University Health Network - Academy of Medicine Collection
Category
Pharmacy and Drug Artifacts
Classification
Pharmacy, General
Accession Number
1969.24.6 a-b
Description
Empty rectangular pale blue trial size pharmacy bottle (a) with faceted sides, cream paper label on one side, embossed on two sides and cork (b) loose in opening; second narrow paper label remains on one side and part of front; label with brown ink; mould lines visible.
Empty rectangular pale blue trial size pharmacy bottle (a) with faceted sides, cream paper label on one side, embossed on two sides and cork (b) loose in opening; second narrow paper label remains on one side and part of front; label with brown ink; mould lines visible.
Printed on front label: "GILES' // TRADE MARK // LINIMENT // IODIDE // AMMONIA // TRIAL SIZE // FOR // FAMILY USE // DEPOT // NEW YORK"; embosed on sides: "NEW YORK // TRIAL SIZE"; printed on narrow label: "[illeg.] h 19th 1877 William M. Giles"
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-A7-11
Permanent Location Notes
Stored in medicine chest 1969.24.1
Length
2.5 cm
Width
4.4 cm
Height
13.1 cm
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Condition Remarks
Interior with brown stains, paper faded and wiht minor product stains
Copy Type
original
Reference Types
Internet
Document
Reference Comments
“Medical Preparations,” New Remedies: An Illustrated Monthly Trade journal of Materia Medica, Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Vol. 6, 1877. https://books.google.ca/
An Encyclopedia of Practical Information and Universal Formulary: A Book of Ready Reference for Every Occupation, Trade and Profession. Century Book & Paper Company, 1889. https://books.google.ca/
“William M. Giles, M.D.” The Druggists Circular and Chemical Gazette vol. 34, 1890. https://books.google.ca/
Research Facts
This bottle contained a popularly prescribed cure-all known as Giles’ Liniment Iodide Ammonia. It was a mixture of iodine, alcohol, gum of camphor, oil of lavender, oil of rosemary, and water of ammonia. Prepared by Dr. William M. Giles in New York, it was sold in various quantities ranging in price from 25c to $2.50. It was advertised as “cures all pain in man and beast” with wide ranging testimonials speaking to its efficacy. Users claimed it cured paralysis, asthma, prolapsus uteri, swollen joints, neuralgia, face-ache, gout, sore throat, and chilblains. The label features Giles’ trademark Griffin.