Hernquist's Animal Pharmacy--can any of the drugs sold there in the eighteenth century be of use to day?

Abstract

Carl von Linné's 300th birthday is celebrated this year (2007) in Sweden. One of his pupils, Peter Hernquist, has also been acknowledged and an exhibition on his Veterinary Pharmacy has been presented in Skara, Sweden. Some of the drugs sold in this pharmacy are discussed. Thus chamomile prescribed by Hernquist for external use for wounds and light inflammatory processes in the skin could most likely have been effective as it is considered to be to day. Also for indigestion and flatulence Hernquist might have had therapeutic success using chamomile teas. Willow bark, which Hernquist recommended for "fevers" most likely could have been effective for mild fevers due to its contents of salicin, which is transformed to salicylic acid. Although many drugs were ineffective Hernquist was known as a successful veterinary surgeon. Placebo effects and natural healing could be part of his success.

• Authors: Lars-Erik Appelgren
• Journal: Historia medicinae veterinariae (Hist Med Vet) Vol. 32 Issue 3 Pg. 87-96 ( 2007) ISSN: 0105-1423 [Print] Denmark
• PMID: 18447304 (Publication Type: Biography, Historical Article, Journal Article, Portrait, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Veterinary Drugs

Topics

• History, 18th Century
• History, 19th Century
• Pharmacies (history)
• Sweden
• Veterinary Drugs (history)
• Veterinary Medicine (history)