![](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/288/93/medium_thumbnail_a626225__0001_.jpg)
![Pharmacy sign in the shape of a unicorn's head (shop sign)](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/263/866/small_thumbnail_a631343__0001_.jpg)
![Ivory pharmacy sign in form of unicorn's head](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/2/235/small_thumbnail_a631343.jpg)
Pharmacy sign in form of unicorn's head, perhaps English or Dutch, 1700-1870
'Unicorn horns' were believed to have medicinal qualities. As the unicorn is a mythical beast the apothecary had to find a substitute ingredient. Usually this was the long horn of a male narwhal whale, which was ground into a powder to be used in treatments. Unicorns were also a medieval symbol of purity and chastity. Mounted on an oak stand, the ivory shop sign was probably made in England or the Netherlands.
Details
- Category:
- Pharmacy-ware
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A631343
- Materials:
- oak and narwhal tusk
- Measurements:
-
overall: 749 mm x 376 mm x 405 mm, 7.28 kg
- type:
- shop sign
- credit:
- Loan, Wellcome Trust