278 ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
tematic science, and along with her improvement was a cor- 
responding amendment in the remedial agencies put at the 
disposal of the physician; and with the perfection which 
chemistry has now attained, perhaps, all the advantages to be 
derived from this application of her principles and precepts, are 
realized. But the extension of these has now become so 
general, and the importance of a thorough knowledge of 
their application become so great, that the cultivation of these 
laws, and their use in the preparation of medicines, has, in the 
division of labor which characterizes civilization, been erected 
into a separate science, and this is entitled Pharmacy. 
Its name is taken from the Greek word ^a^^Tjxovy signify- 
ing a medicine, and its operations consist in investigating the 
physical and chemical properties of substances used in medi- 
cine; in selecting those parts of vegetables, and preparing 
those compounds of minerals, which are best endowed with 
remedial powers; in so modifying their natural form, as shall 
render their powers most available when required for use; 
and finally, in discovering all those circumstances by which 
their powers may be impaired or improved. To undertake a 
conscientious discharge of duties so important requires an 
education far above the common standard; a thorough know- 
ledge of chemistry; an acquaintance with botany, and an in- 
flexible honesty of purpose, which will suffer no prospect of 
pecuniary advantage to arrest for a moment a strict discharge 
of all these duties with fidelity. 
Greatas is the dependence of the invalid on the skill and judg- 
mient of his medical attendant, for a correct diagnosis of his com- 
plaint and subsequent advice, as to the remedial agents necessary 
for him to have recourseto,equally great is his dependence on the 
honesty, skill and abilities of the pharmaceutist, to whom is in- 
trusted the preparation and dispensation of those means which 
have been indicated by the physician, as essential to his relief 
and recovery. Should the remedies which are furnished on 
the physician's requisition, have become inert through age, or 
been impaired by a want of proper skill in their preparation; 
should, as has unfortunately too frequently occurred, one sub- 
