A. M. HOWARD A. M. Howard of Excelsior Springs, President of the Mo. Ph. A., was represented on the cover of the MEYER BROTHERS DRUGGIST for September. He again calls attention to the June, 12, 1917, meeting, at Excelsior Springs. The U. S. P. IX and the N. F. IV are on the market. Have you copies in your store? Vote for Pharmacists in Politics, for they will look after the interests of pharmacists and also the welfare of the public. Avoid politicians in pharmacy whose interest in the calling is merely from a selfish standpoint. They know how to play politics. Market Review, Page 316. Books for Pharmacists, Page 46. Index to Advertisements, Page 52. Board of Pharmacy Secretaries, Page 31. Drugs that Illinois Merchants May Sell, Page 46. Board of Pharmacy Examination Questions, Pages 31, 306. Editorial Are You Doing Your Apprentices an Injustice?—If you have apprentices who are deficient in preliminary education, you are doing them an injustice if you continue such apprentices in your employ without explaining to them the difficulties they will have in case they decide to try to become registered. In practically all states the minimum requirement is one year of high school work or its educational equivalent. In many states, the minimum is two years of high school education and in some states full high school graduation or its equivalent is the minimum standard. Do not wait until your apprentices are ready for an examination or have decided to enter a school of pharmacy, but explain to them at once the state pharmacy law requirements. Do you realize fully the opportunities for night school work? The pharmacy laws of the various states and the rulings of the Boards of Pharmacy have fixed minimum requirements in an educational way for apprentices desiring registration. This preliminary education demanded before an examination is given range in different sections of the country from the equivalent of one year of high school to the requirement of full high school graduation or its educational equivalent. These conditions have now prevailed sufficiently long to leave little real excuse for ignorance on the subject. We find, however, that many apprentices fail to understand the preliminary education requirement and are surprised when told that they are not eligible for examination before the Board of Pharmacy nor to enter a school of pharmacy. plain to apprentices and their parents or guardians just as soon as application is made for a position as This is probably more the fault of the employer than it is of the apprentice. Employers should make it apprentice. The proprietor who fails to point out the educational requirements to an apprentice neglects a moral, if not a legal duty. Apprentices located in the larger cities can readily make up a deficiency in preliminary education by taking advantage of the night schools. These are much more numerous in number than the public at large appreciates. They are conveniently situated in different parts of the city and cover a range of instruction which is much greater and far more elastic than the curriculum of the day schools. Quite a proportion of those who go to night school, particularly the grammar night schools, do so in order to become familiar with the English language. Some enter the night high school in order to extend their preliminary education which circumstances prevented their continuing at an earlier period in life. A third class and the one into which pharmacy apprentices fall go to night school to perfect themselves in a particular calling. Great latitude is allowed night school pupils in selecting subjects. The pharmacy apprentice should consult with the Board of Pharmacy or school of pharmacy and learn just what studies can be elected to the best advantage of the pupil. This is the season of the year when night schools are starting and we urgently recommend our readers to become more familiar with the night school system and its possibilities for the education of apprentices in pharmacy. The number of lessons per week is not sufficient to seriously interfere with drug store duties nor overtax the mental activities of apprentices. The Price of Camphor is High and Likely to Continue so Until After the Close of the War.-Some of the drugs which advanced when war was declared have either declined or at least reached a definite price level. Camphor has continued in its sensational course and promises to hold the attention of dealers and consumers as long as the war is in operation. In fact, the price of camphor may remain above the ante-bellum prices for years to come. While the war is the generally given and accepted excuse for the present price of camphor, it is by no means wholly and only to blame. The war has increased freight rates and lengthened the travel for camphor from the Island of Formosa to the United States. It has increased the consumption of camphor for war purposes. Camphor is a very old medicine. Europe probably obtained camphor from the Arabians, by whom it was employed as a refrigerant in ancient times. It is one of the old medicines which continues in therapeutic use and has extended into very extensive commercial lines. One reason for the high price is the widespread use of modern priced automobiles, which are supplied with celluloid windows for the tops. No substitute for camphor has been discovered in the manufacture of celluloid and similar material. This use is likely to keep up the price of camphor. The recent prevalence of infantile paralysis has had its effect on the demand for camphor. The old-time superstition that camphor is opposed to epidemic diseases has a firm hold on the public. It is now used under the modern term of a bactericide. Pharmacists should remember that there is no substantial foundation for such use of camphor. It has now been a number of years since the pharmaceutical world was informed that synthetic camphor was not only an accomplished chemical fact but