Formation of the Scientific Basis of Czech Pharmacy in 1939–1945

Overview

The German occupation of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1938–1945 and the worldwide war conflict which limited the import of drugs and medicines into the Czech Lands were a stimulus for the development of Czech pharmaceutical industry and research, which incorporated experts – lecturers and students from the closed Czech universities. Important roles in obtaining and disseminating scientific knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences were played by the Institute for Drug Research in Prague, Central Union of Pharmacists, and a number of pharmacies. In drug research, several new preparations were devised; the greatest achievement was the method of manufacture of „Czech“ penicillin, which was used already during the war. The inland basis of raw materials was enlarged by cultivation and collection of medicinal plants. Scientific knowledge gained during the war in pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacognosy and galenical pharmacy contributed after the liberation in 1945 to the establishment of pharmaceutical sciences, which had not had a sufficient basis before.

Key words:
occupation of Czechoslovakia 1939–1945 – pharmaceutical industry – drug research – pharmaceutical institutions