The leech was indispensable in 19th Century medicine for bloodletting, a practice believed to be a cure for anything from headache to gout. As the use of leeches increased many pharmacists became responsible for their care and dispensation.

Ornate leech jars, usually manufactured by English pottery firms such as Alcock in Staffordshire, were used to store the leeches. The perforated lid allowed free flow of air to enable the leeches to breathe.

Biopharm has commissioned a limited quantity of replica leech jars copied from an original 19th Century glazed earthenware leech jar. The cylindrical jar is 15cm high with the word LEECHES in black lettering.

The lid has fine perforations and is topped with a rose-shaped knob. The base of the jar is marked BIOPHARM (UK) LTD - SUPPLIERS OF LEECHES SINCE 1812.