I30 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 



An almost equally responsible factor dead weight. This is to promote a new 

 is the narrow view which physicians, and method of undertaking and carrying out 

 especially medical teachers, have been pharmacological investigations, 

 taking of their responsibilities in the de- When the writer expected to act as 

 partment of pharmacology. In leaving chairman of the delegation from the 

 to the pharmacist the practical details American Pharmaceutical Association to 

 connected with botany and pharmaceuti- this meeting, he planned to propose cer- 

 eal chemistry, they have gone to the ex- tain changes, having this object in view, 

 treme of ignoring these subjects almost in the manner of carrying on our joint 

 altogether in principle as well as in fact, work. Although absence prevents his 

 and have as an inevitable consequence oflBcial action in this direction, it appears 

 become incapable of utilizing the rich desirable that his ideas should be inform- 

 materials which have been placed within ally presented. 



their reach by pharmaceutical investiga- The chairman of this section and that 

 tors. There is no question that in the of the delegation have followed the 

 investigationof pharmacology, pharmacy ordinary custom in such bodies of con- 

 has during the last decade very far out- tenting themselves with attending to the 

 stripped medicine. "Why does not the routine business of their offices and issu- 

 medical profession catch up," would ing general invitations to the members to 

 have been a very pertinent, even if not present contributions. The result has 

 wholly respectful title for this communi- been that the proceedings have been 

 tion. somewhat heterogeneous in character. 



The joint section of materia medica While it is, of course, desirable that 

 and therapeutics of these two associa- members should be left free to select any 

 tions — which section by the way should subjects which they prefer, and while 

 change its name to "The Joint Section of nothing could, or should be done by a 

 Pharmacology," is altogether the most chairman, to deter anyone from so con - 

 competent and appropriate agency for tributing, yet, it would seem very desir- 

 correcting the defects to which reference able that at a meeting so peculiarly 

 has been made, and it is this which con- adapted as this is to the performance of 

 stituted the chief hope in its establish- joint work, some such work should be 

 ment by its leading promotors. To the specially arranged for in advance by con- 

 great majority of observers in both certed action by the two chairmen. The 

 professions it has never appealed from chairman of the section is elected at the 

 this standpoint. They appear to have preceeding meeting, but the chairman of 

 seen in it merely an influence for the the delegation is appointed by the Presi- 

 promotion of cordiality between physi- dent of the American Pharmaceutical 

 cians and pharmacists, either from senti- Association, and it has not been custom- 

 mental considerations merely, or to ac- ary for this appointment to be made un- 

 complish the negative result of checking til quite late in the year. Selection of 

 the friction which was apparent in certain the delegates has thus to be made by 

 quarters. correspondence, extended often over a 



In this direction it has justified our long period, and by the time arrange- 



expectations, and we are satisfied it has ments are perfected, there is no time left 



proven a success. But it must begin to for special investigation work to be done 



do something more positive if it would by the members of the delegation, of 



not before very long begin to act as a such a character that it would fit with 



