For many years, millennia even, medical professionals have relied on formulas to aid them in their practices.  Going into the 18th and 19th centuries, these formulas have evolved into what we'd now recognize as pharmaceutical-grade prescriptions and medicines.  The popularity of "antique" medicine has grown in recent decades, be it with medical formulars or the instruments and other tools used.

What does this have to do with medical preparedness and first aid, you ask?

Quite a bit, actually.  Here are a few things to consider when comparing the two:

• It was undoubtedly the older styles of medical aid that became what we know today as modern medicine, so knowing the history and how yesterday's cause became today's effect is an important area to investigate
• The ingredients used - even the oddly named ones - were based on what was found naturally or easily enough obtained, meaning recreating a recipe with limited resources is more easily done
• Today's knowledge has grown to the point that identifying potentially harmful ingredients and finding a non-harmful substitute enables improved and adaptable formulas

Among the best of our medical formulars are the Fenner's series, which was written for the 19th century druggist and contains a wide breadth of information on various methods and recipes for creating medicines, as well as household goods and beauty products.  The Fenner's Complete Formulary, Parts 1 & 2 starts off the series and covers all the basics, such as measurement guides, medicinal substances and processes of preparation.

If you just can't get enough medical info, definitely check out our general medical section for more on first aid, survival medicine and even resuscitation!

The more you know, the better along you go!

Fenner's Book Of Formulas - Part 3a

If you're looking to learn to make your own medicine, this document is what you need! It covers Part 3a of Fenner's Complete Formulary, which guides the reader on the science of formula, making it easy to understand and implement.

Fenner's Formula Book Of Household Goods

In simpler times, people used household goods they either made themselves or bought from a local druggist (who also handmade them), but what was in these products and can they be made for use today? This 45-page guide gives you the info you need and, with some modifications on certain ingredients, many can be safely used today.

Fenner's Formulary - Part 4: For The Home Pharmacy

Continuing the series on Fenner's Complete Formulary, Part 4 goes into the remedies that made many 19th century "druggists" wealthy. Many of the same processes can be used and adapted for use in today's home pharmacy.

Fenner's Home Pharmacy Book - Part 3b

This document is the second half of Part 3 of Fenner's Complete Formulary and continues the processes of making medicinal goods, going from gelatins all the way down to wines. With such solid scientific knowledge as Fenner presents, anyone can learn to make their own medicines.

Fenners Complete Formulary - Parts 1 & 2

When it comes to medicine, it's very helpful to be able to make your own. When it comes to self-sufficiency, being able to treat your own ailments is priceless. This 19th century formulary outlines the science necessary for successful DIY pharmacoepia.