This antique container holds Calamine Prepared powder, a pharmaceutical substance historically manufactured by the Mallinckrodt Chemical Works.

Product Details

Manufacturer: Mallinckrodt Chemical Works, which was founded in 1867 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. The label also notes locations in Montreal, Canada, Philadelphia, and New York.

Contents: One pound of "Calamine Prepared," a pharmaceutical-grade powder.

Classification: The label references "N.F. VI," which stands for the National Formulary, 6th edition.

Packaging: A vintage cardboard tube container, typical of medical and chemical storage from the early 20th century.

Use and Historical Context

Calamine is an inorganic compound primarily composed of zinc oxide and a small amount of ferric oxide. It is widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antipruritic (anti-itching) properties. Historically, it has been used to treat:

Minor skin irritations like rashes and insect bites.

Conditions such as poison ivy and eczema.

Sunburn.