original civil war-era refinished cast iron drugstore or druggists deep bowl mortar and pestle. pedestal base free from cracks and/or breaks. the tapered pedestal is fashioned with a typical blunt end. fabricator unknown. brushed metal surface. mortars and pestles were traditionally used in pharmacies to crush various ingredients prior to preparing an extemporaneous prescription. the mortar and pestle, along with the rod of asclepius, the green cross, and others, is one of the most pervasive symbols of pharmacology due to its classical use in medicine. the metal mortar and pestle fell out of use beginning in the early 20th century, due to the excessive weight and difficulties involving rust and corrosion prevention from everyday cleaning.