The forms of pharmacy ceramic ware

• ALBARELLO
  
  The first form of pharmacy container was called the albarello.
  Very probably its shape imitated a section of bamboo. It was used to transport drugs from the Orient until the thirteenth century.
  It is suited to the conservation of soft, doughy medicaments, confections and syrups.
  They varied from between 15 and 30 centimetres in height, and were typically bobbin-shaped with two cambers or, occasionally, a lengthened body.



 
• ORCIOLO
  
  The orciolo is a large terracotta vase used to hold oil and other liquids.
  It has two handles, a large mouth and often a spout to pour the liquid more easily.
  Its average size is approximately 20 centimetres in height.



 
• JUGS
  
  Jugs generally have an oval body and a single handle, preferably flat.
  They also have a narrow lip or a flared mouth.
  Made in majolica, they are suited to holding and pouring liquids.
  Average height 22 centimetres.



 
• HYDRIAS
  
  Hydrias generally have a rounded belly and two handles.
  They were used by apothecaries to hold water, to which would be added distillates of plants and flowers.



 
• 
• FLASKS AND BOTTLES
  
  A flask has a rounded body, a short neck and a large mouth.
  Bottles are cylindrical or globular with a long neck and small mouth.
  Both are used to hold distilled liquids and medicinal wines.



 
• PILL BOXES
  
  Pill boxes are usually cylindrical with a tight-fitting lid.
  They are used to protect medicinal pills from the air and humidity.



 
• OINTMENT JARS
  
  Small and cylindrical, ointment jars were used to deliver an ointment or unguent to the patient.
  This type of medicament, which was widely used, was made by mixing powdered plants with vegetable or animal fats.



 
• ELECTUARIES
  
  Electuaries are named after a medicinal preparation made from the juice of several plants mixed with sugar or honey.
  Substances of animal origin could also be added, as occurred in the preparation of theriac, the best known medicine in traditional medicine.
  Electuaries (the containers) had a larger mouth than an alberello and their contents were indicated on a label.