438 
THE AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. 
The report of an expert upon the exhibit of tobacco from New South Wale* 
in the Colonial and Indian Exhibition is to the effect that it is strong and rank 
in quality. 
A mysterious epidemic has recently broken out amongst the swine in the 
Wagga Wagga district, one owner having lost twenty in one night, and another 
six fine animals, all of which died within an hour. It was at first thought 
that poisoning by some noxious weed was the cause of their death, but it now 
seems evident that the disease is allied to the Cumberland disease, which is so 
disastrous to cattle. 
The monthly meeting of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Australia was held on 
2nd November, at King William-street. Present The president (Mr. Harrison) in the 
chair, and Messrs. Wood, Parker, Eyre, Main, O’Connell, Hill, Woodman, Grummett, 
Young, and White. 
Some applications for membership were brought forward, but in reference to these 
the president pointed out that, according to the rules of the Society, membership could 
only be gained by examination, after 1st September. Some members present expressed 
regret that greater leiency had not been shown to those chemists in business, . or 
possessing long experience in pharmacy, who had neglected to join the Society in time 
past, while others thought that ample time had been given, as for. a year previous to 
the 1st September those in business, and assistants possessing sufficient experience, had 
opportunity of connecting themselves with the Society. 
t>} Mr. White proposed Mr. A. H. H. Horton for membership, as being eligible under 
Rule 5 of the Society. 
A letter from Mr. Luther Scammell, jun., one of the delegates to the Conference, 
was read, in which he expressed appreciation of the kind reception met with, and satis- 
faction with the Conference generally; but it was thought best to defer the consideration 
of these matters until the return of the delegates, when a special meeting could be 
called, and their report discussed by a more representative gathering of members, who 
would also then be better informed on the details of the Conference and visit to 
Melbourne. . 
Mr. Hill moved that the motion passed at the special meeting held to consider Mrs. 
Brady’s case be rescinded. Seconded by Mr. Grummett, and carried. 
A letter was read from the secretary of the British Pharmaceutical Conference, 
expressing the desire that chemists in South Australia would become members, and 
requesting papers on subjects of scientific and pharmaceutical interest. 
In reference to the paper on pharmaceutical history which. Mr. Hill proposed to 
give, Mr. Grummett moved — “That Mr. Hill be desired to read his paper at the general 
meeting, to be held in December next.” Seconded by Mr. Braddock, and carried. 
Mr. Parker moved, and Mr. White seconded — “ That notice of general meetings and 
business be given in daily papers.” Carried. _ 
The official meeting then terminated, and afterwards an informal meeting of chemists 
was held to consider Mrs. Brady’s case, reference to which was made in Mr. Hill’s 
motion, mentioned above. The facts of the case are as follow Mary Maud Brady, 
late matron of Wangaratta Hospital, practises as a chemist, at Petersburgh. Some time 
ago a woman named Mrs. Rabbick was brought into her shop, apparently suffering from 
a°fit. Mrs. Brady administered ammonia by olfaction, and was going to give some m 
water internally, but Mrs. Rabbick’s teeth were set, and she swallowed none. 
The patient revived somewhat under this treatment, and such methods as brandy 
and water, hot applications, mustard, etc., externally; and on his arrival her husband 
was told to obtain medical aid at once. Dr. Abrahamowski came, and said nothing 
should have been given. He never spoke of danger, and, after examination, did not 
attribute the state of the patient to the ammonia that had been administered, but 
placed it to the fit. He gave her various medicines, but after some hours the woman 
died. The doctor was telephoned five hours before death to say that Mrs. Rabbick 
was no better, and that severe vomiting was present, and is said to have received 
message, but he denies receipt. Mrs. Brady, who was present at the postmortem^ 
examination, states that she saw no redness in throat. The doctor said that the hear 
was llabby, liver large and not natural colour, and that there were traces of old disease 
of lungs, and summed up at inquest that the ammonia administered was the cause of 
death. The above is the substance of Mrs. Brady’s statement, whether correct or not 
remains to be proved; but the general feeling seems to be that she is not guilty of the 
charge of manslaughter, which is brought against her on the verdict of the jury, through 
the evidence of Dr. Abrahamowski. 
