Infusion of Crocus Mettalorum

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IcrocMet.jpg

Title

Infusion of Crocus Mettalorum

Description

Infusion of Crocus Mettalorum, labelled by Sir Stuart Threipland in his medicine chest as ‘In. Croc: Metal’.

Crocus Mettalorum (Crocus of Antimony; Liver of Antimony) was a strong purgative used to induce vomiting. An infusion of crocus mettalorum was created by mixing together antimony and salt peter (potassium nitrate) to create a powder and combining the powder with wine to create an emetic solution. 18 to 30 grains of prepared antimony (crocus mettalorum) could be swallowed with any liquid to produce a purgative effect.

Date

Mid-18th century

Archive Reference

OBJ/OBJ/3/8

Collection

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