materia medica, or medicinal substances, and their sources, commercial history, preparations, effects, uses and doses. More recently, the term pharmacology has been employed in a more restricted sense to signify the study of pharmaco-dynamics. Pharmacography is that branch of medicine which treats of the natural origin, appearance, structure and other means of identification of organic drugs. Pharmacognosy is the knowledge of pharmacography. The study of pharmacography demands a good knowledge of plant organs, tissues and microscopical structure. Pharmaco-dynamics is the action of drugs or medicines, or the study of their effects in terms of quality, quantity and direction. Pharmacopoeias are books by national authorities establishing standards for medicinal substances used by licensed physicians and surgeons. Every civilized country has its own pharmacopoeia. Official medicinal preparations, processes, titles, definitions and descriptions are those contained in a country's pharmacopoeia. An Officine is the workshop or place of business of a dispensing pharmacist. In America, the drugstore constitutes an officine; but in Europe, the location of apothecary shops is fixed by government permission only when warranted for community welfare. Pharmacist is a specially trained expert competent to prepare and dispense medicines safely. Pharmacy laws exist in all civilized countries to protect public health from dangers due to ignorance, incompetence, negligence or unrestrained traffic in poisons. Pharmacists are given exclusive rights to practice pharmacy and must fulfill their obligations faithfully under government supervision. Managers of pharmacies are responsible for the acts of employees and the quality of medicines dispensed. Clerks are not responsible for medicine identity, quality, purity, strength or condition unless they know it deviates from recognized standards. Apprentices can assist in daily work but cannot do technical pharmaceutical work without direct supervision by registered pharmacists. Three kinds of training are necessary: general education, special education in botany, chemistry, pharmacognosy and pharmacy; shop training in actual performance of pharmaceutical work. The occupation of pharmacist is a scientific-technical profession requiring the best education for greater usefulness and achievements. Legitimate professional pharmacy will prevail because it is necessary to civilization, offering opportunities for scientific research. No person should enter pharmacy without recognizing its responsibilities and possessing courage and conscience to meet them efficiently and honorably.
Key Takeaways
- Pharmacists must be specially trained experts competent in preparing and dispensing medicines safely.
- Managers of pharmacies are responsible for the acts of employees and the quality of medicines dispensed.
- Clerks are not responsible for medicine identity, quality, purity, strength or condition unless they know it deviates from recognized standards.
Practical Tips
- Ensure you have a good general education before entering pharmacy training.
- Understand the legal requirements and responsibilities associated with being a pharmacist.
- Maintain high ethical standards to protect public health and safety.
Warnings & Risks
- Failure to adhere to pharmacy laws can result in severe consequences for both pharmacists and their businesses.
- Ignorance or negligence regarding drug quality and purity can lead to serious harm or loss of life.
Modern Application
While the legal framework and professional responsibilities outlined here may have evolved since 1906, the core principles remain relevant. Ensuring that medicinal substances are correctly identified, prepared, and dispensed remains crucial for public health and safety. Modern pharmacists continue to uphold these standards through rigorous education and adherence to current regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between officinal drugs and official ones?
Officinal drugs are those commonly found in an officine or pharmacy, while official medicines are those listed in a country's pharmacopoeia. An officinal medicine can be unofficial, and an official one may not necessarily be officinal.
Q: Why is general education important for aspiring pharmacists?
General education is fundamental because it ensures that candidates have the necessary background to understand and apply specialized knowledge in pharmacy effectively.
Q: What are the responsibilities of managers, clerks, and apprentices under pharmacy laws?
Managers are responsible for their own acts and those of employees who are not legally qualified. Clerks are responsible for the correctness of their work if registered or licensed but not for medicine identity, quality, purity, strength unless they know it deviates from recognized standards. Apprentices can assist in daily technical work under supervision.