Wassenberg Pharmacy Tönning

In 1598, Wilhelm Wassenberg founded the first pharmacy in Schleswig-Holstein in Tönning.

In 1598, the pharmacist Wilhelm Wassenberg set up “a world-old apothecary corner on Rahtt and Begeren Gute Leutte” in Tönning (North Friesland district). This is how it is recorded in historical writings. Even today, the “Wassenberg Pharmacy” mixes ointments and solutions, advises the sick and dispenses medication: the business in the small town on the Eiderstedt peninsula recently celebrated its 400th anniversary. According to the knowledge of its current owner, Zsolt Ludwig Ütö, the “Wassenberg Pharmacy” is the oldest on the Schleswig-Holstein west coast.

At the time the Wassenberg Pharmacy was founded, “barbers, barbers, surgeons and wound trimmers” were still allowed to treat external injuries and even carry out operations. However, the role of the pharmacist is the same today as it was back then, explains Zsolt Ludwig Ütö: “We do what promotes health.” This includes advising patients as well as producing and dispensing medication. In return, twelve years after its founding, the Wassenberg Pharmacy received a special privilege from the Duke of Schleswig, Johann Adolf: to produce and sell medicine.No other pharmacy “in our city of Tonningen” is allowed to sell “Medicamenta simplicia or composita, olea, succos, preserves, syrups, distilled water, plasters, unguents, electuaria, purging or similar artzeney,” the Duke ordered.
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