Jacob Bell and the family business
Jacob Bell, photographed in the 1840s
Jacob Bell became sole proprietor of the family business in 1849. Amazingly, considering all of his other pursuits, he seems to have personally supervised the shop. The man in charge on a daily basis was Thomas Hyde Hills. The shop was open seven days a week from 8am to 11pm. However, all staff including apprentices had time for recreation, religious observance and study. Staff were also encouraged to attend lectures at the Pharmaceutical Society's School of Pharmacy. Bell was particularly strict about the accuracy of prescriptions, unadulterated materials, and following standards such as the London Pharmacopoeia.