History

This year, the pharmacy college that I am studying in celebrated its 125th anniversary. Even though it is now part of Monash University, Victoria College of Pharmacy had been on the map since 1881. It's the oldest pharmacy school in Australia and 3rd oldest in the world. Lucky me for having such an opportunity to be part of the history of one of the most distinguished pharmacy school in the world. Haha or is it that the pharmacy school is lucky to have me?

A mural on the ground of my college's foyer.

Pharmacy itself indeed had a long history. Once upon a time a Pharmacy is not known as a Pharmacy but an Apothecary. Neither do they sell panadol tablets or vitamin supplements, rather they have in their shops tortoise, stuffed alligator, ill-shaped fishes, bladders and musty seeds, as claimed by Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet. The roots of pharmacy actually travel farther than Shakespeare, back into prehistoric time where herbs is used to treat injuries.

An apothecaries hall in Ballarat, Melbourne.

Throughout the years, medicines and drugs had evolved into what we have now. Now pharmacies stock medicines in nice looking svelte little bottles, or tiny blister packages that are easy to bring along. Liquid medicines even have a nice colour and a wonderful smell. Here's some pictures of medicines once upon a time: Big hideous bottles and ugly packages. If they are still around today wonder who would buy them..

Some medicines not so long ago


A close up look

Back to topic.. when I signed up for Pharmacy, I never know that I'm enrolling into one of the most ancient field of study, or that the VCP is so old. Now I feel proud to be carrying on such a long, rich tradition. Pharmacy rocks!