Earthenware retort, perhaps English, 19th century

Retorts have long been standard pieces of laboratory equipment. They are used during chemical experiments and large-scale processes such as distillation. Normally made of glass, this example is made from earthenware and is a typical shape, with a long stem and a large bowl. Reagents are placed in the bowl and heated from underneath. The retort is shown with a similar example (A634351).