January 6, 1872.] 
THE PHAEMACEUTICAL JOURNAL AND TRANSACTIONS. 
551 
Journal. 
SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 1872. 
Communications for this Journal , books for revieio , 
should be addressed to the Editor, 17, Bloomsbury Square. 
Instructions from Members and Associates respecting the 
transmission of the Journal should be sent to Elias Brem- 
ridge, Secretary, 17, Bloomsbury Square, TV.C. 
Advertisements to Messrs. Churchill, New [Burlington 
Street , London, JF. Envelopes indorsed “ Bharm. Journ.’ 
THE NEW YEAR. 
It lias been said tliat les jours se passcnt et se 
rcssemblent, and the saying is partly true in the phar¬ 
maceutical as well as in the ordinary world. Being 
continually engaged in the endeavour to keep our 
readers abreast of the literature of pharmacy and its 
liindred sciences, we are, for this reason, unable, at 
the commencement of another year, to bring under 
their notice any remarkable novelty, but we may per¬ 
haps point to the issues of this Journal during the 
past year as containing a faithful record of pharma¬ 
ceutical history in England during 1871. Compared 
with its predecessors that year will certainly bear a 
reputation for bellicosity; for pharmaceutists have 
not been allowed to rest satisfied with supping to the 
full of the horrors recorded of the Franco-German 
war, but have themselves been divided into two 
camps, for and against the proposed regulations for 
the dispensing and storing of poisons. Happily in 
this case it may be presumed that all the parties to 
the strife had the same object in view, although 
seeking it by different ways. Let us express a hope, 
however, that such contention may not be renewed. 
One marked feature in the history of the year has 
been the attention devoted to the subject of pro¬ 
vincial education, and the efforts that have been 
made by the local societies to obviate the hardships 
that may have been imposed upon insufficiently edu¬ 
cated assistants and apprentices at the time of the 
Pharmacy Act. It is also satisfactory to see that 
there is a general feeling that this work once done, 
there should be an end to it, and that future appren¬ 
tices should be m,ade to acquire the education before 
entering the business. 
Although tliis Journal has been the vehicle for 
publishing very many valuable papers written by 
English pharmacists, we are persuaded that much 
more remains to be done in this direction. A com¬ 
parison of the number of contributors with that of 
the whole body would quickly show that they are 
but few in proportion, and that the same names 
occur again and again. May we suggest that in 
future more of our readers should contribute to the 
information of all by recording the results of such 
experience as they think may be useful. We are 
indebted for much assistance to the kindness of a 
few local secretaries and provincial members for 
matter of a more general interest. Here again were 
the number of our correspondents increased, and if 
every member were to make a point of forwarding 
information of any circumstance likely to be of in¬ 
terest, our record would be’ a more perfect one. To- 
those gentlemen who have assisted us in the past we 
tender our heartiest thanks, and express a hope that 
they will still continue their valuable help. 
One word in conclusion. We cannot hope that 
absence of complaint denotes entire satisfaction. 
The readers of this Journal are perhaps too varied 
in their tastes and requirements to render this pro¬ 
bable ; but if in the coming year any persons have- 
suggestions to make as to ways in which these tastes 
and requirements may be more full}’’ met, we trust 
that they will not hesitate to communicate them 
directly to the Editor, who will give them the most, 
careful consideration. 
THE BENEVOLENT FUND. 
“ No one liveth to himself,” was the inspiration 
that guided William Allen, Charles James Payne,. 
and divers others, when they first petitioned for a 
Royal Charter of Incorporation, having the double¬ 
object of promoting education, and providing a fund 
for the relief of the distressed Members and Asso¬ 
ciates of the Society, their Widows and Orphans. 
The Fund has slowly yet steadily advanced. Once r 
indeed, a certain amount of apathy seemed to imperil 
its existence. Great efforts were then made to en¬ 
force its claims, nor can the untiring services of the. 
late Mr. Benjamin Orridge ever be forgotten. The 
opening of a New Year speaks to us most eloquently 
of our duty to those around us. Let us listen to the 
voice, remembering that while it is always one of 
the noblest privileges to help our fellows, in this- 
case even selfishness may stimulate our liberality, 
for no man living can count upon the chances of 
his own position. There are two plain facts that 
cannot be too well understood. A sum of TT^.OOff 
is invested in our Benevolent Fund, and at this we 
rejoice. The interest provides for twelve Annuitants, 
but there are thirteen. One Annuity is therefore 
paid out of the annual subscriptions, which should 
be exclusively devoted towards meeting the numerous 
claims for temporary assistance. TIOOO is therefore 
urgently required as an investment, in order to allow 
the operations of the charity to flow in their proper- 
channel. 
Secondly, we are at liberty to appeal for aid with 
the utmost confidence, for the Fund is now available 
not only to persons connected with the Society, but 
also for the relief of all Chemists and Druggists. 
We learn with pain that a vast majority of these 
latter contribute most slenderly to the subscription 
list of tliis admirable institution. Surely, distress. 
