Showcase D: Antique Pharmacy and Mortars

The mortar and pestle were the status symbols of
the alchemist, herbalist, healer and later the
pharmacist. They were used from antiquity to
crush and mix minerals and other, usually dried,
substances (parts of plants, animals, humans and even
mummies), for use as medication, spices and foods.

1. Mortar and pestle, cast bronze, Italy c. 1630.

2. Two mortars and their pestles, cast bronze,
Spain-Portugal, 16th century.