| This guide starts with short introductory sections about delftware,
Victorian and Edwardian ointment pots, and the rapid growth in the number
of the remedies they contained, a guide to current prices, and the type
of research undertaken by the authors. The main part of the book consists
of an illustrated catalogue of delftware and earthenware ointment pots
from both public and private collections.
The catalogue is divided into two sections: “Delftware 1750–1820” and “Victorian
and Edwardian 1820–1930”. I think that 16th–18th century
would be a better dating for the delftware, and late 18th–mid 20th
century for the later pots. This would be more accurate and, I hope,
avoid the implication that there was a sudden transition from tin-glazed
to lead-glazed earthenware rather than a gradual one. Porcelain and stoneware
specimens are indicated. The histories of the purveyors of these ointments
have been researched, but the varying amount of information available,
and the great variation in the number of different types of each pot
has resulted in considerable differences in the space allotted to each
ointment. Most of the pots are portrayed using excellent photographs,
and the dimensions of the majority are given. The wording on each pot
is given in full.
There are some errors, for example, Compound Extract of Sarsaparilla
(p122) and Yadil Antiseptic Jelly (pp142–3) were not ointments.
They were to be taken internally.
I prefer the term “English delftware”, the upper case “D” being
reserved for articles made in the town of Delft. “Antiquities” (p112 & p113)
is normally used for articles made before the middle ages, and “antiques” would
be more suitable.
This book is well-produced and its great strength lies in its numerous
illustrations and the dimensions and the details of all the inscriptions
on the pots. These should make it invaluable to any serious collector
of these interesting artefacts. However, unfortunately, it does lack
a bibliography or a list of suggestions for further reading and with
a width of 24cm, it will not fit easily on all bookshelves.
All things considered, I believe it to be excellent value for money,
and recommend it to collectors and those who are interested in the history
of popular medicine.
Bill Jackson (a past president of the British Society for the History of
Pharmacy)
|
The
Pharmaceutical Journal