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Why Rx For Pharmacy?

Why Rx For Pharmacy
And now, the show Words and Their Stories from the Voice of America Learning English. Every week, we discuss several phrases and idioms that are unique to the American English language. On occasion, we will reveal the beginning, also known as the origin.

  1. However, there are many instances in which language specialists do not know the precise origin of a term or expression.
  2. As a result, there are several possible “origin” tales.
  3. This very issue has shown itself to us now.
  4. Rx, on the other hand, is not a phrase or term that is in question; rather, it is a symbol.

A sign that stands in for one or more words is referred to as a symbol. The symbol for “Rx” is created by drawing a line across the right foot of the letter “R,” as shown above. It originally stood for the term “prescription,” but over the years it has evolved to indicate “take this drug.” In the United States, we frequently find this sign displayed in front of pharmacies and medical practices.

  • It is also printed on the containers that hold various tablets and other medications.
  • But how did the term “prescription medicine” come to be associated with Rx? The suffix “Rx” is said to have descended from a word of Latin origins.
  • There is a school of thought among word historians that “Rx” derives its meaning from the Latin word “recipere,” which may be translated as “to take.” They go on to say that by the late 1500s, the word’s spelling as well as its meaning had already undergone changes.

It evolved into the word “recipe,” which came to denote “medical prescription.” This interpretation was often used up until about the middle of the 1700s. During this historical period, people also started using the term “recipe” in reference to the process of preparing food, just like we do today.

However, both the meaning of the sign “Rx” and what it means to “take this medicine” have remained the same. So, it turns out that the backstory isn’t all that intriguing. Let’s listen to a another tale that likewise purports to explain the development of Rx, shall we? During the alignment of the winter solstice dawn to the Temple of Karnak in the city of Luxor in southern Egypt on December 22, 2015, the sun rose behind the temple as it marked the beginning of the winter season.

Some authorities believe that the symbol was first used in Egypt some 5,000 years ago. People at that period offered prayers to Horus, the Egyptian deity associated with the sun. The terrible demon Seth is said to have assaulted Horus when he was still an infant, according to the legend.

When Horus’ mother saw that her son’s eye had been gouged out by Seth, she immediately summoned medical assistance. Her prayers were heard and granted by Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom and magic. The eye of Horus was repaired by Thoth using his knowledge and unique abilities, and as a result, the little boy regained his sight.

The ancient Egyptians believed that if they drew an image of the eye of Horus on a piece of paper, it would protect them from sickness, pain, and evil. Even after the ancient Egyptian civilization had been destroyed, medical professionals and researchers in Europe kept using the symbol.

  1. However, as time progressed, it transformed from the eye of Horus into the symbol for Jupiter, the most important deity in Roman religion.
  2. The symbol of Jupiter resembled the written number “four” in many ways.
  3. That symbol underwent several transformations as well throughout time.
  4. It evolved into the clearly recognizable letter “R” with a line running across the foot of the letter.

The meaning of the symbol has evolved over time and now indicates “medication to ingest” rather than “help for the ill from an old god.” Therefore, this is what the sign represents, but we are unable to say for certain how it came into being. To make amends for our oversight, here is a phrase that relates to medical practice that you may put to good use.

  1. When a doctor gives a patient a prescription for medication, it is exclusively intended for use by that patient and no one else.
  2. It seems reasonable to let someone experience the consequences of their own actions while dealing with them.
  3. A person has a responsibility to ensure that they are taking the medication that their physician has prescribed for them.

However, it is not what the meaning of this term is. You are showing someone that you will treat them in the same manner that they have treated you if you give them a taste of their own medicine. And when we’re talking about someone being treated poorly, we nearly always use this term.

  • Let’s talk about the several applications of it.
  • A: It was a fantastic party, Chuck! B: No problem! Hey, are you able to keep an eye on everything that’s going on here? I need to go and fetch Natalie.
  • A: I was under the impression that Michael was going to drive her there.
  • B: Yes, he did say exactly that.

However, he has not yet arrived. At her location, she has been waiting for a whole hour now. A: Yes, Michael has been doing it rather frequently as of late. He makes a commitment to accomplish something, but he never follows through with it. The previous week, we had plans to go to the movies, but he ditched me at the last minute.

  1. And he didn’t even bother to give me a call to let me know he was going to be late.
  2. B: He didn’t show up for me either the week before or this week.
  3. A: Well, you know, we really ought to give him a dose of his own medicine one of these days.
  4. It would be in both of our best interests to make a commitment to doing something that was very significant to him, and then simply not show up.

B: Perhaps trying some of his medication would be beneficial. You are aware, however, that this will never happen. A: Yes, you are. Listen, you stay here and I’ll make sure the party goes smoothly. I’ll go and grab Natalie. A: That would be of great assistance.

