Druggist

In popular acceptation, one who deals in medicines, or in the materials used in the preparation of medicines — in its largest signification.! Properly, one whose occupation is to buy and sell drugs, without compounding or preparation. More restricted, therefore, than " apothecary," 2 q, v. Drugs. Substances used in compounding medicines, in dyeing, and in chemical operations. " Drugs and medicines," in an insurance policy, includes saltpeter.* Whether benzine is a drug is a question of fact.* See Liquor; Medicine; Oil. Adulteratihg drugs is a misdemeanor, in most of the States. In some States, competency to compound drugs must be evidenced by a certificate from a board of examiners, or from a reputable school of pharmacy. The care required of a druggist is proportioned to the danger involved. Actual negligence must be shown before he can be made Uable for the consequences of a mistake.^ Where a druggist informs a customer that a preparation is poisonous, and correctly instructs him as to the quantity he may take, and the purchaser dies from an overdose taken in disregard of the du-ections, the druggist is not liable for a failure to label the parcel " poison," as required by a statute." Nor is he liable when he has carefully compounded a physician's prescription.' Criminal negligence, followed by fatal results, may convict him of involuntary manslaughter, g. u."

See Police, 2.