THE AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. 
887 
I am writing only in answer to the splenetic effusion of “F. M. S.” 
because he could not succeed in his attempts at analysis. He is surprised at the 
success of a gentleman qualified for the undertaking. 
I cannot help thinking that “ F. M. S.” has exhibited personal animus, for 
he seems to quite overlook such puffing advertisements as “ Special Purity and 
Strength,” “Prescriptions accurately dispensed,” which are akin only to the mottoes 
exhibited over some of the Chinese establishments — “We don’t cheat here,” &c. — 
but is much troubled because a genuine testimonial is attached to the advertise- 
ment of a homoeopathic chemist. 
As is said in the missing friends column: — If “F. M. S.” will make himself 
known, he may hear of something to his advantage. 
Apologising for the length of this letter, — I am, sir, yours, &c., 
EDWARD GEO. OWEN 
84 Collins-street east. (Poulton & Owen). 
UNREGISTERED ASSISTANTS. 
To the Editor of the Australasian Journal of Pharmacy . 
Sie, — W ith your permission, I purpose, through the columns of the Journal of 
Pharmacy , to call the attention of registered pharmaceutical chemists in general, 
and qualified assistants in particular, to a grievous wrong that is being done 
them. 
It has become the practice by a few to employ as assistants young men who 
may or may not have received the “baptism” of apprenticeship, but who most 
certainly are not qualified; thus completely nullifying the intention of the Phar- 
macy Act, which is that, to protect the public, none but registered chemists shall 
dispense prescriptions or vend poisons. 
Now if this practice be allowed to continue, to what purpose shall a young 
man go through the expensive and difficult course of training imposed by existing 
laws before he become a chemist p 
His position is usurped, his “claim” is jumped, by outsiders, with perhaps a 
little money, but not sufficient brains to pass, and who try to gain a position by 
the use of the money which is denied them because of lack of brain power to 
qualify. 
The danger to the public of having such incompetent persons behind the 
•counter is very evident; but that part of the question will doubtless be dealt 
with by the Pharmacy Hoard. 
Another important matter to assistants is that, owing to this illegal and unfair 
competition, the really industrious man who has regularly qualified is deprived of 
his chance of a salary commensurate with his abilities, whilst the pirates — for 
such they are — are for their own ends ruining the business. 
It is also necessary for the entire body of Victorian pharmaceutical chemists 
to bear in mind that certain individuals without a certificate, and consequently 
unregistered, are, under the protection of the names of trading firms, dispensing 
prescriptions, dealing in poisons, and assuming to themselves titles calculated to 
mislead the public, such as “herbal chemist,” “analytical chemist,” and other 
fanciful names. 
Fortunately our Pharmacy Act is good and clear, and equally fortunate are 
the chemists of Victoria in having an efficient Board of Pharmacy, the members 
•of which are not likely to allow sinners to go unpunished, but will, we may be 
sure, lop off these unhealthy excrescences, or compel them to reform and enter 
in at the straight gate. — Faithfully yours, JAMES BRINSMEAD. 
High-street, St. Kilda, 24th September, 1886. 
