Printed on lid: "This box contains 10 full weight // Rexall // SEIDLITZ // POWDERS // Made in exact // accordance with // the requirements of // THE BRITISH // PHARMACOPOEIA // UNITED DRUG CO., LIMITED, TOTONTO, CAN. // LIVERPOOL, ENG. BOSTON, U. S. A. // DIRECTIONS: Dissolve separately the contents of // a blue and white paper in two glasses, each one- // quarter full of water. Mix the two solutions and // drink during effervescence."
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-A1-6 Row A
Length
10.4 cm.
Width
8.1 cm.
Depth
4.3 cm.
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Condition Remarks
Some slight accumulation of surface dirt; minor rusting on the exterior and interior
Copy Type
original
Reference Types
Internet
Reference Comments
Seidlitz Powders. Revolvy
Research Facts
The three ingredients of Seidlitz powders (tartaric acid, potassium sodium tartrate and sodium bicarbonate) were manufactured by chemical factories from the mid-19th century onwards. The name 'Seidlitz powders' ultimately derives from the village of Sedlec in the Czech Republic.
The powders were often packaged in a small envelope containing two coloured paper wraps, one white and one blue. The white packets contained tartaric acid, and the blue packets contained a mixture of 75% Rochelle salt (potassium sodium tartrate) and 25% baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). The powdery contents of both packets were stirred or dissolved separately in water and then mixed, giving off carbon dioxide with a characteristic fizzing sound. The drink was described as "a cooling, agreeable draught".