Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1108

Repository:

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

Extent:

1 volume (+ 2 leaves)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Recipe Book of a Pharmacist, 1834-1838, Ms. Coll. 1108, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1834-1838 (inclusive)

Form:

Prescriptions, Recipes, and Formularies

Abstract:

A leather bound volume containing the chemical recipes of a pharmacist in London, England spanning the years from 1834 to 1838. Included are pharmacy, culinary, veterinary, and chemical recipes. The formulas range from treating ailments to making colors.

Leather bound volume containing the chemical recipes of a pharmacist in London, England spanning the years from 1834 to 1838. The first leaf in the volume is a formula for ink given to Mr. Tarling dated 1834. The next thirteen leaves have thumb tabs labeled A to Z with two letters per tab indexing the formulas in alphabetical order followed by the page numbers. There are 139 numbered pages consisting of chiefly three to four formulas per page listing the chemical ingredients and amounts needed. Most formulas are marked "Rx" in a slim column to the left. Titles usually begin with an abbreviation indicating the types of recipes such as ointments, syrups, elixirs, powders, tinctures, aqueous solutions, vinegars, and pills. The ailments and diseases for prescriptions are not always disclosed, but some are for fevers, coughs, or colds. Some formulas have been named, for instance, Leeming's mixture, Godfrey's cordial, and Sheppard's stimulating oils. Another prominent group of recipes are for toiletries including aromatics, toothpastes, powders, lotions, oils, etc. There are veterinary prescriptions to treat horses, cows, and dogs. Culinary recipes for wine, curry powder, and yeast are present in volume. Formulas to make colors, inks, and lacquers are also included. Following page 139 are several unnumbered pages with recipes in a different hand. Laid in the volume is a prescription and envelope dated 1862 from Thomas Good's Pharmacy in London, England bearing the signature W. H. Barton.