Prescribing Doctor – W.P. Starkey, M.D., Dr. Elliott M. Shipman
Patient Name – Mrs. Dalrymple
Pharmacy
– Baringer’s Drugstore, Chatham, N.Y.
Date -July 6, 1895
Location – Chatham, New York
Ingredients/Dosage –
Strychnine Sulphate gr ⅓ ss (half a grain)
Cocaine Mur. gr Ⅲ (3 grains)
Morphine Sulphate 3 1/5 grains
Aqua Destillata (Distilled Water)
#7 H. Solution (likely a herbal or proprietary solution)
- Instructions (Sig.):
For hypodermic use only. Dosage: From 15 to 20 min.
Historical Context & Commentary
Step back in time with this authentic 1895 handwritten prescription issued to Mrs. Dalrymple by Dr. W.P. Starkey and Dr. Elliott M. Shipman. This prescription includes a striking combination of strychnine sulfate, morphine sulfate, and cocaine muriate—key ingredients of 19th-century medicine known for their potent analgesic and stimulant effects.
Notably, the directions specify “for hypodermic use only,” highlighting the early adoption of injection methods in medical practice. This prescription offers a fascinating glimpse into the therapies of the era, the substances deemed essential for treating pain and other ailments, and the evolving art of pharmaceutical preparation.
This prescription contains substances now recognized as highly addictive and potentially lethal if misused. Modern medicine strictly regulates or prohibits their use due to risks of dependency, toxicity, and adverse reactions. This historical document reflects a time when such medications were widely available and prescribed with limited oversight. Always follow current medical guidelines and consult healthcare professionals before use of any controlled substances.
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