SECTION OF MATERIA Ml.hH'A 77 



cal importance attached to its beneficial results applicable to mankind, 

 it has lagged far behind its Bister sciences, physiology and pathology. 

 However, within the last few years it has received a ne^ impetus. 

 Some of oar transatlantic colleagues are devoting themselves assidu- 

 ously CO the study of drugs and their actions. The discovery of the 

 ana'sthetic properties of cocainiun chloridiun is a more recent example 



of their success, in connection with this department it is of the highest 

 importance thai Buch researches should be carried on. The medical 

 profession of this country would watch our operations with great ap- 

 proval and profound interest , and the ration cPStreof this section of tin' 

 United States National Museum would he proportionally increased. I 



would therefore respectfully and earnestly urge the necessity of provid- 

 ing the means for investigating this valuable stock of material now- 

 contained in the collection. 



