[Migration of pharmacists in Belgium from the 13th through 18th centuries]

The municipal records are important sources for the migration and mobility of the apothecaries from the 13th to the 18th century. They prove that immigration from Italy and France, formerly regarded as the first factor for the presence in our country of pharmacists, was minimal. Only two Italian and two French pharmacists from 1377 unto 1500 could be traced. The second thesis concerning the evolution of the profession, the so called mercer theory, is on the other hand very important. Mobility is here a really substantial component because of the apprentice years. The 18th century represents a growing settlement in small locations. The emigration of the 16th century were occasioned by religious and political factors.