[Professional associations of pharmacists in Lithuania: history and directions of activity].
The aim of this study was to describe the historical development of pharmaceutical organisations, their tasks and ability to fulfill them. In the XIXth century a rapid development of the science of pharmacy influenced a need for scientific collaboration. Thus, in 1819 Department of Pharmacy of Vilnius Medical Society was founded by Vilnius chemists. The main directions of the activity of the members of this department were the following: scientific investigations, solution of practical tasks, spreading of pharmaceutical information, popularization of the knowledge of pharmaceutical science. However, a progressive dynamic development of pharmacy was hindered by unfavorable political and economic factors. In 1917, Lithuanians working in Russia united in a "Society of Lithuanian Pharmacists". The operation of the society was concerned with nationality, which was the main and the only direction of activity. There were four pharmaceutical organizations acting in the Independent Republic of Lithuania (1918-1940). In 1940, after Lithuania's annexation to the USSR, all pharmaceutical professional associations were eliminated. In 1948, Lithuanian Scientific Society of Pharmacists was founded. Despite its professional tasks it had also to proclaim ideological aims.


CONCLUSIONS
Professional activity was influenced by unfavorable political conditions in the country. Independence of social professional associations was limited by czarist Russia, as well as by Soviet authorities. Department of Pharmacy of Vilnius Medical Society had a great influence upon the progress of pharmacy of that time. Associations acting in the Independent Republic of Lithuania were able to defend their business interests, participate in international activity, deal with the affairs of science, the heritage of the pharmacy, and representation of their profession.
Gudiene
Vilma
V
Lithuanian Museum of the History, of Medicine and Pharmacy, Raguvos 10A, 3000 Kaunas, Lithuania. vilma.gudiene@takas.lt
Kripaityte
Aurima
A
D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000266:history; D000077406:History of Pharmacy; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D008097:Lithuania; D012425:Russia (Pre-1917); D012957:Societies, Pharmaceutical / Q000266:history*; D014586:USSR