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Victorian Pharmacy

Series 1 (30 minutes)

Episode 2

Duration: 30 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC Two WalesLatest broadcast: on BBC Two England

As the Industrial Revolution spread through Britain, so too did breathing-related illnesses, due mainly to the thick smoke and smog. Nick Barber, Ruth Goodman and Tom Quick try some Victorian remedies on volunteers - will the bronchial kettle and leather 'plaister' work as well as modern treatments?

After sampling some of the old ways, the team venture into new discoveries. Ruth braves the Malvern water cure, while Nick and Tom recreate the discovery of Indian tonic water, which was originally drunk to fight off malaria after quinine was found in the bark of the cinchona tree.

The pharmacy also begins to market its own Spectacular Shropshire sauce. Show less

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