EXHIBITORS at the American Pharmaceutical Association

in San Francisco on the 24th of June next are requested to communicate without delay with Prof. E.W. Runyon, the local secretary, at 53 Stevenson street, San Francisco, Cal. As this is to be the first meeting of the association on the Pacific coast, a special effort is being made to render it very attractive, and to include in the exhibition whatever is of interest to druggists.

Correction.

IN the paper by Edo Claassen, on "Improvement in Filter Papers," quoted in our last number, page 51, from the American Journal of Pharmacy, the word centimeters, in the text and the illustrations, had better be read millimeters, according to a note by the author in the succeeding number of the A. J. A. [Of course, it makes no difference, which of the two denominations of measure is chosen. Looking at the size of the illustrations, millimeter might perhaps be more appropriate.] Mr. Claassen also states that it will be advantageous in many cases to again fold the narrow strip (indicated in the figures by dotted lines) by bringing its lower end, commencing at the angle, over to the inner crease, thus forming a small triangle; and in case the neck of the funnel should be unnecessarily large, he recommends to support the filter in a cone of writing paper, folded like a plain filter, but having the point cut off sufficiently to permit the lower end of the filter to project beyond the aperture.

College of Pharmacy of the City of New York.-The annual election of officers was held on Thursday, March 21st, at the College building, 209-211 East 23d street. The following were elected:

President: Ewen McIntyre.

Vice-Presidents: H. J. Menninger, George C. Close, W. L. Vennard.

Treasurer: David Hays.

Secretary: J. N. Hegeman.

Trustees, to serve for three years: B. F. McIntyre, S. J. Bendiner, Emlen Painter, Chas. F. Schleussner.

The examination of the two classes takes place from April 1st to 5th, and the Commencement will be held on Tuesday, April 16th, 7:30 P.M., at Steinway Hall.

Attention is called to the fact that the Summer Course in Practical Botany, combined with botanizing excursion, under Prof. Schrenk, begins on April 10th.

American Medical Association. This association meets on the 25th to 28th of June, inclusive, in Newport, R. I., and H. R. Storer, M.D., Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, invites applications for spaces in the exhibition. As the room to be devoted to an exhibit is somewhat limited, an early application is rather essential, and the applicant should state the nature of the proposed exhibit. Address Dr. Charles A. Brackett, Newport, R. I.

Botany in the College of Pharmacy.-The lectures to the summer class in Practical Botany at the College of Pharmacy of the City of New York will commence on Wednesday, April 10th, at 4.30 P.M., and will be continued every Wednesday until the end of June. This course, in which botanical excursions are included, is open to all (ladies as well as gentlemen) who desire to be instructed in the science of botany. The attention of prospective pharmaceutical students is particularly directed to this opportunity to become initiated into an important branch of their curriculum. The course in microscopic botany will begin on Thursday, April 11th, at 7.30 P.M. Thorough individual instruction will be given to a limited number of ladies and gentlemen in all the more important microscopical manipulations. Particulars may be obtained by applying to the clerk of the college, 209-211 E. 23d St., or to Prof. Jos. Schrenk, at Hoboken, N. J.

Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.-A letter from Mr. R. N. Girling, of New Orleans informs us that at the last meeting of the State Board of Pharmacy, 573 applications had been received for registration under the law approved by the Governor on the 11th of July, 1888. The board consists of A. N. Girling (chairman), A. K. Finlay, and R. L. Iler. Mr. F. C. Godbold, cor. Magazine and Thalia sts., is the secretary, and written examinations are held on Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Materia Medica, Toxicology, Practical Pharmacy, Adulteration of Drugs, Reading and Compounding Prescriptions, Doses, and such other subjects as may be deemed expedient by the committee.

:

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.-186 pupils received the degree of Graduate in Pharmacy on the 19th of March (68th Annual Commencement); one of the number was a woman, named Emma Bour Nardyz. The following prizes were awarded Certificate of proficiency in Chemistry, to H. J. M. Schroeder, Ph.G. The PROCTOR PRIZE of a gold medal and certificate for highest grade of scholarship and meritorious theses, to F. B. Quackenbush, Messrs. H. V. Arny, G. A. Krauss, E. S. Reeder, J. H. Small, C. M. Southall, and J. L. Weil were distinguished, and J. Calvin, G. A. Dietz, Jr., H. R. Gillespie, R. A. Hotchis, H. V.

