Doctors believed well into the 19th century that a disease could be detected from the colour or smell of urine. If necessary, the doctore stuck a finger in the urine to taste it. If the urine had a salty taste, it could indicate a kidney problem.

In the 19^th century, the professionalisation of the medical profession began. Thorbecke's laws marked the beginning of the medical profession as we still know it today. These laws also separated the pharmacy and druggist profession. Only pharmacists, with their high education, were still allowed to make medicine independently.