Events
We organise a programme of in-person and online events each year, enabling attendees to share and hear a wide range of pharmacy history topics. See below for listings.
Our online lecture series invites world-class speakers to share their pharmacy history research, with an international audience.
Our annual in-person conference has been a key part of the programme since BSHP's beginnings, providing members the chance to share their research through short papers and poster, for delegates to hear from key speakers, to explore pharmacy history venues and collections across the country, and to enjoy catching up with friends and making new contacts.
Online Lectures 2025
Free online lectures via Zoom.
Missed it? catch up here:
Monday 12 May
6.30 -7.30 pm (BST)
Dr Kim JACOBSON
Retired physician and Researcher
From Spring Tonic to Syphilis: Sassafras; An Indigenous Herbal Cure-all
SUMMARY & BIO Sassafras is a plant that has been used by the indigenous peoples of the Americas for thousands of years, for medicinal and culinary purposes. It became a hugely popular export to Europe during the 17th and early 18th centuries. This lecture will describe its use, exploitation as a result of colonialism, and “fall from grace”, touching on continued use in some populations and the inherent dangers of inappropriate ingestion. BIO: Dr Kim Jacobson MBChB, MSc, MRCP, FRCPath, DHMSA, is a retired physician who trained in Ninewells Hospital Dundee, Addenbrooke’s Hospital Cambridge and Harvard Medical School Boston, USA. She specialised in Infection and Medical Microbiology and was a Consultant for 23 years in the South-West of England and was Clinical Lead for infection diagnostics in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas for 14 years, including throughout the COVID pandemic. In addition to her clinical practice, she was Head of School of Pathology for Health Education England (SW) and honorary Senior Lecturer at Bristol University Medical School. After taking early retirement, she is exploring her interest the history of medicine which led her to taking the Diploma in Medical History at the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries in 2024. She received the Osler medal given to the candidate who delivered the best lecture of the year.
Monday 13 October
6.30 -7.30 pm (BST)
Lucy Jane SANTOS
Author & Researcher
Radioactive Remedies: The Unlikely History of Uranium and Radium in Pharmaceuticals
SUMMARY & BIO There is a fascinating and often bizarre world of early 20th century pills, potions and powders made from radioactive materials. In this illustrated talk Lucy will explore how both uranium and radium were incorporated into pharmaceutical preparations from tonics to face creams in the UK, the US and France and explain how these radioactive substances were marketed to the masses as essential for health. The talk will conclude with a reflection on why uranium and radium fell out of favour, shedding light on the shifting attitudes toward safety, science, and regulation. BIO: Specialising in the late 19th and early 20th century Lucy Jane Santos is a freelance historian and consultant uncovering the hidden stories of how science and technology have transformed daily life, especially when it comes to innovations in beauty practices.
Monday 7 July
6.30 -7.30 pm (BST)
Dr Hilary INGRAM
University of Nottingham
"Just another shop”? Boots The Chemists in New Zealand and Fiji
SUMMARY & BIO In the 1930s and 1940s, Boots The Chemists, the UK’s largest retail pharmacy chain, expanded their international retail presence by opening stores in New Zealand and Fiji. With grand plans to establish dozens of new stores, open local factories, and develop new products for the British market, Boots cast its expansion as an “imperial duty” to bring “British” health and wellness products and services to “loyal subjects of the Empire”. However, this vision met strong local opposition, challenging Boots’ expansionist ambitions. In New Zealand (1936–1990), a tradition of independent pharmacies, resistance from local pharmacists, and protectionist policies hindered the company’s growth. Similarly, in Fiji (1944–1964), complex cultural dynamics and economic conditions posed significant challenges. Drawing from archival records and oral histories, this talk will explore the little-known story of Boots’ early retail ventures overseas. BIO: Hilary Ingram is a Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham, currently working on a large Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded project (2021–2025) exploring the international history of Boots The Chemists. She has published on 19th and early 20th century British medical missions, female professionalisation within the British Empire, and the history of pharmacy (including Boots The Chemists).
Monday 1 December
6.30 -7.30 pm (BST)
Dr Halil TEKINER
Erciyes University School of Pharmacy, Turkey
A Dose of satire: Caricatures Tracing the History of Turkish Pharmacy
SUMMARY & BIO This talk explores the history of Turkish pharmacy as reflected in caricatures from the Ottoman era to the present. Caricatures have long served as both entertainment and a powerful means of social critique, offering unique insights into the evolution of pharmacy. Drawing from rare archival sources, including pharmacy journals, humour magazines, and museum collections, this presentation showcases over 40 caricatures illustrating key developments in pharmacy education, legislation, professional challenges, and public perception. By analysing these visual narratives, the talk sheds light on how pharmacists, medicines, and pharmaceutical practices have been portrayed over time. BIO: Halil Tekiner (b. 1983, Kayseri, Turkey) is a professor at Erciyes University School of Pharmacy, Turkey, and President of the International Society for the History of Pharmacy. Holding degrees from Ankara University, he has conducted research at institutions including Harvard Medical School and Philipps University Marburg. Tekiner has authored 14 books and over 250 papers. His research focuses on medical and pharmaceutical history, medical humanities, and medical eponyms. Also a musician and composer, his works appear in various anthologies.
