Carton of 'Purgen-The New Aperient' tablets, London, England, 1901-1940

Made:
1901-1940 in London
Carton of "Purgen" tablets with instructions, by H. and T

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Carton of "Purgen" tablets with instructions, by H. and T
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Carton of "Purgen" tablets with instructions, by H. and T.Kirby and Co., Ltd., London, 1901-1940

Aperient is another word for laxative. The packaging claims that this “New Aperient is a simple chemical and the mildest aperient known, not drastic or irritating, but certain in its action, it is not absorbed and therefore, even in large doses, is perfectly harmless.”

Made by H and T Kirby and Co Ltd, manufacturing chemists, the trade name ‘Purgen’ is a play on the word purge, describing the drug’s action. This packet contains doses for children and was available over the counter at pharmacists.

Details

Category:
Materia Medica & Pharmacology
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A627792
Materials:
paper
Measurements:
overall: 13 mm x 50 mm x 57 mm, .01kg
type:
laxative and carton