Dr. Baxter's Mandrake Bitters
Date1895
DimensionsOverall: 18 x 5.5 cm
Credit LineMr. Gordon King, 1977
Object number1977.092.011
Label TextThis late 19th century patent medicine was touted as a remedy for “any of the diseases that follow a torpid or diseased Liver—such as Jaundice, Dyspepsia, Bilious diseases, Foul Stomach, Costiveness [constipation], or Weakness.” One source, discussing the ingredients of the medcine, writes: "While the label of the “Mandrake Bitters” bottle states the product is made of roots and bark, it does not specifically claim that it actually contains Mandrake—a Mediterranean perennial...Today it is known to be toxic and not to be taken internally. Perhaps Dr. Baxter's concoction contained some “American Mandrake”—i.e., mayapple—but it too is toxic...Probably the bitters contained several different vegetable compounds and—like most bitters—it had a significant amount of alcohol." As the Temperance movement gained steam in the late 19th century, patent medicines like this became popular as "Temperance Drinks."
From: https://centerforinquiry.org/blog/an_antique_temperance_drink/
NameBottle, Medicine
c. 1870
