K.— 1. 



To the Honourable Senate and Souse of Representatives in Congress 



assembled — 



The memorial of the American Medical Association, consisting 

 of delegates from the several States in the Union, at their annual 

 meeting in Baltimore, assembled May, 1848, respectfully repre- 

 sents: — 



That it has become notorious among druggists, apothecaries and 

 physicians, that of late, important drugs and medicines are specially 

 adulterated in foreign countries, for sale in this country, and pass 

 daily through the custom-house to be disseminated by ignorant and 

 unprincipled dealers, to the great detriment of our citizens. 



That believing Congress possesses the power to enact laws to pre- 

 vent the evils complained of, by subjecting all drugs and medicines 

 to the inspection of persons duly qualified, whose duty it shall be to 

 ascertain their real character and to keep such records as will guard 

 the honest dealer against imposition— «- 



Your memorialists, therefore, ask of your honourable bodies, that 

 a law be enacted, embracing the appointment of a proper inspector 

 at each chief port of entry, whose duty it shall be to examine all 

 imported drugs and medicines, and to keep a record of such inspec- 

 tions, including the names of the parties, which shall be open for 

 consultation to druggists and apothecaries and others concerned; — 

 or to adopt such other measures as in your wisdom may seem best 

 adapted to prevent the evils complained of. 



