In 1777 Dr Stephen Hempsted had his new invention patented. His ‘Pulverising Mill’ was designed to replace mortar and pestles for preparing medicines. A new industrial age had begun and medical treatments were part of this new WHOLESALE era. The Pulverising Mill was far more efficient in preparing large quantities of medicines!
Footnote:
I collect images of mortar and pestle signs that still hang above chemist shops: