Dispensing pot for laudanum, Italy, 1771-1830

Empty bottle for opium tincture, London, England, 1880-1940

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Some of the ingredients used in medical treatments seem to belong to the world of fantasy rather than pharmacy. On the far left is a dispensing pot labelled “LAUD:NEP:QUERC”. This is laudanum, a treatment made from opium, gold and pearls. Mixed with a powdered bezoar stone from the stomach of an animal and shavings of mythical unicorn horn, the medicine was given to aid sleep and ease pain. The jar, one of four shown here, was presented as a gift to the Wellcome collection on the previous owner’s death in 1932.

maker: Unknown maker

Place made: Italy

Opium tincture or laudanum was a drug used as a pain killer and to induce sleep or drowsiness. A tincture is an alcoholic solution that was taken orally. Laudanum contained opium and morphine, both of which are from the opium poppy and are highly addictive. The drug was made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co, one of the first large pharmaceutical manufacturers in Britain.

maker: Burroughs Wellcome and Company

Place made: London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

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Dispensing pot for laudanum, Italy, 1771-1830

Empty bottle for opium tincture, London, England, 1880-1940

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Wellcome uses cookies.

Controlled drug

Images

Works

Dispensing pot for laudanum, Italy, 1771-1830

Empty bottle for opium tincture, London, England, 1880-1940

Wellcome Collection

Today’s opening times