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diff --git a/old/53828-0.txt b/old/53828-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index ca51a5d..0000000 --- a/old/53828-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,16508 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of New York Journal of Pharmacy, Volume 1 (of -3), 1852, by Various - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: New York Journal of Pharmacy, Volume 1 (of 3), 1852 - Published by Authority of the College of Pharmacy of the - city of New York. - -Author: Various - -Editor: Benjamin W. McCready - -Release Date: December 29, 2016 [EBook #53828] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NEW YORK JOURNAL OF PHARMACY, 1852 *** - - - - -Produced by Charlene Taylor, Bryan Ness, RichardW, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This book was produced from scanned images of public -domain material from the Google Books project, and from -The Internet Archive.) - - - - - - - - - - NEW YORK - JOURNAL OF PHARMACY, - - PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF - THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, - - EDITED BY - BENJAMIN W. McCREADY, M. D. - PROFESSOR OF MATERIA MEDICA AND PHARMACY IN THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, - - ASSISTED BY A PUBLISHING COMMITTEE, CONSISTING OF - JOHN H. CURRIE, THOMAS B. MERRICK, EUGENE DUPUY, - WM. HEGEMAN, GEORGE D. COGGESHALL. - - VOLUME I. - - NEW YORK: - JOSEPH W. HARRISON, PRINTER, - NO. 197 CENTRE, NEAR CANAL STREET. - - 1852. - -{1} - - - - -NEW YORK - -JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - -JANUARY, 1852. - - -TO OUR READERS. - -The College of Pharmacy was founded with a view to the elevation of the -professional standing and scientific attainments of Apothecaries, as -well as to guard their material interests by raising a barrier against -ignorance and imposture. What they have accomplished and how far they -have been successful it does not become the Board of Trustees to state; -if the results have not, in all respects, been what might be desired, -it has not arisen from want of earnest effort and honest intention -on their part. As a further means of benefiting their profession, -of keeping its members acquainted with the progress it is making at -home and abroad, and of inspiring among them a spirit of scientific -inquiry, they believe that the establishment of a Journal, devoted to -the pursuits and the interests of Apothecaries, would be of the highest -utility. - -By far the wealthiest and most populous city in the Union, New York, -with its environs, contains several hundred Apothecaries, among whom -are many of great experience and eminent ability; it contains numerous -Laboratories where chemicals are manufactured on a large scale, and -where the appliances and refinements of modern science are compelled -into the service of commerce; it contains within itself all the means -of scientific progress, and yet these means lie, for the most part, -waste and idle; the observations that are made and the processes that -are invented profit only the observer and the inventor. Both they and -their consequences—for even apparently trivial observations may contain -in themselves the germ of important discoveries, and no man can tell -what fruit they may produce in the minds of others—are lost to the -world. - -New York is the commercial centre of the Union, the point to which our -products are brought for exportation, and from which various goods, {2} -obtained from abroad, are distributed to the remainder of the United -States. It is the chief drug mart of the Union; the source from which -the largest part of our country draws its supplies of all medicines -that are not the products of their own immediate vicinities. It is thus -connected more intimately with the Druggists of a large portion of our -country than any other city; many visit it annually or oftener; most -have business relations with it. Is the spirit of trade incompatible -with that of science? Is money-getting to absorb all our faculties -to the exclusion of anything nobler or higher? Are we ever to remain -merely the commercial metropolis of our Union, but to permit science -and art to centre in more congenial and less busy abodes? Shall we not -rather attempt to profit by our many advantages, to use the facilities -thrown in our way by the channels of trade for the diffusion of -scientific knowledge, and in return avail ourselves of the information -which may flow into us from the interior? - -But it is not alone, we hope, by the information it would impart that a -Journal such as is contemplated would be useful. A higher and no less -useful object would be that it would excite a spirit of inquiry and -emulation among the profession itself; it would encourage observation -and experiment; it would train our young men to more exact habits of -scientific inquiry. In diffusing information it would create it, and -would be doubly happy in being the means of making discoveries it was -intended to promulgate. - -Such are the views which have determined the Trustees of the College -to publish a Journal of Pharmacy. It will appear on the first day -of every month, each number containing thirty-two octavo pages. It -will be devoted exclusively to the interests and pursuits of the -Druggist and Apothecary. While it is hoped that its pages will present -everything that is important relating to the scientific progress of -Pharmacy, it is intended to be mainly practical in its character, -subserving the daily wants of the Apothecary, and presenting, as far -as possible, that kind of information which can be turned to immediate -account, whether it relates to new drugs and formulæ, or improved -processes, manipulations, and apparatus. Such are the aims and ends -of the New York Journal of Pharmacy; and the Druggists of New York -are more particularly appealed to to sustain it, not only by their -subscriptions, but by contributions from their pens. This last, indeed, -is urgently pressed upon them; for, unless it receives such aid, -however successful otherwise, it will fail in one great object for -which it was originated. When special information is wanted on any {3} -particular subject, the conductors of the Journal, if in their power, -will always be happy to afford it. - -It is no part of the intention of the College to derive an income from -the Journal. As soon as the state of the subscription list warrants it, -it is intended to increase its size so that each number shall contain -forty-eight instead of thirty-two pages. - - -REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AS AMENDED. - -The Committee to whom was referred the subject of the establishment -of a Journal of Pharmacy in the city of New York, have given their -attention to the subject, and beg leave to report as follows: - -1. That in their opinion it is all important that a Journal of Pharmacy -should be established in this city as soon as practicable, for reasons -well known, and therefore unnecessary here to enumerate. - -2. They recommend that the first number of a Journal of thirty-two -octavo pages be issued on the 1st day of January next, and one number -each month thereafter, to be called the New York Journal of Pharmacy. - -3. The general control of the Journal shall be vested in a committee -of five, which shall review every article intended for publication, -four of whom shall be elected annually by the Board of Trustees at the -first stated meeting succeeding the annual election of officers; and a -committee of the same number shall be now elected, who shall act until -the next annual election, to be denominated the Publishing Committee. -The President of the College of Pharmacy shall be “ex officio” a member -of this Committee, and the whole number of this Committee shall be -five, two of whom may act. - -4. That an Editor be appointed by the Publishing Committee who shall -attend to all the duties of its publication, and cause to be prepared -all articles for the Journal, and to have the entire management of it -under the control and direction of the Publishing Committee. - -5. The compensation for the services of the Editor, together with all -financial matters connected with the Journal, shall be subject to the -control of the Publishing Committee. {4} - -6. The matter to be published in the Journal shall be original -communications, extracts from foreign and domestic journals, and -editorials. No matter shall be published except what may relate -directly or indirectly to the subject of Pharmacy, and the legitimate -business of Druggists and Apothecaries. No advertisements of nostrums -shall be admitted. - -7. The subscription list shall be kept in the hands of the Publishers, -subject to the disposal of the Publishing Committee. - - (Signed) T. B. MERRICK, - - _Chairman_. - -The Board then balloted for members of the Publishing Committee, when -the following were found to be elected. - - MESSRS. JNO. H. CURRIE, - THOS. B. MERRICK, - C. B. GUTHRIE, - EUGENE DUPUY, - with Ex Officio, GEO. D. COGGESHALL, - _President of the College_. - - -ON TWO VARIETIES OF FALSE JALAP. - -BY JOHN H. CURRIE. - -Two different roots have for some time back been brought to the -New York market, for the purpose of adulterating or counterfeiting -the various preparations of Jalap. They differ materially from the -Mechoacan and other varieties of false Jalap which formerly existed -in our markets, as described by Wood and Bache in the United States -Dispensatory, while some of the pieces bear no slight resemblance -to the true root. The specimens I have been able to procure are so -imperfect, and so altered by the process of drying, that the botanists -I have consulted are unable to give any information even as to the -order to which they belong. I have not been able either to trace -their commercial history, nor do I know how, under the present able -administration of the law for the inspection of drugs, they have -obtained admission to our port. The article or articles, since {5} -there are at least two of them, come done up in bales like those of -the true Jalap, and are probably brought from the same port, Vera Cruz. - -No. 1 appears to be the rhizome or underground stem of an exogenous -perennial herb, throwing up at one end each year one or more shoots, -which after flowering die down to the ground. It comes in pieces -varying in length from two to five inches, and in thickness from the -third of an inch to three inches. In some of the pieces the root has -apparently been split or cut lengthwise; in others, particularly in the -large pieces, it has been sliced transversely like Colombo root. The -pieces are somewhat twisted or contorted, corrugated longitudinally -and externally, varying in color from a yellowish to a dark brown. -The transverse sections appear as if the rhizome may have been broken -in pieces at nodes from two to four inches distant from each other, -and at which the stem was enlarged. Or the same appearance may have -been caused by the rhizome having been cut into sections of various -length; and the resinous juice exuding on the cut surfaces, has -hindered them from contracting to the same extent as the intervening -part of the root. On the cut or broken surfaces are seen concentric -circles of woody fibres, the intervening parenchyma being contracted -and depressed. The fresh broken surfaces of these pieces exhibit in a -marked manner the concentric layers of woody fibres. The pieces that -are cut longitudinally, on the other hand, are heavier than those just -described, though their specific gravity is still not near so great as -that of genuine Jalap. Their fracture is more uniform, of a greyish -brown color, and highly resinous. - -This variety of false Jalap, when exhausted with alcohol, the tincture -thus obtained evaporated, and the residuum washed with water, yielded -from 9 1/2 to 15 1/2 per cent. of resin, the average of ten -experiments being 13 per cent. Its appearance was strikingly like that -of Jalap resin. It had a slightly sweetish mucilaginous taste, leaving -a little acridity, and the odor was faintly jalapine. It resembled -Jalap resin in being slowly soluble in concentrated sulphuric acid, but -unlike Jalap resin it was wholly soluble in ether. In a dose of ten -grains it proved feebly purgative, causing two or three moderate liquid -stools. Its operation was unattended with griping or other unpleasant -effect, except a slight feeling of nausea felt about half an hour after -the extract had been swallowed, and continuing for some time. - -This variety of false Jalap is probably used, when ground, for the -purpose of mixing with and adulterating the powder of true Jalap, or -is sold {6} for it, or for the purpose of obtaining from it its resin -or extract, which is sold as genuine resin or extract of Jalap. The -powder strikingly resembles that of true Jalap, has a faint odor of -Jalap, but is destitute, to a great extent, of its flavor. The dust, -too, arising from it, is much less irritating to the air passages. - -The second variety is a tuber possibly of an orchidate plant, a good -deal resembling in shape, color and size, a butternut, (Juglans -cinerea.) Externally it is black or nearly so, in some places shining -as if varnished by some resinous exudation, but generally dull, marked -by deep longitudinal cuts extending almost to the centre of the tubers; -internally it is yellow or yellowish white, having a somewhat horny -fracture, and marked in its transverse sections with dots as if from -sparse, delicate fibres. When first imported the root is comparatively -soft, but becomes dry and brittle by keeping. Its odor resembles that -of Jalap, and its taste is nauseous, sweetish, and mucilaginous. - -This root contains no resin whatever. Treated with boiling water it -yields a large amount (75 per cent.) of extract. This is soluble, to -a great extent, likewise in alcohol. With iodine no blue color is -produced. - -The extract obtained from this drug appears, in ordinary doses, -perfectly inert, five or ten grains producing, when swallowed, no -effect whatever. Is this root employed for the purpose of obtaining its -extract, and is this latter sold as genuine extract of Jalap? - -Of the effect which frauds of this kind cannot fail to have on the -practice of medicine it does not fall within my province to speak, but -commercially its working is sufficiently obvious. One hundred pounds -of Jalap at the market price, 60 cents per pound, will cost $60. In -extracting this there will be employed about $5 worth of alcohol, -making in all $65. There will be obtained forty pounds of extract, -costing thus $1 62 1/2 per pound. - -One hundred pounds of false Jalap, No. 1, may be obtained for $20; -admitting the alcohol to cost $5, it will make in all $25. This will -produce thirty-six pounds of extract, costing rather less than 70 cents -per pound. - -One hundred pounds of variety No. 2 may be had for $20, and no alcohol -is necessary in obtaining the extract. The yield being seventy-five -pounds, the extract will cost rather less than twenty-seven cents per -pound. - -{7} - - -VIRGIN SCAMMONY, - -WITH SOME REMARKS UPON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SCAMMONY RESIN. - -BY B. W. BULL. - -The more extended use in medicine which this substance has acquired -within a few years, and its consequent greater consumption, render the -knowledge of its peculiarities and the modes of ascertaining its purity -doubly important to the druggist and apothecary. - -An instance occurred a few weeks since, showing the necessity of -careful and thorough examination of every parcel of this drug, and -possessing some interest, from the fact that no description of any -similar attempt at falsification has, I believe, been before published. - -The commercial house with which I am connected, purchased a parcel of -what purported to be virgin scammony from the importer, who obtained it -direct from Smyrna. A sample of it was examined and found to contain -seventy per cent. of resinous matter, but when the whole lot was -received, it was found to consist evidently of two different grades of -the article. - -The whole of it was composed of amorphous pieces, possessing externally -a similar appearance. Upon breaking them, however, a manifest -difference was observable. Some of the pieces possessed the resinous -fracture, and the other characteristics of virgin scammony, while the -remainder, which constituted about five eighths of the whole, exposed a -dull, non-resinous surface when freshly broken. - -I selected two samples, each possessing in the highest degree the -characteristics of the two varieties, and subjected them to the action -of sulphuric ether with the following results, designating the resinous -or best No. 1, and the other specimen No. 2:― - - No. 1. No. 2. - Specific gravity 1,143 1,3935 - - Per cent. Per cent. - Resinous matter and water 94.35 49.86 - Vegetable substance insoluble in ether 3.20 45.16 - Inorganic matter 2.45 4.98 - ──── ──── - 100.00 100.00 - -{8} - -The vegetable substance in No. 2 was principally, if not entirely, -farinaceous or starchy matter, of which the other contained not a -trace. The result shows that this parcel of scammony was composed -partly of true virgin scammony mixed with that of an inferior quality; -and also indicates the necessity of examining the whole of every -parcel, and of not trusting to the favorable result of the examination -of a mere sample. - -The powder in the two specimens was very similar in shade, and they -possessed in about the same degree the odor peculiar to the substance, -showing the fallacy of relying upon this as a means of judging of -the comparative goodness of different samples. This fact may appear -anomalous, but on different occasions the powder of No. 2 was selected -as having the most decided scammony odor. - -Since examining the above, I have had an opportunity of experimenting -upon a portion of scammony imported from Trieste as the true Aleppo -scammony, of which there are exported from Aleppo not more than from -two hundred and fifty to three hundred pounds annually. - -The parcel consisted of a sample of one pound only, which was obtained -from a druggist of respectability in that place by one of my partners, -who was assured that the sample in question was from the above source, -and the kind above alluded to. This scammony was in somewhat flattish -pieces, covered externally with a thin coating of chalk in which it -had been rolled, the structure was uniformly compact, the color of the -fracture greenish, and it possessed in a high degree the caseous odor. - -The fracture was unusually sensitive to the action of moisture. By -merely breathing upon a freshly exposed surface, a film resembling the -bloom upon fruit was at once perceived. Its specific gravity was 1,209, -which, it will be observed, approximates with unusual accuracy to that -given by Pereira as the specific gravity of true scammony, viz. 1,210. -It contained― - - Resinous matter and water 89.53 per cent. - Vegetable substance insoluble in ether 7.55 per cent. - Inorganic matter 2.92 per cent. - -There was no starchy matter present in the portion examined. - -The mode of deciding upon the value or goodness of different samples -of scammony, by ascertaining the amount of matter soluble in sulphuric -ether, has seemed to me productive of a negative result in showing -{9} how much non-resinous matter was present, rather than a certain -method of ascertaining the actual amount of scammony resin present; but -some experiments upon the resinous residuum lead to a more favorable -conclusion. - -The results of the analyses made by Johnston, who seems to be the only -chemist who has paid any attention to its ultimate composition, show -that it varies in composition materially from many other resins. - - According to his analyses, as contained - in Löwig, it has the formula C‗{40} H‗{33} O‗{8} - While that of Guaiac resin is C‗{40} H‗{23} O‗{10} - Of Colophony C‗{40} H‗{30} O‗{4} - -Or expressed in per cents:― - - Scammony. Guaiac. Colophony. - Carbon 56.08 70.37 79.81 - Hydrogen 7.93 6.60 9.77 - Oxygen 35.99 23.03 10.42 - ────── ────── ────── - 100.00 100.00 100.00 - -The resin analysed by Johnston was obtained by evaporating the -alcoholic solution, and he describes it as opaque, pale yellow, hard, -and brittle; when obtained, however, by evaporating the ethereal -solution I have found it transparent. - -It might be inferred that, with a composition so different from that -of the substances above adduced, its behavior with re-agents would be -different from theirs; and its action with strong acids confirms the -supposition, as may be seen by reference to the appended papers from a -late number of the Paris Journal of Pharmacy. - -The Edinburgh Pharmacopœia has an extract of scammony among its -officinal preparations, prepared by treating scammony with proof -spirit, and evaporating the solution. It is described as of a dirty -greenish brown color. This color, however, is not a necessary -accompaniment, but is owing either to some coloring matter being -dissolved in the menstruum or to the partial oxydation of the dissolved -substance under the influence of the air and the heat of the operation. - -The ethereal solution of scammony resin, when gradually evaporated, and -without exposure to heat, leaves a colorless or amber-colored resin, -perfectly transparent and soluble in alcohol; when heated, however, -{10} during the operation, more or less insoluble matter of a dark -color is found. Sometimes the ethereal solution, when spontaneously -evaporated, leaves a dark residuum, but a second solution and -evaporation leave it as above described. - -This product, obtained from several different parcels of virgin -scammony, I have considered free from admixture with any of the -substances with which scammony is said to be adulterated, and from the -similarity of their behavior, and, as the circumstances under which the -sample from Trieste above alluded to was obtained are such as to make -its genuineness very certain, feel warranted in so doing. - -Sulphuric acid does not immediately decompose it, but produces the -effect described by M. Thorel. - -Nitric acid produces no discoloration, nor does hydrochloric acid -immediately. - -If scammony should be adulterated with colophony, sulphuric acid would -be a very ready method of detection, though it would seem that this -substance would hardly be resorted to, unless an entirely new mode of -sophisticating the article should be adopted abroad. - -The introduction of farinaceous substances and chalk is effected -while the scammony is in a soft condition, in which state it would be -difficult to incorporate colophony completely with the mass. - -An admixture of resin of guaiac is also detected by the same agent, a -fact which seems to have escaped observation. - -When brought in contact with sulphuric acid, resin of guaiac -immediately assumes a deep crimson hue, and this reaction is so -distinct that a proportion of not more than four or five per cent. is -readily detected. - -The deep red mixture of sulphuric acid with resin of guaiac becomes -green when diluted with water, a remarkable change, which adds to the -efficacy of the test. Scammony resin, on the contrary, suffers no -alteration by dilution. - -In addition, nitric acid affords a ready mode of ascertaining the -presence of resin of guaiac. It is well known that nitric acid, when -mixed with an alcoholic solution of guaiac, causes a deep green color, -which soon passes into brown, or if the solution is dilute, into yellow. - -This reaction is manifest when scammony resin is mixed with guaiac -resin in the proportion above mentioned, though the greenish blue tinge -is then very transient, and sometimes not readily perceived. - -Chloride of soda is a delicate test for the presence of guaiac resin. -{11} Added to an alcoholic solution, a beautiful green color appears, -while it produces no effect on scammony resin. This reaction is very -evident, though transient, when a very small proportion of guaiac -is present. Nitrate of silver causes a blue color in a solution of -guaiac resin, as does also sesqui-chloride of iron, neither of which -agents affects the color of a solution of scammony resin. In fact, the -evidences of the presence of guaiac are so numerous and distinct that -there can be no possibility of an undetected adulteration with this -substance. - -The high price of resin of jalap would seem to be sufficient to -prevent its being resorted to as a means of sophisticating scammony; -but in case this substance should be made use of, the method proposed -for detecting it by means of ether is defective, since, according to -authorities, resin of jalap is partially soluble in that substance. - -It becomes of interest to know whether in the preparation of scammony -the juice of the plant from which it is obtained is ever mixed with -that of other plants of similar properties, or with that of plants -destitute of efficacy. This information can, of course, only be -furnished by those familiar with the localities and with the mode of -its preparation. - - [1]“In advancing the opinion that scammony should only be employed - for therapeutic purposes in the state of resin, I mean that this resin - should only be prepared by the apothecary himself. When, however, it - is impossible for the apothecary to do so, and the commercial article - is in consequence resorted to, there arises a liability to deception. - We must then be enabled to recognise its purity. - - To avoid detection of the fraud, the admixture must either be in small - quantity, or it must possess nearly the same action. In this latter - case, resin of jalap would be employed as being less in price and - nearly as active. - - The method I propose for detecting an adulteration of this nature, in - case it should be attempted, is based on the one side upon the entire - insolubility of resin of jalap in rectified sulphuric ether, and on - the other, upon the solubility of scammony resin in this liquid. - Nothing is easier than the detection of a mixture of these two resins, - since eight grammes of ether dissolve completely ten centigrammes of - scammony resin. {12} - - Thus by agitating for a short time a mixture of twenty centigrammes of - suspected resin with sixteen grammes of sulphuric ether, we shall be - certain of the presence of resin of jalap, provided there is no other - admixture, if a portion remains undissolved. This undissolved portion, - dried and weighed, gives the proportion of the two resins. - - Other more culpable sophistications may be attempted, either by - the addition of resin of guaiac, or by that of colophony or other - substances. - - The resin of guaiac may easily be detected by means of the solution - of gum, which I have specified as one of the most certain re-agents - (Repertoire du Pharmacien, vol. iv., 1848), or by the means of nitrous - gas, or bichloride of mercury. - - Many re-agents disclose the presence of common resin or of pitch in - the resin of scammony. First, spirits of turpentine, which dissolves - the common resin at the ordinary temperature, and which leaves - scammony resin almost untouched. The most certain re-agent, however, - in my opinion, is sulphuric acid. This acid possesses the property of - dissolving many resins—modifying their composition more or less. - - Thus, if a small quantity is poured on common resin, an intense - red color is produced by contact; poured on scammony resin, on the - contrary, it does not produce an immediate change; only after some - minutes, and with exposure to the air, does it become colored, and - then but feebly, with the production of a color resembling the lees of - wine, while in the first case the color is a very deep scarlet. - - By this method one twentieth part of colophony may be detected in - scammony resin. It is sufficient to pour upon twenty-five or thirty - centigrammes of resin, placed in a glass or porcelain mortar, four - or five grammes of commercial sulphuric acid, and to give one or two - turns of the pestle; if colophony is present, the mixture will redden - immediately upon contact; if, on the contrary, it is pure, the liquid - will only become colored after the lapse of some time. - - Colophony being more soluble in sulphuric acid is acted upon with more - rapidity.” - - [2]“Scammony resin obtained by alcohol of 86 degrees occurs in form - of powder or in thin transparent scales, if the alcoholic solution has - been evaporated on a stove upon plates, or upon sheets of tin. {13} - - It is characterized by the peculiar odor of the substance from which - it is obtained, the _odeur de brioche_, or of rancid butter. - - If scammony resin has been mixed with one twentieth of common resin, - trituration in a mortar developes the odor of the latter to a - sufficient degree to cause detection of the fraud. Heated in a tube, - a peculiar odor manifests itself with sufficient distinctness to - indicate its purity. - - This pure resin is soluble in all proportions in ether of 56 degrees - (·752). This property affords a means of purifying it, by means of - which it is obtained in thin flakes, by exposure to the air on plates. - - Solution of ammonia at 24 degrees (·910) dissolves scammony resin - completely. The solution has a more or less green color. These - different properties, which the resin of scammony, obtained - by alcohol, possesses, are sufficiently distinct to assist in - distinguishing it from other resins or to establish its purity.” - - _December, 1851._ - -[1] Methods for detecting Resin of Jalap, Resin of Guaiac, and -Colophony, in Resin of Scammony. By MR. THOREL.—_From the Journal de -Pharmacie et de Chimie, for Nov. 1851._ - -[2] Note by MR. DUBLANC.—_From the Journal de Pharmacie et de Chimie, -Nov. 1851._ - - -ON THE PREPARATION OF STRAMONIUM OINTMENT. - -BY EUGENE DUPUY, PHARMACEUTIST, NEW YORK CITY. - -The powerful narcotic and sedative properties of the Datura stramonium; -added to the fact of its luxuriant growth in the vacant grounds of the -inhabited districts of the United States, has made its use popular -with most of our practising physicians. Besides its use smoked as -tobacco in asthmatic cases, its properties analogous to those of -hyosciamus and belladonna, have enabled practitioners to use it -with success for producing dilatation of the pupil and in anodyne -fomentations. In fact, the consequence of its demonstrated efficient -activity as a remedial agent, has prompted its adoption in the United -States Pharmacopœia, where the leaves and seeds are recognised, and -the Tincture, Extract, and Ointment are officinal. According to our -Pharmacopœia, last edition, to prepare the ointment, one drachm of -the extract of stramonium is mixed to the proportion of one ounce of -lard. Such a mixture, though possibly as effectual as need be, lacks -the green color and homogeneity to which both patients and physicians -have been accustomed. To remedy these objections, I have found the -{14} following process to give a good preparation both in quality -and appearance. I am inclined to think that the objections which have -been made to the former officinal ointment are chiefly ascribable to -the difficulty of obtaining readily an ointment which would keep one -year, that is free from water of vegetation or not impaired by a too -protracted ebullition, and consequent decomposition, which deprives it -of its properties, spoiling its appearance, and giving it an unpleasant -pyrogenous odor, which shows the extent of the alteration it has -undergone, making of it an irritating rather than a soothing unguent. -In the process I now submit to the opinion of the profession, I had -in view, 1st. To obtain at all seasons an ointment fulfilling the -reasonable expectations of practitioners; 2d. Which could be easily -prepared by competent Pharmaceutists throughout the United States. It -is as follows: - - Stramonium Leaves, half a pound. - Alcohol at 95°, a sufficient quantity. - Prepared lard, fourteen ounces. - -Moisten the leaves, previously reduced to a coarse powder, with -sufficient alcohol, in a tight vessel having a suitable cover; melt -the lard in a pan three times in capacity to the bulk of the lard, and -stir in it gradually the prepared stramonium; keep the mixture in a -warm place for five hours, stirring occasionally, till the alcohol has -disappeared from the ointment, which may be ascertained by placing a -lighted match on the surface of the warm ointment just stirred. Filter -the mixture through flannel, in an appropriate vessel. The stramonium -ointment thus prepared is a reliable preparation, possessed of a -handsome green color, a rather pleasant herbaceous odor, and forms a -homogeneous mass containing all the valuable constituents of the Datura -stramonium, if the leaves have been gathered while the plant is in bud, -and properly preserved. For the warm days of summer the substitution -of two ounces of beeswax for the same quantity of lard gives it the -consistence which it has at the low temperature of the remaining -seasons. - -{15} - - -COMPOUND FLUID EXTRACT OF SENNA AND DANDELION. - -BY EUGENE DUPUY, PHARMACEUTIST, NEW YORK CITY. - - Senna (officinal), two pounds. - Torrefied Dandelion Root, one pound. - Chamomile, quarter of a pound. - Sugar, twenty ounces. - Carbonate of Potash or Soda, one ounce. - Oil of Gaultheria, half a drachm. - Alcohol, two ounces. - Water, half a gallon. - -Mix the dry plants, previously reduced to a coarse powder, with the -water holding the alkaline carbonate in solution; let the mixture stand -twelve hours; introduce it in a percolator, and gradually pour in water -until a gallon of liquid shall have passed; evaporate it to twenty -ounces by means of a water bath, then add the sugar, filter, and make -the addition of the alcoholic solution of gaultheria when cold. By -following this process, I believe that a kind of saponification takes -place, which allows of the more ready solution of the active principle -of the senna in the aqueous vehicle, probably because chlorophylle -being united to a dried essential oil, participating in the properties -of resins, is rendered soluble, and the extractive portion being -denuded of its resinoid covering, is more readily extracted by -the percolating liquid. I make use of a percolator possessed of a -convenient hydraulic power; it has rendered readily, within thirty -hours, a highly saturated liquid, containing in a gallon all the -soluble principles of this extract. Ordinary percolators will answer -also; but the ingredients needing to be more loosely packed, do not -yield so fully or so readily. The addition of torrefied dandelion root -is intended to give to this fluid extract some greater value on account -of its peculiar action on the hepatic system. I employ in preference -the German chamomile (Camomila vulgaris[3]), because of its pleasant -aroma and its carminative properties, joined to a bitter principle, -which seems to increase the purgative effect of the senna. - -[3] Matricaria. - -This extract has become a favorite anti-bilious purgative with many of -{16} our practitioners, who, some of them at least, have used it with -success with children, who can take it readily, as well as for adults, -where an anti-bilious purgative is desirable, seldom producing pain or -nausea, and not liable to induce constipation. - - -ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY A VERY SMALL DOSE OF SANTONINE GIVEN TO A CHILD. - -Santonine, being a tasteless vermifuge, is easily given to children, -consequently its employment becomes daily more and more frequent; we -therefore think it useful to expose the accidents which may follow -the use of this medicine, when given in too large a dose. We refer -to a case given in the Bulletin de Thérapeutique, by Dr. Spengler -(d’Herborn). The patient, a child of four years old, who had been -suffering for several months from intestinal worms, had taken at -different times, and with success, a dose of a grain and a half. One -day they gave him three grains in two doses; after the first dose he -became troubled with pains in the epigastrium, colic, and vomiting. -He had frequent stools, in which were found a number of ascarides. -Notwithstanding these numerous evacuations, the bad symptoms continued -to increase; his body became cold, his face livid, his eyes had a blue -circle round them, a cold sweat broke out, his respiration became -embarrassed, and his extremities convulsed. Besides these symptoms, -M. Spengler mentions that there were dilatation of the pupils and -great pain in the abdomen (not, however, increased by pressure). He -prescribed milk in abundance, and after several evacuations, the potion -of Rivière in an oily emulsion. The little patient was placed in a very -warm bed; during the night he was much disturbed; the following day he -took some doses of calomel, after which several worms were evacuated, -and from that time he became convalescent. We have related this fact -as a caution against the accidents which may result from the use of -santonine, although the severity of the symptoms and the smallness -of the dose may make us doubt whether the santonine was pure, or -whether some other cause might not have produced the terrible results -attributed to it.