Tinctura Digitalis

Object/Artifact

-

Marvin Samson Museum for the History of Pharmacy

Name/Title

Tinctura Digitalis

Entry/Object ID

PCP.1999.25.152

Description

Glass bottle with glass stopper featuring a gold and black label reading "Tinctura Digitalis." [tincture of digitalis]

Category

apothecary bottles, poisons, plant specimen
containers

Acquisition

Accession

PCP.1999.25

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Artist/maker unknown

Date made

circa 1870

Time Period

Late 19th century

Other Names

Name Type

Also known as

Other Name

Foxglove

Name Type

Non-English name

Other Name

Lusmore [add language]

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Jar

Height

8-1/2 in

Diameter

3 in

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)