National Museum of American History
Agarico. Trociscato
ca 1700
The lower shoulder of this jar bears the inscription <i>AGARICO. TROCISCATO.</i> It would have held Agaricus Trochis, or agaric lozenges. Agaric is a type of fungus or mushroom, usually found at the base of trees. The lozenge would be made by combining the fungus with ginger and a gum substnace, and were used to treat excessive sweats associated with scrofula, also known at different points in history as consumption and tuberculosis. According to the<i>Dictionary of Protopharmacology</i>, Agaricus is a fungus, Boletus igniarius which is used to stop bleeding.
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