I learned about Louis J. Dufilho, Jr. in his 1823 New Orleans building which is now a museum; it showcases a glimpse into the history of pharmacy and medicine. I was fascinated by the meticulously recreated 19th-century apothecary, complete with original fixtures, and how a pharmacy looked and operated some 200 years ago.

At the Pharmacy Museum, I also learned about the evolution of my profession and the development of medications. There are exhibits on medical practices and treatments from the past, which we now consider questionable. The Poison Exhibit, for example, provides insight into how these substances were once part of medical treatments.

Various tools and instruments, such as early microscopes, leech jars, and bloodletting devices, make a tangible connection to the practices and challenges of historical medical care. They are much older than the collection of mortar and pestles and old pharmacy instruments in my brother Pete’s office. But they all help illustrate the development of pharmaceutical practice and technology and foster an appreciation for our profession’s history and the contributions of pharmacists before us.

Overall, the visit to the Pharmacy Museum was a good reminder that elders often possess a wealth of experience and practical knowledge that cannot be easily acquired from books or formal education.