University Health Network - Academy of Medicine Collection
Category
Pharmacy and Drug Artifacts
Classification
Pharmacy, General
Accession Number
1984.6.13
Description
Clear cylindrical glass jar with black metal screw-on lid with cream paper label affixed to jar with black text describing contents; contents are small, iridescent green flies; sealed closure.
Clear cylindrical glass jar with black metal screw-on lid with cream paper label affixed to jar with black text describing contents; contents are small, iridescent green flies; sealed closure.
On label: "UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO // PHARMACEUTICAL LABORATORY // Cantharides // (Spanish Fly)
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-A5-3 Box 1
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Copy Type
original
Reference Types
Book
Reference Comments
“The Historical Apothecary Compendium” by Daniel A. Goldstein
Research Facts
Insect ground into powder, to stimulate hair growth, treat skin cancer or warts (tropical irritant), and historically taken as an aphrodisiac (urethral irritant). Toxic: produces bloody purging, irritation and blistering. Can also be made into a tincture mixed with vinegar.