554 
NOTTINGHAM CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
either of the three national dcoles de pharmacie , in Paris, Strasbourg, or Montpellier. 
The period of study is two years, and the subjects embraced are chemistry, theoretical 
and practical pharmacy, the natural history sciences, toxicology, etc. The ordinary 
age required in a candidate for examination is 25 years. 
The author gave a graphic sketch of the arrangements of a pharmacie in Paris. 
There is small attempt at display in the fittings of the shop, and since the etceteras 
which enter so largely into a chemist’s stock in England are not recognized by the phar¬ 
macies there is nothing attractive in the drugs and preparations. The learned principal 
takes business very easily, in a costume which comprises a dressing-gown and smoking- 
cap, whilst Madame performs the duties of cashier and clerk. 
In dispensing prescriptions ( [ordonnances ) the label usually indicates no more than 
“ Potion selon la for mule, No. 100,” and since the prescription is written in French, the 
patient may refer to the original for instructions as to taking the medicine. 
All liquids bear, further, a second label, “ Pour Cusage interne ” (on coloured paper, 
and placed beneath the ordinary label), or, “ Pour l’usage externe ” (placed above the 
ordinary label). 
A fixed tariff of charges exists, and also a register of prescriptions, in which must he 
entered full particulars of each that is dispensed. This book is inspected from time to 
time, and the same may be said of the stock of drugs, the examiners having the power 
to confiscate any deteriorated or inferior medicines. 
The greater regard for the agreeable held by our neighbours, is shown in the large 
number of syrups, of which one hundred are officinal, besides sac#harated remedies of 
many kinds, as pates, pastilles, etc. 
The tinctures of the Codex are generally much stronger than corresponding ones of 
this country. 
Infusions are rarely used in' the position they occupy here, but in their stead the 
simple materials for preparing them are sent to the patient for the preparation of the 
tisane, used as a vehicle for the more active medicine. Tea is one of the ingredients for 
a tisane thus dispensed by the pharmacien , its use as a beverage being comparatively 
unknown in coffee-loving France. 
Pills are usually made of 3 or 4 grains weight. The ordinary aperient pill is made 
from the Codex formula, with equal quantities of aloes and powdered acacia, flavoured 
with oil of anise. The name Pilules Ecossaises is generally applied to them. 
Henry’s magnesia is a medicine of high repute, but it is a common practice to sub¬ 
stitute ordinary magnesia packed in bottles, with the name of “ W. and J. Henry, Man¬ 
chester,” upon the glass, and a counterfeit stamp over the cork. 
The graduated measure-glass is not employed, fluids being ordered by weight, and 
directly weighed into the phials standing upon the scales. As is w'ell known, the 
metric system of weights is alone employed. 
The author replied to several inquiries that were made, and upon the motion of Mr. 
Yewdall, seconded by Mr. Aldridge, the best thanks of the meeting were awarded for 
his interesting communication. 
NOTTINGHAM CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
The Seventh General Meeting was held in the Society’s Koom, Exchange Buildings, on 
Wednesday evening, the 13th inst.; Mr. S. Parr, the President, in the chair. 
The following donations were announced:— 
‘Tyndall on Heat as a Mode of Motion,’ from the Rev. E. II. Vernon; the ‘Journal,’ 
from the Pharmaceutical Society; the ‘ Chemical News ’ and the ‘ Chemist and Druggist,’ 
from the respective editors ; ‘ Illustrated Catalogue of the Trades’ Museum,’ from Mr. 
Simmonds ; and a guinea from an hon. member. 
The President then introduced Mr. Heathfield, F.R.G.S., who read a most elaborate 
paper on “ Water,” in which its history and chemical properties were related in a most 
comprehensive manner. 
At the conclusion of the paper a discussion took place on the subject. 
Mr. Parr doubted whether water could be or ever had been reduced in volume by 
pressure, maintaining that it is the air only contained in the water which is compressible,, 
and not the water itself. 
