Griffiths' Mixture. This is the anti-hectic or tonic mixture of Dr. Moses G. Griffiths, who was born in 1720. Griffiths studied at Leyden, where he obtained his degree of M. D. in 1744. He practiced for a number of years in London, from whence he removed to Colchester in 1768, where he wrote his "Practical Observations on the Cure of Hectic and Slow Fevers and the Pulmonary Consumption," which was published in 1776. Waterproof Whitewash.-A waterproof whitewash is in use in Germany. The powder from three parts silicious rock (quartz), three parts broken marble and sandstone, two parts of burned porcelain clay and two parts freshly slaked lime, still warm, are mixed together. This forms a silicate if often wetted, and becomes after a while almost like stone. It is applied quite quickly to a wall or other surface and allowed to dry one day. The next day it is covered frequently with water, which makes it waterproof. Phenacetin is prepared by acting on liquefied phenol with a mixture of sulphuric acid and sodium nitrate, whereby a mixture of ortho and paranitrophenol is obtained. On distillation with steam the ortho is distilled, whereas the para remains and is then purified. After purification it is ethylated by ethyl sulphate or caustic soda, and ethyl iodide and the paranitrophenetol so produced is reduced by nascent hydrogen to paraphenetidin. Prolonged boiling of this substance with acetic acid brings about acetyation, thus producing phenacetin. Shelf Bottle Labels.-You will find that paraffin is a good protective not only for shelf bottle labels but also for other labels that are likely to become damaged or soiled in handling. The old method of application of paraffin was to melt the paraffin and warm the surface to which it was to be applied. At present carbon tetrachloride is used as a solvent for the paraffin which is then applied as would be a varnish. The carbon tetrachloride rapidly evaporates leaving a thin coating of the paraffin on the label. Carbon tetrachloride has the advantage over gasoline or benzin of being non-inflammable. Government Acid Proof Table Finish.-The United States Bureau of Chemistry advocates the use of the following coating for wood work in the laboratory. It is particularly desirable where the wood work comes in contact with various acids: Solution A-125 grms of Copper Sulfate and 125 grms of Potassium Chlorate are dissolved and diluted to 1000 cc. Solution B-60 grms Aniline Hydrochloride and 90 cc. Hydrochloric Acid, sp. gr. 1.20, are dissolved and diluted to 500 cc. Procedure-Paint the wood first with solution A, and as soon as it dries sufficiently, apply a coating of solution B, and let dry for several hours. Wash with hot water and repeat operation, until the color is a dark green. Finish by rubbing with raw linseed oil until a jet black surface is secured. HARRISON ANTI-NARCOTIC LAW Learn This by Heart.-The Harrison Anti-Narcotic Law applies to all preparations, including prescriptions containing more than two grains of opium or more than one-quarter of a grain of morphine, or more than one-eighth of a grain of heroin, or more than one grain of codeine or any salt or derivative of any of them in one fluid ounce or, if a solid or semi-solid preparation, in one avoirdupois ounce, and other preparations which contain cocaine or any of its salts or alpha or beta eucaine or any of their salts or any synthetic substitute for them. State Pharmaceutical Associations have very generally endorsed the Harrison Anti-Narcotic Law. This has not been done in set resolutions but by an expression of general approval. Physicians Must Not Write Prescriptions for Themselves.-A physician desiring a narcotic coming within the law must make use of an official blank and order the same the regular way. Watch Customers Wanting a Truss.-A Chicago pharmacist reports that a customer went behind the prescription case to try on a truss. He decided not to buy the truss but the pharmacist missed 30 grains of cocaine after the customer departed. Lock up Your Narcotics.-Remeber that you are responsible to the Internal Revenue Department for When an accounting of all narcotics you receive. such goods are stolen, you have not only a monetary loss but also the trouble of making proper explanation in your report to the government. Pharmacists and Physicians Should Work Together for the enforcement of the Harrison Anti-Narcotic Law. The Executive Committee of the Detroit R. D. A., at its May meeting, instructed its secretary to prepare a letter regarding the Harrison Anti-Narcotic Law, to be published in the Wayne County Medical Society Bulletin, the object being to secure the cooperation of physicians in the work of making the law effective. Prescriptions for Narcotic Drugs in any Quantity not Exempt from the Provisions of the Act of Congress, Approved December 17, 1914, Unless for "Preparations" or "Remedies" Exempted Under Section 6.-Attention is directed to the paragraph on page 4 of Treasury Decision No. 2172 relating to the exemption of certain "preparations" and "remedies" from the provisions of this law. The question arises whether or not "prescriptions" come within the definition of "preparations" or "remedies," as given in the act. The word "preparation," as generally used and understood, means ready-made or prepared medicines and the word "remedies" means that which cures or is efficacious in a specific disease or diseases under all conditions, while the term "prescription" is the written directions or recipe of a physician for the compounding or preparing of a medicine and directions for its use to meet the existing conditions in the case of a particular patient. It is, therefore, apparent that the exemptions in Section 6 of the Act as interpreted in Treasury Decision No. 2172, relating to "preparations and remedies" containing not more than the specified quan tities of the drugs enumerated, do not apply to "prescriptions" written by registered physicians calling for any quantity of the narcotic drug, unless such "prescription" is written for a "preparation or remedy" prepared in accordance with the U. S. Pharmacopeia, National Formulary, or other formula, or for a "remedy or preparation" prepared under private or proprietary formula, carried in stock by a dealer, which may be dispensed without a "prescription." Every "prescription" therefore, containing a narcotic drug in any quantity, with the exemptions noted, must have indicated thereon the name and address of the patient, the date, the name and address Such of the physician, and his registry number. "prescriptions" cannot be refilled and must be filed for a period of two years. W. H. Osborn, Commissioner. PURELY PERSONAL Dr. George F. Payne is a member of the Engineering Commission of the City of Atlanta, Ga. His term expires in 1916. Charles H. Bowersox has resigned his editorial position with the National Drug Clerk, Chicago, on account of press of other duties. L. W. Coleman is now associate editor of The National Drug Clerk, published at Chicago. He has been contributing editor for the past two years. Dean Frederick J. Wulling, of the University of Minnesota Department of Pharmacy, addressed the Department of Pharmacy of the University of Nebraska at a banquet, May 12. W. H. Cousins, formerly of Wichita Falls, Tex., and now proprietor of The Southern Pharmaceutical Journal, at Dallas, is welcomed to the editorial fraternity by the journals of this country. Robert H. Walker was surprised at the Texas Ph. A. meeting, this year, by Mrs. E. Clinton Murray, who, on behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary, presented him with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a speech The Houston that was even prettier than flowers. Chronicle says the old war horse of the Texas Ph. A. was equal to the occasion and responded as if he had been perched on the star. BIRTHS Tyson.-Lester Raymond Tyson, Jr., is the name of the young man who arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Raymond Tyson, Midvale, Ida., June 4. Grabenschrorer. Fred W. Grabenschrorer, druggist at 4101 Juniata avenue, St. Louis, registered a nine-pound boy on June 6. Mr. Grabenschrorer says that the son shows aspirations for pharmacy. IF YOU are seeking a situation, consult the MEYER BROTHERS Druggist, THE man who can sell people only what they came to buy will never be entitled to much of an increase in wages. MISSOURI PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION THE THIRTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING, HELD AT PERTLE SPRINGS (WARRENSBURG) WAS Commercial Pharmacy in the Ascendency; Stevens Bill Re-endorsed; Profit-Sharing Coupons Condemned; mercial Exhibits Are on the Wane; Excelsior Springs Ex-Presidents Walter C. Bender and R. L. Hope Nominated as Candidates for the Vacancy on the Board of One Hundred Members, Fifty-nine Salesmen and Thirty-eight Ladies in Attendance. Seventy New Members Elected. Eight Became President Jesse E. Koppenbrink says that now is the tine to begin preparations for the 1916 meeting at Excelsior Springs, June 13-16. The Missouri Pharmaceutical Association held its thirty-seventh annual meeting, at Pertle Springs, where fourteen previous conventions of the association have occurred. The 1916 meeting is scheduled for Excelsior Springs, June 13-16, at which place the Mo. Ph. A. has previously convened seven times. William Mittelbach and Charles E. Zinn reported as delegates to the A. Ph. A. President O. J. Cloughly, in his annual address, reviewed trade conditions and referred to the excellent work accomplished by Mo. Ph. A. members in preventing the stamp tax on the long list of goods handled by pharmacists. In commenting on the address, J. M. Love said, "It is rarely the case that we have the pleasure of listening to such a splendid report, so clearly presented and embodying so many important features that it should come up for consideration by the association." Treasurer Mittelbach reported a cash balance of $416.71, with a net membership of 668 members. About one hundred and fifty are to be dropped for the non-payment of dues. Eight became life members on account of having paid for twenty-five consecutive years. A total of seventy new members was elected. Owing to the absence of the chairman, Professor Francis Hemm, H. D. Llewellyn looked after the work of the Committee on Papers and Queries. He established a query box ample in size, but which failed to attract interesting questions, as was the case when the query box was an important feature of the meetings, years ago. The report of Dr. Leo Suppan, historian of the association, was read by H. D. Llewellyn. It gave a list of interesting material secured and preserved in Times and J. W. Mackelden, who had assisted in the work of the committee. It is evident that the historical instinct is gaining favor among Missouri pharmacists. Fraternal greetings were received from a number of pharmaceutical associations in session during the week. William Mittelbach, chairman of the Committee on U. S. P., stated that the committee would present a digest of the U. S. P. IX as soon as it was on the market. The report of the Committee on Drug Adulterations, submitted by Chairman M. M. Whitney, dealt particularly with olive oil, and Fowler's Solution. While some interesting samples, not true to name, were submitted, the committee feels that the condition of the drug market, as far as adulterations are concerned in Missouri, is improving. Charles E. Meyer reported as chairman of a special committee to add to the Mo. Ph. A. membership from the ranks of Rexallites. He reviewed in detail his campaign and submitted eleven