HISTORY OF PHARMACOLOGY

Abstract

Pharmacology, the science of drugs and their effects on living organisms, has evolved significantly throughout human history. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Ancient Egypt, Ancient China, and Ancient India, where natural substances like plants and minerals were used for healing purposes. In the classical period, scholars like Hippocrates and Galen contributed to the systematic study of medicine. During the Middle Ages, Avicenna played a crucial role in advancing pharmacological knowledge through his influential works. His works “The Laws of Tib”, “The Book of Three Healings”, “The Book of Al-Hearts” contain medicinal substances used in medicine of that time. The first book, “The Laws of Chiba,” presents about 900 simple medicinal substances, of which 612 are plants The Renaissance and early modern period marked a shift toward experimental science, highlighted by Paracelsus, who emphasized the importance of dosage. In the 19th and 20th centuries, pharmacology became an independent scientific discipline, with pioneers such as Oswald Schmiedeberg laying its foundations. Today, pharmacology continues to advance with innovations in molecular biology, biotechnology, and drug development, playing a vital role in modern medicine.