19th-century glass apothecary jar "Gomme Arab. Pulv:" - 9½"

This 19th-century French apothecary glass jar is labeled "Gomme Arab. Pulv:" which stands for powdered gum arabic. Gum arabic was a vital ingredient in pharmacies for its properties as an emulsifier and a stabilizer in various formulations. Medically, it was used as a demulcent to soothe irritated mucous membranes and as a mild laxative.