On 10 December 2018, in the Sala de S. Pedro of the General Library of the University of Coimbra, Bluepharma launched the facsimile edition of the work Pharmacopea Portuense, made from an original edition kept in the collection of the University Library.
“This is the fifth pharmacopeia of a collection of ten that, in 2010, Bluepharma pledged to republish, at the rate of one per year, in partnership with the General Library of the University of Coimbra and the Coimbra University Press. By republishing the Pharmacopea Portuense, we want to continue our contribution to the preservation of this most valuable historical, cultural and scientific heritage, disseminating it and gratefully returning to the society, customers, and the University of Coimbra what we have so abundantly received from all these partners who share our journey,” explains Dr. Paulo Barradas Rebelo, President of Bluepharma Group.
The presentation of the new pharmacopeia was made by João Rui Pita, professor of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra. Also present were Dr. Paulo Barradas Rebelo, President of Bluepharma Group, José Augusto Bernardes, Director of the General Library, and Delfim Ferreira Leão, Director of the Coimbra University Press.
The Pharmacopea Portuense, the first edition of which appeared in 1766, is a little-known work by António Rodrigues Portugal (surgeon born in Porto, where he practiced his profession and published two other important works: Pharmacopea Meadiana and Novo systema dos tumores). The author’s aim was to bring together in one work, and in Portuguese, the drug preparations that were found in the most prestigious pharmacopeias of Europe. This made it possible to generalise and facilitate access by physicians, surgeons and pharmacists to the latest formulas of accredited European authors.
