Jak daleko może sięgać prawo? Na przykładzie funkcjonowania aptek publicznych w monarchii habsburskiej na przełomie XIX i XX w.

Abstract

The article is concerned with the legal aspects of pharmacies in the Habsburg monarchy at the turn of the 20th century. The framework issues were regulated by law. These included such important issues as the opening of pharmacies, defining at the same time the requirements for their operation and the procedure for granting a licence, as well as the fees to be paid by concessionaires and specifying the circumstances for losing a licence. Furthermore, the possibility of opening branches was introduced. In turn, issues related to ‘everyday practice’, such as the possibility of opening on Sundays, were regulated through regulations. The duties of pharmacists were defined in detail, as well as the appearance and equipment of the establishments themselves. The specific rooms of which a pharmacy was to be composed were indicated, along with a description of their purpose and prohibited activities, and a list of the equipment or instruments with which they should be equipped. In practice, however, attempts were made to prevent any emerging abuses through official inspections carried out by doctors or reports sent to the authorities.