Object ID Number:
PH333
Object Name:
Suppository Mold
Manufacturer:
manufacturer unknow, made in London, England
Manufactured from:
1840
Manufactured to:
1900
Description / History:
This is a 19th century brass suppository mold, made in London. I has three pieces, the main body, the top and a screw to secure to 2 other parts. There are 12 mold holes. The word London is slightly legible on the top along with a GR indicating grams, however the number of grams has worn off of the surface.
Suppositories have been prescribed for the last 2000 years, however their popularity as a medicinal form increased at about 1840. They were initially used in the treatment of constipation and hemorrhoids but were later used as an alternative method of administering drugs.
The manufacture of a suppository starts with a base ingredient that will melt at body temperature. In the 19th century, this base was typically something like cocoa butter or a similar substance. The base substance is melted and then the necessary medicine was added and mixed thoroughly. This mixture was then poured into the lubricated mold. It was common for the pharmacist to make a bit extra so that when the 2 pieces of the mold come together, the extra will squeeze out, ensuring that the suppository is the correct size, therefore the correct dosage. The extra is just wiped away and when cooled, the mold is separated leaving the suppository, ready for administering.
Suppositories have been prescribed for the last 2000 years, however their popularity as a medicinal form increased at about 1840. They were initially used in the treatment of constipation and hemorrhoids but were later used as an alternative method of administering drugs.
The manufacture of a suppository starts with a base ingredient that will melt at body temperature. In the 19th century, this base was typically something like cocoa butter or a similar substance. The base substance is melted and then the necessary medicine was added and mixed thoroughly. This mixture was then poured into the lubricated mold. It was common for the pharmacist to make a bit extra so that when the 2 pieces of the mold come together, the extra will squeeze out, ensuring that the suppository is the correct size, therefore the correct dosage. The extra is just wiped away and when cooled, the mold is separated leaving the suppository, ready for administering.
Dimensions:
H–1 W–3.25 D–0.001 inches
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