Wooden-cased mill, Europe, 1701-1830

Made:
1701-1830 in Europe
Large square wooden-cased mill with pewter cup-shaped top

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Large square wooden-cased mill with pewter cup-shaped top
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Large square wooden-cased mill with pewter cup-shaped top section, European, 1701-1830

Medicinal plants and herbs are often chopped or crushed before they are used in medical treatments. The plants and herbs were placed in the pewter cup and ground to a powder by turning the handle – much like a pepper grinder. The powder dropped into the wooden drawer below and was used in pill making or added to sugar solutions to make liquid medicines. The mill would have been used by pharmacists or apothecaries. It may also have been used to grind coffee and spices in the home.

Details

Category:
Pharmacy-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A653972
Materials:
wood, pewter, iron, copper alloy and complete
Measurements:
overall: 260 mm x 240 mm x 180 mm, 2.02kg
type:
mill