Laudanum Collection

A scene from Wilkie Collins' 'Moonstone'
5307657 A scene from Wilkie Collins' 'Moonstone'.; (add.info.: Engraving depicting a scene from Wilkie Collins' 'Moonstone' - Repeat of Dr Candy's experiment)

A Prize Baby Show, Materfamilias rewarding a successful Candidate, 1855. A lady in black shawl gives a cookery book to
FLO4995445 A Prize Baby Show, Materfamilias rewarding a successful Candidate, 1855. A lady in black shawl gives a cookery book to a young mother in crinolines at a cute baby contest

A bottle of Laudanum
2626773 A bottle of Laudanum; (add.info.: Laudanum, Edward D. Depew & Co., about 1880-1900.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Vous ne prenez rien?, 19th century. Creator: Honore Daumier
Vous ne prenez rien?, 19th century. Parisian Sketches - You don't take anything?

Travelling Pharmacy, c. 1820 (mahogany)
XOT366548 Travelling Pharmacy, c.1820 (mahogany) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

Marriage a la Mode, Plate VI, The Ladys Death, illustration from
STC451156 Marriage a la Mode, Plate VI, The Ladys Death, illustration from Hogarth Restored: The Whole Works of the celebrated William Hogarth, re-engraved by Thomas Cook, pub

Travelling medicine chest, c. 1800 (wood)
AKM210030 Travelling medicine chest, c.1800 (wood) by American School, (19th century); Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent; (add.info)

Punch cartoon: Fatal Facility: or, Poisons for the Asking (engraving)
6034629 Punch cartoon: Fatal Facility: or, Poisons for the Asking (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Punch cartoon: Fatal Facility: or)

Lock on the Understanding, Heavy Wet, etc. 1832. Creator: David Claypoole Johnston
Lock on the Understanding, Heavy Wet, etc. 1832

School for Modern Romans, May 10, 1802. May 10, 1802. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
School for Modern Romans, May 10, 1802

Isabella Anson, 1840. Creator: Richard James Lane
Isabella Anson, 1840. The Honourable Mrs Anson - died 1858, from taking poison by mistake. Portrait of Isabella Elizabeth Annabella Anson (nee Forester, 1805-1858), wife of George Anson

Influenza epidemic, satirical artwork
Influenza epidemic. Satirical artwork of the influenza epidemic of 1803, showing a group of British physicians presenting an address of thanks to a figure representing the disease

Buying Poison
Buying laudanum and arsenic over the counter in a chemists shop

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Laudanum: The Dark Elixir of the 18th Century" In the captivating world of art, William Hogarth's masterpiece "Marriage a la Mode, Plate VI, The Ladys Death" tells a haunting tale. Painted in c. 1743, this oil on canvas depicts a tragic scene where laudanum plays a pivotal role. Laudanum, derived from opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), was widely used during that era as both medicine and poison. Opium poppies have long fascinated humanity with their delicate beauty and potent properties. Varieties like Papavero officinale were cultivated for their medicinal value while others like Anemone mexicana held mystical allure. Gromwell varieties such as Lithospermum species were also known for their medicinal uses. Laudanum itself was an opiate tincture made by combining opium extract with alcohol. Its sedative effects made it popular among those seeking relief from pain or insomnia but also led to addiction and abuse. Travelling pharmacies like the one depicted in the mahogany chest from c. 1820 carried various remedies including laudanum to cater to people's medical needs on the go. These chests became symbols of both healing and danger. The fascination with laudanum extended beyond art; even Punch cartoons featured its perilous allure in engravings such as "Fatal Facility: or, Poisons for the Asking. " This highlighted society's growing concern about easy access to dangerous substances. However, amidst its dark reputation, it is important to remember that not all medicines containing opiates were sinister. Travelling medicine chests crafted from wood around 1800 showcased how these substances could be responsibly stored and administered by physicians who genuinely aimed to heal.