^tutorial department. 
Pharmaceutical Convention of 1852. — "We have received several com- 
munications from gentlemen residing in towns where no organization 
exists among the apothecaries, who feel a strong interest in the approach- 
ing Convention, asking whether, from not being members of pharmaceuti- 
cal societies, they are ineligible to attend the Convention. It is gratifying 
to find our brethren at a distance awakening to this subject. Individuals 
who will come a long distance to attend the sittings of such a body, ac- 
tuated by a feeling of interest in its objects, can hardly fail to prove useful 
members, and should be admitted, in our opinion, to seats, and to partake 
in its deliberations, if not in its decisions. When it is considered that the 
Convention of last year was called for a special object, whilst that called 
for October next has reference to the interests of the whole profession, we 
cannot but view the intended gathering as an initiatory movement — as a 
general call with a view to future organization — rather than as an adjourned 
meeting of an organized body, adapted in its constitution to the object it is 
intended to effect. Hence it would have been wise to have given a general 
eall to pharmaceutists throughout the United States to meet, and, after or- 
ganizing, determine on the future sources of its delegates. If that Conven- 
tion should be but the commencement of a national association, as we be- 
lieve, its healthy continuance will require it to be constituted of regular 
delegates having credentials from pre-deterniined authorities. If this be 
admitted, from whom shall the delegates come ? If they are to be con- 
fined to permanent local societies, the larger part of the apothecaries of the 
country would be unrepresented. With due deference to a better plan, 
we would suggest that any ten established apothecaries and druggists, lo- 
cated in one place or neighborhood, where no organization exists, should be 
entitled to send a delegate to the Convention. This course would give a 
degree of authority to such delegates, who, coming directly from the phar- 
maceutical ranks, could speak for their brethren at home. In places where 
organized societies are in existence, such societies should be empowered, if 
they desire it, to send a number of delegates proportioned to the number 
of apothecaries and druggists where they are located. Towns not num- 
bering ten apothecaries should have the right to send a representative. 
This course would give a more liberal and republican character to the Asso- 
ciation, and not confine its members to cities or institutions. Meanwhile, 
