The prescriber who claims to never have made an error is one who disregards truth, has a poor memory, or has done very little practice indeed. The most earnest co-operation should exist between compounder and prescriber, and in case of a mistake by either the other should render all reasonable assistance. If a physician discovers that a prescription has not been properly compounded, he can always find a pretext for taking it back to the pharmacist without arousing the suspicions of the patient. When the prescriber makes a mistake it is the duty of the compounder to discover it and to protect against any injury to the reputation of the physician. If the physician can be reached, the prescription should be taken to him by the pharmacist or he may be telephoned. The prescription should never be returned to the patient or the patient be allowed to suspect that there is any trouble. If the physician is not accessible and his intention is obvious, the druggist may make the necessary correction and advise the physician at the earliest possible opportunity. For example:

M. ft. cht. no. iv.

Sig

One every hour.

Any pharmacist should know that the mild mercurous chloride was intended, and should change the prescription if the physician cannot be reached.

The pharmacist is more apt to discharge his full duties in these matters than is the physician, and the point to be impressed is that the prescriber must remember that the compounder is his co-worker and entitled to every consideration at his hands, and that sooner or later that co-worker is apt to have an opportunity to repay any such debt with interest.