5T0 
EDITORIAL. 
Dr.  Wilson  H  Pile,  of  Philadelphia,  deposited  thermometers,  hydro- 
meters, &c.,  and  Mr.  H.  Troemner,  of  the  same  city,  an  improved  drug 
mill. 
The  collection  throughout  was  pronounced  to  be  one  of  the  most  com- 
plete that  has  ever  been  presented  at  a  meeting  of  the  Association. 
Besides  these  specimens  were  many  not  enumerated  and  various  ob- 
jects of  interest  which  our  space  will  not  permit  us  to  dwell  upon.  The 
collection  of  McKesson  &  Robbins  was  particularly  interesting.  Among 
the  novelties  not  heretofore  exhibited  was  a  collection  illustrative  of  how 
the  microscope  can  be  useful  to  the  pharmaceutist. 
Dr.  Frederick  Hoffman,  of  New  York,  exhibited  a  choice  selection  of 
microscopic  objects  of  medicinal  drugs  and  articles  of  food.  The  mi- 
croscope  is  now  deemed  indispensable  to  the  educated  pharmaceutist; 
its  application  to  the  examination  of  drugs,  of  pharmaceutical  prepara- 
tions as  well  as  of  articles  of  commerce  and  of  domestic  use,  has  become 
general.  A  collection  of  reliable  specimens  ©f  microscopical  prepara- 
tions of  medicinal  drugs,  of  their  adulterations  or  accidental  or  fraudu- 
lent admixture,  is  of  great  service  to  the  pharmaceutist  for  comparative 
examination,  as  well  as  for  the  instruction  of  apprentices  and  clerks. 
Such  preparations  require  not  only  much  time  and  leisure,  but  also  a 
degree  of  manipulative  skill  and  practice  not  easily  attained  ;  therefore 
the  preparation  and  sale  of  microscopical  objects  of  drugs  by  some  prac- 
ticed pharmaceutical  preparers  has  met  with  due  approval. 
The  objects  exhibited  were  mostly  prepared  by  Mr.  C.  Rodig,  in  Ham- 
burg, Germany,  and  were  of  great  excellence.  They  were  mounted 
either  in  Canada  balsam  or  in  glycerin,  or  glycerin  with  additions  of 
alcohol,  phenol,  chlorides,  &c.,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  object. 
Specimens  of  barks,  wood  and  roots  were  in  many  cases  represented  in 
vertical,  in  radial  and  transverse  sections. 
The  Excursion  on  Friday  Afternoon  and  Evening  was  a  perfect 
success.  Notwithstanding  the  expressed  wish  of  the  meeting  at  Chicago, 
the  Pharmaceutists  of  Baltimore  determined  to  extend  their  usual  liberal 
hospitality  to  the  visiting  members  by  an  excursion  down  the  bay  to 
Annapolis,  in  the  steamer  Champion,  and  a  supper  at  Holly  Grove,  near 
North  Point.  Between  three  and  four  hundred  members  and  their 
friends  were  on  the  boat,  which  was  not  crowded,  and  was  admirably 
fitted  lor  the  purpose.  An  excellent  band  of  musicians  added  to  the 
entertainment,  and  throughout  nothing  occurred  to  mar  the  most  perfect 
comfort  and  enjoyment  of  the  excursion.  At  Annapolis  permission  was 
obtained  to  stop  at  the  Government  wharf  and  visit  the  museum  build- 
ings and  grounds  of  the  United  States  Naval  Academy,  and  at  Holly 
Grove,  after  partaking  of  a  sumptuous  supper,  rendered  comfortable  by 
ample  accommodations,  some  of  the  ladies  of  the  company  and  their 
friends  enjoyed  themselves  in  those  light  fantastic  movements  in  which 
they  delight  to  partake.  At  9  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  steamer's  whistle 
called  all  aboard,  and  an  hour  afterwards,  during  which  various  speeches 
and  resolutions  were  passed,  and  much  hilarity  exhibited,  the  company 
left  the  vessel  deeply  impressed  with  the  complete  and  perfect  manner  in 
which  their  Baltimore  friends  had  extended  their  hospitality. 
