A string of business thefts in Dublin in October and November 1896 remains unsolved.
Late night break-ins into a number of apothecaries, chemists and jewelers have left city
police baffled. The stolen rare herbs, incense and oils from the apothecaries and
chemists and the gemstones from the jewelers have not turned up in any black market.
The suspect is thought to be male, large and strong based upon his kicking doors down
and breaking of furniture in the various shops. Since only high value items have been
taken, police believe the thief may be an expert herbalist who is also knowledgeable of
oils and perfumes and gemstones.
Stolen Herbs: Aconite, Angelica, Mustard, Goldenseal, Ginseng, Ginger, Gentian, Yohimbe, Wormwood, Nightshade, Bloodroot, Serpentwood, Jimson Weed.
Stolen Oils: Anise, Fish, Whale, Skunk, Eucalyptus, Tansy, Pennyroyal,
Stolen Incense: Bayberry, Sage, Lavender, Clove, Frankincense, Myrrh
Gemstones: diamonds, opals, black onyx, one black sapphire (worth estimated $15,000)
Also stolen, silver wire, a bottle of mercury, and a jar of phosphorus
Apothecaries: O'Shaunessy, O'Reilly, O'Duffy, Kennedy, O'Donovan, O'Cathain, Connaught, O'Donnell, O'Flatterty, and O'Malley.
Chemists: Lynch, Ryan, Bernard, Tierney and O'Connors, Dunlap's Chemical supplies
Jewelers: O'Neil, O'Toole, O'Brien, O'Casey, O'Carolan, O'Rourke, O'Higgins, and Dublin Jewels