SACCH LACTIS

18th century

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has an unusally wide neck, a flared lip, and a large round stopper. The number 32 has been etched into the stopper. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The jar is marked with the alchemical symbol for powder. It is also marked <i>SACCH LACTIS</i> in black below it. The jar contained a powdered form of <i>Saccharum Lactis</i>, Latin for sugar milk, or lactose, which was used to dilute other drugs. It was also used as a diuretic and is still used today in homeopathic preparations.