562 
REGULATIONS FOR THE SALE OF POISONS. 
observed among chemists in distinguishing between preparations of scheduled 
poisons to which the provisions of the Act are, and those to which they are 
not, to be applied. 
We presume the statement in Mr. Simon’s communication, to the effect that 
it is not feasible to define the proportion of poison in any preparation that 
would bring it within the meaning of the Act, refers to a judicial decision 
founded on such a distinction, and would not apply to a rule adopted for the 
guidance of persons similarly occupied, and among whom it is desirable to esta¬ 
blish uniformity of practice in selling or dispensing such preparations. It has 
been suggested, with reference to preparations of opium, that any preparation 
containing one part or more of opium per cent., but not otherwise, should be 
considered to come within the meaning of the Act. This would exclude pare¬ 
goric, while it would bring laudanum, extractum opii liquiduro, or Battley’s 
solution, and vinum opii, under the Act, as well as the pills, powders, and con¬ 
fection of the Pharmacopoeia ; but it has been thought that pills and powders, 
and also the confection, when divided in separate doses, need not be subject to 
the same regulations. But whatever rule of this description it may be thought 
possible and desirable to adopt, must be applied subject to the exercise of a 
sound discretion, the spirit of the law being carefully observed, and the safety 
of the public provided for in the most efficient manner. 
It must never be forgotten, while studying to carry the Pharmacy Act of 
1868 into effect, that this law relates to only a small part of the duties which 
devolve upon the chemist and druggist, and that it does not in any way relieve 
him from the obligation to do all that lies in his power to prevent the use of 
poisonous substances for unlawful purposes, and to establish regulations by 
which, in the legitimate use of such substances, accidents resulting from igno¬ 
rance or carelessness may, as far as possible, be prevented. It is left to those 
whose knowledge and experience enable them to do so, to devise and introduce 
means, beyond those specified in the Act, for accomplishing this object not only 
with regard to scheduled poisons, but also with regard to all other poisonous or 
dangerous substances. Among the arrangements now generally made in well- 
regulated establishments is one for separating the most active poisons from less 
dangerous medicines which are in more frequent use, and for distinguishing the 
one class from the other by some peculiarity iu the methods of keeping or 
labelling them. 
These and other arrangements, for effecting the same general object, claim 
the serious attention of those to whom the Legislature has intrusted the 
responsible duty of guarding the public interests in the sale and use of poisons. 
The liberal spirit in which the Government has met the application from the 
Council of the Pharmaceutical Society, should stimulate the members of the 
Society, and Chemists and Druggists generally, while observing all that the law 
requires, to endeavour, at the same time, to carry into effect the spirit of the 
law, by the adoption of the most efficient means that can be devised for that 
purpose. 
CONFIRMATION OF THE BYE-LAWS. 
We are now enabled to state that the new Bye-laws of the Pharmaceutical 
Society, adjusted to suit the altered condition of the Society under the “ Phar¬ 
macy Act of 1868,” have been duly approved and confirmed by the Privy 
Council. The impediment which existed in the way of electing Registered Che- 
