Macassar oil an oily puff for soft heads / [graphic]Rowlandson, Thomas, 1756-1827, printmaker[15 May 1814]eng"An obese, elderly man, completely bald, sits in an arm-chair while a shopman pours oil from a bottle (straw-covered like a Chianti flask) on to his scalp, pressing down his head with the left hand. At his feet is a basin to receive the overflow. On the ground is a tall 'Fools Cap', with ears. Behind them stands a woman with a shock of red hair standing on end; she looks in horror at its reflection in a wall-mirror (right). On the wall above her head is a placard: 'Wonderful Discovery Carrotty or Grey Whiskers Changed to Black Brown or Blue--' High on the wall are shelves where bottles of the oil are closely ranged, one inscribed 'Wig Oil One Guinea Pr Bottle'. Behind the shopman (left) stands a big Ali Baba jar. Across the wall is a large placard inscribed: 'Macassar Oil, for the Growth of Hair is the finest invention ever known for encreasing hair on bald Places, Its virtues are pre-eminent for improving and beautifying the Hair of Ladies and Gentlemen--This invaluable Oil recommended on the basis of truth and experience is sold at One Guinea Pr Bottle by all the Perfumers and Medicine Venders in the Kingdom'."--British Museum online catalogueTitle etched below image.Plate numbered "316" in upper right corner.Temporary local Medical Library subject terms: Proprietary medicines -- Macassar Oil -- Rowland's Oil.