now TO BECOME COKNECTED WITH THE SOCIETY. 
5 
TEADE INTEEESTS. 
A modification of the outer title-page of the ‘Pharmaceutical Journal,’ 
which appears on the present ISTumber—the 1st of the 8th Volume, 2nd series— 
will naturally lead our readers to reflect on the three divisions of the general 
subjects which should find place in a periodical of this nature :—those relating 
to “ Chemistry and Pharmacy,” “ Botany and Materia Medica,” and “ Com¬ 
mercial ” interests. This modification has been made not for the purpose of 
introducing any change into the work itself, but that each department may re¬ 
ceive its fair share of consideration. 
The first efforts of the Society were strictly educational. Pharmacy, as a 
science, had to be created. For this end, the School, the Lectures, and the 
Laboratory were originated; and it may be confidently stated that, at the pre¬ 
sent moment, English Pharmaceutists, as skilled scientific men, are quite able 
to sustain their position. Having laid the true foundation, we are the more at 
liberty to give greater prominence to trade considerations, which may hitherto 
have been somewhat in abeyance ; and, in doing so, our efforts might be greatly 
assisted by the aid of the Society at large. It is, perhaps, the subject of all 
others most likely to be advanced by an interchange of opinions. 
It may be asked, what are trade interests, and what is included in the 
phrase? Is it meant that the Journal should be a sort of price catalogue of 
drugs and sundries,—that it should puff the catch novelty of the hour,—or that 
it should chronicle sheet-lightning and the Chinese fire ? Is it meant that it 
should fill its pages with familiar gossip best suited to the columns of cheap 
weekly literature, or pry into that class of preparations which from time to 
time have given commercial prosperity to individual houses ? There is no such 
object contemplated ; but it is thought that a wide field is open for the discus¬ 
sion of such matters as would prove either of interest or advantage to men 
engaged in business. In these days of extreme refinement we are in danger of 
being occasionally too fine. Let us then say at once, that the main object of 
this department should be efficiently to represent the shop. Notices of original 
apparatus, new remedial agents, better methods of laboratory manipulation, 
Avould be especially welcome, not excluding hints on dispensing arrangements, 
or any other subject bearing on the practical improvement of routine druggist’s 
work. The Journal, also, should be the constant “Companion” and supplement 
to the Pharmacopoeia; and it should be its aim to supply, month by month, that 
style of information of which we have so admirable an example in a recent 
well-known Compendium. 
It will be a dark day indeed when the trade interest shall in any way inter¬ 
fere with or supersede the scientific. In this, as in all other things, we must 
use common sense. Still, it is felt that the high reputation of the Journal will 
not be endangered, and that its general acceptability may be increased by more 
direct attention to every-day particulars. Specially is the subject commended 
to those amongst us who have passed through their educational career with en¬ 
viable honour, and who, with the full advantage of scientific acquirements, 
have entered upon active business occupations. Theirs is the help we want, 
and with such energetic aid, our Journal may soon stand without a rival as the 
best exponent of the trade interests of pharmacy. 
HOW TO BECOME CONNECTED WITH THE SOCIETY. 
With the list of Members, Associates, and Apprentices of the Pharmaceutical 
ncf ncinni +i-iic3 ■tnnnf.B Will fouud u detailed statemcut of the 
