Tallinn-topic
Beside medicine, the pharmacy sold all sorts of different products in the Middle
Ages. One could buy sweets, preserves, marzipan and cookies. The pharmacy sold
stationery, dies, gunpowder, spices, candles and torches. When tobacco was brought to
Europe and then to Estonia, the pharmacy started to sell it first.
There were a few miracle drugs on sale, like the unicorn's horn powder, the powder made
of the oversea mummies, the powders made of burnt hedgehogs, earthworms or
swallow's nests. The Burcharts are the family whom we usually speak about in
connection with the Town Council's Pharmacy.
Johann Burchart I came from Hungary in 1580. Three years later he leased the pharmacy
and so did his heirs until Johann Burchart IV bought the property from the Town Council
and became the owner. Altogether, there were 10 Johann Burcharts who all played
important roles in the life of Tallinn. The coat of arms of the Burcharts can be seen on the
wall of the entrance-hall.
Liberty Square
annaabi.ee 
