Bottles of arsenic and tincture of capsicum, 1921.

Tincture of capsicum (right) was used as an ingredient in 'warming' tonics and some ointments for easing rheumatic pain. Otherwise known as cayenne pepper, capsicum can be used to remove gases from the intestinal tract. Arsenic is very poisonous, and used in the manufacture of dyes and medicines. To avoid accidental consumption it is kept in a poison bottle which is ridged to distinguish it clearly from plain bottles used for other medicines and drugs.