210 
PHARMACY IN SPAIN. 
Eighth Year. — Chemical analysis of alimentary sub- 
stances, drinks, mineral waters, poisons, &c, with Professor 
Pow, who likewise directs the studies of the medical stu- 
dents in this particular branch. 
Ninth Year. — Bibliography, history, and literature of 
medicine and pharmacy, by Professor Asuero of the faculty 
of medicine. 
According to Orfila, the professors of pharmacy, like those 
of medicine, lecture without notes, and distinguish them- 
selves by a profound knowledge of their profession. With 
regard to the course of pharmaceutical studies, he remarks 
that greater attention seems to be bestowed upon the 
theoretical than the practical education, and that the 
materia medica, practical pharmacy, and toxicology, ap- 
pear somewhat neglected when compared with other 
branches. There is in this respect a striking contrast be- 
tween the system of pharmaceutical education in Spain, and 
in this country. In Spain, too little attention is paid to 
practical pharmacy, while, in Great Britain, the theoretical 
education of pharmaceutists is (so far as the legislature is 
concerned) entirely neglected. The preliminary liberal edu- 
dation, strictly enforced in Spain before the students of 
pharmacy can be enrolled before the faculty, is, we think, 
highly creditable to the Spanish profession, and is, to a cer- 
tain extent, worthy of imitation in this country. The entire 
course of study at the Spanish institution (nine years) is 
prolonged to an unnecessary extent. Supposing the pre- 
liminary examination to be passed at the age of sixteen or 
seventeen, a course of pharmaceutical studies extended 
over four or five years, including the time occupied in the 
shop, would be, in our opinion, quite sufficient to enable the 
student to qualify himself for a good practical examination 
in pharmacy. Orfila seems to think that a period of eight 
years ought to be allowed for the qualification, and that the 
student should begin with the theoretical portion, and oc- 
