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‘Laboratorium mit Affen’, late 1600s

© 2021 Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Description

Mounted engraving, German, entitled ‘Laboratorium mit Affen’, (English translation: Laboratory with Monkeys) designed, engraved and published by anon, late 1600s.

A monkey alchemist and his family work in a laboratory. They appear to be brewing medicine from herbs. A female monkey with two child monkeys is present. Pharmaceutical equipment is scattered around. Another family of monkeys can be seen in the street outside.

Lettered below design in Latin is: “Docta etiam sanos Plantis haurite liquores, Queis aegro medicam sedula praestet opem.”, in French: “Pour guarir maladie et tout mal qu’endommage, Ils distilent ici diverse herbe en breuvage”