At the White Unicorn in Klatovy

The history of pharmacy museum in the former ”At the White Unicorn” baroque apothecary shop is one of the main attractions of Klatovy, in the Czech Republic (Barokní lékárna u Bílého jednorožce, part of the Vlastivědné muzeum Dr. Hostaše v Klatovech). During our visit, in July 2021, we were impressed by the variety and rarity of the natural specimens on display, starting with the narwhal horn that gave the shop its name and ending with the jar of living leeches. We also admired the scarificators (for bloodletting), a mortar with mechanically-turn pestle, and a special closet with a painted human skull in which Venena, possibly toxic products, were kept in the old pharmacies. The narwhal horn acquired in 1740 by owner Stepan Schmidt proved a real marketing success. The furniture was obtained from the Jesuit pharmacy in town after the dissolution of the order. In 2010 it was restored to its 18th-century state and is impressive through its shades of green and gold. We are grateful for Dr. Martina Salvová’s specialized guided tour , her practical demonstrations in the production of medicines, and the privilege of taking photos inside the museum.

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