STRAY ITEMS AND COMMENTS. Is New Jersey the Oldest ?—According to claims and as far as we know in accordance with the records the New Jersey Pharmaceutical Association is the oldest organization of the kind in existence. The Distinguishable by the Touch.- Such should be the bottles containing prescriptions for external use, especially when the mixtures are poison. The English medical press is advocating the adoption of bottles of distinctive form for use in dispensing poisons and This reminds us that preparations for external use. one of the states was about to enact a law requiring the use of a bottle of a certain special type when some one thirty-fifth annual meeting was held at Atlantic City discovered that the bottle was copyrighted, and the in June. Chewing Gum Is Not Official, never has been, nor is it likely ever to be. It was, however, a chewing gum manufacturer who hit upon the timely idea of offering the U. S. P. as a prize in connection with the sale of his goods. If the new Pharmacopoeia is appreciated by chewing gum manufacturers, why should it not be pushed in advertising schemes by those who manufacture official preparations. Formaldehyd is now being prescribed for internal use. At one time and, in fact, many physicians now believe that it is not suitable for internal administration. It is likely, however, that pharmacists will be called upon to prepare tablets, solutions and mixtures for internal use. This is an opportunity for the retail druggists to experiment and see what can be produced from the pharmaceutical point of view. Learning to Smoke is not a pleasant experience, but, when the period of probation is over, it becomes a life-long practice with the majority of people who try it. The crusade against smoking is now mainly directed against cigarettes. The manufacturers, however, are little inconvenienced and have recently hit upon a novel plan of enabling the retailers to evade the law. They mail cigarette paper to the smokers and the retailers sell the smoking tobacco, so that cigarettes are rolled as usual. California Drug Clerks Happy and the proprietors do not seem to be gloomy. That state has a new law regulating the number of hours which shall constitute a maximum day's work of a drug clerk. It is claimed that the clerks are now so happy and contented that manufacturer would have a monopoly in the sales of the bottles. It is needless to say that the bill failed to pass the legislature. Little by Little the Monument Grows.—We refer to the proposed William Procter, Jr., monument to be erected in Washington. The project was originated by Dr. John F. Hancock, of Baltimore, and is being favored by various pharmaceutical bodies throughout the country. The New York Association appropriated $50.00 for the use of the committee and the Kings County (N. Y.) Pharmaceutical Society has just voted $25.00. The Manhattan (N. Y.) Pharmaceutical Association also contributes $25.00 to the fund. Among prominent pharmacists of that state who are pushing the matter, we may mention William Muir, W. C. Alpers and W. C. Anderson. At the 1905 meeting of the Illinois Association, retiring President Herman fund, but the suggestion was pushed aside by a motion Fry suggested a contribution of $100.00 to the Procter to refer the matter to a committee to be appointed by the new president, thus putting it off for another year. It is to be hoped that all of the state associations will take some substantial recognition of the movement during the 1906 season of annual meetings. The Medicine-Dropper.-(By A. S. Bleyer, M. D., St. Louis). The evolution of this little instrument dates back to 1818, when a flacon was introduced in France which was constructed with a narrowing neck, which served to retard the outflow of the liquid which arrived at the mouth of the bottle by gently inclining it toward a horizontal. In 1866 an instrument was introduced which would they prefer the life of an assistant to that of a proprie- give issue to exactly twenty drops of such size, at a tor, and the time may come when it will be difficult to sell a drug store in the State of the Golden Gate. It is doubtful whether many other states will follow the example and pass similar laws. Mistakes of the Shorter Hours for Druggists Movement. An exchange says that "gradually the early closing movement is gaining headway in some parts of the country." This is true and has been the case for a generation or more past. The trouble is, that, while it is gaining headway in one place, it is losing ground in another, so that the general condition reminds us of the school boy's definition of parallel lines, when he said, "Parallel lines are always coming together, but never meet." The movement in favor of early closing and Sunday closing seems to just about maintain itself, when the country as a whole is considered. temperature