Haak, I. F. Kilgus, H. Kraemer, and G. H. Ray were meritorious. The H. C. LEA PRIZE of $100, for the best thesis was won by H. Kraemer. The MATERIA MEDICA PRIZE (a Zentmayer microscope) for original histological work on American plants, went to H. Kraemer, with honorable mention of H. V. Arny and G. H. Ray. The PHARMACY PRIZE (gold medal) for original pharmaceutical work, to F. B. Quackenbush, with honorable mention of C. D. Kingston and S. E. Howell. The CHEMICAL PRIZE (chemical balance) to G. A. Krauss, for original quantitation analysis, with honorable mention of G. A. Deitz, Jr., F. V. Cassaday and J. L. Weill. The ANALYTICAL CHEMICAL PRIZE ($25) for original work, to F. B. Quackenbush. The JAMES S. ROBINSON PRIZE gold medal and certicate) chemistry and analytical chemistry, C. M. Somthall. The JOHN M. MAISCH PRIZE ($20) for histological knowledge of drugs to Augustus Bradley, with honorable mention to a number of competitors. The OPERATIVE PHARMACY PRIZE to W. B. Crawford, Jr. The THEORETICAL PHARMACY PRIZE, to E. S. Reider.

Ohio Pharmaceutical Association.-The eleventh annual meeting will be at Mansfield, Ohio, June 4th, 5th and 6th. Ample arrangements have been made for the exhibition in a hall 67x77 feet, which also serves as the ante-room to the meeting hall. E. H. Lindsey is the Local Secretary (to whom all inquiries relative to the facilities for exhibiting goods should be addressed), and W. M. Barton, Dr. A. H. McCullough, and F. B. Grove are the Committee on Exhibit.

Cincinnati College of Pharmacy.-The annual com mencement was held on the 14th of March, in the Musik Verein Hall and the following-named gentleman were made alumni: A. Bauer, R. S. Burnett, L. C. F. Cramer, C. Fleischmann, C. Fredricks, Jr., W. F. Fuldner, H. H. Groathaus, H. Herr, A. A. Krieg, M. Metzger, G. J. Mitchell, J. W. Morford, V. C. Muehlberg, H. Nippert, A. F. Schmidt, W. V. Skillman, H. W. Stegemiller, L. C. Widrig. A ball followed the graduating exercises, when the company danced to such music as Castor-oil Lanciers, Creosote Polka, Flaxseed Quadrille, Rochelle Schottische, Paregoric Waltz, etc.

American Pharmaceutical Association.-E. W. Runyon, the Local Secretary of the Association, invites correspondence relation to the exhibition which will be coincident with the meeting. His address is 53 Stevenson street, San Francisco, Cal.

Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical_Association.-The next meeting will be held in Scranton, June 4th, instead of June 11th, as announced. This is to enable those who desire to do so to attend the meeting of this association as well as that of the Amer. Pharm. Assoc. in San Francisco.

The Croatian Pharmacopoeia.-The first edition of an Croatian Pharmacopoeia was published on the first of January, and corresponds very closely to the Hungarian Pharmacopoeia.

A NEW edition of the Pharmacopoeia Neerlandica wil soon appear, the manuscript having been completed and placed in the hands of the Minister of the Interior.Pharm. Jour.

Season Tickets for the Paris "Exhibition."-An official notice just published sets forth that season tickets will be issued at 100f. to the public, and 26f. to members of committees. Applicants are to give two of their photographs, card size, one of which will be returned with the receipt on the back, and will form the admission ticket. Foreigners may send the money to the Minister of Finance, Caisse centrale du Trésor," by post-office order, in a registered letter, together with two of their photos, and 10 cts. extra for revenue stamp and return postage. They will receive by mail a receipt, against which, on coming to Paris, they will be handed their admission ticket. Members of committees must add official documents establishing their position.-Chem, and Drugg.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Pharmaceutical Excursion to the Paris Exposition.

SEVERAL pharmacists of my acquaintance, in conversation or by letter, having expressed regrets that the California excursion of the A. P. A. had been arranged at a season of the year inconvenient for them to leave, it has been suggested that an effort be made to arrange a party to visit the Paris Exposition leaving about July 20th, to be gone from thirty to thirty-five days, allowing from two to three weeks in Europe. Inquiries have elicited the fact that a party not to exceed forty can do this, allowing seven to ten days in Paris and three to five in London, for a sum ot exceeding $200, by taking second cabin on the French lone of steamers, which are unexcelled in every respect by i he

transatlantic fleet. Friends who have travelled second cabin by this line say that in the way of comforts as regards state-rooms and table, to a company travelling together, it is all that could be desired. The first cabin would cost about $75 additional. Rooms and guides could be secured in advance. For about $25 additional, a trip down the Rhine could be arranged. Those desiring to extend their stay could do so. In order to secure accommodations, it would be necessary to have names booked not later than June 15th. Further information furnished on application. J. W. COLCORD.

BOSTON, March 18th, 1889.

Seventh Decennial Convention for Revising the Pharmacopoeia of the United States of America.

