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pose for a drug which would be especially fitted for their manufacturing conditions. The second-mentioned function, t h a t of reference for report, also makes it essential t h a t such a n institute be conducted on the highest plane, t o insure the confidence of the manufacturers and also of the medical profession, which above all must be convinced of the merits of the drugs, in order t o provide a market for them not based merely on clever advertising. I a m not attempting t o detail the method b y which the research in the pure science should be carried on, whether by fellowships or otherwise, except t h a t the central organization should be big enough and strong enough t o pass on any work done, and approve or disapprove of the results in the name of the institute. This same central organization would also necessarily be charged with direct supervision of the work done on drugs submitted to it. The manufacturer who submitted a drug would pay for the report on it, but the institute should not submit t o limitations on the work t o be done. The results, of course, would belong t o 'the manufacturer, and if t h e report showed lack of merit of the product, or harmful effects from its use, it would be for the information of the manufacturer, a favorable report also being his, for use with proper and necessary restrictions. The institute could cover synthetic flavors and perfumes, as well as drugs, as, especially in the case of flavors, the absence of toxic or other harmful effect is a necessary requisite. It is also entirely possible, even probable, that certain natural products now used in food, can be nearly duplicated synthetically, and such products for submission to the would certainly be proper institute. It has also occurred to me that this Same institute could fill another want, that of the investigation of industrial diseases, due t o working in various chemicals. had unlooked-for trouble No doubt many with occupational disease$ when they began the manufacture of dyestuffs and explosives ingredients. The effects working in nitro compounds are well recogt
nized, but what effectsshould be expected in the manufacture of other and more complex compounds should be studied and made available to prospective manufacturers, as well as methods of avoiding and bating these troubles. The effect of these various on the man working in them is certainly a parallel problem to t h e use of certain finished products t o purposely produce a result on the human system. No doubt the results of the research of such an institute would shortly lead to an ability to definitely predict results in the manufacture or of any given product. SUMMARY
I-Chemical manufacturers should be encouraged t o enter the wide field which exists in the production of synthetic drugs. 11-To secure rapid and proper development, a ink should be formed between the manufacturers a n d t h e medical profession.
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No. I Z
111-An independent organization of the highest type of men is needed t o form this link. IV-If formed, i t would undoubtedly be used by the manufacturers, and should shortly become the leading factor in the situation. THRBARRETT COMPANY NEWYORKCITY
REMARKS CONCERNING SUGGESTION FOR CENTRAL MEDICINAL RESEARCH LABORATORY B y E. R. WEIDLEIN
The various papers presented on the necessity for a central medicinal research laboratory were exceedingly interesting and show conclusively the need for such a n organization. The matter has come t o my mind several times since the meeting, and, while my few remarks were along the lines of cooperation with medicinal manufacturers, I do not believe t h a t the importance of this cooperation was sufficiently emphasized. The industrialist needs all possible assistance in undertaking and developing research work as a means of enlarging his output and improving its quality. However, in order t o be effective, this assistance must increase his independence and power of initiative and be so given to his active support. I t has been the cooperation of progressive industry with science which has led t o the practical application of the results obtained in the laboratories of scientific men. Fortunately the policy of industrial secrecy is now being more generally regarded in the light of reason and more liberal views are taken, thus bringing about a closer union between science and industry. Nevertheless, large corporations not be to enter into such a scheme of cooperation until they have a vivid and broad comprehension of the need of the efficiency which the scheme represents and a realization t h a t the scheme itself is founded on sane and practical considerations* I t is also equally important t h a t the central medicinaj research laboratory should have complete control over its work, and Over how the be used. The introduction of a commercial atmosphere for advertising purposes Or the use Of its prove to such an institution* It is important t o realize t h a t investigations on a large scale ultimately bring considerable benefit t o the community generally, t h a t every scientific discovery applied' through industry to the public gain, and t h a t , consequently, industrial organizations will be justified in supporting a movement to carry On such investigations, since i t is only where there are large aggregations Of capita1 that the most extensive and productive research facilities can be obtained. The Mellon Institute of Industrial Research is willing a t all times t o cooperate and render any informative service necessary for t h e establishment and organization of such a laboratory. A spirit of cooperation should be encouraged among all types of research laboratories, as no greater good t o society can arise t h a n from a wider distribution of the duties a n d responsibilities of research. FOR INDUSTRIAL
PITTSBURGH, PA.
