The carboy
#SUBHEADING#A symbol and a storage jar#SUBHEADINGEND# Carboys have become a recognisable symbol of pharmacists worldwide. A good example, complete with colourful contents, is displayed in the shop window of Castelow's chemist shop which is now recreated in the Streetlife Museum, Hull. The term carboy comes from the Persian word qarabah or qarrabah, meaning "large flagon." It is thought that carboys originate from the Near East, where drug sellers used large glass vessels, filled with coloured liquids, especially rosewater and wine, in their stalls. #SUBHEADING#Adopted by pharmacists#SUBHEADINGEND# The use of the carboy as a symbol for pharmacists dates back to 1600 when they were used to distinguish between pharmacists and apothecaries (who used a pestle and mortar as their sign). In the 1700s they became even more familiar as a pharmaceutical sign when shop windows were made in bigger panes and large window displays were possible. As a result, ornamental carboys became a familiar window decoration. #SUBHEADING#Designs#SUBHEADINGEND# #IMAGE#The most popular designs were the 'onion,' the 'pear' and the 'swan neck' shaped carboys. The vessels are impressive not only because of the shape and size but the brightly coloured liquid that was, and still is, displayed in them. Today, this is usually food colouring in water but originally chemicals, which were often dangerous, were used. The bright colours were not only intended to attract customers but also likely to represent certain things. For example blue and red may have represented venous (deoxygenated) and arterial (oxygenated) blood. The colour of the liquid could also represent chemical substances, for example yellow for gold, green for copper and purple for mercury. Although the carboy is still a widely used symbol for pharmacists and some can still be found in shop windows, they are no longer a common sight and instead we see advertisements and the latest products.
Reckitts of Hull
The Reckitts company name is nationally and internationally renowned for its quality of production in household cleaners and pharmaceuticals. A family run business, it has provided local employment for over 160 years, and is responsible for the manufacture of many famous household brands including Dettol, Harpic and Lemsip.
Making the medicines
Whilst there were a number of medicines which were ordered from outside companies, most remedies were composed behind the chemist's counter. It was a time consuming and skilled process. Read on to discover the life of a pill, from mortar to medicine bottle.
159 Woodhouse Lane
Mr Walter Thomas Castelow's shop at 159 Woodhouse Lane was the oldest surviving chemist shop in Leeds when it was demolished for the redevelopment of the University in 1976.
From 159 Woodhouse Lane to Hull Streetlife Museum
When Mr Castelow died at the age of 98 his chemist shop which had stood at 159 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, for 133 years, was to be demolished. Realising the potential loss, Mr Castelow's will provided that the shop's unique contents be preserved within a Yorkshire Museum.
Danger in the Dispensary
We visit a chemist shop assuming we will be given a safe and helpful remedy to cure our complaints. Today that is just what we receive but in the past there was a darker more dangerous side to the local pharmacy. Read on to discover a taste of the old medicine.
Working Life
This section contains stories about the work that people used to do. Some relate to famous Hull companies that are still around today such as Reckitts. Others tell of less well-known craft firms and makers of the past. These include Richardson's furniture company and the goldsmiths of Church Lane. Many Hull soft drink and beer makers used bottles were made that feature Hull landmarks like the Wilberforce Monument. Shops were also important places of work for many.
