Hahnemann, in $264 of his Organon of Medicine says, “The true physician must be provided with genuine medicines of unimpaired strength, so that he may be able to rely upon their therapeutic powers.” But, how can we ascertain this genuineness of our medicines? Where can we do that? For that, we have to go back to where our medicines are made, i.e., in a Pharmaceutical Laboratory. Thus, assuring the genuineness of our medicines, or rather our weapons is to be studied under Pharmacy. Thus, in this course, we will deal with the basic concepts related to Pharmacy, beginning with the History of Pharmacy, how it developed over time and it’s status today, all over the world.

The Course deals with the basic topics of Pharmacy in much detail. It begins with a study of the History of Pharmacy, which begins with a discussion on the ancient systems of Medicine and looks into how Pharmacy, as a field developed and got classified into multiple types before, during and after Hahnemann’s time. Modules after this discuss various types of Pharmacopoeias in detail along with the important terminologies, definitions and components related to Pharmacy, in general and especially, Homeopathic Pharmacy. It also discusses concepts like Dispensing and specific rules for them. Then, the module on weights and measurements deals with various kinds of measurement systems with details on converting units of measurement and their relation to each other. Finally, the module on nomenclature deals in detail with the scientific classification of the sources of various Homeopathic drugs. 

Homeopathic stalwarts like Stuart Close, J. T. Kent, etc. have talked about the importance of knowing the strengths and weaknesses of our medicines. This strength and weakness depends on many factors, but, the way these are homeopathically prepared definitely is a factor. So, we as physicians and students of Homeopathy should know everything about our Pharmacy related practices, starting from it’s history. For example, narcotic sources for Homeopathic medicines should always be collected while in bloom and just before or when coming into bloom. The genuineness and strength of those collected at other times cannot be guaranteed. It is age-old knowledge gained over the years that makes it important that we make attempts to follow them to ensure that humankind doesn’t suffer.

Course Benefit
A.    The course deals with all the basic details in the subject of Pharmacy which a learner needs to grasp. These include the history of Pharmacy, different Pharmacopoeias, important terminologies, definitions and components of Pharmacy, measurements and nomenclature of Homeopathic drugs. 
B.    The Course talks not only about what happens in a Pharmaceutical Laboratory, but, also deals with topics like dispensing which happen in the clinical setting. For example, Dos and Don’ts of dispensing are discussed in detail. These will help, not only the budding doctors, but also practicing physicians.