Powders and Pills of Oldtime Pharmacists

Powders and Pills of Oldtime Pharmacists

Author: James R. Renno
Publisher: American Institute of the History of Pharmacy
Year Published: 1976, 2010
Slides: 39
AIHP#: ST55
Price: $20.00 ($12.00 for members)

Summary: The development of various forms of administration of drugs, particularly oral dosage forms such as powders, pills, and capsules.

Abstract: Since time began, man has turned to various substances from nature in the hope of curing disease and relieving pain. All of the ways in which medications can be administered make a fascinating story. But as the title of this talk implies, I want to focus on just a few of the oral dosage forms where the patient swallows the medication. Many of the soluble medications, especially chemicals, were simply directed to be dissolved or suspended in a glass of water. Powders could be dispensed in bulk, and the patient instructed to measure out a specific quantity, usually a teaspoonful or tablespoonful as a dose. Many medicinal agents were extremely bitter or unpleasant tasting, and this was a problem when giving medications in this manner. It was one task of pharmacists to devise ways of administering these drugs in a more palatable form.