Syrup jar for Syrup of Roses, Faenza, Italy, 1571-1600
The abbreviated Italian inscription Sciroppo Rosato Solutivo translates into English as “Laxative Syrup of Roses”. The syrup was made by heating 5 lb (2.6 kg) of pale roses and 4 lb (2.6 kg) of sugar to treat fevers and purge bile from the body – it acted as a laxative. The mixture was probably taken as a drink or by the spoonful and would have been very sweet.
Object number:
A632316
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
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: laxative
An agent that acts to encourage evacuation of the bowels