From monastic medicine to modern pharmacy

In his lecture, specialist pharmacist Michael Dohm sheds light on the development of medicine from monastic herb gardens to modern pharmacy – with a special focus on the history of the Scheffel Pharmacy in Radolfzell. **From monastic medicine to modern pharmacy** Michael Dohm is a third-generation pharmacist and runs the Scheffel Pharmacy in Radolfzell, which has been in existence since 1964. In his lecture in the old town pharmacy, the pharmacist, who is interested in the history of pharmacy, reports on the development of medicines from monastic medicine to modern pharmacy. The monastery island of Reichenau is home to a treasure that extends far beyond the island's borders: its famous medicinal herb garden, modeled on the "Hortulus" of Abbot Walahfried Strabo from the 9th century. In the Middle Ages and up until modern times, monasteries were considered centers of medicine. Monks collected medicinal plants, produced medicines, and recorded their knowledge in herbals. With the advent of universities, this wealth of knowledge became increasingly well-founded. How did this develop here locally? The first documented mention of a pharmacist in Radolfzell was in 1610/11 during the plague epidemic. In 1689, Franz Zangerer opened his pharmacy on Seetorplatz. A privilege granted by the Viennese government assured him that the newly built half-timbered house would be the only pharmacy in Radolfzell for all time. After his death, the pharmacy passed into the hands of the Bosch family, who exercised this privilege for almost 170 years. In 1908, the pharmacy was taken over by Albert Ehrhardt. His son Wilhelm founded the Scheffel Pharmacy in 1964 and was the last pharmacist in this venerable patrician house, which now houses the city museum.