Michael R. Harris Medicine Collection, class of 1969
Collection # 2 | 22 ObjectsCollection Description
The collection contains prescription, OTC, chemicals, botanicals, contraceptives. Devices are in collection # 3
305
Gaultheria Procumbens
Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens
Wintergreen oil contains approximately 98% to 100.5% of the methyl ester, methyl salicylate. 6 The plant has little odor or flavor until the methyl salicylate is freed. During steam distillation, the gaultherin (also described as primeveroside or monotropitoside) present in the leaves is enzymatically hydrolyzed to methyl salicylate. 1 , 7 The purified methyl salicylate is subsequently obtained through distillation. In addition, the sugars D-glucose and D-xylose are obtained. The yield of oil from the leaves is in the range of 0.5% to 0.8%. 8
American Indians reportedly used wintergreen for treating back pain, rheumatism, fever, headaches, and sore throats. The plant and its oil have been used in traditional medicine as an anodyne, analgesic, carminative, astringent, and topical rubefacient (counter-irritant). Wintergreen berries have been used to make pies. A tea made from the leaves was used as a substitute for tea (Camellia sinensis) during the Revolutionary War. The tea has been used to relieve cold symptoms and muscle aches.
Murray & Nickell Mfg. Co
Homeopathic
11/30/2027
Unknown
Powdery Extract
Box
1
Chicago
Procumbens
Not Controlled
59
cid=146808
Valerian
Not Provided
342
NA
Wintergreen
beige box
Partridge Berry | Deer Berry | Checkerberry | Tea Berry | |
5.5
5.5
2.4
Medicine
Early 19th Century
Old
1
Not Provided
Not Provided
On the shelf
18
11/30/2017
12/31/1969
The collection contains prescription, OTC, chemicals, botanicals, contraceptives. Devices are in collection # 3
| ID | Type | Username |
|---|---|---|
| 71 | curator | elizabethbee |