[180 years of teaching and research in pharmcology in Oslo. The 100-year anniversary of the department of pharmacology].

The teaching of pharmacology and toxicology for medical students started in Norway 180 years ago, in 1814, when the first Norwegian medical school was founded in Kristiania (Oslo). The first professors, however, had to teach other medical disciplines in addition to pharmacology: Nils Berner Sørensen taught pathology and therapy, Fredrik Holst and Ernst Ferdinand Lochmann taught hygiene. 100 years ago, in 1894, Poul Edvard Poulsson was appointed professor in pharmacology and toxicology only. Poulsson became the founder of pharmacology in Norway and of the Department of Pharmacology. In particular, he became known for his textbook of pharmacology. The first edition appeared in 1905, and the textbook was later translated to several languages. The article reviews the early history of pharmacology in Norway, based on the biographies of the professors mentioned above and of their successors, Klaus Hansen and Jacob Molland. The Department of Pharmacology was reorganized in 1966. The most recent period is reviewed only briefly. The present status of the department and of pharmacology are emphasized.