176 



OLD WEST SURREY 



The very old stone mortar came from a heap of 

 rubbish outside some farm buildings. A smaller mortar 

 of more modern shape is shown for comparison. 



The cast-iron mortar is also very ancient. The bright brass 



"**"', ; « B .^. i 



New and Old Stone Mortars 



one is later. These brass mortars are so indestructible 

 that they are still fairly plentiful. Every apothecary had 

 one in the eighteenth century for the grinding and pound- 

 The iron one looks as if it might date 



ing of drugs 



Iron and Brass Apothecaries' Mortars 



from the fifteenth century. It has had a hole through the 

 bottom, which has been rather clumsily patched with a 

 thick pad of reddish brass, so that it rocks upon its 

 base. 



