[H]7.0cm __[L]2.0cm __[W]2.0cm
A small, aqua-coloured pharmaceutical bottle with a square base and cross section. The bottle's neck is broken off partway through, but it appears cylindrical in shape. It has rounded shoulders that slope downward at its four corners. There are several spots of iridescence across the surface of the glass, especially on the base, where there appears to be layers flaking off. There is lots of dirt and residue throughout the inner surfaces of the bottle. It was created using a two-piece mould, which is evidenced by a small, indented line going diagonally across the base between two of its corners. There is a rounded indent in the center of the base. Three sides of the bottle are embossed "ESSENCE // OF // PEPPERMINT", with one word on each side insribed vertically from top to bottom.
Peppermint and peppermint oil have been used for a variety of purposes, such as medicinal, ritual, and culinary uses, for thousands of years. This particular "Essence of Peppermint" bottle represents a trending group of 18th century patent medicines that was advertised as a reliable treatment and cure for a wide selection of ailments. The essence was made by mixing peppermint oil with alcohol, and it was patented by John Juniper in 1762. Despite this, variations of the product beyond Juniper’s ownership were made and distributed in England and North America through to the 20th century.
This "Essence of Peppermint" bottle was found in a layer where most glass fragments were from late nineteenth century pharmacy bottles. There was a drugstore located on the southeast corner of King and Market Streets at that time.
