Pair of Nevers earthenware pharmacy jars and bottles, monochrome lemon balm and betony, 18th century
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Pair of pharmacy jars in the shape of a bottle with a flattened body and long neck, in Nevers earthenware in shades of blue, decorated with vegetal arabesques surrounding the Latin names AQUA MELISSAE SIM (simple lemon balm water) and AQUA BETONICAE (betony water), from the 18th century.
These jars are in good general condition. They have their cork stoppers.
Please note: there are some chips, particularly at the base, and enamel defects on the sides of the body, signs of wear and tear from age, please look carefully at the photos.
* Pharmacy bottles were used to store distilled water, liqueurs, and other liquids. To facilitate frequent handling, they were often kept on low shelves. They have long necks and generally hold two liters. Sometimes, the body of the bottle is flattened on both sides, resembling a flask. According to François Dorvault (1886), the term distilled water, or hydrosol, refers to ordinary water infused, through distillation, with the volatile compounds of plants. Actuarius was the first author to discuss hydrosols. The elements suitable for producing hydrosols are: water, and then roots, wood, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds.