These candy colored capsules are all the prettier in person--really quite seductive! With a thin sheet over clear film adhered over the top of them, sealing them forever inside, and enhancing their bright and shiny sort of appeal. This sample box was produced by the S.E. Messengill Co. of Bristol, Tenn. (founded 1898). In 1937, the company became infamous for "the elixir sulfanilamide disaster," described as one of the most consequential mass poisonings of the 20th century; the elixir, released with no safety testing, was formulated using a highly toxic solvent, leading to the deaths of at least one hundred people in fifteen states. This ultimately led to the passage of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938.

Here, sulfanimide is featured at upper right, green and white, but in capsule form, not the toxic elixir! I've not come across another sample box like this before (which immediately made me think of Damien Hirst) and just could not resist--but for display only! 

3 7/8" x 2 3/4" box closed. Very good overall condition, reads crisp and bright. Some decay to the blue capsules at lower right, which I quite like.