REASONS HUMBLY OFFERED Against Part of the Bill, For the better Viewing, Searching, and Examining of all Drugs, Medicines, &c.
ALL Drugs are Imported in Sorts, that is, Good and Bad together, by the Merchant, and so bought by the Drugist; whereof not one Half is used for Physick, but for Dying, Distilling, Perfuming, &c. Medicaments for Horses, and other Cattle: Therefore the Search of the Physicians may obstruct Trade, but cannot promote it.
The Power of Viewing, Searching, and Destroying, which is desired by the Physicians, over the Drugists and Importers of Drugs, is Unreasonable; because most Drugs (many not being for Physical Use) are not so well known to Physicians, as they are to Drugists and Importers.
Drugs of all Degrees are useful in their Kind, and vendible in many Places beyond Sea: But if the Physicians shall Burn or Destroy them, it will discourage the Importation, we shall lose our Property, and the King his Revenue.
The Drugists (who may be restrained from making Medicines, or Compositions) can have no Power or Opportunity to prejudice Man's Body by their Drugs: But the Use of Bad Drugs must be his Fault only who is allowed to prepare Medicines, or Compositions, and not his who sells them according to their Goodness.
As the Bill now stands the Drugists, we conceive, will with Regard to their Property be in a much worse Condition than any other of his Majesty's Subjects; because their Goods are in the Power of a few Persons, and may be destroy'd without any Appeal, or Allowance made either for the Customs or Prime Cost, as on Wine and other Commodities are made.
Therefore it is humbly conceived, That such Powers should extend only to Apothecaries, and other Persons preparing or keeping Medicines, or Compositions for Sale.