354 
LIVERPOOL CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
my adviser there, the late eminent physiologist, Dr. Edwards, recommended, to my sur¬ 
prise and curiosity, that I should piace myself under the tuition of a chemist and drug¬ 
gist. My surprise ceased when I fouud that I was to have for my teacher, under that 
designation, the late amiable, inventive, scientific Roubiquet. His dwelling communi¬ 
cated with his boutique , or shop, where he superintended an extensive dispensing esta¬ 
blishment, with his laboratoire, or chemist’s laboratory, which consisted of three apart¬ 
ments—one for his junior practical pupils, one for the senior, and a sanctum for the 
chemical philosopher himself. Here, in the immediate contact with the ordinary routine 
of trade, were carried on, with unwearied enthusiasm, those scientific researches into the 
proximate constitution of vegetable and animal substances, and into the nature and 
properties of their constituent proximate principles, by which the name of Roubiquet 
will be ever distinguished among the earliest and most successful cultivators of this im¬ 
portant branch of chemical science.” Now, though it may be doubtful whether existing 
chemists and druggists in Great Britain may live to see such a change, it is undoubted 
that the heavy clouds which have for so long shrouded and obscured pharmaceutical 
education are gradually but surely breaking, and that the sun of progression is already 
commencing to gild with its bright and gladdening rays our scientific horizon, until, 
ere long, dulness and darkness will be entirely dispelled under the brightening effect of 
the full orb of pharmaceutical chemistry, thus giving position and power throughout 
the whole range of pharmaceutical science. But if it be true that we are thus, on the 
^ne hand, to have increased power and position, we must never forget that with these 
come increased responsibility, and that, according as we now conduct ourselves, we may 
hope to gain the confidence of the public, the respect of the medical colleges, and the 
satisfaction of knowing that years of labour have not been spent in vain, but have at 
length culminated in that recognition for which many, living and dead, have worked 
with an earnest desire, not only for the present good, but also for the future welfare 
of all those who have or may yet devote themselves to the study of pharmaceutic 
matters. 
At the close of the address a number of questions were then put to Mr. Mackay in 
regard to the clause preventing surgeons in Scotland and throughout Great Britain 
dispensing any medicines containing the poisons mentioned in the schedule. Several 
of the members considered that this was a hardship, more especially in regard to 
medical practitioners situated in country districts, who will thereby be prevented from 
dispensing their own medicines. It was argued by others that, as the surgeon was 
educated for a position above that of the chemist and druggist, he ought to maintain 
that position, and not interfere with the business of the chemist and druggist. Mr. 
Mackay also stated that, although the Bill undoubtedly contained one or two objection¬ 
able points, yet, on the whole, it was a good measure, and a very great step in advance. 
There were a great many provisions of the Bill in regard to which the pharmaceutists 
would require to use their own discretion and judgment. 
Votes of thanks to the Chairman and Mr. Mackay terminated the proceedings. 
PROVINCIAL TRANSACTIONS. 
LIVERPOOL CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
Twentieth Session.—First General Meeting, held October 15th, 1868; the newly 
elected President, Mr. J. F. Robinson, in the chair. 
Messrs. A. H. Samuel and W. Harris were elected members of the Association. 
The Secretary announced a donation to the Library of—‘ Remarks on the French 
Codex, and Companion to the Medicine Chest,’ by Mr. Haselden, for which thanks were 
voted to the donor. 
Mr. Murphy complained of the illiberality of the Liverpool Town Council in refusing 
to have analyses made of the water supplied to the town, although vast sums were spent 
in other ways. He described the water supplied at present as being very irregular in 
quality. 
Mr. Abraham thought the Town Council could scarcely be expected to take action in 
the matter, in the absence of complaint as to the quality of the water. 
