time being, are placed in authority over us. The Committee feel assured that as the object we have in view becomes better understood, the Society will receive (as, indeed, it will scarcely fail to command) an extended and justly increasing confidence. A few weeks since a communication was received from Mr. Wade, inviting the Society to represent the chemists' assistants throughout the country at the Conference respecting the new Pharmacy Bill, held at Bloomsbury Square, on the 19th of February last. This invitation, though favourably entertained by the Pharmaceutical Council, was, nevertheless, after anxious consideration on the part of the Committee, declined, by resolution submitted to the members in the ordinary manner.* You are all aware how the Conference referred to terminated. It will be a most gratifying result if, in consequence thereof, the trade be united into one recognized body, with due reference to those essential principles which are or may be necessary to its progressive elevation and success. In connection with this part of the report, the Committee desire to acknowledge the courtesy of Mr. Wade in meeting them in this room; and also the very generous offer of the editor of the 'Chemist and Druggist' to insert in the columns of his Journal the contributions and proceedings of the Society. To these gentlemen our best thanks are due, and we may state with confidence that the friendship they have manifested towards us will in no wise be forgotten. Copies of the above-mentioned Journal (kindly forwarded by the editor) have been laid on the table for your perusal. The publication of the revised edition of the British Pharmacopoeia cannot but be a source of satisfaction to the members of this Society. It is especially gratifying to find that the valuable services of Professor Redwood, of the Pharmaceutical Society, and Mr. Warrington, of Apothecaries' Hall, have been duly acknowledged by the Council. The complete overthrow of the former edition, and the unanimous acceptance and approval of this, its successor, fully demonstrates the necessity of practical talent in the compilation of so important a work. Now that the British Pharmacopoeia of 1867 is fairly before us, it will be our first duty to become acquainted with its details, and, as far as possible, to adopt the "well-attested" formulæ it so authoritatively contains. The Committee cannot conclude their report without again reminding you of the desirability of sustained and continued exertion in the promotion of the cause we have at heart. Though no fear is entertained of a want of zeal in the welfare of the Association, yet it is only by the practical and individual assistance of those who have joined our ranks that a good result can be achieved. This, however, will be sufficiently apparent without further comment. Whilst our financial position is satisfactory, the contents of our Minute-book afford us the highest encouragement to persevere with the work before us, in view of the good which cannot fail to result from every laudable effort in the direction of individual progress and improvement. With these remarks, the Officers and Committee beg leave to announce their retirement, and to thank you sincerely for the kind attention, patronage, and support you have accorded to them during their term of management. J. LLOYD, Chairman. REVIEW. AN INTRODUCTION TO CHEMICAL PHILOSOPHY, ACCORDING TO THE MODERN THEORIES. By Dr. ADOLPHE C. WURTZ, F.R.S. Translated from the French by WILLIAM CROOKES, F.R.S. The introduction of the modern system of chemical notation into the forthcoming edition of the British Pharmacopoeia' will, no doubt, give a great impulse to the new school of chemical philosophy. Henceforth, both medical and pharmaceutical students will be expected to possess a better knowledge of the new views and new formulæ than has hitherto been demanded of them. Among those, also, who have completed their education, and are habituated to the old formulæ and equivalents, there are many who will probably now desire to attain a more intimate acquaintance with the new system. * Vide Pharmaceutical Journal, March, 1867. Hitherto, a large proportion of our readers may have remained contented with the practical application of chemistry to the requirements of their art, without caring to pursue the long and abstruse discussions which the development of modern theory has entailed. But, now that the new system has acquired such form and strength that it displaces the old in our text-books, and stands side by side with it in our Pharmacopoeia, it behoves every one interested in chemical science to make himself acquainted with the fundamental doctrines of this school, and to contrast its merits with those of the old. From all those who may thus be led to desire a summary of the reasoning on which the new philosophy is based, the little book before us will receive a most cordial welcome. Its appearance in an English garb is very opportune, and we ought to thank Mr. Crookes for so excellent a translation. In a small space, it gives all the reader can wish for. We have not only a most lucid exposition of the latest views in chemical philosophy, but also a clear and succinct account of the varying opinions which chemists have held regarding equivalents and atoms, from the early times of Wenzel and Richter to the present day. This historical feature is of great value. Not only does it bring the reader gradually to the study of the subject, but it enables the author, on his way, to point out the truths and errors involved in the older systems. Moreover, in the hands of so skilful an advocate as M. Wurtz, this method of treatment furnishes most powerful arguments in favour of the newest views. The similarity between the most recent table of atomic weights and that put forth by Berzelius so far back as 1815, is clearly shown; and it may ease the minds of some conservative readers to