THE AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. 
411 
-of deaths were annually caused by the handling of carbolic acid by careless 
•and unqualified persons, and it was high time that restriction should be placed 
upon its sale. Then there was chloride of zinc, which was frequently left 
about unlabelled ; barium salts, which were almost as dangerous as arsenic ; 
and elaterin, which was very dangerous on account of its liability to be 
confounded with elaterium. Satisfactory results from the Conference in this 
direction could only be obtained by the delegates being in a position to go to 
their respective Legislatures, and say authoritatively, “,We have gone through 
these poison schedules, have debated them seriously and at length, and have 
unanimously come to_the conclusion that such and such a drug should be added 
to the poison schedules of our Act.” This was the only way in which they 
could hope to induce their various Legislatures to bring their poison schedules 
up to the required standard. 
Mr. Potts thought that, considering the high qualifications now demanded 
from chemists, they were entitled to demand that the poison schedules should be 
so altered as to place the sale of poisons entirely in their hands. Not only as a 
matter of justice to themselves, but for the benefit of the public, should such a 
•course be adopted. At the present time patent medicine vendors were sending out 
all sorts of stuff, principally from America, and the public, who were unable to 
analyse and test these things, were being imposed upon, and rendered liable to 
danger. It was impossible that the public could know the quality of these drugs, 
etc., as they did that of the bread and meat they ate, and the result was that 
they took a lot of stuff they would be much better without. If they purchased 
from a properly qualified man they would get genuine drugs and reliable medicines. 
The President said that in Tasmania the sale of poisons was confined to 
druggists solely, under a penalty of £50. The loose sale of bicarbonate of soda, 
Epsom salts, and the like should cause the chemist no uneasiness. 
Mr. Potts — So it will be in New South Wales if they get their Amended 
Act through. 
The motion was then agreed to. 
Mr. Blackett then moved — 
“That a Poisons Bill be drafted by the various pharmaceutical bodies of 
Australasia, and circulated in all the colonies for discussion, and on its adoption 
■that steps be taken to obtain its further adoption by the respective Legis- 
latures.” 
He thought that this would be the means of helping them in getting the 
desired uniformity. 
Mr. Mayne expressed his disapproval of the proposal, on the ground that 
the proposed New South Wales Pharmacy Act was all that could be desired, and the 
best one yet drafted. The word “ drug” was defined to mean “ internal and external 
remedies,” and the sale of drugs was confined to the registered pharmaceutical 
ehemists. 
Mr. Blackett was desirous of doing something to introduce a complete Act. 
The resolution was seconded by Mr. Sowter, and carried, Mr. Mayne and 
Mr. Bozon refraining from voting. 
With this the second day’s proceedings closed. 
Third Day. — Friday, 29th October. 
All the delegates were present, Mr. Fairthorne presiding. 
Order of Business. 
Fourth Resolution — “ Interchange of Certificates. That, on adopting and giving 
effect to Resolution 1, the Examination Certificates shall be recognised by the 
Governing Bodies of the various Colonies.” 
