Accession Number

1986.008.2298a

Creation Date

circa 1622

Description

A complete flared rim decorated with slightly spiraling ridges, plus a partial base and body fragments form what remains of a bulbous glass vessel from Atocha. The glass is a transparent light green with no bubble inclusions, and fine striations cover the exterior surface. The reconstructed form of these fragments resembles vial forms from other sixteenth and seventeenth century Spanish colonial sites, and it is believed these vials were used for pharmaceuticals and perfumes. 5.4 x 4.0 x 3.7 cm. 25.40 grams. Ornate neck (2 pieces cross-mended). Green glass. One of eight pieces. See also 1986.008.2298b--e.

Exhibition Label

Case Caption (2023):

The Surgeon

Both Cecilio de Ribera aboard the Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Juan de Mercado on the Santa Margarita were ship’s surgeons. At this time, a surgeon was often a barber who had acquired a few additional skills rather than a man with medical training.

He would have few medicines to offer. His resources would include basilicum powder (made from basil) to speed the healing of a wound and poultice ingredients for sores or strains. The lack of fresh food in sailors’ rations would lead to digestive problems in the short term or even scurvy during a long voyage. Many minor illnesses were treated with enemas, whether truly appropriate or not.

In addition, the surgeon would know how to clean a sword cut, dig out a musket ball, or even pull a tooth. He might have to go as far as amputating the limb of an injured sailor. Dipping a man’s freshly severed stump in hot pitch to seal the wound would be as close to hygiene as the operation might come.
Object Caption (2023):

Bottle Fragments
Glass (Spain, c.1610)
Gift of Jamestown Inc.
1986.008.2298a-b