Iron and Strychnine Tonic Prescription — Dr. W. F. Hasskarl, Brenham, Texas (c. 1915)
Prescribing Doctor: Dr. W. F. Hasskarl
Patient Name: Mrs. O. A. Seward
Pharmacy: Theo. Schirmacher, Druggist — Brenham, Texas
Date: Undated (estimated 1910–1920)
Location: Brenham, Texas
Transcription
℞
Strych. Sulph. gr i
Ferr. Dialysat. ℥ viii
Sig: ʒ ii t.i.d. pc
Interpretation
The prescription directs the preparation of an iron and strychnine tonic—a liquid mixture containing one grain of strychnine sulfate dissolved in eight ounces of Ferrum Dialysatum (dialyzed iron).
The dosage—two drachms three times daily after meals—would deliver roughly 1/48 grain of strychnine per dose, providing a mild stimulant effect while replenishing iron.
Such formulas were used to treat anemia, neurasthenia, and post-infectious weakness in the early 20th century.
Condition
Prescription slip on Volksbote Print letterhead, showing minor toning and a filing pinhole.
Ink handwriting remains crisp and fully legible; pharmacy imprint and phone number (195) confirm early-1900s origin.
Historical Context
Dr. W. F. Hasskarl practiced above Schirmacher’s Drug Store on Courthouse Square in Brenham, Texas.
During this period, strychnine—today known chiefly as a poison—was prescribed in trace amounts as a physiologic stimulant to improve appetite, gastric tone, and circulation.
The iron base, Ferrum Dialysatum, represented a newer, gentler iron preparation free from the constipating side-effects of older ferric salts.
Reference: Wyeth’s Dialysed Iron (Ferrum Dialysatum) pamphlet (c. 1880s) — National Library of Medicine.
Read the full document on Internet Archive →
Curious Facts and Trivia
Wyeth & Brother’s Dialysed Iron was among the first colloidal pharmaceutical products sold nationally.
Its marketing emphasized “no griping, no constipation,” and it became a standard tonic component in early-1900s American drugstores.
Strychnine remained an accepted ingredient in prescription tonics until the 1940s.
Callout Box
⚠️ Caution: Strychnine is a potent central-nervous-system stimulant and convulsant poison.
Although used medicinally in minute doses a century ago, it was withdrawn from modern pharmacologic use due to its narrow therapeutic margin.
Why It’s in the Cabinet
This prescription illustrates the transitional era when toxic alkaloids and metals were re-purposed as tonics to restore “vital energy.”
It documents both evolving pharmaceutical chemistry (dialyzed iron) and the persistent faith in stimulants to treat chronic fatigue on the American frontier.
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