Making Medicines is a concise, chronological discussion of the history of therapeutics and pharmacy from the Egyptians through to the present day. It focuses on the discovery and uses of medicines to treat illness through the ages, and the evolving role of the pharmacist. Each chapter is contributed by an expert in the period or field, and illustrates how wider social, political and economic developments have influenced drug development and shaped pharmacy practice.The book has two colour-plate sections illustrating how pharmacy has developed over the centuries. Numerous photographs are also included in the text.Written by an expert in the field, this book will appeal to pharmacists and pharmacy students, as well as to other healthcare practitioners and medical historians.

Early modern almanacs have received relatively little academic attention over the years, despite being the first true form of British mass media. While their major purpose was to provide annual information about the movements of the stars and the corresponding effects on Earth, most contained a range of other material, including advice on preventative and remedial medicine for humans and animals. Based on the most extensive research to date into the relationship between the popular press, early modern medical beliefs and practices, this study argues that these cheap, annual booklets played a major role in shaping contemporary medical beliefs and practices in early modern England. Beginning with an overview of printed vernacular medical literature, the book examines in depth the genre of almanacs, their authors, target and actual audiences. It discusses the various types of medical information and advice in almanacs, preventative and remedial medicine for humans, as well as ‘non-commercial’ and ‘commercial’ medicines promoted in almanacs, and the under-explored topic of animal health care.