688  The  Microscope  in  the  Drug  Store.  {Am^%^rm' 
having  cards  posted  in  conspicuous  places  about  the  store,  an- 
nouncing the  fact  that  all  drugs  entering  the  store  were  examined 
carefully  before  being  dispensed  and  by  placing  the  microscope  in 
the  show  window  when  not  in  use,  accompanied  by  a  neatly  printed 
card  explaining  the  use  made  of  the  instrument  in  passing  upon  the 
drugs  handled.  This  form  of  advertising  would  soon  attract  con- 
siderable attention  and  aid  in  giving  the  drug  store  that  professional 
appearance  which  I  regret  to  state  many  of  the  so-called  modern 
drug  stores  sadly  lack. 
When  the  care  exercised  in  selecting  and  handling  drugs  and 
spices  becomes  generally  known  to  the  public,  I  venture  to  say  that 
the  pharmacist's  trade  would  be  greatly  augmented.  He  would 
further  be  able  to  charge  and  obtain  more  for  his  medicines  on  the 
basis  of  professional  services  rendered. 
Finally,  the  microscope  is  a  valuable  asset  because  its  use  pro- 
tects the  druggist  from  incrimination.  The  Pure  Food  and  Drug 
Acts  of  the  National  and  State  Governments  make  it  incumbent 
upon  all  dealers  in  drugs  and  chemicals  to  sell  and  dispense  only 
such  U.  S.  P.  and  N.  F.  drugs  which  conform  to  the  standards  of 
the  U.  S.  P.  IX  and  N.  F.  IV.  The  Federal  and  State  inspectors 
may  drop  in  at  any  time  and  generally  the  least  expected  one. 
The  mere  labelling  of  a  package  of  ground,  powdered  or  crude 
drug  by  the  wholesaler,  as  conforming  to  the  Drug  Act  does  not 
save  the  pharmacist  from  prosecution  in  case  of  adulteration,  once 
the  package  or  carton  has  been  opened  by  him.  For  an  unscrupulous 
wholesaler  could  claim  that  the  contents  were  tampered  with  by  the 
retailer. 
Many  will  doubtless  say,  "  We  can  protect  ourselves  by  only 
handling  drugs  in  cartons  sealed  and  labelled  by  the  wholesaler. " 
Unfortunately  for  such,  that  cannot  be  done  in  every  case  of  a 
drug  called  for,  as  verified  by  practical  experience. 
The  druggist  not  examining  his  drugs,  therefore,  makes  himself 
subject  to  prosecution  at  any  time  he  sells  or  dispenses  a  misbranded 
article. 
It  can  readily  be  conjectured  through  the  sad  experience  of 
others  what  effect  such  prosecution  would  have  upon  the  reputation 
of  the  store  and  confidence  of  its  customers.  Once  these  have  been 
lost  the  druggist  might  as  well  prepare  to  move. 
I  know  of  no  other  start  to  bring  pharmacy  back  to  its  own  than 
to  practice  it  as  it  should  be  practised.    Anything  worth  doing  is 
