INTRODUCTORY LECTURE. 
2S1 
to put it beyond the reach of the demoniacal spirit disposed 
to avail itself of its powers. 
The importance of a regard to the prevention of this abuse 
to which society is constantly exposed, has been forcibly and 
fatally illustrated by a case which has occurred within the 
observation of several of my auditors, since the preceding 
reflections were written. A member of a family has been 
laid a victim, to the habit of employing arsenic for the pur- 
pose of killing rats. Had the proper police regulations existed 
on this subject, which obtain in all other countries, the help- 
less sufferer might have been still in existence, about com- 
mencing a life of usefulness; and the unfortunate cause of the 
accident have been spared the remorse which must attend 
the consciousness of having unintentionally caused the death 
of a fellow creature. 
Society has no idea of the many risks encountered, nor of 
the many evils to which it is exposed, from the want of a proper 
regard to legislative restrictions on the practice of this pro- 
fession. Nor has it a competent idea of the importance of 
encouraging a class of well educated, skilful manipulators in 
this department of the social economy. 
To illustrate the character which this science has acquired 
abroad, and the high standing which its adepts occupy, I de- 
sire to call your attention to the annexed extract, which is taken 
from a remonstrance by the Pharmaceutists of Paris, address- 
ed to the Chamber of Deputies, on the occasion of some abuses 
having crept into the profession. " The knowledge," say 
they, "which pharmacy requires, without being as extensive, 
is in part the same as that which is necessary to the physi- 
cian. It is as various, and is sufficiently useful to entitle him 
who possesses it to the particular protection of government, 
and to general respect. The pharmaceutists enrol in their 
number men of distinguished learning, who belong to the 
most celebrated academies, skilful professors who fill the 
chairs of chemistry and natural history, writers whose works 
are sought for in France and abroad, respectable citizens whose 
public services have been rewarded by honours, titles and 
