252 
INTRODUCTORY LECTURE. 
cine literally — without a thought, apparently, of its nature 
and the patient, a lady, died soon after taking the first dose ! 
The physician was tried for manslaughter, and acquitted on 
the grounds of intending a weaker preparation made with the 
volatile oil, which he had before obtained on prescription ; 
whilst the apothecary, who had been instrumental in bringing 
about the catastrophe, was held blameless in sight of the law, 
because, forsooth, the bitter-almond water was not recognized 
by the London Pharmacopoeia, and he was not held responsi- 
ble beyond its requirements. Can we acquit him ? Should 
his own conscience hold him guiltless ? Was it not his duty 
to know the nature of the medicine he vended, and that each 
dose contained thirty minims of officinal prussic acid? 
Besides these cases, between the physician and himself, the 
dispenser has to assume a responsibility in the sale of poisons 
to the public for various objects ; and the looseness with which 
this trade is effected, is often the cause of serious results. The 
law has not yet reached forth its arm to control their sale, as 
it is now doing in France, where stringent legal enactments 
regulate the trade; hence our responsibility, morally speaking, 
is great, and he is a fortunate apothecary that in the course 
of a long career can find no cause of self-reproach for agency 
in the distressing casualities that occur from time to time by 
the misuse of those noxious agents. 
In addition to these graver duties, the dispenser has a 
multitude of minor calls on his attention. Advice is asked 
as to the qualities of materials for dyeing, bleaching, and 
various other matters connected with household affairs, in 
which chemicals are concerned. By attention to these 
useful, though humble and not always relevant requests, he 
does much for his character with the public, who, though 
they cannot always appreciate the value of his chemical 
knowledge and learning, know well how to repay that 
pharmaceutist, who, in addition to his legitimate engage- 
ments in their behalf, has the kindness to listen to, and the 
ability to gratify, numerous little wants that arise in the 
course of domestic life. 
