How were pharmacy bottles used?

Apothecaries and chemists utilised these vessels to store, mix and dispense various medical drugs, dry ingredients and liquid tinctures. Larger carboys served as striking window displays to advertise the profession to the street. Smaller bottles sat neatly on dispensary shelves or inside portable mahogany cases designed for travelling doctors. Each container kept its contents safe from light and moisture until required for patient treatment.

How do I date a glass apothecary bottle?

Dating relies on observing manufacturing traits like pontil marks, glass colour, and stopper style. Hand blown pieces with irregular bubbles generally point to the 18th or 19th centuries. Later Victorian and 20th century examples display more uniform machine moulding and standardised threads or ground glass joints. Comparing label types and typographical styles also helps narrow down the decade of production.

What is the difference between a jar and a bottle?

Bottles feature narrow necks designed for pouring liquids such as tinctures, syrups and chemical solutions. They often accommodate glass stoppers or cork closures. Jars possess wide mouths intended for powders, ointments, roots and dried herbs. These broader openings allowed easy access with a spatula or fingers during compounding.