That's the crux there, Horse. The pharmacists go to school SPECIFICALLY for the chemical/phamacological content and affects of the compounds they deal in, not so much for the conditions they treat. They're the ones to ask the chemistry questions to. The pharm techs know quite a bit too. I believe in every state, mine at least, they have to go to pharm tech school before working in the pharmacy, so they can answer some of the less specific questions that may not need the lead pharmacist.
Also, ask at your pharmacy about getting bulk items / raw materials. Often times, they may be able to order things for you from their back catalog. I've asked about salt peter, since it's not sold on the shelf anymore around here, for pickling and curing. It's not on the shelf, but I can order it by the 1 lb can or up to the pallet load. I'll just have to wait for the delivery truck. I know, I know, it's used in BP too, but I'm more interested in yummy ham than clouds of dirt.