This antique, late 19th century, hand-written medical prescription for Strychnine Sulfate is encased in a vintage black and gold frame and was issued by Barth's Pharmacy located at Second and Market St. in Alton, Illinois. At the top it reads, "For this case ONLY and must NOT be refilled." Historically, strychnine (written here as "strych sulph') was not just viewed as a dangerous poison. In highly diluted, trace doses, physicians widely prescribed it as a potent central nervous system and metabolic stimulant to boost energy, improve appetite, and treat chronic fatigue. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, medical professionals and the public viewed it much like an extreme version of caffeine rather than strictly as a lethal poison.
