PRICE OF MEDICINES

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21808, 13 June 1936, Page 20

PRICE OF MEDICINES

TO THE EDITOK OP TUB PEESS. Sir, —Regarding statements made in Parliament and in the newspapers about the prices charged for medicinep, I can quote an actual example of variation in practice in two chemist shops. From a book of general remedies, I carefully copied out a recipe (said to be worth its weight in gold) for curing coughs, colds, asthma, and bronchitis. It consisted of one ounce of glycerine, three drams ipecacuanha wine, two drams spirit of ether, one dram chlorodyne, and six ounces water. I took this prescription to chemist No. 1, who charged me Is 6d for the mixture. A month or so later, I was asked 3s 6d by No, 2 for the same medicine; and, when I expressed surprise, I was inforpied that this sum was the standard cflarge for made-up prescriptions. I paid the money without further demur, but I have often wondered why such a glaring difference should exist —a matter of 133 1-3 per cent, more in the latter case.— Yours, etc., ' CURIOUS. June 12, 1936.