Brass sachet folder, 19th century

Some medical treatments came in a powdered form. Large amounts of powder could be placed in a large box, glass or tin, but individual doses were difficult to transport from the pharmacist to home. A sheet of paper was folded to make a sachet and a measured dose tipped in. A sachet folder like this one was used to make sure all the packets could fit into the same box. Once at home the customer would open the packet, mix the powder with water and drink the medication.