"The Medical Hall stands out conspicuously as one of the most popular establishments of its kind in the Pottery district.
There is nothing which gains the gratitude either of human beings or the lower animals so surely as conquest over physical pain or suffering, and the success of the Medical Hall in this connection has been such as to command the respect and confidence of the public. The business carried on here by Mr Jones is a representative one in more senses than one, combining as it does all the best traditions of an old established concern, with many improvements introduced in recent years by the developments of modern science and commerce.

It was originally founded in 1841 by the late Mr Wilson, who carried it on in the High Street until 1881 when Mr Jones became proprietor. Mr Jones, though not born in Hanley, spent most of his boyhood and received his earlier education principally at Alfieri's Northwood Academy, and consequently claims to be a Hanley man.

It was in 1873 that he commenced his business career, and had the good fortune to be apprenticed to the eminent and widely-known firm of Duncan, Flockhart and Co., chemists to the Queen, Edinburgh, under whom he received and excellent training. During his stay in Edinburgh he worked hard as a student at some of the classes of the University, College of Surgeons, and other institutions, gaining first-class honours in chemistry and botany, and prizes in various other subjects.

He was for a time dispenser at the Edinburgh Hospital for Sick Children, and gained much useful knowledge there. After leaving Edinburgh, Mr Jones succeeded in getting an assistantship with the eminent London chemists, John Bell and Co., Oxford Street, one of the largest and most celebrated dispensing houses in the world. Subsequently he was engaged by the great City chemists, Allen and Hanbury, Lombard Street, from whence he returned to Hanley to commence business on his own account.

It will thus be seen that Mr Jones has had an exceptionally first-class experience and training for the discharge of the important and responsible duties of a chemist's business, and is, therefore worthy of the confidence of medical men and the public generally.

In 1888 Mr. Jones deemed it expedient to move from the old premises in High Street to his present address, which was newly erected and specially suited for the business. The establishment is centrally situated, close to the tram terminus, a few minutes' walk from the railway station and in the best business part of Hanley. It presents an attractive external experience, and in the spacious and well-appointed interior afford great accommodation.

The whole of the fittings and equipments are of a good-class modern description, and the shop is roomy, well lighted, and in every respect what a modern pharmacy should be. A large and comprehensive selection of drugs, chemicals, patent and proprietary articles, medical and surgical applications, toilet requisites, nursery and sick room accessories, etc., are kept in stock, and Mr Jones's knowledge of the leading sources of supply enables him to ensure the reliable character of his goods and to supply them to the public at very moderate prices. Indeed, Mr Jones's reputation for good quality and reliable-ness of his goods, is not confined to Hanley, but extends for many miles around...... 

Certain classes of complaints prevail in some districts more than in others. In the Potteries affections of the throat, chest and respiratory organs are particularly likely to occur, partly from the climate and partly from the various special employments followed in the district."

 

to the left is Fountain Square - to the right is the Chemist shop once owned by Edmund Jones
c. late 1960's
- photo Ken Cubley -