Abstract
The article proposes to examine the development of laws making the sale of “dangerous drugs” such as heroin and cocaine illegal except on a doctor's prescription. These laws were principally a reflection of the growing power and authority of the medical profession; they signalled the defeat of the sellers of proprietary medicines and the subordination of pharmacists. The appropriation of drugs by the medical profession also took power away from the population at large and denied their right to use drugs as they chose. The medical profession thus redefined the “consumers” of drugs as “patients”.
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Notes on contributors
D.R.A. Manderson
Both authors formerly Public Health Officers, Eastern Sydney Area Public Health Unit Previously general practitioner, Orange NSW, Australia.