—_Journal de Pharmacie et Chimie._ - -{17} - - -ON POISONING BY NICOTINE. - -_Read before the National Academy of Medicine._ - -BY M. ORFILA. - -GENTLEMEN,—In laying before the Academy a memoir on Nicotine, on the -20th of last month, I stated that I did not think I ought to read it, -fearing that it might exercise some influence on the proceedings which -were to take place at Mons, eight days afterwards. My scruples are now -entirely removed, because I was present at the three first sittings of -the Court of Assizes at Hainault, and have heard the examination of -the accused persons, and the depositions of some of the witnesses. My -memoir, supposing it to be published to-morrow, and consequently much -before the sentence will have been pronounced, will not aggravate the -situation of the accused, nor increase the power of the ministers of -justice. You will see, in fact, that after describing nicotine, I came -to the conclusion, that it may be easily detected in the digestive -canal, the liver, the lungs, and all those organs into which it has -been carried after its absorption. Now, M. de Bocarmé confesses that -he prepared some nicotine, that Gustave Fougnies took an appreciable -dose of it, and died very shortly afterwards. Consequently, he cannot -dispute the fact of M. Stas having found this alkaloid in the body of -his brother-in-law. It is of little importance to us that Madame de -Bocarmé accuses her husband of being the author of the crime, whilst -he, on the other hand, attributes the death of Gustave to a mistake -of his wife’s, who might inadvertently have poured the nicotine into -a glass instead of wine. It will be for the jury to decide what truth -there is in these assertions; as scientific men, we ought to confine -ourselves in this case to the solution of the chemical and medical -problems relating to this subject. - -I think I ought to read to the Academy the textual memoir, without -the preamble, which I composed a fortnight ago, when the principal -circumstances, which have since been developed, were but imperfectly -known. - -The principal object of this paper is to show:― - -1. That we may characterize pure nicotine as easily as we can a poison -derived from the mineral kingdom. - -2. That we may detect this alkali in the digestive canal, and assert -its existence there, although it is present only to the extent of a few -drops. {18} - -3. That it is sufficiently easy to prove its presence in the liver and -the other organs, after it has been absorbed. - -1. _Pure Nicotine may be characterised as easily as a Poison derived -from the Mineral Kingdom._—Nicotine, discovered in 1809 by the -illustrious Vauquelin, was studied in 1828 by Messrs. Posselt and -Reimann, who found it in different species of nicotiana, in macrophylla -rustica, and glutinosa. Messrs. Boutron, Charlard, and Henry described -some of its properties in 1836. Havanna tobacco contains two per cent., -that of Maryland 2·3, that of Virginia 6·9, that of Alsace 3·2, that -of Pas-de-Calais 4·9, that of the Nord 6·6, and that of Lot 8. It is -classed among the _natural volatile_ vegetable alkalies, which are only -three in number, namely, _conicine_, _theobromine_, and _nicotine_. -This last is entirely composed of hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen. It -may be represented as a compound of one equivalent of ammonia (H‗{3}N), -and of one of a hydro-carbon containing four equivalents of hydrogen -and ten of carbon (H‗{4}C‗{10}). It is now obtained by a much more -simple process than was formerly adopted, which consists in passing the -vapor of tobacco into water acidulated with sulphuric acid. Sulphate -of nicotine is thus speedily produced, and this has to be decomposed -by a strong alkali. It is then only necessary to apply sufficient heat -to volatilize the nicotine. This mode of preparation indicates that -smokers in respiring the smoke of tobacco introduce into their bodies a -certain quantity of the vapor of nicotine. - -_Characters of pure Nicotine._—It is in the form of an oleaginous, -transparent, colorless, tolerably fluid, anhydrous liquid, of the -density of 1·048, becoming slightly yellow with keeping, and tending -to become brown and thick from contact with the air from which it -absorbs oxygen; its acrid odor resembles but slightly that of tobacco; -its taste is very burning. It volatilizes at 77° F., and leaves a -carbonaceous residue. The vapor which rises presents such a powerful -smell of tobacco, and is so irritating, that it is difficult to -breathe in a room in which one drop of it has been spilt. If this -vapor be approached with a lighted taper, it burns with a white smoky -flame, and leaves a carbonaceous residue as an essential oil would -do. It _strongly blues_ reddened litmus paper. _It is very soluble in -water_, in alcohols, and in fat oils, as also in _ether_, which easily -separates it from an aqueous solution. The great solubility of nicotine -in both water and ether forms an important fact in its chemical -history, as the greater number of vegetable alkalies, not to say all, -if they dissolve easily in one of these liquids, are not readily -soluble in the other. {19} - -Nicotine combines directly with acids, disengaging heat. Concentrated -pure sulphuric acid, without heat, produces with it a wine-red color; -on the application of heat to this it becomes thick, and acquires the -color of the dregs of wine; if it be boiled it blackens and disengages -sulphurous acid. With cold hydrochloric acid it disengages white -vapors as ammonia does; if the mixture be heated it acquires a violet -color, the intensity of which increases with prolonged ebullition. -Nitric acid, aided with a little heat, imparts to it an orange-yellow -color, and white vapors of nitric acid are first given off, then red -vapors of hyponitrous acid. If it be further heated the liquor becomes -yellow, and by ebullition it acquires a red color resembling that of -chloride of platinum. Prolonged ebullition gives a black mass. Heated -with stearic acid it dissolves and forms a soap, which congeals on -cooling, and is slightly soluble in water, and very soluble in heated -ether. The simple salts of nicotine are deliquescent, and difficultly -crystallizable. The double salts which it yields with the different -metallic oxides crystallize better. - -The aqueous solution of nicotine is colorless, transparent, and -strongly alkaline. It acts like ammonia on several reagents; thus, -it gives a white precipitate with bichloride of mercury, acetate of -lead, protochloride and bichloride of tin; a canary yellow precipitate -with chloride of platinum, which precipitate is soluble in water; a -white precipitate with salts of zinc, which is soluble in excess of -nicotine; a blue precipitate with acetate of copper. This precipitate -is gelatinous and soluble in excess of nicotine, forming a blue double -acetate, similar to that formed by ammonia with the same salt. It -gives an ochre-yellow precipitate with salts of the sesqui-oxide of -iron, insoluble in excess of nicotine. With sulphate of protoxide of -manganese it gives a white precipitate of oxide, which speedily becomes -brown by contact with the oxygen of the air. It separates the green -sesqui-oxide from the salts of chromium. The red permanganate of potash -is instantly decolorized by nicotine, as by ammonia, although this -latter alkali acts more slowly and must be used in larger proportion. - -The following reactions may serve to distinguish the aqueous solutions -of nicotine from ammonia. Chloride of gold yields a reddish-yellow -precipitate, _very soluble in an excess of nicotine_. Chloride of -cobalt yields a blue precipitate, which changes to green; the oxide -thus formed does not readily dissolve in excess of nicotine, whilst -ammonia dissolves the green precipitate and forms a red solution. -Aqueous solution of iodine gives a yellow precipitate with solution -of nicotine, as chloride of platinum would {20} do; with an excess -of nicotine it acquires a straw color, and it is decolorized by the -action of heat. Ammonia, on the contrary, immediately decolorizes the -aqueous solution of iodine without rendering it turbid. Pure tannic -acid gives with nicotine an abundant white precipitate. Ammonia gives -no precipitate, but imparts a red color.[4] - -[4] It is interesting to compare the physical and chemical properties -of nicotine with those of conicine. - -Conicine is yellow; _its smell resembles that of the urine of the -mouse_, and differs entirely from that of nicotine; it strongly blues -reddened litmus paper. Added to water and shaken with it, it floats on -the surface and is not readily dissolved. Ether dissolves it easily. -When heated in a capsule it forms white vapors, _having a strong smell -of celery mixed with that of the urine of the mouse_. Weak tincture of -the iodine yields a white precipitate, which acquires an olive color -with excess of the tincture. Pure and concentrated sulphuric acid _does -not alter it_; when the mixture is heated it acquires a greenish brown -color, and if the heat be continued it becomes blood-red and afterwards -black. Nitric acid imparts to it a _topaz color_, which is not changed -by the action of heat. Hydrochloric acid yields white vapors as ammonia -does, and renders it violet, especially when heated. Tannic acid gives -a white precipitate, and chloride of platinum a yellow precipitate. -The red permanganate of potash is immediately decolorized. Corrosive -sublimate yields a white precipitate. Acetate of copper gives a -gelatinous blue precipitate, less soluble in an excess of conicine than -is that formed with nicotine. Chloride of cobalt behaves with it as it -does with nicotine. Chloride of gold gives a light yellow precipitate. -_Neutral acetate of lead does not give any precipitate_; neither does -the subacetate. Chloride of zinc gives a white gelatinous precipitate -soluble in excess of the conicine. Sulphate of sesquioxide of iron -gives a yellow precipitate. The words in italics indicate the means of -distinguishing conicine from nicotine. - -If to these chemical characters which permit one so easily to -distinguish nicotine, we add those resulting from the action which -it exercises on the animal economy, it will no longer be possible to -confound it with any other body. The following are the results of the -experiments I undertook in 1842 on this alkali, and which I published -in 1843. (See the 4th edition of my work on Toxicology.) - -_First Experiment._—I applied three drops of nicotine on the tongue -of a small but sufficiently robust dog; immediately afterwards, the -animal became giddy, and voided urine; at the end of a minute, its -breathing was quick and panting. This state lasted for forty seconds, -and then the animal fell on its right side, and appeared intoxicated. -Far from showing any stiffness or convulsions, it was feeble and -flabby, although the fore paws slightly trembled. Five minutes after -the administration of the {21} poison, he uttered plaintive cries, and -slightly stiffened his neck, carrying his head slightly backwards. The -pupils were excessively dilated; the respiration was calm, and in no -way accelerated. This state lasted ten minutes, during which the animal -was not able to stand. From this time the effects appeared to diminish, -and soon after it might have been predicted that they would speedily -disappear entirely. Next day, the animal was quite well. The nicotine I -used was evidently not anhydrous. - -_Second Experiment._—I repeated the experiment with five drops of -nicotine on a dog of the same description. The animal showed the same -effects, and died at the end of ten minutes, although during four -minutes he showed slight convulsive movements. - -_Opening of the Body the day following._—The membranes of the brain -were slightly injected, and the superficial vessels were gorged with -blood; this injection was especially observed on the left side, and -in the lower part of the brain. The brain itself of the ordinary -consistence, had the two substances of which it is composed, slightly -disintegrated, the striated substance was much injected, as well as -the _pons varolii_. The membranes which envelope the cerebellum were -still more injected than the other parts. Between the first and second -cervical vertebræ on the right side, that is, on the side on which the -animal fell, there was a rather considerable effusion of blood. The -lungs appeared to be in their natural state. The heart, the vessels -of which were gorged with blood, was greatly distended, especially -on the right side, with clots of blood; the auricles and the right -ventricle containing much, and the left ventricle none. The superior -and inferior _vena cava_, and the aorta, were equally distended with -clots of semi-fluid blood. The tongue was corroded along the middle -line, and towards the posterior part, where the epithelium separated -with facility. In the interior of the stomach there were found a black -pitchy matter and a bloody liquid, which appeared to have resulted from -an exudation of blood. The duodenum was inflamed in patches; the rest -of the intestinal canal appeared in a healthy state. - -Since the above period I have made the following experiments, which -I have frequently repeated with the same results, only that in some -cases I have found the blood contained in the cavities of the heart in -a fluid state, even when proceeding to dissection immediately after -death; nevertheless the blood speedily coagulated. - -_Third Experiment._—At eleven o’clock I administered, to a dog of -moderate size, twelve drops of nicotine. A few instants afterwards {22} -giddiness came on, and _he fell on the right side_; he soon manifested -convulsive movements, slightly at first, then sufficiently strong to -constitute a tetanic fit with opisthotonos; he was in a remarkable -state of drowsiness, and uttered no cry. His pupils were dilated; there -was no action of the bowels, nor vomiting. He died at two minutes after -eleven. The body was immediately opened. The abdomen and thorax, on -being cut open, _sometimes_ emitted a very decided smell of tobacco. -The heart contained a considerable quantity of _black coagulated_ -blood. There was more in the right auricle and ventricle than in the -left. The lungs appeared in a normal state. The stomach contained -about forty grammes of a thick, yellow, slimy liquid; and here and -there parts of the mucous membrane were inflamed. The œsophagus, the -intestines, the liver, the spleen, and the kidneys, were in a normal -state. The epithelium was easily detached from the tongue; the base of -this organ was red and slightly excoriated. The brain was more injected -than its enveloping membranes; the _pons varolii_ was the same as in -the second experiment. - -_Fourth Experiment._—I applied on the eye of a dog of moderate size one -drop of nicotine; the animal instantly became giddy and weak in its -limbs; a minute afterwards he fell on his right side and manifested -convulsive fits, which became more and more powerful; the head was -thrown back. At the end of two minutes the convulsions ceased, and -extreme weakness ensued. Five minutes afterwards the animal could -stand, but was unable to walk. Ten minutes later he was in the same -state without having vomited or had any action of the bowels. Urged to -walk, he made a few undecided steps, then vomited about one hundred -grammes of a greyish alimentary paste. At the end of half an hour he -was in the same state. It was evident that he was recovering. The -conjunctiva was sensibly inflamed, and the transparent cornea was, to a -great extent, opaque. - -2. _We may detect nicotine in the digestive canal, and affirm its -existence there, although it may be only present to the extent of a few -drops._ I would call the particular attention of the Academy to this -paragraph; I have never, in the course of my numerous experiments, seen -animals whose death has been almost instantaneous, either vomit or have -any action of the bowels.[5] If it be the same with man, as everything -tends to prove it is, the Chemist will, under such circumstances, be in -the most favorable {23} condition for detecting the poison, as there -will most frequently be a sufficient quantity in the canal to determine -its presence. - -[5] If life is prolonged the animals vomit. - -Before describing the two processes to which I had recourse for the -determining the existence of nicotine in the stomach and intestines, as -well as in the œsophagus, it may be observed that I acted separately -on the liquid and solid matters contained in these organs, and on the -organs themselves. - -_First Process._—The contents of the stomach and intestines, or the -organs themselves, are placed in a considerable proportion of sulphuric -ether; after twelve hours of maceration, it is to be filtered; the -ether passes through, holding nicotine in solution; most frequently -when the matters on which the ether has acted are fatty, the ether -holds in solution a soap composed of nicotine and one or several fatty -acids; it may also happen that it contains non-saponified nicotine. -The ethereal liquid is evaporated almost to dryness by very gentle -heat. The greasy and soapy product obtained rarely shows any alkaline -reaction. It is to be agitated, without heat, with caustic soda -dissolved in water, to decompose the soap and set free the nicotine. -The whole is then to be put into a retort furnished with a receiver -plunged in cold water, and heat applied to the retort until no more -liquid remains in it. The liquid condensed in the receiver contains -either all, or at least a large proportion of the nicotine. It is well -to know that, 1st, when heat is applied to the retort, the matter -froths, augments in volume, and would certainly pass into the receiver, -if the retort was not very large in relation to the quantity of liquid -operated upon; 2ndly, even at a temperature of 212° Fahr., the vapor -of water carries with it a certain quantity of nicotine, therefore the -operation should be carried on as much as possible in close vessels. -If these precautions be observed, the distilled liquid will be limpid -and colorless; it suffices then to concentrate it over a water-bath, -to about a sixth of its volume, to obtain with it all the reactions of -nicotine. - -_Second Process._—The method of which I am now going to speak is -evidently superior to the preceding. The matters contained in the -stomach and intestines, or the organs themselves, as well as the -œsophagus, are macerated in water acidulated by pure and concentrated -sulphuric acid, taking, for instance, four or five drops of acid to one -hundred and fifty or two hundred grammes of water. At the end of twelve -hours it is to be filtered; the liquid, which is generally of a yellow -color, contains sulphate of nicotine and a certain quantity of organic -matter. It is then to be {24} evaporated almost to dryness in close -vessels over a water-bath; then treated with a few grammes of distilled -water which dissolves the sulphate of nicotine, leaving the greater -part of the organic matter undissolved; it is now to be filtered; -the filtered liquor is to be saturated with a little pure hydrate of -soda or potash, in order to take the sulphuric acid, and set free the -nicotine. The mixture of nicotine and of sulphate of soda or potash is -to be put into a retort, and heated as described in the first process; -the distilled liquid is to be evaporated over a water-bath in order to -concentrate the solution of nicotine. - -Instead of distilling the liquor by heat, I have often treated it with -ether; this latter decanted and submitted to spontaneous evaporation -leaves the nicotine. - -Everything tends to show that nicotine may be detected by other -processes. Thus by treating the digestive canal with absolute alcohol, -with the addition of a little soda, it would be dissolved, and by the -reaction of the soda, a soap would be formed with the fatty matter, -which would set free the nicotine; it would then only remain to distil -it by heat, after having evaporated to dryness. Perhaps, also, it might -be separated by acting on the tissues with pure soda or potash, then -evaporating to dryness and heating it in closed vessels. - -3. _It is sufficiently easy to prove the presence of nicotine in the -liver and other organs after it has been absorbed._—In 1839 when I -had shown that poisons after having been absorbed might be extracted -from the organs where they had been carried with the blood, I insisted -so strongly on the necessity of examining these organs with a view -to the detection of poisons, that it has now become the custom to -proceed in this way. How often does it happen, that, in consequence -of repeated vomiting and action of the bowels, and also from complete -absorption having taken place, there remains no trace of the poison -in the digestive canal? Moreover, it is evident, that, in getting the -poison from the organs to which it has been carried by absorption, -we obtain, in reality, that portion of the poison which has been the -cause of death, unless it be shown that it was carried to those organs -after death by absorption. M. Stas has conformed, most wisely, to this -precept. For my part, I could not, in my researches, neglect this -important branch of the investigation. The livers of those animals -which I had poisoned with twelve or fifteen drops of nicotine, when -submitted to one or other of the processes I have described, furnished -me with appreciable quantities of this alkali. I scarcely obtained any -from {25} the blood contained in the heart, but I had only operated -upon a few grammes. Moreover, experience teaches that a great number of -poisons absorbed rapidly pass from the blood into the organs, and most -especially into the liver. - -It may be readily conceived that the research for absorbed nicotine -might be fruitless in those cases where death was occasioned by only -a few drops of this body; but then the presence of the alkali may be -detected in the digestive canal. - -Gentlemen, after results such as those obtained by M. Stas and myself, -society may feel satisfied. Without doubt intelligent and skilful -criminals, intent on puzzling the Chemists, will sometimes have -recourse to very active poisons, but little known to the community at -large, and difficult to detect; but science is on the alert to surmount -all difficulties. Penetrating to the recesses of our organs, she -extracts evidence of the crime, and furnishes one of the great elements -of conviction against the guilty. Do we not know that at the present -time poisonings by morphine, brucine, strychnine, nicotine, conicine, -hydrocyanic acid, and many other vegetable substances which were -formerly believed to be inaccessible to our means of investigation, may -be discovered and recognised in a manner to be perfectly characteristic? - -During my stay at Mons, and consequently since the deposit of this -memoir, I have had at my disposal the complete and remarkable Report of -M. Stas, and I have satisfied myself:― - -1st. That this Chemist has obtained nicotine from the tongue, from the -stomach, and liquids contained in it, and also from the liver and lungs -of Gustave Fougnies. - -2ndly. That he also obtained nicotine by properly treating the boards -of the dining-room where Gustave died, although these boards had -been washed with warm water, with oil, and with soap.—_Repertoire de -Pharmacie._ - -The Count Hippolyte Visarte de Bocarmé confessed his guilt, and was -executed at Mons. - -{26} - - -ON THE ESTIMATION OF THE STRENGTH OF MEDICINAL HYDROCYANIC ACID, OF -BITTER ALMOND WATER, AND OF CHERRY LAUREL WATER. - -BY J. LIEBIG. - -Liquids which contain prussic acid, and are mixed with caustic potash -ley until they have a strong alkaline reaction, yield, on the gradual -addition of a diluted solution of nitrate of silver, a precipitate, -which, on being shaken, disappears to a certain extent. Alkaline -liquids containing prussic acid, may also be mixed with a few drops -of a solution of common salt without the production of any permanent -precipitate, until at last, on an increased addition, chloride of -silver falls down. - -This phenomenon depends on the fact that oxide of silver and chloride -of silver are soluble in the generated cyanide of potassium, until -there is found a double salt, composed of equal equivalents of cyanide -of potassium and cyanide of silver, which is not decomposed by an -excess of alkali. Liebig’s method of estimating the prussic acid -consists in determining the quantity of silver which must be added -to an alkaline liquid, containing prussic acid, until a precipitate -appears. Each equivalent of silver corresponds to two equivalents of -prussic acid. Having caused several experiments to be made, which prove -the efficacy of this method; and having carefully observed that the -presence of formic acid and muriatic acid in the prussic acid, does not -interfere with the correctness of this method, the author gives the -following directions for examining different liquids containing prussic -acid:—The _aqua amygdalarum amarum_ being turbid, must be clarified by -the addition of a known quantity of water: 63 grs. of fused nitrate of -silver are dissolved in 5937 grs. of water; 300 grs. of this liquid -corresponds to 1 gr. of anhydrous prussic acid. Before applying the -test, the vessel with the solution of silver is to be weighed, and of -the latter so much is added to a weighed quantity (_e.g._ 60 grs.) -of prussic acid, mixed with a small portion of potash ley and a few -drops of a solution of common salt, shaking it in a common white -medicine glass until a perceptible turbidness takes place, and does -not disappear on shaking. The solution of silver is now again to be -weighed; and supposing 360 grs. are found to have been employed for -the test, the 60 grs. of the tested prussic acid contain 1,20 grs. -anhydrous prussic acid, or 100 grs. contain two grains. {27} - -_Aqua laurocerasi_, which the author examined, contained in one litre, -one decigram, and the same quantity of _aqua amygdal. amar._ 7·5 -decigrammes of anhydrous prussic acid.—(In Pharmaceutical Journal, from -_Ann. de Chem. U. Pharm. Bd._ lxxvii.) - - -THE PHARMACOPŒIA OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. By authority of the -National Convention, held at Washington A. D. 1850. Philadelphia: -Lippincott, Grambo & Co. 1851. - -The appearance of a new edition of the Pharmacopœia is to the -apothecary always a matter of high interest; to it he looks for -the recognized improvements in the various processes which he has -constantly to perform; by it essentially he is to be guided in all -the officinal preparations which he makes; and from it he learns -what new articles, by their intrinsic merits and through the vogue -they have obtained, are deemed of sufficient importance to be -recognized officinally as additions to the materia medica. The general -arrangement of the new Pharmacopœia is the same as that of 1840. -Owing to the wise principles which governed the earlier framers of -the Pharmacopœia—though, from the progress of botanical science, the -scientific names of the plants to which many of the articles of the -vegetable materia medics are referred, have been changed, and with -improvements in chemistry, the nomenclature of several salts has been -altered—this has led to little alteration in the designations employed -in the Pharmacopœia. Assafœtida is now referred to Narthex Assafetida, -instead of Ferula A.; Diosma is, after the Edinburgh Pharmacopœia, -termed Barosma; Camphor to Camphora officinarum; Cardamom to Elettaria -Cardamomum; Cinchona flava to C. calisaya; Cinchona pallida to C. -condaminea and C. micrantha, while the source of Cinchona rubra is -not yet indicated. Colocynth is now termed the fruit of Citrullus -colocynthis; kino is said to be the inspissated juice of Pterocarpus -marsupium, and of other plants; quassia is referred to Simaruba -excelsa, and uva ursi to Artostaphylos uva-ursi. - -Of the names of the articles of the materia medica, as was before -stated, very few are changed. Myroxylon, of the old Pharmacopœia, is -now Balsamum Peruvianum, Tolutanum, Balsamum Tolutanum; Diosma, {28} -after the Edinburgh Pharmacopœia, is now Buchu; Zinci carbonas is -changed to the old name, calamina; iodinum, following the British -Pharmacopœias, is iodinium, and brominum, brominium. Port wine has been -introduced, and consequently, instead of the Vinum of 1840, we have now -Vinum Album, Sherry, and Vinum Rubrum, Port Wine. - -The secondary list of the materia medica, a peculiarity of our national -pharmacopœia, is still retained, to what good purpose it is hard to -understand. The framers of the book state that “it has the advantage -of permitting a discrimination between medicines of acknowledged value -and others of less estimation, which, however, may still have claims -to notice.” The advantage is not a very evident one. The distinction -that is attempted is very difficult to make satisfactorily; it will -vary with individuals, and, we fancy, too, with the place at which -it is made. Certainly few in New York would put Angostura bark with -Horsemint (Monarda), and Queen’s root (Stillingia) in the primary list; -while Apocynum cannabinum, one of the most active of our diuretics, -and Malefern, in tape-worm, one of the most certain anthelmintics, -are exiled to the secondary. If popular, instead of professional -reputation, is to be the criterion, are not Arnica, and Matricaria, -and Benne leaves, and horehound, quite as well entitled to a place in -the primary list as many of the articles that now figure there? And -are there not twenty simples in use among the old women of the country -that deserve a place in the national Pharmacopœia as well as may weed, -and frost wort, and fever root? Though, too, new articles should not -readily be admitted until time has fixed their value, we should like to -have seen some notice of Matico and of the salts of Valerianic acid. We -are sorry, too, to see the old definition of rhubarb still adhered to; -“the root of Rheum palmatum and of other species of Rheum;” that of the -Edinburgh Pharmacopœia, “the root of an unknown species of Rheum,” thus -rendering the Russian or Chinese rhubarb alone officinal, is very much -preferable. - -Of the substances introduced into the Materia Medica, the chief are -Aconite root (aconiti radix), Extractum cannabis (extract of hemp), -Oleum morrhuæ (cod liver oil), Oleum amygdalæ amaræ (oil of bitter -almonds), and Potassæ chloras (chlorate of potassa). By Arnica in the -last Pharmacopœia was understood the root and herb of Arnica montana; -for these, in the present—the name remaining unchanged—the flowers are -substituted. The additions to the Materia Medica have been made with -judgment, and certainly nothing has been admitted with the exception -perhaps of {29} Helianthemum (Frostwort), of doubtful utility, or that -has not for some time been submitted to the test of experience. - -The preparations introduced are all familiar to the pharmaceutist, and -have for a long time been kept in most good shops. It is singular that -in the last Pharmacopœia, by nitrate of silver was understood the fused -nitrate. This oversight has been corrected, and by Argenti nitras now -is understood the salt in crystals, while the common lunar caustic -is Argenti nitras fusa. Among the new preparations are the active -principles of Aconitum Napellus (Aconitia), Oxide of Silver, Iodide of -Arsenic, Chloroform, Collodion, a number of fluid extracts, Citrate of -Iron, Glycerine, Solution of Citrate of Magnesia, the oils of Copaiba, -Tobacco, and Valerian, Iodide of Lead, Potassa cum calce, Bromide of -Potassium, Syrup of Wild Cherry bark—of gum—and Tinctures of Aconite -root, Kino, and Nux Vomica, and compound tincture of Cardamom. - -The Iron by hydrogen, as it has been sometimes rather awkwardly -termed, the Fer réduit of the French, after the British Pharmacopœias, -is termed Ferri pulvis, powder of iron. Soubeiran’s formula for -the preparation of Donovan’s Liquor (Liquor Arsenici et Hydrargyri -Iodidi) is given as much simpler and of easier preparation than the -original formula of Donovan; there is, too, a good formula for the -extemporaneous preparations of pills of iodide of iron. The solution of -the Persesquinitrate of Iron, as it has been sometimes termed, appears -as solution of Nitrate of Iron; it is a preparation that soon becomes -altered by keeping. Tincture of Aconite root is directed to be made by -macerating a pound of bruised Aconite root for fourteen days with two -pints of alcohol, expressing and filtering. A process by percolation is -also given. This is weaker than the tincture of either of the British -Pharmacopœias, and weaker, we believe, than the tincture ordinarily -employed here. As an external application, for which it is chiefly -used, this is a great disadvantage, and when administered internally, -the varying strength of a medicine so powerful will be attended with -serious evils. - -The old formulæ for the preparation of the alcoholic extract of aconite -and of the extractum aconiti (expressed juice), are retained, both -being made from the leaves. The extracts when thus made, even when -properly prepared, are for the most part inert. No formula is given for -the preparation of an alcoholic extract from the root. - -There are three new preparations among the ointments:—Unguentum -Belladonnæ, Potassii Iodidi, and Sulphuris Iodidi. The ointment of -Iodide {30} of Potassium is directed to be made by dissolving a -drachm of the iodide in a drachm of boiling water, and afterwards -incorporating the solution with the lard. - -On the whole, there is much more to praise than to find fault with in -the Pharmacopœia. Upon some of the preparations we will hereafter find -further occasion perhaps to comment. - - -PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION. - -In pursuance of a call issued by the College of Pharmacy of the City -of New York, a Committee of Delegates from the different Colleges of -Pharmacy in the United States assembled at the College Rooms in New -York at 5 o’clock P. M. on Wednesday, the 15th of October. - -Delegates from Philadelphia and Boston were in attendance. The Maryland -College (at Baltimore) and the Cincinnati College were not represented, -although Delegates from each had been previously reported to the -Committee of Arrangements in New York. A communication of some length -was received from the Cincinnati Delegation. - -The Convention was organized by the appointment of Mr. Charles Ellis -of Philadelphia as Chairman, and Dr. Samuel R. Philbrick of Boston as -Secretary, pro tem. A Committee was then appointed by the nomination -of each delegation, consisting of Messrs. Samuel M. Colcord of Boston, -Alfred B. Taylor of Philadelphia, and George D. Coggeshall of New -York, to examine credentials and nominate officers for the Convention. -The Committee retired, and on their return reported the credentials -satisfactory, and proposed Dr. B. Guthrie of New York as President, and -Mr. Alfred B. Taylor of Philadelphia as Secretary, who were unanimously -confirmed. - -Dr. Guthrie, on taking the chair, made a few remarks expressive of his -sense of the honor conferred by appointing him presiding officer of -the first Convention of the kind ever held in the United States, and -explanatory of the objects of the Convention, which were in accordance -with the growing feeling amongst druggists and pharmaceutists of its -necessity to establish standards of the qualities of imported Drugs and -Medicines for the government of the United States Inspectors at the -different ports, and in addition to act upon such matters of general -interest to the Profession as may be presented to the consideration of -the Convention. - -Reports were presented by the majority (Messrs. Guthrie and Coggeshall) -and the minority (Mr. Merrick) of the New York delegates, embodying -their views upon the subject of standards, and also in regard to false -drugs which should be excluded. - -A communication from the Cincinnati Delegates was read, and Mr. -Restieaux of Boston read an interesting statement of the working of the -Drug Law in that city. {31} - -A general discussion ensued upon various topics connected with the -business of the Convention, and resulted in the appointment of a -committee, consisting of Messrs. Proctor of Philadelphia, Restieaux -of Boston, and Coggeshall of New York, to consider the several -communications, and to arrange the general plan of business, and report -at the next sitting. - -The Convention then adjourned to Thursday, at 12 o’clock. - - -_Second sitting, Oct. 16th._—The Convention met at 12 o’clock. The -Committee appointed yesterday made a report, reviewing the numerous -propositions presented by the different Colleges, and submitting a -general system for regulating standards, which, in their judgment, -should prevail uniformly at the ports of entry, with numerous -specifications of prominent articles to which their attention was -called by their importance, and the difficulty that has been sometimes -found in deciding upon them. - -The report was considered in sections in a lengthy and very interesting -discussion, in which the members generally participated. With some -amendments it was adopted. - -The Committee also offered the following preamble and resolutions, -which were adopted, viz. - -WHEREAS, The advancement of the true interests of the great body of -Pharmaceutical practitioners in all sections of our country is a -subject worthy earnest consideration; and whereas Pharmaceutists, in -their intercourse among themselves, with physicians and the public, -should be governed by a code of ethics calculated to elevate the -standard and improve the practice of their art; and whereas, the means -of a regular pharmaceutical education should be offered to the rising -Pharmaceutists by the establishment of Schools of Pharmacy in suitable -locations; and whereas, it is greatly to be desired that the united -action of the profession should be directed to the accomplishment of -these objects; therefore, - -_Resolved_, That, in the opinion of this Convention, much good will -result from a more extended intercourse between the Pharmaceutists -of the several sections of the Union, by which their customs and -practice may be assimilated; that Pharmaceutists would promote their -individual interests and advance their professional standing by -forming associations for mutual protection, and the education of their -assistants, when such associations have become sufficiently matured; -and that, in view of these important ends, it is further - -_Resolved_, That a Convention be called, consisting of three delegates -each from incorporated and unincorporated Pharmaceutical Societies, to -meet at Philadelphia on the first Wednesday in October, 1852, when all -the important questions bearing on the profession may be considered, -and measures adopted for the organization of a National Association, to -meet every year. - -On motion, it was resolved that the New York Delegation be appointed -a Committee to lay the proceedings of this Convention before the -Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, and afterwards have -them published in pamphlet form. - -Dr. Philbrick of Boston offered the following preamble and resolution, -which were adopted:― {32} - -WHEREAS, To secure the full benefits of the prohibition of -sophisticated drugs and chemicals from abroad, it is necessary to -prevent home adulteration; therefore, - -_Resolved_, That this Convention recommend to the several Colleges -to adopt such measures as in their respective states may be best -calculated to secure that object. - -On motion of Mr. Colcord of Boston, it was - -_Resolved_, That a committee of three be appointed by this Convention -to act as a Standing Committee to collect and receive such information -as may be valuable, and memorials and suggestions from any Medical and -Pharmaceutical Association, to be presented at the next Convention. - -The President appointed G. D. Coggeshall of New York, S. M. Colcord of -Boston, and W. Proctor, Jr., of Philadelphia, as the Committee. - -A vote of thanks to the officers was passed, and then the Convention -adjourned, to meet in Philadelphia on the first Wednesday in October, -1852. - -The following circular letter has since been issued by the President of -the Convention, and addressed to the leading Pharmaceutists throughout -the Union:― - - NEW YORK, November 25, 1851. - - SIR:—At a meeting of Delegates from the Colleges of Pharmacy of the - United States, held in this city on the 15th of October, 1851, the - following preamble and resolutions, explanatory of themselves, was - offered, and, after a free and full discussion, unanimously adopted:― - - [Here follow the preamble and resolutions introduced by Messrs. - Proctor, Restieaux, and Coggeshall.] - - The objects set forth in the above, I trust, will meet the hearty - approbation of yourself and the apothecaries of your place, and lead - to the formation (if not already in existence) of such an Association - as will co-operate in the furtherance of the proposed association. - - Our medical brethren have, as you are doubtless aware, an - organization, similar in character, holding its sessions annually, - in which all matters pertaining to their profession are fully - discussed—the beneficial effects of which are already apparent, though - the association has been in existence but a few years. - - They cannot give to the subject of Pharmacy the attention it requires - and deserves, neither is it a matter legitimately falling under their - cognizance, but belongs to Pharmaceutists themselves. - - The medical profession and the community at large rightfully look to - us for the correction of any existing abuses, the advancement of the - science, and the elevation of the business of an apothecary to the - dignity and standing of a profession. - - To this end we invite you to the formation of such Associations, in - view of the Convention, to be held in Philadelphia, on the first - Wednesday of October, 1852. - - Communications intended for said Convention may be addressed to - William Proctor, Jr., Philadelphia, George D. Coggeshall, New York, or - S. M. Colcord, Boston. - - Any communication touching the subject of the above letter will be - cheerfully responded to by the President of the Convention. - - C. B. GUTHRIE, M. D., - President Convention of Colleges of Pharmacy. - -{33} - - - - -NEW YORK - -JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - -FEBRUARY, 1852. - - -ON THE PREPARATION OF PURE HYDRATE OF POTASH AND CARBONATE OF POTASH. - -BY HENRY WURTZ, A. M. - -In preparing pure potash compounds, it is highly necessary, especially -in order to avoid the possibility of the presence of soda, to select, -as a starting point, some compound of potash which differs considerably -in solubility from the corresponding soda compound. Either the -bitartrate or the sulphate, therefore, is usually preferred. - -The bitartrate is ignited; the carbonaceous mass, washed