of 15°C, that they would weigh just one gramme. In 1884 the French Pharmacopoeia described the medicine dropper as an instrument consisting of a glass tube terminating in a finer capillary tube, which would restrict the evacuation of the contained liquid to a drop by drop issue, acting because of its own weight—and no vacuum. At the 1903 conference at Bruxells for the International Unification of Medical Formulæ, Guon presented a modification of the last mentioned instrument, which is now used with a rubber bulb attachment, so as to hasten, retard or arrest the outflow of drops. The diameter of the opening of the capillary tube must measure just three millimeters. At a temperature of 15°C., twenty drops will weigh one gramme. This instrument was adopted by the congress.- [Gaz. Med. de Paris (Courier of Medicine.) MR. C. F. G. MEYER. Born 1830; Died 1905. Meyer Brothers Employes' Mutual Aid Associa= tion.—On the page opposite is a reproduction of the Resolutions offered by this association in respect to their employer, Mr. Christian F. G. Meyer. They were read and adopted at a memorial meeting in the office of Meyer Brothers Drug Co., and published in the August issue of the MEYER BROTHERS DRUGGIST. The engrossment of these Resolutions is beautifully done in pen and ink work on very heavy pasted card board, 12x16, and bound in album style, full padded morocco, lettered in gold on the side, cased in a full cloth outside cover, making a very handsome volume. From the New Zealand Friend of Mr. Meyer."It is with sincere regret that I learn of the death of Mr. Christian F. G. Meyer. I have by no means forgotten the kindly spirit and the pleasant manner in which he received me when I visited St. Louis in 1904. I little thought at that time that the end was so near, but life is indeed fleeting. I read the history of Mr. Meyer's career as published in the MEYER BROTHERS DRUGGIST. He has, indeed, laid the foundation of a remarkable business. It is one of which his sons have just cause to be very proud."—[JOHN W. OWENS, Sharland & Co., Limited, Wholesale Druggists, Wellington, N. Z. Death Has Again Invaded the St. Louis Paint, Oil and Drug Club and taken from its membership one of its oldest and most esteemed members. Mr. Christian F. G. Meyer ended his earthly career in his Fatherland, July 12, 1905. In his death St. Louis lost a valuable citizen and one who was held in high esteem by his associates. From the foundation of his business establishment here his career has been an open book, reflecting great credit upon himself and the city of his adoption. He was one of the organizers of this club, a member of its first executive committee and elected as its second president. All the time that he was actively in business he gave his fellow members the benefit of his counsel and assistance. His example was one we may well emulate and his memory revere. To his bereaved wife and the surviving members of his family, the club extends their sincere sympathy in this, to them, irreparable loss. We publish extracts as follows: "In the year '89 Mr. Meyer was taken ill and went to Europe to regain his health. Since that time it has been my pleasure to have been in close touch with him, by means of correspondence and frequent visits on his part, regardless of the great intervening distance between the two places of abode. Even this year I looked forward to his visiting me, but alas, his death occurred unexpectedly, and the country in which he first saw the light of day was the one which was to hear the last faint breath of this brave GermanAmerican. His life journey has reached its end, but what Mr. Meyer created remains and is carried on by his sons, under the same policy as was practiced by him. So we likewise place a palm upon the grave of this active German who has clearly proven that the true and genuine genius will find its way through all difficulties that obstruct one's way and opportunity throughout life. The very remarkable career of this man was one which may well be compared with that of the greatest scientist of the past century, Michael Faraday (17911867), who, lacking the preparatory education, as a bookbinder's apprentice attained the presidency of the Royal Academy of England. Also to the chemist, "Schonbein" (1799-1868), a workingman who succeeded in becoming a professor of the high school. We, however, should learn from the biography of Mr. Meyer that it is wrong to think that the avenues to a practical business are surrounded with such walls as only one can surmount that has received many years of preparation." How is This for Butter?