344 
BATH chemists’ ASSOCIATION. 
and the public will run away from their shops to those of the men who will write M.P.S. 
after their names. I have no fear, and cannot bring myself to believe, that a single 
customer would he lost from such a cause. Depend upon it, Gentlemen, a chemist’s 
connection is invariably a personal one, and the man who has made a connection by his 
assiduous attention to business, by his general competency, considerate attention to the 
wants and wishes of his customers, and by a careful selection of the remedies he employs, 
will never have to lament over that connection as a lost one. In fact, I am of opinion, 
that in the course of a few years, the number of chemists would be more limited, and, 
therefore, there would be a larger scope for the energies of others. But before dismissing 
this class I would observe, that no principle would be sacrificed by its admission as 
members of the Society, as they were eligible in 1852, and I cannot conceive that any 
of them are less eligible after an additional fourteen years’ experience ; and it would, 
perhaps be as well for the Council to ask themselves, whether the most conservative 
policy would not be a liberal course of action ; for as the accomplishment of their desires 
is deferred from year to year, so the number of vested interests, hostile to those wishes, 
is increased by young men going into business, and to whom the passing an examination 
would prove a great inconvenience. And in this view of the question I am supported 
by a “ Country Chemist,” who unites thus in yesterday’s Joprnal:—“I should not be sur¬ 
prised at a considerable secession, when it is seen that no further Parliamentary inter¬ 
ference need be feared or expected.” And I think we must all admit, that if the Council 
should not succeed in passing their Bill during the coming Session, the question of a 
compulsory examination will be deferred to an indefinite period. Such being the case, 
the Society would lose many of their supporters who, as suggested by a “ Country 
Chemist,” are supporters from policy and not from sympathy. 
Then follow classes four and five, composed of men not yet five years in business or 
not thirty years of age, and assistants. 
With respect to these classes, I am strongly of opinion, and trust that opinion will 
be supported by gentlemen present, that they ought to have accorded to them the 
privilege of the limited examination; many of them, no doubt, entered the business 
without having had placed before them the advantages w^hich would accrue to them by 
becoming Members of the Pharmaceutical Society, and therefore a great injustice would 
be inflicted by its refusal. Some, perhaps, of these classes have arrived at the period of 
middle life, perhaps with families, perchance with businesses the profits from which are 
barely sufficient to maintain life, much more to enable them to pass through such a 
course of study as should fit them for the full examinations. Shall these men, from no 
fault of their own, be deprived of the privilege which has been bestowed on men of the 
same social standing, of the same or perhaps better attainments and ability? And 
further as an argument against such an injustice, we must bear in mind that these 
men will still continue in business, and the assistants will have to be allowed to enter 
business as ordinary chemists, and therefore will be the rivals of their more fortunate 
pharmaceutical brethren, and in all probability will seek to increase their profits by 
reduced prices, and other objectionable means.^ 
With respect to the sixth class, viz. apprentices, I am of opinion that no special pro¬ 
vision is required on their behalf; they are still young—still have life before them, and 
the opportunity, by careful attention to their duties and a persistent course of study, to 
qualify themselves for the full examination. 
In giving expression to my views, I fear I have trespassed too much upon your time, 
but will conclude this portion of my address by observing that, as other towns are 
moving in the matter, Bath should not lag behind,'*but should give expression to her 
sentiments. 
If the views laid before you to-night should meet with your approval, I would sug 
gest that a series of resolutions, embodying these views, might be passed, together with 
any additions considered advisable, and presented in the form of a memorial to the 
Council of the Pharmaceutical Society. 
I recommend that course, feeling strongly that provincial chemists generally have 
been culpably negligent of their interest, and have left them too much in the hands of 
the metropolitan chemists. 
The PnESiDENT then recommended that the Board of Inland Bevenue should be 
memorialized, with a view to the obtaining a reduction of the licence necessary for retail 
dealers in methylated spirit, and that the co-operation of the chemists in Bristol and 
