Apothecaries

What were apothecaries?

Apothecaries were people who sold herbal remedies. They had good knowledge of the healing powers of plants and herbs.

How did apothecaries train?

Apothecaries were not trained at university, instead they gained most of their knowledge from family members and through experience. Many also used a book called 'Materia Medica' to study herbal remedies.

Who visited apothecaries?

As many people were too poor to see a physician, they would visit an apothecary instead as their services were much cheaper. As a result, apothecaries were viewed as rivals to their businesses by physicians.