Antall József szerk.: Pictures from the Past of the Healing Arts / Orvostörténeti Közlemények – Supplementum 5. (Budapest, 1972)
Pictures from the Past of the Healing Arts (Guide for the Exhibition)
III. THE RISE AND DEVELOPMENT OF PHARMACY IN THE i6th-i8th CENTURIES On an European scale the date of birth of pharmacy as an independent science could be fixed only arbitrarily. It was a long process with many factors taking part: the gradual separation of actual healing from the dispensing of medicine; commercial factors due to which the stock of "drug-stores" was reduced to drugs exclusively, and last but not least the reforms introduced in the training of pharmacists : the road from the examination to be taken before the country-physician to the degree-issued by the university. The introduction of new drugs due to the geographical discoveries also had a considerable part in the process. Paracelsus was responsible for the further increase of the stock of medicaments when "introduced chemotherapy in treating certain diseases". The introduction of new tools and instruments also furthered the development of pharmaceutical technology. Alchemy the "hermetic science" was replaced by iatrochemistry. The revolution of the natural sciences in the 18th century opened a new era in the history of science. Instead of chasing unrealistic dreams and aims ; seeking the secret of gold-making or the philosophers' stone, the whole outlook was changed and research began to scientific truths. The band of quacks, charlatans and amateurs found themselves on the fringes of society for the very reason of their ill reputation. The trained pharmacist on the other hand held an important position in society. Their prestige was due to their acquired knowledge. Commercial interests compelled the chemists to furnish their pharmacies and laboratories on the highest possible level. Moreover, official decrees made the use of glazed faience and glass pharmacy jars compulsory. The general progress of Hungary in the i6th-iyth centuries fell behind the European level. The best scientists of the country were compelled to seek fame abroad on account of the uncertainty of existence resulting from one and a half centuries of Ottoman rule, (lasting until the recapture of Buda in 1686), Habsburg oppression, the cutting of the country into three parts, the counterreformation and all the ensuing divisions. Pharmaceutics was of course also effected. There were only a few pharmacies but on the territories occupied by the Turks and even those that had existed fell victims to destruction. The number of trained apothecarians was also small. More favourable conditions were brought about only from the 18th century onwards.
