Analytical chemistry studying historical pharmaceuticals and health care formulations

One of the very attractive applications of analytical chemistry is its utilization to reveal and describe the composition of materials used or manipulated in the past. The findings provide a picture of the technology, social customs, and other interesting information in the context in which the analyzed objects were used. Analysis of historical pharmaceutical relics from museum collections or archaeological excavations is one of the very interesting domains of such analysis. This article reviews papers on analysis of pharmaceutical relics from the prehistoric period up to the twentieth century. The advantages and prospects of techniques used and methodological aspects of the analysis are discussed. It is shown that such analysis demands multifaceted approach and the results must be weighted very carefully. Graphical abstract: .