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    Why is the symbol for a pharmacy a capital "R" with a check mark on its front leg?

    Question #121693. Asked by star_gazer. (Jun 02 11 6:41 PM)


    Datsmeharse

    		It's most likely an abbreviation of the Latin word recipe, Rx, which itself is now known to denote 'prescription'.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_prescription#Format_and_definition


    There are some who believe that the symbol refers to the God Jupiter, but this site debunks that theory, preferring instead a link to the Egyptian god Horus.
    http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1641/what-does-the-pharmacists-symbol-rx-mean

    Jun 02 11, 6:59 PM
    gmackematix

    		This is called a prescription symbol.

    Just as the ampersand symbol (&) is a stylised abbreviation of the Latin word "et" (meaning "and"), the crossed R is thought to be a stylised abbreviation of the Latin word "Recipe".
    This is the imperative form of the verb "recipere" so literally means "Take..."
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_prescription

    Jun 02 11, 6:59 PM
    gmackematix

    		I knew stopping to get a cup of tea in the middle of answering was a bad idea. And the two sugars I had in it are probably not what the doctor (or dentist) ordered.

    Jun 02 11, 7:01 PM

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