2022 Volume 57 Issue 2 Pages 138-143
Summary Introduction: In this study, the author investigated Gonzaemon Shimura, a pharmacist who provided disaster medical support following the Yamanashi Great Flood of 1907. Methods: The author used materials from the National Diet Library's Digital Collection, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences Library, Tokyo Metropolitan Archives, National Archives of Japan, and official records of the Yamanashi Prefecture and Yamanashi City governments. Results and Discussion: Yamanashi Prefecture is surrounded by mountains on all sides, and in the case of a disaster, it takes much time for relief supplies to arrive there from other prefectures. During the Great Yamanashi Flood of 1907, Gonzaemon Shimura provided medical support to the disaster victims not by supplying medicines, but by producing and distributing drinking water. This case is an early 20th century example of a pharmacist who was able to exercise his professional duty during a disaster at a time medicines were unavailable.
