328 
LIVERPOOL CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
subjects required might be given in the course of the winter months, and at such fees 
as would be no barrier to any. One or two subjects each session would suffice, so that 
during the term of an apprenticeship all that was necessary for ordinary purposes 
might be obtained. 
At the close of the opening remarks the Chairman introduced Dr. Angus Macdonald, 
lecturer on materia medica, who as an introductory address, read a communication on 
‘The History of Therapeutical Opinions,’ in which he described the views that have 
been entertained by medical practitioners in all ages, as far as we have any authentic 
records of them, with reference to the action of medicines in the cure of disease. 
At the close of the address, Mr. Kemp, of Portobello, proposed a vote of thanks to 
Dr. Macdonald, for his able and interesting communication, which he characterized as 
giving evidence of deep research, and of much practical importance. This was seconded 
by Mr. Ainslie, and carried with acclamation. 
Some remarks were then made by Mr. Baildon, Mr. Mackay, and other gentle¬ 
men present, on the necessity for some new arrangements, in regard to pharma¬ 
ceutical education. After which Mr. Wink introduced to the notice of the meeting a 
specimen of the bichloride of methylene, prepared by Mr. Robins, of London, and re¬ 
commended by Dr. Richardson as an anaesthetic. Dr. Smith, Dr. Macdonald, and others 
took part in the discussion which followed, the conclusion of which was, that as the 
new preparation is more costly, and understood to produce a greater amount of 
sickness, no advantage whatever was likely to be gained by its use, when compared with 
chloroform. 
The Secretary having made a few remarks as to the library arrangements, the meet¬ 
ing adjourned. 
A copy of Dr. Attfield’s last work on Chemistry had been presented to the library by 
the author. 
PROVINCIAL TRANSACTIONS. 
LIVERPOOL CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
Third General Meeting, held November 7th, 18G7 ; the President, Mr. R. Sumner, in 
the chair. 
Mr. D. C. Keeling w r as elected a member of the Association. 
The following donations were received and thanks voted to the donors :—The Phar¬ 
maceutical Journal for November; The New York Druggists’ Circular; The Proceedings 
of the Liverpool Polytechnic and Architectural Societies. 
Mr. Hilditch exhibited a sample of Nitrous Ether, prepared according to the directions 
of the Ph. Br. 18G7. 
Mr. Frazer thought the process of the Ph. L. was superior to that now given, and 
strongly deprecated the practice of keeping it in carboys, as tending to cause acidity. 
Mr. Abraham considered that the process of the Ph. L. was expensive, and that but 
little ether was obtained unless the distillation was carried further than ordered by the 
directions. 
Mr. Redford alluded to the making of suppositories in hot weather, as requiring a 
variation in the proportions of lard and wax according to the temperature. 
The President then called upon Mr. Charles Sharp to read a paper on the “ Litera¬ 
ture of Pharmacy from 1500 to 1867; with some remarks on the state of Chemistry in 
1900.” 
In a long and interesting paper, which it would be impossible to epitomize, Mr. 
Sharp expressed his opinion of the value of the old works on pharmacy, and ventured 
speculations as to various future results of chemistry. 
A short discussion followed, and a vote of thanks was passed unanimously. 
Fourth General Meeting, held November 21st, 1867 ; Mr. John Shaw in the chair. 
Mr. R. G. Thonger was elected a member. 
The following donations were announced:—The Chemist and Druggist ; The Pro¬ 
ceedings of the Liverpool Architectural Society ; The New York Druggists’ Circular. 
The thanks of the meeting were voted to the donors. 
