era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreparations such as laudanum and valerian reflect the therapeutic methods of the time, when treatments relied heavily on botanical extracts, tinctures, and opiate-based remedies. Complete sets that retain both dispensing containers and original written prescriptions are increasingly scarce, making this an important and evocative artifact of early American healthcare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFair condition overall consistent with age and use. The mahogany box shows marks, scratches, and interior staining, and the original key is no longer present. Several bottles retain residue and partial cork remnants, while the small vial remains corked. Paper labels exhibit age-related wear, and the handwritten prescriptions show staining, tears, and losses but remain legible and preserved in protective sleeves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox:\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 5 in\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 8.5 in\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 5.75 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e155–165 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore the history of \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"History of Medicine Exhibits – Woodward Library UBC\" href=\"https:\/\/woodward.library.ubc.ca\/2022\/06\/01\/history-of-medicine-exhibits-summer-2022\/\"\u003e19th-century medical kits and traveling doctor’s chests\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, used by physicians during house calls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Medical and Quackery Artifacts Collection – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\" href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/medical-quackery-artifacts-tools-odd-medicine\/Medical-\u0026amp;-Quackery-Artifacts:-Tools-\u0026amp;-Odd-Medicine\"\u003eMedical \u0026amp; Quackery Artifacts Collection\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52610377482562,"sku":null,"price":2750.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/19th-century-mahogany-apothecary-box-glass-bottles-prescriptions.png?v=1774192833","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/victorian-era-doctor-s-medicine-chest-with-glass-containers-and-historic-prescriptions","provider":"Relic and Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}