These records, which are primarily the correspondence and speeches of H.C. Christensen and P.H. Costello, secretaries of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, reflect the clearinghouse function of the organization with regard to pharmaceutical information. For example, during the years documented in the records the NABP provided individuals, institutions, and boards of pharmacy with information on state drug laws, reciprocity, pharmaceutical education, “diploma mills”, federal legislation, and the like.
However, the collection in no way represents the full history of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. For this, the researcher should look to the published records available in the Pharmacy Library, which include convention proceedings, minutes, bulletins, quarterlies, newsletters, examination review guides, statistical surveys, and surveys of pharmacy laws. Nevertheless, these records do express the concerns of board delegates and other pharmacists toward publicity, specific legislative issues, committee decisions, etc. The collection is particularly strong for the years 1920-1950, the secretaryships of H.C. Christensen (1914-42) and Patrick H. Costello (1942-62). The records are arranged into three main divisions: administrative records, correspondence, and examination questions.
The ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS (1905-1940) contain the constitution and by-laws of the NABP, some historical material, and a few executive committee minutes and annual committee minutes. The CORRESPONDENCE (1916-1972) is arranged alphabetically by subject, and it covers a wide variety of topics. EXAMINATION QUESTIONS (ca. 1915-1950) are examples of state board and NABP tests given to candidates for pharmaceutical licensure. Because of their deteriorating condition, a portion of the examination questions have been microfilmed and are only available in that form.
