Saint Joseph's University - Marvin Samson Museum for Pharmacy History - Philadelphia College of Pharmacy History

About This Collection

The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy holds a special place in the history of North America, having been founded in 1821 as the first college of pharmacy in the region. Over the years, the institution has stayed true to its mission of providing high-quality education to students seeking to make a difference in the sciences, health professions, and related fields. Alumni include John Wyeth, Joseph P. Remington, William Procter, Josiah K. and Eli Lilly, all of whom have left a lasting impact on pharmacy practice and related industries to this day. It is worth noting that Susan Hayhurst, class of 1883, was the first woman to graduate from the College, paving the way for generations of future female graduates. The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy's rich history is reflected in this collection of artifacts that showcase its involvement and engagement in the ever-evolving field of pharmacy. These objects include early certificates and diplomas, portraits of significant figures, and other PCP memorabilia. Additionally, there are academically related items like PCP formulas, botanies, chemicals, and prescriptions made and used by PCP members for their research, training, and professional advancements. Finally, the collection boasts student-life-related items such as College flags, fraternity and club objects, and commemorative photographs. Overall, the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy's collection stands as a testament to the school's legacy and continued commitment to shaping the future of pharmacy.
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Blue Devils Basketball Jersey, #35
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Blue and white nylon Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (PCP&S) jersey number 35 for the women's basketball team "Blue Devils." This jersey, numbered 35, likely belonged to and was worn by the four-year starter for the PCP&S Blue Devils women's basketball team, Amy Dalessandro, a 1996 PCPS graduate. Upon graduating, Amy Dalessandro became a physical therapist. She then specialized in outpatient orthopaedic physical therapy at what is now Premier Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Bryn Mawr.
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Bottle of Ferric Carboxymaltose Pills
Philadephia College of Pharmacy, William Procter Jr.
The large brown pills held in this beveled glass bottle are an early preparation of ferric carboxymaltose (abbreviated on the bottle’s label as “ferri carb.”), a common antianemic iron supplement still in use today. Hand-prepared and labeled in the pharmacy of William Procter Jr. on Ninth and Lombard Streets, this small artifact provides a rare example of mid-nineteenth century medicine compounding.
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The Breakfast Club
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Pictured in “The Breakfast Club” photo are John M. Keating, Frank McCauley, Charlie Haylehurst, Andrew Grey, and John Walts, students attending PCP in 1876. The image was captured by Fredrick Gutekunst (1831-1917), a famous Philadelphia photographer who graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1853. Before becoming a photographer, he worked as a druggist, studying chemistry and electricity under Avery Tobey at 1215 Market Street. He eventually gave up pharmacy practice to pursue photography, opening his first photography shop at 706 Arch Street. Later, in 1864, Gutekunst moved to 712 Arch Street, where his business stood until the time of his death. Throughout his lifetime, Gutekunst became a very notable photographer, photographing Presidents Grant, Cleveland, and Mckinely, as well as famous poets such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Walt Whitman.
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City of Philadelphia Proclamation
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Framed proclamation from the City of Philadelphia Signed by Mayor Edward G. Rendell Mayor of Philadelphia Edward G. Rendell officially proclaimed Friday, February 23, 1996 "Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science Day."
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College Supper To 1932 Graduating Class
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Photograph of the 1932 College Supper for the June 6, 1932, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science graduating class. The photograph, likely taken from the top of a ladder, shows five long tables filled with the 1932 PCPS graduating class at dinner. The students, happy and proud, pose for the
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Doctor of Pharmacy Certificate
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
This framed Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (PCP) diploma certifies that, as of May 11, 1905, Frank William Cast has engaged "...four years in the drug or apothecary business...attended the required courses of instructions, passed an examination in Theory and Practice of Pharmacy, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materia Medica, Botany, and Pharmacognosy, and is deemed qualified to deal in Drugs and prepare and dispense Medicines..." thus earning a Doctor of Pharmacy, (P.D.) degree. Until its change to the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science in 1921, the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy awarded P.D. certificates upon completion of required courses and work experience. This certificate is signed by significant PCP educators, including Joseph P. Remington, Ph.m and Henry Kraemer, Ph.D.
