TRANSACTIONS OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY. 
429 
Association are in perfect accord with the Pharmaceutical Society, inasmuch as that 
resolution is really a reiteration of the preamble of our Charter and Act, and of every 
draft Act which the Society has hitherto submitted to the Legislature. 
The Council cannot separate the interests of the two classes marked “ 1 ” and “ 2in 
the first place, because they consider it would be unjust to do so, “No. 1 ” having been 
absolutely necessary for the foundation of the Society, and the creation of “ No. 2in 
the second place, because the Pharmacy Act placed the two classes on one legislative 
level; and to derogate one of them from this position would be contrary to law, and, as 
a disregard of vested interests, to custom also. 
If it were attempted to elevate “ No. 2,” an equal inconvenience would arise, as it 
must be done by introducing a new title not known to the Act of Parliament, and, con¬ 
sequently, not legally protected. There is nothing noiu to prevent a man calling him¬ 
self a “ member by examination,” but such a practice would complicate matters very 
much, and, as in a very few years there can be no other members in existence than those 
who have passed an examination, it would not be worth venturing on such a difficulty. 
With reference to the proposition that Class 1 be exonerated from further subscription, 
it is only necessary to observe that in ceasing to subscribe they would cease also to be 
“Pharmaceutical Chemists,” inasmuch as they are so registered under the Pharmacy Act 
by virtue of their membership. 
Classes 3 and 4. All persons mentioned in these clauses are entitled to avail them¬ 
selves of the “ Separate Examinations,” established in an arrangement of which the 
Bath Chemists’ Association expresses approval, but somewhat disparages by the terra 
“limited.” Those examinations are practical, as fitted for a man in business rather than 
a student, and, on passing them, the candidate being registered as a Pharmaceutical 
Chemist is eligible for membership. Under the Act of Parliament there can be but 
three examinations, one for each grade,—Pharmaceutical Chemists, Assistants, and 
Apprentices or Students,—and the Bye-laws are very stringent in providing that no 
person shall be elected a member who is not on the register of Pharmaceutical Chemists. 
With regard to local examinations, the Council has no power to appoint more than 
one Board of Examiners for England and Wales, and if it had, the question would be 
one on which great difference of opinion has always existed, and would continue to 
exist, the more especially as many circumstances tend to the conclusion that the day is 
not far distant when an extension of the Pharmacy Act may be obtained, in the event 
of which, beyond the mere protection of vested interests, advantages even might be 
assured to chemists not previously connected with our Society by providing a voluntary 
registration which would enable them afterwards to become members without exa¬ 
mination. 
Class 5. The separate examination has, by a recent resolution of Council, been thrown 
open to Assistants of certain standing. 
I am, dear Sir, yours truly, 
Elias Bremridge, Secretary. 
John B. Merrilcin, JEsq,, President of the Bath Chemists' Association." 
Bath, January 17, 1867. 
Dear Sir,—I have great pleasure in enclosing you the accompanying Eesolutions, 
passed at a meeting of the Bath Chemists’ Association, held last night, Wednesday, 
January 16, at the Commercial Kooras, and beg you will present them to the Council. 
I would just remark that a general feeling of satisfaction appeared to pervade the meet¬ 
ing, at the prospect of an easy settlement of the question in hand. 
I am, dear Sir, faithfully yours. 
To Elias Bremridge, Esq., John B. Merrikik. 
Secretary to the Pharmaceutical Society. 
EXTRACTS EROM THE MINUTES OF THE BATH CHEMISTS* ASSOCIATION. 
Kesolved,—That this meeting cordially approves of the suggestions emanating from the 
Council of the Pharmaceutical Society, subject to the explanations given by the Secre¬ 
tary, Mr. Bremridge, for the proposed Pharmacy Bill, and pledges itself to give the 
Council its earnest support in obtaining the sanction of the Legislature thereto. 
