EDINBURGH MEETING. 
519 
Brown and T. R. Fraser, promise for the first time, and that ere long, to tell us what 
that relation is. Undoubtedly the subject points to most important discoveries in 
medical science, more especially to that department in which we are interested, and may 
ultimately lead to such results as none of us in our philosophy ever dreamt of. 
Professor Archer exhibited and described a number of pharmaceutical substances, the 
produce of the Cape of Good Hope, all of which he had examined and classified with 
much care, and many of which he believed were worthy the attention of the pharma¬ 
ceutists of this country. 
Various other matters have been brought before the Society at these meetings, and 
some discussion has been evoked; but much greater results would follow if those mem¬ 
bers who have the leisure and the ability would only consent to go into harness for a 
time, and stimulate their fellow-labourers by the force of a good example. The yearly- 
expected legislation in connection with the Society, has caused a kind of transition 
period in its history; but in Scotland the impetus which was given by the Pharmaceu¬ 
tical Conference at Dundee, has not yet ceased ; all classes await the expected change 
with much anxiety, and so soon as it does take place, all those in business who have 
regard to their own comfort and position, will doubtless prefer to be recognized as 
Pharmaceutical Chemists, and hence all true sons of the Society at the present critical 
period, should do everything in their power to advance its interests and make it worthy 
of the place it seeks to occupy, as a nursing-mother for all connected with the pro¬ 
fession. 
Too much apathy unfortunately has hitherto existed amongst us all, and it is scarcely 
creditable to Edinburgh that, notwithstanding the respectable position she holds in 
reference to many articles largely used in pharmacy, the scientific meetings in connection 
with the Society are dependent to so large an extent on our medical friends. 
I hope these few observations, made in all love and charity, may not be without 
some effect, and that if spared to see another Session, and under the guidance of my 
successor, the meetings may be more numerous, and the support from members of the 
Society more abundant. I thank you sincerely for the honour done me in having, for 
a second time, placed me in this chair, and for the readiness with which you have borne 
with my imperfections in discharging its duties. 
The President then requested the Secretary to read— 
THE ANNUAL REPORT. 
The Council in Edinburgh have again to bring before the Society their Annual 
Report, at this, the close of Session 1867-8. 
The scientific meetings have been four in number, and on these occasions some very 
interesting communications were made. To the gentlemen who have thus favoured 
the Society the Council beg to tender their warmest thanks. The attendance at each 
meeting has been a fair average in point of numbers. The Council have, however, to 
repeat how much they feel the apparent want of interest shown by the members residing 
here, in regard to these meetings. Few ever think of contributing towards the 
scientific gatherings, and the consequence is, that considerable difficulty is experienced 
in procuring matter sufficient to occupy the few evenings set aside for the purpose re¬ 
ferred to. The Council would therefore appeal, in the strongest possible terms, to all 
connected with the Society, to exert themselves either in writing papers, or getting those 
who take an interest in pharmacy or chemistry to contribute towards the scientific meet¬ 
ings of the Society in Edinburgh. 
The Library continues to be watched over and cared for, and the Council express a 
strong desire, that greater advantage should be taken, of the volumes provided for the 
use of Members, Associates, and Apprentices. 
The British Pharmacopoeia, having now been for many months in the hands of phar¬ 
maceutists generally, the Council cannot refrain from indicating their appreciation of 
this great national work. Not only have new formulae been introduced, many of which 
are of considerable value, but several improvements in the manufacture of some of the 
preparations have been adopted, of great importance to the practical pharmaceutist, in 
enabling him to produce more perfect compounds. Above all, however, the Council 
hail with great satisfaction an arrangement by which the three Colleges of London, 
Edinburgh, and Dublin, are now united, in the preparation and composition of the 
