Ede's Chemical Cabinet Amateur Laboratory Set, 1837.

A fine Ede's Chemical Cabinet Amateur Laboratory Set. Ede, chemist and perfumer to Queen Victoria, was a major manufacturer of pharmaceuticals and medical products in the 19th century. This large set was designed for druggists to examine drugs and for chemical manufacturers to test the strength of their products. Divided into several sections, the top level contains a tray with 28 turned-wooden circular boxes containing the principle chemicals, two large sliding boxes containing bicarbonate of soda and manganese peroxide, and some bottles with ground-glass stoppers. The second layer houses test tubes and other glasswork. Right of the cabinet is a drawer containing a test tube holder, funnels, crucibles and a spirit burner. The lift-out tray contains wights, a selection of litmus, Tumeric and filter papers, a further selection of 36 chemical boxes, including one labelled platinum foil. The set also contains the remainder of the stand, crucible holders, petri dishes, bowls, a charming miniature mortar & pestle, a bone-handed chemical spoon and pallet knife, wadding and horsehair (?). Built of mahogany, with mother-of-pearl inset on the lid, overall measures (13 x 10.5 x 7in) 33 x 26.6 x 18cm