Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Pharmec* (for Pharmac*)

Most pharmacies these days are big chain stores, but happily it seems there are still a few of the old-fashioned kind around. You might try thinking of the term "Big Pharma" as a way of recalling how to spell it; or maybe just the word "Ma" would put you in mind of some old home remedies your mother had up her sleeve. Drugs generally have their origins in natural compounds, herbs, and botanicals, but the former tend to be far more dangerous than the latter. While I find it difficult to believe that many TV viewers are inclined to run out and ask their doctors if [latest questionable drug in question] may be "right for you," those appalling ads (the side effects sound worse than the ailment itself) must do the trick since both "over the counter" and prescription drug use is an extremely lucrative business. You might not feel any better after taking these products, but the pharmaceutical makers certainly do. Pharmec* occurs nine times in OhioLINK and 98 times in WorldCat.

(Pharmacie Malard, Commercy, France, May 2007, from Wikimedia Commons.)

Carol Reid

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