The origins of using "RX" for prescriptions

Abstract

Historically, prescriptions were written in Latin and are still written that way now though there are no global standard for them and every country has its own regulations. No one speaks this language now considering it to be "dead" and yet many physicians insist on writing prescriptions in Latin. The word "prescription" comes from the Latin word "praesriptum". Prefix "prae" means "before" and root "script" has the meaning "writing or written". Latin is a universal language so may be used as means of international communication. A prescription properly written in Latin may be interpreted by a trained pharmacist in any country regardless of the nationality of the prescriber. But for the average person, who has no medical background, the prescription abbreviations need to be explained.