A striking pair of large French glass apothecary jars with their original tin lids and labels

The jars a rare dark blue colour, the labels in gilt maroon and black. The original gilt and copper finish can still be seen on the tin lids. The bottom of the jars show a partly polished broken pontil dating them to the 19th or early 20th century.

Menispermum Cocculus (Moonseed):
The plant is known to be poisonous, the effects of consumption can be seen in the Materia Medica. Used to treat skin disorders, rheumatism, cervical cancer and used in herbal medicine as a tonic, laxative, dermatological aid, venereal aid, and diuretic.

Flores Tilaie Europ (Lime tree flower):
Tilia are a tree species native to the Northern Hemisphere, also referred to as linden and basswood. The active ingredients in the flowers are flavonoids and they also contains tannins that can act as an astringent. Used as herbal remedies for colds, fever, infections, high blood pressure, migraine and also for hepatoprotective, diuretic, antispasmodic and sedative effect.

• From the Phisick collection