[Strife between the dispensing physician and the pharmacist--a historical overview. I. To 1840]

The historic origins of the medical and pharmaceutical professions, since the dawn of civilization, are briefly reviewed. The development of these professions in Great Britain as a prototype of the European situation over the past 3 centuries is traced, with emphasis on the developing strife between apothecaries and physicians. The corresponding situation in South Africa over the period 1652-1840 is then reviewed. The first Commission of Inquiry into health matters at the Cape, appointed by the British after their occupation of the region in 1806, was precipitated by complaints regarding unsatisfactory services rendered by apothecaries and medical practitioners. Health services were subsequently regulated by way of two Medical Proclamations in 1807, one Medical Proclamation in 1823 and a Medical Ordinance in 1830. According to this legislation apothecaries in Cape Town were not allowed to treat patients, and doctors were not allowed to sell medicines--but due to a shortage of rural practitioners, apothecaries and doctors were allowed to supplement each other in the country districts.