Pill cutter, England, 1701-1800

Steel pill divider with sharp teeth on both edges, English

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Steel pill divider with sharp teeth on both edges, English
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Steel pill divider with sharp teeth on both edges, English, 18th century

In the 1700s, pills were made by mixing all of the drug ingredients together – often with liquorice or a sugar solution – and then rolling the mixture out into strips. A pill cutter would be used to divide the strips up equally into small segments, which would then be rolled into a pill shape.

The sharp teeth on each edge of the steel cutter give a different number of pills. One edge gives twelve pills and the other cuts thirty pills. The tool would have been used by a pharmacist or apothecary. Once cut and shaped, the pills were hardened, coated and stored.

Details

Category:
Pharmacy-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A662882
Materials:
steel
Measurements:
overall: 3 mm x 226 mm x 34 mm, .05kg
type:
pill cutter