Difference between revisions of "Apothecary"

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'''Pharmacy''' shops — for the word goes back to that time — act alongside [[Physician (profession)|physicians]] and [[Cleric (class)|clerics]] with regards to patient care and the distribution of [[Medicinal Plants (substance)|medicinal plants]]. These shops are located in affluent quarters, distinctly apart from the public bazaar or typical commercial districtsApothecaries prefer quiet, as this aids in their studies and practice, as their work requires a high degree of focus and deliberation.  It is not uncommon to find that the apothecary's shop is closed for an hour or more at a time, or being overseen by an apprentice while the apothecary is unavailableApothecaries are knowledgeable about a wide range of subjects and know a great many peopleAs such, they will suffer questions, the answers to which may require a waiting period, as the apothecary turns to both literary and personal resources and acquaintances.
+
[[File:Apothecary.jpg|right|525px|thumb]]
 +
'''Apothecary''' shops were essential establishments that play an important part of the time period's medical care.  Often nestled in the heart of bustling medieval towns, their rustic facades adorned with wooden signs bearing symbolic images and Latin inscriptions that hint at their medicinal offerings and [[Medicinal Plants (substance)|plants]].  Professions associated with these shops include [[Physician (profession)|physicians]], [[Herbalist (profession)|herbalists]] and even [[Cleric (class)|clerics]] and in a less savoury light, [[Assassin (class)|assassins]] as well.
 +
__TOC__
 +
As evidence of their apparent wealth, a typical shop is a timber-framed structure, its beams adorned with intricate carvings and decorative ironworkBuildings occur in affluent districts and are likely two or three stories high, and the shop's main entrance is flanked by large, leaded glass windows adorned with ornate wrought iron bars, allowing the warm, golden glow of candlelight to spill onto the cobblestone street outsideThe traditional figure on the shop's sign is a serpent intertwined with a staff, a symbol often associated with healing in the 16th centuryEuropean shops offer a Latin inscription that proudly proclaim, "Apotheca Medicamentorum."
  
'''[[Pricing (trade)|Prices]]''' shown are for the city of '''London''', EnglandOther markets worldwide will have different prices, depending upon their access to [[Transport (trade)|transport]] and [[Locating References (trade)|location of resources]].
+
== Atmosphere ==
 +
Upon entering the apothecary shop, one is enveloped in a rich tapestry of scents - the earthy aroma of dried herbs, the pungent fragrance of spices, and the sweet perfume of floral extracts. The shop is a cozy, dimly lit space, its wooden shelves and counters lined with an array of glass jars, wooden boxes, and ceramic pots containing ingredients and remediesThe atmosphere in the apothecary shop is one of quiet reverence and curiosity, with the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows on the aged wooden beams. The apothecary moves with deliberate grace, measuring out ingredients, grinding herbs, and offering counsel to the afflicted. The gentle rustling of parchment and the soft clinking of glass vials provide a soothing backdrop to the ancient art of healing practiced within these walls.
  
Exchange Rates:
+
The shop is not only a place of commerce, but a haven of knowledge, tradition and hope, where the mysteries of nature and the art of healing intertwine to serve the health and well-being of many important persons. Apothecaries possess a broad knowledge spanning various subjects and have a wide network of acquaintances. Consequently, they frequently encounter inquiries that necessitate a brief waiting period as the apothecary consults both literary references and personal connections to provide accurate answers.
: 1 g.p. = 16 s.p. = 192 c.p.
 
: 1 s.p. = 12 c.p.
 
