To the Editor:
—To facilitate the manufacture of synthetic drugs in this country and thus to relieve the shortage and reduce the exorbitant prices which have resulted from the war, the National Research Council has established a committee on synthetic drugs.Having been asked to assume the chairmanship of the committee, I have selected, as my associates, M. Gomberg, of the University of Michigan; Roger Adams, of the University of Illinois, and W. A. Puckner, secretary of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry.It being the purpose of the committee to aid in relieving the present shortage of synthetic drugs, its efforts will extend in two main directions: In the first place, to assemble reliable information as to which drugs are really hard to obtain or, if obtainable, are sold at an exorbitant price. In the second place, to organize research work, especially in universities, and to assist manufacturers in