author
George B. Griffenhagen
A pharmacist, museum curator, and lively historian of medicine, he helped turn the story of pharmacy into something vivid and accessible. His books explored everything from patent medicines and drug containers to the broader traditions of American pharmacy.
2 Audiobooks
Drug Supplies in the American Revolution
by George B. Griffenhagen
Old English Patent Medicines in America
by George B. Griffenhagen, James Harvey Young
About the author
Born in Portland, Oregon, in 1924, he served in the U.S. Army Combat Engineers in North Africa and Europe during World War II before earning pharmacy degrees from the University of Southern California. That scientific training stayed with him throughout a long career devoted not only to pharmacy itself, but also to preserving its history.
He became widely known for work on the history of pharmacy and medicines, including studies of patent medicines, drug containers, and the development of American pharmaceutical practice. He also worked in museum and historical roles, including service connected with the Smithsonian, and remained active in professional history-of-pharmacy organizations over many decades.
Remembered as a major figure in his field, he combined scholarly research with a strong gift for public history, helping readers see how medicines, labels, bottles, and everyday remedies can tell larger stories about culture and science. He died in 2019 at age 95.