Professor Layton and the Curious Village

Puzzle 021: Pill Prescription

Original diagram for Puzzle 021: Pill Prescription

A man must take ten identical pills in order, one a day from today, so how many does he need to label?

Chapter
Chapter 2
Location
Park Road · Pauly
Picarats
30 picarats
Type
Write Answer
Region
Same in all versions
Hint 1: A gentle nudge. Tap to flip.
Hint 1

Does every pill really need a number on it?

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Hint 2: The key idea. Unlocks after the previous card is flipped.
Hint 2

Think about the pill he takes first. When does he take it?

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Hint 3: Almost there. Unlocks after the previous card is flipped.
Hint 3

Now think about the very last pill. By then, how many are left to choose from?

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Answer: See the answer. Unlocks after the previous card is flipped.
Answer

The answer is 8 pills.

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Solution, FAQ and sources

Solution

1. He starts today, so he can take today's pill straight away. It never needs a label. 2. On the last day there's only one pill left, so it doesn't need a label either. 3. The pills for days 2 to 9 do need labels.

That's 10 − 2 = **8** pills.

About this puzzle

A man has ten identical-looking pills to take, one a day starting today, in a set order. To keep track he plans to write numbers on them. What’s the smallest number of pills he actually needs to label?

Unofficial fan guide, not affiliated with LEVEL-5. Puzzle description, hints and solution written by Hint by Hint.

Similar puzzles: Puzzle 026: Bottle Full of Germs, Puzzle 016: Triangles and Ink, Puzzle 013: Sinking Ship, Puzzle 011: Arc and Line

All Professor Layton and the Curious Village puzzles

FAQ

What is the answer to Puzzle 021, Pill Prescription, in Professor Layton and the Curious Village?

The answer is 8 pills.

Where do you find Puzzle 021 in Curious Village?

Puzzle 021 appears in Chapter 2, in the Park Road area, when you talk to Pauly.

How many picarats is Curious Village Puzzle 021 worth?

30 picarats.

Sources

Facts checked on November 14, 2026

Unofficial fan guide. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by LEVEL-5 Inc. Professor Layton, The New World of Steam, and all related names, characters, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.