Apothecary 's a historical name for a medical professional who formulates and dispenses materia medica to physicians, surgeons and patients — a role now served by a pharmacist (or, especially in British English, a chemist or dispensing chemist). In addition to pharmacy responsibilities, the apothecary offered general medical advice and a range of services that're now performed solely by other specialist practitioners, such as surgery and midwifery. Apothecaries often operated through a re… (More on Apothecary)