232 
THE JOURNAL. 
ledge of pharmaceutists, and instead of railing against the class of knowledge 
given, it would, be much better to spend their spare time in a course of readings 
from the volumes of that Society, and the result would undoubtedly be that a 
healthier and a happier tone would pervade their observations. Some think that 
the sum total of all excellence in any Journal for Chemists is a “ price -list,” and 
the last new pattern of a toothbrush or shaving-box. These things may be all 
well enough in their way, and there can be no objection to any chemist (espe¬ 
cially in country districts) adding the sale of a few tidy sundries to his trade; 
but it is absurd to reverse his ideas of his business and to speak lightly of scien¬ 
tific knowledge, and deem that kind of information of less value than a few ideas 
about the novelties of the season. It is high time that we should all attempt to 
arrive at the greatest point of scientific attainments, so far as connected with 
our business of pharmaceutists. We are all too far behind when we look at the 
progressive spirit of the age, and it is our duty to try to understand the noble 
and exalting truth of science, and tax our ingenuity to the utmost to make those 
truths practically useful in our daily vocations. 
Any man calling himself a chemist, above all men, ought to be the last to 
object to a scientific journal connected with his trade. The truth is, that but for 
the discoveries of men of science, especially in connection with chemical research, 
we would not have possessed many of the novelties which we now offer for sale. 
IIow such a suggestion u that the Journal be abolished” should have arisen, is 
difficult to imagine. It does not follow that because many chemists have to sell 
oils, paints, etc., that they consequently of necessity should be destitute of either 
literary or scientific tastes. Many so situated might rather say with Shakespeare, 
“ My poverty, not my will consents.” To many so circumstanced a Journal like 
what we possess becomes rather a boon than a thing of no value, for by its 
means we can revel amid a class of interesting facts and articles which we could 
not obtain anywhere else. It may at first sight appear to some that the perusal 
makes the reader neither richer, better, nor wiser ; but that view is a mistaken 
one. It is utterly impossible for a person regularly and systematically to read a 
well-conducted Journal without instinctively imbibing its truths and principles ; 
and it is just as impossible to prevent those truths and principles from exercising 
their specific influence on his mind and character to such an extent that his 
business habits and ideas will be regulated accordingly. That ideas breed and 
propagate is as certain as the fact that seeds germinate; all that is required is a 
suitable soil and congenial circumstances. It is much to be wished that the body 
of young men who are now connected with the trade would seriously think over 
the great advantages to be obtained by a careful study, not only of the Journal, 
but of the many valuable books which it recommends. The mental culture thus 
brought about would be of far more practical use to them (both in their parti¬ 
cular calling, and in their everyday affairs of life), than all complainings and 
grumblings put together. It is quite a mistake to suppose that the complainer 
and faultfinder is the true reformer; it is rather the hardworking student who 
conquers the difficulties of scientific research instead of snarling at them. Let 
not the conductors of our valuable Journal be discouraged, for there are many 
who quietly admire their work, and profit from their labour. If these remarks 
should in any way help to back up the wishes of your able contributor Mr. Ince, 
my object in writing to you will be gained; and if you think they would be of 
any service in the pages of your Journal, you are at liberty to insert them. 
With best wishes for the prosperity of the Society, 
I have the honour to be, dear Sir, 
Yours very truly, 
James Thomas Smith. 
Hexham , October 1, 1863. 