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First Board of Trustees
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, First Board of Trustees
This photograph was taken at the First Board of Trustees meeting of the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention in 1900 A.D., held at the Museum of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.
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Glass Ashtray with Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science Seal
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Clear glass ashtray with Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (PCPS) seal on the center. This ashtray belonged to William A. Thawley, a Philadelphia College of Pharmacy alumnus from the class of 1938. Thawley was appointed the 18th president of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, serving from October 1980 to January 1984. During his presidency, William A. Thawley introduced new majors to the College, such as biochemistry and physical therapy.
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Golden Graduate Award, PCPS
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
The golden Graduate Award is shaped like a piece of laboratory glassware, commemorating the Golden Anniversary of Thawley's graduation from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. This award was presented to him in 1988.
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Joseph P. Remington's Gavel
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Joseph P. Remington
Wooden gavel with metal presentation plate inscribed, "Presented to Prof. Joseph Remington by the International Congress of Chemistry, New York, Sept. 6th, 1912."
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Matriculation Ticket
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy education
In the early history of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, students used matriculation tickets to gain entrance into their lecture courses. This ticket belonged to Mr. H. G. Detwiller of Bethlehem, Pa., and certifies that he has matriculated in the School of Pharmacy for the session 1868-69, 2nd course. This matriculation ticket was issued by the Secretary of the Board of Trustees on November 1868, in Philadelphia.
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Mortar and Pestle
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Joseph P. Remington
Wooden mortar and pestle with the inscription: “Amer. presented by J. P. Remington to Mr. Charles Clark - 75 years.”
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Oath of a Pharmacist
Pharmacy
Framed 'Oath of a Pharmacist' print from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) decorated with colorful Celtic-inspired intricate, intertwining designs. This print was given to Nathan Lipshutz, a Philadelphia College of Pharmacy alumnus and, since 1958, the owner of the Raker's Pharmacy since 1958, which was located at 2900 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA. Lipshutz donated several items to the Marvin Samson Museum between 1997 and 2009.
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Philadelphia College of Pharmacy 1909 Flag
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Framed navy blue and white "'09 PCP" Philadelphia College of Pharmacy flag for the year 1909.
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Philadelphia College of Pharmacy And Science Plaque
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Round earthenware clay Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science plaque depicting Hebe, goddess of eternal youth, and Demeter, goddess of harvest and agriculture. At the center of the plaque is the Latin sentence, "Nosse Haec Omnia Salus Est," which translates to: "To Know All This is Salvation." This became the official seal of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and appears on official documents and significant college buildings.
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Philadelphia College of Pharmacy Flag
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Framed burgundy and off-white "Phil College of Pharmacy" flag.
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Philadelphia College of Pharmacy Pennant Flag
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Framed triangular hanging flag with tassel at its tip composed of two burgundy-colored felt panels sewn on either side of a cream-colored felt panel on which Philadelphia College of Pharmacy eagle, mortar and pestle, and laurel wreath insignia is painted in gold glitter.
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Portrait of Edward Parish, Ph. G.
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Edward Parish
Portrait of Edward Parish, Ph. G. - professor of materia medica 1864 to 1867 and professor of pharmacy 1867 to 1872 in an ornate frame.
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Portrait of Henry Troth
Henry Throth, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Oil painting portrait of Henry Troth by artist and granddaughter of the sitter, Emma Troth (1869–1949).
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Portrait of Joseph P. Remington
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Black and white print of Joseph P. Remington, professor of Theory and Practice of Pharmacy (1874-1918) and Dean of the College (1893-1918)Joseph Price Remington (1847-1918), Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, class of 1866. In 1874, Remington became the professor of the Theory and Practice of Pharmacy, and in 1877, director of the pharmaceutical laboratory. Professor Remington was the first vice-president of the committee of revision of the United States Pharmacopoeia and supervised the preparation of several classes of compounds for the book. In 1880, the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy conferred an honorary Master in Pharmacy degree to Remington and he was elected the first president of the Council of the American Pharmaceutical Association, an office he held for six years. In 1893, Remington became the Dean of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, a position he retained until his death in 1918. Professor Remington was the author of "The Practice of Pharmacy" (1886), a book still used today by students and scholars.
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