Case
ca. 1720 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This protective case contains an antimony cup (museum no. 1370-1900). These cups were both expensive and toxic. The case would have protected the cup itself but also the users from contact with the dangerous metal.
Material & Making
The inner case is made of wood and covered with leather ornamented with gilt tooling. The decoration is made by applying gold leaf to the leather, then pressing it firmly with a small, hot tool bearing a pattern. Any excess gold is then brushed away.
Ownership & Use
The case is marked 'Antimony Cup Ld, Peterboroughs' and contains a letter dated 13 May 1775 explaining the use of the cup.
The letter reads:
Dr. Brocklesby's Compliments to Mrs. Shaw, In answer to her desire to be informed about the Antimonial cup and how to use it. Fill the cup with Lisbon Wine or Moselle Wine, set it to stand for 24 hours and then pour it into a Wine Glass, two tablespoons are to be taken at first and after waiting from 10 to 15 minutes, give a 3rd spoonful unless the first has begun to operate, but if 3 fail after 15 minutes then give a fourth or a fifth if required at due intervals and most commonly the 3rd produces nausea, sickness and vomiting. It is to be wrought off like another vomit by taking at proper intervals (a pint at a time) from 2 to 3 quarts of bitter, strong, chamomile tea.
This protective case contains an antimony cup (museum no. 1370-1900). These cups were both expensive and toxic. The case would have protected the cup itself but also the users from contact with the dangerous metal.
Material & Making
The inner case is made of wood and covered with leather ornamented with gilt tooling. The decoration is made by applying gold leaf to the leather, then pressing it firmly with a small, hot tool bearing a pattern. Any excess gold is then brushed away.
Ownership & Use
The case is marked 'Antimony Cup Ld, Peterboroughs' and contains a letter dated 13 May 1775 explaining the use of the cup.
The letter reads:
Dr. Brocklesby's Compliments to Mrs. Shaw, In answer to her desire to be informed about the Antimonial cup and how to use it. Fill the cup with Lisbon Wine or Moselle Wine, set it to stand for 24 hours and then pour it into a Wine Glass, two tablespoons are to be taken at first and after waiting from 10 to 15 minutes, give a 3rd spoonful unless the first has begun to operate, but if 3 fail after 15 minutes then give a fourth or a fifth if required at due intervals and most commonly the 3rd produces nausea, sickness and vomiting. It is to be wrought off like another vomit by taking at proper intervals (a pint at a time) from 2 to 3 quarts of bitter, strong, chamomile tea.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Wood and leather, with gilt tooling |
| Brief description | leather; Pewter, Continental |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | The inner case is inscribed 'Antimony Cup Ld Peterboroughs' |
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
Antimony was used to treat digestive disorders. Cups like this were filled with wine. The metal would then react with the wine. Patients would drink small amounts of the liquid to induce vomiting. The cup needed protection, as antimony was expensive and also toxic in concentrated amounts.(27/03/2003) |
| Object history | Made in England |
| Summary | Object Type This protective case contains an antimony cup (museum no. 1370-1900). These cups were both expensive and toxic. The case would have protected the cup itself but also the users from contact with the dangerous metal. Material & Making The inner case is made of wood and covered with leather ornamented with gilt tooling. The decoration is made by applying gold leaf to the leather, then pressing it firmly with a small, hot tool bearing a pattern. Any excess gold is then brushed away. Ownership & Use The case is marked 'Antimony Cup Ld, Peterboroughs' and contains a letter dated 13 May 1775 explaining the use of the cup. The letter reads: Dr. Brocklesby's Compliments to Mrs. Shaw, In answer to her desire to be informed about the Antimonial cup and how to use it. Fill the cup with Lisbon Wine or Moselle Wine, set it to stand for 24 hours and then pour it into a Wine Glass, two tablespoons are to be taken at first and after waiting from 10 to 15 minutes, give a 3rd spoonful unless the first has begun to operate, but if 3 fail after 15 minutes then give a fourth or a fifth if required at due intervals and most commonly the 3rd produces nausea, sickness and vomiting. It is to be wrought off like another vomit by taking at proper intervals (a pint at a time) from 2 to 3 quarts of bitter, strong, chamomile tea. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1370A-1900 |
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| Record created | June 4, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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