Although many well-known Consulting and Analytical Chemists do not belong to the Institute of Chemistry (Offices, 30 Bloomsbury Square, W.C.), it is advisable in these days of keen competition to qualify for entrance. The letters A.I.C., or better, F.I.C., after a man's name are a guarantee that his application for a post is worthy of close attention. The book of regulations for the admission of Students, Associates, and Fellows can be obtained for a shilling on application to the Registrar, Institute of Chemistry, 30 Bloomsbury Square, W.C. There are three grades of members—Students, Associates, and Fellows.
First candidate for the Studentship must be over seventeen years of age, and must have passed a Preliminary Examination in subjects of general education approved by the Institute. Ile must also show that at the time of making application for registration he is working at an institution recognised by the Council or in the laboratory of a Fellow of the Institute, with the object of qualifying for the profession of Analytical and Consulting Chemist.
Second is not obligatory on a candidate for the Associateship to have been registered as a Student, but such registration will be found advantageous. In addition to the Preliminary Examination mentioned above, he will have to pass two others—the Intermediate and Final. To be ad mitted to the Intermediate Examination, the candidate must prove that he has regularly attended systematic day courses in an institution recognised by the Council for at least three academic years. As an alternative to these three years' training, a candidate may take one of two years and work systematically for two other years in the laboratory of a Fellow of the Institute. No questions as to time or manner of training are asked of a candidate with a Science degree of a University recognised by the Covncil ; but he must have taken both Organic and Inorganic Chemistry ire his Final, and Mathematics either in that or in his Intermediate. Those who hold
a Science degree with distinction in both branches of Chemistry are, as a rule, excused the Intermediate altogether. The Final Examination for the Associateship lasts four days, and the candidate is expected to possess, in addition to a general knowledge of all branches of Chemistry, a thorough knowledge of one branch selected by himself from the Following: Miner Metallurgical, Physical or Organic Chemistry, Analysis of Foods and Drugs and of Water, Biological Chemistry. A candidate who wishes to qualify himself for appointment as Public Analyst should take Analysis of Food and Drugs and of Water.
Third Grade.—For admission to the Fellowship (F.I.C.) an Associate (A.I.C.) is required to have been registered for three years, and to have been continually engaged during that time in the study and practical work of Applied Chemistry in a manner satisfactory to the Council.
Prospects.—Having qualified himself in any of the ways described above, the young chemist should seek a post as assistant. The salary will probably not be more than £120 to begin with. When appointed Analytical Chemist to some manufacturing firm he may expect £300, but if he is a good man and lucky, he may ultimately get as much as £1000 per annum. Managers of works are not usually chemists, but there is some prospect that the two posts may in the future be combined in the case of a man who, with a sufficient knowledge of Chemistry, combines the power of managing men.
MARKET DEVELOPMENT.--See SPECIALISATION IN MANU FACTURE.