176 
NEW PHAEMACY ACT. 
having for its object the scientific and literary improvement of its members, 
and, if possible, for the formation of classes for teaching those subjects re¬ 
quired at the examinations. To enable this to be carried out, it was resolved 
to petition the masters for shorter hours, and, although a few seemed willing to 
accede to the request, the usual want of harmony and union amongst the 
masters prevented this, and it was refused. 
This, therefore, was a severe blow to the Association, and, had it not beera 
for the enthusiasm of the members, and an earnest desire amongst many for 
self-improvement, it would have succumbed. 
It still exists, however, but under so many difficulties that it seems almost 
impossible it could succeed. It is entirely self-supporting, pays for a place 
of meeting, and cannot form a meeting earlier than ten o’clock. Yet these 
meetings are formed by assistants from almost every shop in the city, and 
the attendance is generally good. 
My object in writing these lines to you, therefore, is to show that, however 
strong the will, there may be so many obstacles put in the way of improve¬ 
ment, that the assistant can hardly find it possible to qualify himself for the 
examinations now rendered compulsory. 
Were the assistants to employ and support a teacher, would it be too great 
a sacrifice on the part of the masters to close an hour or two earlier, that 
their assistants might have time to attend an evening class ? 
I remain, yours, etc., 
., , . An Assistant.. 
Aberdeen , Aug. 11. 
[We cordially second this appeal to masters, and we feel confident the* 
spirit evinced by the writer will carry him up to and through the required 
examination.— Ed. Ph. J.] 
NEW PHARMACY ACT. 
TO THE EDITOE OF THE PHAEHACEUTICAL JOUENAL. 
Gentlemen,—The Pharmacy Bill is now an accomplished fact, but though 
it is better to shut the door before the horse is stolen, I think pharmaceutists 
are fairly entitled to ask for the recognition due to the founders of a National 
Society. 
Our position is this : unexamined members are those who lent their as¬ 
sistance in a time of struggle and uncertainty; our younger brethren are 
those who have burnt the midnight oil and risen in the chilly dawn, given 
their few leisure hours, and sacrificed time and money to gain a recognized 
rank. 
Both classes are surely entitled to some credit and reward; but what do> 
we see ? 
“ A.” is a pharmaceutical chemist, and has paid his ten guinea fee, besides-' 
devoting his money and time to earnest study. He goes into business, and,, 
writing up “ pharmaceutist,” does not adorn his establishment with the di¬ 
ploma of membership. 
“ B.” has spent his spare time and money in bed and in pleasure, but 
thinks he may as well avail himself of the Act, and, accordingly, pays his 
few pounds, placards himself as M. P. S., and displays the elaborate diploma. 
There is little question that the public would regard the “ member ” as the 
more distinguished man. 
To remedy this palpable inconsistency and pecuniary wrong, I would urge 
upon my fellow pharmaceutists to represent to the Council the equity of 
