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Since ancient times, people have sought medical formulas to treat illnesses and professionals capable of preparing them. But it wasn’t until the 6th century in France that the profession of apothecary was formally established and organized into communities of practitioners. The statutes in force, which varied from region to region, sought to define the foundations of the profession and the training required. After the definitive separation of apothecaries and grocers (1777), two laws regulated the profession. The “law of Germinal” (1803) gave the state the role of training and licensing pharmacists, among other important changes. And the law of 1941, under the Vichy regime, which finally recognized pharmaceutical specialties (subject to regulatory approval) and affirmed the role of the pharmaceutical industry, which was already well-established at the time. Finally, the organization of pharmacy extended beyond retail pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies. Hospital pharmacy, which emerged in the 15th century, and military pharmacy, which took shape in the 17th century, were two ways of practicing that were—and remain—important for pharmacy. Both have been the source of remarkable personalities and discoveries, whether in France, its colonies, or abroad.