Pewter theriac container

Made:
1603 in Venice
Cylindrical pewter theriac container with drop of original

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Cylindrical pewter theriac container with drop of original
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Cylindrical pewter theriac container with drop of original contents (may contain a low level of opiates). 70 mm x 53 mm diameter, .13 kg. Separate lid inscribed round profiled head "Teriaca fina alla resta doro in Venet." Unknown maker, from Venice, Italian, dated 1603.

Theriac was a thick syrupy liquid medicine (known as an electuary) made from as many as 64 different ingredients. Variations appeared over the centuries in different cultures and it was used as a cure for a number of illnesses until the end of the 1700s. The ingredients were often strange and exotic. For example, in some recipes the flesh of snakes was essential. This container still has a drop of the original contents.

The lid is inscribed with the words “TERIACA FINA ALLA TESTA DORO IN VENET”, which translates as “At the sign of the golden head in Venice” – tradesmen used picture signs to indicate their place of work. In many cities such as Venice, Montpellier and Toulouse, theriac was made under official supervision to prevent fake medicines being sold.

Details

Category:
Pharmacy-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A656713
Materials:
pewter, complete and opium
Measurements:
overall: 70 mm 53 mm, .134 kg
type:
container and opium
credit:
Wellcome Trust