Lot Essay
On the 29th of January 1671 Samuel Stringer was appointed to Operator of the Company of Apothecaries, London. He resigned in 1673, but continued medical and pharmaceuticle interests into the 18th century, and it is probable that the name on the present mortar refers to him.
Srce. The Gideon de Laure lecture, read to the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 18 May 1977. Dr T.D. Whitter C.B.E. Hon. DSc. (Bath).
The mortar eventually came into the possesion of Gale & Co of Bouverie St London, founded in 1786 which merged with Baiss Bros Ltd also of London in 1934 to form Gale Baiss & Co Ltd. W.H.F. Walton joined the company in 1946 and after it was aquired by Horlicks Ltd in 1962 the mortar was taken to Slough where it languished in the cellars until re-discovered and aquired by Mr Walton around 1970. Sold Sotheby's, Pulborough, 14 May 1985, lot 546.
Srce. The Gideon de Laure lecture, read to the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 18 May 1977. Dr T.D. Whitter C.B.E. Hon. DSc. (Bath).
The mortar eventually came into the possesion of Gale & Co of Bouverie St London, founded in 1786 which merged with Baiss Bros Ltd also of London in 1934 to form Gale Baiss & Co Ltd. W.H.F. Walton joined the company in 1946 and after it was aquired by Horlicks Ltd in 1962 the mortar was taken to Slough where it languished in the cellars until re-discovered and aquired by Mr Walton around 1970. Sold Sotheby's, Pulborough, 14 May 1985, lot 546.