NOTICE is hereby given that, in accordance with and by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Convention of 1880, I hereby call upon the several incorporated Medical Societies, incorporated Medical Colleges, incorporated Colleges of Pharmacy, and incorporated Pharmaceutical Societies throughout the United States of America, The American Medical Association, and The American Pharmaceutical Association, to elect a number of delegates, not exceeding three, and upon the Surgeon-General of the Army, Surgeon-General of the Navy, and the SurgeonGeneral of the Marine Hospital Service to appoint, each, not exceeding three medical officers to attend a General Convention for the Revision and Publication of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States of America, to assemble in the city of Washington, D. C., on the first Wednesday of May, 1890 (May 7th), at twelve o'clock noon.

The several bodies, as well as the Medical Departments of the Army, Navy and Marine Hospital Service, are hereby requested to submit the Pharmacopoeia to a careful revision, and to transmit the result of their labors to the Committee of Revision at least three months before the meeting of the General Convention.

The several Medical and Pharmaceutical bodies are hereby requested to transmit to me, as the President of the Convention of 1880, the names and residences of their respective delegates, as soon as they shall have been appointed; a list of these delegates shall thereupon be published under my authority, for the information of the medical public, in the newspapers and medical journals in the month of March, 1890.

In the event of the death, resignation or inability of the President of the Convention of 1880 to act, these duties (in accordance with the Resolution of that Convention) shall devolve, successively, in the following order of precedence, upon the Vice-Presidents, the Secretary, the Asst. Secretary, and the Chairman of the Committee of Revision and Publication of the Pharmacopoeia.

These officers are as follows: First Vice-President, Samuel C. Busey, M.D., of Washington, D. C.; Second Vice-President, P. W. Bedford, Ph.G., of New York; Secretary, Frederick A. Castle, M.D., of New York; Assistant Secretary, C. H. A. Kleinschmidt, M. D., of Washington, D. C.; Chairman of Committee of Revision, Charles Rice, Ph.D., of New York; First Vice-Chairman of the Committee of Revision, Joseph P. Remington, Ph. M., of Philadelphia, Pa.; Second Vice-Chairman of the Committee of Revision, C. Lewis Diehl, Ph. G., of Louisville, Ky.

At the General Convention held in Washington, D. C., on the fifth day of May, 1880, the organizations and bodies enumerated in the Abstract of the Proceedings of the National Convention of 1880, on pp. xv. to xviii. of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1882-a list of which will be found appended to this call-were recognized as being entitled to representation.

If any body other than those admitted in 1880 shall desire a representation in the Convention of 1890, it is suggested that the proof of incorporation, signed by the Secretary of State of the State which shall have issued the charter, or by properly qualified public officials of the United States, be presented with the credentials of the delegation.

A blank form of certificate of appointment of delegates will be sent upon application by letter to my address, care of Dr. Edwin H. Brigham, Assistant Librarian of the Boston Medical Library, 19 Boylston Place, Boston, Mass. ROBERT AMORY, President of the Convention of 1880.

BOSTON, March 9th, 1889.

List of Incorporated Bodies and of Government Departments represented in the Pharmacopoeial Convention of 1880.

Connecticut Medical Society; Iowa State Medical Society; Massachusetts Medical Society; Medical Society of the State of New York; Medical Society of the State of North Carolina.

College of Physicians and Surgeons in the City of New York; College of Physicians, Philadelphia; Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland; Medical Society of the District of Columbia; New York Academy of Medicine; Philadelphia County Medical Society.

Albany Medical College, Med. Dept. of Union University, Albany, N. Y.; Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York; College of Medicine, Syracuse University, Syracuse,

N. Y.; College of Physicians and Surgeons, Med. Dept. of Columbia College, New York; Dartmouth Medical College, Hanover, N. H.; Department of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa.; Medical College of Indiana, Med. Dept. of Butler University, Irvington, Ind.; Medical Department of Howard University, Washington, D. C.; Medical Department of Iowa State University, Iowa City; Medical Department of the University of Georgetown, Washington, D. C.; Medical Department of the University of Maryland, Baltimore; Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.; Medical Department of the University of Virginia, Charlotteville, Va.; Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, O.; Missouri Medical College, St. Louis; National Medical College, Med. Dept. of Columbian University, Washington, D. C.; Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill.; University of the City of New York, Med. Dept., New York; Woman's Medical College of the New York Infirmary, New York; Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.

Chicago College of Pharmacy, Chicago, Ill.; Cincinnati College of Pharmacy, Cincinnati, Ohio; College of Pharmacy of the City of New York, N. Y.; Louisville College of Pharmacy, Louisville, Ky.; Maryland College of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Md.; Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, Boston, Mass.; National College of Pharmacy, Washington, D. C.; Pennsylvania College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, Pa.; Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, Pa.; St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, Mo.; University of Michigan, School of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Medical Department of the U. S. Army; Medical Department of the U. S. Navy; U. S. Marine Hospital Ser

vice.

