Bronze mortar, England, 1766-1788
A mortar was used with a pestle to crush and grind ingredients to create drug preparations – often in the form of powders, ointments or solutions. This mortar is typical of the period as it is made from bell metal – a form of bronze – and its shape suggests it may well have been cast in a bell foundry. It is pictured here with a brass pestle (A655697).
Object number:
A604334
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: pharmacy
The preparation and medicinal dispensing of drugs.
Glossary: mortar
Cup-shaped vessel in which drugs or herbal mixtures are pounded with a pestle.