"Earliest known records of the preparation of medicines are Babylonian. Medical texts on clay tablets called for a combination of pharmaceutical, medical, and religious measures; a practitioner of healing was priest, pharmacist, and physician, all in one."

Original vintage poster of a Babylonian medical team. The illustration has an air of the divine to it—fitting, considering medicine was the domain of the priest in Babylonia.

Born in Grand Rapids, Missouri in 1915, Robert Thom is a notable American illustrator. Thom is best-known for his historical scenes, as exemplified in this series of works, A History of Pharmacy in Pictures. This series was commissioned by Parke-Davis Company, a subsidiary of Pfizer, and was printed serially throughout the 50s. The 40 pieces were created in partnership with the Institute for the History of Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin. Thom started his career as a commercial illustrator for Detroit Edison and General Motors in 1939. After six years, Thom left these companies behind and shifted to being an independent artist. Thom began taking commissions for paintings and attracted big-name clientele. An important contributor to American illustration, Thom’s realistic work can be seen at the Baseball Hall of Fame and the White House.

Artist: Robert A. Thom

Printer: Parke, Davis & Company

Year: 1951

Condition: Excellent