  1. Thanks! Take extra precautions when driving.
  2. B: Always.
  3. See you in approximately a quarter of an hour! This concludes our look into Words and Their Stories brought to you by VOA Learning English.
  4. I’m Anna Matteo.
  5. Do you have a phrase that is somewhat equivalent to “medicine” in your language? Tell us in the Comments Section what you think.
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Or you could just share a story with us about a moment when you were forced to show someone how they deserved to be treated. Doctor Tell me what’s going on, doctor. I’ve come down with a serious case of love for you. No pill’s going to heal my unwell I’ve come down with a serious case of lovin’ you.

Why does Rx represent pharmacy?

The majority of sources agree that Rx originates from the Latin word “recipe,” which may be translated as “take.” The Eye of Horus was an ancient Egyptian emblem that was connected with healing abilities. Some people believe that the Rx symbol developed from the Eye of Horus. This idea is one of numerous alternate hypotheses.

Why do we use Rx?

And now, the show Words and Their Stories from the Voice of America Learning English. Every week, we discuss several phrases and idioms that are unique to the American English language. On occasion, we will reveal the beginning, also known as the origin.

  1. However, there are many instances in which language specialists do not know the precise origin of a term or expression.
  2. As a result, there are several possible “origin” tales.
  3. This very issue has shown itself to us now.
  4. Rx, on the other hand, is not a phrase or term that is in question; rather, it is a symbol.

A sign that stands in for one or more words is referred to as a symbol. The symbol for “Rx” is created by drawing a line across the right foot of the letter “R,” as shown above. It originally stood for the term “prescription,” but over the years it has evolved to indicate “take this drug.” In the United States, we frequently find this sign displayed in front of pharmacies and medical practices.

  1. It is also printed on the containers that hold various tablets and other medications.
  2. But how did the term “prescription medicine” come to be associated with Rx? The suffix “Rx” is said to have descended from a word of Latin origins.
  3. There is a school of thought among word historians that “Rx” derives its meaning from the Latin word “recipere,” which may be translated as “to take.” They go on to say that by the late 1500s, the word’s spelling as well as its meaning had already undergone changes.

It evolved into the word “recipe,” which came to denote “medical prescription.” This interpretation was often used up until about the middle of the 1700s. During this historical period, people also started using the term “recipe” in reference to the process of preparing food, just like we do today.

However, both the meaning of the sign “Rx” and what it means to “take this medicine” have remained the same. So, it turns out that the backstory isn’t all that intriguing. Let’s listen to a another tale that likewise purports to explain the development of Rx, shall we? During the alignment of the winter solstice dawn to the Temple of Karnak in the city of Luxor in southern Egypt on December 22, 2015, the sun rose behind the temple as it marked the beginning of the winter season.

Some authorities believe that the symbol was first used in Egypt some 5,000 years ago. People at that period offered prayers to Horus, the Egyptian deity associated with the sun. The terrible demon Seth is said to have assaulted Horus when he was still an infant, according to the legend.

  • When Horus’ mother saw that her son’s eye had been gouged out by Seth, she immediately summoned medical assistance.
  • Her prayers were heard and granted by Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom and magic.
  • The eye of Horus was repaired by Thoth using his knowledge and unique abilities, and as a result, the little boy regained his sight.

The ancient Egyptians believed that if they drew an image of the eye of Horus on a piece of paper, it would protect them from sickness, pain, and evil. Even after the ancient Egyptian civilization had been destroyed, medical professionals and researchers in Europe kept using the symbol.

  • However, as time progressed, it transformed from the eye of Horus into the symbol for Jupiter, the most important deity in Roman religion.
  • The symbol of Jupiter resembled the written number “four” in many ways.
  • That symbol underwent several transformations as well throughout time.
  • It evolved into the clearly recognizable letter “R” with a line running across the foot of the letter.

The meaning of the symbol has evolved over time and now indicates “medication to ingest” rather than “help for the ill from an old god.” Therefore, this is what the sign represents, but we are unable to say for certain how it came into being. To make amends for our oversight, here is a phrase that relates to medical practice that you may put to good use.

When a doctor gives a patient a prescription for medication, it is exclusively intended for use by that patient and no one else. It seems reasonable to let someone experience the consequences of their own actions while dealing with them. A person has a responsibility to ensure that they are taking the medication that their physician has prescribed for them.

However, it is not what the meaning of this term is. You are showing someone that you will treat them in the same manner that they have treated you if you give them a taste of their own medicine. And when we’re talking about someone being treated poorly, we nearly always use this term.

Let’s talk about the several applications of it. A: It was a fantastic party, Chuck! B: No problem! Hey, are you able to keep an eye on everything that’s going on here? It’s important that I go fetch Natalie right now. A: I was under the impression that Michael was going to drive her there. B: Yes, he did say exactly that.

