Call Number:

Ms. Codex 1863

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

1 volume (+ 8 leaves)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Samuel Skevington formulary, 1836-1874, Ms. Codex 1863, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1836-1874 (inclusive)

Creator:

Skevington, Samuel

Form:

Prescriptions, Recipes, Formularies, and Codices (bound manuscripts)

Abstract:

This volume is a compilation of medicinal, household, and veterinary formulas and preparations written and compiled by Samuel Skevington spanning the years from 1836-1874.

Born in Bedfordshire, England to Charles and Sarah Skevington. Samuel Skevington was a chemist and druggist in Brighton, Sussex, England. At the age of fifteen he apprenticed under Charles Wing in Cambridgeshire. Skevington probably worked for a time with Peter Squire, who was the chemist to Queen Victoria. By 1851 he was an independent chemist in Brighton. Skevington was married three times. In 1851 he wed Lorania Maidman who died in 1868. In 1872 he married Mary Skevington and they had two children Mary Stewart ans Samuel S. Skevington. His second wife died in 1880. In 1884 Skevington married Sophia Cookson.

This volume is housed in the binding stamped on the spine: T. Hood's Comic annual. The gatherings are detached from the spine. Modern foliation in pencil consists of [121] leaves. The volume is a compilation of medicinal, household, and veterinary formulas and preparations written by Skevington spanning the years from 1836 to 1874. There are formulas for balls, creams, colors, cordials, drops, inks, liniments, pastes, pills, pomades, powders, salves, tonics, and washes. The first twenty leaves in the volume are formulas to remedy ailments in horses, sheep, and cattle. Prescriptions following leaf [21] provide chemical mixtures to aid in a multitude of ailments including ague, asthma, chilblains, coughs, digestive issues, gangrene, gonorrhea, sore throats, and toothaches. There are preparations for toiletries such as herbal creams, scents, tooth powders, and washes. Several pages include formulas to make a range of colors. Other household recipes in the volume include blacking, cement, flame glass, and ink. Several white and green printed labels pasted in the volume read: Squire Chemist and Druggist of the Queen. One of Squire's label is a receipt of payment signed by Skevington dated 1849, suggesting he worked with Squire prior to having his own business. Also pasted in the volume are pharmacy labels for draughts, pomade divine, and the gargle. One instructive label reads for external use only. Skevington's signature is on the first leaf. Many items are pasted on the pages, or in the gatherings of the volume. Eight leaves are laid in the volume.