•. Soc. Cosmetic Chemists, 15• 523-539 (1964) THIRD CONGRESS OF THE I.F.S.C.C. MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF SOCIETIES OF CHEMISTS COSMETIC In September of 1959, eight autonomous, national Societies of Cosmetic Chemists from different parts of the world succeeded in overcoming language and distance barriers to form the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists. The need for such an organization became increasingly apparent as scientists in many countries became actively involved in the study of the basic concepts of cosmetic product develop- ment and consequently began to wonder what other scientists were ac- complishing in the field of cosmetic research. Of course, a portion of this new and accumulating basic knowledge was disseminated to some degree through technical journals, but somehow this always lacks the stimulation that is created from personal contacts and discussions. The Federation which was founded by eight Societies now boasts of eleven member Societies from the following countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Holland, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the United States. It is also gratifying to report that the Mexican Society and the Australian Society will soon become active members of the I.F.S.C.C. A Society of Cosmetic Chemists of Czechoslovakia is also in the making, and we may soon be hearing from them. The First Scientific Congress of the I.F.S.C.C. was held in Munich, Germany, one year after the founding of this organization. This is indeed evidence that scientists from all countries are eager to meet and discuss their scientific advancement on a scientist-to-scientist basis. This Congress proved to be both successful and stimulating and gave impetus for the Second Congress, which took place in London in 1962. Here, for the first time, the scientists became conscious of the fact that they had more in common to discuss than science--one of the main issues being the impending cosmetic legislation in many nations of the world. Common problems have a way of bringing people closer together, and now in 1964 we find ourselves holding our Third Scientific Congress at Columbia University in New York City. This is the largest gathering of cosmetic scientists ever to meet under one roof for the purpose of taking part in a 523

524 JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF COSMETIC CHEMISTS scientific program. In addition to fundamental scientific subjects, this Congress will explore cosmetic developments from the safety point of view. In a shrinking world the problems of the chemist in one part of our globe will become almost identical with those of his counterpart on the other side of our globe. Therefore, I hope that our achievements at this, the Third Scientific Congress of the I.F.S.C.C., will bring cosmetic chemists of the world closer together as fellow scientists and fellow human beings. S. J. STRIANSE GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY OF COSMETIC CHEMISTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA It is appropriate, indeed, that the site of the Third Congress of the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists be Columbia University in New York City, home of the 1964 World's Fair. You have dignified the SOCIETY oF COSMETIC CHEMISTS of the United States of America by letting it serve as the host society. It is my privilege and honor, as president of the SOCIETY, to welcome all participants, friends and guests attending this Congress. Every effort has been made to make this Congress a worthwhile experience. Representatives of the host society will be available throughout the meetings to aid any one needing assistance. The fact that this is an international meeting is no mere coincidence. Scientific knowledge and skilled scientists who can apply this knowledge are not limited by geographical considerations. Although knowledge knows no boundaries, the dissemination, interpretation and utilization thereof are not easily effected. In spite of the rising flood of scientific and technical journals, in spite of the proliferation of mechanized systems for storing and retrieving data, there still remains the fundamental problem of merging the thoughts of the fact-finder with those of the fact-user. Face-to-face meetings among scientists are particularly useful to accomplish this objective. Such meetings must be encouraged to expand the inter- change of ideas. This Congress, international in scope, has been planned with this objective in mind. Four scientific symposia, moderated by representatives from four countries, are scheduled. These will provide opportunities for the free exchange of ideas. If one notes the countries from which the participants originate, one will be impressed by the international character of the meeting. The Banquet, trips to the United Nations, World's Fair and various manufacturing plants will allow an exchange of viewpoints under more relaxed conditions.