A Druggist and His Drugstore during Pandemics

Over the centuries, drugstores have played a pivotal role during pandemics. People have sought ointments against pain and asked the druggist for advice against diseases. In the busiest shopping street of the Dutch city of Leiden is a store with a long history: Drogisterij Boerhaave (Drugstore Boerhaave).

Since its inception at the beginning of the 20th century, the drugstore has remained within the family. Its longevity makes this drugstore a living reminder of pandemics in the past, but also gives us insights into current medical crises. If you want to understand the effects of and reactions to pandemics: look at the druggist and his drugstore!