Dispensing pot, Europe, 1760-1840

Made:
1760-1840 in Europe
From left to right: Earthenware dispensing pot, tin glazed

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From left to right: Earthenware dispensing pot, tin glazed
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Earthenware dispensing pot, tin-glazed, probably English or French, 1760-1840

Dispensing pots were used to hold ointments, pills and medical treatments, although they could also be used other materials such as cosmetics. A pharmacist or apothecary would make up a medicine and put it in a pot for the customer to take away. The contents were usually protected by a paper cover secured with string.

This example is marked “Cooper, Perfumer, Brewer Street”. This is an example of a dispensary pot put to a non-medical use.

Details

Category:
Medical Ceramic-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A76681
Materials:
whole, earthenware (tin glazed)
Measurements:
overall: 51 mm 60 mm, .079 kg
type:
dispensing pot
credit:
Baber, W.M.C.