PUBLIC EXPRESSIONS the following information will be of interest to them People may be of the opinion that it is the sam sorrel horse that was hitched to the wagon in whic we came to Kansas in 1859, but it is not. That hors died many years ago. This sorrel horse is "Barney, Read This Before You Write. Contributions on subjects of interest to the pharmaceutical profession are always welcome. Write upon but one side of the sheet and spell out in full the names of medicines; never use abbreviations. The editor pays no attention to anonymous communications. The Value of Health to the Pharmacist.-The average druggist of today works too long hours, eats too often, does not drink enough water, worries and does not get enough recreation. This combination of conditions shortens the pharmacist's life at least fifteen years. By overcoming these difficulties, a pharmacist can do better work and more of it. He can also get more out of life and have more reserve power for use when business is bad. He can "weather it" instead of going under, as druggists so often do. Let us get shorter hours, quit worrying, relax more and work together, for "united we stand, divided we fall."-[L. D. Mercier, Houston, Tex. What Comes of Fretting.-Don't be a fretter. Fret ting leads to worrying and it is easier to start worrying than it is to stop worrying. Most of the things we fret and "stew" over never come to pass. Some men and women make you feel that they are always in the shadow of impending evil. They are never happy. Miserable themselves, they wish every one else in the same boat. That is the meanest thing about the melancholy, hysterical "fretter." He cannot enjoy his misery alone-not he. Get out of it. J. R. Vettori Harmony with Nature's laws makes for a perfect physical condition. Harmony with God's laws makes for an open, receptive mind, willing to take whatever comes if it is according to God's law. But you can never get into perfect harmony while you are "fretting" your head off. Worry and fret will not get you anywhere. They spoil your face, gray your hair, wrinkle your skin, stoop your shoulders, turn down the corners of your mouth.-[J. R. Vettori, St. Louis, Mo. "How Old is Barney?"-The Atchison Globe some time ago asked the question, "How old is that sorrel horse that John H. Brown drives?" A great many Atchison people have asked me the same question, so and the man from whom we bought him gave us his word, as an honest man, that "Barney" was a colt, one year old, when Cleveland ran for president in 1884. That would make him about thirty-two now. "Barney" has been a member of our family for twenty years. We would not sell him. One reason is that we could not get as much for him as he has cost us. "Barney's" feed bill averages $15 per month, which is $180 a year, so that during the twenty years we have owned him he has eaten $3,600 worth of feed, and no one would offer anywhere near that much for him. One time we did offer "Barney" for sale. "He's too fat," said one man; "too tall," said another; "too slow, feet too big," said others. One man said he was pleased with him in every way but he did not like his ugly head, and my father told the man he was very sorry, but it was the only head he had for him. Then we put him in the hands of a horsetrader, and I went along to help show him up. The horsetrader gave such glowing accounts of his many good qualities that I drove him home and told my father that it was a shame to part with such a good horse. With the exception of the hired man and myself, no other members of our family will ride behind "Barney." They think he is too slow. They prefer to ride in an automobile, but often are they obliged to walk home or be pulled in, but "Barney" has never failed to bring me home. Our greatest objection to "Barney" is his enormous appetite. One year my brother put forty acres in corn and raised 400 bushels. "Barney" ate all of it in a few months. Now his teeth are bad and he has to have cracked corn, mixed with bran and oats, three times a day, and in addition, his manger is always filled with clover, prairie hay or alfalfa. There are many people in this town that do not have as many regular meals as "Barney" does. Whenever I watch "Barney" eat I envy him his good digestive organs. I have never known a meal to cause him any distress, while every one I eat hurts me. "Barney" has a roomy box stall in a warm stable, has access to running water and also has the use of a cement box, in which he often stands for hours, in soft mud, to keep soreness out out of his feet. I do hope that no reader of this will get the feeling that they would like to own "Barney," because he is an expensive luxury. Besides, I do not think that the family would care to part with him, for they know, as a rule, that the last days of the aged horse are sad. When their health, strength and vigor are gone they usually fall into the hands of the huckster or someone without means or provender, and are driven, starved and beaten until death comes to their rescue. If any reader of this is the owner of a horse that has given him faithful and profitable service during the best days of its life, then it would be better for him to humanely kill it than to sell it into cruel slavery. [John H. Brown, Atchison, Kan. What and How Much Education.