Marvin Samson Center for the History of Pharmacy
The
development of pharmacy in our great nation had its roots established
right here at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USP),
the first college of pharmacy in North America. It is only fitting
that a museum celebrating the remarkable and prominent history of
pharmacy in the United States and overseas be housed at USP. And
that is what occurred in 1995: building on the Pharmacy Museum (that
existed in various guises and locations over the past decades) the
Marvin Samson Center for the History of Pharmacy was established,
and since then it has been showcasing and displaying the plethora
of pharmaceutical artifacts donated to us since the founding of
the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1821. Its collection of
more than 10,000 pharmaceutical and medical objects and artifacts
covers over five centuries. A visit to the Center is a true learning
experience for even the most knowledgeable pharmacy history buff.
In recreating the feel of a late-19th/early-20th-century pharmacy,
the 1,000-square foot Museum captivates visitors through the engaging
story it recounts: the importance of pharmacy throughout history.
In fact, the murals gracing its entrance depict the history of pharmacy
from Greco-Roman times to the 20th century. Inside the museum, visitors
are treated visually and artistically to changing temporary exhibitions
that include selections from our vast collection of memorabilia,
photographs and artifacts.
Public recognition of the history of pharmacy and scholarly work
in this area still remain in the shadow of the history of medicine.
In the United States today, over 100 academic historians are working
in nearly 30 programs in the history of medicine, and in spite of
the fact that the American pharmacy profession has had (and continues
to have) a profound impact upon health care and industry worldwide,
only a handful of formal programs exist in the history of pharmacy.
The Center was created partly to address this imbalance, and by
promoting awareness and understanding of pharmacy's heritage, the
Center aspires to increase interest among laity and scholars, and
every level in-between.
Welcome!
Michael J. Brody,
Director and Curator
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