with water, -and the solution of carbonate of potash, thus obtained, diluted and -boiled with slack lime, in the usual way, in an iron kettle; the -solution of hydrate of potash, thus obtained, is boiled to dryness, and -the alcoholic solution of the residue evaporated in silver dishes, to -obtain what is denominated _alcoholic potash_. This product should be, -and most usually is, entirely free from sulphate of potash and chloride -of potassium, since it is easy to crystallize the bitartrate free from -these salts. - -But an almost invariable accompaniment of this alcoholic potash is a -trace of silicate of potash. The solution may assume no cloudiness on -the addition of solution of chlorohydrate of ammonia, or upon addition -of an excess of chlorohydric acid, and afterwards an excess of ammonia; -but on adding excess of chlorohydric acid, and evaporation to dryness -in a platinum {34} capsule, the aqueous solution of the residue will -be found to have flakes of silica floating in it. Very few specimens -that I have met with have stood this test. It is to be inferred that -the soluble silicates of potash are not wholly insoluble in alcohol; -but a question arises concerning the source from whence the silica is -so frequently derived. It may be from the lime used, in some cases, -or from silicium contained in the iron of the kettles employed. I am -enabled to state, in addition, that of many specimens of commercial -_carbonate of potash_ which I have examined, some of which purported -to have been prepared from cream of tartar by the method above alluded -to, none have been found entirely free from silica. I have even found -traces of this impurity in crystals of commercial _bicarbonate of -potash_. - -This constant contamination of potash, and carbonate of potash with -silica, being a very important matter in consideration of the frequent -use of these two substances in chemical analysis, I have been induced -to devise a means of separating the silica from the carbonate. This I -have accomplished by the use of carbonate of ammonia. - -An aqueous solution of the carbonate which is to be freed from silica -is evaporated to dryness on the sand bath (best in a sheet iron dish), -adding from time to time lumps of carbonate of ammonia. The silicate -is thus converted into carbonate, and on dissolving the residue of the -evaporation in water, the silica appears in the form of flakes floating -in the liquid, and may be separated by filtration. This solution -of carbonate of potash, free from silica, may now be used for the -preparation of pure hydrate of potash, taking care to use lime which is -also free from silica. - -I may here introduce a few words with regard to the preservation of -hydrate of potash for use in analysis. Its preservation in the solid -form is evidently no difficult matter; but when we attempt to keep the -solution in glass bottles for the sake of convenience in using it as a -re-agent, we generally find that it very soon takes up silica from the -glass. I have found, however, that flint glass bottles will preserve -such a solution much {35} longer than any other, lead glass not being -easily acted upon, probably because it contains very much less silica. -It might not be useless to make a trial of bottles made of thin soft -iron, or sheet iron, for this purpose; but it is probable that pure -_silver_ is the true material for bottles, in which solution of potash -is to be preserved. A very thin shell of silver might first be made, -and afterwards strengthened by coating it thickly with galvanic copper. - -The ease with which sulphate of potash can be obtained, in a state of -purity, has long ago suggested its use as a material from which to -prepare pure potash. Schubert[6] proposed to treat pulverized pure -sulphate of potash with a concentrated solution of pure baryta, the -latter somewhat in excess, and during the evaporation of the solution -of hydrate of potash, thus obtained, the excess of the baryta is -precipitated by the carbonic acid of the air. This, however, appears to -be very expensive process. I have devised another method of treating -pure sulphate of potash so as to obtain pure hydrate of potash -therefrom; it consists merely in operating upon the sulphate of potash -in a manner similar to that in which sulphate of baryta is operated -upon to procure hydrate of baryta, that is in converting the sulphate -into sulphide by the conjoined application of a reducing agent and a -red heat, and to decompose the aqueous solution of the sulphide by the -action of an oxide of a metal whose sulphide is insoluble, such as -oxide of iron (?), oxide of copper or deutoxide of manganese. I use as -a reducing agent, instead of charcoal, oil, rosin, etc., _coal gas_. -This application of coal gas was proposed by Dr. Wolcott Gibbs. If it -is found that the decomposition is not perfect, and that the solution -of sulphide of potassium contains some sulphate of potash, or if a -little sulphate is formed in the solution by oxidation, it is removed -by the introduction of a little solution of baryta, according to the -method of Schubert. I am not yet prepared, however, to give the details -of this method. - -[6] Erd. und Mar. Jour. 26, 117. - -{36} - - -ON THE PREPARATION OF CHEMICALLY PURE HYDRATE AND CARBONATE OF SODA. - -BY HENRY WURTZ, A. M. - -The remarks made in the last article with reference to the presence of -silica in alcoholic potash, apply also, though not so generally, to -commercial alcoholic soda. Few specimens of this product are met with -which are so free from silica that it cannot be detected by saturation -with chlorohydric acid, evaporation to dryness in a platinum vessel, -and redissolution in water. Whatever may be the origin of the silica in -this case, it is very often present. - -I have selected, as the most convenient substance from which to prepare -pure hydrate and carbonate of soda, a product which occurs very -abundantly in commerce under the name of “carbonate of soda.” It is in -the form of a very fine white powder, and on examination turns out to -be the ordinary monohydrated _bicarbonate_ of soda. - - NaO, 2 C.O^2 + H.O. - -For, upon ignition, 7.756 grns. lost, 2.7595 grns. of carbonic acid and -water, which is equal to 35.60 per cent.; bicarbonate of soda should -lose 36.88 per cent. It may be mentioned, in this connection, that a -preparation sent over here by Button, a London Pharmaceutist, under the -appellation of “Chemically Pure Carbonate of Soda,” upon examination -turned out to be also _bicarbonate_. 2.324 grns. lost by ignition; -0.845 grn. = 36.45 per cent. - -The commercial bicarbonate above mentioned, contains, of course, all -the impurities of the carbonate from which it is made, this being an -inevitable consequence of the method by which it is manufactured, -which, as described in Knapp’s Chemical Technology, is simply to expose -commercial crystals of carbonate of soda to the action of carbonic -acid gas, which it takes up to the extent of one equivalent, falling -into a fine powder, with evolution of heat and loss of water of -crystallization. These impurities, in the case of the specimen operated -upon by {37} me, were, besides considerable silica, sulphate of soda, -chloride of sodium, a trace of phosphoric acid detected by monohydrate -of ammonia, and a little organic matter which imparted to the mass a -soapy smell. - -The sulphate, phosphate and chloride are easily removed by washing with -water by decantation, with a loss, however, of at least one half of the -material. When the washings, after addition of excess of nitric acid, -no longer react with nitrate of silver, or with chloride of barium, -the mass is introduced into porcelain dishes, and dried on the sand -bath; when dry it is exposed to a high sand bath heat, though not to -a red heat, for two or three hours. By this treatment, not only are -one equivalent of carbonic acid, and one equivalent of water expelled, -but the greater part or the whole of the silicate is decomposed and -converted into carbonate, so that a solution of the mass in water will -now be found full of flakes of silica. - -The filtered solution should now be tested for silica, and if not -yet entirely free from it, must be evaporated again to dryness, with -addition of lumps of carbonate of ammonia, exactly as proposed by me, -in the last article, to separate silica from carbonate of potash. The -residue of this last evaporation, on solution in water, filtration -and evaporation in platinum, silver, or even clean sheet iron (never -in glass or porcelain) dishes, will give pure carbonate of soda, -from which may be prepared the pure hydrate of soda, observing the -precaution of using lime which is free from silica. - -{38} - - -REMARKS UPON SOME OF THE PREPARATIONS OF THE PHARMACOPŒIA OF THE UNITED -STATES, 1851. - -BY GEORGE D. COGGESHALL. - -The Pharmacopœia of the United States is, or should be, to the -Pharmaceutist of the United States, his text book and standard. -In making its preparations he should not vary from the letter of -its directions, unless a change of process effects a quicker, more -uniform, or more elegant result; in regard to strength he should not -vary at all, except upon distinct understanding with the physician -prescribing, or with his customer. It is much to be regretted that -perfect conformity throughout the United States, with our National -Pharmacopœia should not prevail, so that our citizens, traveling or -removing with prescriptions, or copies of them, might not be subjected -to inconvenient, and even in some cases to dangerous alterations, -impairing confidence in the medicine relied upon, or involving the -safety of the patient in using it. With these important considerations -in view, the apothecary should, as far as circumstances permit, conform -strictly to the acknowledged standard, giving up his own opinions, if -need be, for the general good. But strict adherence to the formulæ -of our Pharmacopœia seems not to be practicable in all cases, in all -localities. When there is such diversity of practice in the City of -Philadelphia and in New York, within five hours of each other, with -intercommunication five times a day, in each of which the formation and -subsequent revisions of the Pharmacopœia have been of such especial -interest and attention, how can it be expected that in our widely -extended country, in communities diversified almost as much as those -of different nations, with many local habits, set by time and many -prejudices, a full and uniform compliance with the official standard -should prevail. - -In New York it would disappoint the physician to put ʒss of the -officinal Solution of Sulphate of Morphia into a {39} prescription -of ℥iv cough mixture, as much, if not as unpleasantly, as it would -the Philadelphia physician for one of our brethren in that city to -put ℥j of Majendie’s strength into a mixture of the same bulk. In New -York the original strength of this solution has ever been preserved, -notwithstanding the change made officinal in three editions of our -Pharmacopœia, and it is generally understood and used accordingly. With -us the change has been remonstrated against, as unnecessary, because -the dose can be as easily regulated as that of Fowler’s, or Donovan’s, -or Lugol’s solution, the tinctures of aconite root, belladonna, iodine, -and many other potent preparations; it may just as easily be preserved -from doing mischief, and has often the advantage in mixtures of not -displacing desirable adjuncts with superfluous water. It is true, that -owing to the great difference in strength of the solution commonly -understood here, and that of the Pharmacopœia, our College has felt -it incumbent to request physicians to designate the intended one, by -affixing a term (in brackets or otherwise) as “Maj,” or “Ph. U.S,” to -avoid the possibility of misconstruction, except in clear cases as that -of the mixture above mentioned; and that we should not feel justified -in dispensing an ounce of Majendie’s solution alone, (especially if the -prescription was for “Liquor Morphiæ, Sulphatis”—the officinal term) -unless with an understanding of the strength wanted, or of the use to -be made of it. This great discrepancy between what is of original and -continued use and what is officinal, requires watchfulness, on our -part, against occasional exceptions to the general prescription of our -physicians, and in putting up prescriptions written in other places, -Philadelphia particularly. We must judge of the solution required, from -the context. - -Our Pharmacopœia, in most of its formulæ, is undoubtedly entitled to -our full respect and adherence, exhibiting on the part of the Revising -Committee, laborious research and patient adjustment of details. But -some of them, I think, are fairly open to criticism and susceptible of -improvement. The formula given for preparing “CARBONIC ACID WATER,” is -one by which it {40} may safely be said, no practical man ever has -made, or ever can make, the article commonly known as mineral, or soda -water, the latter name given to it in its early manufacture; when a -portion of carbonate of soda entered into its composition, which is -now generally omitted, though the name is retained in many places. In -the first United States Pharmacopœia, 1820, the formula given is as -follows:― - - “Take of water any quantity. - - Impregnate it with about ten times its volume of carbonic acid gas by - means of a forcing pump.” - -That was, probably, about the strength it was usually made at that -time. It is now, generally made about one fifth or one fourth stronger. -In the revision of 1830, the formula was changed as follows:― - - “By means of a forcing pump, throw into a suitable receiver, nearly - filled with Water, a quantity of Carbonic Acid equal to five times the - bulk of the Water.” - - “Carbonic Acid is obtained from the Hard Carbonate of Lime by means of - dilute Sulphuric Acid.” - -The latter formula is repeated in the revisions of 1840 and 1850, -substituting the term “Marble,” for “Hard Carbonate of Lime.” The -strength was altered from “ten times” of the first edition to “five -times,” in 1830, and reiterated in 1840 and 1850. Why? “Ten times” was, -perhaps, sufficient in the early use of this beverage, but was hardly -considered strong enough in 1830, certainly was not in 1840, and has -not been since. It is difficult to conceive a reason for such change. -Surely, it could not have been recommended by practical men; on the -contrary it was supposed to have been made by mistake or inadvertance. -It is still more difficult to find a good reason for repeating this -formula in the revisions of 1840 and 1850. Upon each of the latter -occasions the College of Pharmacy, in New York, remonstrated against -it and pointed out fully its absurdity. Carbonic Acid Water of that -strength, it was stated, would not be acceptable as a drink to any one -familiar with it, {41} nor refreshing to the sick. The formula was -also shown to be defective in several essential particulars, and where -it was not defective it was wrong. But our remonstrance seems not to -have been vouchsafed “even the cold respect of a passing glance.” - -The formula is defective in not describing the vessel in which the -preparation is to be made. In other processes, not so much involving -the safety of those engaged in them, the vessels are specified, as -“glass,” “earthen,” “iron,” &c. In this case it is indispensable that -the vessel should be expressly and well adapted to the purpose. It -should be of undoubted strength to sustain the pressure, and it should -be of material not acted upon by the acid or water. These requisites -should not be neglected. We need not concern ourselves much, to be -sure, about “five times the bulk,” but to make carbonic acid water of -good quality, the “receiver” should be of sufficient strength to ensure -safety, and of internal material to avoid unpleasant or injurious -contamination. Copper fountains, lined with tin, are mostly used. Cast -iron, lined with tin, is also used, to some extent. So far the formula -is defective,—in the proportion both of water and carbonic acid it -is wrong. The “suitable receiver” should not be “nearly filled with -water.” How near full that is, is left to the chance of different -judgment in different persons; but if “nearly filled” should be -understood to mean within a pint, and force enough could be applied, -“the receiver” would burst before the “five times” could be got into -it, though the breaking in this case would not, probably, be attended -with danger to the operator, because it would be merely a dead strain -without much expansive force. - -I do not propose to detail the process of making soda or mineral water, -“Carbonic Acid Water,” as it is properly called in the Pharmacopœia. -The minutiæ of its preparation may well be left to the experience -and practice of the operator. But the formula given in our standard -book should not be defective or wrong in prominent principles, it -should accord with experience and the improvement of the times. There -does not appear to {42} be any good reason for altering the formula -of 1820, which was comparatively “well enough” to that of 1830, ’40 -and ’50, which is of no value. After designating the description of -fountain required, so far, at least, as regards strength (which ought -to be equal to the pressure of twenty atmospheres), and material, it -should direct it to be supplied with water to the extent of about -five sevenths of its capacity, in order to allow of due admixture of -gas and water, and of agitation which greatly facilitates it, and the -forcing carbonic acid into it to the extent of at least twelve times -the bulk of the water. Thirteen or fourteen times is often employed for -draught, and seventeen or eighteen times for bottling. It may be, as -it has been, said that “a formula for this preparation is not of great -moment.” It may be so; it may, perhaps, as safely be left to the skill -of the manufacturer and the taste of the consumer, as “Mistura Spiritus -Vini Gallici;” but “if it be worth doing at all, it is worth doing -well;” if placed in the Pharmacopœia, it should be in accordance with -knowledge, and the experience of practical men. - -THE SOLUTION OF ARSENITE OF POTASSA has been made by some Apothecaries, -with myself, for several years, by substituting 92 grs. of bicarbonate -of potassa, as the equivalent of 64 grs. of the carbonate, by which -we feel more confident of obtaining a definite compound than by the -employment of the Carbonate, as generally procured, which mostly -contains silica and other contaminations. The resulting compound is -quite satisfactory, and keeps well. We also omit the compound spirit -of lavender, making up the measure of a pint with water. Our object -in this is two-fold. The solution is more permanent, according to our -observation, and the compound spirit of lavender only renders it (if -anything) more attractive in taste and smell, to children and ignorant -persons. - -In making MISTURA FERRI COMPOSITA, it is peculiarly necessary to -proceed exactly according to rule, both in the order of its components -and in the method of adding them, to produce a correct result. In the -Pharmacopœia the six ingredients are set down thus:― {43} - - “Take of Myrrh a drachm. - Carbonate of Potassa twenty-five grains. - Sulphate of Iron, in powder, a scruple. - Spirit of Lavender half a fluid ounce. - Sugar a drachm. - Rose Water seven fluid ounces and a half.” - -We are directed to rub the first with the last, “and then mix with -these” the fourth, the fifth, the second, and “lastly,” the third. - -In the written process for making a mixture, which more than most -others, requires exact method, and the adding of each of its numerous -components in its right order, it would seem to be desirable, for the -sake of perspicuity, to set them down in the order in which they are -to be used. Here we have to chase about, forwards and backwards, for -the one wanted next, and to read over and over the directions, to make -sure of getting them right; for few of us make this mixture so often -as to be perfectly familiar with the process, without referring to the -text. It is not less awkward in this case from the directions chancing -to be over leaf. But the formula is otherwise defective, I think, not -being quite equal to that of 1830, in which the rose water and spirit -of lavender are directed to be added together. Not only should these -be mixed before using, but the myrrh, carbonate of potassa and sugar -should be triturated well together, and rubbed with successive portions -of the mixed liquids, effecting thereby a better solution of the myrrh. -The mixture, then complete, except the sulphate of iron, should be put -into the vial, and the salt should, by all means, be directed to be -selected in clear crystals, to avoid any per salt of iron; it should be -quickly powdered in a clean mortar, and added to the contents of the -vial. The result is a bluish colored mixture, soon changing to olive -green. If the sulphate of iron be not properly selected, or if it be -rubbed in the mortar, as inferred from the formula, the mixture is more -or less brown and proportionably deteriorated. Of course, we should not -“take sulphate of iron in powder.” {44} - -In giving directions for making a compound, something, certainly, -is to be expected from the knowledge and skill of the manipulator. -But essential points should not be left to him, and a formula for a -mixture, probably not very often made by Apothecaries throughout our -country towns, should be set down so clearly, that a person competent -to put up mixtures generally, could make this one the first time he was -called upon for it, without needless perplexity, and with sufficient -detail of essentials to ensure its being made correctly. I have been -frequently told by physicians that, even here, this mixture, requiring -so much nicety of manipulation, does not appear to be made right one -time in ten. This may not be so much the fault of the Apothecary as -of his guide. He makes the mixture but seldom, and if he make it by -his Pharmacopœia he does not make it as well as it can be made. For -convenient use in the shop, I have the following process written out:― - - “Take of Myrrh, - Sugar each one drachm, - Carbonate of Potassa twenty-five grains, - - _Triturate together, and add gradually_: - Rose Water seven ounces and a half, - Spirit of Lavender half an ounce, mixed. - - _Rub each portion well together, pour into the vial and add_: - Sulphate of Iron one scruple, - - _To be selected in clear crystals, powdered in a clean dry mortar, and - thrown in powder into the vial; then cork, shake well, and cover the - vial with buff colored paper._” - -I have often thought that if our formulæ, especially those that are -complicated, were given in proper rotation, placing the component -first to be used, first in the list, the second next, and so on, -with intermediate lines of direction, which might be in smaller type -or italics, it would derogate nothing from the dignity of the book, -while it would facilitate the process, and might sometimes obviate -misconstruction, or neglect of particulars essential to the best result. - -The consideration of some few other preparations, I must defer to -another number. - -{45} - - -LETTER ON OPIUM, &c. - -[THE following letter, addressed to a Commercial House in this City, -will be found to communicate some interesting information. We print it -as it is written. Perhaps our readers may derive some information from -the prices given; we can make nothing of them.] - - CONSTANTINOPLE, May 10, 1851. - To ———— TRIESTE, - -We received your honored letter, dated Messina, with great pleasure, -and hasten to give you the information you desire, hoping and -wishing that both an agreeable and useful connection may arise from -it, for which purpose we shall not fail to give your House direct -information, respecting the articles you mention. Opium is found -here in different qualities, the goodness of which chiefly depends -on the conscientiousness of those who prepare it. The best quality -coming from some districts of Asia consists of the pure juice, which -flows spontaneously from the incisions made in the poppy heads, is -inspissated and formed into little balls. It has eminently all the -qualities which are requisite in good opium, and contains from 8 to -10 per cent, and more, of morphia. This sort is the most in request -among the druggists in Germany and France, to be sold by retail to -the apothecaries, but scarcely forms the 8th or 10th part of all the -Turkish opium which comes to the market. Next to this is the ordinary -quality, coming from the other provinces of Asia Minor; where in -preparing it, they are less cautious, partly pressing the poppy heads, -in order to get as much juice as possible, partly scraping the juice -that has oozed out too hard, by which certain mucilaginous parts of the -plant, and shavings of the rind get mixed up with it; in this way that -kind of opium is produced, which is so often sold, and at Trieste bears -the name of Tarense opium. - -By this proceeding, of course, the morphia is lessened, and often in a -great degree; but in the Chinese market, in proportion to which, the -consumption of the article in all other countries is scarcely to be -reckoned, little or no regard is paid to {46} this, which explains why -the latter inferior article always brings nearly as high a price as -the former pure quality. Besides these, several sorts of adulterated -opium are sold, some of which are prepared, (principally for the North -American market,) by mixing in the juice of the whole plant, or other -substances.—The difference of the qualities would be best perceived by -a collection of samples, which we should be glad to send you, if you -would tell us where to direct them. The price of the aforementioned -prime quality, which we call “Gúeve,” from the district which chiefly -produces it, is now 10 2/3c. for the English pound, free on board. -The current second quality, 10 1/3c. The price of the adulterated is -much lower, in proportion to the amount of the adulteration; which, -however, in most cases, is not discernible by the exterior. The prices -are, of course, principally regulated by the Chinese market; yet the -more or less considerable crop produced is not without influence. So -especially now, the growers show little inclination to sell, as the new -plantations are endangered by a continual want of rain.—Nevertheless, -probably after two months, when the new crop begins to come to market, -we may be able to buy cheaper than now, if the news from China should -not cause the price to rise. - -As regards scammony, almost everything that has been said respecting -opium is literally applicable. The difference in quality depends -upon the way of preparing it, while the plant from which it is taken -is always the same. The best sort is the pure dried juice, which -spontaneously flows from the incisions made in the root of the plant; -the next quality is produced by a strong pressure of the root. These -two qualities go in commerce by the name of the 1st and 2nd scammony -d’Aleppo, which name, however, is wrong, as Aleppo produces the 1st -quality, but only in a very small quantity, whilst the greater part -comes from several districts of Asia Minor. Then follows the so called -quality of Skilip, a district that produces much, but where they have -the bad habit of trying to gain in the weight, by adulterating the -pure substance. The adulteration is made in several ways; the least -injurious of which perhaps is, {47} that they add (as in opium), the -pressed or boiled out juice of the whole plant; the not inconsiderable -quantities of this sort, which are yearly brought from the interior, -find a good sale in Europe, which would hardly last, if a sufficient -quantity of the before mentioned finer qualities were to be had. -Besides these, a number of other sorts are sold in Europe, under the -name of Smyrna scammony, which consist of a hard and heavy mass, but -contain only a very small part of the real scammony. - -With this article it would also be necessary, as we said with the -opium, to explain our statements by sending you samples, which we will -do if you desire it. The finest prime sort is seldom found, and is -now entirely wanting. It would sell readily at the rate of 21 1/2c. -per pound, English. The good second quality brings according to the -sort, from 18c. to 15 3/4c. a pound, free on board, but is also -now very scarce, and will, in the course of two or three months, be -more abundant in fresh quality. Of the Skilip sort, there are several -quantities in the market, according to the quality, at the price of 13 -to 10s. 10d. an English pound, free on board. - -Of the oil of roses, there is, properly speaking, only one genuine -quality, with only little difference in odor, but with remarkable -variation in the facility with which it congeals, which property is -almost generally considered an essential proof of its being genuine, -but without reason; as we have ascertained by much experience, during -a long sojourn in the country where it is produced. Several reasons -may contribute to this difference in congealing, but the chief one -may be considered, the difference of soil, and method of preparation. -We give our principal attention to the article, and have founded an -establishment at Kissanlik, where it is chiefly produced, through which -alone we make our purchases, and must do so, in order to have the attar -genuine, as we have experienced, that all the essence without exception -that is sold here, second hand, is far from pure. - -The common method and the one now almost exclusively adopted of -adulterating it, with geranium essence, may be known {48} to you, and -that it really is the most in use, you may conclude, from the price -of the genuine article having been for a long time much higher at the -places of production, than the price of that which is sold as prime in -Europe. This fact has only lately been noticed in Europe, therefore -in the price current of Trieste, for instance, you will find the -genuine article noted, beside the prime article, with a considerable -difference of price. What at London is designated as prime quality, is -only a mixture of 60 to 70 per cent. essence of rose, with 30 to 40 per -cent. essence of geranium. Samples will also prove this to you, more -clearly. The price of the genuine attar is, to-day, 22 3/4c. for an -ounce, at 10 drachms, according to which the English price current may -be understood; in six or eight weeks after the preparation of the new -crop, we hope to buy cheaper, but at what rate we cannot yet judge, -as this depends on the produce of the crop. There is some cheaper and -adulterated, and which is only bought by ignorant persons. This oil -comes by caravans from the interior of Asia, and in spite of all our -inquiries, we could not succeed in getting any sure information, about -the plant which produces it, or the method of preparation. - - -ON CHLOROFORM AS A SOLVENT. - -BY M. P. H. LEPAGE, OF GISORS. - -Hitherto, attention has been mainly directed to the manufacture of -chloroform, and the study of its anesthetic properties. Many chemists, -however, have casually noticed the power it possesses of dissolving -essential oils, fixed fatty matters, camphor resins, (even those which -dissolve with difficulty in alcohol and ether, such as copal resin, for -example,) iodine, bromine, vegetable alkalies, india rubber insoluble -in alcohol, and but slightly soluble in ether, and, finally, gutta -percha, insoluble according to M. Vogel, in both these menstrua. {49} - -Having lately had occasion to experiment with chloroform, upon a -variety of substances, I have thought it might be useful, with a view -to its further application, to make known the results obtained. - -1. Resinous substances, gum mastic, colophony, elemi, balsam of tolu, -benzoin, are very soluble cold, in all proportions of chloroform and -their solutions in this liquid form varnishes, some of which might, -I think, be usefully applied, when the price of chloroform shall be -diminished. - -Gum copal and caoutchouc dissolve equally and almost entirely in this -liquid, but more easily hot than cold. - -Amber, sandarac, and shellac, are only partially soluble in chloroform, -whether hot or cold. The mixture of sandarac and chloroform separates -into two layers; the lower one which holds in solution a certain -quantity of resin, is fluid, whilst the upper one is of a gelatinous -consistence. - -Olibanum dissolves with difficulty in it, either hot or cold. - -Gum guaiac and scammony resin, dissolve very easily in it; whilst on -the contrary, pure jalap resin is insoluble; it becomes soft by contact -with the liquid, and then floats on the top, as a pitch like mass. When -the resin is very pure, the lower layer of chloroform has an amber -color. - -Gamboge and gum dragon’s blood, also yield some of their substance -to chloroform. The solution of gamboge being of a magnificent golden -yellow, and that of the dragon’s blood of a beautiful red, these two -substances might be advantageously used as varnishes. - -2. Fixed Fats. Oils of olive, œillettes, almond, ricinus, cod, rape, -euphorbia, lathyris, croton tiglium, lard, tallow, the concrete oils of -palm and cocoa, spermaceti, and probably all the fixed fats, dissolve -remarkably and in all proportions in chloroform. As to wax, according -to M. Vogel, six or eight parts of chloroform added to one part of this -substance when pure, dissolve only .25, whence this chemist supposes, -that whenever wax treated with this liquid in the above {50} named -proportions, leaves less than .75, it may be considered as having been -mixed with tallow or stearic acid. - -I placed in a small tube, seven grammes of chloroform, and one gramme -of _pure_ white wax, shaking the mixture violently, at the end of -six or eight hours the piece of wax had entirely disappeared, and -the contents of the tube resembled an emulsion. The whole was passed -through a filter of the weight of one gramme. A transparent liquid -passed, which, exposed to spontaneous evaporation, left a residuum of -pillular consistence weighing twenty-five centigrammes; whilst the -filter which retained the portion of undissolved wax, left to the -action of the air, until it no longer lost weight, was found to weigh -one gramme, seventy-five centigrammes. The result of this experiment -therefore, confirms the statement of the learned chemist of Munich. - -3. Volatile oils. All are soluble in chloroform. - -4. Simple metalloid bodies. We already know that iodine and bromine are -soluble in chloroform, I have further ascertained that phosphorus and -sulphur are slightly so. - -5. Immediate neutral principles. Stryacine, piperine, naphtaline, -cholesterine, are very soluble in chloroform. Pricrotoxine, slightly -so. Parafine will only dissolve when warm, and on cooling, again -floats on the top of the liquid. Amygdaline, phloridzine, salicine, -digitaline, cynisin, urea, hematin, gluten, sugar, &c., are insoluble -in it. - -6. Organic acids. Benzoic and hippuric acids are very soluble in -chloroform. Tannin is but slightly soluble, tartaric, citric, oxalic -and gallic acids are insoluble in it. - -7. Organic alkalies. Quinine, pure veratrine, emetine and narcotine -are easily soluble in chloroform. Strychnine dissolves pretty well -in it, and the solution, even when not saturated (one décigramme to -two grammes of chloroform, for instance,) deposits, in twenty-four -hours, a number of little tuberculiform crystals, which may perhaps -be a modification of this alkaloid (an isomeric state), for their -solution in dilute acids has appeared to me less bitter, and less -easily precipitable by {51} ammonia than that of ordinary strychnine. -Brucine is also quite soluble in chloroform. Morphine and cinchonine -are insoluble. - -8. Salts of organic acids. Tartar emetic, the acetates of potash and -soda, lactate of iron, citrate of iron, valerianate of zinc, and -acetate of lead do not dissolve in chloroform. - -9. Salts with organic bases. Sulphate and hydrochlorate of strychnine, -are tolerably soluble in chloroform, whilst sulphate of quinine, -hydrochlorate and sulphate of morphine are insoluble. - -10. Haloid salts. Iodide and bromide of potassium, the chlorides of -sodium, potassium and ammonia, the iodides of mercury and lead, the -yellow prussiate of potash, the cyanides of mercury and potassium do -not dissolve in chloroform. Chloride of mercury is very soluble. - -11. Oxysalts. The iodates, chlorates, nitrates, phosphates, sulphates, -chromates, borates, arseniates and alkaline hyposulphates are -completely insoluble in chloroform. The same may be said of nitrate of -silver, sulphate of copper, and probably of all the metallic oxysalts. - -The above facts prove: 1st That chloroform dissolves, with a very few -exceptions, all bodies soluble in ether; but as it dissolves copal, -caoutchouc, &c., much better than this latter substance, this property -will become serviceable when the price of chloroform shall be lowered. - -2nd. That contrary to what was formerly believed, it dissolves shellac -much less easily than alcohol. - -3rd. That it may be employed instead of ether, to separate quinine from -cinchonine, narcotine from morphine, guaiac resin from jalap resin, -which substances are often found mixed together in commerce. - -4th. That it dissolves in large proportions strychnine, brucine, and -emetine, alkaloids, which are almost insoluble in ether. - -5th. Finally, that it does not dissolve tartaric, citric, oxalic and -gallic acids, amygdaline, phloridzine, salicine, digitaline, hematine, -gluten, &c., all which bodies are soluble in alcohol, {52} nor the -chlorides, bromides, iodides, or nitrates, salts, all soluble in the -same vehicle. - -I think it right also to add the following observation, because it -tends to corroborate a fact recently stated in the _Journal de Chimie -Médicale_, by my friend and former colleague, M. Aujendre, assayer at -the mint of Constantinople, namely that chloroform possesses antiseptic -properties. Having accidentally left in a half filled, but corked -bottle, during a month (from April 10, to May 12), in my laboratory, -where the variations of temperature are very frequent, some milk mixed -with about a hundredth part of chloroform, I was rather surprised, on -examining the milk, to find that it had preserved the fluidity and -homogeneity of the liquid when freshly drawn, and that it could even -be boiled without turning.—_Journal de Chimie Médicale in L’Abeille -Médicale._ - -[NOTE.—Chloroform will preserve Anatomical and Pathological Specimens -without changing their color, or apparently their texture.]