Aids to dispensing / by A. O. Bentley.

  • Bentley, Arthur Owen, 1898-1943.
Date:
1928
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Aids to dispensing / by A. O. Bentley. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    extensive general knowledge of Latin that was at one time customary, the prescriber may have difficulty in expressing his wishes in Latin; and even if he succeeds in doing so, the pharmacist may have difficulty in translating them. It will be seen that reasons i and 3 above may be cited in favour of the continued use of Latin in the signature; but nowadays it is the custom for the more complicated directions for the patient to appear in English, while abbreviated Latin is employed for the simple directions that are of frequent occurrence. When receiving a prescription to dispense, the following strict routine should be observed: 1. Read it through from beginning to end. If the prescription has been handed to you by the patient or his messenger, never express doubt, by word or facial expression, as to your ability to dispense it, or as to the wisdom of the prescriber. If you feel doubtful on some point, retire and consult someone else. Never be afraid of asking advice of a colleague, whether he be your senior or junior. If, for any reason, it is quite impossible to dispense the pre- scription (e.g., because a certain item is not in stock and cannot be obtained in a reasonable time), return the prescription to the patient and explain the situa- tion. Prepare a prescription as soon as possible after it is received. Do not suggest a time for the patient to call without considering what is involved. It may take much longer than you have suggested or contain an ingredient which will have to be obtained specially. 2. Note the doses of the ingredients. Never proceed with the dispensing until you are quite sure that the doses are in order. The easiest and most interesting method of acquiring a wide and sound knowledge of posology is to look up any doses you are not sure of in