A rare Hungarian apothecary jar dating to the late 18th century labelled "Pulvis Antimoni Crudi". This fine example measuring 170 x 84 mm is in remarkably good condition for its age. Used as an eye cosmetic ("Kohl") as early as 3000 BC Antimony is chemically similar to arsenic and its poisonous salts have been advocated by physicians throughout the ages for the treatment of syphilis,  herpes, leprosy, mania and epilepsy. A common use was as an emetic and it was so potent that wine drunk from antimony cups was used as a purgative and the ensuing vomiting was thought to be a therapeutic process which would rid the body of illness. With thanks to Dr Bulpett of Brunel University for his analysis and confirmation of the presence of Antimony.