—ED. N. Y. -JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - - -REPORT OF A JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY -AND THE PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, RELATIVE TO PHYSICIANS’ -PRESCRIPTIONS. - -(_Published by order of the Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia Coll. -of Pharm._) - -The joint Committees of the Philadelphia County Medical Society, and -of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, appointed for the purpose -of considering the means best adapted to prevent the occurrence of -mistakes in the compounding of the prescriptions of Physicians by -Apothecaries, beg leave to report that they have given to the subject -all the attention that its importance demands, and present the -following hints as the results of their joint deliberations. They have -taken the liberty of adding, also, a few general hints on the relations -that should exist between physicians and pharmaceutists. - -{53} - - -A. _In Respect to Physicians._ - -1. Physicians should write their prescriptions carefully and legibly, -making use of good paper, and, whenever possible, of pen and ink. When -obliged to write with a pencil, they should take the precaution to fold -the prescription twice, so as to prevent its being defaced. - -2. The nomenclature of the United States Pharmacopœia is becoming -annually more in favor with pharmaceutists; a statement attested by the -fact that 1500 copies of the book of Latin Labels for shop furniture, -published by the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, have been disposed -of within three years. Physicians are also becoming more alive to -the merits of our national Codex, and they are respectfully urged to -familiarize themselves with its nomenclature, and to adhere to it -strictly in their prescriptions. - -3. The numerous treatises on Materia Medica, Pharmacy and the Practice -of Medicine, of English origin, that are reprinted in this country, -notwithstanding they are generally interlarded with the formulæ of -our own Pharmacopœia, tend, nevertheless, very much to confuse the -physician and apothecary, in the use and exact meaning of terms -in prescriptions. To obviate the difficulties thus occasioned, -the physician should, when he prescribes a medicine, which is not -officinal, nor in common use, state on his prescription, either in -a note at the bottom, or within parenthesis, following the article, -the authority or work from whence it is derived, as “Griffith’s -Formulary,”—“Ellis’ Formulary,”—“Braithwaite’s Retrospect,” etc. - -4. Physicians would lessen the risk of errors in their prescriptions, -and increase the chances of their detection should they be made, by -observing the following hints. - -1st. Write the name of the patient at the top of the prescription, -unless a good reason prevents this being done; in which case, it should -be expressed as for Mr. G—, Mrs. R—, or Mrs. S.’s child, or for Master -T—, so as to convey to the apothecary some idea of the age of the -patient. {54} - -2d. The date and name of the physician or his initials, should -always be appended, and, whenever practical, the dose and mode of -administering the medicine directed. - -3d. When an unusually large dose of an active medicine is prescribed, -as opium, morphia, elaterium, strychnia, etc., let such names be put in -_italics_, and the quantity or quantities repeated in writing enclosed -within a parenthesis; thus:—R Morphiæ Sulphatis grs. vj. (six grains.) -Div. in chart. vj. - -4th. When an active substance is to be used externally, it should be -so stated on the prescription; thus, “For external application”—“To be -applied to the part as directed,” etc. - -5th. The quantities of each article should be placed in a line with -the name, and not below it and in using the Roman numerals, the _i_’s -should be dotted correctly. - -6th. The occasional practice of writing the directions intended for the -patient in _latin_, and especially in abbreviated latin, is uncalled -for, and attended with some risk; it is far safer to write them in -English, and without abbreviation or the use of figures, unless these -are well and distinctly formed. - - -B. _In Respect to the Apothecary._ - -1st. The apothecary should hesitate to dispense a prescription, the -handwriting of which is so imperfect as to render the writer’s meaning -doubtful—especially if it involves agents of a poisonous or irritating -character—unless he is able, from collateral circumstances, to satisfy -himself of the intent of the prescriber. In such a case he should -delay the delivery of the medicine to the patient until he can see the -physician, and in doing so he should avoid committing the latter, by -agreeing to send the medicine when it is ready. - -2d. The apothecary is justified in the same means of delay, if he, -after deliberate consideration, believes that the physician has -inadvertently made a mistake in the quantity or dose of the article or -articles prescribed; always keeping in view the physician’s reputation -as well as his own. Every respectful application, in such cases, to a -physician, should be met in good faith {55} and with kind feeling, -even though no error should prove to exist. - -3d. In his demeanor and language, the apothecary should cautiously -avoid compromising the physician, unless it be unavoidable, in which -case honesty is the best policy, and the patient or his messenger -should be told that it will be necessary to have an interview with the -physician previously to compounding his prescription. - -4th. The apothecary is not justifiable in making inquiries relative -to the patient or his disease, or remarks relative to the character -or properties of the medicines prescribed, that are uncalled for, or -likely to convey a wrong impression, through an ignorant messenger, -to the patient, excepting it be done in a case where he has doubts in -regard to the prescription, and wishes to satisfy himself, and here he -should act with great discreetness. - -5th. When an apothecary is asked his opinion of a physician’s -prescription in a manner that indicates want of faith in the -prescriber, he should waive the question, unless by a direct answer he -should be able to restore that confidence. When asked the nature of -the ingredients, he should be guided in his answer by circumstances, -avoiding to give the desired information, when he believes it would -be contrary to the wish of the physician, or attended with injurious -consequences. In other cases he should use his own judgment. - -6th. Physicians being often unacquainted with practical pharmacy, pay -little attention to the order in which the several articles entering -into a prescription are arranged, with the view to facilitate the -operations of dispensing. It hence becomes the first duty of the -apothecary carefully to read the prescription and fix the proper -order in his mind. He should, at the same time, acquire the habit of -considering the quantities ordered in relation to the usual doses, and, -also, the general bearing of the prescription; and a constant resort to -this practice, based on due knowledge, must almost inevitably detect -mistakes, if any have been made. {56} - -7th. Apothecaries should accustom their assistants to study -prescriptions in this light, and to acquire such a knowledge of the -doses and therapeutical uses of medicines as shall serve to guide them -in avoiding errors. - -8th. The apothecary, when engaged in dispensing a prescription, should, -as far as possible, avoid mental preoccupation, and give his attention -fully to his task. He should acquire the habit of _always_ examining -the label of the bottle before using its contents, and he should -satisfy himself that he has read the prescribed quantity correctly, by -referring to the prescription anew before weighing out each article. -It is also, a useful precaution to have bottles containing mineral or -vegetable poisons, distinguished by some prominent mark. - -9th. As the conscientious discharge of his duty should be the aim of -every apothecary, seeing that on his correct action depends, in no -slight degree, the usefulness of the physician, no pains should be -spared to secure the efficiency of the medicines dispensed, whether -they be drugs or preparations. The latter should always be prepared of -full strength, and according to the formulæ recognized by the United -States Pharmacopœia, unless when otherwise specially ordered. - -10th. The apothecary should always label, and number correctly, all -medicine dispensed by him on the prescription of a physician; he -should, also, invariably, transcribe on the label, in a plain legible -hand writing, the name of the patient, the date of the prescription, -the directions intended for the patient, and the name or the initials -of the prescriber. - -11th. The original prescription should always be retained by the -apothecary, whose warrantee it is, in case of error on the part of the -prescriber. When a copy is requested, if, as in many instances, no -objection can be urged, it should be a _fac simile_ in language and -symbols, and not a translation. - -12th. In no instance is an apothecary justifiable in leaving his -business in charge of boys, or incompetent assistants—or in allowing -such to compound prescriptions, excepting under his immediate and -careful supervision. {57} - -13th. In justice to his sense of the proper limits of his vocation, to -the medical profession, and to his customers, the apothecary should -abstain from prescribing for diseases, excepting in those emergencies, -which occasionally occur, demanding immediate action, or, in those -every day unimportant cases where to refuse council would be construed -as a confession of ignorance, calculated to injure the reputation of -the apothecary, and would be attended with no advantage to either -physician or patient. - -14th. The sale of quack or secret medicines, properly so called, -constitutes a considerable item in the business of some apothecaries. -Many of the people are favorably impressed towards that class of -medicines, and naturally go to their apothecaries for them. It is -this which has caused many apothecaries to keep certain of these -nostrums, who are ready and willing to relinquish the traffic in them, -but for the offence that a refusal to supply them to their customers -would create. At present all that the best disposed apothecary can -be expected to do, is to refrain from the manufacture himself, of -quack and secret medicines; to abstain from recommending them, either -verbally or by exhibiting show bills, announcing them for sale, in his -shop or windows; and to discourage their use, when appealed to. - -15th. Having in view the welfare of the community and the advancement -of pharmaceutic science and interest, it is all important that the -offices of prescribing and compounding medicines should be kept -distinct, in this city and surrounding districts. All connection with, -or moneyed interest in apothecary stores, on the part of physicians, -should, therefore, be discountenanced. With respect to the pecuniary -understanding said to exist, in some instances, between apothecaries -and physicians, we hold, that no well disposed apothecary or physician -would be a party to such contract, and consider the code of Ethics of -the College of Pharmacy and the Constitution of the Philadelphia County -Medical Society as sufficiently explicit on this subject. {58} - -16th. In reference to the patronage on the part of Physicians of -particular apothecaries, we are of opinion, as a general rule, that -Graduates in Pharmacy should be encouraged in preference to others of -the same date of business, and whilst admitting the abstract right of -the physician to send his prescription where he pleases, we think that -justice should dictate the propriety of his encouraging the nearest -apothecary deserving of his confidence and that of the patient. - - _Committee of County Medical Society:_ - D. FRANCES CONDIE, - WM. MAYBURY, - G. EMERSON. - - _Committee of Phila. College of Pharmacy:_ - WILLIAM PROCTER, JR., - H. C. BLAIR, - JOHN H. ECKY. - -[We republish the above Report from the American Journal of Pharmacy, -as its “hints” are, in the main, practical and judicious. On one or two -points, however, we differ from the author of the report. We do not -think (B. Article 4th,) that the apothecary is ever justified in making -inquiries relative to the disease of a patient. If his very inquiries -may “convey a wrong impression to the patient, through an ignorant -messenger,” how can that ignorant messenger give information regarding -the disease of a patient, which can guide the apothecary, himself not -supposed to be versed in therapeutics, in judging of the correctness -of a prescription? The apothecary, where he is in doubt, may inquire -the dose and the age of the patient, and then, if he deems necessary, -may have recourse to the physician himself. And in regard to the next -article, when the apothecary is asked the “nature of the ingredients” -in a prescription, it is wisest to refer the patient, _as a rule_, to -the prescriber.]—ED. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - - -NOTE ON THE DIVISION OF GUM RESINS IN POTIONS, AND IN DIACHYLON -PLAISTER. - -At a recent meeting of the Society of Pharmacy, M. Poulenc, submitted -a method which he has employed for eight years in his laboratory, for -suspending gum resins in medical prescriptions. It is well known how -much difficulty there is in suspending either in a mixture, or lotion, -one or more grammes of gum ammoniac, assafœtida, myrrh, &c. In dividing -the {59} assafœtida with yolk of egg alone, the manipulation is long; -but if instead of the egg, we employ 6 or 8 drops of oil of sweet -almonds per gramme, the gum resin, even when entire, is easily reduced; -when the oil is well mixed, and the paste as homogeneous as possible, -a little water is first added, then gradually the quantity of the -prescribed vehicle, as for the mucilage of a linctus; the product of -this operation will be a speedy and very perfect emulsion. One of the -advantages of this _modus faciendi_, is, that the product can be warmed -without danger of coagulation, besides which, it is generally more easy -to obtain a few drops of oil of sweet almonds, or any other kind of oil -than the yolk of an egg. - -M. Poulenc has recently applied the same method to the manufacture of -diachylon plaister, in the following manner: take some entire pieces of -gum resin, and triturate them briskly in an iron mortar, after which -in a marble, or porcelain mortar, mix in the oil, and add a sufficient -quantity of water to obtain an emulsion about as thick as liquid honey; -strain this through a coarse cloth; there will be hardly anything left -on the cloth, and the strained substance will be perfectly homogeneous. -Evaporate in an earthen vessel, by the water-bath, the water which had -been mixed in, and when the mass presents the appearance of a soft -extract, the other ingredients of the plaister may be mixed in with -the greatest ease. This plaister presents a very beautiful appearance, -and exhales a very decided odour of the gum resins employed in its -composition. Should it be feared that the small quantity of oil, -might weaken the consistence of the plaister, M. Poulenc thinks that -the quantity of turpentine might, without inconvenience, be slightly -diminished. - -We have tried with success the method of M. Poulenc for emulsions with -gum resins; as to its further use in the preparation of diachylon -plaister, we cannot speak with certainty.—There is a chemical question, -which, in all cases governs the preparation of pharmaceutical -agents.—_Stan. Martin, L’Abeille Medicale._ - -{60} - - -ESSENCE OF JARGONELLE PEAR. - -BY THE EDITOR OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL. - -The liquid sold under this name, and which has been for some time in -use by confectioners, is the _acetate of the oxide of amyle_. - -It is prepared with great facility by submitting to distillation -a mixture of one part of amylic alcohol (better known by the name -of oil of grain,) two parts of acetate of potash, and one part of -oil of vitriol. The distilled liquid is to be washed with alkaline -water, dehydrated by chloride of calcium, and afterwards rectified by -distillation from protoxide of lead. - -Its properties are thus stated by Dumas:—In the state of purity it is -a colorless, very limpid, volatile liquor, which boils at 257° F. It -possesses an ethereal aromatic odor, somewhat resembling acetic ether; -its sp. gr. is less than that of water. It is insoluble in water, but -soluble in alcohol, ether, oil of grain, &c. Concentrated sulphuric -acid does not color it in the cold; but by heating the mixture, -it becomes reddish-yellow, and when the temperature is elevated, -destructive reaction takes place, the mixture blackens and evolves -sulphurous acid. Placed in contact with a watery solution of potash -it is very slowly altered; but an alcoholic solution of this base -rapidly decomposes, an alkaline acetate is formed, and the oil of grain -regenerated. Its ultimate composition is - - 14 equivalents of carbon, 84 - 14 equivalents of hydrogen, 14 - 4 equivalents of oxygen, 32 - ─── - 130 - -But its proximate composition is amyle, (an hypothetical radical) -oxygen, and acetic acid. - - 1 equivalent amyle (C‗{10} H‗{11}) 71 - 1 equivalent oxygen, 8 - 1 equivalent acetic acid, (C‗{4} H‗{3} O‗{3}) 51 - ─── - 130 - -Its formula is thus stated by Brande, AylO, AcO‗{3}; by Fownes, -AylO, C‗{4} H‗{3} O‗{3}. - -_Amylic alcohol_, or _oil of grain_, called by the Germans _fuselol_; -is the hydrated oxide of amyle, AylO, HO. It is {61} largely produced -in the distillation of spirit from corn. It is officinal in the Dublin -Pharmacopœia, where it is termed “_Alcohol amylicum—Fusel oil_,” and -is employed to yield valerianic acid in the process for making “Sodæ -Valerianas.” - -From information which we have received, we have reason to believe that -the use, by very young children, of articles of confectionery, flavored -with essence of pear, is not without danger. A child on two occasions -became partially comatose, with livid lips and feeble pulse, after -eating some confectionery which it was calculated contained about one -drop of the essence.—_London Pharmaceutical Journal, November, ’51._ - - -_On the Growth of Plants in Various Gases, Especially substituting -Carbonic Oxide, Hydrogen, and light Carburetted Hydrogen for the -Nitrogen of the Air._ By MESSRS. GLADSTONES. DR. GLADSTONE gave the -results of experiments made and still in progress, with his brother, -Mr. G. Gladstone. After describing the effect on some flowers, as the -pansy, the crocus, &c.—a discussion ensued—Mr. R. Warrington suggesting -that in such experiments the plants be allowed to take root well before -immersing them in the gases; next, that the combined atmospheres were -too much saturated with moisture, often causing rapid growth and -decay; and that these flowers and roots should be compared with others -grown in similar volumes of confined common air. Prof. Dumas spoke -of the great, and, indeed, almost unsuspected influence of carbonic -oxide gas. The judicial investigations in France had disclosed the -fatal effects of this gas as being so much greater than carbonic acid -gas. In the atmosphere produced by the burning of charcoal, 1-200th -part of carbonic oxide was fatal, while with one-third the volume of -carbonic acid the animal was asphyxiated, but afterwards revived. The -Chairman said that he had reason to believe that in the combustion of -anthracite, much carbonic oxide gas is produced.—_Pharmaceutic Journal, -from Report of British Association in the Athenæum._ - -{62} - - -EDITORIAL. - - -“AN ACT RELATING TO THE SALE OF DRUGS AND MEDICINES.”—We would call the -attention of our readers to the following strange bill, which has been -introduced into the Legislature of this State: - - “_The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and - Assembly, do enact as follows_: - - SECTION 1st. It shall not be lawful for any Physician, Druggist, - Apothecary, or any person or persons dealing in Drugs or Medicines, - or engaged in preparing any compound to be given or administered as - a medicine, to offer the same for sale without first affixing or - attaching thereto, in a conspicuous manner, a written or printed - recipe in the English language, stating the drug or drugs, medicine or - medicines, or ingredients of which it is composed, together with the - proportions of each. - - SECTION 2. Any person or persons violating the preceding section - of this Act, shall be considered guilty of a misdemeanor, and on - conviction thereof shall be fined for each offence in a sum not less - than ten dollars, nor exceeding one hundred dollars, or be imprisoned - for a term not exceeding six months. - - SECTION 3. This Act shall not take effect until the first day of July, - 1852. - - Albany, February 6th, 1852.” - -On reading this bill, carelessly, we thought that it was intended to -be levelled at nostroms and quack medicines. If it were so, however -laudable the motives of its originators, its policy is much to be -doubted. The public are not prepared for it; it would, at once, raise -a clamour about selfish motives and private interests; it would never -be enforced: and would tend to bring more moderate and judicious -legislation into contempt. But a careful perusal of the bill shows that -it applies to Apothecaries and venders of medicines in the ordinary -prosecution of their business. Should it become a law, no Apothecary -could sell six cents worth of paregoric, or an ounce of spiced syrup -of rhubarb, unless he accompanies the article sold with a detailed -enumeration of the substances composing it, with the proportions of -each “written or printed in the English language,” without rendering -himself liable to fine and imprisonment! It is not necessary to -characterize such a law to Druggists. It is worthy of notice, however, -as an instance of that spirit of pseudo reform which is at present so -rampant. As a general rule, we believe, Physicians have no objection -to their patients knowing the remedies they prescribe, particularly -when the patients themselves are people of sense and information, but -in many instances, of what use would it be to the sick man and his -conclave of friends to be able to spell {63} out the ingredients of -a prescription? Would it help them to a knowledge of its effects? Are -they the best judges of its propriety? And if so, had not the law -better proscribe educated Physicians altogether? - -And then “written or printed in the English language”! The framers of -such a law could not be expected to recognize a National or any other -Pharmacopœia; which of the twenty trivial names, that in different -times and different places have been bestowed upon the same article, -should we choose? Should we follow strictly the modern chemical -nomenclature, or should we take that of a few years back or should we -go to the fountain head and return to the names of the old Alchemists? -The whole matter is unworthy serious comment. - - -COFFINISM.—England for a long time supplied the United States to a -great extent with quacks and quack medicines. We now begin to produce -these articles not only in quantity sufficient to supply the home -market, but are enabled to spare some of our surplus for the mother -country. Thomsonianism has been transplanted to Great Britain, where -it flourishes under the auspices of a man named Coffin, and is thence -termed Coffinism. Coffin has already numerous disciples among the -illiterate classes of the community. He gives instruction in his -physic made easy, and furnishes his followers with certificates of -their acquaintance with the mysteries of steam, hot drops and lobelia. -Each of his graduates, too, pays a certain sum into a fund created to -defend those of the associates, who may fall within the grasp of the -law. Already several of them have been tried for manslaughter, but the -“Anglo Saxon race,” among its other peculiarities, is determined to be -quacked when it chooses, and the Coffinites hitherto have got off scot -free. - - -CAMPHOR AS A STIMULANT.—A lady who for a long time had suffered from -occasional attacks of hemoptysis, and other signs of consumption, and -who likewise from reduced circumstances, was subject to great moral -depression, applied for advice concerning an epileptic seizure from -which she had suffered for the first time on the preceding night. On -inquiry it came out that she had for a long time been in the habit -of taking large quantities of Camphor. She had begun the practice a -number of years previously, by taking the camphor mixture which had -been ordered for her invalid husband. Gradually she acquired a fondness -for it, and constantly increasing the dose, she, at the time of her -seizure, took daily from two drachms to half an ounce. She was in the -habit of taking it crude, gradually nibbling her allowance in the -course of the day. She described its effects as exceedingly agreeable, -renovating her strength, inspiring her with hope and confidence, and -enabling her to get through with the fatigues of the day.—When not -under its influence she was languid, feeble and depressed. Taking into -account the condition of her lungs, her general health did not seem to -have been affected by the habit. - -{64} - - -CAVENDISH SOCIETY.—We give place willingly to the following circular -of Mr. Procter, convinced that in so doing we are subserving the best -interests of our readers. The names of the officers and council of the -society, give ample assurance of the value of the works selected for -publication. - - CAVENDISH SOCIETY, LONDON.—PRESIDENT—Prof. Thomas Graham. - - VICE PRESIDENTS—Dr. Faraday, Prof. Brande, Sir Robert Kane, Arthur - Aiken, and others. - - COUNCIL—Jabob Bell, Dr. Pereira, Dr. Golding Bird, Robert Warrington, - Alfred S. Taylor, and others. - - TREASURER—Dr. Henry Beaumont Leeson. - - SECRETARY—Theophilus Redwood. - - The Cavendish Society was instituted for the promotion of Chemistry, - and its allied sciences, by the diffusion of the literature of these - subjects. The society effects its object by the translation of recent - works and papers of merit; by the publication of valuable original - works which would not otherwise be printed, from the slender chance - of their meeting with a remunerative sale, and by the occasional - republication or translation of such ancient or earlier modern works, - as may be considered interesting or useful to the members of the - Society. - - Heretofore persons in this country were admitted to membership on - application to Mr. Redwood the general Secretary of the Society, - at London. To facilitate communication between the Society and - its American members, the undersigned has been appointed _Local - Secretary_, at Philadelphia, and to whom application should be - made. The payment of five dollars U. S. Currency or its equivalent, - annually, entitles each member to a copy of every work published by - the Society for the period during which their membership continues. - No member shall be entitled to the Society’s publications unless - his annual subscription shall have been duly paid, and it is to be - understood that the charges for duty and freight on the books arising - from their shipment to this country are to be paid to the Secretary on - delivery. - - The number of Works published will necessarily depend on the number of - annual subscribers; hence it is of great importance to the individual - interest of the members that their aggregate number should be - large. The Society now issue two or three volumes yearly. The books - are handsomely printed on a uniform plan, for members only, their - publication being conducted by the Council who are elected annually by - Ballot from among the members; every member having a vote. - - Members by subscribing for all or any of the past years, may get the - works issued during those years except the first volume, published by - the Society in 1848, entitled “Chemical reports and Memoirs by Thomas - Graham, F. R. S.” which is now out of print. The other volume of that - year which is the 1st volume of Gmelin’s Handbook of Chemistry, can be - obtained by paying half the subscription. - - The subscribers for 1849 are entitled to the 2d and 3d volumes of - Gmelin’s Chemistry—and the Life of Cavendish by Dr. George Wilson of - Edinburgh. The subscribers for 1850 receive the 4th and 5th volumes - of Gmelin’s work, and those of the Current year will receive the 1st - volume of Lehmann’s Physiological Chemistry translated by Dr. Day, and - the 6th volume of Gmelin. - - As the sole object of the Cavendish Society is the encouragement of - an important branch of scientific literature, all who feel interested - in Chemistry should assist in that object by subscribing, or using - their influence with others to extend the list of members, which now - amounts to more than 850. All those who may desire to become members, - to examine the works already issued, or to gain further information - regarding the Society, are requested to apply to the undersigned. - - WILLIAM PROCTER, JR. - - October, 1851. 166 South 9th Street, Philadelphia. - -{65} - - - - -NEW YORK - -JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - -MARCH, 1852. - - -ON THE HEAVY OIL OF WINE. - -BY EDWARD N. KENT. - -Having occasion to use a little of the officinal oil of wine, I applied -to one of our wholesale Druggists, who furnished me with an article, -which I found to be useless. On testing a sample, it _mixed with water_ -and produced a slight milkiness. It was evidently alcohol, containing a -trace only of oil. The price of this was $4 per pound. - -Samples were then obtained from all of the wholesale Druggists from -whom it could be procured, and each of these was proved to be equally -worthless, as the results of the following tests will show. - -The second sample, when agitated with water, separated into two -portions, one of which was aqueous and the other ethereal. The latter -exposed to the air, to separate the ether by spontaneous evaporation, -left a residue which was completely _soluble_ in water, and proved to -be alcohol. The price of this mixture of alcohol and ether was $4,50 -per pound. - -The third sample when agitated with water, became slightly turbid, and -was dissolved. It had a pale yellow color, ethereal odor, and the sp. -gr. was .909. A portion of it, exposed twelve hours to spontaneous -evaporation in a graduated measure, lost one-eighth of its bulk, and -on the application of a taper, burned with a _blue_ flame. It is quite -evident that this also was alcohol with a small portion of ether, and a -trace of oil. The price {66} of this was $4,50 per pound, and it was -labelled “Ol. Aetherii.” It bore also the name of the _importers_. - -The fourth sample, when agitated with water, became slightly turbid, -and dissolved. It was colorless, had an ethereal odor, and the sp. -gr. was .844. This also burned with a _blue_ flame. The price of this -worthless article was $6,50 per pound. It was labelled “Ol. Vini Pur,” -and bore also the name of the _London_ manufacturer. - -It may be well to remark, that the officinal oil of wine, when agitated -with water, separates and falls to the bottom, being heavier than -water, whence its name. The sp. gr. of the pure oil is not less than -1.05, and it has a yellow color. - -The labels on the third and fourth samples above mentioned, are alone -not sufficient evidence to prove that they were _imported_, but, in -addition to the label, I was informed that one of them _was recently -imported_, and also that the manufacturing Chemists in this country do -not make or sell the oil of wine.—In view of this statement (if true) -the question naturally arises: How did the above worthless articles -pass the Custom House under the existing law for “the prevention of the -importation of spurious and adulterated drugs?” - -I have examined another sample which is not offered for sale as oil of -wine, but as it has properties resembling more nearly the officinal oil -than either of the four samples above mentioned, it might possibly be -confounded with the oil of wine. This sample had an agreeable _vinous -odor_, and a _yellow_ color.—When agitated with water a considerable -quantity of oil separated, which was _lighter_ than water. A portion of -the original oil, distilled in a glass retort with a thermometer passed -through a cork, inserted into the tubulare, gave about half its bulk of -a colorless liquid below 180º F., which proved to be alcohol containing -a small quantity of acetic ether and œnanthic ether.—The residue -left in the retort had the properties of a mixture of œnanthic ether -and œnanthic acid. The above article has been, extensively used (in -connection with acetic ether) for the {67} manufacture of factitious -brandy, and is sold for about $1,50 per ounce. - -After having tested samples of all the different articles offered for -sale under the name of “oil of wine” by the wholesale Druggists in New -York, without being able to find either of them worthy of the name, I -prepared a little for my own use, by the following process, which is -that of the London Pharmacopœia: - -2 lbs. oil of vitriol were carefully mixed with 1 lb. commercial -alcohol, and distilled very slowly in a glass retort. The product -consisted of two portions, the lightest of which was an ethereal -solution of oil of wine measuring 6 oz. This was exposed to the air -for twenty-four hours to remove the ether by spontaneous evaporation. -The residue, washed with a little dilute solution of potash and dried, -was pure “Heavy Oil of Wine,” and weighed half an ounce. The quantity -obtained, though small, corresponds exactly with the proportion -obtained by Hennell at the Apothecaries’ Hall, London, viz: 17 oz. oil -of wine from 34 lbs. alcohol, and 68 lbs. oil of vitriol. - -By a simple calculation of the cost of manufacture, and expense of -importation, it will be seen that pure oil of wine could not be -imported and sold at the prices asked for the samples above mentioned. -In making this calculation it will be necessary to observe that under -the existing excise law, the price of alcohol in England is much higher -than in the United States, and is now, I am informed, from 17 to 18 -shillings sterling per gallon. The following calculation (based on the -results of Hennell’s process) gives the cost of _pure_ oil of wine, -manufactured in England and imported into this country, at $35 per -pound; but the spurious articles now sold for oil of wine, are offered -at prices varying from $4 to $6,50 per pound. - - 34 lbs. alcohol (about 5 gallons) - at 17 shillings sterling per gallon, $18 70 - 68 lbs. oil of vitriol, at 2 1/2 cents per pound, 1 70 - Labor, fire, packing, bottle, &c. 1 50 {68} - ──── - Cost of 17 oz. oil, to the English manufacturer, $21 90 - Or per pound, - Cost of making 1 lb. pure oil in England, $20 61 - Manufacturer’s profit, say 10 per cent., 2 06 - ──── - Wholesale price in England, $22 67 - Duties paid by importer, 30 per cent. 6 80 - Charges paid by importer, 10 per cent. 2 26 - ──── - Cost of importation, $31 73 - Profit on importation, 3 27 - ──── - Wholesale price of the imported oil, $35 00 - -I regret that I have been unable to find the price of pure oil of wine -quoted in the lists of any of the manufacturing chemists, but think -it fair to infer that if the article is offered for sale, of English -manufacture, at less than $2 per ounce, that impurity or adulteration -may be suspected, and in this case, I would recommend the following -process for testing its purity. - -Agitate a small portion of the oil in a test tube, with an equal -measure of water. If it dissolves, reject the sample as impure, but if -the mixture separates into two portions, after standing at rest for -a few moments, put it on a paper filter, previously well moistened -with water. The water in the mixture will pass through the moistened -filter, leaving ether or oil upon it. If this is colorless or very pale -yellow, it should be exposed a few hours to spontaneous evaporation, -to ascertain if it contains oil. But if it is yellow and heavier than -water, this portion may consist of oil of wine; this, however, should -be verified by observing the odor and sp. gr. of the oil. By carefully -operating upon a _known_ quantity in the above manner, the _proportion_ -of alcohol or ether (if present) may be easily determined. - -As the efficacy of Hoffman’s Anodyne is due to the heavy oil of wine -contained in it, and as the proportion of this oil to the other -constituents is small, it is particularly necessary that {69} the oil -should be pure. The high price of alcohol in England, and a defect in -the directions formerly given for its preparation in the United States -Dispensatory, are the probable causes of the absence of pure oil of -wine in New York. In recent editions of the above work, the defective -proportions have been substituted by those of the London college, and -there is now no reason why pure oil of wine should not be made in the -United States, where alcohol is cheaper, probably, than in any other -part of the world. I hope that our manufacturing chemists will turn -their attention to this subject, and displace all worthless chemical -and pharmaceutical preparations by such as will be useful to the -public, and creditable to the manufacturers. - -[The United States Pharmacopœia directs two pints of alcohol (sp. gr. -.835) to be mixed with three pints of sulphuric acid (sp. gr. 1.845); -by weight rather better than 3.3 of the acid, to one part of alcohol, -and gives 1.096 as the sp. gr. of the oil.]—ED. - - -PRACTICAL HINTS, - -BY A WHOLESALE DRUGGIST. - -The prosecution of the business of preparing and vending medicines, -has been and still is too exclusively confined to the dollar and cent -department. - -Buyers take too much for granted. Ipecac is Ipecac all the world over, -and he who can sell Ipecac at the lowest price is likely to sell the -most and make the most money. To the credit of the craft, in part -however, a manifest improvement in this respect, has taken place within -the last few years, to their credit in part, I say, because the demand -for good medicines has of late increased, _compelling_ some druggists -to furnish better qualities than they otherwise would. - -It is a common remark that the late law, passed by Congress, relating -to the introduction or importation of adulterated and inferior drugs, -has produced a more desirable state of things in {70} our community, -by opening the eyes of consumers to the fact that inferior drugs are -imported and are consumed. This is only in part true. An improved -state of public opinion first caused the law to be passed; this, -in connection with the law when passed, caused a further progress. -The stone, thus set in motion, will no doubt roll on till an entire -revolution takes place both with venders and consumers. - -It is not to be supposed that the person who swallows a dose of -medicine dreams that it is not of good quality, or that he would -hesitate in the value of six cents when purchasing his dose, between -the best of its kind and that which is comparatively inert. The root -of this great evil, viz: the purchasing, selling, and administering -inferior medicines is _ignorance_. The patient can have little or no -knowledge of the efficacy of what is given to him to take, and to the -shame of a large portion of the medical profession be it spoken, the -doctor knows but little more. I speak with confidence when I say that -the knowledge of the sensible properties of drugs is almost exclusively -confined to the druggist and apothecary. Hence in the purchase of his -supplies of medicines of the apothecary, the only guide the physician -has, is the price and the word of the seller,—this ought not so to -be. At this time I do not profess to offer a remedy. The object of -the present communication is to offer a few practical hints to the -druggist, connected with the purchase of his stock; many, if not all, -desire to purchase reliable medicines, but from want of knowledge -between good and bad have only the price, and the reputation of the -seller to guide them. - -I now propose to take up articles of general use, and suggest a few -simple tests of their quality and condition, which any one can apply -with such means as an ordinary drug store furnishes. - -Before proceeding with this subject, however, I beg leave to urge upon -every druggist and apothecary, the great importance of having, at his -disposal, a set of reliable hydrometers for liquids heavier and lighter -than water, and a properly constructed thermometer for determining -the temperature of liquids. He will find them his right hand helps, -not only for {71} detecting adulterations, but for determining the -strength or quality of nearly all the liquids which come under his -inspection. - -Certain arbitrary terms have been applied to solutions of ammonia -and ethers, such as F.; F. F.; F. F. F.; and so on. These terms were -originally intended to indicate the exact strength of those liquids to -which they were applied; but, unfortunately, every manufacturer has a -standard of his own, indicating the value of an F, or in other words -these terms mean nothing, and should be banished from the books of -every intelligent dealer. The hydrometer will determine the strength -accurately and beyond all question, the dealer therefore should make -his purchases, estimating the strength by the specific gravity either -in decimals or degrees. - -In detecting adulterations of essential oils, the Hydrometer is -invaluable. If the specific gravity of an oil does not accord with the -standard, it is proof positive that the oil is not pure; the reverse, -however, is not so clear. If the specific gravity does accord with the -standard, it is not a positive proof that it is pure, for the reason -that the adulteration may be of the same specific gravity as the oil -itself. - -The strength of acids such as muriatic, nitric, sulphuric, aqua fortis, -and the like, is accurately determined by this means. - -A set of these instruments, on which dependence may be placed, can be -obtained at a price varying from $5 to $12. - -Let the dealer apply these instruments (where applicable) to all his -purchases, and he will soon find out what he sells and who deals -honestly by him. - -MAGNESIA (CALCINED). Nearly all that is used in this country is -imported from England. The quality, notwithstanding the drug law, is -usually quite inferior. The impurities generally are carb. magnesia, -lime, alumina and silica. - -To detect carb. magnesia, put into a vial a small portion, and add two -or three times its bulk of water; after mixing them well, add a small -portion of sulphuric acid—effervesence will indicate the presence of -a carbonate. On the addition of an {72} excess of acid, the solution -should be perfectly clear; whatever is deposited is impurity of some -kind; if lime is present an insoluble sulphate is formed. - -The presence of moisture is indicated by the magnesia being lumpy, and -when shaken, the particles do not flow among themselves easily. Good -magnesia has a light, lively appearance, and is pearly white.