Considered by alchemists in the mid 17th Century to be the Philosophers Stone, Alkahest (“all Spirit”) or the “Universal Solvent”, was believed to break down chemical compounds into their occult qualities; and therefore turn lead into gold. 
 
This occult quality also gave it the perceived ability to cure all disease. 
 
In 1665 alchemist and physician George Starkey, who styled himself "Philosopher by Fire”, attempted to use Alkahest during the Great Plague of London, staying in the city as a Plague Doctor, while the majority of physicians fled.  
 
The quest for the “Universal Medicine” would ultimately be unsuccessful in treating the plague, and Starkey himself at some point during the outbreak, due to his close contact to those infected, would succumb to it, as well as a quarter of the population of London from 1665 to 1666. 

Bottles are handcast.

Size: Height: 6.5”
        Width: 3”