Porcelain medicine spoon

Made:
1830-1930 in Europe
A608492, Earthenware medicine spoon, cream glaze, 1801-1920

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A608492, Earthenware medicine spoon, cream glaze, 1801-1920
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Porcelain medicine spoon, with bowed half-cover, 1830-1930, European(?) or American(?)

Medicine spoons, such as this blue and white example) were used to measure out doses of liquid medicines. The leaf-shaped moulded decoration at the bottom of the handle gives the spoon stability. Medicine spoons were popular during the 1800s and were generally ceramic (like this one) or pewter. Some had a half cover to prevent the medicine spilling over the sides. One of the problems with this type of spoon is that it is not marked with any scale, although later spoons are marked with a scale of teaspoon, dessertspoon and tablespoon. It is shown here with a similar example (A608492).

Details

Category:
Pharmacy-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A608496
Materials:
complete, porcelain (glazed) and gilt
Measurements:
overall: 30 mm x 88 mm x 42 mm, 0.026 kg
type:
medicine spoon
credit:
Brodny, M.L.