The seal is a thick disc of brass. The surface is deeply engraved with the Library Company’s emblem, which Franklin designed. Its motto, composed by Franklin, reads “Communiter Bona profundere Dêum est,” which translates as “To pour forth benefits for the common good is divine.” On the reverse of the disc is cast a cylindrical stub, perforated with a hole to permit the metal to be fastened to a handle., Made for the Library Company, ca. 1731-1733., Exhibited in, Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007).
Includes two billheads and one receipt. Billheads contain ornamented type and ornamental details. Check contains the trademark of the firm depicting an eagle perched on a mortar & pestle. One billhead also contains a list of the medicines, including Nichol's toilet cream, for which Nichols & Harris serve as proprietor, as well as the "N&H" emblem as a cornice detail., Title supplied by cataloger., Printers include G. A. Smith, Steam Print, Lyme Ct., P.2011.46.202 & 203 completed in manuscript to W.N. Kirtland (& Co.) on December 17, 1878 for $3.25 and February 23, 1888 for $11.99. Items billed include family syringe, camphor gum, and cherry drops., P.2011.46.204 completed in manuscript on October 4, 1894 to C. L. Clark, signed Nichols & Harris for receipt of $86.36., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of William H. Helfand.
Date
[ca. 1870-ca. 1890]
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Helfand Popular Medicine Stationery Collection -N [P.2011.46.202-204]