Examinations by the Maine Board of Pharmacy. To the Pharmacists of Maine:

APPEALS have often been made to the Commissioners of Pharmacy for copies of the questions to be asked at an examination, or at least for some indication as to the direction and range of the questions. The first of these requests cannot, for obvious reasons, be complied with. As to the second, when we consider the portentous volume of the text-books, the overwhelming multitude of details contained in them, the hopelessness of memorizing more than a minute fraction of their contents, and the aimless and discouraging wandering of a student in search of probable subjects for examination, the wish expressed seems only reasonable. Impressed with this conviction, the Commissioners have decided on giving some suggestions for a course of reading as a preparation for the questions which may be contained in the question paper next to be formulated. In order to afford time for the prescribed course of reading, the question paper prepared in August, 1888, will be employed in examinations for the most part, and perhaps all of the current year, and the new Question Paper will be prepared in season for the February examination of 1890. But the course of reading prescribed will be of advantage in aiding to answer the questions now in use.

In Materia Medica, then, we shall ask some questions about the remedies which have been made officinal within the last ten years. Examples: Acid Boric, Acid Hydrobromic, Acid Ŏleic, Acid Salicylic, Auri et Sodii Chloridum, Caffeina, Camphora Monobromata, Chrysarobinum, Erythroxylon, Eucalyptus, Glycyrrhizinum Ammoniatum, Guarana, Lithium, Physostigma, Pilocarpine, Thymol, Viburnum. A more complete catalogue will be found in the Pharmacopoeia of 1880 (6th revision), in the List of Articles added.

In Chemistry the student is recommended carefully to read the first fifty-eight or sixty pages of Attfield, paying particular attention to the two or three pages of definitions; then read the chemistry of the Basylous Radicals or Metals, giving due heed to the symbols and formulas, so that he can correctly compute the number of atoms in any given formula, and from their atomic weight can compute the molecular weight of a compound, or the percentage of each constituent. The student may also be required to tell us how much of any given element is present in an ounce or a gramme of any compound. Study also with care the analytical tables on pages 123, 161, 218, 219, 254, 255, not forgetting the notes on the tables, which sometimes go before them and sometimes follow them. (The pages quoted are of the 10th edition; in other editions they may differ more or less.) After the June examination of the present year, the plea that the applicant has never studied Chemistry will not be accepted as a valid excuse for failure to answer, in part at least, the Chemical Questions.

In Pharmacy, Remington or Parrish generally, with special attention to Chapter I. (Remington) on Metrology. We believe that the Metric System and Parts by Weight have come to stay, and shall accordingly formulate some questions bearing on that system of Weights and Measures, and also upon the relations between weight and volume, especially of liquids. Study also Chapter LXV. on Incompatibilities. Some of the questions we shall ask in Extemporaneous Pharmacy will belong to one or the other

of the two previous departments. We don't propose to burden the student with memorizing long lists of specific gravities or atomic weights; sufficient data will be given with every question involving such quantities for computation. We would like to know whether the applicant knows anything about the articles he is working with when he is compounding a prescription.

We shall be happy to aid any student entering upon the above course of study and encountering any difficulty with advice or explanation to the best of our ability, if he writes to us, inclosing stamp for return postage, and stating his trouble.

We issue this circular by way of experiment. We are conscious that much which ought to be included is left out; yet it comprises very much more than can be contained in any question paper for examinations as we are compelled to conduct them under present conditions. We hope, however, for some good results from this first attempt, which has been made in the interest of those who have never enjoyed the advantages of a College of Pharmacy. BY ORDER OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF PHARMACY. PORTLAND, February, 1889.

No. 2,300.-Toddy (P.).

.120 grains. .120 .240 40

66

66

10 drops.

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6

2

8 fl. oz.

.enough to make 32 “***

This word, designates an intoxicating beverage prepared originally in India, and at present in many other tropical countries, from the juice obtained by wounding the spathes or stems of certain palms, or from the fruit stalks. The name toddy is a vernacular modification (tádi, or tâdî, written with a cerebral d) of the old Sanskrit word tála, which denotes the wine-palm, Borassus flabelliformis, and is of very common occurrence, even in old Sanskrit literature. From this is derived tâlî, which denotes the wine made from the palm, and this word, in passing into the vernaculars, became modified to tadi.

The word toddy has, of course, no relation whatever to the family name Todd, as might be inferred from the fact that several authorities (such as the French Pharmacopoeia) quote a "Potio Todd," which happens to be a spiced kind of brandy, and appears to have originated with some person of the name of Todd, though we have not searched the literature to make sure of this point. Our object here was to put on record the correct etymology of the word toddy.

