The dispenser frequently meets with prescriptions in which it is doubtful what size of mixture the prescriber intends. The following is a good example :

Should this be dispensed as written, as a 6-ounce mixture, or as an 8-ounce? If the dispenser cannot communicate with the prescriber, and has no means of knowing what his intentions in the matter are, the safe plan is to dispense the prescription as written. At the same time, this course would be considered pedantic by many pharmacists, because it is apparent that by making an 8-ounce mixture, a half-drachm dose of ammonium bromide and a drachm dose of syrup of chloral would be contained in each ounce; and these are most likely intended. One pharmacist who held this opinion remarked : ' There are cases (and this is one of them) where the dispenser must use his own discretion, and be guided by experience, in trying to find out the intentions of the prescriber, and to do this he must go beyond the bare written instructions. If he does this with tact and to the best of his ability, he will ensure the. confidence of the practitioner and his patient, and avoid any need for explanation.'

It is also worth keeping in mind that one's care in following the letter of such a prescription is thrown to the wind if the patient gets his doses measured in a domestic spoon; and, after all, in a case of doubt 2 per cent, difference on a dose either way cannot disturb the therapeutic action of the remedy. No alteration should be made in a physician's prescription unless with the prescriber's sanction. Do not of course kill a patient for the sake of a rule.

Familiarity with the prescriptions of a physician obviates difficulties such as that under notice.