Pharmacy History

Ancient Times

• Ancient Egypt: Egyptians used plants and minerals for healing. The Ebers Papyrus listed hundreds of medicinal recipes.
• Ancient Greece: Hippocrates emphasized diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies.
• Ancient Rome: Galen prepared medicinal compounds called “galenicals.”

Middle Ages

Islamic scholars like Avicenna wrote The Canon of Medicine, describing many drugs and their uses. Apothecaries began preparing and selling medicines in shops across Europe.

Renaissance & Modern Period

During the 16th–17th centuries, pharmacy became a distinct profession from medicine. The first pharmacy school opened in Florence, Italy, in 1221. Advances in chemistry in the 19th century allowed pharmacists to prepare purified drugs, leading to modern pharmaceutical sciences.

20th Century to Present

Introduction of antibiotics, vaccines, and modern drugs revolutionized healthcare. Pharmacy now combines chemistry, biology, and medicine to provide safe and effective treatments. Clinical pharmacy focuses on patient care, not just dispensing drugs.

Conclusion

Pharmacy has evolved from using natural remedies in ancient times to becoming a modern scientific profession essential for healthcare today.