SOLD
This stunning example measures 11.5 inches high with the pestle in place and is 5.5 inches in diameter. The bulbous pestle is 10.5 inches long and sports sculpted turnings.
The condition is very good with mild wear and loss to the finish, various unobtrusive edge chips and slight hairline splits to the mortar and pestle.
Lignum vitae, Latin for "wood of life", is an exotic wood native to the West Indies and the tropical regions of the Americas. It is a hard, durable, extremely dense wood and was once very important for applications requiring a material with its extraordinary combination of strength, toughness, and density. As such, it was frequently used in wood turning applications requiring these characteristics, including early apothecary mortar and pestles. The plant derives its name from its medicinal uses as its resin was been used to treat a variety of medical conditions from coughs to arthritis.
A lovely and difficult to find example of a 19th century apothecary "tool-of-the-trade!
$125.00
This handsome, hand-sized device enabled pharmacists to enhance their productivity. Measures 6 inches long.
Fortunately, the directions and original box still exist. The top plate and base match perfectly together with the pins passing through the holes smoothly. The condition of the mould is very good evidenced by the minimal wear. The box is in fair condition with two top holes noted and general wear from honorable use and time.
$45.00
$25.00
Measures 5 inches long x 3.5 inches wide x 4 inches high (including the knob). A sweet diminutive size for easy display!
The embossed label on the base is marked "AMERICAN SUNDRIES Co. – BROOKLYN, N.Y. - PATENTED". The lid articulates backwards to open and appears to be missing the interior tray. Priced accordingly.
$395.00
The machine produces 2 different size capsules and has a filling plate that sports 4 parallel rows, each having the capacity of making 24 capsules. Also included are 2 capsule filling trays.
The condition of this wonderful apothecary tool of the trade is very good, complete with the warm, rich patina one would expect of an antique of this age including the usual scratches, marks and unobtrusive dings and tarnish. (Two top wood edges have been lost due to use, time and age as seen in the photos.) The metal parts appear to be nickel plated, and the wood base looks like walnut. The filler measures approximately 13 L x 4.5 W x 4.5 H.
The interior contains sand that was used to add weight and stabilize the box when in use.
A must addition for any pharmacy/apothecary collection!
$95.00
The 8.5 inch tall bottle sports a pontil on the base, and is of early blown glass construction. The fancy, applied label is complete, shows mild age related stains and wear and is in good condition.
The photo demonstrates an unobtrusive crack above the letters 'SER' on the gold label. The perfect fitting stopper is of ground glass construction and is in very good order as well.
The inside of the bottle notes slight staining and could be cleaned if desired.
Very nice indeed!
.......SOME HISTORY.......
This small shrub, native to the Orient from India to Sumatra, has for centuries been used in Indian medicine. In 1952 reserpine, one of several alkaloids in the plant, was isolated from its root and has since been evaluated in western medicine as one of the most valuable druǵs for treatinǵ hiǵh blood pressure.
R serpentina was used in folk medicine in India for centuries to treat a wide variety of maladies, including snake and insect bites, febrile conditions, malaria, abdominal pain, and dysentery. It was also used as a uterine stimulant, febrifuge, and cure for insanity. The plant was mentioned in Indian manuscripts as long ago as 1000 bc.
Rauwolfia has been studied for the treatment of mental diseases, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, epilepsy and seizures, and of insomnia and sleep problems.
$35.00
This difficult to find revised stereotyped edition, was published in Boston by the Benjamin B. Mussey and Co., the book having been originally published in 1852. It features 83 highly-detailed engraved illustrations and 191 information-packed pages. A very comprehensive and quite interesting volume that discusses normal and abnormal conditions, treatment of various diseases and recommendations for proper health.
This very early educational hardcover book is in fair to good condition. The front cover has separated from the binding as has the very first page which is blank, but both are present. All other pages remain bound. The majority of the exterior black leather edge binding cover is missing. This 168 year old book has expected, moderate yellowing and foxing to the pages, some minor staining and ancient water marks, and some tiny folds here and there. Measures approximately 7.25"L x 4.75"W.
A highly valued resource book of its time for instruction in the grammar school grades or for use by more financially well-to-do 19th century families who could afford to maintain personal, home libraries.
Quite an interesting read!