Trade card: Townly, Nurseryman at Walworth, St Mary, Newington, Surrey, 1780. Advertises Golden Eye-Water for dropping into inflamed eyes. 6 3/4 inches x 5 1/8 inches. (Calv. 400)

‘Golden Eye Water’ is recommended for all illnesses of the eyes, including poor vision and inflammation. It could be used as an eye wash or dripped into the eye using a feather as a dropper. It was guaranteed to have a long life. One bottle cost 1 shilling and 6 pence, equivalent to about £5 today – although discounts were offered for bulk purchases. Townly, who made and sold this secret preparation, claimed it was only available through him. He was well placed in his job as a nurseryman, where he looked after trees and plants, to get hold of the raw materials that made up his concoction.