-How much education do you require, how thorough a training do you need, what amount of instruction, training and knowledge will permit you to occupy the position in life assigned you, with satisfaction to yourself and honor to your calling? This is one of those inexorable questions that we are forced to meet and solve as individuals if we would best serve our own interests with a maximum J. O. Browder, B. S., Ph. C. of individual efficiency, satisfaction and results. It is a regrettable fact that the most important of life's inexorable questions, those questions which cannot be answered by proxy, is the one we meet first and which we are least equipped to answer intelligently with a knowledge of our potential abilities in any particular field of endeavor. The answer to this question of "what and how much education" is the foundation on which we must build our lives, and our choice of a suitable base will determine to a great extent the amount and stability of the superstructure. When you answer this question and make your choice, when you choose this cornerstone on which you will later build, register your determination then and there to make your preparation adequate. To attain the highest point of efficiency, to be of the greatest benefit to ourselves and others, we must develop and cultivate our potential abilities. While it is a business necessity that you specialize in your education you cannot attain to a perfected degree of specialization without the necessary complement of a general education. As a specialist you would be handicapped in the same degree as you lack in general educational knowledge. While it is also true today that the student is given in his public schooling a better and broader educational foundation than the student of yesterday enjoyed, upon which he can more easily build a technical training, the lapse between his high school course and a technical course which aims at specialization is so great that in many instances there is no point of contact. If it is bad judgment from both mental and physical standpoints to jump from the care-free play of boyhood to the strenuous labor of manhood, why isn't it equally bad judgment to lay aside our elementary school books and plunge into highly technical works of advanced science? The world is giving and demanding more as each generation claims its day, and giving and demanding in ever accelerating proportions. The measure of success which rewarded your father's knowledge will be denied you, if you don't prepare to meet keener competition. At the time of entering upon your college education you may not see the advantages of a thorough and comprehensive general education; you may, in fact, regard many of the subjects taught in your technical course as rather superfluous, but-and don't forget this-comprehension is knowledge, whether you learn it in a university school or in the University of Hard Knocks, and knowledge is power, while power judiciously applied spells everything. As a pharmacist your success will be dependent on two major attributes, your individuality and your knowledge; circumstance and environment being conditions of temporary and lesser importance. As a pharmacist your ability as a salesman, as a convincing talker and sympathetic listener, the impression you give as a man of broad understanding, will be dependent as much or more on your general education and knowledge as on your specific knowledge and training. In your pursuit of knowledge, don't become confused to such an extent that you mistake diplomas and degrees as your immediate objective. It might be said you are in training and the diploma you receive is a certificate of health, entitling you to the benefit of a doubt when you start in life's marathon, but the thing which will sustain and permit you to finish erect is the training. The world accepts no excuses and sympathizes with no failures-and neither does modern business -so spare no effects in training, for the world also rewards, and so does modern business.-[J. O. Browder, B. S., Ph. C. CREDULITY.