Cantharidine blistering tissue in original wrapper, England, 1855-1875

Made:
1855-1875 in Handsworth
maker:
Thomas B Brown
Cantheridine blistering tissue, in original wrapper, by T.B

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Cantheridine blistering tissue, in original wrapper, by T.B
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Cantheridine blistering tissue, in original wrapper, by T.B. Brown, English

Cantharidine is a substance secreted from a type of beetle, commonly known as the ‘Spanish fly’. It was used as a counter-irritant, the technique being to irritate one part of the body, raising blisters on the skin, in order to relieve it in another. Care had to be taken when applying the cantharidine tissue, as it could cause excessive damage if not used cautiously. It was recommended that a handkerchief or piece of linen be placed over it when used on adults – a cabbage leaf was recommended for children.

Details

Category:
Surgery
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A629720
Materials:
paper and tissue
Measurements:
overall: 1 mm x 127 mm x 50 mm,
overall - tissue: 165 mm x 65 mm
type:
plaster