PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY, EDINBURGH. 
415 
the simplest apparatus and operations explained to them by one who is thoroughly ac¬ 
quainted with their value. Nothing is more remarkable in a great mind than its con¬ 
descension to little things ; and there are few more striking examples of this than the 
instance of Professor Faraday writing his very simple but most valuable work on ‘Che¬ 
mical Manipulation,’ a book whose object is to describe “ The conveniences and requi¬ 
sites of a laboratory. General chemical apparatus and its uses. The methods of per- 
orming chemical operations. The facilities acquired by practice; and, the causes which 
make experiments fail or succeed.” (Introduction p. 7.) To strengthen his view of 
the importance of small things, Professor Faraday quotes the following from Dr. John¬ 
son :—“Nothing is to be considered as a trifle by which the mind is inured to caution, 
foresight, and circumspection. The same skill, and often the same degree of skill, is 
exerted in great and little things.” 
How, then, is the deficiency in the teaching of pharmacy to be supplied ? First, it may 
be answered that the pharmaceutical student can wait until he has closed his appren¬ 
ticeship, and afterwards take advantage of the school of pharmacy in London for addi¬ 
tional scientific and practical instruction. But such a reply is objectionable, because it 
would imply the loss of five years at the most important period of life for instruction; 
and besides it would not afford the option of a higher pharmaceutical education to 
medical students. 
Second, a school of pharmacy, on the same plan as the London school, might be sug¬ 
gested ; but that would probably be found to be inexpedient, and, on the same scale, is 
perhaps unnecessary in Edinburgh. 
Third, the institution of a chair of pharmacy in the University, endowed by the 
Government, is too much to hope for, and therefore—fourth, I would suggest that the 
students avail themselves, as heretofore, of the lectures on chemistry, botany, and 
materia medica; indeed, under any circumstances, I can see no necessity for removing 
these lectures to a school of pharmacy, but that, in addition, they be provided with a 
laboratory for scientific and practical operations, and attend a further course of lectures 
on the practical application of physics, chemistry, botany, and materia medica to phar¬ 
macy. The superintendence of the laboratory and the delivery of the lectures might 
be conducted by the same person, supported if necessary by laboratory assistants. 
It is obvious that such a teacher of pharmacy must be independent of other work, 
and therefore neither a practising physician nor a Pharmaceutical Chemist engaged in 
business could accept the office; and possibly a little difficulty might arise as to the re¬ 
muneration. But if the laboratory and lectures were not at first self-supporting, would 
it not be the duty of those who have been represented as interested in the progress of 
pharmacy—to wit, the Pharmaceutical Chemist, the physician, and the public—to lend 
substantial aid ? 
Mr. President, I now leave the matter in the hands of the meeting, and of the mem¬ 
bers of the North British branch of the Pharmaceutical Society generally. If it be 
thought desirable to provide greater facilities for pharmaceutical education in Edinburgh, 
I have no doubt you will, as a Society, use your powerful influence for making the ne¬ 
cessary provision. For myself I have no personal interest in the matter, nor any what¬ 
ever beyond a desire, common to us all, for the public and professional good; and 
having made these, I fear somewhat desultory remarks, it remains for me only to thank 
you for your kind attention, and to listen to your valuable suggestions. 
At the close of the paper a long discussion ensued, in which Dr. James Young, Dr. 
Smith, and several members of the Society took part. All spoke in favour of the pro¬ 
posed Pharmacy Bill, and a feeling appeared to pervade all the speakers, that in event of 
Government passing the Amended Pharmacy Act this session, an impetus would be given 
to the teaching of pharmacy, which would be of the greatest service to Pharmaceutists 
as a body. 
A vote of thanks was proposed by the chairman to Dr. Jackson, for his excellent and 
valuable paper, which was carried unanimously, and with acclamation. The meeting 
•then adjourned. 
