19th Century Handwritten Medical Recipe – Laudanum & Antimony – Apothecary Ephemera

An unusual original handwritten medicinal recipe, likely dating to the 19th century, recording a preparation made with laudanum, antimony, gum arabic, loaf sugar, and water.

The surviving text begins:

“One ounce of laudanum
one ounce of antimony
one ounce of gum arabic
one pound of loaf sugar
one pint of water…”

It continues with instructions to soak the gum in water overnight, add the sugar and bring the mixture to a boiling heat, allow it to cool, and then add the remaining ingredients.

Laudanum was a tincture of opium widely used in 19th-century medicine. Antimony preparations were likewise common in period medical practice. Historical medical sources document mixtures combining laudanum, antimonial preparations, and gum arabic for coughs and respiratory complaints.

The document itself does not state its intended treatment, so it is conservatively described as a medicinal recipe rather than attributed to a specific disease.

A fascinating piece of early medical and pharmaceutical history with particular appeal to collectors of apothecary material, medical ephemera, historical manuscripts, and unusual 19th-century Americana.

Date: Likely 19th century; exact date unknown.

Material: Handwritten ink on paper.

Condition: Original antique condition with pronounced age toning, old folds and creasing, scattered small holes/punctures, minor staining and edge wear. The sheet has clearly seen substantial historical handling and use. Writing remains substantially legible. No modern restoration is apparent from visual examination. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

Sold solely as a historical collectible. The handwritten preparation reflects obsolete historical medical practice and is not presented as medical advice or for modern preparation or use.