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Printing-matrix
Printing-Block
Woodblock

Object number

LDSAL2022.1.230

Production date

19th century

Material

wood
paper

Technique

Carving
Wood Engraving (Process)

Dimensions

height: 74mm
width: 87mm
depth: 25mm

Location

Burlington House -

References

Reference details

pp. 35-41

Reference (free text)

Thursday, May 22nd, 1873, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of London, Volume 6, April 1876.

Reference association

illustrated

Reference note

Image printed on a plate facing p. 39.
    Rectangular wooden printing block showing:- Obverse: carved and engraved design depicting the obverse of a quadrilateral Roman oculist stamp, a piece of medical equipment used by eye doctors to mark semi-hardened containers of ointment. It contains four inscriptions in Latin engraved next to each edge, denoting the sides on which they are inscribed, and two further inscriptions on the body. Ink residue remaining on surface. Reverse: printer's waste paper attached to surface.
    "These small stone stamps were used for marking semi-solid sticks of eye-ointment (called "collyria") before they hardened. The edges of the stamp are engraved with abbreviated Latin inscriptions in reverse. When stamped into the ointment, the impressions could be read correctly." (Source: http://rumblemuseum.org.uk/index.php/collections/departmental/51-history-of-medicine-collection/history-of-medicine-collection-roman-medieval/401-oculist-s-stamp).

    Obverse view of LDSAL2022.1.231.

    Digitised thanks to the kind donation of Dr Edward Harris MBE FSA.