Wooden snuff box, Europe, 1701-1900
The top of this wooden snuff box shows a physician feeling the pulse of a patient, a process that is a key element of diagnosis across a number of medical traditions. Snuff is powdered tobacco snorted or rubbed on to the gums and was well-liked for its aroma, taste and stimulating nicotine boost. It was once believed to ward off colds, be good for ear, nose and throat problems and stop snoring.
Object number:
A642696
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: snuff box
a small usually ornamental container for holding snuff Boxes, usually having a hinged lid and small enough to be carried in the pocket, used for holding snuff
Glossary: tobacco
No description.
Glossary: nicotine
A chemical compound that forms 0.6-3.0 per cent of the dry weight of tobacco. Nicotine acts as a stimulant in mammals, and is one of the primary reasons for smoking addiction.
Glossary: snuff
Tobacco that has been finely powdered. Snuff is usually sniffed through the nose, or applied to the gums with a finger.