Asset Overview
Wooden apothecary vessel for the bark of medical sassafras
The presented wooden apothecary vessel has a cylindrical shape. It was covered with dark brown oil paint. On the front, on the diagonal band, there is an apothecary signature. The inscription reads: Cort.(ex) Sassa.(fras), which means the bark of medical sassafras (Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees). This ingredient was used to prepare diaphoretic and diuretic drugs, and the root infusion was considered to strengthen the organism. It was used to treat gout, chronic rheumatism and scurvy, and – externally – skin inflammation.
Time of creation: 16th century
ID no.: KGZ 4250
Museum: The Museum of Pharmacy at the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków
https://muzea.malopolska.pl/en/objects-list/1729
Digitalisation: RDW MIC, Virtual Małopolska project