THE CHEMIST'S COUNTER COMPANION, OR COMPLETE RETAIL PRICE BOOK, compiled for the Leicestershire Association of Chemists and Druggists. By JOSEPH GODDARD. Leicester: J. Burton, Mercury Place. Small 8vo. pp. 208.

THIS price-book is adapted for the use of Chemists in general, and its arrangement is judicious and convenient. The articles are classified according to the preparations, the extracts, tinctures, pills, barks, woods, oils, &c., &c., being each class respectively arranged in alphabetical order. This plan is more convenient than that of distributing each class of preparations over the whole book-for instance, under the head Rhubarb, enumerating root, powder, tincture, syrup, pill, &c. in the same page, which creates confusion. There are columns for the price per pound, quarter pound, and ounce retail, a column for wholesale price, and another for cost price. There is also a column for the place in the shop where each article is kept. In using this column, it is proposed to divide the shop into imaginary compartments, labelled A, B, C, &c., the articles in each compartment being numbered. We have for some time past felt the want of a complete and well arranged price-book, and the one before us is calculated to supply this deficiency.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

D. E. C.-The term paregoric is derived from a Greek word, signifying to mitigate, or to assuage. Calomel is said to be derived from two Greek words signifying good and black; there is some difference of opinion as to the origin of the application of the term. Verdigris is probably derived from the French name vert-de-gris, indicating its colour.

M. P. S.-(1.) We know of no better way of making silicate of lime than fusing the ingredients together.-(2.) No.

A CORRESPONDENT.-Nitrite or hyponitrite of soda is obtained by heating nitrate of soda to redness, and removing it from the fire before the decomposition is complete.

B. L. L. H.-We believe oil of worm-seed is not known in this country as an article of commerce. An oil may be obtained by distillation.

J. A.-See vol. v., No. 3, page 110 (valerianic acid).

"A SEEKER OF INFORMATION."-In the process of the Pharmacopoeia for making syrupus papaveris, the ripe capsules of the poppy are directed to be used, and we should understand this to include the seeds. The shell only would be more properly described as the pericarp.

E. A. P. S.-The addition of a little liquor potassæ, or chloride of calcium, would probably remedy the defect alluded to.

"INQUISITOR."-We believe Indian ink is the kind best adapted for pen and ink sketches.

P. Q. R.-Cachou Aromatisé, see vol. iii., No. 4, page 91, and vol. v., No. 8, page 380.

AN ASSOCIATE.-The new edition of Gray's Supplement, which will be ready for publication in a few months, will be more comprehensive than the work mentioned.

L. C.-(1.) The Pharmacopoeia process for making Mistura camphoræ should be followed in preference to the one alluded to.-(2.) See vol. iv., page 450. If the directions of the Pharmacopoeia be followed, crystals will not be formed.-(3.) Pulv. asari comp. Take of asarabacca 3iij, lavender flowers and marjoram, of each 3j. M.

3j.—(1.) We have several times answered the question respecting the fbj, namely, that it means 3xij., although it is sometimes used to express the old pint, or 3xvj.-(2.) See the Pharmacopoeia.-(3.) See vol. iv., p. 469, and vol. v., p. 78.

66

ALPHA," M.P.S.-To obtain the degree of M.D. at Edinburgh or Glasgow, it is necessary to reside at the University during a session. At St. Andrew's no residence is required.

F. C.-The case is one in which we cannot interfere.

A. R. We must repeat our regret that we have no power to remedy the evil.

STUDENS."-To separate arsenic from iron, dissolve in hydrochloric acid, and pass a current of sulphuretted hydrogen through the solution as long as any precipitate is formed.

C. A. B.-No.

C. F.W.-(1.) The Major Examination is similar to the Minor, which is described, vol. ii., No. 8, but is more severe.-(2.) The back numbers of the Journal may be had of the publisher.

"SPERO."-The examination of Apprentices is merely classical. The Minor Examination, see vol. ii., No. 8.

T.P.-Retail.

Mr. THOMPSON (Bedale).-Graham's Elements of Chemistry, price 24s. Lindley's Elements of Botany, price 10s. 6d.

DIGAMMA," A.P.S. (Faversham); "BURIENSIS," and J. R. (Manchester).-Lindley's School Botany and Elements.

C. For information respecting the pepper and vinegar licence, see vol. iii., page 313.

We have received "Willatt's Illustrated Catalogue of Optical, Mathematical, Chemical, and Philosophical Instruments," 98, Cheapside, London.

JOHN LLOYD, J. LINNEY, R. G. W., "ZETA" and J. B. (all of Gosport).— The back numbers may be had of the Publisher.

"LIBRA."-We quite concur in the sentiments expressed in our Corrrespondent's letter, in proof of which we refer him to vol. ii., page 1 to 6. "AQUA," A. P. S.-Yes.

