Mortar
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
This 1930s encyclopedia article describes the mortar (mortarium) as a device used for grinding, mixing, and triturating medicinal substances in pharmacy, laboratory, and medical practice. It details the various materials used—such as steel, cast iron, copper, agate, porcelain, and glass—along with their shapes and matching pestles.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
MORTAR (mortarium), a device for grinding, mixing, and triturating medicinal substances. It is used particularly often in pharmacy, laboratory, and medical practice. Mortars are manufactured from steel, cast iron, copper, agate, porcelain, and glass; the shape of the latter two is hemispherical, with a spout, and sizes range from 5 cm in diameter up to 50 cm. Corresponding pestles (pestilli) are used for working with mortars.
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“Mortar.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/mortar/