Description:
The unguentum nutritum, also known as “unguentum triapharmacum,” is an ointment of litharge (lead monoxide) with gold, olive oil and vinegar. (See Guillaume Dubuc, Expériences sur le Jalap, etc. Ann. Chim, 1803). Recipe: "Take of Litharge of Gold, finely powdered half a pound, Vinegar one pound, Oyl of Roses two pound: grind the Litharge in a Mortar, pour into it sometimes Oyl, sometimes Vinegar, till by continual stirring the Vinegar do no more appear, and it comes to a whitish Oyntment." Description: "This serveth well to cure an Erysipilas [skin infection with a rash - St. Anthony's Fire], excoriation [abrasions], or bladderings of the skin: such also as are termed the Shingles: it is also good for to take the fire out of burnings and scaldings: and for any moist humour flowing to any ulcers in any part of the body being spread upon cap paper [cap paper is coarse brown paper like wrapping paper] thin, and laid over the whole distempered part: and against any sleight scabbiness or itching humour whence soever it is: also an especiall good defensative against any scalding or vitious [vicious] humour flowing to any ulcer... It is subject to divide it selfe, namely the oyle Litharge & vineger asunder, which if it be wrought together againe will be as good as at the first: and if it be over dry adde vineger and oyle thereto, an it will be as good as at first. Drug Jar, Holland, c. 1700-1750. Tall cylindrical jar with flaring, curved rim, swelled neck, straight sides, and bulbous base, tin-glazed earthenware (delftware) painted in cobalt blue with a design of a baroque cartouche with birds, tassels, foliage, and a mask. Inscribed “NUTRITUM” within the cartouche. Paper label on base has number "036" or "636".
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