Prepare to be transported back in time to an era of daring pharmacy and pioneering medicine with this incredible antique 1910s nitric acid label from Graham & Wortham's Drug Store in Corvallis, Oregon! Measuring a compact 2 1/2" x 2 1/2", this historical gem boasts remarkably little to no wear, making it a pristine window into a bygone age.

Graham & Wortham’s Drug Store wasn't just any pharmacy; it was the vibrant heartbeat of Corvallis from the early to mid-20th century. Imagine a place where community gathered, news was exchanged, and trusted remedies were meticulously crafted. This beloved drug store was renowned for its spotless counters, impeccable service, and a captivating array of unique proprietary products. But what truly captures the imagination today are its stunning poison labels from the 1910s to 1940s—daring red and white warnings that evolved into striking red and black designs. These aren't just labels; they're tantalizing relics, prized by ephemera collectors as more than mere artifacts. They’re a vivid portal to a time when pharmacists were alchemists in their own right, hand-mixing and bottling potent formulas right there on-site. The packaging itself was a masterclass in design, radiating both authoritative knowledge and an unwavering commitment to safety.

Beyond its vital medicines and everyday sundries, Graham & Wortham’s embraced the wildly popular postcard craze of the 1910s–1920s, offering locally produced photo cards showcasing picturesque scenes of Oregon Agricultural College and iconic Corvallis landmarks. Today, the surviving labels, postcards, and vintage advertisements serve as thrilling testaments to the store’s enduring legacy—not just as a trusted apothecary, but as a fascinating chronicler of daily life in the community.

And now, for the exhilarating science behind this powerful 1910s nitric acid! In an era of bold medical exploration, nitric acid was a potent tool. Envision its use for topical cauterization—applied directly, often fuming, to heroically destroy warts, venereal sores, or unhealthy ulcer tissue. This powerful caustic action would chemically burn away diseased tissue and miraculously seal minor bleeding points. It even played a role in the treatment of syphilitic lesions, with dabs on chancres or condylomata to arrest spread and promote healing. For stubborn, non-healing sores, weak solutions were sometimes brushed on to "rouse" granulation tissue and kickstart healing. Dentists, too, were not shy about its power, occasionally using it to cauterize exposed dental pulp or tackle "fungous growths" on gums.

But brace yourself for the truly intriguing—and controversial—applications! While rare, some Victorian physicians daringly prescribed diluted nitric acid internally, mixed in drops with water or syrup. Why? To “improve” gastric tone for chronic dyspepsia, to act as a supposed stimulant to bile flow for liver disorders, especially jaundice, and even to acidify urine and reduce phosphatic deposits in certain urinary tract conditions. This antique 1910s nitric label isn't just paper; it's a thrilling relic of a daring past, offering a captivating glimpse into the cutting-edge medicine and vibrant community spirit of yesteryear!