A Respectable Occupation: - University of Hertfordshire Research ...

If the apothecaries had lost interest in their assistants, at no point
did they do the honourable thing and suggest giving up the assistant‘s
examination. In fact the opposite was true. They continued to accept fees
for an examination leading to a qualification that had little value, without
pointing this out to the candidates. In the Court of Examiner‘s Minute
Book, attached to the Minutes for the meeting of 12 May 1914, there is a
handbill, obviously designed to be sent to candidates, that describes the
privileges of the assistant‘s qualification. It includes the statement, ―The
Assistant‘s Certificate legally qualifies the holder to act as an assistant in
compounding and dispensing medicines. The holder of the certificate is
eligible for Poor Law appointments under the Local Government Board; also
for appointments in Hospitals, Infirmaries and Dispensaries under the
direct supervision of a Medical Officer.‖ Frank Haydon, the Secretary to the
Court of Examiners, has written on it, as a note to the Clerk, ―The
certificate does not entitle the holder to sell drugs neither does it entitle the
holder to dispense medicines under the Insurance Act,‖ and asks for his
comments. The Clerk responded on 6 October 1914, that he had put the
matter to the Master and Wardens and they had come to the conclusion that
instead of making any alterations, it would be better to stop distributing the
circular and to reply personally to any individuals who sought information
as to what rights the certificate conferred. 118 This seems at best misleading
and unethical, and at worst obtaining money by false pretences.
118 Society of Apothecaries Archive, Examination Committee Minutes, 12 MY 1914.
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