110 
BETTS’S METALLIC CAPSULES. 
I quote again from the circular. 
“ I am sure you will agree with me, that to institute a lower grade of examined 
me n_men only declared qualified to sell—would act most prejudicially, mislead¬ 
ing the public, and creating jealousies amongst ourselves.” 
This sentiment is not quite intelligible, since Bill No. 1 provided for “ a lower 
grade of examined men,” though not granting them union with the Society. 
However, this point was conceded in the negotiations with the United Society. 
In conclusion, may no one infer that because there are difficulties in the way 
we had better u rest and be thankful ” ! Mr. Orridge has shown us too plainly 
the danp-er of doing this. Our difficulties would not have had half their present 
gravity If met ten years ago, and they will grow every year by delay. If we 
regard the campaign just past as a reconnaissance , and learn the lesson it teaches, 
it will not have,been wasted. 
If the United Society has proved a formidable opponent, it can wield the same 
power in the character of our ally. Another session we have only to go to 
Parliament with a common cause, and success is certain. For this end may we 
meet with a liberal spirit the large number of chemists who, although not within 
our ranks, are equally desirous with ourselves oi advancing the cause of 1 har- 
macy ! Non licet in hello bis pecccire. 
I am, yours, etc., 
Leeds, August , 1865. I'" Reynolds. 
BETTS’S METALLIC CAPSULES. 
TO THE EDITOR OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL. 
Sir,—The chemists of this town, with only one exception, have signed, the 
annexed document, as also some wine-merchants and pickle-sellers, and if it 
were made public and all towns were to adopt the course, it would soon put a 
stop to Mr. Betts’s attempt at extortion. Immediately upon receipt of the last 
Journal, I took upon myself to get a document drawn up by a lawyer, and have 
called upon most persons trading in metallic capsuled articles, cautioning them 
against trading in such things. Any use you like to make of this letter you 
are at liberty to do. 
I remain Sir, your obedient servant, 
Benjamin Lindo. 
1, King Street, Dover , August 7th, 1865. 
“ METALLIC CAPSULED GOODS. 
“ We, the undersigned tradesmen of Dover, do hereby declare, that in conse¬ 
quence of twenty-three Bills in Chancery having been lately filed against vari¬ 
ous retail chemists and perfumers, by Mr. William Betts, the patent metallic 
capsule manufacturer, for selling articles capped with capsules alleged not tc be 
of his manufacture, we have determined, and do hereby mutually undertake, 
that we will not order nor sell any metallic capsuled articles whatever, and that 
we will immediately destroy all metallic capsules, whether of Mr. Betts’s patent 
or not, that we find in our stock.” 
Here follow the signatures. 
---------—- 1 - 
in poisons, so that the sacrifice of life, which now occurs through ignorance or carelessness, may 
he diminished. The second of these precautions is perhaps of more distinctly obvious necessity 
than the first. The dispenser of medicine assists the physician, and those who desire to profit 
by the skill of the latter will feel interested in the efficiency of the former; but persons who con¬ 
sider that doctors are of no use will not be likely to trouble themselves about educating drug¬ 
gists. The opinions expressed by Dr. Quain and other witnesses as to the public importance of 
this education received from the Committee rather less attention than they deserved. 
