Am.  Jour.  Pharnj.\ 
November,  1897.  J 
International  Congresses. 
555 
The  earnest  seeker  for  truth  is  rewarded  by  making  a  discovery 
which  will  rescue  many  a  valuable  life  or  alleviate  suffering  wherever 
it  exists ;  a  liberal  profession  should  embrace  in  its  membership 
those  who  are  willing  to  labor  for  the  benefit  of  all,  and  until  such  a 
motive  actuates  the  members  of  the  pharmaceutical  profession 
throughout  the  world,  and  unless  the  true  international  feeling  is 
cultivated,  the  ideal  can  never  be  approached.  If  rejoicing  is  in 
order  and  congratulations  tendered,  because  the  representatives  of  a 
great  nation  decline  the  invitation  to  attend  a  congress,  then  is  the 
first  principle  sacrificed.  Some  one  spot  in  the  world  must  always 
be  selected  as  the  place  of  meeting,  and  long  distances  travelled  by 
some  delegates,  of  course,  loyalty  to  the  international  spirit  should 
overcome  personal  feeling,  and  if  members  have  grievances,  nothing 
can  be  gained  by  staying  away  from  the  meeting ;  there  is  really 
more  necessity  for  activity  and  personal  interest.  It  is  deplorable 
that  international  pharmacy,  standing  as  it  does  to-day,  more  in  need 
than  any  other  profession,  of  united  effort,  seems  to  possess  a  greater 
proportion  of  iconoclasts  and  pessimists  than  any  other;  this  is 
especially  the  case  in  America ;  if  an  organization  for  mutual  benefit 
is  started,  more  hands  seem  to  be  at  once  raised  to  tear  it  to  pieces, 
than  to  build  it  up.    Will  it  be  thus  always  ? 
International  congresses,  in  the  writer's  opinion,  serve  a  most 
valuable  purpose  in  bringing  together  pharmacists  of  different 
nations;  notwithstanding  the  difficulties  of  interchanging  thought 
fluently,  it  is  worth  something  to  realize  that  progress  in  education, 
in  scientific  research  and  social  advancement  is  constantly  going 
forward,  and  if  abuses  and  obstacles  are  found  in  one's  own  country, 
it  is  some  consolation  to  hear  (even  in  a  foreign  tongue),  that  efforts 
are  made  to  reform  the  abuses  and  to  overcome  the  obstacles,  and 
"  the  fellow-feeling  that  makes  one  wondrous  kind  "  is  kindled.  In 
all  international  and  national  gatherings,  whether  professional  or 
otherwise,  the  social  features  are  claiming  more  attention  and  recog- 
nition. It  is  true  that  there  are  many  scientists  who  stand  aloof 
from  social  entertainment  of  all  kinds,  others  rail  at  them  in  public 
and  private,  but  nevertheless  are  seen  always  at  these  entertainments. 
It  may  be  assumed,  however,  that  without  social  functions,  con- 
gresses would  be  very  poorly  attended.  The  pharmacist,  over- 
worked, confined  during  the  day  and  often  a  large  part  of  the  night 
within  the  walls  of  his  dingy  shop  or  laboratory,  looks  forward  to  a 