<br>
 
  
{| class="wikitable" text-align: center; background-color:#d4f2f2;"
+
=== Herbs & Botanicals ===
|-
+
The heart of the apothecary shop lies in its extensive collection of herbs and botanicals. Dried herbs hang from the ceiling in bundles, and colorful flowers, roots, and leaves are neatly arranged in wooden drawers and glass jars. Herbs like chamomile, lavender, and rosemary are prized for their healing properties, while exotic spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom are displayed alongside them, used not only for flavor but also for medicinal purposes.
! style="width: 140px|Item/Service !! style="width: 385px|Description !! style="width: 50px|Price !! style="width: 50px|Weight
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Herbs & Plants|agrimonia, flower]] || contained in paper box, 3 in. by 2 in. square (4 doses); aids fertility; see wiki || align="right"|2 g.p. || align="right"|0.12 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|alchemist's tooth || ivory-shaped tooth; with compartment for [[Poison (substance)|poison]]; released upon bite or crushing blow; poison not included || align="right"|59 g.p. || align="right"|0.06 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Herbs & Plants|alder catkins, flower]] || contained in paper box, 3 in. by 2 in. square (4 doses); treats skin [[Disease|disease]], heals insect bites || align="right"|5 g.p. || align="right"|0.12 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Aliphatic (substance)|aliphatic]] || poison extract; contained in 3 oz. apothecary's pot || align="right"|12 g.p. || align="right"|0.16 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Herbs & Plants|aloe vera]] || plant; extract of aloe, contained in glass vial; protects against the sun || align="right"|31 s.p. || align="right"|0.25 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Alum (substance)|alum, purified]] || mineral; contained in paper box, 1 in. by 2 in. square; emetic; anti-hemorrhagent & anti-narcotic || align="right"|7 s.p. || align="right"|0.18 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Amaranth (herb)|amaranth, flower]] || contained in paper box, 3 in. by 2 in. square (1 dose); aids immortality || align="right"|30 g.p. || align="right"|0.12 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Aqua Fortis (substance)|aqua fortis]] || [[Acid (substance)|acid]]; contained in glass phial (1 fl.oz.); dissolves silver; used as cleaning agent for bone, ivory, gems & more || align="right"|3 s.p. || align="right"|0.09 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Aqua Regis (substance)|aqua regis]] || acid; contained in glass phial (1 fl.oz.); dissolves gold & platinum; used in etching || align="right"|6 s.p. || align="right"|0.09 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Arsenic (substance)|arsenic, purified]] || poison; contained in paper box, ½ in. by 1 in. square (6 doses) || align="right"|3 s.p. || align="right"|0.09 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Asphyxiant (substance)|asphyxiant]] || poison extract; 3 fl.oz. contained in apothecary's pot || align="right"|130 g.p. || align="right"|0.16 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|bandage, cotton || 4 in. by 72 in., sufficient for one [[Wounds|wound]] || align="right"|2 c.p. || align="right"|0.21 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Betel Nut (remedy)|betel nut]] || remedy; powdered in paper box, 1 in. by 2 in. square (2 doses); removes parasitic infestations || align="right"|21 g.p. || align="right"|0.28 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Bikh (substance)|bikh]] || poison extract, contained in 3 oz. in apothecary's pot || align="right"|1,058 g.p. || align="right"|0.16 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Blue Mass (remedy)|blue mass]] || contained in apothecary's pot, 3 oz. (1 dose); curative for madness, charm || align="right"|8 g.p. || align="right"|0.22 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|bone shard, human]] || fragment of human femur or rib || align="right"|5 g.p. || align="right"|0.03 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|borax || contained in paper box, 3 in. by 2 in. square; fire retardant || align="right"|4 g.p. || align="right"|2.22 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|boric acid || contained in glass phial (1 fl.oz.); anti-hemorrhagent || align="right"|3 g.p. || align="right"|0.09 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Boric Serum (remedy)|boric serum]] || contained in apothecary's pot; closes wounds, treats fungal infestations || align="right"|15 g.p. || align="right"|0.25 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Camphor Oil (remedy)|camphor oil]] || contained in gluepot, 8 oz.; flammable; insect repellent & embalming || align="right"|5 g.p. || align="right"|0.63 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|carp, minnow, live]] || in jar with water || align="right"|3 s.p. || align="right"|0.16 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|caustic soda || powdered, contained in flask; reacts explosively in water || align="right"|15 s.p. || align="right"|0.65 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Citronella Oil|citronella oil]] || contained in glass phial; effective insect repellent || align="right"|5 g.p. || align="right"|0.09 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Conium Maculatum (substance)|conium maculatum]] || "hemlock;" poison extract; contained in apothecary's pot || align="right"|94 g.p. || align="right"|0.16 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Cosmetic (substance)|cosmetic]] (cochineal) || contained in apothecary's pot; adds ruby red to carmine colours || align="right"|168 g.p. || align="right"|0.18 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|cosmetic (henna) || contained in apothecary's pot; adds blonde, gold & copper colours || align="right"|188 g.p. || align="right"|0.18 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|cosmetic (indigo) || contained in apothecary's pot; adds blue to violet colours || align="right"|309 g.p. || align="right"|0.18 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|cosmetic (madder) || contained in apothecary's pot; adds brownish red colours || align="right"|210 g.p. || align="right"|0.18 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|cosmetic (ochre) || contained in apothecary's pot; adds earth to orange colours || align="right"|142 g.p. || align="right"|0.18 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|cosmetic (white) || contained in apothecary's pot; adds white colour || align="right"|40 g.p. || align="right"|0.18 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|cricket, live, old]] || 6 years old; contained in glass jar || align=right|3 g.p. || align="right"|0.21 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|cricket, live, young]] || one season old, contained in glass jar || align=right|3 s.p. || align="right"|0.21 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Alchemy|devil's dung]] || resin; contained in paper box, 1 in. by 2 in. square (1 dose); protects against [[Demonic Possession|demonic possession]] || align=right|9 g.p. || align="right"|0.24 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|bone shard, dragon]] || fragment of dragon toe || align=right|30 g.p. || align="right"|0.31 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|egg, rotten]] || hardboiled || align=right|24 c.p. || align="right"|0.11 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|Epsom salt || contained in double hemp sack; sufficient for 40 baths || align=right|16 s.p. || align="right"|20.00 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|Epsom salt, medicinal || contained in paper box, 1 in. by 2 in. square (7 doses); purgative || align=right|12 c.p. || align="right"|0.77 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Euphoric (substance)|euphoric]] || poison extract; 3 oz. contained in apothecary's pot; causes madness or delirium || align=right|2 g.p. || align="right"|0.16 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|eyeball, human]] || preserved with glaze || align=right|8 g.p. || align="right"|0.03 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|eyeglass rims, silver || suitable for framing lenses; glass not included || align=right|17 s.p. || align="right"|0.15 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Faerie Oil (substance)|faerie oil]] || faerie hallucinogenic & addiction; contained in glass vial; animation catalyst || align=right|127 g.p. || align="right"|0.10 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|flesh, human]] || 4 oz. dried flesh; no container || align=right|11 g.p. || align="right"|0.25 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Alchemy|four thieves' vinegar (remedy)]] || contained in flask (1 dose); plague remedy || align=right|17 g.p. || align="right"|0.63 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|glue || stickum; 8 fl.oz. contained in gluepot || align=right|3 s.p. || align="right"|0.65 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|graveyard dirt]] || sifted & cleaned; contained in paper box, 3 in. by 2 in. || align=right|12 s.p. || align="right"|2.29 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Gripcolle (substance)|gripcolle]] || gripping paste; 3 doses; provides a semi-permanent seal || align=right|4 g.p. || align="right"|0.25 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|guano || delivered by cart; sufficient for fertilizing 10 acres || align=right|15 g.p. || align="right"|90.00 lbs.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Alchemy|gum ammoniac]] || resin; contained in paper box, 3 in. by 2 in. square (4 doses); treats respiratory disease || align="right"|19 g.p. || align="right"|0.73 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Healing Salve (remedy)|healing salve]] || contained in apothecary's pot (1 dose); heals [[Hit Points|hit points]] || align="right"|17 g.p. || align="right"|0.18 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|horn, cow's || whole, cleaned; used as horn || align="right"|13 c.p. || align="right"|1.00 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|horn, rhinocerous || powdered; contained in paper box, 1 in. by 2 in. square; tonic || align="right"|7 s.p. || align="right"|0.30 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|ichor]], [[Doppleganger|doppleganger]] || brain fluid; contained in jar || align="right"|63 g.p. || align="right"|0.73 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|ichor]], [[Goblin|goblin]] || brain fluid; contained in vial || align="right"|3 g.p. || align="right"|0.34 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|ichor]] [[Hobgoblin|hobgoblin]] || brain fluid; contained in jar || align="right"|10 g.p. || align="right"|0.73 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Ink (magical)|ink, magical]] || contained in glass inkwell; sufficient for one quire of paper || align="right"|11 g.p. || align="right"|0.17 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|ink, ordinary || contained in glass inkwell; sufficient for one quire of paper || align="right"|10 s.p. || align="right"|0.17 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Herbs & Plants|Jacob's ladder, dried]] || shaved root; contained in paper box, 3 in. by 2 in. square (4 doses); treats fever & poisonous bites || align="right"|5 g.p. || align="right"|0.33 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|leeches]] || 21-30 in number, contained in a flask with water || align="right"|7 c.p. || align="right"|0.63 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|lodestone || naturally magnetic rock; walnut-sized || align="right"|12 s.p. || align="right"|0.16 lb
 