ERRATA. In the last number, page 341, line two from the top, for 1641, read 1461.-Page 364, line one, and 365, lines one and seven, for TYLER, read

TYLOR.

Advertisements to Mr. CHURCHILL, Princes Street, Soho.

Instructions from Members and Associates, respecting the transmission of the Journal, to Mr. SMITH, 17, Bloomsbury Square, before the 20th of the month.

VOL. V.-No. X.-APRIL 1st, 1846.

PHARMACEUTICAL LEGISLATION.

So many weighty questions agitate the House of Commons at the present time, that it will probably be difficult to obtain for Medical and Pharmaceutical Reform that attention which is desirable. We have been told, indeed, by many of our friends that the subject cannot possibly be entertained, and that it is useless to attempt to introduce it. But when an important undertaking is in hand, it is policy to go forward, without regarding the doubts and fears which are always prevalent on such occa

sions.

If we had been influenced by such imaginary sources of discouragement we should not have succeeded in establishing the Pharmaceutical Society; for we were told that the Chemists would not pull together for six months. Neither should we have obtained a Royal Charter; for many of our most sincere friends and supporters declared that it was useless to make the application, as we were not likely to succeed.

It is pusillanimous to imagine that any laudable and rational project is impracticable, and those who would shrink from an effort on such grounds may be compared to the man whose cart stuck in the mud, and who complained to Jupiter instead of putting his shoulder to the wheel. It is quite certain, that if we are determined to gain our point, and take the proper course, we need fear no obstacle. If we fail it will be for want of unanimity and spirit.

Nor is there any reason to anticipate that the business of the nation will be less pressing in 1847 than it is in 1846. It would be vain to wait until the House of Commons has no urgent business on hand. We might as well stand on the banks of the Thames and wait until all the water has flowed into the sea.

It cannot be denied that Sir James Graham has had ample reason to be tired of Medical Reform, and it is not very likely that he will volunteer his services in preparing another Medical Bill, until the profession has come to some kind of understanding as to the nature of the measure which is desirable. But in answer to a Memorial recently presented by the Bristol Association of Surgeons, Sir James Graham stated, that "if a Medical Bill were to be presented to him which had received the sanction of the profession generally, he would willingly bestow upon it his most deliberate attention, as it was his earnest desire to see all the sources of discontent in the profession completely and for ever removed.”

It cannot be supposed, after this assurance, that a proper and respectful application from our body would be disregarded, if we could produce the draft of a Bill unanimously supported by ourselves, not militating in any way against other bodies, and being at the same time calculated to benefit the public. We have reason to believe that such a Bill would be supported by those Members of Parliament who have taken an active part in Medical Reform; and that, if strenuously promoted by our own body, it would not meet with any material opposition. In fact, it is not easy to imagine on what grounds opposition could be offered to a measure, the object of which is to introduce a regular system of education among those who furnish the public with medicines.

We therefore contend that the difficulty consists not in passing a Pharmaceutical Bill, but in constructing such a Bill as shall effect the desired object without interfering with the prejudices of other parties. And this difficulty is not one which need occasion apprehension, since any opposition founded on mere prejudice would have but little weight.

The Council of the PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY have for some time past had the subject under consideration, and we hope some progress will be made during the ensuing month.

THE ELECTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE

PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY.

As the Anniversary is approaching, we take this opportunity of reminding the Members of the Society that it is their duty as well as their interest to take a part in the election of officers, and to avail themselves of every opportunity which presents itself of meeting for the transaction of the regular business. One of the objects with which the Society was founded was to promote harmony and unanimity among the Members, and to make the union thus effected instrumental in the advancement of Pharmacy and the protection of the general interests.

For this purpose, periodical meetings, whether of a social nature or for the transaction of business, are especially desirable, and on such occasions each Member should recollect that he has the opportunity of assisting in the work, and that individual exertions are requisite in order to carry on any great undertaking. Those who reside at a distance are precluded from the opportunity of taking an active part in these proceedings, and we have always recommended local meetings as a means of extending the influence of the Society to all parts of the country.

On the last two Anniversaries the Members at large have taken scarcely any part in the nomination of Candidates, and we are told that this may be attributed to the confidence felt by the Society in the existing Council. However satisfactory it may be for this confidence to prevail, it is equally desirable for the Members at large to exercise their privilege in the nomination and election of officers. If they neglect this duty, the Council becomes a selfelected body, as it is their duty to make the needful arrangements for the election, which includes the preparation of balloting papers, and if no other names are proposed, the list nominated by the Council must of necessity be elected. This is not in accordance with the constitution of the Society, which is framed on the most liberal representative principles.