Duties of an Apothecary
- Grew and harvested medicinal plants
-Extracted and concentrated medicinal compounds
-Formulated and prepared medications
-Dispensed medications to patients
-Provided advice on dosing, storage, and potential side effects
-Kept a record of prescriptions filled and medications dispensed
-In some cases, apothecaries also performed surgeries and other medical procedures
Apothecaries were highly skilled individuals who required extensive knowledge of botany, pharmacology, and chemistry. They were often well-educated and many had completed apprenticeships with experienced apothecaries.
In colonial times, there were few licensed physicians, and apothecaries often served as the primary healthcare providers for their communities. They played a vital role in the healthcare system and were highly respected members of society.