would soon be a largely used commercial article. Much money has been lost by investors in factories for the production of synthetic camphor. Only recently, a Philadelphia firm, incorporated for the manufacture of camphor, went into bankruptcy. It seems that even at the present high prices, it is not profitable to make synthetic camphor from a turpentine base. We have also read from time to time about the wonderful camphor orchards in Florida. These orchards exist but they do not produce sufficient camphor to make an impression on the market. Owing to the time required to mature a camphor tree sufficiently to produce camphor, it is not possible to affect the market by extensive camphor tree culti vation. Only recently, we were told that a new process of subliming camphor from the leaves would place on the market large quantities of United States grown camphor. This sounded very well but does not seem to materialize in a commercial way. The Deutschland Cargo of Anilin Dyes. Every one marvels at the accomplishment of the first undersea voyage from Europe to America. All admit the heroism of the crew and testify to the skill of the navigators. When it comes to the commercial value of the cargo brought over by the Deutschland, there is some diversity of opinion and a gradual decline from the sensational reports made when the vessel first landed. It is now definitely determined that the net amount of anilin dyes does not exceed 125,000 tons. Such an amount in itself is a mere drop in the bucket compared to the demand in this country. It has also developed that the prices which must be obtained for this cargo of colors is so high that it does not attract the favorable consideration of dealers and manufacturers. The Oil, Paint and Drug Reporter points out that the consignment of colors has caused holders of large quantities of dyes in this country to place their goods on the market for fear that the first trip of the Deutschland will be followed by others of more consequence. Developments have also shown that manufacturers, during the past two years, have gradually placed themselves in a position to be comparatively independent of German dyes. If it were not for fear that prices would be demoralized after the war, this country would produce sufficient dyes to meet all domestic purposes. The claim that this particular shipment of colors sent over in the Deutschland brought to this country anilin dyes in such concentrated form that one pound is equal to ten or twelve pounds of ordinary dyes is very absurd. Such concentration is a physical and chemical impossibility. To the initiated it sounds like making a fluid extract of opium or finding a deposit of natural lead sulphide carrying 95 per cent of lead. As a We Are Learning to Use Domestic Drugs.-The old reference to our failure to appreciate the value of water until the well has run dry is quite timely now that we are wondering how it is possible to get along without drug supplies from Germany, Austria and the Balkan States. That section of the world has furnished the United States with drugs of importance and in large quantity. The supply has practically been cut off for some time past. result, we are using considerable home grown belladonna, locally cultivated digitalis and are finding indigenous substitutes for the European vegetable drugs. The United States, however, does not have a monopoly of the substitutes for German, Austrian and Balkan drugs. As an example, Spanish digitalis has been quoted in the American market for several weeks. Both Greek and Spanish sage are replacing the Austrian herb in this country. Japanese as well as American dandelion finds a place where German dandelion was formerly used. If the war continues for a few years, the drug trade in the United States will learn to appreciate and use indigenous drugs, home cultivated drugs and drugs from sections of the world which have not been supplying the American market. It is of more than passing interest in this connection to note that some pronounce the Japanese dandelion to be of little or no therapeutic value. Pharmacologists have made a similar report on German dandelion for a number of years. Like sarsaparilla, it has a reputation with the laity and, no doubt, will continue to be used as an alterative long after the passing of those who now attempt to delete it from the list of therapeutic agents. The U. S. P. IX, Official Since September 1, has been, a long time in preparation and many are the hard knocks which the Committee on Revision has stood during the period since May 10, 1910, when the committee was elected and instructed to proceed with its work. We believe that the most malicious reports were the ones emanating, as far as can be learned, from New York City on the eve of the appearance of the U. S. P. IX in the general trade. A rumor has spread, whispering about that the Pharmacopoeia had been printed but was so full of mistakes that it was necessary to recall the books on the way to the dealers, correct the plates and print new copies. While these excuses were being manufactured, the Committee on Revision was congratulating itself on having finished its work and placed in the hands of the printers such perfect copy. The printers were running off 30,000 copies and the bindery hard at work getting them ready for the sales agent. This is an interesting bit of pharmaceutical history. Fifteen Hundred Tons of German Dye Stuffs.The German government is not only willing but anxious to send to the United States a consignment of fifteen hundred tons of German made dye stuffs. From time to time, it has appeared that satisfactory arrangements would be made with England to permit the importation into this country of the dye stuffs. The shipment of half a million dollars' worth of Salvarsan was taken as a favorable condition. The dye stuffs, however, stick fast to German soil. England is less inclined than ever to permit the moving of the goods. Added to this obstacle is a vigorous protest made by dyestuff manufacturers in the United States. Schedule B is Repealed.