iS6 
Editorial. 
[Am.  Jour.  Pharm. 
<■     March,  1918. 
dance  of  wealth  and  it  is  a  happy  coincidence,  auguring  well  for  the 
future  of  the  nation,  that  in  increasing  numbers  these  have  en- 
dowed educational  institutions. 
However,  there  still  remain  a  number  of  schools  that  are 
struggling  to  maintain  a  high  standard  in  their  work  and  to  develop 
their  possibilities  without  enjoying  either  state  aid  or  the  advantage 
of  adequate  endowment.  That  this  handicap  will  become  an  insur- 
mountable barrier  to  future  progress  and  that  it  must  be  removed 
needs  no  argument.  Possibly  the  most  unique  example  of  a  school 
that  has  struggled  against  this  illogical  situation  for  nearly  a  cen- 
tury, and  nevertheless  has  been  foremost  among  the  educators  of 
pharmacists  and  chemists,  is  the  Philadelphia  College  of  Pharmacy 
which  throughout  this  long  period  has  relied  upon  its  students  and 
members  for  support.  This  handicap  must  be  removed  if  this 
pioneer  of  pharmaceutical  education  in  America  is  to  fulfill  its 
proper  sphere  of  greater  usefulness  to  pharmacy  and  to  the  country. 
We  are  pleased  to  report  that  the  problem  of  an  Endowment  Fund 
for  this  school  is  receiving  the  earnest  consideration  of  the  officials 
and  we  are  confident  that  the  effort  will  receive  the  support  of  every 
alumnus  and  the  aid  of  many  friends  of  specialized  higher  education. 
The  graduate  as  he  successfully  completes  his  studies  and  re- 
ceives his  diploma  is  too  highly  elated,  too  fully  imbued  with  the 
emotions  and  sentiments  of  the  hour,  to  give  serious  consideration 
to  his  obligations  to  his  alma  mater.  In  after  years,  the  alumnus 
has  frequent  occasion  and  ample  opportunity  to  give  consideration 
to  his  indebtedness.  The  difference  between  what  it  cost  the  college 
to  educate  him  and  the  fees  that  he  paid  is  but  a  small  portion  of  his 
just  obligation. 
What  alumnus  can  estimate  the  value  of  his  collegiate  precep- 
torship,  or  the  influence  of  the  moral  and  mental  discipline  instilled 
into  his  career  along  with  the  technical  knowledge  imparted  ?  What 
has  been  the  influence  of  these  precepts  in  determining  his  business 
or  professional  success?  Many  of  those  who  have  been  preemi- 
nently successful  in  the  various  branches  of  pharmacy  have  grate- 
fully attested  their  indebtedness  to  the  training  of  their  alma  mater. 
The  alumnus  should  be  true  to  the  teachings  and  precepts  of 
his  alma  mater,  and  at  all  times  loyal  to  her  interests.  The  person 
who  forgets  this  obligation  or  who  speaks  disparagingly  of  the  very 
agency  that  has  educated  him  and  enabled  his  success  shows  evi- 
dence of  moral  and  mental  perversion. 
