The Apothecary in Eighteenth-Century Williamsburg Being an Account of his medical and chirurgical Services, as well as of his trade Practices as a Chymist

"The Apothecary in Eighteenth-Century Williamsburg" by Thomas K. Ford is a historical exploration of the crucial role of apothecaries in colonial Virginia. The story illustrates the day-to-day lives and responsibilities of these medical practitioners in the 1700s, emphasizing their significant contributions to healthcare and the developing pharmaceutical industry. Focusing on figures like George Gilmer, who combined the duties of apothecary and surgeon, the narrative describes their dual functions and the hurdles they encountered due to limited formal training and established medical guidelines. The story uncovers the blend of herbal, traditional, and chemical treatments used, presenting an animated depiction of how central these apothecaries were to the early colonial public's well-being amid evolving attitudes.