The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7215 p377
14 September 2002

Society summary

Replica leech jars available from Society's museum

The museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has commissioned a range of fine-quality, hand-finished replica leech jars copied from an original held in its own collection and available to purchase at £50 per jar.

The jar in the museum's collection is an example of a 19th century glazed earthenware show jar for leeches. It is urn-shaped and cylindrical with indented bands and a rose-shaped knob to the cover. The cover is finely pierced to admit air. The label lettering is black, although other jars may have red or gold lettering.

The replica jars are 15cm high with a circumference of 15.5cm. They are marked "Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain" on the base.

The museum says that bloodletting was a universal practice among the ancient Greeks and Romans, and it continued through the centuries. By the 18th century, physicians and apothecaries used leeches instead opening veins. Leeches were collected from many parts of Britain, particularly from Yorkshire and the Lake District. Most apothecaries kept a stock of leeches, and hospitals kept large stocks up to the beginning of the 20th century.

For storage, vessels that admitted air were needed. The decoration and ornamentation of these jars grew throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, and they were put into production by many of the large English pottery firms, including Hartley, Green & Co in Leeds and Wedgwood in Staffordshire.

Examples of leech jars and other merchandise from the museum are on display in the reception area of the Society's headquarters and within the library, from which replica leech jars can be purchased. Those unable to visit the library should contact the museum staff for further information (tel 020 7572 2210) or visit the museum section of the Society's website.