Description:
Dr. Giles Roberts began his medical career in 1788 when he set up as a chemist in Bridport. As his business became popular, he began to practice as an apothecary, claiming his medicines, ointments and pills would cure many ailments. They included things like remedies for “ulcerated sore legs, worms and bilious complaints.” Dr. Roberts' fame spread, but he was criticized for his lack of formal qualifications. In 1794, he studied at Guy's and St Thomas hospitals in London and eventually became a Doctor of Medicine. When he returned home in 1795, Dr. Roberts set up a laboratory where he could conduct experiments and give science lectures. It was at this time, during the 1790s that he developed the formula for his famous “Poor Man's Friend,” a cure for aches, pains and gout. In 1817, his health began to decline and eventually he passed his business to his apprentices, Mr. Beach and Mr. Barnicott. He died in 1834. The pharmacy continued to manufacture his ointment under the names of Thomas Beach and John Barnicott until 1903, then under Edgar Beach until 1946. Ointment Pot, probably Staffordshire, England, c. 1850. Straight-sided cylindrical ointment pot, base with exterior foot rim, slightly flaring lip, white earthenware with underglaze blue transfer printed decoration. Transfer printed in underglaze blue, “Prepared only by Beach & Barnicott Successors to the Late Dr. Roberts Bridport.” and “The Poor Man’s Friend/ price 1/1/2.” Paper label for Jonathan Horne on the bottom. Condition: glaze crackled and stained, small chip to upper rim.
Tags:
medicine Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2022.19.8 |