-The Oil, Paint and Drug Reporter says: "It has been proved that the addition of a small quantity of cottonseed oil to milk will improve the quality and quantity of the butter. It is recommended that just before beginning to churn, pour into the milk a half teacupful of good cooking (cottonseed) oil heated to about blood heat to every gallon of milk to be churned and proceed as usual. It will materially hasten the coming of the butter, lessen the labor of churning, improve the buttermilk and increase the quantity and improve the quality of the butter, for not only is the oil put in returned as butter, but it enables the better collection of the butter fat, makes the butter softer and the buttermilk smoother." Intermountain Pharmaceutical Association.-Col. D. Y. Wheeler, first vice-president of the Colorado Pharmacal Association, proposed the union of the Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and perhaps Idaho and Montana Associations. It is planned to have some central place selected for the meetings. In that country of magnificent distances we fear that the attendance would be small. It is true, however, that our western friends are accustomed to traveling several days before they reach a destination. At a meeting of the Meyer Brothers Employes Mutual Aid Association, held August 31st 1905, the following resolutions were adopted: Whereas, The Supreme Ruler of the Universe has seen fit to remove from our midst Mr. Christian FG Meyer, President, Meyer Brothers Drug Company Mr. Moyer died abroad July 12th 1905, aged 74 years, and 7 months. For 57 years he had been engaged in the drug business, 40years of which were given to the building up in this city of the grandest wholesale drug business in the world and a still grander record for himself, always honest and upright in his dealings with his fellow men. He was a true and devoted husband and father, and his good name will add another bright page in history. A year ago at Mr. Meyer's Golden Wedding Anniversary the Rev. Mr. Schmidt in his remarks said: "The evening of life has drawn nigh for you. The end is not far away, as we know we have no continual city here." How true the prediction, but, how sorrowful the realization. Therefore, be it Resolved, That we extend our sympathy to the widow and family in their bereavement in the great loss they have sustained, and that these resolutions be spread upon the records of the Meyer Brothers Employes Mutual Aid Association, and a copy thereof be properly engrossed and presented to the family. Trays En Shirts Memorial Committee. Lambrecht, art, FROM A DRUG CLERK'S DIARY. A Week's Experience in a Retail Drug Store in a Country Place. BY HARRY N. FORCE, PH. G. [Continued from page 162.] Black Cats and Black Hens are Synergists. "Yes," said the doctor, settling himself in my best chair and lighting his pipe, "I am tired. I have just returned from a ten-mile ride into the woods over west of here. By the way, have you any black hens in stock?" "Black hens," said I, "who ever heard of such a thing?" "Well," said the doctor, "that is the latest remedy for the shingles. As I was passing a log cabin today, an old woman with an old red handana handkerchief around her head and a black clay pipe in her mouth hailed me with: "Hey, Doc., come in here a minute; I want you to see my gal." I tied my horse to a sapling and went in. On a rickety home-made bed in one corner lay the 'gal.' "She's got ther shingles, Doc.," volunteered the old woman. "Have you done anything for her?" I asked. "Wal, no, Doc., I haint yit. You see, we haint got no black hen, an' I can't git out ter none of ther neighbors ter git ary'n." "Hen," I said, "why, cook her one of these nice young chickens," indicating a number of youngsters of the proper frying age that were stalking around the room eyeing me and plainly showing that they would have said, could they have used the old woman's dialect: "Who writ fer ye, anyhow?" "Cook nothin," and she gave me a withering glance, full of pity for my ignorance, "why, don't you know that a black hen will cure ther shingles?" I confessed my ignorance and asked her how it could be done, in the meantime dosing out some simple remedy to leave for the girl. "Ye jest take the hen alive an' cut her open an' lay the fresh bleedin' cut right on the hide of the person what has the shingles an' it jest naterally cures 'em, that's all," and she puffed away at her pipe as if the matter were settled. Just then I saw an old black cat dozing on a bench by the door, and it put some devilment into my head. I told her that, although I had never heard of the hen cure, that I did know of a sure cure that was similar to it. She wanted to know what it was, and I told her to take a black cat, split the end of its tail for a few inches and use that while the cat was alive. After showing her how to use the remedy I had prepared, I mounted my horse and rode off." "Down under the hill, a short distance from the cabin, a fine spring, clear and cold, gushes out of the rocks and it looked so enticing that I stopped. After getting a drink, I sat on the mossy rocks in the deep shade to cool before I started on. All at once I heard one of the most unearthly yells that ever came from the throat of a domestic cat. I jumped up just in time to catch a glimpse of the old woman holding the black I had a customer just at this point and, before I had finished waiting on him, some one called “Doc.” and I did not get to hear any more of his tales. But I want to get him started again some of these days on the superstitions of the country in regard to methods of "doctorin," for I am sure he can tell me lots of them. Did You Ever Smother a Mole?