Description

Teinture de Cantharides - POISON

Lytta vesicatoria - Spanish fly

Antique blue glass pharmacy bottle - Apothecary

Early 20th century - Blown glass - Sheet metal cap

A manufacturing defect in the glass, a bubble: see photo

Blue glass was used for dangerous, toxic products and poisons. Pharmacists could identify them at a glance to avoid mistakes.

These insects have long been used as a remedy due to their irritant and vesicant properties.

But they were also used in the form of cantharides powder to be swallowed, which was a stimulant recommended for its supposed aphrodisiac properties, as a male sexual stimulant.

The active ingredient causes dilation of the blood vessels and irritation of the bladder and urethra. By irritating the penile urethra, cantharidin causes an erection in small doses but is fatal in high doses. This may be what happened to President Félix Faure, who died during sexual intercourse with his mistress at the Élysée Palace...

Spanish fly tincture was also recommended for external use, incorporated into small plasters to induce sweating and expel humors thanks to its vesicant properties.

But beware of the danger, as it causes painful blisters on the skin and, once ingested, this poison is considered as toxic as strychnine.

Spanish fly was listed in the 1884 French Codex, then appeared in the toxic table. It only disappeared from the Codex in the 1965 edition.

Height with cap: 20 cm Diameter: 7.5 cm