—(TO BE -CONTINUED.) - - -ON BLISTERING CERATE. - -BY EUGENE DUPUY, PARMACEUTIST, NEW YORK. - -The successful researches of Robiquet in his labors on the Cantharis -Vesicatoria, have demonstrated that the cristallisable neutral -substance to which he gave the name of _Cantharidine_, is the proximate -epispastic principle of the blistering cerate on which the physician -depends in most cases, where an extended and yet deep revulsive action -is necessary, whether it is derived from the cantharis vesicatoria or -from other members of the trachelid family. The experiments of Mess. -Lavini & Sobrero of Turin, have confirmed the supposition made by -analogy, of the indentity which exists in the vesicating principle -of all these coleopters, and there is a strong presumption that our -commerce will soon be enriched with the beautiful cantharis, (C. -nutalli,) abounding in the midst of our rising South Western States, -and that it will eventually supersede the cantharis vesicatoria we -obtain from abroad. If adulteration would not destroy, by its baneful -influence, the advantageous form of complex extracts, we could obtain -a desirable amelioration of our officinal cerate, by substituting for -the powdered cantharides an equivalent proportion of the oleaginous -liquid, with which they are saturated in the fresh state, and which is -possessed of all the vesicating properties of the insect. That liquid -is prepared in various parts of the Sardinian kingdom, especially -at Verceil, where it is extensively used by veterinary surgeons in -preference to the preparations from the powdered insect, it {73} -producing deeper revulsion. It is also used, diluted in bland -oleaginous substances for stimulating the activity of feeble serous -exudations. As for the present we have not generally access to that -natural product of the cantharis, we must select those insects in the -best possible conditions, and endeavor to fix their active principle -in such a manner as will diminish the liability to spontaneous -volatilisation of which it is susceptible, even at ordinary temperature. - -I have been for many years in the habit of preparing a blistering -plaster which, I think, has some advantages over our officinal cerate, -because it fixes the volatilisable principle, and at the same time -rather increases than diminishes its energy. - -To the officinal plastic mixture in which the powdered cantharides -have been gradually incorporated, I add about 5 per cent of a mixture -containing equal parts of strong acetic acid (prepared by distillation -of the acetates of copper or lead), and pulverised camphor. The acetic -acid transforms the cantharidine into an acetate of the same which is -not volatilized at ordinary temperatures, and the camphor diminishes -the symptoms of strangury which some patients have to endure when the -application of a blistering plaster is resorted to. I also usually -spread the blister on adhesive plaster on account of the convenient -adhesion of that material. - - -ON THE ADULTERATION OF CERTAIN DRUGS AND THE METHODS OF DETECTING SAID -ADULTERATIONS. - -BY C. TOWNSEND HARRIS, - -_Demonstrator of Chemistry in the New York Medical College_. - -Since the establishment of the Office of Inspector of drugs in the -United States custom houses, a vast amount of spurious and adulterated -articles has been prevented from finding its way into our market. By -reference to the report of the {74} inspector of drugs for the port -of New York, through which is received the great bulk of medicinals -imported into this country, some idea may be formed of the enormous -quantity of spurious opium, jalap root, scammony, iodine, iodide of -potassium, etc. annually introduced from abroad. We find that in ten -months, from July 1848 to April 1849, inclusive, 90,000 pounds of -adulterated drugs were rejected at the above named office. During the -years 1848 and ’50, numerous specimens of adulterated articles were -submitted to me for examination by Dr. Baily the inspector of drugs. -From a long list I may select one as an instance of the impudence -exhibited by foreign manufacturers, in attempting to thrust upon -us their villainous compounds, “as standard articles.” I found a -specimen of iodine, purporting to be pure, to contain 2 per cent. of -non-volatile matter and _40 per cent. of water_. The solid materials -may be passed over as accidental, but the water is undoubtedly a -fraudulent addition. - -Beneficial as the establishment of this office may be in preventing -the admission of any but genuine articles from abroad, in the present -state of pharmaceutical regulations, it merely serves as a stimulus to -the exercise of ingenuity at _home_, for producing those adulterations -no longer supplied from the other side of the water. It is hardly -necessary to say that rogues are to be found in every nation and in -every clime, but I am justified (as I believe) in asserting that the -spurious articles, at present met with in our market, are manufactured -by foreigners whose métier has been destroyed by the passage of the -drug bill. It is positively certain that parties who some years since -conducted a factory in Brussels, from which spurious sulphate of -quinine, sulphate of morphine, narcotine, &c., were palmed upon the -citizens of the United States as genuine, are now at work in a city not -one hundred miles distant. - -How is this home adulteration to be met? The appointment of a home -inspector of drugs, whose duty it should be to visit, from time to -time, our apothecaries’ establishments, and to inspect the quality -of the drugs therein, would be at variance {75} with republican -ideas; too much like the excise law of England so obnoxious to the -semi-republican inhabitants of Great Brittain. This question, however, -has been sufficiently discussed by others more able than myself. -The remedy for these abuses rests with the druggists themselves. -Legislative enactments are useless. The present college of pharmacy -which includes in its list of trustees, some of the leading -pharmaceutists of the country, has done much towards elevating the -profession. It is to be hoped that the laws under which they act will -be extended to other states, and that no apothecary, unless duly -licensed by the society, shall have any right to pursue his profession -without the diploma of the college. - -It is a matter of congratulation that some houses in this city, and -those doing an extensive business, and of the highest reputation, have -associated with themselves partners possessing a competent knowledge of -chemistry. From these houses nothing can be obtained which is not up to -the standard. Our apothecaries will find it to their advantage in the -end, to employ persons possessing sufficient knowledge to enable them -to detect adulterations in drugs, and not only that, but to be able to -prepare the most difficult articles. - -I shall relate in this paper some instances of _home adulterations_ -which have recently come under my notice. I have been furnished by -retail druggists in the city with several specimens of the bitartrate -of potassa. The results of the examination of five different specimens -are here given: - - No. 1. Bitartrate of Potassa, 50 per cent. - Sulphate of Lime, 50 per cent. - ──── - 100 - - No. 2. Bitartrate of Potassa, 65 per cent. - Sulphate of Lime, 35 per cent. - ──── - 100 - - No. 3. Bitartrate of Potassa, 70 per cent. - Sulphate of Lime, 30 per cent. - ──── - 100 {76} - - No. 4. Bitartrate of Potassa, 75 per cent. - Sulphate of Lime, 25 per cent. - ──── - 100 - -No. 5 contains a small per centage of carbonate of potassa and a -considerable amount of carbonate of lime. No weighings were made, but -the amount of adulteration was apparently much less than in the other -cases. - -I have also had occasion to examine some specimens of iodide of -potassium, procured from some of the first druggists in the city. - - Specimen No. 1, contained: - Iodide of Potassium, 64 per cent. - Chloride of Potassium, 36 per cent. - ──── - 100 - - No. 2. Iodide of Potassium, 70 per cent. - Chloride of Potassium and Carbonate - of Potassium, 30 per cent. - ──── - 100 - - No. 3. Iodide of Potassium, 35 per cent. - Chloride of Potassium and - Chloride of Sodium, 65 per cent. - ──── - 100 - -In numerous examinations made of the bitartrate of potassa and of the -iodide of potassium from foreign sources, I have never detected in the -iodide of potassium more than 15 per cent of impurities, nor in the -bitrate of potassa, as imported from France, more than 8 per cent. Of -course the crude commercial argol always contains a small amount of -tartrate of lime. - -In a sample of so called “cod liver oil,” submitted to me for -examination by Professor Davis, of the New York Medical College, I -am unable to detect a single trace of iodine. The {77} oil is rank, -_almost black_, and is evidently a mixture of whale oil and linseed -oil; in fact it contains no cod liver oil whatever. This article has -been sold by a fellow professing to be a druggist and physician. - -It is certainly most important that druggists and their employers -should possess a sufficient knowledge of chemical tests to enable them -to detect sophistications. I propose to give hereafter the details of -examinations of adulterated medicines and the simplest methods I can -devise for the detection of such adulterations, and I trust others -beside myself will turn their attention toward a subject so fraught -with interest to the Pharmaceutist. - - -ON WOORARA. - -A NOTE READ TO THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, BY M. U. BERNARD, IN HIS OWN -NAME, AND THAT OF M. PELOUZE. - -Woorara is a violent poison, prepared by some of the tribes inhabiting -the forests bordering the Upper Oronoco, the Rio Negro, and the Amazon. - -Although the existence of this poison has been long known, very vague -notions are still entertained regarding its component parts. Amongst -the savages who sell or barter it, its preparation remains secret; and -has only been made known through their priests or sorcerers. According -to Humboldt, woorara is simply a watery extract of a creeper, belonging -to the genus Strychnia. According to M. M. Boussingault and Roulin, -it contains a poisonous substance, analagous to a vegetable alkali, -woorarine. The information given us by M. Houdet, differs from that of -M. Humboldt only in this respect, that he observes, before the extract -is quite dry, the Indians of Messaya pour on it a few drops of the -venom gathered from the glands of the most venomous serpents. This -last circumstance is important, as we shall see that the physiological -effects of woorara must {78} cause us to regard its mode of action as -entirely analogous to that of venoms. - -Woorara is a solid extract, black, resinous looking, soluble in water. -We shall have occasion hereafter to advert to its chemical properties. -Our attention will now be directed to its physiological effects when -exerted on living animals. Woorara resembles venom in this, that it -can be eaten, that is, taken into the digestive canal of man and -other animals with impunity, whilst when introduced by puncture -under the skin, or in any other part of the body, its absorption is -invariably attended with fatal results in all animals. This fact we -have repeatedly tested. The action of this poison is instantaneous, -when it is injected directly into the blood vessels. A weak, watery -solution thrown into the jugular vein of a dog or a rabbit, has always -produced sudden death, the animal uttering no cry, nor manifesting any -convulsive agitation. The effect on the whole organization is electric, -and the vital functions are arrested as by lightning. When introduced -under the skin in solution or in solid fragments, its poisonous action -manifests itself more slowly, and the time is varied by the dose, the -size of the animal, and its species. Other things being equal, birds -die soonest, then the mammalia, and then reptiles; thus, with the same -specimen, birds and mammalia die in a few minutes, whilst a reptile -will survive for several hours. But death is invariably accompanied -by similar, and very remarkable symptoms; in the first place, when -pricked, the animal apparently feels nothing. If a bird, for example, -it flies as usual, and at the end of a few seconds, when the woorara -is very active, it drops dead without uttering a cry, or appearing to -suffer; if it be a rabbit or a dog, it runs about as usual after the -puncture, without any abnormal symptom, then, after some seconds, as if -fatigued, it lies down, appears to sleep, its respiration stops, and -life is terminated, without a groan or sign of pain. Rarely do we see -even slight contraction of the sub-cutaneous muscles of the face and -body. - -On examining immediately after death, the bodies of {79} animals -thus poisoned, we have always observed phenomena which indicate a -complete annihilation of all the properties of the nervous system. It -is generally found that when death has been sudden, the nerves retain -for some time the power of reaction under the influence of mechanical -or chemical excitement; if a nerve of motion be excited, convulsions -supervene in the muscles to which it leads; if the skin be pinched, it -causes reflex motion. But none of these are observed after death by -woorara. The nerves of the still warm animal, in whom life has been -extinct but a minute, are inert as if it had been dead and cold for -several hours. - -Again, in animals poisoned by woorara, the blood is invariably black, -and frequently so changed as to coagulate with difficulty, and not to -become bright on re-exposure to air. - -If we compare this effect of woorara with that of the viper, we shall -observe a great analogy between them, varying only in intensity. We -may further remark, that woorara, like the poison of the viper, may be -introduced with impunity into the intestinal canal. We might be led -to suppose from its perfect innocuousness when introduced into the -stomach, that it became modified, or in a word, digested by the gastric -juice, so as to destroy its deleterious properties. To verify this -supposition, we caused some woorara to be digested in the gastric juice -of a dog, at a temperature of between 38° and 40° of centigrade. After -leaving it for forty-eight hours, we introduced it by puncture into -the veins of some animals, who died with the before-named symptoms; -establishing the fact, that a prolonged contact with the gastric juice -in no way modified its deleterious properties. This experiment has -been repeated in various ways, and on the separate parts, as well as -on the living animal. We made a dog, in whose stomach we had formed a -fistulous opening, swallow some fragments of woorara mixed with his -food; after a little time we obtained some of his gastric juice, and on -analysis found it to resemble in every respect a solution of woorara. -Thus we have the singular phenomenon of an animal, carrying in its -stomach, harmless to itself, a liquid {80} which would cause instant -death to any others who should be inoculated with it. Not only did the -dog which swallowed the poison experience no fatal result from it, but -its digestion was not even affected by it; the gastric juice thus mixed -retaining all its digestive properties. - -These facts prove that the innocuousness of woorara when introduced -into the stomach, is not attributable to the action of the gastric -juice. The other intestinal liquids, saliva, bile, pancreatic juice, -were attended with similar results, none of them producing by contact -the least difference in the poisonous effect of woorara. - -The explanation of these facts appears to be simply this: there -is a want of absorption of the venomous substance through the -gastro-intestinal mucous membrane. This can be shown by the following -experiment:—Take the fresh gastric mucous membrane of a dog or rabbit, -recently killed; adapt it to an endosmometer in such a manner that -the mucous surface remains outwards; then plunge the endosmometer -containing sweetened water into a watery solution of woorara, and we -shall find, after two or three hours, that the endosmosis will be -complete. The level will have risen in the endosmometer, and yet the -liquid contained in it will shew no trace of the poison, as can be -proved by inoculating other animals with it. - -If the experiment were to last longer, the endosmose of the poison -might take place, but we should then find that the epithelium which -covers its surface, had become changed, and had permitted the -imbibition and endosmosis of the poisonous principle. This is so -true, that if a partially decomposed membrane should be used instead -of a fresh one, the endosmose of the poisonous principle takes place -immediately. On the living animal, we can establish this property -of the intestinal mucous membrane, and can demonstrate that amongst -substances perfectly soluble in appearance there are some which when -lodged on the surface of the intestinal membrane, may remain there -without being absorbed, or without affecting the system. The active -principle of woorara is of this kind. {81} - -It was necessary to ascertain whether other mucous membranes, besides -those of the digestive organs, were possessed of this same property -with regard to woorara. We have tried it successively on those of -the bladder, the nasal fossæ and the eyes, and in all we have found -an equal resistance to the absorption of the poisonous principle. An -injection of this poison into the bladder of a dog, was retained six or -eight hours, with no bad effects; but the urine voided after that time -had all the poisonous properties of woorara. - -One mucous membrane alone offers a remarkable exception; it is the -pulmonary. This acts, in regard to the absorption of woorara, precisely -like the sub-cutaneous cellular tissue; and on the introduction of -some drops of the poisonous solution into the air passages, when every -precaution is taken, death takes place as rapidly as when the skin has -been punctured. - -We readily perceive that this membrane, destined solely for the passage -of the air to accomplish the phenomena of respiration, possesses a -peculiar structure, and is unprovided with that protecting mucous which -lubricates the other membranes communicating with the exterior. This -similarity between the pulmonary mucous membrane and cellular tissue, -supports the ideas which M. Majendie, long ago, promulgated on the -structure of the lungs. - -We shall not expatiate, at present, on the remarkable difference in -the absorbent properties of the various mucous membranes of the body. -We shall have occasion again to revert to the subject, and shall only -state that this fact, in relation to the absorption of woorara, is -not isolated, and that in the intestines, for example, many active -principles, although soluble, cannot be absorbed, and are consequently -forced to act locally, or as if shut up in a closed vessel. - -For the present we will content ourselves with these conclusions: - -1st. That woorara acts upon animals in the same manner as venom. - -2nd. That its harmlessness, when injected into the intestinal {82} -canal, cannot be explained by any change which the poisonous principle -undergoes, but rather by a special property of the gastro-intestinal -mucous membrane which resists its absorption.—_Journal de Pharmacie et -Chimie._ - - -SUMBUL, OR YATAMANSI. - -Sumbul, the name and therapeutical properties of which are almost -unknown to French physicians, appears to have been employed in India -from a very remote period. Pietro Della Valle, who travelled through -the different countries of Asia, in 1623, 1624 and 1625, mentions that -sumbul is a root, and not a stem, although the Arabic word, sumbul, he -observes, refers to the whole plant. It appears that the word sumbul is -applied in India to a plant and portions of a plant, used as a perfume, -as an incense in religious ceremonies, and again, as a medicinal -substance. Sir William Jones thought that the true sumbul was a species -of valerian, known both to the Hindoos and Brahmins, under the name of -yatamansi. But, according to M. Granville, it appears to be an aquatic -umbelliferous plant, found in the neighborhood of rivers. - -It is erroneously asserted that it grows in Hindostan. It is not found -in any part of the Indian territory, occupied by the English. The -plant grows in Bootan and the mountains of Nepaul; and although large -quantities of the dried plant have been exported, no botanist has yet -been able to describe its characteristics from a living specimen. It -is said that the native laws forbid the exportation of a living plant, -without an order from the sovereign. - -Sumbul has been described as a mass of roots and leaves of a greenish -color, crumpled and pressed one against the other. This is an error, -and arises from the fact of some having been first shown at St. -Petersburg, which had been mixed with a {83} strong decoction of -this substance of a greenish color. Sumbul appears, on the contrary, -under the form of a root, thick, homogeneous, of two, three, and even -four inches in diameter, cut in pieces of an inch to an inch and a -half long, and whose section presents a fibrous aspect, and a white -and yellowish tint. It is brought from the centre of Asia, to Moscow, -via Kiatcha. In all the good specimens of sumbul, the epidermis, or -external covering, is of a dark shade, approaching to brown; if the -color be strongly marked, it indicates that the plant was old. The -epidermis is very thin, and much wrinkled. The interior substance is -composed of thick, irregular fibres, which may be separated from one -another, after the outer covering is detached, and which indicate a -porous structure, common to aquatic plants. If, after taking off the -outer covering, we make a transverse cut, we shall perceive an external -layer, white and marbled, and an internal layer, thicker and yellowish. -With a powerful lens we can distinguish transparent points, which look -like grains of fecula. - -Two very remarkable physical characteristics demand our attention when -we examine this root: first, its perfume, resembling the purest musk; -then the powerful aroma which it exhales when under mastication. This -odor of musk is so marked, that some had thought it owed this quality -to its contact with musk, in the transportation of drugs from Asia to -Europe; but such an idea is negatived by the fact that sumbul retains -this odor, even when very old; that even when the external parts have -lost it, it continues in the interior; that this odoriferous principle -may be extracted from it by chemical manipulation; and again, that it -has received from botanists the name of moschus-wurzel or musk-root. -Its aromatic taste is also a distinguishing characteristic. The first -impression on the palate is slightly sweet, this is rapidly replaced by -a balsamic flavor, and then by a bitter, but not unpleasant taste.—As -mastication proceeds, the mouth and throat experience a strong -aromatic and pungent taste, and the breath becomes impregnated with -the penetrating odor of the {84} substance.—This flavor is still more -decided in the alcoholic tincture than in the root. - -The chemical analysis of sumbul has occupied several German chemists, -Reinsch, Schnitzlein, Frichinger, and Kalthover. According to Reinsch, -the root of sumbul contains, besides water, traces of an ethereal oil, -two balsamic compounds, (resins) one soluble in ether, the other in -alcohol, wax, aromatic spirit, and a bitter substance, soluble in water -or alcohol. The solution of this bitter substance, treated with lime, -and chloride of sodium, gives a sediment composed of gum, starch and -saline materials. The perfume appears to be contained in the balsams, -and its intensity is increased by being diluted with water. Finally, -sumbul contains an acid, which Reinsch proposes calling _sumbulic acid_. - -Kalthover directed his attention further to its pharmaceutical uses, -and obtained an alcoholic tincture of a yellowish color, musky odor, -and bitter taste; an ethereal tincture, yellowish, musky, and of -a sharp taste; and a substance resembling wax, precipitated after -repeated decoctions in water. - -It appears then, that we may obtain from sumbul for medical purposes, -two tinctures, one alcoholic, the other ethereal, which seem to differ -in their principles, and which may be given in drops alone, or combined -with other medicines; and a bitter extract, soluble in water, which may -be administered in pills. The powdered root may also be given crude, or -in pills.—_(Union Médicale) in Journal de Pharmacie et de Chimie._ - -[Sumbul has been used as an anti spasmodic and a nervine; further -investigation is needed however to ascertain its true place in the -Materia Medica. In the mean time it has been imported by one of our -apothecaries, Mr. Delluc, and we may soon hope to learn something more -concerning its effects upon the system.] ED. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - -{85} - - -OBSERVATIONS ON THE STRENGTH OF TINCTURE OF OPIUM. - -BY A. B. GARROD, M. D. - -Professor of Materia Medica at University College, and Physician to -University College Hospital. - -As many discrepant statements are to be found in works on Materia -Medica, in various dispensatories, &c. concerning the strength of the -tincture of opium of the London Pharmacopœia, it may not be either -uninstructive or uninteresting at least to the medical profession, -to have the subject brought under notice and discussion at this -society, in order that they may arrive at some definite conclusion -concerning the strength of a preparation they are in the daily habit of -prescribing. If we refer to the London Pharmacopœia of 1836, we find -the following directions for making the tincture of opium:― - - Take of hard opium powdered, 3 ounces, - Proof spirit, 2 pints, - Macerate for fourteen days, and strain. - -In the Pharmacopœia of 1851, we are ordered to― - - Take of opium powdered, 3 ounces, - Proof spirit, 2 pints, - Macerate for seven days, press out, and strain. - -The only difference in the directions being that powdered _hard_ -opium, and digestion for _fourteen_ days, are ordered in the one case, -and simply powdered opium and seven days digestion in the other. If -we look at the authorised edition of the Pharmacopœia by Mr. Philips -of 1836, (and also at the present edition) we find stated, that the -preparation has a deep brownish red color, possesses the peculiar odor -and taste of opium, has sp. gr. 0.952, and about 19 minims contain 1 -grain of opium, which is said to be proved by the following data: 1st, -by evaporating the tincture, and finding the amount of solid extract -left; 2d, by ascertaining the quantity of opium remaining undissolved. -The conclusion at which Mr. Phillips arrived, viz: that 1 grain of -opium was contained in 19 minims of the Pharmacopœia tincture, has -been copied into most English works on Materia {86} Medica, and -most medical men have been and are still in the habit of prescribing -the tincture considering it to be of the _above_ strength. Were Mr. -Phillip’s conclusions correct? - -With regard to the amount of solid extract left on evaporation of -the tincture, it appears from the experiments of Mr. Allchin, which -are also confirmed by those which I have myself made, that 19 minims -yield about 1 grain of extract; but in these cases the Turkey opium of -commerce must be first exsiccated; and the tinctures of commerce yield -quantities varying from 1 in 19 to 1 in 28 minims of the tincture. -Tincture of opium made with Turkey opium in small masses not previously -dried, fl. ℥j. gave on drying 2.7 of solid residue, or 1 grain in about -22.2 minims. Tincture of opium made with good Turkey opium, previously -dried and reduced to powder (Pharmacopœia directions) fl. ℥j. gave on -drying—three experiments—3.1, or 1 grain of residue in 19.3 minims. - -If made with opium capable of being reduced to a state of powder, -the average quantity of extract would be about 1 grain in 20 minims; -this proportion would indicate that one-third of the solid ingredient -(opium) is left undissolved, which was found by Mr. Phillips to be -the case. I believe all good specimens of Turkey opium yield about -this amount of residue. An experiment made within the last week at Mr. -Bell’s establishment gave this result. If then the strength of tincture -of opium be considered to be that indicated by Mr. Phillips, we must -assume that the undissolved portion possesses the same therapeutic -effects as the dissolved portion. Is this correct? - -It has been stated by some that morphia can be extracted from the -residuum, and in Dr. Pereira’s _Materia Medica_, we find the following -observations: “Proof spirit dissolves the same constituents as water -does, but it takes up a larger proportion of _narcotine_, _resin_, -_oil_. I have repeatedly prepared morphia from the insoluble residue -left behind in the preparation of the tincture.” Again, in Dr. -Thomson’s _Dispensatory_ it is stated that Mr. Brande finds that the -whole of the morphia is not taken up; but is found in no inconsiderable -quantity in the filter. {87} We suspect occasionally _narcotine_ has -been taken for _morphia_,[7] and in the cases where _morphia_ has -really been found, unless the residue had been previously washed, an -error may have arisen from the alkaloid being contained in the tincture -of opium adhering to the dregs, and not from any contained in the -residue itself. I have recently endeavoured to ascertain the true state -of the case, and chiefly by means of a therapeutic inquiry into the -strength of the residuum. The residue of tincture of opium prepared -in the ordinary way at University College Hospital, was taken for -experiment; it was first washed with a little cold water to remove any -adhering tincture, and afterwards dried in a water-bath. By digestion -with ether, it was found to yield abundance of _narcotine_, and was -also found to contain _meconic acid_ sufficient to strike a claret -color with the persalts of iron; but at the same time nitric acid -gave no evidence of the presence of _morphia_. It was found also by -experiment that proof spirit at the ordinary temperature dissolved but -a very small portion of narcotine; the bulk of the narcotine therefore -remains in the residuum from the tincture of opium, perhaps united with -meconic acid; for when treated with water acidulated with acetic acid, -both _narcotine_ and _meconic_ acid were dissolved. - -[7] In the sixth edition of Dr. Thomson’s _Dispensatory_, page 1061, -the following method is given for obtaining “meconate of morphia,” -extracted from the _Quarterly Journal of Science_, vol. xx., from -which it will be at once observed, that _narcotine_ was mistaken for -crystallized _meconate of morphia_. - -“Reduce good opium to powder, put it into a paper filter, add distilled -water to it, and slightly agitate it; and in this way wash it till the -water passes through colorless, after which, pass a little diluted -alcohol through it; dry the insoluble portion (now diminished to -one-half,) in a dark place; digest it, when dry, in strong alcohol for -a few minutes, applying heat; separate this solution, which by boiling, -and after evaporation, will yield crystallized meconate of morphia of a -pale straw color.” - -A portion of the residue was given internally; _one grain_ to a healthy -adult produced no effect; _two grains_ were given with no result; the -dose was then successively increased to _four grains_ then to _six -grains_, afterwards to _thirteen_, and lastly to _thirty grains_, -without causing the slightest effect on the individuals to whom it -was administered; the only limitation to the quantity given being -the unpleasantness of taking so large an {88} amount of so bulky a -matter. It appears, therefore, that the residue is, to all intents and -purposes, inert. - -From these experiments, it is evident that even _should_ traces of -_morphia_ be contained in the dregs, still the quantity must be such -(when the tincture is prepared according to the London Pharmacopœia) as -to make no appreciable diminution of the strength of the preparation, -and that the tinctura opii contains the active matter of the whole -of the drug used in its formation, and therefore about 12 minims of -tincture of opium possesses all the activity of 1 grain of crude opium, -assuming that it loses only 12 per cent. in the drying. If dry opium is -taken for comparison, 1 grain is contained in about 13 1/2 minims; -and, therefore, _one_ fluid drachm of tinctura opii contains about 5 -grains of the drug, or 4 1/2 grains (according as it is compared -with the dry or moist opium), in place of 3 grains; or 1 fluid ounce -contains 40 or 36 grains in place of 24 grains usually assumed to be -contained in it: a difference of strength of the highest importance -when we consider the highly poisonous and powerful therapeutic action -of the drug. - -In the Edinburgh preparation the amount of tincture containing a grain -of opium is about 13 1/2 minims, for the opium is ordered in the -same proportion but not previously reduced to powder or dried. In the -Dublin preparation the opium is ordered to be coarsely powdered, but -avoirdupois weight is used in place of apothecaries, which makes the -strength of the tincture such that 12.75 minims contain _one_ grain. - -The error as to the strength of the tincture of opium, which is found -in so many works, has been recently commented on. Thus Dr. Christison -objects to Mr. Phillip’s statements; Dr. Royle also alludes to it, and -so does Mr. Squire, in his recent work on the Pharmacopœias; and even -those writers who have copied the statement must have done so without -much thought on the subject, as they have calculated the strength of -other preparations of opium, as that of the tinctura opii ammoniata, -tinctura camphoræ composita, assuming that all the active properties -of the opium used in the preparation had been taken up {89} by the -menstrua. And this is the case even with Mr. Phillips himself, in the -case of the compound tincture of camphor, when he states that _nearly -two_ grains of opium are contained in the ounce, the Pharmacopœia -proportions of opium being 1.6 grains only. - -I have brought the question before the Society more for the purpose -of eliciting the opinions of the members on the point, than with -the idea of bringing forward much that is novel on the subject; if -the conclusion to which we have arrived, namely, that 12 minims of -tincture of opium contain all the medical properties of 1 grain of the -crude drug, I think it very important that the members of the medical -profession should be made fully aware of the delusion under which they -have labored for so many years with regard to the strength of this -important preparation. - - -NOTICE OF SOME VEGETABLE AND ANIMAL SUBSTANCES, NATURAL PRODUCTS OF NEW -GRANADA. - -BY M. J. RAF. MONZON, M. D. - -(_In a Letter to Dr. Pereira._) - -Sandi is a resinous gummy substance, produced in abundance by a tree -known by this name, on making an incision in its bark. At first it -presents itself white, or liquid like milk, and it is called in the -province of Barbacoas, “milk of sandi.” In a few days it acquires the -consistency of resinous gum. In this state it is applied to various -medicinal uses in different parts of New Granada, especially in the -province of Barbacoas, a warm and damp country near the Ecuador, from -whence the present sample comes. Its principal therapeutic property is -_resolutive_; applied as a plaster upon lupus, fleshy excrescencies of -the skin, cold and indolent tumors, &c. it produces their resolution; -and this result is frequently confirmed by the {90} inhabitants of -those countries. I have obtained it almost always when I have made use -of the milk in similar cases. At present my father has applied this gum -in the valley of Cauca, and with extraordinary success, for the cure -of “bocios,” or obstructions of the thyroid gland. He has been able -to purify it, taking away the part of potass which it contains in its -original state, and has been able to give it the consistence and color -of gum Arabic; with this substance he makes a plaster, which destroys -the “bocios,” which so much abound in New Granada; and its general -benefits are felt and acknowledged. - -It is likewise used as an agent against sterility in women, applying it -as a plaster upon the hypogastric region. In ulcers of a good character -I have obtained frequent and quick cicatrisation by applying it in -the same manner; I have also used it as a vehicle for preparing and -applying blisters. - -ACEITE DE PALO (oil of wood) is produced by a tree called “manteco,” -in the same province. Its principal therapeutic qualities are topical -and blistering. By using it as an embrocation I have destroyed -the epidermis, and have thus been able to get rid of freckles and -superficial stains on the face and other parts of the body. Applied -in larger quantities it produces the effect of a strong blister, -excoriating and inflaming the skin. This oil is used in its natural -state as an ointment, on arms and instruments of steel: it destroys -their temper and softens them. By decoction it loses these qualities, -and might be used as an ointment without any risk. It cannot be used -as a lamp-oil, because it exhales a very thick smoke and the most -disagreeable smell. It has no known internal medicinal qualities; it -may be classed amongst the corrosive poisons; its color is purple, its -taste _sui generis_. - -LECHE DE POPA (milk of the cow-tree).—This substance, in its natural -state, possesses the physical properties of animal milk. It is obtained -by incision in the bark of the tree, which is very abundant in the -province of Barbacoas. The Indians and the African race take it -instead of cow milk; it is very nutritive, but has no known medicinal -qualities. It is used also {91} for whitewashing houses, combining -it with earthy substances, because, being glutinous, it makes the -whitewashing last longer, and prevents its staining or rubbing off. - -MIEL DE ABEJA DE BREA (honey of the pitch bee).—This honey is extracted -from the hive of a bee, very different from the one known in Europe, -and very much smaller. It is acid. Its medicinal qualities are for -interior refrigeration. I have applied it externally for contusions -and ecchymosis, caused by blows or falls, and I have always obtained -a good result. The pitch is a resinous substance, of a dark yellow -color, and constitutes the hive made by this bee. It has a peculiar -taste and smell, is very combustible, and is used by the common people -for torches. It is soluble in alcohol. I have applied it as a plaster -for nervous rheumatic pains, and it has always relieved the pains and -swellings. - -CANEDILLO.