Pistula

A pistula (Latin for "pestle") is a tool used to crush, grind, or mix substances by pressing down and rotating inside a mortar. It is typically a heavy, blunt, club-shaped object made of a durable material like wood, stone, ceramic, metal, or glass. The handle of the pistula allows the user to apply leverage and control while grinding.

The pistula is used in conjunction with a mortar, which is a bowl-shaped vessel, often made of the same material. The substance to be ground is placed in the mortar, and the pistula is then used to press and rotate against it, reducing the substance to a finer consistency.

Pistulae have been used for centuries in cooking, pharmacy, alchemy, and various other fields to prepare ingredients, medications, pigments, and other materials. The size and shape of the pistula can vary depending on its intended use and the materials being processed. Larger, heavier pistulae are typically used for coarser materials, while smaller, finer pistulae are used for more delicate substances.