Page 16 - Pharmacy History 33 November 2007

Historic Cuban Pharmacy
Think of Cuba and one thinks of Fidel Castro and Havana cigars, but there
is another treasure to seek out for pharmacy historians.
The Triolet Pharmaceutical Museum, known as La Botica Francesa (the French pharmacy), was declared a Cuban National Landmark for its originality, preservation and its 125-year
history.
The colonial-designed
pharmacy is the only one
of its type in the world
and displays more than a
million and a half formulas
of 19th century medicines.
The French Pharmacy was
founded by Ernesto Triolet
125 years ago. In 1964 it was turned into a pharmaceutical museum showing
not only medicinal formulas but also the furniture made out of precious Cuban woods, marble and original porcelain. More than a thousand people from around the world visit the museum every month, said the director.
Among the most interesting pieces of the collection are the Apothecary Eyes, which are ornamental recipients made out of bohemia glass, filled with red and yellow colored water, exclusively designed for the Botica Francesa.
Also part of the exhibit are large glass and china containers made in Spain known as “demijohns,” porcelain pots and glass bottles containing syrups, unguents and capsules created by the most outstanding Cuban physicians of the 19th century. This is still a “working Pharmacy” complete with security guard.(Pic 1)
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16 ■ Pharmacy History Australia
volume 4 ■ no 34 ■ February 2008