The molecular composition of six ointment remains from the first third of the twentieth century determined by a multi-analytical approach

An array of analytical techniques (GC–MS, SPME–GC–MS, RP–HPLC–MS, FIA–MS, HPLC–UV, ICP–MS) was used to study the molecular composition of six ointment residues from the first third of the twentieth century. The objectives of the study were (i) to validate the applicability of a previously proposed strategy for the identification of lipids and active pharmaceutical ingredients in remains of historical pharmaceuticals and (ii) to shed light on early twentieth-century pharmaceutical practice. Although no further information on the composition of the samples studied was available (all were marked by a period pharmacist with the general label “Ointment” only), it was possible to identify the likely lipidic ointment bases as well as quantify the main likely active substances in all samples. This allowed us to partially reconstruct the composition of each ointment and to estimate its original purpose.

Graphical abstract