PRODUCT PACKAGE

Date

Dimensionsa): 1.5 x 11 x 7.5 cm (9/16 x 4 5/16 x 2 15/16 in.) b): 4 x 11 x 7.5 cm (1 9/16 x 4 5/16 x 2 15/16 in.)

Object numberHF.2017.34.1a-b

DescriptionA paper box and friction lid with label on the lid’s top for “Seidlitz Powders”. The front of the label is brown with directions for use at the center. At the bottom center in stylized font is “Riker Laboratories Inc.”

Narrative

Seidlitz Powders is the generic name for laxative and digestive product which began to be used in the 19th century. The powders were a mixture of tartaric acid, sodium bicarbonate and potassium sodium tartrate and were thought to posses the medical benefits of the Seidlits Springs in Germany after which the product was named. The powders were typically package in two separate envelopes which would then be dissolved in water and ingested.

Riker Laboratories was founded by William Riker in 1846.

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