Call Number:

Ms. Codex 2020

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

1 volume (+ 2 leaves)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Ms. Codex 2020, Uhler family pharmaceutical recipe book, 1848-1883, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1848-1883 (inclusive)

Creator:

Uhler family, Uhler, George, Uhler, Harry N. (Harry Naglee), and Uhler, Rebecca Knight

Form:

Receipts (financial records), Recipes, Prescriptions, and Codices (bound manuscripts)

Abstract:

A volume comprised of pharmaceutical formulas written by members of the Uhler family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, spanning the years from 1848 to 1883. The formulas in the volume were written for medicinal and household purposes.

George Uhler, head of the family, was a physician in Philadelphia who graduated with a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania 1812. He and his wife Rebecca Knight had a drugstore on 3rd and Poplar Streets. The couple had five children George, born in 1826; Jonathan Knight, born in 1832; Harry Naglee, born in 1835; Rebecca K., born in 1837; and Algernon S. born in 1838. George, Harry, Jonathan, and Algernon all graduated with Doctor of Medicine degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. Harry married Margaret Siner in June 1857. They lived in the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia where he was a practicing physician and druggist. The couple had a drugstore on the corner of Main and Green Lane in Manayunk. In 1872 Harry N. Uhler was elected as a councilman for Philadelphia's 21st Ward. Harry and Margaret Uhler had two children Harry Naglee, Jr. and Clayton. Harry N. Uhler died in 1893 in Atlantic City, New Jersey following his retirement.

This volume comprises pharmaceutical formulas written by members of the Uhler family in Philadelphia spanning the years from 1848 to 1883. The formulas in the volume were used for medicinal, hygienic, and household purposes. The volume includes recipes for bitters, cordials, creams, drops, extracts, liniments, mixtures, pills, plasters, powders, oils, salves, and syrups providing remedies for various ailments and diseases. Some ailments include cancer, coughs, digestion, headaches, eye ailments, fevers, and mumps. Several patent formulas used the Uhler name including those developed by George and Harry N. Uhler, such as Uhler's eye water. Commercial formulas include Godfrey's cordial, Dorsey's cough mixture, and Hunter's red drops. There are some preparations for toiletries including cold creams, colognes, hair tonics, and pomades. There are household recipes for confectioners colors and inks, including Uhler's inky. The second half of the volume recorded receipt of payments by Henry N. Uhler for rents of homes and stores in Manayunk spanning the years from 1861 to 1883. There are two leaves laid in the volume. One leaf is a letter signed by George Uhler dated 1879 regarding a prescription. The title page reads: R. Uhler, N.E. corner Third & Polplar St., Sign of the red mortar, Rx book, July 1848. Signature on inside front cover: F. Morgan. Signature on third leaf: T. W. Rowlings. Some leaves have been excised from the volume. Spine is broken some leaves are detached.