Difference between.......

[Viz]

What is the difference between a chemist and a pharmacist, and/or a chemist and a pharmacy?

[tam155]

The main differance is that a Chemist is involved with the preperation, mixing, distributions of drugs etc. pharmacist works more on the research side of things dealing with the development and testing of new drugs and the effects that they will have upon the body.

[Viz]

But here in NZ we have a chemists shop or a pharmasists shop both dispensing medication. Surely a pharmasist in that sense of the word wouldn't have time to do any research etc. And the only mixing of drugs I have seen in either is of a tincture for a cough or the like. And in both shops I have had the same service. I have asked both of the above what the difference and they have said they didn't know! All I know is that both give me any medication I have been given by the doctor and all the meds have been ready to give out, no preparation or mixing.

[Ewood27]

According to dictionary.com. "chemist" is used in the UK as a synonym for "pharmacist".
I have prescriptions dispensed at a chemist('s), but only permitted when the pharmacist is there.
A chemist (person) can be involved in many other things than medicine, e.g. development of new fuels, while a pharmacist/pharmacy to my mind is purely concerned with medicine. At the same time, a chemist (shop) can sell many other things, some not even to do with personal health and cleanliness. Think Boots and their wide range!

[Gef]

A pharmacist is a person qualified, and professionally registered to formulate, dispense and give advice about drugs. Such a person will have a degree in pharmacy (a very specialised branch of chemistry) and relevant professional qualifications. I have a degree in chemistry but that does not allow me to be a pharmacist. In reality a chemists shop cannot sell anything that is not available at your local supermarket unless there is a pharmacist present.