The chemist and druggist, 15. September 1859
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CORRESPONDENCE. This portion of our Journal will be thrown open to the discussion of all mutters referring to the interests of our trade—but as no opinion will be excluded, it follows that we do not hold ourselves responsible for all that may be expressed. To the Editor of the " Chemist and Druggist." Sept. 10th, 1859. Sir,—I hail with much pleasure the appearance of your publication in the interests of the Chemists and Druggists of the United Kingdom, without distinction; for unhappily, up to the present time, no effort that has been made for their benefit as a body, has proved of much service, because their interests have been divided, and that occasioned probably through their oAvn indifference. I am aware great efforts have been made, under the auspices of the late Jacob Bell in connexion with the Pharmaceutical Society, and as far as they have gone, very laudably so too, but evidently the principles acted upon must be faulty, or after such exertions and sacri- fices made by that individual much greater results to the trade generally should have accrued, other than some slight advantages of a nominal character to a portion only. I for one should like to see published a regular organised list of every member of the trade, that in case of a subject being mooted that would require their co-operation, it might be possible to address them individually by circular or otherwise. I am satisfied there is no body of men who possess a larger share of intelligence and respectability, and I may add of greater power to secure any particular object if judiciously called into action. I could wish, Mr. Editor, you would lend your valuable aid in bringing about this union, which I hope ere long to see made use of; I allude more particularly to the prevention of the legislature passing obnoxious and singularly impracticable Bills with respect to poison, and other matters, which in truth ought to be superseded, by obtaining an Act of Parliament for the proper organization of well digested regulations for the government of its members, as well as a protection to the public. In troubling you with these observations, my object has been to draw the attention of the Trade to the subject, and to elicit suggestions from an abler pen than that of your obedient Servant, A COUNTKY DRUGGIST. Sir,—Having seen your announcement in the Times, and also having received a prospectus from my London house, I am glad that we at last shall have a good Periodical to represent our views and wants ; it is what we have long required. But do you not think that, instead of a monthly, it should have been a weekly paper ? If the surgeons can support two, if not three, weeklies, surely the Chemists—quite as numerous and respectable a class—can support one; and the fluctuations of the markets, and wants of both masters and assistants, require a more frequent issue than once a month. I am, Sir, yours very truly, 11. H. LOWE. [We quite concur in the views of Mr. Lowe, and shall be happy to supply a weekly paper if the demand justifies the experiment.—Ed.] Banbury, Aug. 24th, 1859. Sir,—Are there any druggists' sieves made of galvanized brass, or galvanized iron wire, or the same articles tinned instead of being galvanized ? The coarse brass sieves in common use are valueless to the retail druggist, as they soon corrode ; and the perforated zinc will not do for sieves—the ingredients slip over the holes instead of passing through them. Hair is also very unsatisfactory. If the retail druggist could obtain sieves such as I have inquired for, it would be a perfect boon to them. Yours truly, G. W. BALL. P.S.—The fine brass wire sieves (t. e. 80 to 100 holes) answer well, because the articles they are used for arc not of an excessively corrosive character ; it is the 20, 30, and 40-hole sieves that should be made of the material indicated. Would it not be possible to get zinc wire made for the purpose ? It would answer, I believe, and would, in fact, be better than brass or iron, tinned or galvanized, as the latter would, in time, wear off, and expose the metal underneath. It might be necessary to mix a little tin with the zinc, to take away the brittlc- ness of the latter. Sir,—Your prospectus has fallen into my hands, and feeling a deep interest in all that con- cerns the progress of the pharmaceutical body—from which I have for some years retired—I venture to offer a few suggestions to your notice. I take it for granted that you will not attempt to furnish any original matter ; the price will not allow of it ; indeed, it does not appear needed, for I observe the contents of the "Pharmaceutical Journal" are often not read by the subscribers in this neighbourhood ; but I think if you were to throw open a few of your pages to the members of the trade, in which they could find a suitable medium for their ideas, discoveries, &c, you would confer a favor on the rising young members of the trade and perhaps be the means of rescuing from oblivion some genius. I would also suggest the publication of recipes of the various articles which concern the trade. I will not trouble you with any other remarks till I see the first number, which I look forward to with great interest. Your well-wisher, CIILMICUS.