Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Mould for suppositories by S. Maw, Son & Thompson (second half of the 19^th century)

This item is a mould to make suppositories (Figure 1). The instrument is engraved with “S. MAW, SON & THOMPSON, LONDON”, and should be dated to the second half of the 19^th century. Suppositories were made by adding herb material to gelatine or cocoa butter and pouring this fluid medication into the mould (with the unit closed). When the medium is set, the unit is unscrewed, and the bullet shaped suppositories removed.

The Maw’s firm had its origins with George Maw, who, in 1807 started a partnership with his wife’s cousin Hornby in Fenchurch Street. In 1814, George purchased the business of a surgical instrument maker in Whitecross Street. In 1825, he moved to 56 Aldersgate Street, and his sons John Hornby and Solomon joined the company. George retired in 1829 and the firm moved again in 1834 to 11 Aldersgate Street, under the leadership of his son Solomon. Solomon’s son Charles joined the company in 1860, and the firm became S. Maw and Son. Sometime in the 1870s, the firm became S. Maw, Son & Thompson. In the very early 1900s, John Thomson retired, and the firm was renamed to S Maw, Son & Sons. In 1940, the firm was again renamed to Maws Pharmacy Supplies Limited, and moved to Monken Hadley, Barnet, England.

Figure 1. Mould to make suppositories made by S. Maw Son & Thompson, as engraved in an 1891 catalogue of the firm.