Rare and exceptional apothecary press in monolithic... Lot 37

Rare and exceptional apothecary press in monolithic stone, square in shape, carved and surrounded on 3/4 of a gutter opening into a ram's head-shaped drain. This press was used a press with a worm screw, similar to those used by printers. Later wooden lid. Venice, before 1500 (slight wear). Height: 47 cm - Width: 53 cm - Depth: 49 cm. Used in the past for the vegetable extracts according to the method of the cold pressure. The origin of the extraction of the vegetable active principles is lost in the mists of time. A plant extract is imperatively obtained by solid/liquid extraction possibly followed by purification steps. Most vegetable oils are obtained from oilseed fruits or seeds. In order to produce the "final" oil, the latter undergoes a preparation: the leaves and stems are removed, the seeds are dehulled and sometimes slightly heated in order to fluidify the oil and increase the yield. The virgin oils are marketed at this stage, just after the press. It is at this stage that the oils are richest in active molecules. It is advisable to favour the most respectful extraction of the raw materials: cold extraction.