-Man is a dupable animal. Quacks in medicine, quacks in religion, and quacks in politics know this and act on that knowledge. There is scarcely any one who may not, like a trout, be taken by tickling. [Robert Southey. PERSONAL EXPRESSIONS For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. [Proverbs, Chapter XXIII, Verse 7. This department is devoted to expressions from persons who have attained eminence in the pharmaceutical world. The contributions are not formal articles studiously prepared for publication, but something along the conversational line. Thus we give the readers of the Meyer Brothers Druggist a personal touch with some of those whose names are well known to all through their pharmaceutical activities. Eugene Gustavus Eberle, Ph. G., A. M., was graduated by the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1884. Here he is as he appeared when junior student. As witnesses, we have such men as Frank G. Ryan, President of Parke, Davis & Co., Charles H. La Wall, Frank X. Moerk, and C. B. Lowe, now professors in the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, all of whom were classmates of Editor Eberle. Prof. E. G. Eberle, Ph. G., A. M. 1882 It is noised about in something more than a stage whisper that during the sessions of 1882-3 and 1883-4, young Eberle gave evidence of editorial skill. Also that by his quizzing of classmates and expounding the mysteries of pharmaceutical lore, he foreshadowed his liking for teaching. Among the positions which he gave up to assume the editorship of the Journal of the A. Ph. A. was the deanship of the Baylor School of Pharmacy, at Dallas, Texas. A third of a century has passed since the photograph from which our half-tone was made, was taken. Today, the individuality is the same, but more matured and with even greater evidence of solidity of character.-[Editor Meyer Brothers Druggist. some How the Editor of the A. Ph. A. Sizes up His Job. -The editor of an association journal is what differently directed than those of other related publications. The former must keep in mind the objects of the association and that he serves all members, so that the editorials and printed papers of every issue carry messages to all of them and not to a select number only. The American Pharmaceutical Association is a catholic pharmaceutical body, in which the professional is attuned to or blended with the commercial for the best and most efficient service. The usefulness of the association is not alone in promoting the sciences concerned in pharmacy, a knowledge of drugs, etc., but in coordinating all branches of the drug business. The former are essential and important, but they would be found wanting if the means of distribution, or even profitable merchandizing was overlooked. Repeating this important proposition, the members of the American Pharmaceutical Association, and the same interests without the organization, regardless of how different their methods and their activities may be in the drug business, are not hostile rivals. Or should not be, but co-operating votaries, and their growing sense of these essentials, alike in matters professional and in matters commercial, will intensify the importance of the drug business, give all of them a more potential significance as factors among the commercial activities and in professional life. They should be in a true sense a unit in affairs relating to pharmacy, in its broadest mean ing; co-operatives, standing together because thinking together, quick with related purposes and like ideals. Not working in accord-they are subject to all cross currents of confusion, readily attacked because of resulting weakness, but united in object and purpose-they together will achieve the greatest .good for themselves and those to whom service is rendered by pharmacy. This is the aim of the American Pharmaceutical Association, a mutual service organization, and every American pharmacist should enlist in its ranks, its numbers should be increased tenfold. In this work the Journal is deeply interested, desirous of a keener appreciation of pharmacists generally in the work of the American Pharmaceutical Association, upon which has rested the task of developing American pharmacy and awakening a deeper sympathy with its aspirations to translate its ideals into realities. This accomplishment the writer deems of greatest importance; the work of the association is coextensive with its membership, the message therefore is a call of enlistment. EG. Eberle The Meyer Brothers Druggist Personal Expressions Series. On page 10 of the January issue appeared No. 1 of a series of personal expressions, to be continued in this jonrnal. It was written by Professor E. G. Eberle and entitled: "How the Editor of the Journal of the A. Ph. A. Evoluted from the Local Weekly Print Shop." In the February issue we give space on this page to another expression from the same author under the caption: "How the Editor of the A. Ph. A. Journal Sizes up His Job." We have in hand personal expressions from a number of pharmacists whose names are familiar in current pharmaceutical literature. THE TEACHER.