--On and after September 9, the obnoxious Schedule B is without force. In our legal department of the October issue of the MEYER BROTHERS DRUGGIST, we give the details necessary in order to cash any revenue stamps on hand and receive compensation for certain stamps already placed on goods. The pharmacists are to be congratulated on this outcome of the campaign for the repeal of Schedule B. It is the result of united action on the part of the various interests centering in pharmacy. STRAY ITEMS AND COMMENTS Ultracommercialism of the Future Perfect of Ethical Pharmacy is the way the Rocky Mountain Druggist describes the range of papers read and subjects discussed at the recent meeting of the Colorado Pharmacal Association. The pharmacists of that state are very much up to date as well as thoroughly practical. Keeping Your Word is not a matter of the letter, but of the spirit. It is not always possible to do the thing promised. But a man that has the spirit of the matter in him, will hasten to notify if he sees he cannot perform, and if even that is impossible he will apologize, reimburse, and show regret just as soon afterward as ever he can.-[Dr. Frank Crane. Prescription Prices and particularly prescription profits have been investigated in Colorado as a result of work started by F. W. Nitardy. Many pharmacists of the state decided to raise their prices on prescriptions in order to make a more legitimate profit. It develops that the average retail pharmacist does not realize how small a profit he makes on prescriptions. In Every Locality Meetings of Physicians and Pharmacists Should be Held for discussion of the present status of the drug market. The physicians have become wedded to certain therapeutic agents that could readily be displaced; for example, sodium salts for those of potassium, the use of galenicals for active constituents, etc. Physicians should acquaint themselves with the Pharmacopoeia and National Formulary and then decide what, in their opinion, they must have, and thereafter pharmacists can offer suggestions for consideration. A careful survey and co-operative study will do much toward relieving the present trying situation and prepare us for utilizing coming opportunities.-[E. G. Eberle. Growing Horsemint.-Horsemint seed matures in the Southeastern States during August and September and is ready to be gathered as soon as the calyx is dry and has assumed a dark-brown color. The entire heads can readily be stripped off by hand. They should be spread out on a cloth or tight floor and thoroughly dried. The seed can then be removed by rubbing through a sieve, common window screening being about the right size. Where the winters are free from severe frost and snow, as in the extreme Southeastern States, the best results can be secured by planting the seed about the first of September in a carefully prepared seed bed. About two months after sowing, when the plants are about two inches high, they are ready for transplanting to the fields. Fuller information in regard to methods of cultivation, harvesting and distilling are contained in Bulletin 372 of the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. Are You Equipped with Weights and Measures?In this country, drug stores generally use two sets of weights, i. e., one the apothecaries' set for prescription purposes, of grains, scruples, drachms and ounces, and another, or avoirdupois set of ounces, pounds, etc., for general use. For the measurement of volumes there are generally used graduated glass measures of various sizes-60 minims and 120 minims, and 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 fluidounces, with pints, quarts and gallon measures of metal. Every drug store should have a set of metric weights from 1 centigramme to 50 grammes for prescription use, and if they do manufacturing, a set from 1 gramme to 500 grammes, or better, 1 kilo to 5 kilos. For volumetric work they should have metric graduated glass measures of 30 mils, 60 mils, 120 mils, 250 mils, 500 mils and 1,000 mils; and a few glass pipettes such as 1, 5, 10 and 25 mils, in fact, these latter are indispensable in applying the official tests. The 10 mil pipettes and smaller should be graduated into one-tenth mils.-[J. W. England. How Castor Oil is Made.-The castor plant is familiar to all of us. It attains in the East Indies and Africa the character of a tree and rises sometimes thirty or forty feet, but in the temperate latitudes of North America and Europe rarely attains a height of over eight feet. The plant is a native of the East Indies and Northern Africa where it is most extensively cultivated. According to the United States Dispensatory the castor bean of commerce, of which castor oil is made, comes to us as a rule from Calcutta or Bombay, India, being put up for shipment in large bags. The oil may be extracted from the bean in three ways, but in this country the method most generally in use is the following. The beans having been thoroughly cleansed from the dust and fragments of the capsules, are conveyed into a shallow iron reservoir where they are submitted to a gentle heat insufficient to scorch or decompose them and not greater than can be readily borne by the hand. The object of this step is to render the oil sufficiently liquid for easy expression. These are then introduced into a powerful hydraulic press. A whitish, oily liquid is thus obtained which is transferred to clean iron boilers supplied with a considerable quantity of water. The mixture is boiled for sometime, and, the impurities being skimmed off as they rise to the surface, a clear oil is at length left upon the top of the water, the mucilage and starch having been dissolved by this liquid, and the albumen coagulated by the heat. The latter ingredient forms a whitish layer between the oil and the water. The