Records of the Aberdeen and North East Scottish Branch of The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and predecessors

Archive Collection

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Bookmark:http://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/data/gb230-dd1156

Scope and Content

Minute books, ledgers, correspondence, publications, subject files e.g. conference organisation, research into history of Association and Society etc.

Administrative / Biographical History

Founded for the provision of education for pharmacy apprentices and assistants, the Aberdeen Society of Chemists and Druggists first met as the Society of Apothecaries, Chemists and Druggists in February 1839. The Society's headquarters was in St Nicholas Lane until 1885. The Society operated a library for its members and was concerned with shop hours. After the passage of Pharmacy Act in 1868 they provided lectures. The Society set up a School of Pharmacy in rooms at the old Girls' Hospital in 1871 and established classes and prizes in Chemistry and Botany in Robert Gordon's College from 1881. The Society also organised social events (dinner, lectures, outings) for its members.

In 1882 the Society was renamed the Aberdeen and North of Scotland Society of Chemists and Druggists, covering an area from Forfar to Inverness. New rooms were acquired at 21 Bridge Street in 1885, accommodating a laboratory, museum, and library.

In 1898 Society changed to the Aberdeen Pharmaceutical Association. That same year they entered into an agreement with the Governors of Robert Gordon's College for a School of Pharmacy to be established there, part funded and equipped by the Association but located at the College. The Association were to nominate the teacher for the School. The Bridge Street premises were sold and meetings were afterwards held at Gordon's College.

Moving into the 20th century the Association became increasingly concerned with trade interests, particularly the impact of legislation on the profession. The Association endorsed J. F. Tocher's Scheme for BSc degree in Pharmacy. It established a Drug Exchange in 1901, set up a Vigilance Committee to contribute to the debate around the Poisons and Pharmacy Bill, and in 1908 produced a Formulary. In 1910 the Association negotiated medicine contract with Aberdeen Parish Council, and established a scheme for the supply of medicines for treatment of TB after the First World War. From 1917 up until 1950s Association appointment examiners for Petrie bursary, arranged annual prize giving at School of Pharmacy, and provided prizes.

The Association fell into abeyance in the 1970s. In 1990 the remaining funds of the Association were transferred to the social funds of the branch and the title of the branch changed to the Aberdeen and North Scottish Branch of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society incorporating the Aberdeen Pharmaceutical Association.

The Aberdeen and North Scottish Branch of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society was established in 1923. Meetings discussed professional matters such as education and training and legislation, and were often followed by socials.