90 
Original Communications. 
like those of the medical, relate to some of the most precious 
interests and concerns of the community. The restoration 
of health under the favour of heaven, the assuaging of pain, 
and the snatching of some beloved object from the danger 
and perils of disease, are alike the object of both professions; 
of the medical, in devising the means, of the pharmaceutical, 
in preparing those means with intelligence and conscientious 
accuracy. 
The qualifications which should be possessed by the phar- 
maceutist, about to enter upon the practical performance of 
the duties of his profession, are of two kinds. First, sufficient 
knowledge to enable him to perform his duties aright ; and 
secondly, that proper tone of moral feeling which will prompt 
him, knowing his duty, to perform it with conscientious fidel- 
ity. I shall venture to detain you for a short time, while I 
make a few remarks under each of these heads. 
The knowledge necessary to the scientific apothecary is 
certainly very extensive ; and hence it is requisite to assist 
his progress by systematic instruction from lectures, at the 
same time that he is attending to those practical duties which 
he performs in the service of his immediate preceptor. The 
want felt for such systematic instruction was the chief impelling 
motive which actuated those public spirited individuals who 
founded this College. Through the wise foresight, and en- 
larged views of your elder brethren of the profession, you 
have enjoyed the advantages of the instruction imparted in 
these halls, advantages which they themselves did not possess. 
Having complied with the rules of this College, you have now 
finished your elementary course. You have been found, on 
due examination, sufficiently instructed in the sciences con- 
nected with your profession, and have furnished the necessary 
testimonials to prove that you have gone through a regular 
course of practical duties, under the instruction of some estab- 
lished apothecary or druggist. Regularly instructed, therefore, 
in your arduous profession, you are this evening to receive its 
honours, and to hold that diploma from a chartered institution, 
which is to form the evidence of your successful studies, and 
to constitute the only proper basis of public confidence. 
