Various Cast Iron Mortar and Pestles

Cast Iron Mortar and Pestles
Metal mortar and pestles have fallen out of use in the modern practice of pharmacy. They are very heavy compared to glass mortars and are more difficult to clean and keep form corroding and rusting with everyday use and cleaning.
These metal apothecary relics of the Civil War were used to coursely grind herbs and botanicals back in the 1800's. 
The practice of compounding owes much to the metal mortar and pestle. Metal was much more durable than porcelain.