DUTIES OF MASTERS AND APPRENTICES. 
3G5 
lessly lying on the counter) might form a stumbling-block ere its free transla¬ 
tion was arrived at. Then as regards him who cannot strictly be regarded as 
an “ embryo,” I would say that although exceptions u have occurred ” where he 
who has had the rare opportunity of taking botanical excursions with his master, 
and also of receiving the latter’s kind assistances in the laboratory, and after 
all has rejected and despised them, yet there are very many who would be only 
too glad to embrace the “ truly exceptional opportunity ” and heap coals of 
heartfelt gratitude on the head of the “ generous Timon.” Trusting that the 
spirit of indignation at being thus opprobriously descanted upon may excuse 
these few remarks, 
I am, Sir, most faithfully yours, 
December G, 1863. A Registered Apprentice. 
TO THE EDITOR OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL. 
Sir,—The real answer to the question why pharmaceutical chemists bear so 
small a proportion to the chemists and druggists in general, lies, in my opinion, 
in a few simple facts. There is no inducement , either in the form of a higher 
rate of salary, or any other advantage offered to those assistants who have passed 
the examinations of the Society than to those who have no other knowledge 
than that which they have acquired by actual business experience. As far as I 
am able to judge from my own case, I can say that unqualified assistants stand 
equally well situated with regard to obtaining good employments as their more 
scientific brethren (in some instances, I believe, better). This state of things cer¬ 
tainly accounts, to a great extent, for the small number of Associates, as it is not 
very probable that young men will put themselves to the expense and trouble of 
passing an examination, the advantage of which is so shadowy, and the outlay 
so doubtful of receiving an adequate return. Certainly the utility of the Society’s 
education is not clearly apparent in the case of a chemist, whose business con¬ 
sists in the preparation of sheep ointment and wheat-dressing, diversified with 
the sale of Horniman’s tea, British wines, and various other sundries; and to 
most people unconnected with the profession, the idea of such a man qualifying 
himself to pass an examination in the higher branches of chemistry and phar¬ 
macy might appear almost an absurdity, and perhaps calculated to destroy his 
utility by disgusting him with liis own humble class of business. Many em¬ 
ployers very naturally object to engaging an assistant whose scientific know¬ 
ledge is more extensive than their own, as it soon causes jealousy on one side, 
and greater or less contempt on the other, soon followed by mutual unpleasant¬ 
ness and separation. This I know to be the case. Let us take another view r of 
the case. Suppose assistants anxious to study, and perfectly willing to qualify 
themselves for the Minor or Major, what time, under the present state of busi¬ 
ness, have they at their disposal to devote to such purposes? or what employer 
would find time for them to study ? Would he not rather consider himself de¬ 
frauded of his just services, due for the miserable pittance he bestows for long 
hours of labour, commencing at seven o’clock in the morning, and continuing 
without intermission or relaxation until ten or eleven at night, and through 
seven days in the week ? Fortunate is the assistant who can even obtain six 
hours during that period for recreation, and in which time he is really incapable 
of study even if he had the inclination. For my part, I do not believe that any 
man could devote himself to study after being engaged for fourteen hours in a 
monotonous and wearying employment, more especially when the objects of 
study are connected with the pursuit to which he has been applying himself du¬ 
ring the whole of the day. Is it not more natural that a man should give his 
body and mind that rest and relaxation so necessary after a day of unremitting 
toil ? 
VOL. v. 2 c 
