[The application of lead in pharmacotherapy in time past and today]

The review of literature shows that lead and its compounds accompany man from the beginning of mankind to present days. In the evolution of the therapeutic use of lead we can discern the periods of a fascination for its compounds, e.g. the antique, especially in Rome, and the galenic period up to the XVIII century. The development of chemistry, toxicology and pharmacology at the breach of XVIII and XIX century led to a limitation of lead use in the therapy. It must be emphasized that it never came to a resignation. It remains still an element of the traditional pharmacotherapy in many cultures, e.g. of Hindus, Westafricans and Mexicans.