This prescription, issued by Dr. E. B. Minor in Traverse City, Michigan, provides insight into early 20th-century treatment practices. It combines ferric chloride, a once-standard iron supplement, with syrup of orange for flavor masking, diluted with water. The abbreviation “M. Sig.” translates to “Mix and label,” a standard Latin phrase used in prescription writing of the period.

The notation “through tube” is a rare and medically significant detail. It likely indicates that the patient was to receive the mixture via nasogastric or stomach tube, which suggests difficulty swallowing—perhaps due to illness, injury, or convalescence. The use of enteral administration like this was becoming more common in clinical care by the early 1900s.

Additionally, the printed script and dual telephone numbers for Bell and Citizens networks help date this artifact to the early 1900s. The pharmacy stamp from Wattriss’ Pioneer Drug Store helps verify provenance and local medical commerce practices of the time.

Condition Notes
This prescription is in well-preserved condition. The ink remains legible despite some minor fading. There is light wear at the corners, but no tears or major staining. The last digit of the year is partially illegible, though the format strongly supports a date between 1900 and 1909.