Article
Article
Pharmacology
Article By:
Kensler, Charles J. Life Science Division, Arthur D. Little, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Last reviewed:November 2019
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.504900
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- Pharmacology, published June 2014:Download PDF
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The science of detection and measurement of the effects of drugs or other chemicals on biological systems. Pharmacology is a scientific discipline that characterizes the effects of drugs on organisms (see illustration). The effect of drugs and chemicals may be beneficial (therapeutic) or harmful (toxic) when administered to humans, other mammals, or other living systems. The pure chemicals or mixtures may be of natural origin (plant, animal, or mineral) or may be synthetic compounds. See also: Pharmaceutical chemistry; Pharmacognosy; Pharmacy
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