[Relation between the physician and pharmacist in the Canton of Berne: various historical aspects]

In Berne, various decisions were taken early to regulate relations between doctors and apothecaries with a view to protecting public health. In the 15th century, the two professions were separated and apothecaries were subjected to rigorous state control. As late as the 18th century the town physician was entrusted with supervising dispensing pharmacists. This supervision extended to the quality of the basic products employed, adulteration of remedies and setting of prices, and included inspection of the apothecary's premises.