Apothecaries originated in the supply of medicinal spices and herbs, gained a separate identity from grocers in 1617, and established a right to treat the sick during the plague of 1665, when many physicians and their rich patients fled London. By the time of the trial, apothecaries were appearing increasingly on the list of highest tax payers and the Society of Apothecaries was also “one of the most considerable corporations of London" and "politically powerful".