More than 100 years ago, the Pharmaceutical Institute of the University of Basel was officially founded. Shortly thereafter, the pharmacist and professor of practical pharmacy, Prof. Dr Josef Anton Häfliger, assembled a scientific collection of objects related to the history of pharmacy.
This collection laid the foundation for the Pharmacy Museum (Pharmaziemuseum der Universität Basel), which is celebrating its anniversary this year. The current exhibition addresses the history of the museum and its collection within the existing permanent exhibition.
Detail from the brochure of the Pharmaziemuseum der Universität Basel
Instead of a craft, pharmacy had become a scientific discipline by the mid-19th century, and the production of medicines moved to factories. The exhibition also examines the interaction between the academic collection, the history of science, business and the interest of a profession in preserving its identity.