Two delftware dry drug jars mid 18th century

Two delftware dry drug jars mid 18th century, of ovoid shape, each painted in blue with a narrow cartouche topped by winged putti holding flower stems either side of a scallop shell, underneath the cartouche with an angel mask and floral motifs, one inscribed 'C:AURANT', the other 'U:ENULA:C:MER', extensive glaze cracking to the latter, 18cm. (2)

Provenance: respectively acquired from Christie's, 9th October 1967, lot 65; and Sotheby's, 26th March 1968, lot 13 (part).

Confectio Aurantium, similar to marmalade, was used as a flavouring agent but was also believed to assist in lowering blood pressure, among other uses. Unguentum Enulatum cum Mercurio was an ointment made from a rhizome, oil of wormwood, turpentine and lard with added mercury. Culpeper's understandable opinion of the latter ointment (said to help "the itch") was that, "without quick-silver it will do no good; with quick-silver it may do harm".