Pharmacy stories
from three centuries

The Gasthof zum "blauen Adler" (Blue Eagle Inn) is opened in the building, which has existed since the beginning of the 16th century. Parts of the old building still exist today. For example, the house badge, an eagle, which is located in the courtyard above the door to the staircase.

The old house sign now decorates the door to the staircase

The pharmacist Nicolaus Jerre asks the Elector Friedrich August I for the privilege of founding a new pharmacy. On 15 October 1704, the Elector asks the Leipzig Council to allow Jerre to open a pharmacy. The three existing pharmacies (Löwen Apotheke, König-Salomon-Apotheke and the Mohren Apotheke) felt that their privilege of 1604 was under attack and tried to sue against Jerre's plan.
But Jerre did not give up. With unprecedented tenacity, he continued to fight for the privilege of being able to open a pharmacy. Against the intrigues and the existing Leipzig pharmacy cartel, which put one stone after another in his way.

Interior view of a pharmacy around 1700; on the left a doctor's desk, in the middle a pharmacist processing a prescription, a colleague hands over the finished medicine at the dispensing window. Engraving by A. Chr. Fleischmann from F. P. Florini's "Hausväterbuch"; Nuremberg, Frankfurt a.M. and Leipzig 1722.

On 18 January 1709, the pharmacist Nicolaus Jerre received his privilege to open a new pharmacy, thus ending the 'Leipzig Pharmacy Dispute' that had lasted for 100 years. He opened the "Apotheke zum weißen Adler" (Pharmacy of the White Eagle). On the one hand, the name probably goes back to the "Gasthof zum blauen Adler" (Blue Eagle Inn) that had previously existed in the building. On the other hand, the white eagle was the coat of arms of the Polish royal house and a symbol of power, strength and eternal virtue. In keeping with the times, the pharmacy also runs a secondary trade in spices, soaps, tobacco, wine and much more.

The privilege of 1709, signed by August the Strong.

Jerre dies. His brother-in-law J.A. Gerve takes over the pharmacy, which is then run by family members.

The eagle made of sheet copper "carries" the house.

The Adler Apotheke is given the privileged title of "Hof Apotheke" (Court Pharmacy) under the pharmacist J.M. Schuhmacher. It retains this title until 1920.

The Adler Apotheke holds the privileged title of "Hof Apotheke".

The German writer Theodor Fontane began working as a pharmacy assistant at the Adler Apotheke. At that time, pharmacies often functioned as reading halls and clubrooms for doctors and professors, which enabled him to quickly make acquaintances and lay a foundation for his literary career. Among others, he met the doctor and poet Dr. Adler here and the publishing bookseller Robert Binder, publisher of the belletristic and intellectual magazine "Eisenbahn".

Theodor Fontane, watercolour by David Ottensooser, 1843.

On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the pharmacy, the 300-year-old and dilapidated building is being renovated. The architect Karl Müller-Schleussig designed the Art Nouveau building, taking great inspiration from the baroque townscape. The baroque façade, the Adler clock, the new laboratory and sculptural elements of Hygieia (goddess of health) and Aesculapius (god of healing) were added. The listed medicine shop still exists today, slightly altered.

The Hainstraße around 1909.

Max Lux takes over the pharmacy and ensures that the Adler Apotheke stays up and running for over 50 years. "Mäcke" Lux became known for his social and business skills. His liqueur "Mäckediktiner" became a sales classic.

Advertising pamphlet after the opening of the print shop in 1909.

After Max Lux's death, the Adler pharmacy is nationalised. Until it reverts to family ownership in 1990.

The pharmacy after the expansion to include the neighbouring shop, in the mid-70s.

The Adler pharmacy is being remodelled and modernised while retaining its historic character. The renovation integrates modern technology and increases the area of the pharmacy by 2.5 times. Additional entrances facilitate access.

View of the interior of the current Adler pharmacy: modernity and history stylishly combined.