Page:Early History of Medicine in Philadelphia - George W Norris.djvu/134

 medical jurisprudence, the college has been consulted by the civil authorities both of our State and City.

From the institution of the college, one of their principal views was the formation of an American Pharmacopœia. To make this work useful to the whole country, a circular letter was addressed by them, in the year 1789, to all the known medical societies, as well as to many eminent practitioners in the United States, requesting their advice and assistance; but the general apathy on the subject, and the small number of communications received by them, retarded the completion of their design.

In 1793 the college published a volume of "Transactions," containing an Address to the members on its establishment, in which is set forth the object of the institution, and suggesting the many resources which our country offers for the improvement of medicine; as well as contributions from