Show globe

Show globe

A show globe is a glass vessel of various shapes and sizes containing a colorful liquid. It was a symbol of the pharmacy profession, originating from the red and white barber pole. Show globes were used in England and America from as early as the 1600s until the early 20th century.

History

The show globe originated from the barber's pole of barber surgeons, and it was a universal symbol of the pharmacy profession. The tradition of show globes began in Europe, notably in England and the Netherlands, where they were a common sight on chemists' counters from the 17th century and continued to be used until the early 20th century.

Design

Show globes were traditionally made of glass and filled with colored liquids. The color of the liquid in the globe is of no specific significance, as it was purely for show and did not represent the type of medicine being sold. The most common colors used in show globes were red, green, and blue.

Use

Show globes were used by pharmacists to advertise their trade. They were often placed in the window of the pharmacy to attract customers. The show globe would be filled with colored water, and a candle could be placed behind it to illuminate it at night.

Modern Use

Today, show globes are primarily used as decoration or to symbolize the pharmacy profession. They are often seen in the windows of old-fashioned pharmacies and are also used in pharmacy museums and collections.

See Also

• Pharmacy
• Barber's pole
• History of pharmacy