Albarello drug jar for horse fat, Italy, 1620
Animal fats were used as a common base for a number of ointments. Each animal was credited with special properties. The jar on the left is labelled in Latin, Grasso di Cavalo, which translates to “Horse Fat”. Horse fat was believed to be a cure for cramp and dislocated joints. It is shown here with a drug jar for badger fat (A42514).
Object number:
A42493
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: unguent
No description.
Glossary: drug jar
A (usually earthenware) container designed to hold apothecaries' ointments and dry drugs.
Glossary: pharmacy
The preparation and medicinal dispensing of drugs.
Glossary: dislocation
The movement of a bone from its normal position resulting in loss of contact between the bone and the joint surface.