find that many of the new formulæ, such as H2O for water, and CaCl, for chloride of calcium, are identical with those which the great father of analytical chemistry adopted fifty years ago. Dr. Wurtz has divided his work into three parts; the first treats of equivalents, atomic weights, and molecular weights; the second, of the theory of types and atomicity; and the third deals with the connection between organic and inorganic chemistry. The masterly manner in which the author assigns to every fact its proper place and value, and the conscientiousness with which he deals with every apparent objection, must excite the admiration of all his readers. Dr. Wurtz has acquired a European reputation by the brilliancy of his discoveries; he has won another equally as great, by his skill as a teacher. His book is destined yet to bring many adherents to the new philosophy. We know of no work embodying so perfectly the ideas of the modern school. To all those who have not studied it in French, we strongly recommend this translation. The painstaking accuracy with which every fact and argument is rendered, and the skill with which the clear and logical style-so characteristic of the French-has been rendered into English, proves that Dr. Wurtz could have found no more able translator than Mr. Crookes. BOOKS RECEIVED. PREPARATIONS AND COMPOUNDS OF THE BRITISH PHARMACOPOEIA. Entered at Stationers' INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS AT THE PUBLIC OPENING OF THE MEDICAL SESSION 1866-67 THE MIXTURE BOOK; or, Mixtures Pharmacopoeial, Hospital, and Magistral; their Preparation, Formulæ, Doses, Leading Uses, and Synonyms, including Quack Medicines. By ARNOLD J. COOLEY. London: Robert Hardwicke, 192, Piccadilly, 1867. Preparing for Publication. INTRODUCTION TO PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY. BY DR. ATTFIELD. London: Van Voorst, Paternoster Row. This will be essentially a handbook of practical chemistry, intended as a laboratory guide and aid to the study of pharmaceutical chemistry, for medical and pharmaceutical students. CHEMICAL NOTES TO THE BRITISH PHARMACOPOEIA OF 1867. By CHARLES HENRY WOOD. London: John Churchill and Sons, New Burlington Street. This work is intended to supply the student with a concise explanation of the chemistry of the Pharmacopoeia, the chemical decompositions, etc., being explained according to the new and old notation. TO CORRESPONDENTS. Persons having seceded from the Society may be restored to their former status on payment of arrears of subscription and the registration fee of the current year. Those who were Associates before the 1st of July, 1842, are privileged (as Founders of the Society) to become Members without examination. Agathos."(1) Sufficient notice will be given on the passing of the Act referred to. (2) Saccharated Solution of Lime. See Vol. I. (2nd series) page 183. C. N.-(1) Certainly not. (2) Tinct. Pareira Comp. consists of Tincture of Pareira and Colchicum Wine in equal proportions, "Minor" (Tamworth).-Yes; Miller's Elements of Chemistry.' "Iota."-By the application of caustic alkali. "F. L. S."-Write to the Secretary of the Linnean Society, Burlington House. Our correspondent states, for the information of J. W. C., that the black composition for filling in letters cut in white marble is composed of black sealing-wax and spirit of wine. "Rhodes."-Linimentum Potassii Iodidi cum Sapone is intended to be in the state of a soft jelly. B. N. (York). We are unable to give the information. J. J. O. (Yarmouth).—We are not aware that a new edition of the work is contemplated. "An Inquirer" (Liverpool).—The label in question is not liable to stamp duty. "A London Apprentice."-In making the solution of ammonio-citrate of bismuth an excess of ammonia is necessary. "Resident Dispenser."-No. “M. D.”—Syrupus Glycyrrhizæ.—Liquorice root, 3iv; boiling water, 3xvi: digest, and strain; make a syrup with sugar. A circular has been issued by the Société de Prévoyance of Pharmaceutists of the Department of the Seine, in the hope of establishing a general Congress, to be held at the Conservatoire Impérial des Arts et Métiers, Paris, on July 4, 5, and 6. The members of the Executive Committee consider that a few selected delegates, as proposed by the International Congress (August) will not represent the general interests of Pharmacy, and therefore they specially urge the attendance of all those interested in the subject. Discussion will be confined exclusively to the Practice of Pharmacy. Many English Pharmaceutists will probably be in Paris at this date to witness the distribution of the Exhibition prizes by the Emperor, and such visitors are specially invited. "Caution."-The Medicine Stamp and Licence Acts.-These acts are rather obscure, but a recapitulation of the principal points will be found in Vol. XIV. of the Pharmaceutical Journal, page 146. See also Vol. VII. (2nd series) page 297, on the same subject. J. S.-We are unable to comply with the request. J. F. (Castle Donington).-The British Pharmacopoeia may be obtained through any bookseller, price 6s. Student (Brighton).-Bentley's 'Manual of Botany,' price 12s. 6d., Churchill and Sons, New Burlington Street. C. C. B. (Birmingham).—Liquid Cochineal. Vol. X. page 260. THE PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL. SECOND SERIES. VOL. IX.-No. II.