Dispensatory

A dispensatory is a type of pharmacopoeia, a book containing directions for the identification of compound medicines, and methods for their preparation. Historically, dispensatories were compilations that often included material from earlier pharmacopoeias and other medical texts, along with original contributions. They served as authoritative guides for pharmacists and physicians in compounding and administering medications.

The term "dispensatory" is particularly associated with a series of influential works published in English, beginning with the London Dispensatory in the late 17th century. These texts aimed to standardize medical preparations and provide detailed information on drugs, their properties, and their therapeutic uses. They described the sources of medicinal substances, their chemical constituents, and the processes involved in creating various remedies, from simple tinctures to complex ointments.

Dispensatories played a crucial role in the evolution of pharmacy and medicine by promoting consistency and safety in drug preparation. They helped to establish a common body of knowledge and practice among medical professionals. While the direct use of the term "dispensatory" has largely faded with the rise of modern pharmacopoeias and standardized drug manufacturing, the historical dispensatories remain valuable resources for understanding the history of pharmacology and medical practice. They offer insights into the remedies and scientific understanding of their time.