Pharmacists at America's first hospital, 1752-1841

The development of the role of the apothecary at America's first hospital, the Pennsylvania Hospital, is presented. The first salaried apothecary, Jonathan Roberts, was hired in 1752. Subsequent apothecaries included students of medicine and surgery, some of whom worked for the benefit of experience, plus room and board. In an attempt to upgrade the position, an apothecary from England, with training in chemistry, was hired in 1768. During the Colonial period, the hospital pharmacist, in addition to preparing drugs, sometimes acted as resident physician, steward and even as an instructor to the apprentices. Drugs for the hospital were purchased from England until the American Revolution. While the function of the apothecary was absorbed by the resident apprentices during the post-Revolutionary War period, the early 19th century brought the return of the professional apothecary whose sole function was to prepare prescriptions under the direction of the physicians.