Pharmacy Fun Fact: May 22
Which English king started the first recognized pharmacy organization in the western world?
Which English king started the first recognized pharmacy organization in the western world?
Answer: King James I
The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London was granted a charter in 1617. Previously, apothecaries had been grouped together with grocers.
After its founding, the society made itself invaluable in the coming centuries, treating the sick during the Bubonic plague, winning the right to give medical advice in 1704, and working to help found the National Health Service in 1948. Just a few years ago, in 2017, the society celebrated its 400th anniversary.
Stay tuned each week for our Friday Pharmacy Fun Facts! 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!
