THE ALUMNI JOURNAL 55 



should not be trade schools but should prepare the student for the 

 professional part of his work which when united with his trade ex- 

 perience makes a pharmacist capable in both sides. 



The men recognize the value of the study of materia medica but 

 do not realize that the latter is founded upon botany, pharmacognosy, 

 physiology and chemistry, which must be collateral or preliminary to 

 success in mastering the more difficult study of materia medica. The 

 definitions of vegetable drugs demand a knowledge of botany as those 

 of chemical origin demand a knowledge of chemistry. The pharma- 

 copceial descriptions are given in botanical terms. If a pharmacist has 

 to refer to such a description, and he cannot tell when the occasion 

 may arise, will he be able to understand such description without 

 a knowledge of botanical nomenclature? This does not apply to the 

 retailer who buys crude drugs in small packages and trusts to Provi- 

 dence and the wholesaler that the contents are straight. 



Many graduates follow other lines of study, particularly medicine 

 and chemistry and by their knowledge of foundation subjects have 

 a great advantage over graduates of academic schools. They know 

 how to use a microscope even though they have forgotten the char- 

 acteristics of powdered drugs. Many pharmacists dependent solely 

 upon their own effort have been enabled to enter other professions 

 because of the long hours, holiday and Sunday work. The latter 

 affording them the opportunity of supporting themselves by relief work 

 while studying. Xo other trade, business or profession gives a like 

 opportunity. The studies which a man regards as unimportant may 

 be of utmost importance to him in after life, and he does not know 

 what opportunities may be open to him or what changes he may make 

 in his plans. 



No professional college, however good its teaching staff or how 

 perfect its appointments, can fully replace actual practice. The state 

 boards recognizing this fact have combined store experience with the 

 theory and practice of the college, demanding both as requisite for 

 the granting of a license. There is no reason why pharmacy should 

 not take rank with medicine as a profession, notwithstanding its com- 

 mercial side, for the physician sells his skill, experience and sometimes 

 even the medicine to his patient. Every profession has its commer- 

 cial aspect which should be governed by professional ethics. 



The above is not intended in any way as a defence of the pharmacy 

 school curriculum, but is merely an answer to the student who seeks 

 to hide his lack of ability by questioning the usefulness of the sub- 

 ject he does not grasp in as short a time as he does others. 