However, he has not yet arrived. At her location, she has been waiting for a whole hour now. A: Yes, Michael has been doing it rather frequently as of late. He makes a commitment to accomplish something, but he never follows through with it. The previous week, we had plans to go to the movies, but he ditched me at the last minute.

  1. And he didn’t even bother to give me a call to let me know he was going to be late.
  2. B: He didn’t show up for me either the week before or this week.
  3. A: Well, you know, we really ought to give him a dose of his own medicine one of these days.
  4. It would be in both of our best interests to make a commitment to doing something that was very significant to him, and then simply not show up.
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B: Perhaps trying some of his medication would be beneficial. You are aware, however, that this will never happen. A: Yes, you are. Listen, you stay here and I’ll make sure the party goes smoothly. I’ll go and grab Natalie. A: That would be of great assistance.

  • Thanks! Take extra precautions when driving.
  • B: At all times.
  • See you in approximately a quarter of an hour! This concludes our look into Words and Their Stories brought to you by VOA Learning English.
  • I’m Anna Matteo.
  • Do you have a phrase that is somewhat equivalent to “medicine” in your language? Tell us in the Comments Section what you think.

Or you could just share a story with us about a moment when you were forced to show someone how they deserved to be treated. Doctor Tell me what’s going on, doctor. I’ve come down with a serious case of love for you. No pill’s going to heal my unwell I’ve come down with a serious case of lovin’ you.

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What is the origin of the RX symbol?

Rx is the symbol denoting a medical prescription, and it is frequently found printed on prescription pads used by doctors as well as signs shown in pharmacies. The origin of the letter Rx may be traced back to the Latin word “recipe,” which literally translates to “take.” The Eye of Horus was an ancient Egyptian emblem that was connected with healing abilities.

  1. Some people believe that the Rx symbol developed from the Eye of Horus.
  2. This idea is one of numerous alternate hypotheses.
  3. The profession of pharmacy, which includes the creation and distribution of various medications, is known to have existed for thousands of years, as this is a fact that cannot be disputed.

Around the year 2100 B.C., in Mesopotamia, the world’s earliest documented prescriptions were engraved on a clay tablet. Around the same time, the first drugstores were built in the ancient city of Baghdad in the eighth century A.D. The first pharmacies in the United States of America opened their doors in the 17th century in cities like Boston and New York.

  • Prior to attaining notoriety for his role as a traitor during the Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold worked in Connecticut as an apothecary, also known as a pharmacist.
  • In the year 1821, the city of Philadelphia became home to the very first college of pharmacy to be established in the United States.

John Pemberton, a pharmacist in Atlanta, is credited with developing the recipe for what would later be known as Coca-Cola in the latter half of the 19th century. Pemberton said that his latest concoction had the ability to treat a wide range of illnesses at the time.

  1. Prior to the 1950s, the majority of prescription drugs in the United States were prepared by pharmacists using a process known as compounding.
  2. This meant that each medication was manufactured from scratch using raw materials in order to meet the requirements of a specific patient.
  3. After the middle of the 20th century, the majority of prescriptions were filled by pharmacists using mass-produced goods from pharmaceutical firms.

In modern times, the mortar and pestle, which have been vital tools for pharmacists in the production of medicines for centuries, continue to serve as a symbol for the business. You may frequently find it displayed alongside the abbreviation Rx on signs outside of pharmacies.

What is the origin of the pharmacist’s symbol for prescription?

To Whoever You Are, Straight Dope: When and where did people first start referring to themselves as “Rx”? Everyone thinks about it in connection with prescriptions, but what does this expression even mean? Is it a shortened version of a term that originates from Latin? I am grateful to you for imparting some of your great expertise upon the common people of the planet.

In response, Mary Ann S. Jill says: Rx is an acronym for the Latin word “recipere” or “recipe,” which literally translates to “Take, thou.” However, this is not the only (or even the most romantic) explanation for how the phrase came to be. A formula for a remedy would be written up by an apothecary, who was also a doctor, in the days before produced pharmaceuticals.

They would combine and formulate various components in order to produce medicines or treatments. It wasn’t until far into the 19th century that the difference between the role of the apothecary or pharmacist as a compounder of medicines and the role of the physician as a therapist became commonly understood.

The nineteenth edition of the Pharmaceutical Handbook, published in 1980, states that the Latin abbreviation Rx is followed by a statement such as “fiat mistura,” which translates to “let a mixture be made” (and can be abbreviated to f.m., ft. mist., or fait mist.). This is according to the definition of the Latin abbreviation Rx.

Why Do Prescriptions Say Rx ?

