What where the steps to become a apothecary?
The steps to becoming an apothecary in medieval times were as follows:
Step 1: Education
- Apprentices typically began their training between the ages of 12 and 18.
- Prospective apothecaries would apprentice with a master apothecary for a period of five to eight years.
- Apprentices lived with their masters and received room, board, and a small stipend.
- During their apprenticeship, they learned how to identify and prepare medicinal herbs and plants, how to compound medications, and how to dispense prescriptions.
Step 2: Examination
- After completing their apprenticeship, apothecaries were required to pass an examination before they could practice independently.
- The examination was conducted by a guild of master apothecaries and covered a wide range of topics, including botany, pharmacology, and materia medica.
- Apothecaries who passed the examination were awarded a certificate of proficiency and were allowed to set up their own shops.
Step 3: Practice
- Apothecaries typically set up shop in a central location, such as a town square or near a hospital or monastery.
- They sold a variety of medicinal herbs and plants, as well as prepared medications and prescriptions.
- Apothecaries also provided medical advice and treatment to their customers.
Step 4: Guild Membership
- Apothecaries were required to join the local guild of apothecaries in order to practice legally.
- Guilds regulated the practice of apothecary, set prices, and ensured that apothecaries maintained a high standard of quality.
- Apothecaries who violated the guild's rules were subject to fines or expulsion from the guild.
Step 5: Continuing Education
- Apothecaries were expected to continue their education throughout their careers.
- They attended lectures, read medical texts, and corresponded with other apothecaries to stay up-to-date on the latest medical knowledge.
- Continuing education was important for ensuring that apothecaries were providing their customers with the best possible care.