[The Book of the Eparch, by Leo VI: interest for the history of pharmacy].
In 1893, Jules Nicole discovered a greek manuscript, named Genevensis 23, which proved to be the Book of the Eparch. This document contained the regulations for trade guilds in Constantinople, at the end of the IXth century and the beginning of the Xth century. It had been published by Emperor Leo VI, who reigned upon the Byzantine Empire from 886 to 911. Three professions mentioned in this book have some interest for history of pharmacy: wax chandlers, spicers and perfumers. The differences between spicers and perfumers consisted in the kind of products they sold and in the way they weighed these products. Spicers were, at the time, far from pharmacy, because they sold mainly food and no spices, while the perfumers dealt with spices and perfumes. Anyway, none of these professions was involved in preparing medicines. No mention was made of pigmentarioi in the Book of the Eparch and that raised the question of the part really played by these so-called "pigment makers" in the preparation and the dispensation of medicines. The role of physicians remained preeminent in supplying patients with drugs.
Lafont
Olivier
O
Faculté de médecine et de pharmacie de Rouen.
D018612:Byzantium; D003132:Commerce / Q000266:history* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D033161:Government Regulation / Q000266:history*; D049691:History, Medieval; D008373:Manuscripts as Topic / Q000266:history*; D009790:Occupations / Q000266:history; D010476:Perfume / Q000266:history*; D017365:Spices / Q000266:history*
D010476:Perfume