Question:

Why is there a line that crosses the letter R making an X on pharmacy signs?

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on Pharmacy signs, why is there like a squiggly line that cross the line on the letter R making an X????

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  1. When I was in nursing school, we were always taught it was the Latin abbreviation for "recipe" or "how to make & take" the drug.

    ~Garnet

    Permaculture homesteading/farming over 20 years

    Worked in the medical field over 15 years


  2. There are various theories about the origin of this symbol - some note its similarity to the Eye of Horus, others to the ancient symbol for Jupiter, both gods whose protection may have been sought in medical contexts.

    Alternatively, it may be intended as an abbreviation of the Latin "recipe", the imperative form of "recipere", "to take or take thus", and it is quite possible that more than one of these factors influenced its form.

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