Apothecary’s balance, London, England, 1812-1850

Apothecary's balance with steel beam and brass pans in wooden box with 9 assorted weights, made by Young and Son, London, English, 1750-1837

This balance would have been used to accurately weigh out ingredients for drugs. The pans are connected to the steel beam by green cotton cords. The large tassel in the middle is to help establish when the weight in the two pans is equal. The balance comes with nine brass weights. The label on the inside lid shows three scales for weights. The Apothecary scale was only used in a pharmacy. The Troy scale is now used to weigh silver and gold and other precious metals. The Avoirdupois scale was used for all other goods.