The owner of this item noted that it is a crossover collectible, since those interested in quack medical items or miniature oil lamps would find it appealing. It was originally used to hold an elixer in the top bowl and the oil lamp would heat the mixture to release "healing" vapors into the air. See next photo for a close view.
Quack Medical Device Using Miniature Oil Lamp
By Pamela Wiggins, About.com Guide
This quack medical device was one of the many antiques and collectibles displayed at eBay Live! 2006.
Quack Medical Device Using Miniature Oil Lamp
-Pamela Wiggins©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.