[Physicians and pharmacists in the Puerto Rican slave trade: Ponce, 1815-1830]. / Medicos y farmaceuticos en el comercio de esclavos en Puerto Rico: Ponce, 1815-1830.

Slavery was a commerce controlled by foreigners, like physician Robert Proust, pharmacist Gaspar Duprel, and Slave trader Juan. B. Saubot in Ponce. The trading of negroes is evidence since 1816 but intensified in 1824. By 1825, Ponce was full of slaves. It continued fiercely until 1830 supported by local revenue and investments, however, never developed its own. Slavery grew parallel to the development of the "hacienda", and as such, to the wealth of the foreign businessman. These are considered the first golden years of Ponce's and Puerto Rico's economic development, which stimulated overall progress, and social well-being.