“I believe the information could reveal several aspects of running a pharmacy. For example, by the simple, though tedious task of counting the daily numbers of prescriptions dispensed you can get an impression of growth or decline, and one can examine this in the context of population changes, urban decay or prosperity. On a scientific level medical historians can discover remedies for a wide range of diseases in an earlier era or discover the timing of new treatments,” she added.


She is also hoping to make more pharmacists aware of the amazing resource available at the Public Records Office in Belfast.


“I am aware that the early decades of the prescription ledgers are unique in the UK but may not be known to medical historians for whom they could be very valuable. As the entire collection spans a timeframe of over one hundred years, when many medical discoveries occurred, such a resource would undoubtedly add depth to knowledge. For example, quite recently, Roy T. Sayers, an expert in medicinal leeches, used Grattan’s ledgers for his work on the history of the Irish leech trade,” said Dr Crawford.


What started out as a retirement project a decade ago for Dr Crawford has turned into a voyage of discovery. When she has completed all her research she hopes to find a publisher for her work. If you can help Dr Crawford email editor@pharmacyshows.com so we can put you in touch.


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