Intrigued about this brass tool (?)

I was given this brass tool (?) and would love to know what it's function was. There are no markings on it at all. Any information would be much appreciated.

 

The shape of the holes remind me of those little weights. I would have this sitting out with little bits of sea glass and pretty stones in it.

 

I've seen one of these before.

It's a cachet-making device.

You put the little rice-paper cups inside the holes on both sides, you fill half of them with medicinal powder. You moisten the other halves of the cups with water (to stick them together).

You slam the thing shut and press HARD to glue everything down.

You pull it open and whack it upside down.

Dozens of little rice-paper tablets pop out!

You would've found something like this in an old apothecary's shop, or a pharmacy back in the old days - when pharmacists still manufactured their own drugs to order by the customer.

They went obsolete when factory-made, mass-produced pills became common.

Something like this would be Victorian, or possibly older. Very early 20th century at the most, but by then they were becoming rather old-hat.

 

Very good Shangas, I had never heard of such a thing, so went looking.
Found this.

http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/50972-ricard-digne-cachet-maker

 

@johnnycb09 Yes I had something similar in mind

 

Thank you all very much for the information-much appreciated. It is great to know what it is!

 

You're welcome! But now see here - I expect my powders to be finely ground and correctly proportioned! Hop to it!