1640s (pharmaceutic in the same sense is from 1540s), from Late Latin pharmaceuticus of drugs, from Greek pharmakeutikos, from pharmakeus preparer of drugs, poisoner (see pharmacy). Related: Pharmaceuticals; pharmaceutically.
White Tongue: A white coating on your tongue could mean that you are dehydrated. It can also be caused by smoking or drinking alcohol. A white coating can also be a sign of thrush, which is an infection of the mouth with the yeast Candida albicans.
Saliva is needed for the proper functioning of the tongue. A dry tongue can't taste a thing so saliva helps the tongue and our sense of taste by keeping it wet. Saliva moistens food and helps to break it down, which in turn makes it easier for the tongue to push the food to the back of the mouth for swallowing.