Tools of the Trade
Explore the process of developing and marketing medicines; from medicinal ingredients, research and clinical trials, branding, packaging, and advertising.
Shop Round ‘SYR: SCILLAE.’, late 1800s
Referred to as a ‘shop round’ on account of its shape, dispensary bottles such as this were often designed to be both practical and decorative. ...
Single Tablet Press, around 1870-1900
These three examples of the single tablet press, or Brockedon press, were manufactured by S. Maw, Son and Thompson around 1870-1900. The basic design of ...
Spanish stone mortar
This mortar is believed to have originated from a nunnery in Cadiz, Spain, where it may have been used to prepare medicines in the hospital ...
Staffordshire creamware advertising model for James Atkinson’s Bears Grease, 1799-1818
During the early 1800s James Atkinson, based at 44 Gerard Street, London, used charming ceramic bears like this to advertise his Bear’s Grease in Chemist ...
Staffordshire Pottery Bear’s Grease Jug – Bear and Dog Design, early 1800s
This Staffordshire pottery jug has ‘Bears Grease’ inscribed down the left side of the bear. The seated bear, wearing a collar and muzzle, with a ...
The ‘Cradle’ Bed Pan, 1870-1900
Earthenware bed pan with white and black floral design. Inscribed ‘THE “CRADLE” BED PAN PATENT No. 2279’. Manufactured by S. Maw Son and Thompson, London.
The earliest known dated English delftware drug jar, 1647
This jar can boast two claims to fame: it is the earliest known dated English delftware drug jar, and it is also the earliest dated ...
The New Slipper Bedpan, 1900-1940
Cream ceramic slipper bedpan with handle. Printed inside ‘the New Slipper Bed Pan, Regnas, London NW, Royal Winton, Made in England’. With flat base. Bedpans ...
Tincture Press, early 1900s
This enamelled metal single-screw tincture press was manufactured by S. Maw Son and Sons in the early 1900s. Tincture presses were used by pharmacists to ...
Vaccination Shield, Mid 20th Century
Cardboard box containing one textile and metal vaccination shield for a baby. Shields like this were used to protect against skin reactions after vaccination, and ...