Apothecary's balance, early 20th century
A balance is used to measure out ingredients for medical treatments. Accurately measuring out ingredients is vital to ensure the patient takes the correct dosage. Placing weights of known heaviness on one brass pan allowed ingredients to be measured accurately in the other. When the pans are balanced the lead indicator hangs straight.
The balance would have been used by a pharmacist or chemist.
Details
- Category:
- Pharmacy-ware
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A602074
- Materials:
- whole, brass, knife edges, steel and stand, mahogany
- Measurements:
-
overall: 600 mm x 560 mm x 290 mm,
- type:
- balance