Tin glazed earthenware pill tile

Made:: 1601-1700

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Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London.

Tin glazed earthenware pill tile, elongated octagonal, decorated in polychrome with the arms of the Society of Apothecaries, English, 17th century

The coat of arms of The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of England – which came into being in 1617 – is painted on to the surface of this pill tile showing that the original owner was a member of the society. In it, Apollo, the Greek god of light, music and healing, is surrounded by two unicorns and a rhinoceros. The motto translates from Latin as “And I am called throughout the world the bringer of aid”.

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Science Museum: Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries

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Details

Category:: Pharmacy-ware

Object Number:: A79020

type:: pill tile

credit:: Loan, Wellcome Trust

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