698 GLASGOW CHEMISTS AND DRUGGISTS* ASSOCIATION. 
In conclusion, gentlemen, I must say, on tlie future prospects of pharmacy in 
England,—and it is evident that they never were more promising than they are to-day, 
—with a recognized status, and the certainty that all those who henceforth enter into 
our ranks will possess qualifications of a higher order than has been at all possible in 
the past, we may venture safely to predict a gradual improvement in our position and 
emoluments. 
But the real and ultimate advantages will depend very largely upon those for whose 
especial benefit such associations as our own have been formed. 
We have done great things for you, we shall expect great things from you. 
I would say to all present, who are looking forward to occupy the front ranks in 
the future, use ivell your opportunities. Make yourselves worthy of the position sought 
for you, and your prosperity i3 certain. There is every disposition, upon the part of 
employers to give all necessary facilities for study. 
The long hours and undue pressure upon strength and brain, which was the rule in 
the past, is fast giving way ; and I must say that I earnestly advocate shorter hours 
of labour, provided that the time willingly abridged from work is usefully and pro¬ 
perly employed. I do not believe that there is any real necessity for the excessively 
late hours which have been generally adopted in the drug trade. 
Our own experience, as a firm, has decided us to close, for all general business, at 
seven o’clock every night (Saturdays included); this has worked well, and I should 
like to see the same rule generally adopted in Bristol. 
But no such movement is possible, unless, in return, our young men give an earnest 
and watchful attention to business during business hours. 
I should like you to feel, gentlemen, (and I speak now particularly to the younger 
portion of my audience,) that the interests of employers and assistants are identical, 
and that, if we are to give up some of your time, you must prove to us that you know 
how to make use of it. If the hours relaxed are to be spent in the theatre, the tavern, 
or the billiard room, in forming habits which can only mar your future prospects, and 
bring disgrace upon yourselves and your brethren, then it is far better that you should 
be at any drudgery at home; but, if using part of your spare hours in proper and 
wholesome relaxation, and in those athletic exercises which are quite as necessary as 
hard reading, you will seek diligently to improve your minds, and to prepare your¬ 
selves for occupying distinguished positions as men of education and science in the 
future,—then all will be well. But only then; and you and we alike will, by-and-by, 
have to regret the very opportunities that are given you if those opportunities are 
abused. But, gentlemen, I hope and believe better things of you than this; and I 
take your presence here to-night, and the interest you have shown in this association 
from its commencement, as an earnest of your own heartfelt desire to raise yourselves. 
Remember, you are to rule circumstances, and that circumstances are not to rule 
you. 
There is no lack of ability and no lack of power; it only needs that you direct that 
power and ability into the proper channels. And I have faith enough to believe that 
the greater majority of you will do this ; and, if some of us are spared twenty or 
thirty years, we may see, nay, we shall see, a class of men all over our land who will 
be looked up to, not only as good and faithful citizens, but as worthy and honoured 
members of a profession which will have become quite as distinguished, and compel 
quite as much of public respect and admiration as is accorded to the members of the 
Bar, the Senate, or the College of Physicians. 
I have only now, Mr. Chairman, and ladies and gentlemen, to apologize for taking 
up so much ot your time, to thank you for your very deep, kind attention, and to wish 
you every one a future of uninterrupted and inoreasmg happiness and prosperity. 
GLASGOW CHEMISTS AND DRUGGISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
Session 1869-70. 
The Twelfth Meeting of the Session of this Association was held in the Mechanics’ 
Institution, Bath Street, on the evening of Thursday, the 24th of March last ; Mr. 
M‘Millan, President, presiding. There was a large attendance of members. 
