Antall József szerk.: Pictures from the Past of the Healing Arts / Orvostörténeti Közlemények – Supplementum 5. (Budapest, 1972)
Pictures from the Past of the Healing Arts (Guide for the Exhibition)
ion of medicines equally important laboratory vessels and instruments. There is a complete distilling apparatus on show made of glass (round-bottomed flask, beaked distilling cap, recipient vessel) on an iron stand. Next to it a sandclock and a copper astrological calendar are to be seen (Fig. 32.). Some of the Roman balances bear the Austrian stamp of calibration used in the second half of the 18th century. Next to them the weights used in Austrian medicine are put on display (1 pound = 420 g— 24 lat) (1 lat=less than half an ounce) etc. (Fig. 33.). Among the laboratorical instruments produced in Hungary (boiling flask, retort, distilling cap) one can see the predecessor of the pipette, the small sampling tube called "lopó" (Fig. 34.). Among the bronze scoops and colanders there are more and less sensitive balances exhibited. The case of one of them contains a measuring-tube of the manipulum (" marok"=a handful ...) the unit of dry measure. The interesting suspended balance on the wooden stand was used in the "Helping Virgin" Pharmacy founded in Mosonmagyaróvár in 1690. The pointed wooden pyramid of special elaboration rises from a pedestal of two drawers. An animal's head is fixed to it which holds the two beams of the balance. The bars holding the scale-pans can be disconnected and they are fixed to the pans. Despite its contradictions it is a unique piece, one of the most precious objects of the museum (Fig. 35.). An Italian engraving, a contemporary diploma, a large acid container, wooden and brass mortars, South-German salt-glazed medicine-water containers render a varied effect where modern installation harmonizes with the relics of the past that have come down to us. In the corner there is bronze mortar with handles in the form of dolphins. It bears a carved calligraphic inscription which reads: "ANSPACH SCHE HOF : APOTHECKE" and below it: "A (nno). 1785". Close to the rim of the foot the name of the owner has been inscribed: "I. E. BRUCKNER H. (of) APOTHECKER". The baroque laboratory balance derives from Szombathely from the 18th century. It stands on a spiral column, on its two equally long beams large scale-pans are suspended on chains. The richly decorated dial-plate is suspended in a simple V-formation. The work of the unknown master is a real masterpiece which is also proved by its balance as light as air. (Fig. 36.). The pharmacy cabinet belonged to the "Szerecsen" Pharmacy founded in 1692 in Pécs. The four-feet high cabinet with two doors boarded with walnut is a beautiful example of the well-balanced Louis seize style. It was made specifically for the purpose of pharmacy administration. Its cover can be opened up and used as an oblique desk-leaf. Beyond the doors decorated with chesspatterned marquetry a system of drawers can be found labelled alphabetically for the purpose of storing receipts. Mention should be made of the refined strap-hinges and bronze drawer pulls.
