Overview

Show globes were glass vessels that were usually filled with brightly colored liquids. They were hung outside or displayed in the windows of apothecary or druggist shops. The show globes symbolized not only that drugs could be purchased at that location, but also that they were open for business.
The use of show globes dates back to the time of Julius Caesar (100-44 BCE). Other sources date their use to the Middle East during the invasion of Islam.

The show globe first appeared in England in the 1600's as a drugstore symbol. The use of the show globe allowed those who were iliterate to quickly find shops that supplied drugs and medical treatment by recognizing the brightly colored globes outside the storefront or in the store window.

Show globes distinguished the pharmacy or druggist from any other shop.