Society of Apothecaries

The Society of Apothecaries is a British organization that emerged as a distinct entity in pharmacy. Founded in London in 1617, it was authorized by King James I, separating apothecaries from grocers. This meant only society members could operate an apothecary shop and prepare or sell medicinal substances.1

Historically, an apothecary was a person who prepared drugs based on a doctor's prescription, and their shops sold medicines and other items. The development of pharmacopoeias, collected lists of drugs with preparation instructions, began in the 16th century, standardizing medicines. The London Pharmacopoeia of 1618 was the first national pharmacopoeia, making its standards mandatory across England.231