Featured Object from Our Collections
This bottle of Dr. J.H. McLean’s Strengthening Cordial and Blood Purifier was recently excavated from the museum’s north side as a result of the digging to build the subterranean level of our parking structure. It dates to about 1880-1890 and originally cost $1.00 per bottle. According to an 1870s-1880s advertisement, this was the greatest Blood Remedy in the world and most delicious Cordial…it does cure all diseases by natural laws. Try it and you will never be without it. McLean’s 1879 Almanac states that the Blood Purifier contained sarsaparilla, wild cherry, blood root, dandelion, pipsissewa, orange peel and hypophosphites. Hypophosphites are calcium and iron salts that were thought to help treat damaged nervous tissue. The alcohol content was not mentioned but some sources say it was about 80-100% proof!>
Anthropology and Archaeology Contact Information
The following list reflects the order in which we would prefer to be contacted for general inquiries.
KT Hajeian
Collections Manager
(213) 763-3452
khajeian@nhm.org
Chris Coleman
Collections Manager
(213) 763-3449
ccoleman@nhm.org
Dr. Margaret Hardin
Curator, Department Chair
(213) 763-3382
mhardin@nhm.org
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