Witch bottle from the 18th century

Above is an 18th century "witch bottle," used to fend off evil spirits. Discovered at a construction site in the London borough of Greenwich, this example is particularly rare because it's still corked. Retired chemistry professor Dr. Alan Massey analyzed the bottle and its curious contents. From Fortean Times:

(The bottle) contained 12 bent iron nails (one of which pierced a small leather heart)...

Original article from http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/boingboing/iBag/~3/L9Nqvl3MgGg/witch-bottle-from-th.html