-I took a little business trip into the country today accompanied by Mack Sims the constable. A debt was to be collected and the debtor had started for the state line. So with attachment papers we hurried on to overtake him. On our way back as we let our jaded horses take their time, I led Mack around to the subject of superstitions in regard to the practice of medicine and was rewarded by hearing an entirely new one. Mr. Sims is a good specimen of the honest, sturdy, industrious frontiersmen who have blazed out the way for civilization in our mountainous country. While devoid of "book-larnin'" yet on some subjects he is possessed of a fund of knowledge which is very interesting. He had been a driller of wells for a number of years and from observation had gathered a great many interesting facts about the geology of the hills and valleys. He became so enthusiastic on this subject that we rode for miles before I finally steered him away from it to one in which I was more interested. Finally I gently lead him to the subject of superstitions without his suspecting any object. “Did you ever hear of 'em making a child smother a mole to death to give it the power to squeeze back felons?" No, I had never heard of it. "I never hear of it now days either, but when I was born my folks firmly believed in these old superstitious ideas. My father was away in the army when I was born and I did not see him until I was more than a year old. My mother and grandmother believed that if a child who had never seen its father was made to smother a mole to death by squeezing its nose with its hands that the child would have power for the rest of its life to cure felons and run-arounds by simply squeezing the finger. So one day when I was about a year old when one of the neighbors sent mother word that they had caught a mole alive she and grandmother bundled me up in a hurry and took me over there. They tied a thread around the mole's nose to hold its mouth shut and then made me hold my little hands over its nose until I had smothered it to death. Mother told me all about it years after. I can remember when I was about ten years old that one of the neighbor women came in with a felon on her hand. She was a fat old lady and I can well remember how big and ugly that finger looked. I didn't want to take hold of it at all but finally they got me to take hold and hold it in a tight grip 'till I got mighty tired of it." "Did it cure the felcn?" I asked as Mr. Sims paused to take a chew of hillside navy. "I don't know. I don't re"Did member of ever hearing from it any more." you ever believe in it yourself?" I asked. "No, I never did have any faith in such things myself but my mother and grandmother believed it and were honest in their belief." Mix the first ingredients previously reduced to fine powder, add the oils and then incorporate enough mucilage to form a mass; divide this into pastilles weighing about sixty grains and dry. Formula for Solid Perfumes.-The novelty sold under this name is again coming into demand, possibly on account of the holidays when the same is sold by street fakirs. It is prepared by melting paraffin in a water bath, adding odorous substances when nearly cold and molding into small flat tablets inch by inch and a half. The following formulas may be employed in preparing them, each of the mixtures given being enough for one pound of paraffin: Alcohol enough to make 16 fl. ozs. Mix one fluid ounce of this mixture to 5 gallons of proof spirits. 2. Oil of juniper...... Oil of turpentine... Fusel oil.. .6 fl. ozs. 6 fl. ozs. ...4 fl. ozs. Mix one fluid ounce of this mixture to 30 gallons of proof spirits. Fumigating Paper. Benzoin...... Storax... Fumigating essence.. Ether.. Acetic acid, glacial... Alcohol.... 3. Oil of linalce.. Oil of bergamot Oil of lemon Heliotropin 4. Oil of ylang ylang. Oil of neroli........ Oil of sandalwood. Tincture of musk... 5. 1 av. oz. Oil of bergamot Oil of lemon.... 1 av. oz. 2 fl. ozs. Oil of orange.. 1 fl. oz. 1 fl. dr. 1 fl. dr. 1 dr. 1 fl. oz. 4 fl. drs. 2 fl. drs. 1 dr. 1 fl. dr. 2 fl. ozs. 1⁄2 fl. oz. 1⁄2 fl. oz. 1 fl. dr. Oil of rosemary, flowers.. 1 fl. dr. Oil of lavender, flowers.. Oil of neroli... 1 fl. dr. 1% fl. drs. 7. Oil of rose.. Oil of neroli.. Oil of patchouly. |