—This is the name of a cane with a bitter and aromatic bark, -and, in my opinion, it belongs to the family of Winter’s bark. It -has many therapeutic qualities; amongst others it has particularly -attracted my attention as an antidote against the bite of snakes and of -other venomous animals. I consider it the best and safest of all the -antidotes known. Put two ounces of this bark in a bottle of alcohol, -allow it to macerate for three or four hours, to obtain a tincture. -Use two parts of this mixture with common water; a wineglass every two -hours until you allay the headache of the bitten person—an infallible -consequence of the bite, cupping at the same time, and extracting the -tooth, which often remains in the part, which is then to be washed and -covered with lint wetted with the tincture. By this simple method I -have cured hundreds, without the loss of a single life. This antidote -is now generally kept by all the owners of mines, as a certain cure for -bites of snakes, in preference to other antidotes formerly used. It has -this advantage over them, that it may be taken in any quantity without -danger. It is, besides, a tonic and anti-spasmodic. I have used it also -as a febrifuge; in rheumatism (by friction); and in the windy colic, -taken in the same way as for bites by snakes. {92} For indigestion -caused by weakness, and for amenorrhœa, from the same cause, it is also -used. - -SANDALO.—This is the bark of a tree which grows in the province of -Esmeraldas, in the republic of the Ecuador. When burned, it produces -a balsamic smell; by boiling the bark when fresh, it produces a very -aromatic balsam, which, like the balsam of tolu is used in catarrh, -spasmodic cough, ulcers, &c. - -NOTE.—All these substances are indigenous in the province of Barbacoas. -Popa and sandi are found in great abundance. Manteca de palo (oil, or -literally butter of wood), is obtained only from young trees which grow -in the plains. - - -ON THE SODA-PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON. - -BY ALEXANDER URE, ESQ., SURGEON TO ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL. - -My attention was attracted some time back by an ingenious paper of -Mons. Persoz on the double pyrophosphoric salts, published in the -_Annalen der Chemie und Pharmacie_ for 1848. In the latter part of that -paper, the author expresses an opinion that the pyrophosphoric salts -are likely to prove of importance as medicinal agents. It is well known -that iron is rendered very eligible for internal use, if administered -in the form of a triple salt, as when combined, for example, with -tartaric acid and potash; because the iron then is no longer -precipitable by the alkaline hydrate. It would appear, however that the -soda pyrophosphate of iron is in many respects superior as a medicine -to the triple salts into which the vegetable acids enter.—Thus, the -pyrophosphoric salt, from being saturated with oxygen, cannot in -passing through the system absorb more, whereas the latter salts under -like circumstances, are constantly undergoing a process of combustion, -according to Millon; and by withdrawing oxygen in this manner, must -necessarily impair the efficacy of the oxide of iron as an oxydizing -agent. It deserves notice, moreover, that the constituent ingredients -of the soda-pyrophosphate of iron are to be found in the organism. {93} - - -I have prescribed this salt to various patients, and found it to act -as a mild but efficient chalybeate. One little scrofulous girl, now -under my care in St. Mary’s Hospital, for disease of the hip-joint, has -taken it in solution during several months with the best effect. The -remedy was accurately prepared by Mr. Blyth, dispenser to the hospital, -according to the subjoined directions of Mons. Persoz: 32.5 grammes -of green sulphate of iron in crystals are to be mixed in a porcelain -capsule with 5 grammes of sulphuric acid, 30 grammes of water, and as -much nitro-muriatic acid as will suffice to effect the oxidation of the -protoxide of iron. The above mixture is to be evaporated to dryness -in order to get rid of the free acid, and then treated with water -to the amount of one litre. From 107 to 110 grammes of crystallized -pyrophosphate of soda are to be dissolved likewise in a litre of water, -of course in a separate vessel. The two solutions are next to be mixed -together, and provided the iron solution has been rightly prepared -there will be no precipitate whatever. - -Each litre of liquid will contain as much iron as 16.5 of the green -sulphate. - -This solution is not affected by dilution with rain or distilled water, -but from being faintly alkaline, is rendered slightly turbid on the -addition of water impregnated with lime. - - -ON THE SIMABA CEDRON. - -BY M. BERTHOLD SEEMANN. - -A tree, which has attained great celebrity, is that called _Cedron_ -(_Simaba Cedron_, Planch.). The most ancient record of it which I can -find is in the _History of the Buccaneers_, an old work published in -London in the year 1699. Its use as an antidote for the bite of snakes, -and its place of growth, are there distinctly stated; but whether -on the authority of the natives, or accidentally discovered by the -pirates, does not appear. If {94} the former was the case, they must -have learned it while on some of their cruises on the Magdalena, for in -the Isthmus the very existence of the tree was unsuspected until about -1845, when Don Juan de Ansoatigui, ascertained, by comparison, that the -_Cedron_ of Panama and Darien was identical with that of Carthagena. -The virtues of its seeds, however, were known, years ago, from those -fruits imported from the Magdalena, where, according to Mr. William -Purdie, the plant grows in profusion about the village of San Pablo. -In the Isthmus it is generally found on the outskirts of forests in -almost every part of the country, but in greater abundance in Darien -and Veraguas than in Panama. The natives hold it in high esteem, and -always carry a piece of the seed about with them. When a person is -bitten, a little, mixed with water, is applied to the wound, and about -two grains scraped into brandy, or, in the absence of it, into water, -is administered internally. By following this treatment the bites of -the most venomous snakes, scorpions, centipedes, and other noxious -animals, have been unattended with dangerous consequences. Doses of -it have also proved highly beneficial in cases of intermittent fever. -The _Cedron_ is a tree, from twelve to sixteen feet high; its simple -trunk is about six inches in diameter, and clothed on the top with long -pinnated leaves, which give it the appearance of a palm. Its flowers -are greenish, and the fruit resembles very much an unripe peach. Each -seed, or cotyledon I should rather say, is sold in the chemist’s shops -in Panama for two or three reals (about 1_s._ or 1_s._ 6_d._ English), -and sometimes a much larger price is given for them.—_Hooker’s Journal -of Botany._ - -[A large number of the Cedron seeds have lately been received in New -York, probably from a section of the country where they are cheaper -than upon the Isthmus. As a remedy for the bites of venomous reptiles, -like all others of the same class, it is of little value, but from its -intense bitterness, it may be expected to possess great tonic powers, -and if, in addition to these, further experience shall confirm the -report of its virtues as an antiperiodic, it will prove a remedy of -great value.]—ED. NEW YORK JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - -{95} - - -EDITORIAL. - - -COLCHICUM AUTUMNALE.—In the December number of the Edinburgh Monthly -Journal of Medical Science, Dr. J. McGrigor Maclagan, has published -an article on Colchicum Autumnale, which contains little that is new, -but is of interest as confirming the statements of other observers. -The ordinary mode of propagation of the plant by the formation of a -single new bulb is thus described. In June, “the bulb is as large as an -apricot, firm, amylaceous, and extremely bitter, and having attached to -it the shrivelled remains of the old bulb, and the leaves now yellow -and decayed. At the end of June or commencement of July, a small bulb -will be observed to have become developed upon the side of the corm -at its lower part. At this time it is a little larger than a grain of -wheat, and lies in a little fissure on the side of the parent bulb, -a little above the origin of the radicles. It increases slowly and -gradually in size till the beginning of August, when it appears as a -dilatation of the flower stalk, which it then commences to put up. - -In September the flower is in full perfection, the long tube of the -perianth of which has raised the six partite limb to the height of -from six to eight inches above the ground. The flower remains for two -or three weeks, and then dies down; and nothing of the plant is seen -above the surface till the beginning of February, when the leaf stalk -commences to rise. If at this time the plant be taken up, the old and -new bulb will still be found to be united, but the new one will be -observed to have increased little in size since autumn, being still -hardly larger in diameter than the leaf stalk. The bulb thus grows -little during the autumn, but in winter it increases rapidly in size; -in April it is like a large hazel nut, and from that time it increases -still more till the end of June or the beginning of July, when it is, -as Dr. Christison states, as large as an apricot. - -In April the leaf stalk is found perfected by a fine group of dark -green leaves, generally three in number, and having within their sheath -the capsules which ought to ripen their fruit in the course of the -summer. - -In May the old bulb will be found dry and withered, and containing very -little starch; and in July if the plant be taken up, three bulbs will -be found, the first now reduced to the form of a membrane, bearing no -resemblance to a bulb at all; the second, arrived at full growth; and a -third the progeny of the second. - -In February and August, instead of one leaf stalk and flower stalk -making their appearance at their respective periods, I have often -remarked that two have occurred, one on either side of the parent bulb. -I believe this to be one of the effects of cultivation, as I have -no where seen it remarked in descriptions of the plant by botanical -authors. - -Dr. Christison has mentioned that the full size of a Colchicum bulb is -that of a small apricot. Where the plant has been cultivated however, -Dr. Maclagan, frequently met with them as big as large apples, and on -one occasion procured one in October weighing nine and a half ounces. -{96} - -He thinks that the cormus should be taken for medicinal use about the -middle of July, at which time it has attained its greatest size, and -is firm, amylaceous and exceedingly bitter. The bitterness is the best -criterion of its medicinal activity. - -A number of years ago, Dr. A. T. Thomson, proposed the tincture of -Guaiacum as a test for the goodness of Colchicum. Ten grains of -the bulb were rubbed in a mortar, with sixteen minims of distilled -vinegar, and immediately afterwards sixteen minims of the tincture -of guaiacum were added. When the bulb was good, a beautiful cerulean -color, according to Dr. Thomson, was produced. Having ascertained -that several specimens which he knew to be good failed in giving this -characteristic color, Dr. M. proceeded to investigate the causes on -which it depended. He expressed several bulbs and filtered the juice -to separate the starch; a beautiful blue color was now immediately -produced by the test. The blue liquid was then heated till the albumen -was coagulated; the color remained with the coagulum, while the liquid -was colorless. On raising the heat to 212° the blue color disappeared. -The test produced no change in the starch collected on the filter. -When the fluid was boiled previously to the application of the test, -no blue color was produced by it either with the filtered fluid or the -coagulum. From these experiments Dr. M. concludes, “1st. That albumen -is the principle acted on. 2nd. That a heat above 180° destroys this -action. 3rd. That the value of the test is to prove that the bulbs have -been dried at a temperature not higher than 180°.” - -Dr. Maclagan was unable to procure colchicia, the alkaloid announced by -Geiger & Hesse, in the crystalline form, though he followed the process -they give very exactly, and consequently he doubts its crystalline -nature. What he obtained was in the form of a brown resinous looking -mass without smell, and of a bitter taste, the bitterness being -followed by a slight sense of irritation in the throat but by nothing -like the intense acrimony of veratria. - -In regard to the physiological action of Colchicum, Dr. M. confirms -the statement of previous observers, that it markedly increases the -amount of urea in the urine; and contrary to what has been maintained -by some, found it likewise to increase the quantity of uric add. In an -experiment related in detail, after the colchicum had been employed for -six days, the amount of urea in the urine was found to be increased by -nearly one half, and the uric acid was more than doubled. - - -ERRATA IN THE FEBRUARY NUMBER. - - Page 33, 13th line from the bottom—for “slack” read “slacked.” - 36, 17th line from the bottom—for “grns.” read “grms.” - 36, 11th line from the bottom—for “grns.” read “grms.” - 36, 11th line from the bottom—for “0.845 grn.” read “0.845 grm.” - 37, 2nd line from the top—for “monohydrate” read “molybdate.” - -{97} - - - - -NEW YORK - -JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - -APRIL, 1852. - - -REMARKS UPON SOME OF THE PREPARATIONS OF THE PHARMACOPŒIA OF THE UNITED -STATES, 1851. - -BY GEORGE D. COGGESHALL. - -(Continued from page 44.) - -In giving formulæ it is to be supposed that the purpose of a -Pharmacopœia is to be practical, responding to the every day wants of -the associated professions of medicine and pharmacy. It would seem to -be in no case of practical utility to retain a formula that is not -used, and of this character I think is the one for “MUCILAGE OF GUM -ARABIC.” It does not appear to be employed of the consistence directed -except as a paste. Nor is this consistence understood when mucilage -of gum arabic is prescribed by physicians, but by some apothecaries a -solution of only one eighth, and by others, one fourth the strength -is put up. If physicians are expected to prescribe, and apothecaries -to compound according to the letter of the Pharmacopœia, this is -certainly a daily and unfortunately, owing to the want of a standard, -a variable exception. The formula in our Pharmacopœia is substantially -the same as in those of London and Edinburgh, while that of Dublin is -one half stronger. In the latter three it enters into other officinal -preparations, but in every case it is combined with water, which -appears to be a needless multiplication of the process, as the proper -proportions of gum and water for the whole might as well be directed -at once. Nor, is it probably used in {98} extemporaneous prescription -without similar addition of water, unless it may be to form pills, -for which it is rarely, if ever, well adapted, or employed by the -apothecary when it is prescribed, as it makes, with most substances, -an intractable mass. I have been told by a highly intelligent and -well educated English apothecary, that “it was formerly the practice -of English physicians to prescribe one ounce of mucilage of gum -arabic with seven ounces of water, (or in that proportion,) making a -solution of the strength now commonly used here, and that it had become -gradually the practice to direct the whole quantity required, under -the term of ‘mucilage of gum arabic,’ with the general understanding -that the diluted strength was intended.” As this seems to be now -the universal practice in prescribing and putting up mixtures, the -officinal directions are practically useless, and lead to the adoption -of various proportions by different apothecaries, to produce the -mucilage to complete mixtures. - -Another circumstance may be noticed. The Pharmacopœia directs the use -of powdered gum and of boiling water, whereas gum, in its ordinary -condition or coarsely broken, and cold water make a clearer solution. -Cold water is directed for the solution of the gum by the Edinburgh -process, and in our present formula for “Syrup of Gum Arabic;”—if -appropriate for the latter, it is quite as much so for the forming of -mucilage. When the gum has been ground in a mill it appears to have -been a little charred and forms a somewhat turbid solution; if powdered -by hand, and rather more coarsely, its solution is clearer. - -Upon the whole it seems desirable that there should be a uniform -strength for the mucilage of gum arabic, prescribed by physicians -in mixtures, which the officinal preparation evidently is not. Our -mucilage does not enter into any other officinal preparations, and if -it did, the combination of gum and water had better be made in the -general process, as in our almond mixture. - -“COMPOUND SPIRIT OF LAVENDER” appears to be but seldom {99} made -according to the officinal directions, owing to the difficulty -of procuring the simple spirit of lavender. On this account most -apothecaries use a proportion of the oil of lavender and of spirit, -variable no doubt in different private recipes. The oil makes a -decidedly inferior preparation, separating upon admixture with water, -and even the best English oil—which is probably never used—is less -congenial to the stomach than the distilled spirit. But the difficulty -may be overcome, and an excellent preparation, essentially the same and -perhaps quite equal in quality and flavor to that of the Pharmacopœia, -may be made by the employment of recently dried flowers. The following -is the formula I have used for several years, with an entirely -satisfactory result:― - - Take of Lavender flowers twelve ounces, - Rosemary leaves, - Cinnamon, bruised, each four ounces and a half, - Nutmegs, bruised, - Cloves, bruised, each six drachms, - Coriander seed, bruised, - Red Sanders each three ounces, - Powdered Turmeric one drachm, - Alcohol six pints, - Water five pints and a quarter. - _Mix, digest for fourteen days, express and filter._ - -THE “SYRUP OF GUM ARABIC,” unaccountably withdrawn from the -Pharmacopœia in 1840, when it had become a familiar favorite, comes to -us again in the new revision, not at all improved by seclusion. It is -changed in its proportions, but not for the better, as it now has too -little gum and too much sugar in its composition. Of numerous formulæ -by which I have made this syrup, I have always found that from our -Pharmacopœia of 1830, the best in proportions, consistence and flavor. -It is defective however, in one point of construction, and incorrect -in the use of boiling water to make the solution of gum. The syrup is -probably not better in any essential particular, but it is clearer, and -therefore more pleasing in {100} appearance, when it is constructed -by making the solutions of gum and sugar separately, that of the gum -in half the water cold, and that of the sugar in the remainder of the -water boiling, then immediately combining the two and bringing to the -boiling point. It may then be easily filtered through flannel. - -In preparing “SYRUP OF CITRIC ACID,” it would be preferable to use, in -place of the oil of lemon, a tincture made from the outside yellow part -of the rind of the fresh fruit, made by covering it with pure alcohol. -Two drachms of this tincture are about equivalent to four minims of the -oil of lemon. - -The formula for “SYRUP OF IPECACUANHA” is one of the most objectionable -we have to notice, and the least calculated to answer medical wants in -regard to its importance. There is a verbal error, either in the list -of components or in the directions, which leads to some confusion. -Amongst the former we find “_diluted alcohol_,” and in the latter, we -are told to “macerate the ipecacuanha in the _alcohol, &c._” The same -error occurs in the edition of 1840. This formula is unnecessarily -complex, and yields an inefficient preparation of about half the -strength of the wine of ipecac, which it was intended to equal at -its origin, about twelve years before its introduction into our -Pharmacopœia. Previously to this it had, for six or eight years, been -made here of about double the strength of the wine, in accordance with -the general plan of forming medicinal syrups, by combining as large a -proportion of the remedial agent in them as can readily be done, to -obviate at once the necessity of bulky doses, and the exhibition of -undue quantities of sugar. I cannot discover the advantage of making a -pint of tincture with an ounce of the root, evaporating the filtered -tincture to six fluid ounces, filtering again, and then adding water to -bring back the measure of a pint. If the object be to get rid of the -alcohol, it is an unnecessary exposure of the soluble principles of the -ipecac to heat, for half a pint of diluted alcohol, especially with -four ounces of water added by way of displacement, would exhaust the -root equally well; so that the evaporation need not {101} be carried -so far. There is no mention of a water bath, which should be used by -all means. - -We should prefer, if we could, to make all preparations which the -Pharmacopœia contains, in accordance with it. But when a preparation -has been in such general and favorite use, for several years, as to be -considered indispensable before it becomes officinal; and in such form -is reduced to a third or a fourth of what is felt to be an eligible -strength, not only without any compensating advantage, but with the -positive disadvantages of greatly diluting its remedial influence, and -increasing the quantity required to be taken of a nauseous medicine, -there is naturally an unwillingness to yield well settled convictions -of utility, and replace an important remedy, that has proved quite -satisfactory, with a preparation believed to be of comparatively little -value. It is not probable that, in New York, the present officinal -syrup of ipecacuanha, can ever supersede the efficient and reliable -one we have so long been accustomed to, nor answer the wishes and -expectations of the medical profession. I append the formula proposed -in a paper read before the Board of Trustees in 1835, seven years -before one for this syrup appeared in our Pharmacopœia. I have not -found cause to change it in any respect. It affords about three pints -of syrup, which keeps well for years at the ordinary temperatures of -the shop, and of dwellings; the proportion of sugar proves to be just -what is wanted for a proper consistence without crystallization, and, -as a medicine, it gives entire satisfaction to the prescriber. It is as -follows:― - - Take of Ipecacuanha, bruised, six ounces, - Alcohol one pint and a half, - Water one pint, - -_Mix, to form a tincture. Digest for ten days, filter, and add one pint -of water, by way of displacement, evaporate in a water bath to two -pints, add immediately:_ - - Refined sugar three pounds and a quarter. - -_And bring to the boiling point._ - -The “COMPOUND SYRUP OF SQUILL” is presented in the {102} Pharmacopœia -with two processes for its preparation. The first is liable, though in -a less degree, to the same objection which has rendered the original -form, given by Dr. Coxe, obsolete, that it produces a turbid syrup, -and one that will not keep. The second process is better, but scarcely -adequate, I should think, to extract the full strength of the roots -so well as by the employment of a greater proportion of alcohol, -and longer digestion. The following produces three and a half pints -of syrup from the same materials, apparently stronger than if the -boiling, which is only for a few minutes, were continued down to three -pints, retaining a portion of honey, for the sake of the flavor, and -with as large an addition of sugar as the syrup will bear without -crystallization. The proportion of tartar emetic is, of course, the -same: - - Take of Seneka, bruised, - Squills, bruised, each four ounces. - Alcohol, - Water each two pints. - -_Mix, to form a tincture. Digest ten days, filter, and add twelve -ounces of water, by way of displacement, evaporate by water bath to two -pints, add:_ - - Sugar fifteen ounces, - Honey eighteen ounces, - -_Boil to three pints and a half, in which dissolve while hot:_ - - Tartar emetic fifty-six grains. - -“SYRUP OF TOLU,” made after the London formula, is a more elegant and -better flavored preparation than can be made by any combination of the -tincture. So decided is the superiority of the London process, that it -is rather surprising the other Pharmacopœias should not adopt it. An -apothecary who does, will hardly be satisfied with the tincture-made -syrup afterwards. - -The “TINCTURE OF ACONITE ROOT” is desired by our physicians of full -saturation. The “strong tincture,” to which we have been accustomed for -several years, is that of Fleming’s process, viz: sixteen ounces of the -root to a pint and a half of alcohol. {103} - -The “COMPOUND TINCTURE OF CARDAMOM” is now first introduced into our -Pharmacopœia, with a change from the pleasant tincture we have been -in the habit of making after the London or Edinburgh formula, by -increasing the proportion of cardamom, from two drachms and a half to -six drachms, and reducing the caraway one fifth, which makes a tincture -not near so pleasant to the taste, owing to the strong predominance of -the cardamom flavor, which is rather harsh when in too great excess. As -this tincture is of little medical importance by itself, and chiefly -used as an agreeable adjunct to mixtures, the proportions which have -been found to answer so well may still be considered preferable. - -There are other cases, no doubt, in which apothecaries will find -it expedient to vary the processes of carrying out formulæ, not -with a view of altering the strength of preparations, but arriving -at substantially the same results or better ones, from the same -materials, by improved application of skill. Whoever can, by superior -method, more fully develope the qualities of a substance to be acted -upon, than has hitherto been done, or change the character of a -preparation from perishable to permanent, from uncertain to definite, -from slovenly to elegant, can accomplish something for the benefit -of his art, and render it so much the more useful to the community. -Most of the improvements in pharmacy have been effected by the -practical apothecary, and rendered available by him, in advance of the -Pharmacopœia. - - -NOTES IN PHARMACY. - -BY BENJAMIN CANAVAN. - -The fact in the natural kingdom, that “nothing is destroyed,” suggests -an equally true axiom, as applied to the moral world, that “nothing -is useless;” and, with this impression, I am induced to send the -following trifles to the New York Journal of Pharmacy, which, if not -unacceptable, it will give me pleasure to repeat “_pro re natâ_.” {104} - - -PIL. FERRI COMP.—This very much neglected pill, which is the prototype -and should have precluded the necessity of Vallet’s preparation, I -would beg leave to introduce, for the purpose of recommending, or -rather verifying an improvement which I have sometimes adopted, in -the mode of compounding it, differing from the officinal directions -for so doing. We are told to “rub the myrrh with the carb. sodæ; then -add the sulph. ferri, and again rub them; lastly, beat them with the -syrup so as to form a mass.” I do not hesitate to say that no amount -of trituration or skill, with which I am acquainted, will enable the -manipulator by this means to make the mass properly, either in a -chemical or pharmaceutical point of view.—In a note the editor of the -United States Dispensatory informs us: “It is said the salt of iron -will be better preserved, if the operator should dissolve the sulphate -of iron in the syrup with a moderate heat and then add the carb. sodæ, -_stirring!_ till effervescence ceases;” this is correct in principle; -but the same object is attained, and the _only_ way by which the pill -ought or can be properly prepared, is by triturating separately, and -to solution the two salts in the necessary quantity of syrup, mixing, -and again triturating until perfect decomposition is induced, and by -incorporating the myrrh, form into a mass without delay. In this way -you insure the existence of the intended proto carb. ferri in the -pill, which is not, or only partially the case when prepared by any -other process. I would remark, en passant, that this pill presents us -with the very perishable proto carb. in the _most permanent_ form, -retaining, when properly prepared, its chemical integrity unimpaired, -indefinitely, and is therefore superior in this important respect to -the quickly changeable mist. ferri comp., the presence also of a larger -proportion of myrrh being often a decided advantage. - -EXTRACTA LIQUIDA OPII.—It has been suggested, and I believe attempted, -to introduce certain preparations with the above titles, as substitutes -for the demi-nostrum, known as “McMunn’s Elixir of Opium,” which has -been very extensively used, and enjoyed high favor, but of which -the exact nature {105} and mode of preparation are not generally -understood, and which, either from having become too antiquated for -this novelty hunting age, or its success having tempted the cupidity -of avaricious persons, or from whatever cause, has been for some time -diminishing in popularity, and subjected to many complaints. In all -preparations of this potent drug, with which I am acquainted, ancient -or modern, the great object has been, to get rid of the narcotine, -which has been more or less accomplished by various processes. At -present an aqueous fluid extract is said to supply the desideratum. -This is merely a modification of the watery extract of all the -Pharmacopœias, and is no doubt as good, but no better preparation. -The denarcotised tincture is superior to all of them, and the _very -small_ quantity of spirit contained in an ordinary dose, is scarcely -an objection, and is only little more than is necessary to preserve -the extract; but if deemed otherwise, a fluid extract may be prepared -from denarcotised opium, _entirely free_ from the peccant alkaloid, and -possibly the evaporation necessary to the process, may dissipate some -noxious volatile property, which would exist in a tincture, and which -it is most probable the opium possesses, from the fact, among others, -that _old opium_ is much less prone than _new_ to cause disagreeable -after effects. It has been supposed that meconic acid has been the -evicted principle; but this is doubtful. However, the action of heat -is useful, and I think a “fluid extract of denarcotised opium,” would -perhaps be found to be as free as possible from objectionable effects. - -ETHER HYDROCHLORIC; CHLORINAT: or ether hydrochlorique chlorè, as the -French have it, is another change, rung by M. Mialhe of Paris, with -the transcendental compounds of carbon and chlorine. It is a mongrel -preparation, intermediate between hydrochloric: ether and chloroform, -professing to have the advantage of not irritating the skin like -the latter. If this be so, experience will tell, and also whether -the irritation is not proportionable to the effect. With regard to -such a refinement of an already infinitesimally delicate class of -preparations, I should suppose it would be {106} desirable to effect -the object aimed at by them, by if possible some more palpable method, -as for instance diluting chloroform either with hydrochloric ether or -alcohol, to the necessary mildness, or by interposing between it and -the skin, a thin _moist_ layer of some substance, as bibulous paper, -which would not interfere with the rigefacient effect of evaporation, -and would prevent any injury arising from actual contact. - - -INDELIBLE INK. - -BY M. GUILLER, OF PARIS. - -Hitherto the various inks prepared for marking linen, have but -imperfectly answered the end proposed. Some produced yellowish marks; -others though blacker at first, disappeared either partially or -entirely after several washings. - -Again, others, in separate bottles, necessitated two distinct -operations, and were thus attended with inconvenience, from the -possibility of mistakes or forgetfulness, from the care required, and -also from the time taken up in the operation. - -In view of these difficulties, and to meet a demand constantly -occurring in commerce, and in all kinds of manufactures, as well as -in hospitals, and civil and military administrations, we have applied -ourselves to the composition of an ink free from all these objections, -and perfectly easy and certain in its application. - -We shall subjoin some formulæ for the manufacture of marking inks, -which represent particular improvements, as can be verified by trying -them. - - Formula, No. 1, Nitrate of silver, 11 grammes, - Distilled water, 85 grammes, - Powdered gum arabic, 20 grammes, - Sub-carbonate of soda, 22 grammes, - Solution of Ammoniæ, 20 grammes. - -Dissolve the 22 parts of sub-carbonate of soda in the 85 parts of -water; put into a marble mortar the gum, and pour on {107} it very -gradually the solution of the sub-carbonate, stirring it with the -pestle to cause it to dissolve. - -In the mean time, you will have dissolved the 11 parts of nitrate in -the 20 parts of liquid ammonia. Mix the two solutions; put the whole -in a matrass and expose it to heat. The mass which was of a dirty grey -color, and half coagulated, becomes clear and brown, and when arrived -at the boiling point, it becomes very dark, and sufficiently limpid -to flow readily in the pen. This ink, made without heat like the two -following forms no sediment, the ebullition thickening it, and besides -giving the ink a very dark color, disengages the ammoniacal vapors, -which attenuate the odor of the ammonia in it. - - Formula No. 2, Nitrate of silver, 5 grammes, - Water, 12 grammes, - Gum, 5 grammes, - Sub-carbonate of soda, 7 grammes, - Solution of Ammoniæ, 10 grammes. - -Mix as in No. 1; put the whole into a matrass and evaporate until the -liquor has acquired a very dark brown tint, which will take place when -it has lost about 5 per cent. of its bulk; a more complete evaporation -would form a precipitate, as the vapors would draw off too much of the -ammonia. - -This ink will be found excellent for marking, the character will be -very black, and it will be found especially useful for applying with -the stamp. - - Formula No. 3, Nitrate of silver, 17 grammes, - Water, 85 grammes, - Gum, 20 grammes, - Sub-carbonate of soda, 22 grammes, - Solution of Ammoniæ, 42 grammes, - Sulphate of copper, 33 grammes. - -First dissolve the 22 parts of sub-carbonate in the 25 parts of water, -and the 15 of nitrate in the 42 of ammonia. - -This done, put into the marble mortar the 20 parts of gum with the -sixty parts of water which remain, stir it {108} with the pestle, and -pour on it the solution of sub-carbonate, after which, pour the whole -into the solution of the nitrate; finish by adding the 33 parts of the -solution of sulphate of copper. - -The greater quantity of ammonia is explained by the presence of the -sulphate to be dissolved. - -This composition differs from the others in having a blue tinge, due to -the solution of copper. - -It will be readily seen that these relative qualities, given as -formulæ for the production of suitable inks, may vary according as it -is desirable to produce a thicker or thiner ink, or according to the -material on which it is to be used, observing that if, on the one hand, -the ammonia acts as a solvent, and facilitates the composition of an -ink which can be used without a previous preparation; on the other -hand, the evaporation of a part of the ammonia by heat, gives to the -liquid a dark color which renders the writing immediately black; again, -the boiled liquid greases less, and thus penetrates and spreads better -on the linen without making a blot. - -As to the mode of using, whether with a pen or a stamp proceed as -usual, namely: pass a hot iron over the writing, to cause it more -completely to penetrate the material. - - -ON VALERIANIC ACID AND ITS SALTS. - -BY MR. J. B. BARNES. - -Considerable attention having of late been directed to this class of -compounds, perhaps a few practical observations relating to their -manufacture, &c. might be of interest to the readers of _The Annals of -Pharmacy_. - -Although some of the combinations of valerianic acid with bases, -and the properties of those salts, have been described in the books -on chemistry, yet I believe I may lay claim to the priority of the -preparation of an extensive series of the combination of valerianic -acid with bases. {109} - -Valerianic acid, it is well known, occurs preformed in certain plants; -and it is equally well known, that it can be produced in the laboratory -by artificial means. This very fact is of great interest to the -investigating chemist, as it encourages him in the belief that he will, -sooner or later, be able to produce artificially, not only acids, which -are known to exist in the animal and vegetable kingdoms; but that he -will so far imitate Nature in her wonderful processes, as to produce -the vegetable alkaloids, morphia, quina, &c., by the combination of -their elements. - -The acid employed in the preparation of this series, _for which I have -had the honor of being awarded a Prize Medal by the Jurors of the Great -Exhibition_, was prepared, in principle, the same as that directed to -be used by the Dublin Pharmacopœia in the preparation of valerianate of -soda, namely, the oxidation of Fusel oil by means of chromic acid. The -formula I employed is as follows:― - - Take of - Bichromate of potash, 2 parts. - Oil of vitriol, 3 parts. - Water, 4 parts. - Pure Fusel oil, 1 parts. - -The bichromate of potash is to be finely powdered and dissolved in the -water; the solution being put into a glass retort, the oil of vitriol -is gradually added, and, when quite cold, the _fusel oil_ is carefully -added; the contents of the vessel must be constantly agitated, and at -the same time kept immersed in cold water. The deep green liquid is -now distilled from a sand bath; the distillate is mixed with caustic -soda, or potash, and separated from the oily fluid floating on the -surface; the _valerianate of soda_ is evaporated to a convenient degree -of concentration, introduced into a retort, decomposed with dilute -sulphuric acid, and distilled; the liberated valerianic acid is finally -dried over chloride of calcium. - -It is also obtained by the oxidation of oil of valerian, by means of -an alkali. It is formed from fats, by treating them {110} with fuming -nitric acid; from animal nitrogenous matters, both by putrefaction -and on decomposing them with strong nitric acid; and also if leucine -be treated with caustic potash, or allowed to putrefy, it becomes -converted into valerianic acid (no other acid being formed), ammonia -and hydrogen being evolved. - -It is most easily obtained in a state of absolute purity by the action -of spongy platinum and atmospheric air upon potatoe Fusel oil. - -Valerianic acid is composed of C‗{10} H‗{9} O‗{3}, H O. It possesses a -well known characteristic odour, an acrid burning taste, and produces a -white spot on the tongue. It boils at 348° Fahr., and dissolves in 26 -parts water; it also forms a second hydrate.