-A teacher's work does not die with him. It lives long after, and may give great results. Voltaire says of Virgil that he was Homer's greatest achievement; Dante was Virgil's. In science, and in the teaching of science, we find the same. Medicine teems with instances. Boerhaave inspired Haller; Hunter, Jenner; Cullen, Rush; Bretonneau, Trousseau. Through his pupils a teacher lives; the man passes away, the teacher remains in his pupils and becomes part of them.-[Da Costa. "SUPERSTITION AND THE DOCTOR."-When the doctor writes his prescription at our bedside, do not some of us suspect a special virtue in his hieroglyphs? And do not we half nebulously imagine that if he would bestir himself and employ all the knowledge which hides behind his impenetrable eye, he could work real special miracles in our behalf? The power to imbue us with this mystic confidence is, what we term today a good bedside manner.-[Owen Wister. In making the popular cough syrup, compound syrup of white pine, by the two different systems of weights and measures, the amount of sulphate of morphine will vary. The metric system calls for a half gramme of morphine sulphate in 1000 c.c., while the other system calls for eight grains in one quart. The metric system gives less morphine sulphate. For Godfrey's cordial, the metric system calls for 35 c.c. of tincture of opium in 1000 c.c., while the other system calls for one ounce in a quart. By following the metric system you get more tincture of opium in the finished preparation. This proves the fact that it's not possible to exactly check up the amount of narcotics used by those who manufacture from the National Formulary. By swinging from one system to another small shortages may be covered up. It is the duty of the pharmacists to select the formulas which will give the smallest amount of narcotics. In the formula for Warburg's tincture, the writer sees no good reason for using opium. It is the duty of the National Formulary Revision Committee to carefully figure out the amount of coca, opium and their salts that enter into the formulas of this book, and make as many of the popular ones exempt from the law as possible. In the common household remedies like syrup of white pine compound, Warburg's tincture, and many others, the narcotic ought to be dropped from the formula. Beware of Old Copper Funnels which have the inside lining worn off. Copper is very reactive and is liable to ruin a great many preparations. To Keep Olive Oil.--While the writer cannot see the theory of it, two lumps of sugar added to each quart of olive oil is said to keep it from becoming rancid. About Ice Cream.-Frequently, customers will ask how much to purchase for a given number of persons. A quart of ice cream, if served on plates, will serve six persons. Of course there are some who eat more than one plate, but six to the quart is the general rule. To Clean the Inside of Cases.-A snail, by crawling on the glass, is said to draw its body in such a way that it wipes the dirt off and leaves a polish on the glass. The writer has never seen this experiment tried. However, he has seen other snails clean cases. To Clean Wide-Mouth Bottles.-Procure about two or three feet of small flat chain. Get the cheap kind with sharp edges and hang it on a nail near the sink where it can always be found. Such a chain shaken inside the bottle will tear the stains off the sides and bottom of the bottles much better than gravel or shot. Besides, being more economical and does not clog the sink. The Man That Is Hard to Replace.-There is a saying that every man can be replaced, which might be true. Sometimes it's easier to replace ability than disposition. When the good-natured clerk or boy, who has stood abuse, who has been underpaid, who has never been raised, who was afraid to ask for a raise when such a person does leave, Mr. Proprietor finds it hard to replace him. Ring the Bell.-Frequently in small stores the clerk or proprietor must go to the prescription counter and back room to work and it's necessary for the boy to call them out into the store. The boy must at times perform duties in the rear and he also must be called to the soda fountain. A push-button is a handy thing. One ring, go to drug side. Two rings, soda side. The Value of a Slow Day.-During the writer's experience in busy stores an occasional slow day was usually welcomed. This gives one time to get some manufacturing done and get things in good shape for a rush. The reason so many cannot take care of a rush is because the proper preparation is not made during a slow day. Clerks who are the most valuable during rush hours are the ones who keep busy during slow hours. Two Prescriptions on One Sheet is a nuisance to the pharmacists. There are so many physicians who will continue to write two or more prescriptions on one sheet of paper. Then, too, there are many who will order such things as cotton, gauze, medicine droppers, etc., on the back of a prescription. Two or more prescriptions on one sheet causes confusion in refilling; while little orders on the back of