How to Differentiate an Apothecary from a Pharmacist
Traditionally, an apothecary created and sold herbal medicines, offered medical advice and even performed crude surgery. In this way, he treated everything from tumors to tummy aches. In the twentieth century, pharmacists perform many of the functions once carried out by apothecaries. Follow these steps to differentiate between the two.
Things You'll Need:
Computer with Internet access
Learn To Differentiate An Apothecary And A Pharmacist Online
1
Compare the products and services offered at an online apothecary to those you're accustomed to finding at your local pharmacy. While pharmacies usually only sell manufactured drugs, the online apothecaries make and sell herbal remedies. In between are compounding pharmacies, which create custom doses, convert pills to liquid medicine and offer some herbal and natural remedies, as well.
2
Purchase products from an online retailer and information source like "Old World Apothecary" (see Resources below). Compare the quality, freshness, potency and side effects of the apothecary's remedies to similar remedies you're accustomed to buying at a pharmacy.
3
Visit your local apothecary--or the closest thing to it. Herb stores and natural health stores are more like traditional apothecary shops than today's pharmacies are. Remember that these types of stores aren't licensed by the government.
4
Ask for personalized advice. While extremely educated, modern pharmacists are often too busy to offer personalized healing. Herbalists and apothecaries, however, can frequently offer help based on what kind of health problem you have, creating or dispensing concoctions tailor-made to you.
5
Read more about the history and traditions of the apothecary and how they developed into the history and traditions of the pharmacist at Wikipedia.com (see Resources below).
Tips & Warnings
It costs very little to learn how to differentiate an apothecary from a pharmacist. Many online resources can be used free of charge, and books--unless they're very rare or out of print--tend to be inexpensive.
An apothecary isn't a licensed position, although some apothecaries are also licensed pharmacists.
Visit an emergency room or doctor's office right away if you experience an extreme allergic reaction, like a full-body rash or intense swelling.
Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. If you decide to take the advice of an apothecary, keep your doctor informed about the treatment you undertake.
Consult MayoClinic.com to learn how educate yourself about alternative medicine claims (see Resources below). Learn how to assess those claims before you make your treatment decision.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2033062_differentiate-apothecary-pharmacist.html
Traditionally, an apothecary created and sold herbal medicines, offered medical advice and even performed crude surgery. In this way, he treated everything from tumors to tummy aches. In the twentieth century, pharmacists perform many of the functions once carried out by apothecaries. Follow these steps to differentiate between the two.
Things You'll Need:
Computer with Internet access
Learn To Differentiate An Apothecary And A Pharmacist Online
1
Compare the products and services offered at an online apothecary to those you're accustomed to finding at your local pharmacy. While pharmacies usually only sell manufactured drugs, the online apothecaries make and sell herbal remedies. In between are compounding pharmacies, which create custom doses, convert pills to liquid medicine and offer some herbal and natural remedies, as well.
2
Purchase products from an online retailer and information source like "Old World Apothecary" (see Resources below). Compare the quality, freshness, potency and side effects of the apothecary's remedies to similar remedies you're accustomed to buying at a pharmacy.
3
Visit your local apothecary--or the closest thing to it. Herb stores and natural health stores are more like traditional apothecary shops than today's pharmacies are. Remember that these types of stores aren't licensed by the government.
4
Ask for personalized advice. While extremely educated, modern pharmacists are often too busy to offer personalized healing. Herbalists and apothecaries, however, can frequently offer help based on what kind of health problem you have, creating or dispensing concoctions tailor-made to you.
5
Read more about the history and traditions of the apothecary and how they developed into the history and traditions of the pharmacist at Wikipedia.com (see Resources below).
Tips & Warnings
It costs very little to learn how to differentiate an apothecary from a pharmacist. Many online resources can be used free of charge, and books--unless they're very rare or out of print--tend to be inexpensive.
An apothecary isn't a licensed position, although some apothecaries are also licensed pharmacists.
Visit an emergency room or doctor's office right away if you experience an extreme allergic reaction, like a full-body rash or intense swelling.
Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. If you decide to take the advice of an apothecary, keep your doctor informed about the treatment you undertake.
Consult MayoClinic.com to learn how educate yourself about alternative medicine claims (see Resources below). Learn how to assess those claims before you make your treatment decision.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2033062_differentiate-apothecary-pharmacist.html
