Chemist vs. Apothecary — What's the Difference?

A chemist (from Greek chēm(ía) alchemy; replacing chymist from Medieval Latin alchemist) is a scientist trained in the study of chemistry. Chemists study the composition of matter and its properties.

Apothecary () is one term for a medical professional who formulates and dispenses materia medica (medicine) to physicians, surgeons, and patients. The modern chemist (also known as a pharmacist in American English) has taken over this role.

A shop where medicinal drugs are dispensed and sold, and in which toiletries and other medical goods can be purchased.

A person who prepared and sold medicines and drugs.

A person engaged in chemical research or experiments

One that prepares and sells drugs and other medicines; a pharmacist.

A scientist specializing in chemistry.

See pharmacy.

Chiefly British A pharmacist.

Synonym of pharmacist: a person who sells medicine, especially (historical) one who made and sold their own medicines in the medieval or early modern eras.

(Obsolete) An alchemist.

Synonym of pharmacy: an apothecary's shop, a drugstore.

A person who specializes in the science of chemistry, especially at a professional level.

(uncommon) A glass jar of the sort once used for storing medicine.

A pharmacist.

One who prepares and sells drugs or compounds for medicinal purposes.

A pharmacy.

A health professional trained in the art of preparing and dispensing drugs

(obsolete) An alchemist.

A person versed in chemistry or given to chemical investigation; an analyst; a maker or seller of chemicals or drugs.

A scientist who specializes in chemistry

A health professional trained in the art of preparing and dispensing drugs