Drug Supplies in the American Revolution

Paper 16, pages 109-133, from CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY
United States National Museum BULLETIN 225
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION WASHINGTON, D.C., 1961


Contributions from The Museum of History and Technology Paper 16
Drug Supplies in the American Revolution George B. Griffenhagen

by George B. Griffenhagen
At the start of the Revolution, the Colonies were cut off from the source of their usual drug supply, England. A few drugs trickled through from the West Indies, but by 1776 there was an acute shortage.
Lack of coordination and transportation resulted in a scarcity of drugs for the army hospitals even while druggists in other areas resorted to advertising in order to sell their stocks. Some relief came from British prize ships captured by the American navy and privateers, but the chaotic condition of drug supply was not eased until the alliance with France early in 1778.