|-
 
| align="left"|lye || powdered; contained in flask; acts as a cleaner || align="right"|15 s.p. || align="right"|0.65 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|magnifying glass, brass || hardwood handle, holding 4 in. diameter lens; magnification 18x || align="right"|3 g.p. || align="right"|0.61 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Malus Domestica (substance)|malus domestica]] || poison extract; contained in apothecary's pot; form of asphyxiant || align="right"|6 g.p. || align="right"|0.16 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|mercury, pure || liquid, contained in glass vial || align="right"|20 g.p. || align="right"|3.51 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Monk's Head (mushroom)|monk's head]], toadstool || flaked, contained in paper box, 3 in. by 2 in. square (4 doses); treats hormonal organs, asthma, reduces heart rate & drives off werewolves || align="right"|33 g.p. || align="right"|0.12 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|oak bark]] || broken pieces || align="right"|6 c.p. || align="right"|1.00 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|ostrich feather || single tail feather || align="right"|21 c.p. || align="right"|0.01 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|owl feather || selected perfect tail feather, variant species || align="right"|11 s.p. || align="right"|0.01 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|owl feather, steeped in wine]] || contained in glass vial || align="right"|17 g.p. || align="right"|0.26 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|peacock feather || tail feather || align="right"|2 g.p. || align="right"|0.01 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|plaster || contained in sack; sufficient for 6 sq.yds. surface || align="right"|2 c.p. || align="right"|20.00 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Quicksilver (substance)|quicksilver]] || silvery liquid; contained in glass vial; allows ordinary weapon to function as silvered (1 dose) || align="right"|10 g.p. || align="right"|0.10 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|salt of Ammon || contained in paper box, 1 in. by 2 in. square (10 doses); emetic to induce vomiting, cough suppressant || align="right"|3 s.p. || align="right"|0.66 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|saltpeter || contained in paper box, 1 in. by 2 in. square (30 doses); toothpaste and metal cleaner || align="right"|32 s.p. || align="right"|0.28 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|scarab, live]] || uncommon beetle; contained in glass jar || align="right"|4 g.p. || align="right"|0.21 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|scrollcase, cowhide || waterproof leather tube with hardened lacing cap; 13 in. long || align="right"|3 s.p. || align="right"|0.38 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|sealing wax || wrapped in paper, 4 in. long by 2 in. square; good for sealing 16 cub.in. || align="right"|23 s.p. || align="right"|2.27 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Spell Components|spider, live]] || uncommon spider, contained in glass jar || align="right"|3 g.p. || align="right"|0.21 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|sponge || natural, dried; 3 in. diameter piece || align="right"|9 c.p. || align="right"|0.05 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|sulphur, pulverized || contained in paper box, 3 in. by 2 in. square (2 doses); treats skin disease, [[Acid Attack|attacks fungus & insects]] || align="right"|10 s.p. || align="right"|0.38 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|talc, powdered || contained in paper box, 3 in. by 2 in. square; dessicant, cleaner || align="right"|8 c.p. || align="right"|0.76 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|treant root, heartwood || splinters; wood from the living heart of a treant || align="right"|300 g.p. || align="right"|1.00 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Alchemy|vitriol (blue)]] || "flower of copper"; copper-treated acid; contained in gill bottle (5 doses); treats blindness & eye disease || align="right"|15 s.p. || align="right"|0.31 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Alchemy|vitriol (green)]] || iron-treated acid; contained in gill bottle (5 doses); treats hormonal disease || align="right"|14 s.p. || align="right"|0.31 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|vitriol, oil of || pure acid; contained in gill bottle; dangerous to handle || align="right"|13 s.p. || align="right"|0.31 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|witherite, powdered || weak poison; contained in paper box, ½ in. by 1 in. square || align="right"|2 c.p. || align="right"|0.07 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Wood Alcohol|wood alcohol]] || wood spirit; contained in gill bottle; anti-freeze, solvent, attacks molds & jellies || align="right"|5 g.p. || align="right"|0.31 lb.
 
|-
 
| align="left"|[[Equipment Notes#Herbs & Plants|woundwort (stem)]] || contained in paper box, 3 in. by 2 in. square (4 doses); treats weak heart || align="right"|23 g.p. || align="right"|0.41 lb.
 
|}
 
  
 +
=== Pharmaceutical Equipment ===
 +
The apothecary possesses an assortment of peculiar instruments, from mortars and pestles for grinding herbs to alembics and retorts for distillation and extraction. These tools are meticulously arranged on shelves and in cabinets, each piece bearing the marks of age and use. They are essential for preparing tinctures, elixirs, and remedies.
  
See [[List of Vendors]]
+
== Customers ==
 +
Apothecaries value tranquility, as it greatly aids their studies and practice, given that their work demands a high degree of concentration and careful consideration. It's not unusual to discover that the apothecary's shop remains closed for an hour or even longer, or is temporarily overseen by an apprentice when the apothecary is unavailable.
  