No. 2,301.-Champagne-Cider (H.).

One of our confrères in the country writes that he has a large lot of apple cider barrelled up in his cellar since last fall. He would like to turn it into champagnecider," and asks us to send him a formula.

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We do so with the reservation that we give the formula on the authority of others, who speak well of it. We have never had occasion to try it. It would be well to experiment on a small scale first, as there will be less risk of spoiling the remainder:

Mix them. In the case of the sugar, dissolve this in a part of the cider, and add this to the remainder. Let the mixture stand during two weeks in a moderately cool place, but watch it carefully, as it should not ferment before it is bottled. Finally take out a few gallons, mix them intimately with gallon of skimmed milk, and incorporate the mixture thoroughly with the contents of the cask, which will thereby be clarified. Lastly, bottle the clear liquid, and secure the corks. Keep the bottles in a moderately cool place on their sides, or standing up-side down,

No. 2,302.-Hensel's Tonicum (Wheeling). "Can you furnish me with a working formula for a preparation called Hensel's Tonicum,' or, at least, can you untangle its ponderous chemical formula, which is given as:

"Fe," (C,H12O12) Fe" (C,H,O)? A recent advertisement of the preparation contains vague allusions to formic acid, which I have failed to associate with the above formula."

We know nothing of the preparation in question. Regarding "formic acid," the chemical formula of which is CH.O., there is no possibility of making this agree with any part of the above formula. Taking the first part, the Fe."" would indicate that these two atoms of triad iron replace 6 atoms of hydrogen in an acid, the original formula of which must have been C.H18O12. Now we have made some attempt to find such an acid in chemical literature, but have so far failed. There may be a chemical individual corresponding to the above, and we shall be glad if any of our readers can solve the riddle.

The second part of the formula is plainer. The dyad iron indicates that the formula of the acid was originally C.H10O8. This is the formula for saccharic acid, which in most compounds is bibasic: C.H.BaO, barium saccharate. Whether the designers of the formula had in view an acid C.H.O1, or whether there is an error in the figures, we cannot say.

No. 2,303.-Impregnating Casks, Wooden Vessels, etc., with Paraffin.

Wooden vessels may be rendered impervious to ordinary liquids by careful impregnation with paraffin. Of course, it is presumed that the joints of staves, heads, etc., are as tight and close-fitting as it is practicable to make them. Supposing a wooden tub is to be paraffined. It must first be thoroughly dried in a warm place. If possible, several weeks should be consumed by this drying process. Then 1 part of paraffin is melted, under constant stirring, over a moderate fire; when all is melted the heat is withdrawn, and the mass stirred until it begins to stiffen on the surface. It is then carefully mixed with 6 parts of petroleum ether, or bisulphide of carbon, and the solution freely applied to the tub by means of a brush, as long as the wood absorbs any of it. If the tub is to be used only for cold liquids, it is only necessary to allow the volatile menstruum to evaporate, when it will be ready for use.

When the vessel is to be used for hot liquids, the inner and outer surfaces of the tub are finally coated (according to E. Schaal, Dingl. Pol. Journ. 271, 237) with a dilute solution of sodium silicate, allowed to dry and then washed off with dilute hydrochloric acid. The silica thus set free closes the external pores and prevents the paraffin from oozing out.

in which the quantity of bichloride may, of course, be reduced to any desired lower strength. The author directs to soak the fabrics in this solution during 2 hours, then to wring them out and to dry them.

It is, however, a pertinent question whether the efficacy of corrosive sublimate dressings is not dependent upon the fact that the salt does undergo decomposition, and by the liberation of nascent chlorine accomplish the effects aimed at. This being the case, it is evident that any method which retards in any considerable degree this change in the bichloride will in just so far render the application of the dressing useless.

No. 2,305.-Jujube Paste (Colorado).

This is prepared by infusing 5 parts of jujubes (see below) with enough water to make 35 parts of clear infusion, then dissolving in this 30 parts of gum-arabic and 20 parts of sugar, evaporating, adding 2 parts of orangeflower water, keeping at a slow and gentle boil for twelve hours, and then pouring into moulds.

The Zizyphus Jujuba Lam. or jujube tree is found all through southern and eastern Asia, though in some parts other species of Zizyphus predominate. Its wood is tough and strong, and used for many technical purposes. The fruit of the wild kind is dried, powdered, and used in this form in some countries. In others, the tree is carefully cultivated, grafting being commonly resorted to, as this produces a large and milder tasting fruit. The bark is used in the Moluccas in diarrhoea (being a plain astringent), and the root, combined with some aromatics, in fever. Besides the species already mentioned, the Zizyphus vulgaris, native of Syria, furnishes the largest supply of the European jujube paste manufacturers.

