Brockedon metal pill die, Europe, 1843-1900

Metal pill die. Matt black background.

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Metal pill die. Matt black background.
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Metal pill die

William Brockedon (1778-1854), a British painter, writer and inventor, patented this invention in 1843. A measured amount of powder prepared as a medical treatment is poured into the tube, and then compressed with a hammer into a solid mass, forming a tablet or pill. The pill die would have been used in an apothecary’s or pharmacist’s shop.

Details

Category:
Pharmacy-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A600205
Materials:
whole, metal, heavy
Measurements:
overall: 1.56kg
type:
pill mould