Stained glass window of the Pharmaceutical Society’s Coat of Arms, around 1900

This beautiful stained and painted glass window shows the Pharmaceutical Society’s coat of arms, crest and motto, granted in 1844.
In general the choice of devices and supporters reflects the 1840s chemists and druggists’ keen regard for the historical and international roots of their profession.

The Society’s Arms show:
• In the first quarter, a dove bearing an olive branch, the traditional Biblical emblem of peace.
• In the second, an aloe plant, representing the use of plants in medicine.
• In the third, the medical symbol of a snake-entwined staff.
• In the fourth, an alembic and receiver, an early apparatus for distillation.
• At the centre of the cross is a pair of scales, representing measures and standards.
• Above the cross is a stag, possibly signify the animal content of medicines in the 1800s.
• Over the arms is the crest, with a mortar and pestle, the traditional sign of the apothecary/pharmacist.