THE AUSTRALIAN CHEMICAL INSTITUTE. 
in existence, however, it is hoped that, as time goes on, a systematic 
investigation of all the principal analytical methods adopted in com- 
mercial analysis will be undertaken. This will enable the public to 
depend with certainty on any analysis carried out by a qualified analyst 
following the methods laid down by the Institute, and will prevent 
much of the unfortunate lack of agreement which has frequently been 
encountered in the past. 
The work of the Institute could hardly be regarded as complete until 
some efforts had been made to bring its members more closely into 
touch with the conditions of employment as they exist in the several 
States. It is somewhat difficult to create a system under which infor- 
mation regarding all vacancies shall be furnished to the Secretary of 
the Institute. Such an objective naturally takes time to accomplish. 
Steps have, however, been taken in this direction, and a circular has 
been issued to all the principal manufacturers asking that, should at any 
time they require the services of trained chemists, they should com- 
municate with the Honorary General Secretary of the Institute. Up 
to the present, there has been very little result from this course of 
action, and only a few of the members of the Institute have so fa? 
approached the Secretary with a view of seeking employment. 
When this side of the Institute’s activities grows, as it is expected 
it will do, there will undoubtedly be a considerable volume of work to 
be transacted, and it will be necessary to extend the staff of the head- 
quarters accordingly to deal with the same. It should, however, be 
possible by proper machinery to place any chemists out of employment 
in immediate touch with firms and others who are looking for suitable 
men, and the successful creation of such a bureau will, in the near 
future, be one of the Council’s first duties. 
Enough has been said to show that in the short space of two years — 
an important factor has come into existence for the good of the chemical 
profession. Looking back once more to the history of the Institute 
of Chemistry in England, we find that it took several years to. bring 
about what has already been accomplished in Australia. In the case 
of the British Institute, seven years elapsed between the date of forma: 
tion and the date at which a charter was granted. Much opposition 
was encountered, and many suggestions were put forward as to the 
form the Institute should take. In the éarly days, many men were 
admitted to its membership who would now be unable to gain admission, 
the standard having been so considerably raised in the meantime. 
The Australian Chemical Institute will undoubtedly encounter 
similar experiences as time goes on. The number of partially trained 
men coming forward will be diminished, and the Institute will take 
particular care to see that persons, desirous of becoming professional 
chemists shall receive a proper training for the work they intend to 
carry out. It cannot be expected that a profession which includes many 
aen whose training is only partial can at present hope to obtain the 
emoluments which certain other professions enjoy, but with the 
improvement which the Institute will undoubtedly bring about this 
must alter. " 
The Council to-day is legislating for posterity, when all those who 
practise the profession of chemistry may, in return for. efficiency and 
valuable services, receive a full share of the rewards which these 
services produce. 
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