[8] - -[8] Lehmann’s Physiological Chemistry. - - -_Combinations with the Alkalies._ - -The potash salt was prepared by saturating the acid with liquor -potassæ, and evaporating carefully until aqueous vapour ceased to -be given off: it should be, while still warm, cut up and preserved -in well stoppered bottles. It does not crystallize, but forms a -semi-transparent colorless mass, very much resembling phosphorus in -appearance. It (probably from its compactness) produces when sharply -struck with any hard body a metallic sound, somewhat like that -occasioned when a bell of camphor is struck in a similar manner. It is -deliquescent, and very soluble. - -The soda salt was prepared in the same manner as the potash salt, cut -up into pieces while warm, and preserved in stoppered bottles: it is in -snow-white masses composed of minute crystals; it is deliquescent, and -very soluble. The ammonia salt was prepared by saturating the acid with -strong liquor ammoniæ, and evaporating at a temperature not exceeding -100° Fahr., until crystals appeared on the surface of the liquid. When -it was set aside for further crystallization, the mother liquor was -allowed to drain off, the crystals were placed upon bibulous paper, and -finally dried _in vacuo_, over oil of vitriol. They are {111} of a -tabular form; when held between the fingers for a moment, they become -liquid. They are deliquescent and dissolve readily in water. - - -_Combinations with the Alkaline Earths._ - -The baryta salt was prepared by adding the acid to carbonate of baryta -in excess, which had been previously mixed with water; a gentle heat -was applied, and, when the disengagement of carbonic acid had ceased, -the excess of carbonate was filtered off; the filtrate was evaporated -very carefully, until aqueous vapour ceased to be given off, it -remained a transparent gummy mass, readily soluble in water. - -The strontia, lime, and magnesia salts were prepared in the same -manner as the baryta salt. The two former are crystalline, and do not -deliquesce by exposure to the atmosphere; they are soluble. The lime -salt crystallizes in nacreous plates; it effloresces when exposed to -the atmosphere; it is beautifully white. - -The magnesia salt would not crystallize, therefore it was evaporated -to dryness, at a temperature not exceeding 120° Fahr. It forms a -light white soluble powder, sweet to the taste, and strong in the -characteristic odour of valerianic acid. - - -_Combinations with Metallic Oxides._ - -The alumina, chromium, and nickel salts were prepared by the direct -combination of the hydrates of those bases with the acid. - -The alumina and chromium salts are in powder, and are soluble. - -The nickel salt is in crystalline masses, of an apple-green color, -soluble in water. - -The cobalt salt was also prepared by the direct way; the flocculent -blue precipitate, obtained by precipitation from nitrate of cobalt, -by means of caustic potash, after being well washed, was dissolved in -valerianic acid, filtered and very carefully evaporated to dryness; it -occurs in masses of a rose color, and is soluble. - -The manganese salt was also prepared in the direct way by {112} mixing -an excess of the hydrated oxide with water and the acid, allowing -them to remain in contact for some time, filtering and evaporating -at a temperature not exceeding 120° Fahr., until crystals appeared -on the surface of the fluids; it was set aside, and after a while, -the crystals were separated from the mother liquor. The latter being -again evaporated, another crop of crystals was obtained; it occurs in -glistening scales of a flesh color, and dissolves very readily in water. - -The valerianate of _protoxide of iron_ was prepared by the double -decomposition of valerianate of baryta and proto-sulphate of iron; it -can only be kept in a state of solution, as least the heat and exposure -to the air converts it immediately into the peroxide salt. - -The valerianate of _peroxide of iron_, was prepared by bringing -together neutral cold solutions of perchloride of iron and valerianate -of soda, the precipitated valerianate was thrown upon a filter, well -washed, to separate the chloride of sodium, and dried without heat on a -porous tile; it occurs as a bright red loose powder, perfectly soluble -in alcohol. - -The valerianate of zinc was prepared according to the directions in the -Dublin Pharmacopœia; it occurs in small smooth crystals, somewhat like -boracic acid; it is soluble in water and alcohol. - -The lead salt was prepared by decomposing freshly precipitated -carbonate of lead with the acid, filtering and evaporating at a low -temperature. In due time, crystals made their appearance in the fluid; -but (probably from the temperature being too high) they subsequently -disappeared; and, upon further evaporation, it remained in the form of -a syrup. - -The silver salt was produced by the double decomposition of nitrate of -silver, and valerianate of soda. The valerianate of silver being very -insoluble, was precipitated as a white powder; after washing with cold -water, it was dried in the dark on a porous tile. By exposure to the -light, it becomes black. - -The salt of the suboxide of mercury was also prepared by double -decomposition. It is a loose, yellowish white powder. {113} - -The salt of oxide of mercury was prepared by agitating together, the -yellow hydrate of the oxide with water and valerianic acid. After -some time, I obtained a colorless liquid, which, upon evaporation -at a temperature not exceeding 100° Fahr., yielded crystals which, -however, speedily fell into a red powder. I therefore again repeated -the operation, omitting the application of heat; the solution was set -aside, when in the course of two or three weeks, I obtained this salt -in prismatic white crystals. - -The bismuth salt was obtained by the addition of valerianate of soda, -to a solution of bismuth in nitric acid, which was nearly saturated -with carbonate of soda. It occurs as a loose white powder. - -The copper salt was obtained by double decomposition, and occurs as a -beautiful green powder. - -The cadmium salt was prepared in the same manner as the zinc salt. It -occurs in crystalline scales, resembling in form that of zinc, but -larger. - - -_Combinations with Organic Bases._ - -The valerianate of oxide of ethyle (valerianic ether) was obtained by -distilling, together, alcohol, oil of vitriol, and valerianic acid; it -was well washed, dried over chloride of calcium, and re-distilled. It -is an oily liquid, with a penetrating smell of fruit, and of valerian; -of specific gravity, 0,894. (Otto). It is miscible with alcohol and -ether: it has an agreeable, cool, and aromatic taste. - -I prepared the valerianate of quina, both by double decomposition, and -by direct combination of the base with the acid. - -That by double decomposition, was prepared by adding to a warm solution -of neutral sulphate of quinine, a warm solution of valerianate of -baryta; the mixture was allowed to stand for a while, and filtered to -separate the insoluble sulphate of baryta; the filtrate was evaporated -at a temperature of about 100°, until crystals made their appearance, -when it was set aside for {114} further crystallization. The crystals -obtained by this process are in silky tufts and perfectly white. - -The valerianate of quina, made by the direct combination of the acid -with the base, was effected by triturating, in a mortar, freshly -precipitated quina, with water and valerianic acid, until the quina -had disappeared. It was then exposed in shallow dishes, to a current -of air; when sufficiently evaporated, octohedral crystals were formed. -Valerianate of quina in both forms dissolves readily in water. - -When a solution of valerianate of quina is evaporated at a temperature -of 130°, it does not crystallize, but has the appearance of an oil. - -From the different appearances of this salt, it is highly probable that -they each differ in composition. This phenomena is worthy of a thorough -investigation. - -The morphia salt was prepared in the direct way. It crystallizes in -silky tufts; it dissolves readily in water. - -Although but three of the salts of valerianic acid are employed in -medicine, namely, those of _peroxide of iron_, oxide of zinc, and -_quinine_, there appears to me no reason why those of _potash_, _soda_, -_ammonia_, _teroxide of bismuth_, and _oxide of ethyle_, (_valerianic -ether_), should not be employed by the physician. - -In conclusion, I must express my sincere thanks to Mr. Savory, for his -kindness in having placed at my disposal the materials necessary for -the preparation of this series. - - -ESSENCE OF PINE APPLE. - -The above essence is, as already known, butyric ether, more or less -diluted with alcohol; to obtain which pure, on the large scale and -economically, the following process is recommended:― - -Dissolve 6 ℔s. of sugar and half an ounce of tartaric acid, in 26 ℔s. -of boiling water. Let the solution stand for several days; then add -8 ounces of putrid cheese broken up with 3 ℔s. {115} of skimmed and -curdled sour milk, and 3 ℔s. of levigated chalk. The mixture should be -kept and stirred daily in a warm place, at the temperature of about 92° -Fahr., as long as gas is evolved, which is generally the case for five -or six weeks. - -The liquid thus obtained, is mixed with an equal volume of cold water, -and 8 ℔s. of crystallized carbonate of soda, previously dissolved in -water, added. It is then filtered from the precipitated carbonate of -lime; the filtrate is to be evaporated down to 10 ℔s., when 5 1/2 -lbs. of sulphuric acid, previously diluted with an equal weight of -water, are to be carefully added. The butyric acid, which separates on -the surface of the liquid as a dark-colored oil, is to be removed, and -the rest of the liquid distilled; the distillate is now neutralized -with carbonate of soda, and the butyric acid separated as before, with -sulphuric acid. - -The whole of the crude acid is to be rectified with the addition of -an ounce of sulphuric acid to every pound. The distillate is then -saturated with fused chloride of calcium, and re-distilled. The -product will be about 28 ounces of pure butyric acid. To prepare the -butyric acid, or essence of pine apple, from this acid, proceed as -follows:—Mix, by weight, three parts of butyric acid with six parts -of alcohol, and two parts of sulphuric acid in a retort, and submit -the whole, with a sufficient heat, to a gentle distillation, until the -fluid which passes over ceases to emit a fruity odor. By treating the -distillate with chloride of calcium, and by its re-distillation, the -pure ether may be obtained. - -The boiling point of butyric ether is 238° Fahr. Its specific gravity, -0,904, and its formula C‗{12} H‗{12} O‗{4}, or C‗{4} H‗{5} O + -C‗{8} H‗{7} O‗{3}. - -Bensch’s process, above described, for the production of butyric -acid, affords a remarkable exemplification of the extraordinary -transformations that organic bodies undergo in contact with ferment, -or by catalytic action. When cane sugar is treated with tartaric -acid, especially under the influence of heat, it is converted into -grape sugar. This grape sugar, in the {116} presence of decomposing -nitrogenous substances, such as cheese, is transformed in the first -instance into lactic acid, which combines with the lime of the chalk. -The acid of the lactate of lime, thus produced, is by the further -influence of the ferment changed into butyric acid. Hence, butyrate of -lime is the final result of the catalytic action in the process we here -have recommended. - - -ON A REMARKABLE SPECIMEN OF DECOMPOSED CHLOROFORM. - -BY JONATHAN PEREIRA, M.D., F.R.S., - -Physician to the London Hospital. - -In July of the present year I received from Mr. Grattan, apothecary of -Belfast, a specimen of chloroform, accompanied with a note, from which -the following is an extract:― - - “Some weeks prior to October 25, 1851, I received from my friend - Dr. M’Killen a small bottle of chloroform which he had had of me two - or three months previously, and which he stated was subject to very - singular changes of color, despite the stopper never having been - removed. - - At the time he handed it to me the fluid exhibited a delicate pink - tint, as though colored with cochineal, and was put aside in a glass - case in my shop, of which I kept the key myself. The case was exposed - to the diffused light of a large shop window but not to the direct - rays of the sun. - - Conceiving that the chloroform had by some unobserved means or other - become accidentally colored, I took very little interest in the - matter, and was not surprised to find it fade gradually, and in a - short time become perfectly colorless—and I made a note to that effect - upon the 25th of October, {117} concluding that there must have been - some error of observation on the part of Dr. M’Killen. - - On the 16th of November, however, it again began to change, and the - enclosed notes were made, from time to time, as I happened to have - opportunity of noticing it. - - I tried it under different conditions of light and temperature, - without their exerting apparent influence upon it, and being unable - to form the slightest conjecture as to the cause or nature of the - molecular disturbance which produces these chromatic changes, have - taken the liberty of forwarding it to you, should you consider it - worthy of attention. - - It is at present colorless, and the stopper fast in; and I would only - suggest that, before removing the stopper, it might be well to observe - for yourself whether changes similar to those I have noticed may not - occur again. - - 1850. - Oct. 25. Perfectly colorless. - Nov. 16. Faint Pink. - 18. Fading. - 25. Faint pink, as on the 16th. - 26. Dirty-looking, neutral tint, without any pink. - Dec. 17. Pink again. - 21. Ditto, and deeper. - 27. Perfectly colorless, after having passed through various - shades of pink. - 1851. - Jan. 10. Again pink. - 11. Faint neutral tint. - Feb. 19. Perfectly colorless. On shaking the - vial, observed a deposit on its sides, - like small crystals, but cannot say - that they were not there before. - 21. Pink and deeper than ever. - March 10. Deep pink. - 12. Faint pink. - 13. Colorless. - 28. Colorless. - May 16. Colorless. No change having occurred - between the 13th March and 16th - May, concluded too hastily that the - property of changing its color, upon - whatever cause dependent, had been - lost, for on - 17. It again became faintly pinked. - 19. Deeper pink. - 22. Fading. - 24. Fading. - 31. Colorless. - June 13. Again pink. - 16. Ditto. - 17. Colorless. - July 2. Ditto, up to present date, when it again became pink. - 3. Deeper. - 5. Still very deep. - 7. Fading - 13. Perfectly colorless. - - The foregoing changes of color were not influenced by any change - of temperature between 27° and 86° Fahr., nor by exposure to, nor - seclusion from light. The stopper being fast, atmospheric pressure - cannot have been connected therewith. Whether it may have been - influenced by electrical changes, am not prepared to say.” {118} - -The specimen of chloroform sent me by Mr. Grattan was, in July, quite -colorless, and on the sides of the bottle a few minute crystals were -observed. The stopper of the bottle was, however, so firmly fixed in -that I could not remove it, and I, therefore, placed the bottle on the -mantel-shelf in my library exposed to diffused light, for the purpose -of observing the changes which its contents would undergo. - -In the course of a few weeks it began to acquire a pinkish or -amethystine tint, as described by Mr. Grattan. This slightly augmented -in intensity for a few days, and then became somewhat paler. But for -several weeks, during which it remained in the same situation, it never -became colorless, though the intensity of the color was frequently -changing. - -The color of the liquid was precisely that of a weak solution of -permanganate of potash. - -Some weeks ago I placed the bottle in a dark cupboard, and at the -expiration of about three weeks found that the liquid had become quite -colorless. As the stopper was still immovable, I was obliged to cut -off the neck of the bottle to get at the contents. I found that the -chloroform had undergone decomposition, and had acquired a powerful -and irritating odor, somewhat allied to, but distinct from, that of -hypochlorous acid. The vapor yielded white fumes when a rod moistened -with solution of ammonia was brought in contact with it, blue litmus -paper was reddened but not bleached by it. A few drops of the liquid -were placed on a watch glass and volatilized by a spirit lamp; they -left scarcely any appreciable residue. - -The crystals which lined the bottle were then examined. They were few -in number, and not larger than pins’ points. They were white, and when -examined by the microscope, were found to be six-sided pyramids, like -the crystals of sulphate of potash. Some of them were heated to dull -redness in a test tube, without undergoing any appreciable change. When -heated on the point of a moistened thread in the outer cone of the -flame of a candle, they communicated a violet-white tinge to the flame, -characteristic of a potash-salt. They readily {119} dissolved in -water, and the solution did not yield any precipitate on the addition -of a solution of nitrate of baryta, showing that the salt was not a -sulphate. The solution was boiled with nitric acid, and then treated -with a solution of nitrate of baryta, but no precipitate was observed. -Nitrate of silver produced in the aqueous solution of the crystals a -white precipitate, soluble in ammonia, but insoluble in nitric acid. - -Whether these crystals were in any way connected with the change -of color which this sample of chloroform underwent, I am unable to -determine; but I suspect not. I am anxious, however, to draw the -attention of others to the subject, in the hope that larger specimens -of the salt may be obtained for examination. For at present the -circumstances under which chloroform frequently undergoes decomposition -are very obscure. Except in this instance, I have never met with, nor -heard of, any sample of chloroform which underwent these remarkable -changes of color. - -The chloroform was transferred into another bottle, on the sides of -which a few minute crystals are now formed. But since the removal of -the stopper the pink color has not re-appeared. - -I have written to Mr. Grattan to obtain, if possible, further -information respecting this specimen of chloroform. But he tells me he -has not any more of the sample, and has no means of ascertaining by -whom it was made, as about the time it was purchased of him he had in -his shop parcels from London, Edinburgh and Dublin, as well as a small -quantity prepared in Belfast, and he is quite unprepared to say from -which of them it was taken. - -I suspect that the pink color of the chloroform must have been due -to the presence of manganese. If so, was this metal derived from the -chloride of lime used in the manufacture of chloroform? Mr. Squire -informs me that he has occasionally found the solution of chlorinated -soda to become of a pinkish hue after being prepared a few days (not -immediately), and that he has attributed it to some manganese carried -over with the {120} chlorine gas, as he does not remember having -observed this change when the gas had been passed through water before -entering the solution of carbonate of soda. - -If this suspicion should prove well founded, it is obvious that -the purity of the chloride of lime employed in the preparation of -chloroform deserves the attention of the manufacturer. - -_Postscript._—Subsequently to the reading of this paper before the -Pharmaceutical Society, I have received from Mr. William Huskisson, -jun., a specimen of pink chloroform, which, he informs me, owes its -remarkable color to the presence of manganese, derived from peroxide of -manganese employed in the purification of chloroform, as recommended by -Dr. Gregory, (see _Pharmaceutical Journal_, vol. ix., p. 580.) - -Mr. W. Huskisson, jun., tells me, that he has observed in his specimen -neither the alterations of color nor the crystals met with in the -specimen sent me by Mr. Grattan. - - * * * * * - -The chairman stated, that he had never, in the various specimens of -chloroform, of which his firm had always a large quantity in stock, -observed the pink color described by Dr. Pereira, nor had he ever seen -any crystals deposited in the bottles, but he would have a more minute -examination made with the view of ascertaining whether such existed. -When the chloroform was first drawn over, and before it was purified, -it frequently possessed more or less of a brown color, but this was -quite distinct from the character described in the paper which had just -been read. - -Mr. D. Hanbury observed, that the use of manganese had been suggested -in the process for purifying chloroform, and its presence might in this -way be accounted for. - -Mr. Barnes thought it desirable that the decomposed chloroform -should be examined for formic acid. Although constantly subject to -decomposition, no satisfactory explanation of the nature of the change -had yet been afforded. - -{121} - - -REPORT PRESENTED TO THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE OF PARIS, - -ON THE SUBSTITUTION OF AN ARTIFICIAL IODURETTED OIL FOR COD LIVER OIL. - -_By a Commission composed of Messrs. Gibert, Ricord, Soubeiren and -Guibourt._ - -On the 20th of August, 1850, the Academy appointed a commission, -composed as above, to whom was submitted a memoir, by M. Personne, -entitled, “Researches on the Cod-liver and Skate Oils; and on the -preparation of an ioduretted oil, by which they may be replaced as -Medicinal Agents.” A note was also submitted to us on the same subject, -from M. Deschamps, and another from M. Marchall, the latter of which -claimed for the author priority in the employment of ioduretted oil of -almonds, as a substitute for cod-liver oil. - -We proceed now to report the results of our examinations of these -communications, and of the investigations to which the enquiry has led. - -Cod-liver oil has long been the object of a considerable commerce -arising principally from the decided superiority which it possesses -over other animal oils, for the preparation of chamois leather; but -it has only been within about twenty years that it has been used in -medicine. It was first employed as a remedy for rheumatic pains, then -for bronchial affections, and subsequently as a remedy for scrofula -and consumption. It now constitutes one of the medicinal agents most -extensively used, and one of those, on the action of which medical men -place the greatest reliance, as a remedy capable either of curing very -formidable diseases, or of retarding their fatal termination. - -The most important memoir which has been published on cod-liver oil -is that of Dr. Jongh, in which three kinds of oil are described as -met with in commerce, which are called the _black_, the _brown_, and -the _white_ cod-liver oil. These oils are represented to consist, -principally, of oleic and margaric acids, and glycerine, and, as -accessory bodies, of butyric acid, acetic {122} acid; some principles -appertaining to the bile, a non-azotised yellow or brown coloring -matter, called gaduine, iodine, phosphorus, and some inorganic salts. -In France, Messrs. Girardin and Preisser have been engaged in comparing -the effects of the oil obtained from the cod with that obtained -from the ray; and they advocate the superiority of the latter for -medicinal use. But this superiority seems to depend, in part, on the -circumstance, that the oil obtained from the livers of the ray, being -carefully prepared by the pharmaciens, and being transparent, and of -a light yellow color, proves less offensive to the patients than the -cod-liver oil of commerce, which is generally thick, of a dark color, -and has a disagreeable flavor. This, however, is scarcely admitted at -the present time. Moreover, it appears from recent observations, that -the above characters cannot be much depended upon for distinguishing -the two kinds of oil, in consequence of their being so variable. - -According to Messrs. Girardin and Preisser, these two oils contain -iodine in the state of iodide of potassium, and in quantity much less -than had been indicated by Dr. Jongh. The latter author gives, as -follows, the quantity of iodine in 1,000 parts of oil:― - - Black cod-liver oil 0,295 parts of iodine. - Brown cod-liver oil 0,406 parts of iodine. - White cod-liver oil 0,374 parts of iodine. - -Messrs. Girardin and Preisser have found in a litre (thirty-five fluid -ounces), - - Of ray-liver oil 0,180 gramme of iodine. - Of cod-liver oil 0,150 gramme of iodine. - -According to M. Gobley, a litre of ray-liver oil, prepared by direct -action of the fire, contains twenty-five centigrammes of iodide of -potassium. M. Goodley was unable to find phosphorus in this oil. - -Such were the principal analytical results known when M. Personne -presented his memoir to the Academy. The uncertainty which appeared to -attach to the subject, and the {123} variations in the statements of -chemists, induced him to put to himself the following questions:― - -1st. Do the oils of cod and ray-liver contain iodide of potassium or -iodine? - -2nd. Do the different sorts of these oils contain the same proportion -of iodine? - -3rd. Do these oils contain phosphorus, to which their effects may be -partly attributed? - -For detecting the presence of the iodine, M. Personne saponified the -oil with an excess of caustic potassa, incinerated the soap, and -treated the product of incineration with strong alcohol. The alcohol -was evaporated, the residue dissolved in water, and to this, solution -of starch and sulphuric acid were added. The quantity of iodine -was estimated by the intensity of the color; it is too small to be -estimated by the balance. - -Mr. Personne examined in this way the dark brown and thick cod-liver -oil, such as is employed in the hospitals of Paris; the transparent -and nearly colorless oil of English commerce; and the ray-liver oil -prepared by the direct action of a moderate heat, and subsequent -filtration. The following are the results:― - -1st. The brown cod-liver oil of the hospitals of Paris contains more -iodine than the fine white oil of English commerce. - -2nd. It also contains more iodine than the ray-liver oil, and, -moreover, the quantity present is certainly less than a decigramme of -iodine in a kilogramme of oil (1 in 10,000.) - -3rd. The residue of the liver, left after the preparation of the oil, -contains much more iodine than the oil itself. - -With regard to the question as to whether the iodine exists in -cod-liver oil in the state of iodide of potassium, or directly -combined with the oil, M. Personne, while he admits the difficulty of -satisfactorily determining the point, inclines to favor the opinion -that the iodine is directly combined with the elements of the oil. - -[The different methods which have been suggested for the preparation of -the ioduretted oil proposed as a substitute for {124} cod-liver oil -are described. A discussion follows of the claims of the authors, whose -communications were submitted to the commissioners, for having first -introduced the artificial ioduretted oil, which discussion is also -omitted here as being uninteresting to our readers. The commissioners -next proceed to state the result of the evidence obtained, by the -medical members of the commission, of the therapeutical action of the -artificial ioduretted oil.] - -M. Gibert administered the ioduretted oil for periods varying from -several weeks to several months, to patients suffering with eruptive -complaints and scrofulous tumors; and, in some instances, found the -benefit to be greater than from the use of cod-liver oil, under similar -circumstances. He states, that he does not think he has tried it in a -sufficient number of cases, and for a sufficient length of time, to -enable him to state decidedly what its absolute value is as a specific -for eruptive and scrofulous complaints; but the results he has obtained -are sufficient to prove, that it is easy of administration and devoid -of any injurious quality, and that it possesses a resolutive action, -which renders it a valuable remedy for certain chronic eruptions and -glandular swellings. - -M. Ricord has employed the ioduretted oil for twelve months, in a great -number of cases of scrofula, some of which were considered to be of -venereal origin. He thus obtained excellent results in the treatment of -strumous bubo, tubercular epididymis, and in some cases of scrofulous -enlargement of the joints, etc., and other things being equal, curable -cases were cured, or relief afforded, much more quickly by the use of -the artificial ioduretted oil than by the natural cod-liver oil. - -The average dose in which the ioduretted oil was administered was sixty -grammes (℥ij.), which was sometimes raised to 100 grammes (℥iiiss.) The -patient generally took it without inconvenience. It was only in a few -instances, where the dose had been raised, that vomiting, colic, and -diarrhœa were produced. If the precautions which are necessary in the -administration of every remedy be observed, and the degrees of {125} -susceptibility of the patients, together with all special conditions, -properly studied, it may be affirmed that the ioduretted oil is a -medicine of great value and that it presents considerable advantage -over the cod-liver oil.—_Journal de Pharmacie, in Pharmaceutic Journal._ - - -EDITORIAL. - - -INTERNAL USE OF ATROPINE. - -ABRIDGED FROM THE JANUARY NUMBER OF THE LONDON JOURNAL OF MEDICINE. - -In the practice of English and American physicians, atropine (atropia) -has been hitherto used chiefly as an external application, to dilate -the pupil, but, as far as we know, has never been administered -internally. In France, the powdered belladonna root has been strongly -recommended as affording a reliable and efficient preparation; in this -country, the leaves and the extracts and tincture derived from them are -alone officinal. Dr. Lusanna, an Italian physician, has ventured upon -the internal use of atropia, and, according to our notions, in very -large doses. He commences its administration in doses of one-thirtieth -of a grain every three or four hours, gradually increasing the dose -according to the effect produced. In some instances he went so far as -to give one-third of a grain five times a day. - -It may be given, according to Dr. L, in solution in alcohol, or in -acetic or some other mild acid. Pills and powders, from the difficulty -of apportioning the dose he deems unadvisable. The alcoholic solution -has a taste somewhat like that of quinine, but feebler, and not -particularly disagreeable. The patient soon becomes habituated to the -remedy, and the dose has to be increased. In cases of neuralgia he -recommends the application of one-fourteenth to one sixth of a grain -to a blistered surface, in the form of pomade. Dr. L. carries the -administration of atropia so far as to produce what we would call its -toxicological effects. - -1st. _Dilatation and immobility of the pupil._ Between fourteen and -fifteen minutes after the exhibition of from one-twenty-fourth to -one-thirtieth of a grain of atropia, the pupil becomes enormously -dilated. If the remedy be persevered in the dilatation passes of, but -the iris becomes immoveable, and the pupil no longer contracts on -exposure to light. When the remedy is stopped, as the other phenomena -produced by its exhibition subside, the pupil again becomes extremely -dilated. Previous to this it commences to oscillate, contracting -slightly when exposed to strong light, and dilating again in the shade. -This indicates that the {126} effects of the remedy are disappearing. -The dilatation of the pupil is the last of the phenomena to subside, -being sometimes met with eight days, or more after the suspension of -the atropia. - -2. _Disturbance of vision._ Objects at first seem hazy and ill-defined, -persons are not recognized, and it is impossible to read or write. If -the dose be increased, objects seem covered with a dark shade, and -vision may be wholly lost. Every fresh dose has a sudden and marked -effect in diminishing vision, and on its suspension the disturbance of -vision disappears with equal rapidity. In one or two days the sight is -perfectly restored. - -3. _Disturbance of Intellect._ At first the patient appears dull and -stupid, then there is vertigo and confusion of ideas. - -4. _Hallucinations of sight and hearing._ Objects are seen double or -greatly magnified; motes and insects flit before the eyes; well known -objects assume strange and monstrous forms, or horrible phantoms are -seen. The hearing is more rarely affected. Buzzing, tinkling, hissing -and whistling are sometimes heard. - -5. _Anaesthesia._ Touch remains apparently perfect, but pain is -relieved or blunted. The patient does not seem to suffer from painful -tactile impressions. - -6. _Dryness of the mouth and throat_ were invariably felt. At first -this seemed a purely nervous phenomenon, but if the medication was -continued, from the diminution of the salivary secretion it became real. - -7. _The appetite_ is early lost, and there is no thirst; but on the -cessation of the remedy it returns sharper than ever. Speech is early -embarrassed, and the power of swallowing early diminished, becomes -finally lost. - -8. _Delirium_ alternating with stupor or succeeded by it, is produced -by one-tenth of a grain of atropia at the commencement of the -treatment, or by one-fourth of a grain later, or by any sudden increase -of the dose. The delirium is commonly gay and ridiculous; in one -instance only was it mournful. When these phenomena are at all intense, -they subside slowly. For several days after the cessation of the -medicine, there is confusion and slowness of thought. - -9. _Redness of the skin_ was observed in but a single case. - -10. _Torpor and paralytic tremblings._ As the patient gets under the -influence of the atropia, the legs become weak and trembling, gradually -lose their strength, and he is confined to bed. They may be still -agitated by twitching, and convulsive movements. - -11. _Paralysis of the sphincters of the rectum and bladder._ This is -the highest point to which, according to Dr. L., the medicative action -of atropia can attain. In one case, only, the fæces and urine were -passed involuntarily. - -The functions of respiration, circulation, and calorification, were -never affected by atropia. - -After this long catalogue of serious symptoms, Dr. Lusanna rather -naively observes, he has never seen any truly alarming results arise -from the use of atropia! Should they occur, he recommends wine as the -best antidote. - -{127} - - -CULTIVATION OF OPIUM.—In a late number of the Archives Generales -de Medicine, will be found a short notice of a paper, read by M. -Aubergier, to the French Academy of Science upon the cultivation of -native opium. When the juice is obtained according to the methods -described by M. A., the seeds continue to ripen, and the oil they -yield pays the expense of cultivation. If the opium then more than -repays the expense of the labor necessary to procure it, its production -will be a source of profit. Now M. A., by successive improvements in -his processes, has been enabled to raise the amount obtained by each -laborer from a maximum of 75 to 90 grammes (1157 1/2 grs. to 1389 -grs.) to five times that quantity. The commercial value of the opium -will always, therefore, more than repay the cost of manufacture. He -farther finds that the proportion of morphia contained in the opium -varies. 1st, with the maturity of the capsules from which it is -collected, opium collected from capsules nearly ripe yielding less -morphia than that obtained from those that are not so near their -maturity. 2d, different varieties of the poppy yield an opium varying -in the quantity of contained morphia from 15 to 17.833 per cent. Twenty -specimens of foreign opium examined by M. A. yielded quantities varying -from 2.64 to 13 per cent. - -The superiority of some specimens of European opium has been noticed by -previous observers, and depends probably on the greater care bestowed -on its preparation and on the cultivation of the plant. - - -CHROMIC ACID AS AN ESCHAROTIC. Chromic acid has lately been employed -in Germany, both in concentrated solution and in substance, as an -escharotic. The advantages it possesses are, that it is efficient, -manageable, and less painful than the more ordinary applications. The -concentrated solution is applied by means of a glass rod, a pencil -made of asbestos, or if necessary, an ordinary hair pencil, which, -if washed immediately, can be used a second time. The solid chromic -acid on account of its penetrating action has to be employed with much -care. All organic compounds are first oxydised and then dissolved in -an excess of the acid, and this change is accelerated by an elevated -temperature. Smaller animals, birds, mice, &c., were so completely -dissolved by the acid within fifteen or twenty minutes, that no trace -of their bones, skin, hair, claws, or teeth could be discovered. It -would thus appear to be not only a gentle and gradual escharotic, but -also a complete and rapid solvent. _Dublin Quarterly Jour. of Med. -Science, from Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift_, 1851, No. viii. - - -PUBLIC HYGEINE. M. M. Bicourt & A. Chevalier have presented a memorial -on the diseases which attack workmen engaged in the manufacture of -chromsate of potash. The result of the facts presented in their -memorial, proves, 1st. That workmen engaged in the preparation of -bi-chromsate of potash, are subject to peculiar diseases. 2d. These -diseases attack workmen who do not take snuff, and the mucous membrane -of the nose is destroyed. 3d. Workmen who take snuff do not experience -the same diseases. 4th. Workmen whose skin is broken {128} in any -part, suffer severely when the bi-chromsate comes in contact with -the abraded surface, and should, therefore, carefully preserve the -abrasions from contact with the solution of bi-chromsate. 5th. Workmen -lightly clothed are exposed to some inconveniences, but these may be -easily avoided. 6th. Animals are, like men, exposed to maladies caused -by the bi-chromsate of potash.—_Archives Generales de Medicine._ - - -CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY; or Chemistry applied to Arts and to Manufactures, -by Dr. T. Knapp, Professor at the University of Giesen; Dr. Edmund -Ronalds, Professor of Chemistry at Queen’s College, Galway; and Dr. -Thomas Richardson, of New Castle on Tyne. Illustrated with nine -engravings and one hundred and twenty-nine wood cuts. Vol. iii. London: -HYPPOLYTE BAILLIERE, 219 Regent street, and 209 Broadway, New York. - -Knapp’s Technology belongs to a class of books characteristic of the -present day, and of the highest and most extended usefulness. Giving -the practical details of the arts in connection with the scientific -principles on which they are founded, it extends the views of the -manufacturer and the economist, and places him on the right path for -further improvement. To the American it presents the further advantage -of ample and precise details of what is being done in Great Britain -and on the Continent of Europe. All engaged in pursuits with which -chemistry has any connection (and with what is it not now connected?) -will find in the various volumes of the Technology, valuable -information in regard to their own peculiar avocations, while the -variety of its information and the copiousness of its illustrations, -gives it a high interest to the general reader. - - * * * * * - -At a meeting of the College of Pharmacy of the city of New York, held -on Thursday, 25th of March, the following gentlemen were elected -officers for the ensuing year. - - GEO. D. COGGESHALL, _President_. - JOHN H. CURRIE, _1st Vice President_. - WILLIAM L. RUSHTON, _2d Vice President_. - OLIVER HULL, _3d Vice President_. - JAMES S. ASPINWALL, _Treasurer_. - B. W. BULL, _Secretary_. - -TRUSTEES. - - WM. J OLLIFFE, - JOHN MEAKIN, - THOMAS B. MERRICK, - EUGENE DUPREY, - R. J. DAVIES, - JUNIUS GRIDLEY, - WM. HEGEMAN, - GEORGE WILSON, - THOMAS T. GREEN. - -{129} - - - - -NEW YORK - -JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - -MAY, 1852. - - -NOTES IN PHARMACY, No. 2. - -BY BENJAMIN CANAVAN. - - -TINCT. FERRI AETHEREA.