Set of 6 test-tubes, each with a glass cap, set upright in a test-tube stand made from glass and wire used by Lister in his experiments on lactic fermentation, circa 1877

This set of six test tubes attached to a glass stand with wire was said to be made and used by Joseph Lister (1827-1912) in his experiments on lactic fermentation. Lister chose to study lactic fermentation as, in the wake of the scientific demonstration of germ theory, he believed it could shed light on the nature of certain diseases. These test tubes, each with their own glass cap, contain plaster imitations of their original contents. The open test tubes were used to mimic open wounds.