Julio Luis Delgado-Cea opened his first drugstore in Valladolid in 1877. He moved to Madrid in 1880, locating his pharmacy on Calle Preciados, first at number 28 and later at number 26. After both buildings were destroyed, he moved to number 14, where his shop remains today.

Both Julio and his son José were pharmacists for the municipal beneficial society. The pharmacy was later passed to José’s nephew –the grandson of the founder– and later his widow passed it down to the current owner. Don Julio was known for staying up-to-date in his profession. He specialized in dry bandages, antiseptic dressings and the rental of equipment for birthing and home operations.

He is considered the father of the self-injectable HAYEM intravenous vials with floating valves. Of special interest in the store, which maintains its 19th-century flavour, is the allegorical painting on the ceiling, which has been restored by the current owner.