In India (Bombay), the market is usually supplied from China and the Persian Gulf ports (Dymock). The Chinese dried fruit is there preferred, as it is larger and sweeter. It is 1 to 13 inches long, and inch broad; skin red, much shrivelled; pulp adherent to the stone, spongy, sweet, and yellow; stone of an inch long, very hard and rugose, apex sharp-pointed, shell very thick, seed oblong, flat, of a chestnut color, of an inch long, and broad. The fruit from the Persian Gulf is somewhat smaller.

No. 2,306.-Florida Water (D. S. W.). There are various formulas scattered through the literature for making a "Florida Water," but we cannot guarantee that they will produce a product equal to that made by large manufacturers, who have more facilities and better selected ingredients than the maker on a small scale. Florida Water has an immense sale all through the West Indies, Central and South America, the chief supply being from a well-known New York house.

We append a formula for Florida Water, given by Cristiani:

Dissolve the oils in the alcohol, then add the water. Allow the mixture to stand for some days before filtering and bottling.

Cristiani gives the quantity of oil of cinnamon as pint. But this must be a misprint, as the odor of this quantity of oil of cinnamon would overcome that of the other oils.

Tincture of orris is directed to be made from 2 lbs. of orris root, and a mixture of 7 pints of alcohol and 1 of water.

Tincture of balsam of Peru is made by dissolving 1 lb. of the balsam in 1 gallon of alcohol.

No. 2,307.-Alcoholic Yeast (M. B.).

This correspondent wants a formula for making yeast. In referring to one which he says he has tried and found a failure, he probably errs when he quotes our journal, as we do not remember having published such a formula in the regular text.

We will, however, take from our files the following, which is well spoken of.

Mix common wheat flour with water to a thick paste, cover it loosely, and keep it for some time in a moderately warm place. After 3 or 4 days it will begin to exhale a disagreeable odor, which will, however, after a few more days give way to a distinctly vinous odor. At the same time gas will be evolved from the mass. In this condition it is fit to excite the vinous fermentation. Now make a wort by pouring upon 10 parts of coarsely ground malted barley 100 parts of almost boiling water. Add 1 oz. of hops for every 2 gallons of the latter. Cover well during one hour. Then strain through a fine sieve or a cloth, and set the filtrate aside until it cools to about 90° F. Now, add the decomposed dough-about 1 oz. (or more) for every gallon-previously diluted with tepid water, mix well, and keep the mixture in a warm place.

Fermentation will soon begin, carbonic acid gas being discharged. When the liquid has become clear, this is drawn off, and the yeast will be found as a layer at the bottom.

This may be used at once, in a semifluid condition, or it may be preserved for use by transferring it to bottles or stone jugs, which must be completely filled, and well stoppered. A layer of olive oil poured on top will keep out the air. The bottles must be kept in a cold and dark place.

No. 2,308.-Huebl's "Iodine-Number" (Ga.).

In the course of correspondence with several of our subscribers who are interested in certain fixed oils, it has been ascertained that the knowledge of Huebl's (Hübl's) method of distinguishing oils, by comparing their respective capacity of absorbing and combining with iodine, is comparatively little known or used here. A somewhat detailed description of it will, therefore, be welcome.

Nearly all fats and fixed oils contain members of different groups of fatty acids. One of these groups is that which begins with formic acid (CH2O.), and includes, among others, butyric, capric, myristic, palmitic, margaric, stearic, etc., acids. This group represents the so-called saturated fatty acids. Its members have no affinity, under ordinary circumstances, towards halogens, such as iodine. The fatty acids belonging to the other series, however, that beginning with acrylic (C.H.O.)-including hypogæic, oleic, and other acids-and that beginning with tetrolic acid, have a decided affinity for halogens, as they are not saturated. By estimating the amount of iodine which each one can combine with, a clue to the identity of the different fatty acids and fats may be obtained.

Of course, if it is not known beforehand that the fat under examination is derived from a single natural source, the determination of the iodine number is of but little value, since two or more fats, of high and low iodine numbers, may have been mixed together, and the compound may show the iodine number of some simple natural fat of intermediary position. But if the iodine number is either the highest or the lowest that has ever been observed upon pure fats, then the operator has probably samples of pure fats (from either end of the series) under his hands.

