Why do doctors write RX on the medical slip ?

Why do doctors write RX on the medical slip ?

Why do doctors write RX on the medical slip ?
Doctors write "Rx" on prescriptions because it's a traditional symbol that means "recipe" or "take thou" — essentially an instruction to the pharmacist to prepare the medicine.

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🧾 Origin of Rx:

📜 Latin Root:

"Rx" comes from the Latin word "recipe", which means "take".

A full prescription used to begin with "Recipe:..." followed by the list of ingredients.
Over time, "Recipe" was shortened to "℞", a stylized form of the capital R with a cross through the tail.
Other Theories (Less Supported, but Popular):

1. Mythological Origin:
Some believe "Rx" is derived from the Eye of Horus, an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection and healing.

2. Roman God Jupiter:
Another theory suggests that the Rx symbol comes from invoking Jupiter’s blessing on the medicine.
It helps pharmacists distinguish between prescribed drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Let me know if you’d like a visual breakdown or more on how prescriptions are structured!