Powdered Digitalis U.S.P (Poison)

Object/Artifact

-

Marvin Samson Museum for the History of Pharmacy

Name/Title

Powdered Digitalis U.S.P (Poison)

Entry/Object ID

PCP.2023.5.4

Description

Rectangular green glass bottle with metal screw lid containing powdered digitalis with "Poison" warning printed on label

Category

poisons, plant specimen

Acquisition

Accession

PCP.2023.5

Made/Created

Manufacturer

S.B. Penick & Company

Date made

1914 - 1960

Time Period

Mid-20th century

Place

State/Province

New York

Country

USA

Continent

North America

Other Names

Name Type

Also known as

Other Name

Foxglove

Name Type

Non-English name

Other Name

Lusmore

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Bottle

Height

4-15/16 in

Width

2-3/16 in

Depth

2-3/16 in

Dimension Description

Contents, approx.

Weight

4 oz

Exhibition

Herbs of Heritage: Ethnobotany in Irish Folklore

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Cultural/Historical Context

Label

Digitalis, or foxglove, was believed to be under the protection of the Aos Sí, the fairies. In Irish tradition, foxgloves were thought to ward off harmful magic and provide mystical protection. Medicinally, it was used carefully by healers to treat heart ailments, a knowledge that aligns with modern uses of digitalis, derived from the plant. Yet, its toxicity demanded respect, reinforcing the belief that disturbing foxglove plants could anger the fairies. (From "Herbs in Heritage: Ethnobotany in Irish Folklore," Marvin Samson Museum for the History of Pharmacy, Jun 15 - Dec 31, 2024)