94 
THE QUALIFICATION REQUIRED. 
anticipated by some of the ardent promoters of tlie movement may be admitted, 
and this is sometimes referred to by lukewarm supporters as evidence of the 
failure of the undertaking. But on the other hand we have a greatly extended 
recognition, by those who hitherto have remained inactive or have been looked 
upon as opponents, of the necessity of making professional knowledge, as tested 
by examination, an essential qualification for membership in an association aim¬ 
ing at objects similar to those we have described. With regard to the fundamental 
principles upon which such an association should be established, there appears now 
to be no difference of opinion, although different views are entertained respecting 
the nature and amount of the qualification that should be required. By some it 
seems to be thought that we should limit the required qualification to such prac¬ 
tical knowledge as may be acquired in the ordinary routine of business. Br¬ 
others it is considered that although such purely technical knowledge would be 
sufficient in many cases, yet that there should be a higher grade of practitioners 
possessing in addition a scientific qualification. Others again consider that a 
sound and sufficient pharmaceutical qualification must have a scientific basis, and 
involves the systematic study of chemistry and pharmacy, botany and materia 
medica. Then, among the advocates for these different kinds of qualification, 
there are differences of opinion with regard to the amount of knowledge that 
should be required on the several subjects. There are those who would at once, 
or who at least would now, after the lapse of twenty years, during wdiich time exa¬ 
minations have been conducted and scientific instruction afforded by the Pharma¬ 
ceutical Society, make the qualification all that could under any circumstances 
be required or reasonably expected ; while others think that too much has been 
attempted and is even now required, and they are disposed to be for the present 
very lenient, although at some future time they would justify a strict exami¬ 
nation. 
Notwithstanding this conflict of opinion, and the frequent reference made by 
correspondents in this and oilier journals to the subject of pharmaceutical quali¬ 
fication and examinations, we have neither seen nor heard anything to show 
that the system which has been established and is now in operation is very defec¬ 
tive or susceptible of much improvement. The examinations of the Pharmaceu¬ 
tical Society have been consistently and successfully conducted for twenty years, 
without any just complaint having been preferred, or any dissatisfaction, that 
we have ever heard of, created. These examinations are of a thoroughly prac¬ 
tical nature, and any man who understands the practice of pharmacy in all its 
details, and has devoted some attention to the systematic study of chemistry and 
botany, and their applications in pharmacy and materia medica, ought to be able 
easily to pass them. When first instituted, they were less stringent than they 
have subsequently become; but even now, the chief importance is attached to 
practical rather than merely scientific or theoretical knowledge. 
If the new Medical Bill, with its provisions relating to pharmacy, should be 
carried into effect, the whole subject of pharmaceutical examinations and quali¬ 
fication will be likely to occupy a good deal of attention among the medical and 
pharmaceutical public. Propositions may be made for some alterations in the 
present system, and the different opinions to which we have referred may be 
expected to have their advocates, who will contend for the establishment of their 
favourite systems. 
In carrying out a system of education and examination for regulating the 
qualification of practitioners in any profession or art, it is very important, not 
only that sound judgment should be exercised in determining the nature of the 
qualification to be required, but also, and especially, that the course pursued 
should be consistent and uniform throughout. In such cases change or rumours 
of change cannot fail to produce prejudicial effects, by unsettling the determina¬ 
tions of those who are preparing for examination. It is necessary that a con- 
