FIRE INSURANCE. 
been a case of Pharmaceutical versus United Society, there could not have been 
some substantial effort made by which to reconcile rather than widen the differ¬ 
ences which exist between the Bills of the two Societies, both of which we now' 
find presented to Parliament, side by side; by which the strength of the whole 
cause becomes divided, each being deprived of that full and ample support which 
there is no question would have been given to a well-digested and harmonious 
Bill; whereas we find Sir George Grey, in receiving the deputation from the 
United Society, on Wednesday last, distinctly saying, “That he declined taking 
up our Bill, having the idea that it did not represent all sections of the trade.” 
And yet, fully knowing that this must be the result of going blindfoldedly with¬ 
out recognising dangers which were open to the eyes of the most casual observer, 
we have allowed the time, with all its opportunities, to pass without coming to 
the point, which might easily have been accomplished had the interests of out¬ 
siders been more liberally dealt with. 
Here w r e have the Pharmaceutical Society, with its excellent Laboratories, its 
able Professors, its- Board of Examiners, its Charter, already recognised by 
Government, all things ready to hand to carry out in the most perfect manner 
the much-to-be-desired object; and yet failing in that most excellent gift 
u brotherly love,” for the sake of a little petty jealousy absolutely cutting our own 
throats, and creating enemies where we should recognise brethren. Surely it is 
time to cast down these paltry feelings, and to show that we are not so narrow¬ 
minded or self-opinionated as to look with contempt upon others striving in the 
same cause although under a different banner. 
I am, Sir, faithfully yours, 
Edwin B. Vizer. 
63, Lupus Street, Belgravia South , March 17, 1S65. 
PIPE INSURANCE. 
TO TIIE EDITOR OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL. 
Sir,—Having had occasion a short time ago to make some inquiries respect¬ 
ing the rates of premium paid to Fire Insurance offices by chemists having- 
working laboratories adjoining their houses of business, I w r as surprised to find 
that many not unfrequently perform operations which are distinctly forbidden 
in their policies. 
The usual premium paid by such chemists is the doubly hazardous rate of 
4s. 6c?. per cent. ; for this payment most offices will allow the laboratory to be 
used for all ordinary pharmaceutical operations, except the distillation of ether , 
and the refining of camphor and saltpetre. The only one of these exceptions 
which affects the retail chemist is that relating to the distillation of ether, 
which is an operation of frequent occurrence in the preparation of ethereal 
extracts, etc. It may be desirable therefore to remind those who perform this 
and similar operations, and who are insured on such terms as the above, that 
by so doing their policies become null and void ; and although the wealthier 
offices might, and perhaps would, in the event of a fire, pay the amount in¬ 
sured, they would require the insurer to pay up the difference between the rate 
of premium he had been paying and a special higher rate, which they would con¬ 
sider he ought to have paid. On the other t hand, some offices, having the 
power to do so, might refuse to pay anything. 
It would appear that if laboratories are to be used for every purpose without 
restriction, a rate of premium from Is. 6d. to 10s. per cent., according to cir¬ 
cumstances, must be paid. 
I may perhaps venture to remind all chemists who insure of the desirability 
