A late 19th early 20th century green ribbed apothecary jar with a pristine gold leaf label under glass.

The label reads ‘Lin: Bellad: N (poison)’ a liniment of Belladonna used for neuralgia, lumbago and rheumatism. The bottle and stopper are perfect noting two small bubbles which would have been present when it was first made.

Belladonna literally translated means ‘beautiful woman’. Extracted from the deadly nightshade plant it has mydriatic properties which dilate the pupils, in which condition a woman is thought to be more attractive.

• From the Phisick collection