Compounding was a skill that was needed of pharmacists until quite recently. In 1920, eighty percent of all prescriptions were compounds that were compounded in-store. In the 1940s, the percentage of prescriptions that needed to be compounded had fallen to 26%; by 1971, that percentage had dropped to 1% or less.

  1. Other acronyms with “x”s are used by persons in the medical field, including sx, which stands for signs and symptoms, tx, which stands for therapy or transplant, hx, which stands for history, and dx, which stands for diagnostic.
  2. But Rx isn’t the same as a regular R multiplied by x.
  3. It is a sign of an italic R with a leg that hangs down below the line and has an X line drawn through it.
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This symbol is not accessible in the list of ASCII characters. This leads me to the second hypothesis, which may be found in the book Devils, Drugs, and Doctors, which was published in 1931: “Rx” is not an abbreviation of a Latin term meaning recipe or compound, as is commonly believed; rather, it is an invocation to Jupiter, a petition for his assistance in making the treatment effective.

  • Sometimes, in older medical manuscripts, all of the R’s that occur in the text are crossed out.
  • In other words, the Rx sign was a mangled version of the old symbol for Jupiter, who was worshipped in Roman religion.
  • If you are interested in astrology, you are likely familiar with this sign, which depicts a leg crossed in a manner remarkably similar to the one on the bottom right.

According to Phil Griego, proprietor of the local pharmacy known as “Phil’s Pills,” this assertion is nonsensical. It is expected of him. I got in touch with him since the Rx sign is present in the logo for his retail establishment. He believes that the R originated from the word “recipe,” however the sign for the pharmaceutical industry was formerly an eye with a “x” below it and was known as the “Eye of Horus.” He argues that the R most likely originated from the word “recipe.” Phil asserts that the Egyptian deity Horus was the “father of medicine.” He makes this claim in his book.

As soon as he said it, it brought to mind a pharmacy that I had seen in Juarez, Mexico, whose logo included an image of an eyeball and a “x.” The term “pharmacia,” which means “medicine,” originates from the Medieval Latin word “pharmakeia,” which means “use of drugs,” and “pharmakon,” which means “drug” or “remedy.” The actual history of pharmacy begins with the Chinese and the Egyptians.

The ancient Chinese herbal compilation known as “Ben cao” is said to have been compiled by the Chinese emperor Shennong around 2700 BC. It is believed that the Ebers papyrus, which was written around 1550 B.C. and contained a listing of 700 medications and 800 compounds, was a duplicate of the even more ancient writings of Thoth (3000 BC).

One of the sources that I looked at suggested that there is a connection between the word “pharmacy” and the Egyptian term ph-ar-maki, which translates to “bestower of security.” According to this source, “which the God Thoth, patron of physicians, conferred as approbation on a ferryman who had managed a safe crossing,” the word “pharmacy” may have originated from the Egyptian language.

Whoa. Hey, Jupiter! Move aside so Horus can have some space. Although the Greek tradition is often regarded as the origin of European pharmacy, the fact that it took inspiration from Egyptian and Asian sources suggests that Phil may be correct. On a website owned by Lyle R.

Teska, M.D., which features the (other) eye of Horus as part of its logo, I was able to verify Phil’s assertion and find confirmation for it: “Isis and Osiris, two of the most important gods in Egyptian mythology, were Horus’s parents. Horus was their son. Horus’s father, Osiris, was killed by Horus’s malevolent uncle, Seth, who was also Horus’s uncle.

Horus engaged Seth in combat in order to get revenge for the death of his father. During the conflict, Seth tore the left eye of Horus apart after plucking it out of his head. Thoth, the Egyptian deity of wisdom and magic, was the one who discovered the eye, put it back together, and imbued it with his power.

  • He then handed the eye back to Horus, who in turn gave it to his father Osiris after Osiris had been slain, so resurrecting Osiris “The Eye of Horus, also known as the udjat, developed into a significant emblem in ancient Egypt.
  • It was worn as an amulet to protect the wearer from illness and assure good health.

Since Horus possessed the body of a human but the head of a falcon, the Eye of Horus is represented as a human eye and eyebrow that is adorned with the marks that are seen directly beneath the eyes of falcons. The left eye was supposed to represent the moon, while the right eye was supposed to represent the sun.

  1. The letter ‘Rx’, which stands for prescription in pharmacy lingo, derives its meaning from the left eye “An eye contained within a pyramid is another variant of this sign that is linked with Freemasonry.
  2. In addition to that, it appears on the United States One Dollar Bill as well as the Great Seal of the United States.” It all makes sense to me.

Asking your neighborhood pharmacist about the history of the letter Rx is a good way to have a good chuckle. Jill Send questions to Cecil via cecil@straightdope. com. The Straight Dope Science Advisory Board, which serves as CECIL’s online auxiliary, is in charge of writing staff reports.

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