THE  .A3IEEICAK 
JOURNAL  OF  PHARMACY 
JUNE,  igig 
EDITORIAL. 
WHO  WILL  BE  THE  LEADER? 
In  connection  with  our  editorial  suggestion  for  the  organization 
of  a  commission,  to  be  composed  of  representative  "  Committees  on 
Fraternal  Relations  "  appointed  by  the  national  organizations  of  the 
several  branches  of  the  medical  practice,  whose  special  duty  was  to 
be  the  "regeneration  of  the  medical  practices"  a  reformation  that 
would  bring  about  a  closer  relation  among  them  and  a  correlation  of 
their  services  and  the  elimination  of  unethical  practices  and  en- 
croachments, the  question  has  been  propounded;  Which  of  these 
national  associations  should  take  the  lead  in  such  a  movement  ? 
That  the  time  is  opportune  is  apparent.  The  need  for  the  re- 
form is  conceded.  The  benefits  accruing  to  the  medical  practices 
and  the  improvement  in  their  services  rendered  to  humanity  thereby, 
cannot  be  gainsaid.  The  progress  assured  and  the  improved  stand- 
ing of  the  medical  professions  justifies  immediate  action. 
If  the  suggestion  be  approved,  if  the  inherent  value  of  such  a 
procedure  be  fully  appreciated  and  the  desire  to  test  the  feasibility 
of  the  plan  be  sincere,  the  mere  question  of  who  shall  take  the 
initiative  becomes  of  secondary  importance.  Cooperation  is  the 
essential  key  note  to  the  successful  development  of  this  ideal  and 
cooperation  must  mean  equal  interest,  equal  support,  equal  sincerity, 
equal  earnestness  and  enthusiasm  of  all  of  the  branches  of  medical 
practice. 
Medicine  as  the  oldest  of  these  established  branches  could  with 
merited  honor,  take  the  lead  through  its  powerful  organization  the 
American  Medical  Association.  On  the  other  hand  the  American 
Pharmaceutical  Association,  as  the  representative  organization  of 
