THE PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION. 
135 
So strongly have I been impressed with the importance of an 
active sympathy with and for this class, that I believe much of the 
usefulness of the proposed Convention depends upon their being 
represented ; and as a Philadelphia apothecary, speaking to a cer- 
tain extent, at least, for the profession in this city, I would invite 
all who feel an interest in the objects of the Convention, to visit 
our city at the time, whether armed with credentials or coming in 
the simple character of pharmaceutists, desirous of elevating the 
standard of their profession. 
Though not included in the invitation of the Convention held in 
New York, they will find a hearty welcome to the Quaker city; 
and there can be little doubt that besides being entitled to attend 
the sittings of the Convention, opportunity will be offered to com- 
municate, officially or otherwise, their views and feelings to it. 
These remarks are made with no design to cavil at the action of 
the Convention in New York, which, by the delegate system, has 
wisely provided against any undue influence on the action of the 
Convention, arising from local causes. The sole object I have in 
view, is to encourage some to attend who might impart and de- 
rive advantage from the meeting, but who, because they must needs 
be pioneers in their several localities, and as yet lack the ability 
to draw together suitable organizations, cannot come as delegates. 
I repeat, let all come — there is not so much material in the 
pharmaceutical ranks, that the Convention can afford to lose the 
counsels of any who have the cause at heart, and have the ability 
to promote it. 
Besides the isolated class to which 1 have referred, there are 
in most of the larger towns throughout the country small numbers 
of Pharmaceutists, some of whom are more or less interested in 
the progress of their profession, who it is designed by the Con- 
vention in New York to organize into unincorporated Societies, 
to be represented in the National Convention. Upon the carrying 
out of this plan, depends, to a great extent, the national character 
of the Convention, and to a certain extent its usefulness, and 
yet it would be a cause of regret if, by precipitous or unadvised 
action, any of these associations should be so organized as to be 
incapable of subserving any permanently useful purpose. 
It will be obvious at once that much of their future suc- 
cess and influence will depend upon the course taken at the very 
outset. 
