| Description | This is a dispensing scale. The scale is mounted on a wooden base, which features a drawer with a knob for storing different metal (brass, silver) weights, an empty box, and a piece of paper with black ink writing: "The mixture. One teaspoonful to be taken three times a day. Shake the bottle" and a cork stopper.
The balance mechanism, secured with a brass pedal-cotton string mechanism, is made of brass and includes a horizontal beam supported by a central column. Two pans are attached to the beam: one made of brass suspended by three chains, and one of clear glass. The weights are of different sizes and metals, mostly square, with the weight engraved on each. The scale shows heavy signs of wear and tear (corrosion), and the wooden cabinet is heavily stained with a blue substance, possibly the content of the mixture. |