SOCIETY O. TOXICOLOGY HISTORY - Society of Toxicology

PREFACE
For a quarter of a century members of the Society of Toxicology have met annually to present
the results of original research on chemicals and substances of plant and animal origin. It has
been enormously gratifying to see how scientists of widely diverse interests could work
together in advancing the science of toxicology and promoting a better and safer environment.
The Society has grown far beyond the expectations of its Founders. Each year more young
people are being admitted as associate and student members, thus fulfilling its purpose to
promote the acquisition and utilization of knowledge and to facilitate the exchange of information
among its members as well as of investigators in other scientific disciplines. Working
closely with other scientific societies has broadened our perspectives and objectives for the
future.
It would be difficult if not impossible to describe what each of the officers, councilors and
committee members has contributed to the growth of the Society, but there is no doubt that
without their dedication and unselfish devotion, it would not have attained its present position
as a preeminent scientific society. Special recognition must go to those who served as Secretary
and Treasurer for their unwavering loyalty in carrying out their duties in a highly professional
manner.
When I accepted the role of Historian, I had no idea of the amount of time that would be
required to sift through the minutes, programs, committee reports, correspondence, newsletters,
etc. and then put it all into some logical sequence. It was at times a frustrating, but still
rewarding experience. It is quite possible that some important events have been inadvertently
omitted but I believe the history truly reflects what a young and vigorous society has accomplished
over the relatively short span of twenty-five years. I would like to acknowledge the
assistance of Florence M. Carleton, who played an important part in the organizational work of
the Society and for helping to bring this history to a final conclusion. She has contributed
generously of her time in recalling past events and in editing the final report.
We have come a long way in these past 25 years and let us hope that by the year 2011, the
Society will be able to look back at another 25 years of even greater accomplishments.
Harry W. Hays, Ph.D.
Washington, D.C.
May 1986
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