Ferric Carboxymaltose from Procter's Pharmacy
Name/Title
Ferric Carboxymaltose from Procter's PharmacyEntry/Object ID
PCP.1995.9.911Description
The large brown pills held in this beveled glass bottle are an early preparation of ferric carboxymaltose (abbreviated on the bottle’s label as “ferri carb.”), a common antianemic iron supplement still in use today. Hand-prepared and labeled in the pharmacy of William Procter Jr. on Ninth and Lombard Streets, this small artifact provides a rare example of mid-nineteenth century medicine compounding.Context
At the age of fourteen, William Procter Jr. became an apprentice at the drugstore of Philadelphia pharmacist and member of the first board of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Henry M. Zollickoffer, at the corner of Sixth and Pine streets. There, he discovered his passion for chemistry and pharmacy and was taught by Zollickoffer himself. In February 1844, Procter purchased the property on the corner of Ninth and Lombard streets and began renovations to open his own pharmacy. Procter’s diary entry reveals his excitement: “I am about to leave Sixth and Pine streets, after so long a residence. What singular events occur! Little did such a prospect appear probable some years ago. Steadiness and calmness of mind, how important to the proper appreciation of life!” (Merrihew & Son, 1874, 13). On May 12th, 1844, Procter’s Pharmacy opened to the public. The shop included a laboratory in the back where Procter prepared the medicines and tinctures for sale in his store.Category
medicines