Historical development of the pharmaceutical industry in Spain prior to Transition

Max Weber (1864-1920), in his classic Die protestantische Ethik und der Geist des Kapitalismus, tried to justify the unequal industrial development of different European countries based on religious division continent as result Lutheran Reformation; According their approach, establishment Protestantism north and centre Catholicism south became northern areas prosperous southern depressed, encouraging a tendency Protestant towards factory work, opposition Catholic preference for craftsmanship. As far pharmaceutical industry was concerned, this approach led two models: Central model, Protestant-inspired, Mediterranean established mainly such Spain. The driving force behind new therapeutics that emerged during 19th century, it did so by acting fundamental components drug: composition presentation; while Anglo-Saxon were inclined promote composition, channelled its efforts final consumer product, “pharmaceutical speciality”. Taking framework into account, our intention is offer general overview Spanish prior Transition, series stages ranging from emergence drugstore pharmacies mid-19th century laboratories Franco’s regime, including classification what we know medicines (“secret remedies”, “specific” specialities”), legal recognition (Stamp Act health registration), raw materials main forms.