applications for membership. This was considered a very good showing and Mr. Meyer was advised to continue his work along the same lines. While discussing membership, Charles E. Zinn stated that the main advantage of a large membership was that realized when the Mo. Ph. A. is father of proposed pharmaceutical legislation or opposed to iniquitous bills. William Mittelbach reviewed the plan of sub-committees on legislation and showed how even a small membership, properly organized, can exert great influence on the members of the legislature. Mr. Zinn said that a pharmacy law restricting the sales of all medicines, even patent preparations to registered pharmacists, would cause an increased membership. Secretary H. M. Whelpley submitted his twentythird annual report. He reviewed the activities of the association as far as his office is concerned since the 1914 convention. Communications were read from Fred W. Sultan and others who were unable to be present, but who extended fraternal greetings to those in attendance. The Modern Pharmacy Law in preparation by the section on Education and Legislation of the A. Ph. A. was considered, but no definite recommendations made. Charles E. Zinn considered the Missouri Law almost ideal. Frederick H. Fricke, Chairman of the Committee on Legislation, reported that no amendments had been made to the pharmacy law by the recent legislature. T. T. Clifford, of Sedalia, reported on the sixty-two charter members of the Mo. Ph. A. who organized the association, October 29, 1879, at Sedalia. He learned the date of the deceased members and location of the twenty-four who are still living. Edwin G. Cox, Secretary of the Missouri Board of Pharmacy, made a verbal report and stated that the printed report would be ready for distribution in the near future. The Harrison Anti-Narcotic Law was discussed with particular attention to the decisions of the Internal Revenue Department. No criticism was made of the intent and purpose of the law. The Stevens Price Maintenance Bill, which will be intoduced in the next Congress, was the subject of discussion for half a day or more. The retiring president, O. J. Cloughly, and president-elect, J. E. Koppenbrink, led the discussion. Representatives of the wholesale drug trade, particularly Judge W. T. Bland and John T. Kennedy, endorsed the bill with extensive explanations of the proposed measure. A. N. Doerschuk and some others surmised that the Stevens Bill had hidden provisions not favorable to the drug trade. The symposium resulted in the unquali fied endorsement of the bill. Missouri can be depended upon for strong support when Congress again meets. The profit-sharing coupon plan which is in so general operation received much attention at the Mo. Ph. A convention. President O. J. Cloughly read a paper on the subject giving some very interesting and surprising statistics as to the extent of the plan and the manner in which it takes money out of the community. A number participated in the discussions. Those who pay dues in the Mo. Ph. A. for twentyfive consecutive years automatically become life members. Treasurer Mittelbach in a rather formal manner presents them with certificates of life membership at the meeting. This year, the ceremonies He said this led the public to buy synthetics and other medicines direct from the drug store without consulting a physician. Paul L. Hess said he had a collection of orders written by customers for various synthetics. He had more than one customer tell him when presenting a prescription that the customer would add certain ingredients, a supply of which was on hand at home. Mr. Hess attributed this trouble partly to the custom of writing prescriptions in English. The selection of Excelsior Springs for the 1915 meeting, the week of June 13, consumed almost a session of time and brought out an unsual amount of oratory. From 1884 to 1887, inclusive, the association met at Sweet Springs. Then for two years, at Pertle Springs, and from 1890 to 1896, inclusive, at St. Louis Drug Club. Sample members at Mo. Ph. A. convention, June 15-18, 1915. Left to right: Lorenz A. Seitz, Frank Klein, C. A. Sisler, H. M. Whelpley, President Frank J. O'Neill, Charles Wagner, William F. Kahre, R. W. Walther. were particularly interesting and the following eight were placed on the special list by the statute of limitation: O. F. Heitmeyer, St. Louis; J. H. Barnes, Liberty; W. R. Brasfield, Garden City; E. J. Dunlap, Gillam; Ambrose Mueller, Webster Groves; T. F. Van Natta, St. Joseph; Thomas Finn, Boonsboro; J. E. Gutridge, Calhoun. Women in Pharmacy became a subject of discussion by the reading of a paper, written by Mrs. M. M. Whitney on "Do Women Clerks Pay?" Some deplored the fact that women must enter the commercial world, but all agreed that women in pharmacy are a success. Dr. A. H. Koch discussed the department store and ten-cent store competition. A. N. Doerschuk pointed out a general tendency on the part of physicians to familiarize patients with the names and nature of the medicines prescribed. Excelsior Springs. 1897 found the association at Meramec Highlands, another summer resort. From 1900 to 1908, inclusive, the conventions were held at Pertle Springs. The meeting at Maryville in 1910 was held in tents, which made a camping out experiment, The meetings from 1912 to 1914, inclusive, were at Pertle Springs. Thus, summer resorts have monopolized practically all of the thirty-eight meetings of the association. These facts cause the invitation of T. T. Clifford for Sedalia to stand out in bold relief. The three places in nomination with the votes cast were as follows: Excelsior Springs, 31 votes; Sedalia, 11 votes; Pertle Springs, 10 votes. The generous conditions offered the association by R. S. Ford, on behalf of Excelsior Springs, won the convention. |