The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7200 p763-765
1 June 2002

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The Journal

Illustration of an abstract concept

From Mr J. M. Beck, FRPharmS

I do not suffer from the conflict described by Malcolm Henderson (PJ, May 18, p685) as I am a pharmacist by profession, but an engineer by inclination.

For 10 years my pharmaceutical career involved the conception and production of films and slide tapes for education and promotion to both doctors and pharmacists, so I know at first hand just how difficult it can be to produce an illustration that accurately portrays an abstract concept.

When I first glanced at the front cover of the 4 May issue I thought "Ah! an epicyclic gear train, how intriguing, what a good idea" Of course, after further perusal of the illustration, I saw that it was just a collection of ill-fitting cogs, and locked solid as well, so I wondered which incompetent had designed or authorised such an illustration. However, upon further reflection I realised how well the picture illustrates the current situation in pharmacy and I wondered if the designers had been cleverer than I had first thought.

I had expected rather more response to the illustration, so I must reluctantly agree that in general Mr Henderson's premise is correct. I showed my Journal to a friend who is a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and he was highly amused.

I take the strongest exception to your footnote that artistic licence can be allowed to overrule. To my mind unless a picture can be created that accurately portrays the concept that is to be illustrated, it is worse than no illustration at all. The lesson is that designers and artists need to be properly briefed as to what is required.

John Beck
Hayling Island, Hampshire

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