Humans have taken care of themselves and others in various forms since the dawn of time, from magic to shamanism and from acupuncture to Western medicine, which we now consider the most authoritative. This first chapter highlights the historical journey made by humans, who, over the centuries, have faced the difficult task of outlining the boundaries of medical and pharmaceutical sciences as we know them today. This chapter explores the historical evolution of pharmacy, tracing its origins from ancient civilizations to its modern form. It begins with the Egyptians, whose medical and pharmaceutical practices laid essential foundations, and then examines the contributions of the Chinese, Incas, Sumerians and Indians. The chapter continues with the Greeks, highlighting the emergence of the first pharmacies in Western countries and the pivotal role of Hippocrates. Special attention is given to Roman figures, such as Dioscorides and Galen, whose works shaped pharmaceutical knowledge for centuries. The narrative then discusses the establishment of pharmacy as a physical institution, the influence of monks, the Islamic Golden Age and the renowned School of Salerno. It concludes with Frederick II’s reforms, the rise of Europe’s first pharmacy and the discipline’s progression to contemporary practice.