Hand worked mill, Europe, 1701-1800

Mill, hand-worked, wood, with metal fittings, European, 18th century

Mills like this one were used to grind up substances for drugs. The ingredients were placed in the top cylinder and ground up by turning the handle on the top. The powder would collect in the drawer underneath. The drawer opens on to a bell-shaped platform which may have been used to prepare mixtures of drugs. This example is made from oak. The mill is made from iron and inlaid with ivory. This hand-worked mill would have been used in a pharmacy or apothecary shop.