In times gone by often a pharmacy or grocery would double as a pub. Customers would tend to take a Guinness or whiskey to relieve their flagging spirits as they came to purchase their provisions. The name Skeptical Chymist came from a book written by Robert Boyle, a gentleman born in Cork, Ireland in 1627. The book became the corner-stone of modern day chemistry, and changed the thinking at the time of many apothecarists, or "chymists".

Continuing the pharmacy theme, Skeptical Chymist is host to many apothecary items dating back through the centuries. The majority of these items have been purchased in Ireland. As well as providing the people of Scottsdale a glimpse of Ireland, you can sample the delights of Irish cuisine and sip on many fine Irish beverages.