‘How the Society Might Improve the Present Uninteresting Certificate’, 1886

Description

Etching entitled ‘How the Society might improve the present uninteresting certificate’, by the artist Richard Freshfield (“Fred”) Reynolds in 1886.

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 flowers surround, with a pestle and mortar on top, resting on a stone plinth.

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.

The certificate is lettered: ‘Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain / This is to Certify _____ has been Examined and is duly registered as a Pharmaceutical Chemist / M. Carteighe PRESIDENT / J.P. Gostling. VICE PRESIDENT / Registered 18__ No. __ / Rich Bremridge, Registrar’. Handwritten text on reverse: ‘Etched and designed by R. Fred Reynolds Wharfe Cottage, Shaw Lane, Headingly, in Leeds’