Dr. Beard's Alternative Tonic & Laxative Bitters, 1870-1890

Summary

Bitters is an herb-infused alcoholic mixture. Named for its bitter taste, the liquid was originally developed as a medicinal tonic to help soothe stomach complaints or other digestive disorders. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, patent-medicine dealers bottled and sold the elixir. Americans purchased bitters in simple mold-blown bottles or ones shaped like drums, barrels, or cabins.

Bitters is an herb-infused alcoholic mixture. Named for its bitter taste, the liquid was originally developed as a medicinal tonic to help soothe stomach complaints or other digestive disorders. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, patent-medicine dealers bottled and sold the elixir. Americans purchased bitters in simple mold-blown bottles or ones shaped like drums, barrels, or cabins.

Artifact

Bitters bottle

Date Made

1870-1890

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States 

 On Exhibit

at Greenfield Village in Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass

Object ID

00.4.5669

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)

Color

Aqua (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 8.75 in

Width: 3.5 in

Length: 1.75 in

Weight: 15 oz

Inscriptions

on side: DR. BEARD'S / ALTERNATIVE TONIC / & / LAXATIVE BITTERS / NATICK MASS

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