In a previous life, I bought and sold antiques and collectibles. One of my favourite things was the category of old medical equipment. Not only was it quite rare, but the pieces themselves are so unusual and archaic. Wandering through Old Town, I came upon curiosities in the Hippocrates Pharmacy Museum. The contents took me right back to that fascination I once had with old medical devices.
Bulgarian Revival Architecture
Old Town Plovdiv is a protected district because of the Bulgarian Revival architecture located here. Beautiful and unusual wooden houses litter this area. One such house is the little one currently being used as the Hippocrates Pharmacy Museum.
On a much less grand scale, this little wooden house built in 1872, consists of two floors and a small courtyard. I was told by the lovely caretaker, that the building was not originally a pharmacy per say, but the home of one of Plovdiv’s first graduated doctors.
Hippocrates Pharmacy Museum
The main floor is basically one room, the walls lined with wooden drawers similar to what you would find in an old library card index room. The upper shelves are full of glass and ceramic containers for various types of liquids, powders and tinctures.
Leaving this room, I was directed up a small set of stairs to a larger pair of rooms. These were absolutely filled with all things medical, so interesting. I’m sure a pharmacist and/or doctor would be astounded by all they saw here.
Hundreds of pieces of medical equipment that were found and located all over Plovdiv have been brought here and placed on display.
My favourite items were the box of microscopic slides, glass scientific equipment and metal medical tools.
Courtyard
Once I returned down the stairs, I was directed outside into the tiny courtyard. Here are planted many species of medicinal herbs and plants, very much in need of water I might add.
What a fascinating little building to discover in Old Town. I rarely seek out antiques or shops any more. But when I find them in the wild, they bring back the nostalgia they once did for me many years ago.
