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.

ORIGINS OF INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION 525 It is our genuine hope that each of you will gather new facts, new ideas, new hopes and that you will be repaid beyond your expectations, in knowl- edge and enjoyment. To all my colleagues, for their contributions to the success of this Congress, I express my sincere gratitude. Again, we welcome you and pray that you are amply rewarded for having attended this Congress. ROB•.Rrr A. KR^M•.R ORIGINS OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF SOCIETIES OF COSMETIC CHEMISTS The concept of an international group of cosmetic scientists meeting together for the purpose of exchanging knowledge and elevating their stature in the eyes of fellow scientists would have been untenable 25 years ago. Indeed, the formation of a scientific body of cosmetic chemists within a country was not especially a hopeful thought at that time wit- ness the belated slow birth of the first SOCIETY of COSMETIC CHEMISTS in the United States. Then came the war. It pointed up the fact that knowledge was not a national property--it was to change our entire relationship with other countries. Although there are some differences in practice and belief between geographic areas and within a given area itself, there is general agreement between cosmetic chemists on the fundamentals of the science. Thus, while some animal and vegetable derivatives are popular cosmetic in- gredients outside of North America, there is basic unanimity of opinion regarding the safety of cosmetic materials, emulsion science and preservation for example, throughout the cosmetic world. The postwar era with its new philosophy developed a climate that made it possible to form a SocIF. T¾ oF COSMF. TIC CHEMISTS in the United States. The year 1945 gave it life. This was the beginning of a worldwide movement resulting in the formation of over a dozen such societies in principal industrial nations throughout the free world. With this background, it was no surprise that the autonomous Societies of Cosmetic Chemists so formed began to think in terms of some form of international association. To this extent one must recognize the efforts of the Soci•t• Fran•aise de Cosm•tologie who arranged "Le Rassemblement International" in Paris on July 28-30, 1957. About ten delegations from different countries were present at this meeting by invitation. Representing the French were President Bourdet, energetic L. Schmuck, perennial S. Sabetay, studious