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Wonderful Show Globes

The apothecary show globe has been associated with the pharmacy trade for centuries. Show globes originated in the British Isles but their purpose remains open to much speculation (31-38). Some believe that alchemists of the 16th century placed strangely colored liqiuds in their glass containers to lend an air of mystery and magic to attract customers. Others theorize that the red color in show globes was displayed in apothecary shops to warn passersby against plague while green was a sign of safety. Others would say that the red and blue colors were representative of arterial and venous blood.

The Mortar and Pestle

The mortar and pestle is still used for grinding and mixing drugs and has been a symbol for the apothecary trade for hundreds of years (39). Composition and shapes have been numerous, including wood, stone, bronze, brass, iron, Wedgwood, porcelain, and glass. At the turn of the last century, pharmacists rightfully stopped using metal for fear that some of the material could be getting into the medication.

Weights and measures

Scales used for weighing medications were first seen in Egypt in 1500 BC and evolved into the very large and ornate ones found in 19th century apothecary shops (40,41). Physicians frequently carried small sets of scales to individually measure medications in their office or at the bedside (42,43).

Medicine Chests

There were many ways for medications to be stored at home in the 17th and 18th centuries, from small portable cases to large ornate medicine chests (44,45). The latter came in many shapes and were used to hold liquids and powders in labeled bottles and canisters. There was often a "secret" compartment in the rear to hold poisons while drawers in the front held all the necessary accessories including a mortar and pestle, graduate, medicine spoon, and scales. By the beginning of the 20th century, however, these beautiful cabinets went out of style when preformed pills and mass-produced packaging took the place of individually measured powders and ointments.

31-38) Apothecary Show Globes

These wonderful globes were usually filled with different bright colors. The illustrations are from the 1907 Van Shaack catalogue and the globes were made by a number of manufacturers, including Whitall & Tatum, and Schieffelein. The brackets were decorated brass and the glass sometimes etched.

39) Burgundian Mortar and Pestle

This small mortar and pestle (41/8" tall) is dated 1638 and may have been used by a physician. Early pharmacists mixed most of their medications in large stone mortars, sometimes weighing hundreds of pounds.

40-41) Apothecary Scales

Large apothecary scales were decorative items prominently seen in all shops; the first one here is Dutch and the second British by W&T Avery.

42-43) Physicians' Scales

Physicians individually weighed many medications with these small apothecary scales. The first probably was military because of the eagle imprinted on the case while the second was a small physicians scale engraved "Dr. Fitch's Prescription Scale" and dated 1885.

44-45) Medicine Chest

Beautifully crafted medicine chests were available through the 18th and the 19th centuries though became less popular when manufacturers distributed medications in pill form. This one is a large cabinet in the triptych style and contains many glass containers with all the necessary accessories.

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33) Standing Show Globe

39) Mortar & Pestle, 1638

41) W&T Avery Scale

42) Pocket Scale

45) Medicine Chest