We find no information in our references regarding Masons efforts to provide vessels for scientific or apothecary endeavors.  We do know, however, that such demand was great enough for Wedgwood to offer an entire line of stoneware equipment, including mortar and pestle sets, starting in the late 18th century.

This stoneware mortar is identical to those offered by Wedgwood. Obviously, the Masons potters were making an effort to access  this niche market as well, but the rarity of such pieces indicates that Mason's venture was much less successful.  In the competitive environment of the Staffordshire potteries, one might surmise that this set--boldly displaying the maker's mark--represents some degree of industrial intrigue.

In our reference resources, we find only two brief listings for a Masons mortar and pestle;

Gaye Blake Roberts, in an illustration at the very end of her work, Masons: The First Two Hundred Years illustrates a mortar and pestle, marked in the manner of our example. She notes that it is a "very hard vitrified stoneware body" (p.128).

In a 1987 Masons exhibition and sale catalog from Samlesbury Hall, (Preston, U.K.),  Lot 30 is a mortar and pestle with the notation "Rare."