THE PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL. 
SECOND SERIES. 
VOL. IX.—No. II.—AUGUST, 1867. 
THE INTERESTS INVOLVED IN PHARMACEUTICAL 
LEGISLATION. 
The publicity that has been given to the terms on which the differences 
hitherto existing between members of the Pharmaceutical Society and chemists 
and druggists not connected with the Society, in reference to pharmaceutical 
legislation, are proposed to be adjusted, has led to a great deal of correspond¬ 
ence on the subject. Although generally the proposed arrangement appears to 
be accepted with satisfaction by both parties, there are one or two points with 
reference to which differences of opinion exist. All are agreed, and it is dis¬ 
tinctly understood, that, in the event of such a measure as is sought for being 
obtained, those in business at the time of its being passed, who shall be registered 
as chemists and druggists under its provisions, shall be eligible for election as 
members of the Pharmaceutical Society, and may be elected, if they desire it, 
according to the bye- laws, but without examination. This concession to the 
outsiders has been made partly on the ground of their having some claim to a 
participation in the increased executive powers proposed to be entrusted to the 
Pharmaceutical Society, as these powers would, to some extent, affect the whole 
trade. It is moreover consistent w'ith the original design of the Society which 
was intended to represent, and as far as possible to comprise, all the members 
of the trade. Whatever doubts may have existed on this point have been dis¬ 
sipated by the liberal policy which has prevailed among the leading members of 
the Society, and opposition from without to the measures recently proposed has 
been completely disarmed by the fulness and frankness of the concessions made. 
The arrangement has been one of mutual concession. On the one hand, it 
is proposed that the powers already possessed by the Pharmaceutical Society 
should be extended in such a way as greatly to increase the influence and 
importance of the Society,— all future dispensers of medicines and dealers in 
dangerous drugs being required to obtain from this source a certificate of 
qualification for carrying cn the business. On the other hand, all existing 
chemists and druggists (not pharmaceutists), being registered as such, will be 
eligible for election as members of the Society by which the law imposing a 
test of qualification is to be carried into effect. 
This arrangement appears to be an equitable adjustment of advantages 
expected to result from the proposed legislation. Of the two great sections of 
the existing members of the trade, the one, consisting of the Pharmaceutical 
Society, will gain power and influence ; while the other, the “outsiders,’’will 
be allowed to participate, if they think proper, in any benefit or advantage to 
be derived from membership in the Society. 
If it should be asked, What are the “ outsiders ” to give for their admission 
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