REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ADULTERATIONS ETC. 21' $ 
Some druggists seem to have a decided bluntness of visi 
preparing drugs for the powderer, and are not careful to remove 
deteriorated and decayed portions, which not only have no virtue, 
but dilute the parts which yet retain their strength. 
The report concludes with suggestions of a remedial character, 
which are, 
1st. That state legislatures should be applied to, to appoint in- 
spectors of drugs, and make it a penal offence to deal in adulterated 
drugs and medicines. The hopelessness of this suggestion is ad- 
mitted by the report itself. 
2d. " That physicians should feel it to be their duty to inspect 
the medicines in the drug stores from which they are in the habit 
of obtaining supplies for themselves or their patients. This would 
exercise a wholesome influence, if submitted to by the apothecary, 
and frequently performed by the physician, neither of which, how- 
ever, is very probable." 
Unfortunately for this proposition, the larger number of medical 
men are not sufficiently versed in materia medica and chemistry to 
exercise a judgment that would command the respect of the phar- 
maceutists and druggists. As a more probable plan, Dr. Huston 
suggests, that the various state medical societies shall annually 
appoint boards of examiners, who shall procure samples of drugs, 
as sold within their limits, analyse, and otherwise examine them, 
and publish the results. We approve of this, as well as the indi- 
vidual action of physicians, if they proceed in the right spirit, be- 
cause it would have a wholesome influence on the tempted, and 
would give the really enlightened and conscientious apothecary 
the advantage his merits deserve. 
3d. The report recommends that the apothecaries be encouraged 
to institute associations for scientific and educational purposes, 
throughout the country. This suggestion, which is not new to our 
pages, is worthy of being seconded. 
4th. Physicians are recommended, in making their purchases, to 
be willing to give fair prices, and to deal only with respectable 
druggists, who have a character at stake: an excellent suggestion, 
worthy of the attention of country physicians. 
In conclusion we may say, that the report of Dr. Huston has im- 
pressed us favorably, and some of its recommendations are calcu- 
lated, in our opinion, to exercise a healthful influence on both 
professions. 
