ELEC. HIERA PICRA COMP

18th century

This urn–shaped drug container has a flared foot. The mouth of the jar is covered and tied to the container by a piece of string. The label has been applied with a cold paint technique in the rococo style. The white escutcheon is outlined in gold and framed with vines of red and blue flowers. The label is marked <i>ELEC. HIERA PICRA COMP.</i> Jars 1991.0664.405 through 1991.0664.0408 contained electuaries, blends of various herbs, water, honey and sugar to form a paste. This jar contained an electuary of hiera picra composito, also known as Holy Bitters. The electuary was a tincture of aloe, saffron, cinnamon, and other ingredients, and was used as a cathartic to stimulate bowel movements