THE I'ROFESSION OF PHARAiACY: SUGGESTIONS 

 FOR REFORM IN ITS MODE OF ATTAINMENT. 



Bv Prof. I. A. Wilkinson. M.A.. F.C.S. 



The profession of pharmacy is one of the oldest known to 

 mankind, but in spite of its antiquity it is yet. strangely enough, 

 one of the few to which little attention has been given outside 

 those engaged in its practice. 



In many respects it has been regarded not in the manner of 

 those of law and medicine, but more i)articularly. if one may so 

 style it. as a professional trade — in other words, a particular 

 phase of commercial activity re(|uiring a professional passport 

 at entrance. Being thus allied to the two branches, it often 

 'lacks the dignit\- of the one and the restless activity of the 

 other. Many cases, however, arc known in older countries 

 where the cultivation of the one or other branch has led to 

 great successes, in recent times especialh'. l)ut in the majority 

 of cases the very nature of the nrdinary routine work prevents 

 this Consummation. 



The lack of attention bestowed upon the })rofession has 

 been reflected more particularly in South Africa by the utter 

 disregard, until the last few years, of facilities for preparation 

 for its passport, the examinations held periodically by the 

 various l-ioards of I'harmacy. and even to-day the>e are ti> be 

 found in onl\' one or two localities. 



Although the Union of the several Provinces of South 

 Africa became law five years ago, the consolidation that was 

 expected and ho])ed for in many respects has not yet been 

 achieved. Provincial administration still rules in matters 

 pharmaceutical, and the range of vision over this field is in con- 

 sequence restricted to circumscribed geographical areas. With 

 impending consolidation of interests reforms are possible, and 

 as this is a measure with respect to Pharmacy, which will pro- 

 bablv not now l)e long delayed, reference will be made in the 

 following to a condition of affairs such as it is hoped may be 

 brought about after this has been reached. 



In a paper read some five years ago before the Pharma- 

 ceutical Societv of the Transvaal." an outline was given of the 

 conditions as they existed in the four Provinces at that period, 

 and as far as can be ascertained there has been little, if any, 

 change since that period, probably owing to the expectations of 

 legislation Avith each new session of Parliament. 



^^'hen consolidation has been accomplished, uniformity in 

 procedure is a necessary sequence, and the various steps may 

 now be considered in order. Under present conditions not only 



" TriULnval Medical Jourval Ytqto') 8. 171. 



