168 
dr.' edward's report. 
country, I would suggest that the special examiners be in- 
structed to keep such record and to make quarterly reports 
to the department, and that the examiner at New York be 
allowed a clerk to aid him in his extra duty, as his position 
is not only responsible, but exceedingly arduous. To show 
in some measure the extent of his labour and usefulness, 
in justice to him, as he still continues, at no extra expense 
to the government, to examine and pass, in connexion with 
and in addition to his legitimate duties under the act in 
question, all coarser chemicals, and most other articles used 
in the arts, I will here remark, that on examining the 
books of general entry of passed invoices in j his office, I 
found that the sum total of merchandise passed and noted 
by him since the 12th of July last, the day on which he 
received his present appointment of special examiner of 
drugs, medicines, &c, amounted to over two millions of 
dollars. 
The deductions clearly inferable from the preceding are, 
1st. An elevation in the quality and purity of the medi- 
cinal agents imported. 
2d. An entire prevention of adulterated and deteriorated 
drugs, &c, from entry and use. 
3rd. No embarrassments to the honest importer and 
dealer. 
4th. An increased revenue. 
5th. Protection to the medical profession and community, 
an increasing confidence, and an earnest desire on the part 
of the people for the continuance of the law and its faithful 
application. 
Every desirable facility has been afforded me by various 
officers of the customs in the prosecution of my inquiries. 
The examiners at the various ports are good selections, and 
are diligent, faithful, and capable. The post at New York 
is one of great labour and responsibility. The examiner 
is fully competent to the task. With a thorough know- 
ledge of his business, and a devotion to his profession, he 
