chemists’ assistants’ association. 
45 
I think Mr. Edwards’s simile is good, for “ Luna” (silv T er) represents money 
(price) ; and if the proposed Act of Parliament passes into law, there wall 
still be no lack of competition. “ Cutting ” in prices “ cuts ” both ways ; 
and, like “ Lunar ” caustic, it may blacken the hands of the party using it; 
but some chemists do not mind that in the way of business, and the Council 
of the Pharmaceutical Society could not interfere (either legally or prudently, 
I think) in an affair of retail or dispensing charges. 
I am, Gentlemen, your obedient servant, 
Joseph Leay, 
Chilcompton , Bath , June 17, 1867. Pharmaceutical Chemist , 1841, 
CHEMISTS’ ASSISTANTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
The recent proceedings of this admirable Association are described in the following 
report, moved and adopted at the General Meeting held June 6th, 1867:— 
Gentlemen,—It is our pleasing duty to lay before you a statement of the transactions 
of the Association during the past half-year. 
The following are the names of the officers who retire from the management this 
evening :—Mr. Lloyd (President), Mr. Haddock (Vice-President), Mr. Sands (Treasurer), 
Mr. Sleggs (Hon. Sec.), and Messrs. Dunkiey, Kirkland, Palmer, Taylor, and Willmott. 
At the commencement of the half-year our usual programme was issued to the mem¬ 
bers, and it is gratifying to observe, that, with one or two exceptions, the whole of the 
evenings placed at our disposal have been devoted to the discussion of appropriate and 
interesting subjects. An average weekly attendance of twenty-two members, as com¬ 
pared with a lower number during former half-years, speaks favourably for the continued 
and increasing success of the Association. 
The Committee have much pleasure in directing your attention to the Treasurer’s 
account, which (notwithstanding additional calls on the funds) shows a fair balance in 
hand. 
During the half-year twenty-two gentlemen have been elected as members (making a 
total of 129 from the commencement of the Society), but a considerable number of those 
already on the list have, from various unavoidable causes, left the Association. Promi¬ 
nent amongst the latter is the name of our late honorary secretary, Mr. Wilson, a gen¬ 
tleman whose exertions and influence have borne no inconsiderable part in the attain¬ 
ment of our present favourable position. The hearty co-operation of the members in 
presenting him with a suitable testimonial, is a fact of a most pleasing and gratifying 
character. 
The Committee observe with pleasure a marked improvement in the treatment of the 
subjects brought forward for discussion. Many of the papers read during the term have 
occupied much time and thought in their preparation, and are evidently the result of 
original inquiry, combined with a laudable desire to excel both in style and proficiency. 
It is hoped, therefore, that new members, as well as those who have not yet taken a pro¬ 
minent part in the proceedings, will emulate so good an example, and endeavour to 
assist the Society in the really useful work which it is its first object to undertake and 
perform. By so doing, they will not only confer a benefit upon others, but become 
themselves the recipients of an extended and profitable knowledge in matters appertain¬ 
ing to the trade or profession in which they are daily engaged. Let but the trial be 
made, and the result will scarcely fail to prove successful. 
Our half-yearly supper took place on the 10th January last, and the Committee are 
much pleased to have to record a larger attendance than on any previous occasion. 
Fifty-two gentlemen joined our party, and contributed “with heart and voice ” to the 
attainment of a pleasant and successful evening. 
An editorial article concerning the Society appeared in the January number of the 
‘Pharmaceutical Journal.’ The circumstances which led to the statements therein con¬ 
tained have already been laid before you. Though it cannot be said that this article in 
its entirety is all that could be wished, yet it is pleasing to note that indications are not 
wanting of a more favourable interpretation of our procedure by those who, for the 
