Steatite stamp

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This steatite stamp was found at Tranent in East Lothian. It belonged to a Roman oculist, an eye doctor. It was pressed into special ointments, giving details of their names and the substances used. The stamp was used between 80 and 165 AD.

Both sides of the stamp made inscriptions which are similar to modern advertising slogans. This side translates as 'Lucius Valerius Latinus's fragrant salve for scars and granulation [of the eye]'.

The Roman army medical service was impressively equipped and could deal with a variety of injuries. They had eye lotions, potions and powders, and a range of surgical instruments.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-200-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FT 25
• Date: Between 80 and 165 AD
  
• Material: Steatite, green. Inscription: On one side: L. VALLANTINIA PAL*CR* CODES AD DIATHESIS; on other side: L. VALLANTINIE EVODES AD CL CATRICES ET ASPRITVDIN
  Stamp, oculist's
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Stamp, oculist's
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, East Lothian, Tranent
  
• Event:
• Description: Oculist's stamp of imported green steatite, from Tranent
  
• References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Breeze, D.J., and Mackay, Ghillean. The Romans in Scotland. An introduction to the collections of the National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland. Edinburgh: National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland, 1980, p 48. 
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