Iodine, when brought in contact with fats in the cold, acts upon them very slowly. The application of heat would, in many cases, bring about unreliable results, since even "saturated fatty acids" are apt to form iodine substitution products under these circumstances. Hübl has, however, found that, in presence of mercuric chloride, an alcoholic iodine solution quickly acts upon the fats or oils, there being not only iodine but also chlorine added to the molecule of the fat. It has been shown that for every two atoms of iodine used there must be present one molecule of mercuric chloride. And since most fats or oils are insoluble in alcohol, some chloroform is added as solvent, which does not interfere with the reaction in the least.

The alcoholic, iodized solution of mercuric chloride does not keep long. It must, therefore, be assayed previous to any new series of experiments. The following reagents are required for Hübl's process:

1. Iodized solution of mercuric chloride. Dissolve 25 Gm. of iodine and 30 Gm. of mercuric chloride, each separately, in 500 C.c. of 95% pure alcohol, filter the latter solution, if necessary, and then mix them. Let the mixture stand about twelve hours, during which time it will somewhat change in composition. Then ascertain its strength of iodine by means of the hyposulphite solution. 2. Hyposulphite solution. About 24 Gm. in 1 liter. The strength or titer is determined with pure, sublimed iodine. 3. Pure chloroform. This must be tested by mixing 10 C.c. of it with 10 C.c. of the iodized solution. After standing three hours, it should require exactly the same volume of the hyposulphite solution to discharge the color in the mixture as is required for 10 C.c. of the original iodized solution.

4. Solution of iodide of potassium, 1 in 10. 5. Solution of starch, fresh, 1 per cent.

The sample of fat or oil to be examined is best weighed in a small, light beaker. If solid, it is melted, then poured into a flask of the capacity of 200 C.c., provided with a glass-stopper, and the beaker weighed again. The difference represents the amount put in the flask. The quantity to be taken depends upon the known or expected iodinefigure. Of drying oils, 0.2 to 0.3 Gm. are taken, of nondrying 0.3 to 0.4 Gm., and of solid fats 0.8 to 1.0 Gm. Next, 10 C.c. chloroform are added to the fat in the flask, and when the fat is dissolved, 20 C. c. of the iodine solution are added. If the liquid is not quite clear upon being agitated, a little more chloroform must be added. If the iodine color disappears in a short time, this shows that an insufficient amount of iodine has been added. In this case, 5 or 10 C.c. more are run in. The iodine must be so far in excess that the liquid will possess a deep-brown color even after 2 hours' standing. A decided excess of iodine must always remain over, otherwise the subsequent assay will yield low results.

At the end of two hours, the free iodine is determined by titration. First, about 15 C.c. of the solution of iodide of potassium are added, and then about 150 C.c. of water. A portion of the iodine is contained in the aqueous liquid, and another portion (separated during the dilution) is contained in the chloroform. From a burette divided into

C.c. hyposulphite solution is carefully added, the flask being often agitated, until both aqueous and chloroformic layers have lost most of their tint. A little starch is now added, and the titration with hyposulphite cautiously continued-the flask being frequently agitated, while stoppered-until the blue tint of iodide of starch has just disappeared.

Immediately before or after the preceding operation, a measured quantity (say 20 C.c.) of the iodized solution of mercuric chloride is titrated with the same hyposulphite solution, and upon the basis of this assay the strength of the hyposulphite solution is ascertained.

The number of parts of iodine required by 100 parts of any fat or oil is called the "iodine number." Thus, for instance, the "iodine numbers" of some wellknown fats, etc., are as follows:

Vol. XVIII. No. 5.

[ORIGINAL COMMUNICATION.]

THE ART OF DISPENSING.

[Continued from page 49.]

PILLS AND THEIR PREPARATION.

THE characteristics of well-made pills are: that they are

they are smooth and round; all of the same size, and that they all contain similar proportions of the ingredients.

As far as possible it is advisable that pills should be of the same weight as prescribed, although this is not always possible owing to the soft condition of some extracts requiring an addition of a powder to make them firm enough to be rolled. A soft extract may be evaporated to increase its consistence, but it is inconvenient to do this at the dispensing counter while the prescription is being compounded; therefore it is well to be prepared beforehand, and to have the more commonly used extracts both in a soft condition and in a state sufficiently hard to be rolled into pills with but little or no addition of powder. Some extracts are best kept in powdered state (the compound extract of colocynth being a notable instance), but it is not possible to do this with all, for many, after being powdered, will gather moisture from the air and run together into a

mass.

Where pills of one kind are frequently prescribed, it will be found convenient to keep the mass in form of powder and ready to be mixed when wanted, e. g., compound cathartic pill, pill of

aloes and myrrh, compound rhubarb pills, etc. When a pill mass cannot be kept in a powdered condition, but must be in the form of a mass, it is well to wrap it in paraffin paper and place it in a covered jar until wanted.

