42  Tributes  to  Professor  Procter.         { A ^£^5*5™ 
I  had  read  the  views  expressed  in  the  journals,  recommending 
various  means  of  honoring  the  memory  of  the  late  Professor  Procter. 
I  was  present  at  the  dedication  of  the  bronze  monument  in  com- 
memoration of  the  American  surgeon,  the  late  Professor  Samuel  D. 
Gross,  of  your  city,  in  the  Smithsonian  grounds  at  Washington, 
D.  C,  and  it  then  occurred  to  me,  that  of  all  the  views  expressed  in 
favor  of  memorializing  the  life  work  of  the  American  pharmacist, 
the  late  Prof.  William  Procter,  Jr.,  the  ''monument"  would  be  the 
most  appropriate. 
This  thought  so  impressed  me  at  the  time  that  I  have  become 
zealous  and  feel  a  willingness  to  work  for  its  consummation. 
The  research  laboratory  idea  that  has  been  popular  with  some 
pharmacists,  is  to  me  inadequate. 
In  the  beginning  it  might  be  highly  creditable,  but  like  some 
changeable  creation  of  man  it  may  become  in  the  course  of  time  in- 
consistent with  so  distinguished  a  character. 
The  proposed  medals  would  be  too  ephemeral  and  quite  insignifi- 
cant. Being  small  and  easily  lost  they  would  soon  elude  public 
notice,  but  the  "  monument "  given  over  to  the  custody  of  the 
United  States  Government,  in  commemoration  of  him,  would  be 
looked  after,  cared  for,  and  remain  a  chapter  of  our  Nation's  history 
while  our  civilization  endures. 
WILLIAM  MCINTVRE 
paid  the  following  tribute'to  the  memory  of  Proessor  Procter: 
The  former  speakers  have  in  elegant  and  forcible  language  told  us 
what  a  very  practical  and  scientific  man  William  Procter  was.  Xow 
as  a  student  of  his  I  can  bear  testimony  to  his  intense  interest  in  us. 
An  incident  or  two  will  develop  what  I  mean.  At  my  final  ex- 
amination he  exhibited  a  beautiful  porcelain-like  specimen  of  Ar- 
senious  Acid  and  inquired,  what  is  it  ?  I  failed  to  recognize  it.  A 
bottle  of  alcohol  was  then  shown  and  recognized.  After  several 
questions  on  the  subject  he  said  to  me — "  Be  as  careful  in  its  use  as 
you  would  of  the  Arsenious  Acid." 
Meeting  him  a  few  years  later  he  said  :  Why  you  seem  to  be  making 
the  mistake  of  so  many  young  apothecaries.  Continuous  attention 
to  the  store  had  impaired  my  health.  He  suggested  I  cultivate  the 
habit  of  taking  a  vacation,  and  recommended  the  meetings  of  the 
American  Pharmaceutical  Association  as  being  just  the  right  thing. 
I  have  reason  to  be  thankful  for  his  good  advice. 
