The men who invented medicinal compounds

THROUGHOUT the centuries, people have sought medicines and remedies to cure or relieve various ailments, both physical and mental.

- Stephen Guy

The Balm of Gilead was an aromatic resin ointment used for medical purposes, and was recorded in the Bible.

It inspired a Liverpool doctor to create his own patent medicine which earned him a fortune, enabling him to build a fine mansion.

Local historian Sir James Picton wrote in 1875: "Dr Samuel Solomon was for many years one of the institutions of Liverpool.

"His Balm of Gilead penetrated to the utmost bounds of the habitable globe.

"The doctor was a gentleman of the Hebrew nation, who commenced his medical career in a very modest way in Marybone, Tithebarn Street, some time before 1796.

"The precise period when Balm of Gilead first diffused its soothing influences over the ills of humanity, I cannot accurately determine, but by the end of the century it had become very popular.