THE SALE OF DRUGS.
[To THE EDITOR or THE "SPECTATOR,"!
Sru,—A few months back the Spectator published an interest- ing correspondence on the subject of the sale of drugs. One letter especially—from Germany—explained the law in that country which safeguarded the public from indiscriminate self- drugging, thus assisting the doctor in his task. Another letter suggested that such drugs as veronals, sulphonals, and trionals sold by all chemists to the public should be under proper medical restriction, and, again, that prescriptions given to patients from time to time containing such poisons as morphia, Sm., should not be repeated by the chemist without being freshly prescribed and the prescription redated. What would be thought of the captain of one of his Majesty's ships who dispersed his explosives all over the ship, instead of keeping them in the magazines under proper supervision P That man would be considered a lunatic and quickly relieved of his command. The crew would live in a constant state of danger. Should it not be the same as regards drugs P Their unre- stricted sale is a danger to the public and a snare to the innocent. Therefore they should be under proper medical control. Individual doctors have told me that this certainly should be the case. I would therefore ask the Spectator what would be the effect of a combination of medical men,
giving expression to their opinion in this matter, in the same way as they give their opinions on the merits of standard bread. They are able, as a profession, to combine together to protect their own interests as regards the Insurance Bill. Surely they could equally well combine in a matter of so much -vital importance to the public and insist on more stringent regulations being enforced. I am told that an International Conference is to be held some day on this subject, but in the meanwhile why cannot we bring in a law in this country similar to Germany ? The curse of drugs is known to be as great as, if not greater than, the curse of drink, and far more insidious. Everyone knows that the habit is much on the increase, yet nothing is done or likely to be done. Rome is on fire—nobody cares.—I am, Sir, &e.,
NERO.
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