HINTS TO YOUNG MEN IN THE TRADE. 
219 
The English aconitine, on the other hand, is but slightly soluble in ether , and 
also much less soluble in alcohol than the pure aconitine; from its solution in 
boiling alcohol it crystallizes readily on cooling. It is also difficultly soluble in 
chloroform, and in boiling water it does not become soft, but remains in a pul¬ 
verulent condition. Its reaction is less alkaline. 
If the aconitine in question be prepared from aconitine root (which there is 
no cause to doubt), it is probably identical with aconelline or napelline, since 
both these bodies are found in the aconite root, and they are very similar in 
properties to the sample in question. On no account, however, can the latter 
be accepted as pure aconitine. 
According to experiments made at Paris with the various aconitines of com¬ 
merce, the crystalline body is far less active than the amorphous aconitine. 
PUNTS TO YOUNG MEN IN THE TRADE. 
The present time seems suitable for addressing a few remarks to our young 
men, especially as the Pharmacy Bill is drawing attention to the qualification 
of chemists. Great diversities of opinion exist in some minds as to the necessity 
of such a superior training; in fact, some have said that such extra training 
and scholarship spoil a man for business. It is to try and upset these opinions 
that the following views are expressed. 
Some have great faith in unions and societies for improving trade ; and so¬ 
cieties may, in some cases, be of service ; but the time has arrived for our young 
men entering the trade to have correct views, as how much or how little a 
society can do. Many of us at times are apt to be like the quack politicians of 
our day, who think they can settle all the affairs of the nation with accuracy 
and ease, and yet rarely manage their own affairs with success. 
If their own special business goes wrong—if their gardens and farms are 
neglected ; if their crops are bad, and if things in general are not exactly what 
they wish,—they blame the Government, and look to the next election as a 
remedy for everything. The real error in those men is this : that they expect 
far too much from Government , and far too little from themselves. Now with¬ 
out wishing to give any one the slightest offence, it does appear as if some of 
us held similar sentiments, if we look from a Pharmaceutical point of view. 
Are we not all, at times, too apt to expect too much from societies and or¬ 
ganizations? There is no doubt that they have their special purposes to fulfil, 
and advantages to confer; but it is necessary for every individual member 
of any society to exercise common-sense views about organizations. It does 
not follow, that because we unite ourselves to any body of men, the simple 
fact of beinor in connection with them makes us better men. It does not 
follow that mere union of any kind will at once, as if by some magical influ¬ 
ence, improve our returns and fill our coffers with gold. Golden dreams of 
this sort may pervade some minds; but such utopian ideas are not in harmony 
with the practical notions of the present day. 
It must be very disheartening to young pharmaceutical students to be told 
that after all their studies and anxieties, they are simply rendering themselves 
more unfit to fill situations. Such a doctrine as this must be an error. As 
a general rule, it is rather the intelligent and well-disciplined student who is 
ultimately the most successful in the battle of life. His studies expand his 
mind in every direction. If he be a good student, his training will have de¬ 
veloped the habits of carefulness , perseverance , thoughtfulness , and unflinching 
industry. Was Scheele a worse business man because he was such an indus¬ 
trious student ? Was Stephenson a worse workman because he spent so much of 
VOL. X. S 
