Wooden-cased mill, Europe, 1701-1830

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.