Powder was one of the most popular forms of medications prepared in pharmacies. They were prepared by crushing medicinal raw material in a mortar and mixing it with an excipient, which was usually sugar or powdered licorice root (Glycyrrhiza L.). If the powder contained light substances, the patient usually received the medication at the pharmacy and divided it into doses at home (for example, using a teaspoon). If the powder contained potent substances, the medicine was divided into doses at the pharmacy. The powder was filled into small envelopes, known as paper capsules, or starch capsules called cachets (capsulae amylaceae). The medication stored in paper bags had to be scooped with a teaspoon, while the starch capsules could be swallowed whole. Starch capsules were first filled with powder by the French pharmacist Stanislas Limousin (1831-1887). Various types of instruments were used to pour the powder into capsules, and they were gradually improved to minimize the need to touch the capsules with fingers. The set presented consisted of small instruments for measuring and pouring powder and articulated plates. The bottoms of the capsules were placed in the holes of the plates, and with proper manipulation, the capsules filled with powder were automatically closed with lids.