Glossary
P
pharmacy
The preparation and medicinal dispensing of drugs.
pharmacy cabinet
Used to store equipment and drugs in a pharmacy
phenethicillin
first commercially available semi synthetic penicillin
phlegm
Mucus produced by the respiratory system, and expelled by coughing. Healthy phlegm is normally clear and white.
photomicrography
The use of photography to obtain a permanent record (a photomicrograph) of the image of an object as viewed through a microscope.
phrenological head
A representation of a human head, on which the phrenological faculties are illustrated. Phrenologists believed that one could tell personality traits by examining the bumps of the skull. The practice is now regarded as a pseudo-science.
phrenology
The study of the bumps on the outside of the skull in order to determine a person's character. It was based on the mistaken theory that the skull becomes modified according to the size of different parts of the brain.
physical anthropology
The study of humans, mainly their biological and physical make-up as well as their evolutionary history.
physician
In the UK, a specialist in internal medicine, in the USA, the title refers to a general medical doctor.
physiognomy
The study and interpretation of facial features to find the qualities of mind or character. It is based on the belief that an individual’s physical characteristics reflected their personality, an idea now rejected within medicine.
physiology
The science of the functioning of living organisms and their component parts.
physiotherapy
Exercise helpful to those with physical illness, for example stroke, or back injuries. A physical therapist is a specialist trained in using exercise and physical activities to condition and improve muscles.
piles
Swellings that develop from three pads or cushions of tissue that line the anal canal.
pill box
A small box for pills
pill cutter
used to prepare pills
pill mould
used to make pills and tablets
pill tile
Tile used to roll and divide pills on - this helped determine the dosage of the pill.
pince-nez
A type of spectacle that rests solely on the nose. Translates from French as nose-pinch
pipette
A graduated tube (marked in ml) used to transport a definite volume of a gas or liquid in laboratory work.
placenta
The placenta is an organ, rooted to the lining of the womb, which links an unborn baby's blood supply to the mother’s. By linking to the mother's blood supply, the placenta carries out functions that the unborn baby cannot.