From Mr G. Dilley, FRPharmS
SIR,-How the Council of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society can contemplate a non-pharmacist editor of The Pharmaceutical Journal passes comprehension. I join other correspondents in protesing against that eventuality. Pharmacy is a complex profession. An editor not thoroughly acquainted from personal experience with the numerous aspects (among them scientific, public health, business, political and professional aspirations) would be at a disadvantage, as Robert Blyth has authoritatively pointed out (PJ, October 28, p652). Moreover, other staff would be placed in an unfair and embarrassing position. The new editor, furthermore, requires the kind of editorial freedom now established on The Journal, but safe from having to defend that freedom from the assistance of an advisory board not of his own appointment. I write as a former deputy editor (1955-57) of The Pharmaceutical Journal. It is hoped that the Council will adopt more enlightened views on the editorship before it is too late.
Gordon Dilley
Exeter, Devon