Medicines have long become an integral part of our lives. A pharmacy is an institution that can be found literally on every corner. Now it’s absolutely natural for people, but there were times when there were no such institutions in society. When did the first pharmacies appear and what was the meaning of this concept initially?
Initially, the concept of “pharmacy” was used in relation to different storages and warehouses that are not related to drugs. In 400 BC, the word “pharmacy” was used by the doctor Hippocrates as a place for storing medicines. Much later, in the 2nd century AD, Claudius Galen began talking about the pharmacy as a place where they not only store but also prepare medicinal potions.
The first mention of pharmacies dates back to the 1100th year of our era, in the heyday of monasteries and monastic orders. In those days, the monks engaged in the preparation of medicines, distributing them to the sick for free. After 100 years, the first city pharmacies were opened.
In the 15th century a new position appeared – a pharmacist. Pharmacists played a very important role in the treatment of patients. Doctors made the correct diagnosis, and pharmacists predicted the further development of the disease and developed a method of treatment with drugs.
The drugs that were especially popular included:
In the XVII century, specialized pharmacy warehouses appeared since the sale of medicines had already acquired quite a large scale. Gradually, pharmacies began to supply raw materials that were used to prepare medicines.
Since pharmacy trade was developing in full swing and it was not easy to control the quality of medicines, a need arose for reform which finally secured the status of a pharmacy, not just a commercial institution but medical and sanitary facilities. Thus, the trade and distribution of medicinal drugs was completely placed under the strictest control of the state.
Now pharmacology can boast a rich arsenal of drugs and new ones are constantly being developed. In this connection, the responsibility of pharmacists is growing many times. The doctor’s task is to prescribe medications to the patient, while the pharmacist’s duty is to provide people with the necessary medicines in a timely manner so that the treatment is as effective as possible.