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A Drugstore as a Living Reminder of Pandemics

Related Images

  • Fig. 1. – The front of the drugstore with the Royal Warrant of Appointment above their door - photography Wilke Geurds
  • Fig. 2. – The newest owner of the drugstore holding up a portrait of Herman Boerhaave - photography Wilke Geurds

With its long history, Drogisterij Boerhaave on the Haarlemmerstraat in Leiden is a unique family business. It is not without reason that Queen Beatrix awarded the drugstore a Royal Warrant of Appointment in 2007 – the sign now adorns their door (fig. 1).

On May 1st, 1907, Simon Broerse bought the store Handel in Drogerijen, Specerijen, Chemicaliën, Verfwaren, Parfumerieën, Borstelwerk en Toiletartikelen (Store [specialized] in Herbs, Spices, Chemicals, Paints, Perfumery, Brushes and Toiletries) from the ladies Annie and Marie Beukers. Shortly thereafter, he decided to rename his new store after the world-famous doctor and researcher from Leiden: Herman(us) Boerhaave (1668-1738). Next to the Delft pottery, a portrait of Boerhaave was prominently displayed in the store (fig. 2).