Sun Cross
Rx
Rx
Literally meaning 'take'.
Overview
In modern medicine and pharmacy, the “Rx” symbol is universally recognised as a symbol for a medical prescription.
When a healthcare provider writes a prescription, they often begin with the “Rx” symbol, followed by specific instructions for the medication, dosage, and other relevant information. This symbol is an abbreviation of an old Latin verb ‘Recipe’ and this word literally means ‘take’ ancient prescriptions thus began with a command to take the ingredients of a medication or concoction in a specified manner [1].
Pharmacists and patients understand that the “Rx” symbol signifies a medical order for a specific treatment.
Nonetheless, the history of the “Rx” symbol reflects the long-standing connection between medicine, healing, and the written instructions that guide the use of medications and treatments.
Origin and Meaning
The origins of the “Rx” symbol has been traced back to ancient Egypt by some. Here, the Eye of Horus (𓂀), a powerful symbol associated with protection and healing was used in medicinal and protective contexts.[2][3]
This symbol is often depicted as a stylised human eye with markings that resemble the modern “Rx” symbol.
It was believed to have healing properties and was used to invoke the blessings of gods and ward off illness.
Such theories about the origin of the symbol “℞” and its similarity to the Eye of Horus have not produced any objective evidence however.
In ancient Rome, the prescription symbol “Rx” is believed to have its roots in the Latin word “recipe,” meaning “take,” which is often the first word of a prescription.
The “Rx” symbol was used as an abbreviation for “recipe” and was commonly placed at the beginning of a prescription to instruct the pharmacist or patient to take certain ingredients or medicines.
Over time, the “Rx” symbol evolved from the Latin “recipe” abbreviation. By the medieval period, it became more stylised and recognisable, resembling the “Rx” symbol we see today. It is still used as an instruction to take certain medications or treatments.
In Europe, another suggestion of the origin of the symbol appears to represent the astronomical sign of the planet and roman god Jupiter (♃), and his greek counterpart Zeus, gods whose protection may have been sought in medical contexts.
There is, however, no evidence to support this suggestion. The Jupiter symbol is probably rooted in a choice from the printer, who may have used the sign as the nearest approach he had in type to the abbreviated sign for recipe.
It is believed that the confusion between the two symbols is due to a mere typographical coincidence. A careful examination of the various styles of writing the symbol, clearly shows that the sign was originally adopted as an abbreviation of the word “recipe.”[1]
The symbol for Jupiter, ♃, was originally a Greek zeta, Ζ, with a stroke indicating that it is an abbreviation (for Zeus, the Greek equivalent of Roman Jupiter).
Conclusion
Commonly seen on doctor’s prescription pads and signs in pharmacies, Rx is the symbol for a medical prescription.
According to most sources, Rx is derived from the Latin word “recipe,” meaning “take.” Among several alternative theories, however, is the belief that the Rx symbol evolved from the Eye of Horus, an ancient Egyptian symbol associated with healing powers.
References
[1] Ohashi K. [Memorandum on the origin of Rx, the signal be employed to the heading in the prescription]. Yakushigaku Zasshi. 1995;30(2):91-5. Japanese. PMID: 11613537.
[3] "First recorded incidence of the pharmaceutical sign 'Rx'". Egyptphoto.ncf.ca. Archived from the original on 3 October 2020.
[4] Dukoff AB. "Did You Know Where Rx Came From?". Endomail.com. Archived from the original on 3 October 2013.
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