188 
EDITORIAL. 
As you have well remarked in the " Journal" for October 1850, there is 
the widest distinction to be made "between a reservation of the skill and 
manipulations required in the preparation of a medicine, and a reservation 
of its composition. The most fastidious member of the College of Physi- 
cians, may use Henry's magnesia, without implicating his character as an 
opponent of quackery, because he knows what he prescribes as well as if 
he had witnessed its preparation ; and any chemist can assure himself of 
its nature." The " ingredients " of Henry's Magnesia are not "kept se- 
cret:" most indisputably therefore, it is not a "nostrum." 
It is equally clear, first, that all " compounds" recognized by "the seve- 
ral dispensatories," are specially excepted from the operation of the law; 
secondly, that all "prescriptions of physicians" — whatever their character 
are likewise expressly excepted ; and thirdly, that all " simple medicines" 
— no matter how prepared, areas expressly excepted. *A " simple medi- 
cine" cannot signify an elementary medicine, — (as sulphur, charcoal, iron, 
&c.) — for such form a very small and comparatively unimportant class. It 
must signify one simple in its character and remedial action ; that is, a 
medicine " not mixed or compounded." A strictly chemical compound, (as 
Magnesia, or its sulphate,) is not properly either "mixed," or " compound- 
ed :" it is not a " medical compound ;" it is essentially a " simple medicine." 
Hence an improved manufacture of Epsom Salts* Magnesia, Quinia, or 
Morphia, — whether by secret process or not, cannot come within the operation 
of the tax. 
Lastly. It is plainest of all, that no vender of patent medicines can pos- 
sibly be subject to this tax, unless he falls within one of the "classes" 
specially required to pay license. In other words, all who do not make 
" annual sales to the amount of one hundred dollars," are most positively 
excluded from any ratio of taxation under this law. The opinion of seve- 
ral distinguished lawyers (among whom may be mentioned the Hon. J. W. 
Ashmead — District Attorney, U. S.) have been consulted ; they are all 
clear upon this point. 
Yours very truly, 
A. B. T. 
A merited Honor. — We learn with pleasure through the Boston Med. 
and Surg. Journal, and the London Medical Gazette, that <■'• Mr. Jacob 
Bell, well known as the editor of the [London] Pharmaceutical Journal, 
has been returned Member of Parliament for St. Alban's by a majority of 
129. We think that the introduction of this gentleman into the House of 
Commons will be beneficial to the interests, not only of those whose rights 
he has specially and ably advocated, namely, Pharmacuetical practitioners, 
*It may well be questioned, whether the framers of the law did not evidently 
design by the parenthesis in the 25th sec. of the act, to "except regular apothe- 
caries for the sale of simple medicines, prescriptions," &c. entirely from liability 
to the license law. 
