The etymon of the Japanese word nyu-bachi (mortar) is unknown. The first step in the research process is to consult books on chemistry and pharmacy published in the 1870s, the first decade of the Meiji era when Japan began to modernize. The word nyu-bachi can be found in the Shogaku-Kagaku-Sho, published in 1874. Before 1873, the word usu (mil) is used in place of hachi or bachi, which also mean mortar. Before 1873, mills / mortars were used for crushing and grincling. In books published after 1873, one can find references in several books on chemistry and pharmacy to their use in mixing and dispensing. More in-depth research in the areas of pharmacy and Western-style cooking is necessary to determine the etymon.