Maybe I was a witch in my former life, but I absolutely loved The Pharmacy Museum, located in the Heidelberg castle. I loved all the lotions and potions - the herbs, the original medieval illustrations and the exhibits of the first attempts at creating a stabilized form of medication - the pill.
It showed the evolution of modern medicines and I could have spent all day wandering about, a modern, fascinating presentation in both English and German.
I also liked the pharmacy set up and counter for kids. Children could mix their own herbal teas, like mint, fennel and chamomile - very cool, the kids loved it.
For me, this museum was one of the highlights of our trip - if you are interested in the history of herbs and medicines - then this is a must see.
Let me just say that this is a situation where pictures do not do it justice. The pharmacy museum is rather large and there were many sections which I did not photograph, since actually picture taking was not really allowed.
The displays were interesting and expansive.
The museum had several complete medieval and late 18th century pharmacies on display, including a practically fresh - live herbal.
They offer classes and educational seminars on a regular basis.
Medieval illustration
Medieval pharmacists used cannabis.......
.....and they also used opiates.
An example of an early pill press - apothecaries used wooden forms.
An extractor - used for obtaining tinctures by pressing herbs.
A rare - original medieval illustration.
The herbal was hard to photograph since they had it all roped off.
The curved, thick walls of the Heidelberg Castle gave it lots of that medieval ambiance.
The herbs on the wall were fresh as they have classes in this area of the castle museum.
A collection of pharmacy containers.
I loved all the cool displays of the early herbals.
A homeopathic travel apothecary used by an herbalist-doctor in Paris in 1835-1843.
Thank you for coming along for our tour of the "Deutsche Apotheken Museum" in the Heidelberg castle.
There are more pics in the thumbnails for your perusal.
All images copyright 2008 Rose H.
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Comments: 37
Thanks so much for sharing the photos.
I have an enthusiastic interest in all things herbs - especially wild crafting. I belong to an herb group that meets once a month to dicuss anything to do with herbs, cooking, medicine, ancient uses, etc.
This place looks like it would be awesome...but not very kid-friendly!! I would have had a blast there!
Bobbi - I thought you might. I regretted not having more time, Heidelberg is only about an hour from where my Mom lives so I could have had the full herbal experience. Nevertheless it was excellent - and they do offer specialized tours concerning the medieval scriptures and such.
Ashley - thanks!
Thanks so much for posting this to
my group
Blessings ~
Your Friend,
Rene
How cool is that?! I will have to do a google search and see where the nearest Pharmacy Museum is to me. I would love to go through one of these.
great photos... you rock...
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I have a profound interest in natural herbal remedies and elixirs also.
Perhaps we were both witches in previous lives!
You guys rock!
Lori - witches unite - we'll burn no more!:)
This photo essay is an awesome and educational look into history.
Katherine - they do offer classes there on a regular basis.
Curt, I am honored to hear you enjoyed my post, my friend. Yes, do put Heidelberg on your list - it has a great vibe and so much to offer - this museum alone was worth a visit.
James, hey now = pharmaceituical candidate - impressive. You'd like this because you can book special tours and I am fairly certain that the medical wing of the University of Heidelberg is quite involved with this as well.
Arleen - I am so glad you came and looked! I knew you'd love this one. I wasn't altogether happy with the pics, because I got too much glare on several - I need more practice and more training and maybe even a better camera.
I'm into that stuff, too!
Thanks so much!
Heidelberg is soooo lovely.
Dr. Weil and I garden all natural. I'm happy to see you back!
Vivian - you may have missed it only because it didn't exist yet. My son and I saw it when it first opened - maybe around 1994 and they have expanded on it since.
Kimber and Norah - thank you for your nice comments - I appreciate them all!
I have been there! Heidelberg is so beautiful. I absolutely adored it!
Thanks for sharing all of your wonderful photos with us, it is all very interesting!
I wonder if in 50 years time there'll be a shop full of Acrylic Bongs, in honesty there's some great bongs like the Darkshot range