314 PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY. 
That whilst we are aware there are domestic abuses of 
grave character to correct, and which it is the ceaseless ex- 
ercise of this and similar institutions to do away with, by 
elevating the character o/ the practitioners of Pharmacy, 
and disseminating a knowledge of these abuses, and the 
means of detecting them — a work which has more espe- 
cially engaged us at this time, — we believe that Congress 
possesses the power in the enactment of a suitable law, to 
exert a highly beneficial influence on the character of im- 
ported drugs, by rendering it impossible to introduce them 
without undergoing inspection by a proper and qualified 
inspector, whose duty it should be to ascertain the real cha- 
racter of the drugs and chemicals destined for medical use, 
and keep such records, that honest dealers may ascertain at 
any time the character of the importations and take means 
of protection against imposition. We believe that such a 
law would within a moderate period, exhibit a very evident 
influence on the quality of importations ; as it is generally 
only necessary that such sophistications be known, to be 
condemned by the majority of dealers. 
Your memoralists therefore ask of your honourable 
bodies, that a law be enacted embracing the appointment 
of a proper inspector at each chief port of entry, whose duty 
it shall be to examine all the importations of drugs, medi- 
cines, and chemicals used as medicines, and, if necessary, 
have them properly tested; keep a full record of such in- 
spections, including the names of the parties, which shall 
be open for consultation to the druggists, apothecaries, phy- 
sicians, and others, concerned, or adopt such other measures 
as in your wisdom may seem best adapted to prevent the 
evil complained of. 
On motion of Professor Bridges, it was Resolved, That 
copies of the Memorial passed this evening be transmitted 
by the Committee to the various Colleges of Medicine and 
Pharmacy of this country, with an urgent request that they 
will co-operate in obtaining the proposed results. 
Then on motion adjourned, 
Dillwyn Parrish, Secretary. 
