February 21: Pharmacy Fun Fact

Which founding father helped start the first public hospital and the first hospital pharmacy in the United States?

Answer: Benjamin Franklin!

In addition to his many inventions and scientific discoveries, Franklin helped create Pennsylvania Hospital in 1751. When the idea was originally suggested by physician Thomas Bond, the public was unconvinced. But with Franklin’s support, the Pennsylvania Assembly introduced a bill to create the hospital within 3 weeks of receiving a citizens’ petition.

Franklin raised more than 200 pounds through private donations, which the Assembly matched. The hospital received its charter in 1751 and admitted its first patient in 1753. The hospital is still open today, and its original buildings still stand!

REFERENCE

Oldfield E. Benjamin Franklin: A Founding Father of Pharmacy. Pharmacy Times; May 14, 2014. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/career/2014/PharmacyCareers_May2014/Benjamin-Franklin-A-Founding-Father-of-Pharmacy. Accessed February 20, 2020.

Stay tuned each week for our new series: the Friday Pharmacy Fun Fact! Impress your friends and colleagues with useful facts about the history of pharmacy, inventions created by pharmacists, and more. If you have a fun fact to contribute, email AAntrim@pharmacytimes.com, and it may be included!