A First-class Chemist.

Otago Witness, Issue 2295, 24 February 1898, Page 52

A First-class Chemist.

•'I noticed," said a chemist to his assistant, "that a gentleman came in with a prescription, and that yon took it and gave him the stuff in about three minutes. What do you mean by thaf ? " "It wf.s only al'Mecirbolie acid and water," replied the as'iftant. " I simply had to pour a few drachms cf acil into the bottle and fill it up with water." "Never mind if you had only to do that," the chemist declared " D 'n't you know that evpry prescription must take nt leant half an hour to prenarp, or the customer will think he ieu't Kftt.ing anything for his money. When a prescription for salt and water or peppermint or cough syrup is harded to you you must look doubtfully, as if it were very hard {jo make up. Then you mutt bring it to me, and we will both read it and shake our heads. After that you go back to the customer and ask him if he wants it to-day. When he says yes, you answer that you'll make a special effort. Now, a patient appreciates a description that he's had ao much trouble orer,

and when he takes it ha derives some benefit; I from it. But don't you do any more of that three-minute prescription business, my boy, if you want to become a first-class chemist."