From Physick to Pharmacology addresses the important, albeit neglected history of the distribution and sale of medicinal drugs in England from the sixteenth to the twenty-first century. The social history of early medicine and the evolution of British retailing are two areas that have attracted considerable attention from academics in recent years. That said, little work has been done either by medical or business historians on the actual retailing of drugs. This book merges the two themes by examining the growth in the retailing of medicinal drugs since late-medieval times. The six academics contributing essays include both medical and business historians who provide an informed and stimulating perspective on the subject. After an introduction setting out the context of drug retailing and surveying the current literature, the volume is arranged in a broadly chronological order, beginning with Patrick Wallis's study of apothecaries and other medical retailers in early modern London. The next chapter, by Louise Hill Curth, looks at the way the distribution network expanded to encompass a range of other retail outlets to sell new, branded, pre-packaged proprietary drugs. Steven King then examines various other ways in which medicines were sold in the eighteenth century, with a focus on itinerant traders. This is followed by pieces from Hilary Marland on the rise of chemists and druggists in the nineteenth century, and Stuart Anderson on twentieth-century community pharmacists. The final essay, by Judy Slinn, examines the marketing and consumption of prescription drugs from the middle of that century until the present day. Taken together, these essays provide a fascinating insight into the changes and continuities of five centuries of drug retailing in England.

The social history of early medicine and the evolution of British retailing are two areas that have attracted considerable attention from academics in recent years. That said, little work has been done either by medical or business historians on the actual retailing of drugs. This book merges the two themes by examining the growth in the retailing of medicinal drugs from the sixteenth into the twenty-first centuries.

Covers 15 broad subject groupings: social sciences (generic); psychology; sociology; social work & social welfare; politics; government; law; finance, accountancy & taxation; industries & utilities; business & management; education & learning; sport; media & communications; information & library sciences; and tools for information professionals.

Recognized today largely for his contributions to chemistry and to the role of experiment in scientific investigation, Robert Boyle (1627-1691) wrote extensively on the causes of disease, the importance of dissection to medical education, and the use and preparation of drugs. In the first in-depth study of Boyle's medical writings, Barbara Beigun Kaplan argues that, in addition to his reputation in chemistry, Boyle deserves recognition for his strong medical interests.

Early modern almanacs have received relatively little academic attention over the years despite being the first true form of British mass media. While their purpose was to provide annual information about the movements of the stars and the corresponding effects on Earth, most included advice on preventative and remedial medicine for humans and animals. Based on the most extensive research to date into the relationship between the popular press and early modern medical beliefs and practices, this study argues that these cheap, annual booklets played a major role in shaping contemporary medicine in early modern England. The book discusses the various types of medical information and advice in almanacs, preventative and remedial medicine for humans, and the under-explored topic of animal health care.