A mass to be in good condition to form a pill must be sufficiently firm, plastic and adhesive, and the ingredients of which it is composed should be intimately mixed, no individual particles being discernible. The parts should be held together by some substance

with sufficient cohesion !to endure the process of rolling and cutting without crumbling or cracking. The pills, when formed, should

Whole No. 179.

as corrosive sublimate, calomel, nitrate of silver, copper and bismuth salts, must not be mixed in an iron mortar. Crystallized salts, fluid acids, or soft extracts with an organic powder often make a mass of muddy consistence, which rights itself by waiting ten to fifteen minutes. Time should always be given an organic powder to absorb moisture.

When a prescription calls for several powders, always see that they are well mixed together before adding any extract or excipient. If, in addition to two or more powders, there is more than one extract, the powders and the extracts should be mixed separately, then added to each other. By this means you can be sure your pill-mass is well mixed.

EXCIPIENTS.

The excipient is the substance, either liquid or solid, which is added to the ingredients of a prescription to bind them together, and thus give them such a consistence that they may be massed and rolled into shape. To be able to select the best excipient for the prescription on which he is at work, the dispenser acquires a knowledge of the physical properties of the drugs which it contains. Where no excipient is ordered, the simplest should be selected, and that which gives the least increase to the size of the pill. Generally speaking, the dispenser has one excipient that he prefers and uses in the majority of cases; it may not be the best in every case, but, because he is in the habit of using it, and knows well its massing powers, he

remain perfectly globular, and should still be soluble in the fluids of the stomach and intestines soon after being taken. Failure to obtain these conditions may be ascribed to a variety of causes, as, for example, excess or deficiency of a moist extract, presence of hygroscopic or deliquescent bodies, chemical incompatibility of ingredients, excess of essential or fixed oils, injudicious choice and use of excipients, or bad manipulation.

The plasticity of a mass is obtained by thorough working or kneading. To do this, the pestle and mortar must be freely used, or the kneading may, in some instances, be done with the hands. Adhesiveness may be obtained from the extracts, if any are ordered, or by means of excipients. It may suffice to heat a mass to render it soft and capable of being rolled, in which case it will become firm again as it cools. Much care, however, must be exercised in using heat, since it is liable to impair or utterly destroy the medicinal value of some drugs. It will usually be found that by placing the mortar and pestle in hot water for a few minutes, they will become warm enough to facilitate the process of kneading.

A small water-bath (always a valuable article of furniture on a dispensing counter) or a small hot-water plate should be at hand for evaporating extracts or softening a

The manipulation of large quantities of pill-mass, and many of the operations connected with pill-making, are greatly facilitated by the use of a smooth slab of iron about nine inches square (one-quarter-inch boiler plate will answer); this is quickly warmed over a gas stove, and when contact with the finger indicates a proper temperature, it can be removed and the mass placed upon it. Pills containing much gum resin should be made with its assistance. Black pitch, solid Chian turpentine, and other substances hard and brittle in the cold may be rolled upon the warm iron slab and made into pills without addition of a liquid excipient, but some require fibrous material, such as licorice powder or lycopodium, in order to prevent their falling. Substances that are efflorescent should be deprived of their water of crystallization before being made into pills; those that are decomposed by iron, such

his work, he is liable at any vantage.

can produce better results with it than with any other, and if he should try to make a mass with any other excipient, the chances are that the attempt would end, at least in the first instance, in failure. A dispenser should, however, familiarize himself with the use of many different kinds of excipients, so as not to get into the rut of using only one or two; for a prescription should be prepared the same way each time, though different pharmacists work it at different times. It is necessary for the dispenser to be ready for any emergency on a prescription, and unless he has gained this element of familiarity with all things connected with time to be put to a disad

Many things have been recommended as excipients: Water, alcohol, mucilage, or powdered acacia, glycerin, honey, glucose, simple syrup, confection of roses, powdered althæa, bread crumbs, glycerite of starch, glycerite of tragacanth, and in some cases resin cerate, wax, Cacao butter, and petrolatum. Of these, the best for general use is the glycerite of starch.

A contrivance enabling the operator to regulate the thickness of the " pipe."

Water, Alcohol.-Many substances do not require the addition of any other excipient than water, or, in cases where resinous substances are prescribed, alcohol alone may be the only thing needed, as often water or alcohol will develop enough adhesiveness to form the mass; the great objection to the use of either of those liquids without the aid of other excipients is, the pills made with them become very hard; they possess one advantage, which is not always remembered, of sometimes diminishing the bulk of the pill by partially dissolving the ingredients; often pills, that otherwise would be of inconvenient size, can be made more satisfactory, in this respect, to the patient. Water, alcohol, or any other excipient should not be used alone when they are capable of perfectly dissolving the solid substance of the pill; for though the pills may be firm enough when dispensed, after standing, especially