Historical Background and Development of Profession of Pharmacy
Pharmacy (from the Greek pharmakon meaning drug) is the health profession linking health sciences with chemical sciences. It ensures the safe and effective use of medication. Originating in the 9th century around Baghdad, the profession evolved through alchemy into chemistry and finally branched out from medicine in the 19th century when pharmacists were recognized as compounders distinct from physicians.
Early History:
- Before History: Medicine was linked with magic and religion. Sumerians (~4000 BC) believed illness caused by demons; physicians often acted as priests.
- Ancient Babylonia: Around 2600 BC, Babylonian healing practitioners combined priest, physician, and pharmacist roles.
- Ancient China: Emperor Shen Nung recorded 365 herbal drugs around 2000 BC.
- Ebers Papyrus: Circa 1500 BC, containing 800 prescriptions and quantities of substances, including early dosage forms like gargles and suppositories.
- Greco-Roman Period: Scientific thinking replaced mythological views. Integration of Greek and Roman medical and pharmaceutical cultures.
- Roman Period: Terms like Pharmacopoeia (maker of remedies) and Pharmacotritae (drug grinders) emerged.
- Arabian Period: Formularies and drug forms such as syrups and juleps were developed.
- Empiric Era: Pharmacopoeias protected public health; drug testing and regulatory control began.
Pharmacy Today and Tomorrow:
- Pharmacy has a heritage of 50 centuries serving mankind and is a respected profession.
- Terms like Prescription, Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacopoeia, and Materia Medica define the field.
Development of Pharmaceutical Industry in India:
- Modern industry traces back to early 20th century Indian-owned firms like Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works (1901) and Alembic Chemical Works (1907).
- Government labs and vaccine production started by early-mid 20th century.
- Notable research contributions were made by Sri Ram Nath Chopra and Dr. Upendranath Brahmachari.
- Post-independence, government initiatives expanded pharmaceutical manufacturing, research, and self-sufficiency.
- Pharmaceutical industry today is among the largest globally, with major hubs in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.
- Supportive patent policies and R&D focus support development of new drugs, formulations, biotechnology products, and indigenous medicine.
- Collaborations with national and foreign research institutions continue to advance the field.
Detailed Notes:
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