THE PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL. 
SECOND SERIES. 
YOL. IX.—No. VII.—JANUARY, 1868 . 
THE LIBRARY. 
Energetic efforts have recently been made to render the Library of our 
Society thoroughly effective. It is the wish of its directors (and we are confi¬ 
dent that of the members generally) to see it the recognized exponent of the 
literature of Pharmacy. 
If at the same time it should represent other and kindred sciences, there can 
be no possible objection, but we hold broadly and distinctly that its true posi¬ 
tion will not be attained until it becomes the known, accredited resort to which 
those interested in Pharmaceutical investigations will naturally apply. 
Some years must elapse before this high standard can be reached, a Library 
under the most favourable circumstances being seldom of rapid growth, as the 
splendid collections that have become historic testify ; still the commence¬ 
ment of another year seems a fit opportunity for bringing the claims of this 
special institution prominently into notice. 
Elsewhere in the Journal will be found a catalogue of additions made from 
January 1, 1864, to January 1, 1868, and it is in the individual power of each 
to extend the list. 
We do not aspire to vie with those grand foundations whose stores have been 
accumulated during a long course of years, but we may set earnestly to work 
in order to effect such improvement as lies within our power ; and if we cannot 
scale the mountain summit, that surely is no reason why we should sleep con¬ 
tentedly at the bottom. 
We have to report better attendance on the part of readers and students, and 
we believe that it is in contemplation, as soon as prudential considerations war¬ 
rant, materially to develope the resources of this central establishment. We can 
scarcely over-estimate the importance of a Library : it gives a tone and 
character to a learned body ; it is the visible sign of a prosperous and healthy 
organization, and affords strong presumptive evidence of general vitality. 
Fully impressed with these views the Council have ventured on the creation 
of a new office, that of Visitor ; the intention being to strengthen the hands of 
the executive, and to lighten their labours. 
Our Museum and Laboratory are already under the immediate care of the 
Professors, who practically are visitors under a different name. It was thought 
that similar advantage should not be denied to a department where at least 
equal interests were at stake. 
Our readers will see with pleasure that the suggestion was adopted under the 
happiest circumstances, the name of the gentleman selected being more than an 
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