126 
THE ERROR AND THE REMEDY. 
favourable circumstances succeed he must. And then there is the philosophy of 
Lord Bacon, which says that “ every man is a debtor to his profession, from the 
which as men do of course seek to receive countenance and profit, so ought they 
to endeavour of themselves by way of amends to be a help and ornament there¬ 
unto.” I am not quite sure that we do not miss the application of this aphorism 
to ourselves in being content to remain as we are. I am happy to find, however, 
that a disposition is abroad to meet, discuss, and adopt measures for the further 
advancement of pharmacy, and the infusion of a cordial and friendly feeling among 
the members generally. This, I think, may be regarded as one of the fruits of 
the Pharmaceutical Society, and I sincerely trust it will be attended by such en¬ 
couraging results as will lead us to see and believe that, after all, there is a bright 
side to the picture, which, if viewed aright, will replenish our tills, bring con¬ 
tentment to our homes, and lead us joyfully “ onwards and upwards through the 
path of life.” 
I have only to add that the suggestion of your correspondent to “try back,” 
will probably be best answered by the old Latin proverb, u Vestigia nulla re- 
trorsum.” I am, Sir, yours obediently, 
W. WlLLMOTT. 
27 , Bishopsgcite Within, August 14 , 1863 . 
TO THE EDITOR OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL. 
Sir,—May I, though not connected with the Society, be allowed to say a few 
words in answer to the letter of your Weymouth correspondent headed as above, 
at which I was much surprised, coming from one who is a member of the So¬ 
ciety ? 
Such correspondence, in my opinion, is apt to mislead and dishearten those 
young men who are preparing for the examinations, and thus making them¬ 
selves fit by the proper meaus for their business. How many would be dis¬ 
couraged by the expression that the Society is much too hard to enter, and that 
its advantages are not equal to the toil and outlay necessary to obtain them. 
Not being in any way connected with the Society at present, I cannot quote my 
own experience regarding the examinations ; but from remarks made by those who 
have passed them, I feel sure they are not very difficult, and that no more is re¬ 
quired than is absolutely necessary for those who take upon themselves such a 
responsible calling ; indeed, I have been told by three who have passed the 
“Major,” that they came away surprised that more was not expected from them. 
Again, is it only for its pecuniary advantages that young men study to become 
associates and members of the Society ? Have they no higher motive to stimu¬ 
late their efforts,—no love for knowledge or desire for self-improvement ? What 
is more interesting than the study of nature to one acquainted with the three 
sciences—chemistry, botany, ancl geology, all of which may be attained (in 
most cases) by a little exertion before and after business hours by those who be¬ 
lieve in the old proverb, u Where there’s a will there’s a way ”? With regard 
to the advantages derived from being members of the Society (I allude to mem¬ 
bers by examination) opinion may differ ; but so far as my experience goes, it is 
just the reverse of that of your correspondent. 
A portion of one of the suggestions made by your correspondent, viz. “ that an 
Act be obtained to make membership by examination compulsory,” is certainly not 
a new one, but, so far as I can learn, has been one of the chief objects of the So¬ 
ciety from its commencement; the realization, however, seems very doubtful if 
cold water be thrown upon the best efforts of the Society by its own members. 
Wishing the Society every success, 
I am, Sir, yours faithfully, 
One preparing for the Examinations. 
