Have you ever noticed that the term “druggist” is often found alongside “chemist” (as in “chemist and druggist”), while the term “chemist” can also exist independently? The fact that we see the phrase “chemist and druggist” on the signs of many pharmacies suggests that the two words are closely related, but not synonyms. Therefore, using these words interchangeably is incorrect. Let’s examine the differences more closely.
A chemist is someone who has been trained to study the components of substances. They are a student of chemistry and can analyze the composition of any substance. In Britain, a chemist can also refer to a shop selling medicines and cosmetics, as well as a qualified person who dispenses medicines as prescribed by a doctor. As such, a chemist is someone who knows all about drugs, their compositions, and their side effects.
A druggist, on the other hand, is someone who stores and sells drugs. It is common to refer to a pharmacist as a druggist, particularly in the US and Canada. A druggist is a health professional who has been trained in the art of preparing and dispensing drugs. The word druggist comes from the word “drugs,” and a person who deals in drugs (storing and selling) is therefore referred to as a druggist.
Key Takeaways
- A chemist is a trained scientist who studies the composition of substances, while a druggist stores and sells drugs.
- In Britain, a chemist can also refer to a shop selling medicines and cosmetics, or a qualified person who dispenses medicines.
- Although the words chemist and druggist are closely related and often seen together on drug store signs, there is a difference between the two professions.
