‘How the Society Might Improve the Present Uninteresting Certificate’, 1884

Description

Pen and ink drawing with sealing wax added, entitled ‘How the Society might improve the present uninteresting certificate’, by the artist Richard Freshfield (“Fred”) Reynolds in 1884.

This caricature is a satirical comment on the design of the Pharmaceutical Society’s membership certificate. The ‘redesign’ consists of an oval certificate with a pestle and mortar on top and an alembic beneath.

In the place of Galen and Ibn Sina (Avicenna), the supporters are shown as an Army Major with a pill box hat, representing the major examination, and a miner, representing the minor examination. A blob of sealing wax forms part of the design. Handwritten text on reverse; ‘Please return to Fred Reynolds 67 Romilly Road, Finsbury Park, N.’