340 
LEEDS chemists’ ASSOCIATION. 
Act repealed, or, which is nearly the same thing in this argument, if Parliament com¬ 
pelled them to do so, then let the druggists take warning by the example, and avoid 
seeking a compulsory Act which, when obtained, will he powerless for good, and which 
public opinion or the Legislature may soon repeal. 
Supposing that Mr. Orridge had escaped the first of the fallacies before mentioned, he 
might still have fallen into the second. I think he has done so. In other words, as far 
as regards compulsory examinations and a monopoly of certain functions, there is no 
proper analogy between the profession of medicine and the trade of a chemist and drug¬ 
gist. I shall not attempt to enter into any adequate proof of this proposition, which I 
could not do without treating too largely of some not universally acknowledged princi¬ 
ples of Political Economy. I will venture, however, so far as to say that, as a general 
rule, and in the interest of the public, all trades and professions ought to be free to be 
exercised by all, unless some special reasons can be given to the contrary. Some think 
that there is a special reason to the contrary in the case of the medical profession, as an 
ignorant surgeon may kill more than he cures, and a paternal government should pre¬ 
vent the unnecessary loss of human life. But in this country we do not go so far as 
this. Our Government, whether paternal or not, leaves the matter to the judgment of the 
people, considering that the natural instinct of self-preservation will generally lead men 
right. It does step in, however, and forces some men to be honest against their will, so 
that the public may be able clearly to distinguish the learned from the unlearned, those 
who have passed an examination from those that have not. Here, then, in this country, 
we now draw the line. We almost, but not quite, make the practice of medicine a mo¬ 
nopoly. It would be strange if we were to make the practice of pharmacy, which is 
confessedly less responsible, quite a monopol 5 ^ Such a consummation seems to be de¬ 
voutly wished for by many; but, unless the whole course of modern English legislation 
be reversed, I think it is a consummation not likely to be attained. 
But enough of this. Let me for a moment turn back to our own Association, and 
the coming session of meetings. Hitherto, we have been very glad to receive help from 
our friends of the medical profession, with whom we hope always to reciprocate acts of 
kindness and goodwill, and from others ; but still we have been very much dependent 
upon ourselves for providing profitable matter for consideration and discussion. Let me 
then hint to some members who have not yet favoured us with the reading of papers, to 
do so. 
We have had one or two essays by Associates which have done them very great 
credit; may I venture to hope that some others will follow their example ? From ex¬ 
perience I can tell you that are Associates that it will be most improving to yourselves to 
take up one single subject, and study what has already been done in it, and, with or without 
any original investigations, write a condensed account of it, and read what you have written 
at one of our meetings. I could easily suggest subjects, such as spectrum analysis, as it has 
been applied to different classes of substances on the earth or to the heavenly bodies,—the 
application of dialysis to pharmacy,—volumetric analysis, as directed in the Pharmacopoeia, 
or as it might be further used in the examination of pharmaceutical products,—the 
metric system,—the microscopic detection of adulterations,—polarized light, as it may be 
used in examining various drugs and chemicals,—the chemistry of the different waters 
used, or to be used, for the supply of Leeds,—the effect of air, agitation, subsidence, fil¬ 
tration, etc,, in depriving water of organic impurities,—some of the more recent ad¬ 
vances in organic chemistry,—foreign pharmacy,—the habitats of plants growing round 
Leeds,—and many other topics furnished by chemistry, botany, and pharmacy. 
And now, in conclusion, allow me to express my trust, that during the coming year 
we shall all do our best to make our Association as useful and agreeable as possible. 
Societies such as ours have sprung into existence amid great enthusiasm,—have flou¬ 
rished for awhile,—and then, not fulfilling the too sanguine expectations of their first 
admirers, or yielding to the temptation of meddling with topics of business which they 
had better have let alone, and thus causing divisions and bad feeling, have ceased to exist. 
We have now passed through the dangerous period of our novitiate, and may consider our 
Association as fully established. We have not so many members as we once had, or 
might wish now to have ; but I believe many others would join us, if the long hours 
of business would allow them to do so. We cannot expect to prosper, or to gain an ac¬ 
cession of members, unless we make it appear that our brethren in the trade may obtain 
some advantage by joining us. I do not suppose that we are more selfish than other 