a prescription are often overlooked. When these blanks are sent out to physicians, dentists and veterinarians, have a little typewritten note go with them as follows: Dear Doctor: Please do not write more than one prescription on each sheet of paper, even if there is room for more. Use a separate sheet for each. If it is necessary to order additional items, such as sick room requisites, use a separate sheet for them, even if it is for a single item, only. We are always pleased to keep you supplied with these blanks. Read This Before You Ask a Question. Many questions are thrown in the waste basket each month on account of the correspondents failing to give name and address. The editor has a large basket for such questions. Write questions on separate sheets and on but one side of the paper. No questions will be answered by mail. Spell out in full every word; never abbreviate the names of medicines. Mucicide is a name now being applied to substances used in killing flies, which insect is known technically as musca domestica. Percentage Solutions. You are correct in your supposition that percentage solutions are made by weight. Both the solids and the liquids should be weighed. Oil of Wintergreen to Preserve Cider. The usual formula is one ounce of oil of wintergreen to twenty gallons of cider. Of course, proper precaution must be taken to have the cider containers clean, and the cider protected from unnecessary contaminations. Normal Salt Solution.-This is made by dissolving in distilled water from .6 to .75 per cent of sodium chloride. Such a solution resembles in its action and density most of the animal fluids. Normal salt solution is used in intravenous injection after profuse hemorrhage or severe diarrhoea. "Red Mite" in Chickens. 1/2 oz. Cottonseed oil, to make, Carbolic acid, 1 pint This can be applied once or twice a day to the wounds after they have been properly cleaned up as above explained. Silverware Cleaner.-Make a thin paste of levigated (not precipitated) ) chalk and sodium hyposulphite, in equal parts, rubbed up in distilled water. Apply this paste to the surface, rubbing well with a soft brush. Rinse in clear water and dry in sawdust. Some authorities advise the cleaner to let the paste dry on the ware, and then rub off and rinse with hot water. Spermaceti, White wax, 2 drams 11⁄2 ounce Dissolve with the aid of heat and add oil solub chlorophyll sufficient to produce a bright green tin This same combination can be used for any colo which is soluble in oil. Scarlet red BB and toludin blue produce a beautiful red and blue respectively. Varnish Remover. Powder the alum and rub up with the other ingredients, and cork tightly. When required for use wet sufficient of the powder and with soft linen rags rub the article, being careful not to use much pressure, as otherwise the thin layers of plating may be cut through. Rinse in hot suds, and afterwards i clear water, and dry in sawdust. When badly black ened with silver sulphide, if small, the article may be dipped for an instant in hydrochloric acid and im mediately rinsed in running water. Larger articles may be treated as coins are immersed for two or three minutes in a 10 per cent aqueous solution of sulphuric acid, or the surface may be rapidly wiped with a swab carrying nitric acid and instantly rinsed in running water. Books on the History of Medicine.-The Journal of the A. M. A. gives the following list: Baas, J. H.: Outlines of History of Medicine, New York, W. R. Jenkins Company, $6. Davis, N. S.: History of Medicine, Chicago, Cleveland Press, $2. Garrison, F. H.: Introduction to History of Medicine, Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders Company, $6. Gorton, D. A.: History of Medicine, 2 volumes, New York, G. P. Putnam's Sons, $6. Mumford, J. G.: Medicine in America, Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott Company, $3. Mumford, J. G.: Surgical Memories, New York, Moffatt Yard & Co., $2.50. Neuberger, M.: History of Medicine, New York, Oxford University Press; Vol. I, $9; Vol. II in preparation. Packard, F. R.: History of Medicine in United States, Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott Company, $4. Park, R.: Epitome of History of Medicine, Philadelphia, F. A. Davis Company, $2. Payne, J. F.: English Medicine in Anglo-Saxon Times, New York, Oxford University Press, $2.90 net. Walsh, J. J.: Catholic Churchmen in Science, New York, Fordham University Press, $1. In an enameled kettle of about one gallon capacity, heat the acid almost to boiling. Stir the isinglass, which is usually in stick form, around in it until melted. Continue the heat and stirring until the Walsh, J. J.: Makers of Modern Medicine, New York, Fordham Walsh, J. J.: Old-Time Makers of Medicine, New York, Fordham History of Medicine, Cincinnati, Scudder Broth Chronicles of Pharmacy, New York, The Macmillan Company, 2 volumes, $6.50. |