[[Category: Lacks Image]]
+
Nonetheless, customers from all walks of life — but more commonly the wealthy — visit, seeking relief from various maladies.  Gentry, commoners and foreign travellers poke about the shop's wares and consult with the apothecary or whichever apprentice is available.  Some come with their own containers, hoping to purchase remedies in bulk.  Rustics sometimes wander in to provide collected herbs in exchange for a few [[Coin (monetary unit)|coins]].
 +
 
 +
Apothecaries also participate in intellectual discussions and share their findings, contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge. This collaborative spirit fosters a sense of community and mutual support among practitioners of the healing arts.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
See also,<br>
 +
[[Equipment Notes]]<br>
 +
[[Healing Salve (remedy)]]
 +
 
 +
[[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 23:25, 29 October 2023

Apothecary.jpg

Apothecary shops were essential establishments that play an important part of the time period's medical care. Often nestled in the heart of bustling medieval towns, their rustic facades adorned with wooden signs bearing symbolic images and Latin inscriptions that hint at their medicinal offerings and plants. Professions associated with these shops include physicians, herbalists and even clerics — and in a less savoury light, assassins as well.

As evidence of their apparent wealth, a typical shop is a timber-framed structure, its beams adorned with intricate carvings and decorative ironwork. Buildings occur in affluent districts and are likely two or three stories high, and the shop's main entrance is flanked by large, leaded glass windows adorned with ornate wrought iron bars, allowing the warm, golden glow of candlelight to spill onto the cobblestone street outside. The traditional figure on the shop's sign is a serpent intertwined with a staff, a symbol often associated with healing in the 16th century. European shops offer a Latin inscription that proudly proclaim, "Apotheca Medicamentorum."

Atmosphere

Upon entering the apothecary shop, one is enveloped in a rich tapestry of scents - the earthy aroma of dried herbs, the pungent fragrance of spices, and the sweet perfume of floral extracts. The shop is a cozy, dimly lit space, its wooden shelves and counters lined with an array of glass jars, wooden boxes, and ceramic pots containing ingredients and remedies. The atmosphere in the apothecary shop is one of quiet reverence and curiosity, with the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows on the aged wooden beams. The apothecary moves with deliberate grace, measuring out ingredients, grinding herbs, and offering counsel to the afflicted. The gentle rustling of parchment and the soft clinking of glass vials provide a soothing backdrop to the ancient art of healing practiced within these walls.

The shop is not only a place of commerce, but a haven of knowledge, tradition and hope, where the mysteries of nature and the art of healing intertwine to serve the health and well-being of many important persons. Apothecaries possess a broad knowledge spanning various subjects and have a wide network of acquaintances. Consequently, they frequently encounter inquiries that necessitate a brief waiting period as the apothecary consults both literary references and personal connections to provide accurate answers.

Herbs & Botanicals

The heart of the apothecary shop lies in its extensive collection of herbs and botanicals. Dried herbs hang from the ceiling in bundles, and colorful flowers, roots, and leaves are neatly arranged in wooden drawers and glass jars. Herbs like chamomile, lavender, and rosemary are prized for their healing properties, while exotic spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom are displayed alongside them, used not only for flavor but also for medicinal purposes.

Pharmaceutical Equipment

The apothecary possesses an assortment of peculiar instruments, from mortars and pestles for grinding herbs to alembics and retorts for distillation and extraction. These tools are meticulously arranged on shelves and in cabinets, each piece bearing the marks of age and use. They are essential for preparing tinctures, elixirs, and remedies.

Customers

Apothecaries value tranquility, as it greatly aids their studies and practice, given that their work demands a high degree of concentration and careful consideration. It's not unusual to discover that the apothecary's shop remains closed for an hour or even longer, or is temporarily overseen by an apprentice when the apothecary is unavailable.

Nonetheless, customers from all walks of life — but more commonly the wealthy — visit, seeking relief from various maladies. Gentry, commoners and foreign travellers poke about the shop's wares and consult with the apothecary or whichever apprentice is available. Some come with their own containers, hoping to purchase remedies in bulk. Rustics sometimes wander in to provide collected herbs in exchange for a few coins.

Apothecaries also participate in intellectual discussions and share their findings, contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge. This collaborative spirit fosters a sense of community and mutual support among practitioners of the healing arts.


See also,
Equipment Notes
Healing Salve (remedy)