THE  .A3IEBICAN 
JOURXAL  OP  PHARMACY 
SEPTEMBER,  igig 
(  ^OCT  >}9J9  
^SfepiTORIAL. 
THE  PRESIDENTIAL  ADDRESSES. 
The  pharmacists  of  Great  Britain  and  the  United  States  are  to  be 
congratulated  upon  the  addresses  delivered  by  the  presidents  of  their 
respective  national  pharmaceutical  associations  at  the  1919  conven- 
tions. The  sessions  of  the  British  Pharmaceutical  Conference  were 
held  in  London,  July  22-2$.  The  address  of  the  president.  William 
Kirbv,  M.Sc,  is  devoted  almost  entirely  to  a  presentation  of  the  need 
for  research  in  pharmacy.  The  subject  is  treated  in  a  masterly  man- 
ner and  the  address  evidences  the  careful  thought  and  preparation  of 
a  scientific,  educated  pharmacist  who  has  this  subject  at  heart  as  well 
as  in  mind.  As  a  literary  production  it.  likewise.,  is  a  polished  gem 
even  among  such  presidential  addresses.  As  a  gem  it  will  bear  study 
and  use  and  the  light  from  its  trite  truths,  so  clearly  presented,  must 
scintillate  and  create  aspirations  that  will  stimulate  scientific  inves- 
tigations among  the  pharmacists  of  the  English-speaking  nations. 
The  need  for  the  establishment  of  systematic  research  in  phar- 
macy is  common  to  both  England  and  the  LTiited  States  and  the 
statements  of  Mr.  Kirby  are  as  applicable  to  America  as  to  Great 
Britain  and  a  careful  perusal  of  this  address  is  urged  upon  all  true 
pharmacists.  The  necessity  for  encouraging  and  fostering  pharma- 
ceutical research  is  plainly  set  forth  as  a  duty  of  the  government,  of 
the  captains  of  industry,  as  well  as  of  the  colleges  of  pharmacy. 
He  quotes  the  statement  that  had  previously  been  made  in  the 
House  of  Commons  regarding  the  German  organization  for  re- 
search :  "  In  the  great  chemical  works  in  Germany,  for  every  fifteen 
men  employed  in  any  category  whatever  there  is  one  highly  trained 
specialist  and  chemist,  and  that  this  industry  is  so  important  that 
