[The competences of doctors and apothecaries in relation to the prescription or medicines according to the analysis of ordinances from 1796].

The tasks and duties of apothecaries were perfectly outlined and regulated by the Real Tribunal de Protomedicato (Royal Tribunal of the Protomedicate) as well as the Real Colegio de Boticarios (Royal College or Apothecaries). However, when the Real Colegio de Medicina de Madrid (Madrid Royal College of Medicine) was set up, this institution began to take over certain responsabilities which, until then, had been regulated and controlled by a series of instutions such as the Royal Colleges. This was clear interferences in the privated affairs of these institutions in the presumible aim of newly centralizing power in one medical centre as had occurred throughout history. In any case, professional Colleges began to spring up and clearly define the frontiers between the three branches of health care. They also began to dictate deontological standards both in the professional terrain and between professionals and society in general.