404 
THE AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. 
Age of Candidates. 
On the motion of Mr. Melhuish, seconded by Mr. Blackett, the following 
was carried: — 
“ That all candidates for the qualifying examination shall have reached the 
full age of twenty-one (21) years.’* 
Subjects of Examination. 
Mr. Blackett moved section 2 as under : — 
“ The subjects of examination to embrace botany, materia medica, chemistry, 
and practical chemistry; to be conducted, as far as 'practicable, in conformity 
with the practice in Great Britain, and practical pharmacy as conducted in 
Victoria.” 
There could be but one opinion on the subjects for examination, and the 
only question for discussion was the necessity of examination in the first three 
subjects as conducted in Great Britain, and the last-named as conducted in 
Victoria. The passing in these subjects would mean the creation of a feeling of 
greater confidence in both the pharmacist and the public. In connection with 
Practical Pharmacy they had three divisions in Victoria. Candidates had to go 
before the Board, which divided itself into three sub-committees. The first 
division dealt with the dispensing, and the candidates were required to read 
prescriptions from Latin in aLl kinds of handwriting — a collection being kept for 
the purpose — of English and foreign medical men. They had to dispense 
medicine in the presence of the examiners, and were also examined in the 
strength of solutions and poisons and their antidotes. It also included a test 
in the doses of medicines, weights, measures, etc. In the next division candidates 
were called upon to identify various drugs, tinctures, etc., and to give component parts 
and principles and method of manufacture. The third sub-division was devoted 
to a test in pure and impure drugs. In each division 50 marks were required 
to pass. The system he considered an admirable one, and any student who 
passed could be relied upon. Unlike Dickens’ character, the candidate would 
be able to distinguish oxalic acid from Epsom salts. 
The motion was subsequently altered to read — “ That the examination in 
Practical Pharmacy be conducted as in Victoria, as far as practicable, each candidate 
to obtain not less than 50 per cent, in dispensing.” 
This was seconded by Mr. Bozon, and carried unanimously. 
Mr. Potts said that, before leaving the chamber, he desired, on behalf of the 
delegates, to acknowledge the great amount of interest taken in the Conference 
proceedings by Mr. Blackett, and the very warm welcome he gave the delegates 
from the other colonies, and would accordingly move that a hearty vote of thanks 
be accorded to him. This was seconded by Mr. Bozon, and carried unanimously. 
Mr. Blackett briefly returned thanks for the acknowledgment of his efforts, 
adding that the greater amount of credit was due to the zeal and energy of 
Mr. H. Shillinglaw, to whom its success was entirely owing. 
There being no other business on the first day’s notice paper, the Conference 
adjourned. 
Second Day. — Thursday, 28th October. 
All the delegates were present ; Mr. Fairthorne presiding. 
Order of Business. 
Second Resolution — “ The desirability of uniformity in Australasian Pharma- 
ceutical Legislation.” 
Third Resolution — “ Uniformity in the Laws relating to the Sale and Use 
of Poisons and the Regulations for their custody.” 
