MEDICAL / PHARMACEUTICAL PRESCRIPTION-POWDER FOLDER, POSSIBLY ENGLISH, 1870

Description

We are offering for sale this interesting brass item consisting of 2 rectangular platforms separated from one another by a brass stem with lovely turned decoration. The small rectangular base measures 2 3/8 inches x 1 15/16 inches and the larger top section measures 2 1/2 inches by 2 3/8 inches. The overall height is 1 7/8 inches tall.
We have found this fascinating piece of equipment listed in the
Wessex Medical Antiques and Microscopes Catalogue 38,
#62 (February 1996), describing it as a “powder folder”. It goes on to say: “
Used to make small envelopes (powders) containing medicine in powder form. Batches of envelopes of the same size were then dispensed in a small box to the patient. c 1860.”
Sadly, we have been unable to find any more information about exactly
how
it functioned. It is possible that the rectangular top served as a template for measuring out the sizes of prescription packets on special paper.  It is also possible that the top section was used to press down or compact several powder packets or envelopes to fit into a box of the same size.
This
intriguing
pharmaceutical / apothecary item seems to be quite rare and there do not appear to be many of them around for analysis or documentation.
This is a rare and unusual specialty item to be included in your dealer inventory or collection of apothecary, pharmacy and medical memorabilia.
Selling without reserve!