-AUGUST, 1867. THE INTERESTS INVOLVED IN PHARMACEUTICAL The publicity that has been given to the terms on which the differences hitherto existing between members of the Pharmaceutical Society and chemists and druggists not connected with the Society, in reference to pharmaceutical legislation, are proposed to be adjusted, has led to a great deal of correspondence on the subject. Although generally the proposed arrangement appears to be accepted with satisfaction by both parties, there are one or two points with reference to which differences of opinion exist. All are agreed, and it is distinctly understood, that, in the event of such a measure as is sought for being obtained, those in business at the time of its being passed, who shall be registered as chemists and druggists under its provisions, shall be eligible for election as members of the Pharmaceutical Society, and may be elected, if they desire it, according to the bye-laws, but without examination. This concession to the outsiders has been made partly on the ground of their having some claim to a participation in the increased executive powers proposed to be entrusted to the Pharmaceutical Society, as these powers would, to some extent, affect the whole trade. It is moreover consistent with the original design of the Society which was intended to represent, and as far as possible to comprise, all the members of the trade. Whatever doubts may have existed on this point have been dissipated by the liberal policy which has prevailed among the leading members of the Society, and opposition from without to the measures recently proposed bas been completely disarmed by the fulness and frankness of the concessions made. The arrangement has been one of mutual concession. On the one hand, it is proposed that the powers already possessed by the Pharmaceutical Society should be extended in such a way as greatly to increase the influence and importance of the Society,-all future dispensers of medicines and dealers in dangerous drugs being required to obtain from this source a certificate of qualification for carrying on the business. On the other hand, all existing chemists and druggists (not pharmaceutists), being registered as such, will be eligible for election as members of the Society by which the law imposing a test of qualification is to be carried into effect. This arrangement appears to be an equitable adjustment of advantages expected to result from the proposed legislation. Of the two great sections of the existing members of the trade, the one, consisting of the Pharmaceutical Society, will gain power and influence; while the other, the "outsiders," will be allowed to participate, if they think proper, in any benefit or advantage to be derived from membership in the Society. If it should be asked, What are the "outsiders" to give for their admission VOL. IX. E to membership? it may be answered that they concede the power of opposing and effectually obstructing legislation. If it be asked again, Is it right that men who have hitherto done nothing towards promoting the objects of the Society should be admitted to the benefits of membership on easier terms than those who enter by the legitimate means of examination? it may be said that in doing so they take a lower position, both politically and with reference to scientific status. They will be members of the Society, but not Pharmaceutical Chemists, the latter being the title which implies qualification, and for which the money consideration in the shape of fees is given. It cannot be denied that the effect of now admitting any considerable number of men to membership without examination would be to lower the value of the title of member of the Society in public estimation; but if the admission of such members be confined to chemists and druggists registered on the passing of the Act, the result alluded to would continue only for a few years, and would cease as the men first registered died out. The attainment of an Act of Parliament, bringing all future chemists and druggists under such regulations as would necessarily tend to raise and improve their position, would be worth a small temporary sacrifice affecting the value of a title, and especially as the title thus affected is not that which rightly indicates scientific and professional qualification, but merely implies association with men of kindred pursuits for the objects of mutual assistance, and the general advancement of scientific and trade interests. The higher and parliamentary title of Pharmaceutical Chemist would be left to those who possessed it unimpaired, nay, even increased in value, by any depreciation that might be effected in the less formally recognized and accredited designation of Member of the Pharmaceutical Society. In whatever is done, however, it is important that not only the interests of individuals having a vested interest in the practice of pharmacy, or of associa tions of such individuals, but also and especially the interests of pharmacy as affecting the public at large, should be studied, and, as far as possible, advanced. One of the prime objects in the establishment of the Pharmaceutical Society was the advancement of chemistry and pharmacy, and the promotion of a uniform system of education of those who should practise the same. Anything that should diminish the efficiency of the Society, with regard to the purposes for which it was formed, or that should tend to lower the standard of qualification among practitioners of pharmacy generally, however much it might advance individual or class interests, would be detrimental to the good of the public, and could not be rightly made subject for legislative enactment. METHYLATED SPIRIT LICENCE. It will be remembered that in March last a memorial from the Chemists and Druggists of Bath aud Bristol, praying for a reduction of the methylated spirit licence, was presented by the Pharmaceutical Society to the Commissioners of Inland Revenue. Our readers will be glad to learn, that a Bill, introduced by Government, is now under consideration in the House of Commons, containing the following clause : "After the first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, the annual duty payable upon a licence to be taken out by a retailer of methylated spirit, under the provisions contained in the Act passed in the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth years of Her Majesty's reign, chapter ninety-one, shall be the sum of ten shillings." |