Poisons, Potions and Pills: The Story of Victorian Pharmacy

At the start of Victoria’s reign in 1836 the understanding of illness had not changed in over 2000 years. By her death in 1901 scientific approaches had completely changed our knowledge of illness and its treatments. Pharmacists were at the heart of applying scientific methods to create medicines for the people – most of whom could not afford doctors.

Nick Barber, Emeritus Professor at UCL School of Pharmacy, will take you through the momentous six decades of change that saw the professionalisation of pharmacy, the move from herbal to more chemical products and to the start of the pharmaceutical industry.

But the pharmacists were not just treating patients, they were applying science to all areas of health and other areas of life. They developed foodstuffs, perfumes, creams, fireworks, photographs, provided optical and dental services, veterinary medicines and household products. Nick Barber will take us through those momentous years of social and scientific change through the unique perspective of the local chemists who used their knowledge to serve their communities.

About the Speaker:

Nick Barber is Emeritus Professor of Pharmacy at UCL and presented the BBC series Victorian Pharmacy. His research into how we prescribe and use medicines has changed national policy and created new NHS services. He is a non-executive director of a NHS Trust and is currently writing a book on medicines.