4(32 JACOB BELL. 



1859. the proposed measure was abandoned. It became evident, how- 

 ever, to many of those who took part in these proceedings, that 

 the esprit de corps which had been raised in the hour of danger 

 might be taken advantage of for the formation of a permanent 

 society, and that such a society might interpose a most effectual 

 safeguard for the protection of the interests of the trade, as well 

 as for gradually raising it to the status which it occupied in 

 other countries. 



Foundation of The result was that at another public meeting held on the 

 c h euticii r so-~ 15th A P ril > the formation of the Pharmaceutical Society of 

 ciety. Great Britain was decided upon. 



Although this step may be said to have laid the foundation of 

 the society, yet, as is well known to all those who have had 

 experience in such matters, a vast amount of hard work had to 

 be accomplished before the society could be reduced to anything 

 like working order. Rules had to be framed, officers appointed, 

 and even the members, most of them but slightly known to 

 each other, or perhaps almost antagonistic, had to be coaxed into 

 cordial co-operation. 



Here the tact and energy of Jacob Bell, who had throughout 

 been warmly interested in the proceedings, became of signal 

 service. In order to keep alive and extend the interest which 

 had been excited, and to promote friendly intercourse among the 

 members of the trade, and those who were disposed to favour 

 the formation of a Pharmaceutical Society, several evening 

 meetings of a social, rather than formal character, were held by 

 invitation at his house in Oxford Street. On these occasions 

 the constitution of the new society was discussed, explanations 

 were given, objections replied to, and a general opportunity was 

 afforded for the interchange of sentiments on various subjects 

 of interest to the pharmaceutical body. To convey to those, 

 who from distance or other causes were unable to attend these 

 meetings, some information of what was taking place, and also 

 to afford a general answer to the numerous inquiries daily 

 Jacob Bell's received, Mr. Bell published a pamphlet entitled Observations 

 imp et. a dd rssec i to the Chemists and Druggists of Great Britain on the 

 Pharmaceutical Society, which was largely circulated. 





