Apothecaries Act 1815

Apothecaries Act 1815

The Apothecaries Act 1815 was a significant piece of legislation in the United Kingdom that introduced compulsory apprenticeship and formal qualifications for apothecaries, in effect creating the first legal recognition of medical professions.

Background

The Act was passed by the UK Parliament in 1815, during the reign of George III. It was a response to the public concern about the quality of medical services, particularly in the rapidly growing industrial towns of England.

Provisions

The Act introduced a compulsory 5-year apprenticeship for prospective apothecaries, under the supervision of an experienced practitioner. It also established the Apothecaries Hall in London as the licensing body for apothecaries, and required all apothecaries to pass an examination set by the Hall before they could practice.

Impact

The Apothecaries Act 1815 had a profound impact on the development of the medical profession in the UK. It led to the establishment of a structured training program for doctors, and set a precedent for further medical legislation. The Act is also considered a significant step in the separation of the professions of physician and surgeon.

See also

• Medicine in the United Kingdom
• History of medicine
• Apothecary

References

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