12th Mar, 2025 10:00
The Fine Collectors Sale
Dr. Robert James Powders Patent Medicine Advertisement
Patent Medicine Advertising broad sheet for Dr Robet James's powders for fevers and all inflammatory disorders, published by virtue of his majesty's royal letters patent, signed in pen to the bottom R James
Dr. Robert James' powders was a treatment once celebrated for its ability to combat fevers, which were both widespread and deadly in the 18th century.
Born in 1705 in England, Dr. James was alarmed by the high mortality rates linked to fevers sweeping across Europe. With his extensive medical knowledge and inspiration from earlier remedies, he developed a formula using antimony, a substance valued at the time for its purgative effects. Branded as "James's Powder for Fevers," the remedy quickly gained a reputation for helping reduce fevers and aiding recovery from various illnesses.
The powder’s popularity skyrocketed after it was reportedly used to treat King George III’s fever, cementing its status as a go-to treatment of the era. However, not everyone was convinced of its benefits. While many hailed it as a lifesaving innovation, critics pointed to its potential dangers, mainly because of the toxic effects associated with antimony.
James’s Powder offers a glimpse into the experimental nature of 18th-century medicine—a time when treatments were still evolving, and chemistry was beginning to shape the field of pharmacology. Although the powder eventually fell out of use as safer and more effective medicines were discovered, its legacy underscores the progress and growing pains of medical science during that period.
Sold for £375
Result including buyers premium
Patent Medicine Advertising broad sheet for Dr Robet James's powders for fevers and all inflammatory disorders, published by virtue of his majesty's royal letters patent, signed in pen to the bottom R James
Dr. Robert James' powders was a treatment once celebrated for its ability to combat fevers, which were both widespread and deadly in the 18th century.
Born in 1705 in England, Dr. James was alarmed by the high mortality rates linked to fevers sweeping across Europe. With his extensive medical knowledge and inspiration from earlier remedies, he developed a formula using antimony, a substance valued at the time for its purgative effects. Branded as "James's Powder for Fevers," the remedy quickly gained a reputation for helping reduce fevers and aiding recovery from various illnesses.
The powder’s popularity skyrocketed after it was reportedly used to treat King George III’s fever, cementing its status as a go-to treatment of the era. However, not everyone was convinced of its benefits. While many hailed it as a lifesaving innovation, critics pointed to its potential dangers, mainly because of the toxic effects associated with antimony.
James’s Powder offers a glimpse into the experimental nature of 18th-century medicine—a time when treatments were still evolving, and chemistry was beginning to shape the field of pharmacology. Although the powder eventually fell out of use as safer and more effective medicines were discovered, its legacy underscores the progress and growing pains of medical science during that period.
Auction: The Fine Collectors Sale, 12th Mar, 2025