clear oil is now carefully removed and the process is completed by boiling with a minute proportion of water, and continuing the application of heat until aqueous vapor ceases to rise, and until a small portion of the liquid, taken out in a vial continues perfectly transparent when it cools. The effect of this last operation is to clarify the oil, and to render it less irritating by driving off the acrid volatile matter. But much care is requisite not to push the heat too far, as the oil then acquires a brownish hue and an acrid peppery taste. After the completion of the process the oil is put into barrels and sent into the market. IN BRIEF The closer you get to some people the more distant they are. An executive is a man who makes quick decisions and is sometimes right. No matter how vexed we are with the weather, we never have a general public protest. Cash-That is what keeps the stock room filled with the product of the pampered pulp mills. Medicines are not held for special internal revenue tax under the bill which repealed Schedule B. If you never made a mistake you never made anything. Begin now. It's never too late to mend. Never forget that there is a difference between being contented and being satisfied.-[Drug Topics. The three important things in a window display are, first the goods; second and third, the price card. Both belladonna and digitalis are indigenous in Austria. The war has materially influenced the world's supply. Watermelon forms the cannot be burned. This tractive to flies. There is more capital invested in the drug and allied industries of St. Louis than in any other city in the United States. only kind of garbage that refuse is particularly at A good-sized oyster percolates thirty-one quarts of water a day. This does not, however, remove the flavor from the oyster. The infantile paralysis scourge has not added much to the drug trade, for it is not a disease calling for active therapeutic treatment. Teach children that in order to keep the teeth in good condition they must be given the same care as is bestowed on the hands and face. John C. Wallace, of Newcastle, Pa., is president of the National Drug Trade Conference and ready to give information to all who apply. The price of platinum has materially declined owing to the discovery of acceptable substitutes for platinum in electrical and other lines. Do not keep your internal revenue stamps until they are lost, stolen or spoiled. Redeem them under the act which repealed Schedule B. The officers of the N. A. R. D. have been advised to curtail the introductory convention ceremonies. Why confine this injunction to the N. A. R. D.? Cash-That is what keeps the indolent ink alive, the electric motor purring, the gasoline engine revolving and puts the punch in the linotype slug. The official postal guide, formerly sold at $3.50, can now be had for 75 cents. Address Disbursing Clerk, Post Office Department, Washington, D. C. The Pharmacopoeia has dropped liquors but if the Government buys the Danish West Indies, we will have the home plant for the manufacture of rum. A pharmacist of West Pullman, Ill., tried 10 cents as the price for ice cream soda this summer. His sales increased and, of course, the profits advanced. Don't stop when your customer complains that an article is too expensive, but explain the difference between expensive and high-priced.-[Drug Topics. The publicity work of the Pa. Ph. A., conducted by Chairman Charles H. LaWall, during the past year has set an excellent example for sister organizations. It is not merely the use of big type that puts a punch into your advertisements, but catchy headings and forceful subject matter presented in an attractive manner. Order the U. S. P. IX and N. F. IV in buckram binding. These books will receive constant use for a number of years and muslin will not stand the wear and tear. Liquors have been deleted from the U. S. P. IX nor do they appear in the N. F. IV, but Missouri in twelve months produced $38,000,000.00 worth of intoxicating beverages. President Wilson obtained hunting license No. 1 in Virginia. The number of politicians who are hunting for him is sufficient to drive him to hunting almost any kind of game. Dr. J. B. Murphy, of Chicago, who died recently, was not only a surgeon of international reputation but a man of broad interests, active in lines outside of his professional calling. If the Boss leaves you to run the store most of the time-be glad of it. If he's the right kind of a Boss you will profit by it-if he isn't, you can get experience for another job.-[Drug Topics. We cannot comprehend the stupendous expense of the war but we can imagine what would be accomplished if the money were used in dissipating ignorance, fighting disease and controlling the elements. Alabama now requires a fee of $10.00 for registration as a pharmacist and $5.00 for registration as an assistant pharmacist. In Missouri and some other States, such fees look large. They are, however, reasonable. Dandelion is a drug which the world has depended on Germany to produce. The United States has an ample supply growing each year but the quality does not seem to be satisfactory. Perhaps it is a matter of fashion more than of fact. The death of Sir William Ramsay, of England, and Professor William Simon, of America, recently, removed two of the eminent chemists of the world at practically the same time. Both contributed much to the usefulness of chemistry. When seventy-one took the Illinois Board of Pharmacy examination for assistant pharmacist, twelve made satisfactory grades. The others could have saved money and time by proper study instead of making the trip and taking the examination. A survey of pharmacists in general has been made by H. J. Finger. He reports in the Drug Clerk's Journal that pharmacists are divided into two classes, one class exercises pharmaceutical energy while others are known for their pharmaceutical indifference. |