The History of Pharmacy

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The history of pharmaceuticals dates back to the early 6th century BC, starting in the Middle East and Asia. The earliest discovered manuscript was found in China, and translates to “The Divine Farmer’s Herb-Root Classic.” Another manuscript discovered in China, known as “Recipes for 52 Ailments,” includes prescriptions for specific sicknesses. Other nations such as Greece, Japan, and the Middle East, all played vital roles in the beginnings of pharmacy. Men, described like modern day pharmacists, emerged to treat illnesses. The first pharmacies were found in Baghdad, Iraq in 754 during the Islamic Golden Age. They were regulated by the government in no time. In Europe, more pharmacies were created. Apothecaries, or pharmacists, were given a separate position from actual physicians. The first pharmacy in Europe was established in Germany in 1241. This pharmacy is still in business today! The oldest pharmacy, founded in 1221, is found in Florence, Italy, and now houses a perfume museum filled with antique prescription books and drugs. How the first drugs were discovered is a mystery. But we can assume that it was through trying them out for themselves. This practice showed the effects of each plant, and whether they were toxic, or beneficial. The ancient Egyptians recorded their medical practices in 1500 BC. They gave virtue to familiar fruits and vegetables and extracts of plants. Frankincense and myrrh were also recognized. They gave their drugs bizarre names such as “pig’s teeth,” which may or may not be what they meant. Many of their herbal drugs are still alive in modernity. For example, opium poppies were used as a remedy by the Egyptians, However, their purpose and application is still uncertain. The Chinese focused on the principles of blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. They gave probable cause to deficiency of wet and dry, hot and cold which was

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