1883 W.H. Schiffelin Apothecary Trade Catelog Pharmacy Drugs Medicines Chemicals For Sale

This lot features the front cover of an 1883 commercial catalog titled "General Prices Current" published by W.H. Schieffelin & Co..About the Book and PublisherThe Artifact: This is a hardbound commercial wholesale price guide distributed to pharmacists, apothecaries, and merchants. It listed contemporary prices for chemical substances, raw drugs, patent medicines, and medical apparatus during the late 19th century.The Company: Founded in 1794 by Jacob Schieffelin, Schieffelin & Co. was America's longest-running pharmaceutical business. Under the leadership of William Henry Schieffelin, the company was officially named W.H. Schieffelin & Co. from 1865 to 1894.Historical Significance: Just one year prior to this catalog's publication (1882), the company established one of the most advanced chemical laboratories in the United States. In the years that followed, this specific firm became the first exclusive American distributor for groundbreaking pharmaceuticals, including Aspirin.