Brief History of the Apothecary

History and archeology tell us the "art of healing" began many thousands of years ago. Tribal healers began creating potions made from plants and animal parts. It is believed the apothecary became popular first in Babylon and later flourished in Spain sometime during the 11th century.

Initially the apothecary used dried herbs and spices for their healing attributes gradually offering general medical advice and eventually, performing a variety of healing related services. Some worked on a barter system while others took payment in coin. Apothecaries were pharmacist, chemist, herbalist, midwife and caregiver all rolled into one. Keep in mind medicine has always been referred to as a practice.

Apothecaries began spreading to the western world taking a firm foothold in London during the medieval period. In those days most businesses in London were members of a guild, much like the unions of today with similar functions. The most powerful original guild in Old England was the "Livery Guild" from which many smaller specialized guilds emerged.

Apothecaries were first members of the "Guild of Pepperers" before later joining the Grocer’s Company in 1345. The company was responsible for maintaining standards for the purity of spices and the setting of weights and measures.

By the mid-sixteenth century apothecaries had become the equivalent of today's pharmacists, dealing mainly with the preparation and sale of substances for medicinal purposes. The presiding authority was the duty of the College of Physicians. They were the law of the land on all issues pertaining to medicine and medical practices.

Apothecaries were finally granted a Royal Charter in 1617 and formed the "Worshipful Society of Apothecaries." Notice there is a obvious Masonic tone existing in the charter's organizational title. The society became so powerful after its formation the members were able to challenge the prestigious College of Surgeons.

The "Worshipful Society of Apothecaries" went on to establish the Chelsea Physic Garden one of the oldest and continuously operational botanical gardens in Europe. The original purpose of the gardens was for training apprentices in the identification and use of medicinal plants. It has greatly expanded since it's inception along the backs of the river Thames.

In 1815 Parliament passed the Apothecaries Act which granted the society great powers to both license and regulate practitioners of medicine throughout all of England.

Today, the Society grants diplomas in areas such as Medical Jurisprudence, Medical History, and Medical Philosophy. Following the advent of the Forensic Medical Sciences the society later added diplomas that include Forensic and Clinical Aspects of Sexual Assault, HIV Medicine and Medical Care of Catastrophes.

Eight hundred sixty seven years is a long time to have survived prolonged wars, devastating plagues and famines. Secure in its place in history the "Society of Apothecaries" continues to further the education and licensing of British medical practitioners .

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