Herb cutter with long curved blade, by R.B. Plum, made at 38 Bion Street, Worcester, English

Plants and herbs need to be prepared before they can be used in medical treatments. Cutting was one way for a pharmacist to begin preparing such material. Other methods include grinding, crushing and boiling. An ivory handle is taken in each hand and the herbs are cut using a rocking motion.

This herb cutter measures nearly half a metre in length and may also have been used for chopping herbs when cooking at home. The maker’s name, R B Plum, is punched into the steel blade.