Call Number:

Item 0129

Repository:

University of Delaware Library Special Collections

Extent:

1 volume (approximately 80 pages)

Language:

English and Latin

Preferred Citation:

MSS 0097, Item 0129, W. O. George manuscript medicinal recipe book, Special Collections, University of Delaware Library, Newark, Delaware.

Date:

1836-1869 (inclusive)

Creator:

George, W. O.

Form:

Recipes and Commonplace books

Abstract:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, resident W. O. George’s nineteenth century manuscript volume comprises approximately fifty pages of handwritten medicinal recipes. These recipes employ chemical (rather than herbal) means for their cures.

W. O. George lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the during the early to mid nineteenth century.

Biographical information derived from collection.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, resident W. O. George’s nineteenth century manuscript volume comprises approximately fifty pages of handwritten medicinal recipes. These recipes employ chemical (rather than herbal) means for their cures.

Medicinal recipes include formulae to treat conditions such as secondary syphilis, putrid sore mouth, gonorrhea, diarrhea, dropsy, heartburn, coughs, and worms. Most formulae are followed by a name or reference providing the source of the formulae.

The volume also holds a small number of related items. There is evidence that several pages and one partial page were removed from the volume. Two prescriptions, dated 1863 and 1864, and two clippings are affixed at the end of the volume. The prescriptions are from Charles Shivers, a Philadelphia druggist and chemist. There are four pages laid in, three recipes and one receipt from 1869.

The volume is leather-bound with all but one entry in ink. The title “Formulae” is written on the front cover and printed upside down and misspelled on the rear cover.