The Legacy of Monastic Apothecaries: S. Martinho De Tibães
The Legacy of Monastic Apothecaries: S. Martinho De Tibães

Summary/Abstract: After the definitive establishment of liberalism in Portugal in 1834, characterized by profound anti-clericalism, the religious orders became extinct, and their properties, which included valuable libraries and their assets, infirmaries and pharmacies, were confiscated or sold. Bibliographic collections were frequently dismembered throughout the change process, and many works were lost. The National Archive of Torre do Tombo and regional and local city libraries received many collections. However, most medical and pharmaceutical equipment was sold or lost. The infirmary and apothecary of the Monastery of S. Martinho de Tibães, in the outskirts of Braga (North of Portugal), the motherhouse of the Monastery of Saint Benedict in Portugal since 1579, were no exception. However, preserved medical and pharmaceutical books and manuscripts from the library ensured our knowledge of their operating standards of social and medical assistance. Monastic apothecaries were essential in assisting people experiencing poverty and largely contributed to the evolution of the scientific development of Pharmacy in Portugal. This essay will briefly survey the recovery of the history of the infirmary and apothecary of the Monastery of S. Martinho de Tibães and present mortars and jars housed at the Biscainhos Museum, which possibly belonged to the Monastery and among which, those referring to the treatment of syphilis are of particular relevance.

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