Midieval Apothacaries

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Medieval Apothecaries

An Apothecary was a pharmacist in the Middle Ages. Apothecaries kept a shop or store of such nonperishable resources as spices, drugs, and preserves. Apothecaries prepared and sold what we would call today, drugs, but it was not until the end of the eighteenth century that the profession of apothecary was clearly recognized.
Apothecaries, mostly men, were the first ones believed to trade in the Middle East. The knowledge of apothecaries gradually transmitted into Europe from merchants and traders. In the early Middle Ages the apothecary would cultivate all of the plants and herbs he would need for his medicines himself. In a later time, formal supply chains developed with individuals growing plants to order or supply to apothecaries. The recipes that each apothecary would use were passed down through the generations. These recipes were closely guarded seeing as the most successful apothecary would get more business.
In 1606 the Society of Apothecaries of London was founded by James VI of Scotland and was associated with the Guild of Grocers. In 1617, a new cha...

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