Doe and Hope

Description

A wonderfully proud and rare example in fine condition, having an imposing cut glass faceted stopper. The well preserved label reads PULV SCAMMON in black lettering set upon a white ground, surrounded by a red stripe, then a gold outer border with black pinstripe.

In high quality flint glass, possibly by the York Glass Co., the vessel is square bodied with a pronounced frosted neck terminating in the original cut glass stopper. There is a chip to the neck but overall the bottle is in sound order.

Originally to have held a powder made from Scammonea, a laxative herb. Specifically this compound would have been Ipomoea resin in 5 parts, jalap in 3.5 parts, and ginger in 1.5 parts. Sometimes mixed with treacle and formerly known as Earl Warwick’s powder, this substance was essentially used to shake up ones bowel movements and thus also as part of the treatment process for diseases such as cholera.

Note In the above description we have successfully navigated around toilet humour.