—At the instance of one of our physicians, I made -some of the above preparation for a lady patient of his, who, after -having used the other preparations of Iron “ad nauseam,” had taken it -with benefit in Europe under the name of “Bestucheff’s tincture,” as -which, it at one time enjoyed great popularity, so that a very large -sum was given to the author in purchase of it by the Czarina Catharine. -After the composition became known it fell into disuse, almost -justifying us in reversing the quotation from Celsus,― - - “Morbos autem, non remediis, sed verbis curari.” - -It presents the metal in a different chemical state from what it is -in the muriated tincture, viz: a very soluble deuto chloride; no -acid is present and there are besides the anodyne and anti-spasmodic -properties of the ethereal spirit, rendering it peculiarly appropriate -in hysterical affections; and being pleasant to the taste and miscible -with water, it is not at all repulsive.—Supposing it may prove useful -elsewhere and to others, I subjoin the formula I have used, and to -which I give the preference, as being the most complete. It is original -in the Austrian Pharmacopœia of 1820, whence it has been copied into -many French formularies, under the name of “teinture étherée de {130} -chlorure de fer,” and may be found with a number of other formulæ for -the same preparation in the _“Pharmocopée Unverselle” of Jourdan_. - - ℞ Acidi hydro chlorici ℥iv. - Acidi hydro nitrici ℥i. - Limatura. Ferriqs. saturare acida. - -Add the iron filings _very gradually_, and in small quantity at a time -to the acids mixed together, in a porcelain mortar of ten or twelve -inch diameter, and allow each portion to be dissolved before another is -added, and so proceed until saturation is complete. Decant; evaporate -to dryness in a sand bath; dissolve the residue in a quantity of water -equal in weight to itself, and to each ounce of this solution add six -ounces of sulphuric ether, agitate them well together and separate the -supernatant ethereal solution, to which add four times its bulk of -alcohol; finally, expose it to the action of the sun’s rays until the -color is altogether discharged. The dose is twenty to thirty drops. - -MUCILAGO (GUMMI) ACACLÆ.—Among the many useful hints which have -appeared in the New York Journal of Pharmacy, in relation to several -formulæ of the U. S. P., I perceive the preparation mucilage of gum -arabic has been deemed worthy of a supervisory notice, and having -experienced some annoyance with regard to it, arising simply from -the fact that the officinal preparation has been heretofore entirely -overlooked by apothecaries generally, each one instituting a formula -for himself, I have been very much gratified by the result of -adhering strictly to the formula of the Pharmacopœia, and would take -the liberty to say that as the formulæ of all the Pharmacopœias of -countries wherein our language is spoken are alike, it surely would -not be productive of any advantage to introduce an exception to this -conformity, to suit a local peculiarity, arising, to say the least, -from inadvertence. Besides the thickness of the officinal mucilage is -not much greater than that of syrup of gum, and is even absolutely -necessary for the _chief proposes_ for which it is intended or -prescribed, viz: the suspension of weighty metallic {131} oxydes, -&c., and the holding balsams, oils, &c., in mixtures,—much benefit -then would, so far as my experience goes, accrue from the apothecary -confining himself strictly to the officinal mucilage, and as individual -formulæ are based upon it, the re-compounding them from transcribed -versions would be rendered more accurate. This “whittling” away of -standards, to make them correspond to the shortcomings of negligence -or parsimony, has only the effect of rendering “confusion worse -confounded.” - - -MISTURA AMYGDALARUM.—Being a work of some hour or so’s duration to -prepare the almond emulsion ab initio, it has been usual to keep the -ingredients in the form of paste, from a proportionate quantity of -which the mixture is made when required. The paste does not keep, -becoming musty and sometimes exceedingly hard. I have therefore adopted -the plan of keeping the almonds already _bleached and well dried_, in -which state they do not undergo any change and thus is made all the -preparation that can be, to expedite the process. - - -LIQ. ARSENIT. POTASS.—On taking up, the other day, a shop bottle in -which Fowler’s solution had been kept for some half a score or dozen of -years, I perceived it to exhale a strong garlicky odor characteristic -of free metallic arsenic. On examining the bottle which is of the -ordinary flint glass, the inner surface presented the appearance of -being coated or rather corroded, and having a metallic lustre so far -up as the bottle was generally occupied by the solution, and in the -upper part several specks were visible, of the same character, as if -they had been produced by the sublimation of the corrosive agent. The -coating was not affected by any amount of friction nor by alkalies but -was slowly dissolved by acetic acid, from which iodide of potassium -threw down a precipitate of iodide of lead.—Deeming, therefore, the -decomposition to have arisen from the lead contained in the flint glass -I have since then kept the solution in green glass bottles. - -{132} - - -LIQUOR MAGNESIÆ CITRATIS. - -THOS. S. WIEGAND, PHILADELPHIA. - -The attention which has been given to this article by pharmaceutists, -both on account of its pleasantness and its great tendency to change, -has induced me to offer the following observations. - -The advantage of the plan proposed is that a perfectly satisfactory -article can be furnished in five or eight minutes, thus rendering -unnecessary any attempt to make the preparation permanent at the -expense of its remedial value. That this is the manner in which the -public are supplied, save at stores where large quantities are sold, -there can be but little doubt, from the experiments of Professor -Proctor of Philadelphia, detailed in the 23rd volume of the American -Journal of Pharmacy, p.p. 214 and 216, which show conclusively that a -permanent solution of citrate of magnesia must be a decidedly acid one. - -Another method for making a soluble citrate has been devised by -Dorvault, which is published in his treatise, entitled “L’officine;” -but from certain difficulties in manipulation his process cannot come -into very general use. - -The formula offered is― - -Take, of carbonate of magnesia, in powder, five drachms, boiling water -five fluid ounces, throw the magnesia upon the water in a shallow -vessel, when thoroughly mixed, pour five sixths of the pulp into a -strong quart bottle, fitted with cork and string for tying down; then -make a solution of seven and a half drachms of citric acid in two fluid -ounces of water, pour it into the magnesia mixture, cork and tie down -immediately; when the solution has been effected (which will require -but a minute and a half, or two minutes,) empty it into a bottle -capable of holding twelve fluid ounces, containing two fluid ounces of -syrup of citric acid, add the remaining pulp of carbonate of magnesia, -nearly fill the bottle with water, and cork instantly, {133} securing -it with twine or wire; if the carbonate be of good quality it will be -entirely dissolved in seven minutes. - -Of course it is not intended that the carbonate of magnesia can be -rubbed to powder, the water boiled, the bottles washed and fitted with -strings and corks in the time above mentioned. My plan is to have the -bottles prepared with their corks, strings, and syrup in advance, and -to keep the carbonate of magnesia in a state of powder for this purpose. - - -[Continued from the March number.] - -PRACTICAL HINTS. - -BY A WHOLESALE DRUGGIST. - - -BALSAM PERU. For many years past a factitious balsam Peru has been -manufactured in a neighboring city in very considerable quantities, -and has entered largely into consumption; it is made by dissolving -balsam tolu in alcohol. It closely resembles the true balsam, and is -calculated to deceive unless subjected to a close examination. If -one’s attention is particularly called to it, a smell of alcohol is -perceptible. It is, however, easily tested by burning in a spoon or -small cup. The factitious balsam readily ignites on the application of -flame and burns, as may be supposed, with a blue flame. The true balsam -ignites with much more difficulty and emits a dense black smoke, and on -the application of considerable heat, the air becomes filled with small -feathery flakes of lamp black. This test, together with the sensible -properties of appearance, taste and smell, will enable one to determine -without doubt as to its genuineness. - - -LAC SULPHURIS. SULPHUR PRECIPITATUM. MILK OF SULPHUR. This preparation -of sulphur is made by boiling sulphur and lime in water, and after -filtering, precipitating the sulphur with muriatic acid. It differs -from the ordinary sulphur in being in a state of more minute division -and being softer and less brittle after having been melted. {134} - -When sulphuric acid is used to precipitate the sulphur, sulphate of -lime is formed and cannot be separated from the precipitated sulphur by -the ordinary process of washing, that salt being insoluble in water; -for this reason muriatic acid should be used, as the salt thus formed, -the muriate of lime or chloride of calcium is perfectly soluble and can -be readily separated from the sulphur by washing. - -The ordinary lac sulphuris of commerce, is prepared by the use of -sulphuric acid, and in consequence is found to contain a very large -proportion of sulphate of lime, or plaster of Paris.—Several specimens -examined were found to consist of nearly equal parts of sulphate of -lime and sulphur. - -The test for the above impurity is by burning in a small cup or spoon. -The sulphur burns out entirely, leaving the impurity unaltered. The -exact amount of impurity may be determined by weighing the substance -before and after burning, and deducting the one weight from the other. - -PRECIPITATED CHALK OR CARB. LIME. It is very important that physicians -should be able to obtain this preparation of a reliable quality. A -preparation purporting to be the above, but in fact nothing more nor -less than sulph. lime or plaster of Paris, has, in very considerable -quantities entered into consumption within a year or two past. It is -difficult to determine between the two from their appearance. The -test, however, is very simple and consists in treating the suspected -article with muriatic acid. It should dissolve perfectly with brisk -effervescence, if it be in reality pure carbonate of lime. If it -consists, wholly or in part, of sulphate of lime, the whole or such -part remains unaffected by the acid. - -Pure muriatic acid should be used, as the commercial acid frequently -contains sulphuric acid, in which case a portion of sulphate of lime is -formed and remains undissolved. - -Magnesia is sometimes found in this preparation, but by accident -generally and not by design, as the price of the magnesia offers no -inducement for the adulteration. - -{135} - - -WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.[9] - - “Una fides, pondus, mensura, moneta sit una, - Et status illæsus totius orbis erit.”—BUDEUS. - - “One faith, one weight, one measure and one coin, - Would soon the jarring world in friendship join.” - -The confusion of Babel is felt most severely in the matter of weights -and measures. Whether we consider the _number of names_ of weights -and measures, the _similarity_ of names, the _discrepancy in amount_ -between those of the same name, or the _irregular relations_ of those -of the same denomination, we find a maze, the intricacies of which -we cannot retain in our memory an hour after we have committed them -to it. Sometimes, too, we find a farther discrepancy of a surprising -nature; as if the authorised pint should not be the exact eighth of the -authorised gallon, and so there should be two different quarts, one of -two exact pints, and one of a fourth of a gallon, as well as a false -gallon of eight exact pints, and a false pint of an eighth of an exact -gallon. - -[9] Universal Dictionary of Weights and Measures. By J. H. ALEXANDER. -Baltimore. W. Menefie & Co. 158 pp. 8vo. - -We cannot here trace the genealogy of this multitude; Chaos and old -night are the ancestors of them all, except those now prevailing in -France. A large number of them are of vegetable origin, from grains -of wheat, carob beans, carat seeds, &c. The Accino, the Akey, and -innumerable others seem to have had a similar origin. Most measures of -length have been derived from the human form, as foot, span, fathom, -nail, &c. To originate a new measure or weight has proved much easier -than to preserve their uniformity when established. Here legislation -has been resorted to. The arm of Henry I. was measured, and a _yard_ -of the same length was deposited in the exchequer as a standard. -“Thirty-two (afterwards twenty-four) grains of well dried wheat from -the middle of a good ear” were to weigh a penny, twenty pence one -ounce, and twelve ounces a pound. Science finally carried the matter -one step further, and a yard is now 36/39.13929 part of the length -of “a pendulum that {136} in a vacuum and at the level of mid-tide, -under the latitude of London, shall vibrate seconds of mean time.” The -metre, a measure established by science, is 1/10,000,000 part of -the distance from the equator to the north pole. Measures of capacity -have been still more difficult to verify, and weights, when depending -upon these last, have been involved in further difficulties.—William -the Conquerer, enacted that 8 pounds good wheat, 61,440 grains, make -a gallon. In England now, 10 pounds of water, 70,000 grains, at 60° -Fahr., make a gallon. In France a cubic decimetre of water, at maximum -density, 39.2° Fahr., weighs a kilogramme. - -But the impotency of law is nowhere shown more strikingly than in -its attempts to destroy spurious and useless weights and measures. -Thirty of these are said to be prevalent in Scotland at this day; and -although Magna Charta required that there should be but one weight in -all England, the assize of bread is still regulated by a pound, 16 -of which = 17℔ 6 oz. avoirdupois. Still further, it may not always -occur to us that English measures, dry and liquid, need translating -when their works are reprinted in the United States, as much as the -French measures; for the imperial gallon, used for both dry and liquid -measures, differs from both our gallons. It contains 1.2006 of our -liquid gallons; our dry gallon contains 1.1631 of our liquid gallons. - -But it is in the _weights of the United States_ that we are more -particularly interested. We will, therefore, take our leave of the rest -of 5,400 and more weights and measures which Mr. Alexander has ranged -in alphabetical order, from - - Name. Locality. Character. Value. - “Aam; _for wine_, _Amsterdam_, Liquid capacity, 41.00041 gall.” to - “Zuoja _piccola_, _Udino_, Superficial, 0.8553 acres.” - -Let us enquire what are the weights of the United States.—We find but -one unambiguous term to measure the rest by, the grain. We have then: - - 1. The long ton, 15,680,000 grains. - 2. The ton, 14,000,000 grains. {137} - 3. The quintal, 784,000 grains, - 4. The hundred weight, 700,000 grains, - 5. Quarter, 196,000 grains, - 6. Pound avoirdupois, 7,000 grains, - 7. Pound Troy, 5,760 grains, - 8. Pound Apothecaries’, 5,760 grains, - 9. Ounce Troy, 480 grains, - 10. Ounce Apothecaries’, 480 grains, - 11. Ounce Avoirdupois, 437.5 grains, - 12. Drachm Apothecaries’, 60 grains, - 13. Drachm Avoirdupois, 54.6875 grains, - 14. Dram of the arithmetic, 27.34375 grains, - 15. Pennyweight, 24 grains, - 16. Scruple, 20 grains, - 17. Grain, 1 grains. - -A formidable array truly! From this we see that while an ounce of cork -is lighter than an ounce of gold, a pound of cork is heavier than a -pound of gold! Nay, further, let the apothecary go to the druggist -for a drachm of opium, and he will receive and pay for a _drachm_ -avoirdupois, a weight unknown even to Mr. Alexander, although in -constant use in this city. But the moment he puts it into his mortar -there is not a drachm of it! If he wishes to use a drachm in pills -or tincture, he must add more than five grains to it. Could anything -be more inconvenient or more prolific in mistakes? To prevent butter -from becoming rancid, we are told to mix with it the bark of slippery -elm, in the “proportion of a drachm (or dram) to the pound.” Who can -tell what it means? Six different proportions might accord with this -Delphic response; the most probable is 60∶7000. But the grievance to -which the apothecary is subject does not all consist in his buying -by lighter ounces, and selling by heavier. The subdivisions by which -he compounds have no reference to his convenience. Long habit alone -can save him from either laborious calculation or risk of error. But -still another chance of error comes into the account. Two characters, -ʒ and ℥, are joined to numerals, to indicate {138} quantities; a -mistake of these, by either prescriber or apothecary, may prove fatal. -A case in point occurred a few years since, well known to many of our -readers. A physician, prescribed cyanide of potassium, by a formula in -which ℥ had been printed, by mistake, for ʒ. The apothecary, instead -of sending him the prescription for correction, _as he ought to have -done_, put it up and sent it with the fearful monition that the dose -would prove fatal—and so it did—to the prescriber himself, who took the -dose his patient dared not touch. He died in five minutes, a victim to -a printer’s error, to his own self confidence, to want of etiquette -in the apothecary, and last, not least, to an ill-contrived system of -weights. - -This brings us to the practical question, What is to be done? All agree -that there ought to be a reform. On this point we can do no better -than quote the close of Mr. Alexander’s preface.—“Finally,” says he -(page vii.) “if I may be allowed, in connection with this work and its -appropriate applications, to allude to certain dreams of my own, (as -they may be; although I consider them capable, without undue effort, -of a more prompt and thorough realisation than seems to be ordinarily -anticipated,) as to the prevalence, some day, of an universal -conformity of weights and measures, I must acknowledge that such a -result was one of the ends I had in view in the original collection of -materials. Not that such a work was going to show more emphatically -than business men feel, and reflecting men know, the importance of such -an universal conformity; or that a book whose pages deal in discords, -could, of itself, produce unison; but the first step to any harmonious -settlement is, to see clearly, and at a glance, where the differences -lie, and what they are.—If a millennial period for this world is -ever to come, as many wise have deemed, and pious prayed, it must be -preceded by one common language, and one common system of weights and -measures, as the basis of intercourse. And the way to that is to be -built, not by the violent absorption of other and diverse systems into -one, but rather by a compromise into which all may blend. When the -Earth, in her historical orbit, shall {139} have reached that point, -(as it stood ere mankind were scattered from the plain of Shinar) -and not till then, may we begin to hope that her revolutions will be -stilled, and that before long the weights and measures of fleeting -Time will be merged and lost in the infinite scales and illimitable -quantities of Eternity.” We are not sure that we precisely understand -the last sentence, and we are sure we dissent entirely from the one -that precedes it. No compromise can be of service in bringing about -a uniformity in weights and measures. We must either make a better -system than the best extant, and ask all men to adopt it, or if the -best that human ingenuity and science can devise is already in use, -so much the better; let us adopt it with all our heart. Is the French -system this best one? We believe it is, nor have we ever heard it -called in question.—Why then speak of a new one as desirable? We fear -the suggestion is the offspring of a national vanity, which ought to be -beneath us. We would not oppose such a motive even to the introduction -of the centigrade thermometer, which is much more inconvenient than -Fahrenheit’s, and has _no one_ advantage over it in any respect; still -less should it bar the progress of a system against which no fault can -be alleged, but that it is _foreign_. - -We agree with our author that the introduction of a new system is much -easier than is generally supposed. It will not be like the change of -a monetary system, where the old coins remain, mingled with the new, -to perpetuate the old names.—The change could be, by law, effected -next New Year’s day, and all inconvenience from it would be over -in a month, save some awkwardness from habit, and two more serious -difficulties. One is from the human propensity to _bisection_. Thus the -old hundredweight of 112 pounds is bisected down to 7 pounds, and the -grocer will sell half this quantity, 3 1/2 pounds, at a cheaper rate -than he will sell 3 pounds or 4. Unfortunately in bisecting 100 we run -down too soon to the fractions 12 1/2 and 6 1/4. The French have -been obliged to give way to this propensity, and divide the kilogramme -in a binary manner, {140} with an unavoidable irregularity, reckoning -31 1/4 grains as 32. Would that 32 × 32 = 1000! Our only remedy is to -change the radix of numeration from 10 to 16, a thing impossible but to -a universal dictator. The other difficulty is in our measure for land. -This must remain in all surveyed tracts in such a shape that 40 acres, -and also 5 acres, shall be some multiple of unity. - -But shall the apothecary wait the action of government?—This is neither -necessary nor desirable. Some relief he ought to have speedily. If -he dare not make so great an advance as to adopt the French system, -(his truest and most honorable policy,) let all subdivisions of the -avoirdupois pound be discarded, except the grain. Introduce the -chemists’ weights of 1000, 500, 300, 100, 50, &c. grains, and let all -prescriptions be written in grains alone. This, perhaps, is the only -feasible course. - -We must return once more to our author before taking leave of our -readers. The motive for making the collection was one that strikes -us as new. It was for ethnological and historical purposes. As the -carat points to India as the origin of the diamond trade, so we find -in the names, mode of subdivision, and amount of weights and measures -evidences of the migrations of races, and of the ancient and obsolete -channels in which trade once flowed. The care with which Mr. Alexander -seems to have corrected these tables, and adjusted the discordant -elements of which they are composed, and corrected the discrepancies -between them, makes them more worthy of reliance than anything that has -preceded them, and leaves little to be desired that is within the reach -of human attainment. After the alphabetical arrangement, are given the -weight and measure systems of the “principal countries of the world,” -beginning with Abyssinia and ending with Würtemberg. And we have only -to add that the mechanical execution of the volume is worthy of the -care and labor the author has spent upon it, unsurpassed, in fact, by -any book made for use we have ever seen. - -{141} - - -QUINIDINE. - -BY MR. ROBERT HOWARD. - -This alkaloid, which gained a prize in the Great Exhibition, has -scarcely yet attracted much attention. Some of the cheaper barks now -largely imported from New Grenada contains so much of it that it -is, perhaps, as well that it should be more studied. The _Cinchona -cordifolia_, from this part of the continent, is particularly rich -in it. It is, however, contained in larger or smaller quantities in -the Bolivian and Peruvian barks—the _Cinchona Calisaya_, _Boliviana_, -_rufinervis_, and especially _ovata_. - -Referring your readers to a very able paper in your Journal,[10] I beg -to add a few facts from my own observations. - -The sulphate of quinidine, or β quinine as it is called by some, (Van -Heijninger and others,) is so like the sulphate of quinine, that the -eye or the taste can with difficulty distinguish them. It forms the -same light fibrous crystallization, and occupies as large a bulk. It -corresponds in appearance with the description given by Winckler, of -“chinidine.” (See _Pharm. Journ._ for April, 1845, vol. iv., p. 468.) -He notices that it has “a remarkably white color and a peculiarly faint -lustre.” Its most striking characteristic is its extreme solubility. -Pure sulphate of quinine requires nearly thirty times its weight of -boiling water for solution, whilst the sulphate of quinidine dissolves -in four parts. On the other hand the pure alkaloid crystallizes -readily out of proof spirit and out of ether, whilst quinine does -not crystallize out of either. A very good test for the presence of -cinchonine in sulphate of quinine is also capable of being applied -to detect the presence of β quinine. On this point I would refer for -very interesting details to a paper by M. Guibourt, in the _Journal de -Pharmacie_ for January in this year. - -[10] _Pharmaceutical Journal_, vol. ix., p. 322, January, 1850. - -In your Journal of April, 1843, I gave a test for sulphate of quinine, -to which I would again advert, because subsequent {142} experience has -proved it to be a tolerable easy, and at the same time exact means of -ascertaining its purity. Put 100 grains in a Florence flask with five -ounces of distilled water, heat this to brisk ebullition; the sulphate -of quinine ought not to be entirely dissolved; add two ounces more -water, and again heat it to ebullition; ought to make a perfectly clear -solution. If this be allowed to cool for six hours, and the crystals -carefully dried in the open air on blotting paper, they will be found -to weigh about ninety grains, the mother-liquor may be evaporated and -tested with ether, when any cinchonine or β quinine will be easily -detected. On examining sulphate of quinine of commerce from several -leading manufacturers, I have found all of them give, within a grain or -two, the same result, and, in each, indications of a β quinine, though -to an unimportant extent. - -The above quantity of water (seven ounces) readily dissolves 800 grains -of sulphate of β quinine; and if 100 grains of this salt are dissolved -in seven ounces of water, the crystals as above weigh only fifty-four -grains, thus leaving forty-six grains in solution instead of about ten -grains. - -The medical effects of β quinine deserve investigation, the chemical -constitution and the taste appear to indicate a great similarity if not -identity. - - -ON THE ADULTERATION OF SULPHATE OF QUININE, AND THE MEANS OF DETECTION. - -Mr. Zimmer, manufacturer of sulphate of quinine in -Frankfort-on-the-Maine, has published the following circular and paper -to his correspondents abroad: - - _Frankfort-on-the-Maine, Feb._ 6th, 1852. - -You are doubtless, aware that various and partly spurious kinds of -sulphate of quinine have for some time past found their way into -the market. The substance now frequently {143} mixed with quinine -is quinidine. But little positive is as yet known of the medicinal -properties of this alkaloid, and whatever may be the result of future -experiments, its arbitrary substitution is, under any circumstances, -unwarrantable, and renders all fair and honest competition almost -impossible. - -The importance of the subject has induced me to address a few words to -you, that I may submit a simple experiment by means of which the most -usual adulterations of quinine may readily be detected. - - I have the honor to be, with much respect, &c. - C. ZIMMER. - - * * * * * - -The high price of genuine Bolivian _Cinchona Calisaya_, through the -monopoly of its export, has given occasion to imports, from other -districts, of _Cinchonas_, the quality of which widely differs from -that of the Calisaya, inasmuch as they contain principally quinidine. -The lower prices of these barks, regardless of their different -constituents, have brought them quickly into use in many factories of -quinine, whereby a large quantity of quinine, containing quinidine, -has got into the market, causing an undue depreciation in the price of -quinine. - -The existence of this third cinchona-alkaloid is now established beyond -a doubt by ultimate analysis, by the peculiarity of its salts, and by -important distinctive tests; and there can be no further question, that -quinidine must, equally with cinchonine, be distinguished from quinine. -The external characters of sulphate of quinidine differ from those -of sulphate of quinine; it has a greater specific gravity and less -flocculent crystallization. In dry warm air it parts with its water -of crystallization, without deliquescing or losing its crystallized -aspect; lastly, it is far more soluble than sulphate of quinine in cold -water and in alcohol. - -One of the distinctive properties of the three alkaloids in question, -_viz._, their behavior with ether—places in our hands a ready means -of detecting the mixture of cinchonine and {144} quinidine, with -quinine. Schweitzer (_Lond. Med. Gazette_, vol. xxi., p. 175) has -already employed ether for the detection of cinchonine with complete -success, and his process has, with justice, been subsequently quoted -in most manuals, as it answers its purpose completely; cinchonine is -known to be entirely insoluble in ether, whatever may be the quantity -of ether employed. The solubility of quinidine in ether, as compared -with that of quinine, is but slight; ten grains of pure sulphate of -quinine dissolve in sixty drops of ether, and twenty drops of spirit of -ammonia, while only one grain of sulphate of quinidine is soluble in -the same quantity of the fluid; and in proportion quinine containing -quinidine will always be less soluble than pure sulphate of quinine. - -Guided by this fact I can recommend the following simple and very -convenient process for the detection of quinidine and quinine:― - -Ten grains of the salt to be examined is to put into a strong test -tube, furnished with a tight-fitting cork, to this are to be added -ten drops of diluted sulphuric acid, (one acid and five water) with -fifteen drops of water, and a gentle heat applied to accelerate the -solution. This having been affected, and the solution entirely cooled, -sixty drops of officinal sulphuric ether with twenty drops of spirits -of ammonia, must be added, and the whole well shaken while the top is -closed by the thumb. The tube is then to be closely stopped and shaken -gently from time to time, so that the bubbles of air may more readily -enter the layer of ether. - -If the salt examined be free from cinchonine and quinidine, or contain -the latter in no greater proportion than ten per cent., it will be -completely dissolved; while on the surface, where contact of the two -layers of clear fluid takes place, the mechanical impurities only will -be separated (in which respect the various sorts of commercial quinine -differ.) After sometime longer the layer of ether becomes hard and -gelatinous, after which no further observation is possible. - -From the above statement respecting the solubility of {145} quinidine -in ether, it appears that the ten grains of the salt to be examined, -may contain one grain of quinidine, and still a complete solution with -ether and ammonia may follow; but in this case the quinidine will -shortly begin to crystallize in the layer of ether. The last trace of -quinidine may be yet more definitely detected by employing, instead of -the ordinary ether, some other, previously saturated with quinidine, by -which means all of the quinidine contained in the quinine must remain -undissolved. It is particularly requisite in performing this last -experiment to observe, after the shaking, whether all has dissolved, -for owing to the great tendency of quinidine to crystallization, it may -become again separated in a crystalline form, and be a source of error. - -If more than a tenth of quinidine or cinchonine be present, there will -be found an insoluble precipitate at the limits of the two layers of -fluids. If this be quinidine, it will be dissolved on the addition of -proportionately more ether, while cinchonine will be unaffected. - -It is expressly to be remarked, that the necessity for testing sulphate -of quinine, in search of other fraudulent adulterations is not -superseded by the above described process. - -We have particularly to determine upon the absence of inorganic -substances, which may be effected by subjecting to red heat on a -platinum dish, or simply by solution in alcohol. Gypsum, chalk, -magnesia, &c., will be left undissolved. Boracic acid will be dissolved -by alcohol, but its green flame will indicate its presence in the -alcoholic solution when ignited. - -The absence of organic substances, such as salicine, sugar, stearic -acid, &c., may be inferred from the formation of a colorless solution -with pure concentrated cold sulphuric acid; it is as well to leave the -sulphuric acid to act for some hours. - -The presence of sal-ammoniac may be detected by the addition of caustic -potash to the suspected salt, when, if present, it will be known by -the diffusion of the ammoniacal odour.—_Pharmaceutical Journal, March, -1852._ - -{146} - - -REMARKS ON THE ENVELOPEMENT OF PILLS. - -BY DORVAULT. - -The envelopement of pills is a minute question, an accessory in this -form of administering medicines, but as it is a frequent cause of -trouble to practitioners, and as their successful operation is often -due to their peculiar mode of exhibition, we shall perhaps be pardoned -for devoting a short space to the subject. - -In order that pills may not adhere to one another, they are rolled -in an inert powder, such as marsh-mallow, liquorice, and above all, -lycopodium. Carbonate of magnesia is now particularly used for pills -of turpentine and copaiba. To disguise the peculiar odour of the pill -mass, German practitioners use iris powder, or cinnamon. - -To render pills more pleasing to the eye, as well as to disguise their -taste, instead of rolling them in the before named powders, they are -frequently covered with gold or silver leaf. The mode of doing this is -too well known to need repetition. We will only remark that those pills -which contain iodine, bromine, sulphur, iodides, bromides, sulphides, -salts of mercury, gold, platina, &c., cannot be silvered. - -These methods conceal but imperfectly the unpleasant taste and smell of -certain pillular compounds. M. Garot, to obviate this inconvenience, -has proposed to cover pills with a layer of gelatine, by means of a -process which he has made public, and into the details of which we -think it needless to enter. The gelatinous layer conceals the bad taste -and smell perfectly, but it is attended with one inconvenience; in time -it shrinks, cracks, and the pill mass exudes. Besides, much skill is -required in its manipulation. After gelatinization comes sugaring. This -is frequently preferable to the former modes, and can be equally well -applied to pills of a repulsive taste and smell, (copaiba, turpentine, -musk, assafœtida, &c.,) or to those which are changed by air or light, -(proto salts of iron,) or deliquescent, (iod-hydrargyrate of iodide -of potassium,) or caustic, (croton oil.) It can extemporaneously be -performed in the following manner:—Put the pills into a vase with a -round bottom, {147} or into a box lined with silver, moisten them with -a little syrup of sugar, clear mucilage, or white of eggs, agitate -them so as to moisten them uniformly; add a mixture of equal parts of -gum, sugar and starch; again rotate them, so as equally to enclose -all the pills. If a first layer be not sufficient, add a second and -third in the same manner. Dry them in the air or in a stove. In damp -weather, these pills should be enclosed in corked bottles. Gelatine -of carragheen or caseine dried and powdered may be substituted for -the above powdered mixture. This method is more expeditious than -gelatinisation, and it has besides the advantage of the material being -always perfectly soluble. Collodion has been proposed for enveloping -pills, but seems never to have been used. - -The last method we shall call _toluisation_. It appears to possess -many decided advantages over the others. M. Blancard, its originator, -employs it particularly for pills of proto iodide of iron. It is to -induce its more general use that we make these remarks. The following -is the mode of proceeding, which can be modified to suit the daily -wants of practice: - -Dissolve one part of balsam of tolu, in three parts of ether, (the -balsam which has been used in the preparation of syrup of tolu will -answer perfectly;) pour some of this tincture into a capsule containing -the pills, to favor the evaporation of the ether. When the pills -begin to stick together, throw them on a mould of tin passed through -mercury, or simply on a plate, taking care to separate those which -stick together. Set them in the air to dry. The drying may be completed -in a stove of moderate heat, especially if several layers have been -found necessary. This mode of enveloping may take the place, or nearly -so, of all the others. An important point in it, is, that it resists -the effects both of damp and dryness on the pill mass. Its balsamic -odour is generally agreeable; but should it not be so, the tolu might -be replaced by some inert resin soluble in ether, as mastic tears for -example. The layer of resinous matter is so thin, that we apprehend no -obstacle in its influence on the medicine. {148} - -We will, however, make one general remark, namely: that as each method -possesses some peculiar advantages, we thought it right to give them -all.—_Bulletin Gen. Ther. Med. et Chir. January, 1852._ - - -ON THE APPLICATION OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY TO PERFUMERY. - -BY DR. A. W. HOFFMAN. - -Professor to the Royal College of Chemistry, London. - -Cahours’ excellent researches concerning the essential oil of -gaultheria procumbens (a North American plant of the natural order -of the Ericinæ of Jussieu,) which admits of so many applications in -perfumery, have opened a new field in this branch of industry. The -introduction of this oil among compound ethers must necessarily direct -the attention of perfumers towards this important branch of compounds, -the number of which is daily increasing by the labors of those who -apply themselves to organic chemistry. The striking similarity of the -smell of these ethers to that of fruit has not escaped the observation -of chemists; however, it was reserved to practical men to discover -by which choice and combinations it might be possible to imitate the -scent of peculiar fruits to such a nicety, as to make it probable that -the scent of the fruit is owing to a natural combination identical to -that produced by art; so much so, as to enable the chemist to produce -from fruits the said combinations, provided he could have at his -disposal a sufficient quantity to operate upon. The manufacture of -artificial aromatic oils for the purpose of perfumery is, of course, -a recent branch of industry; nevertheless, it has already fallen into -the hands of several distillers, who produce sufficient quantity to -supply the trade; a fact, which has not escaped the observation of the -Jury at the London Exhibition. In visiting the stalls of English and -French perfumers at the Crystal Palace, we found a great variety of -these chemical perfumes, {149} the applications of which were at the -same time practically illustrated by confectionery flavored by them. -However, as most of the samples of the oils sent to the Exhibition were -but small, I was prevented, in many cases, from making an accurate -analysis of them. The largest samples were those of a compound labelled -“Pear oil,” which, by analysis, I discovered to be an alcoholic -solution of pure acetate of amyloxide. Not having sufficient quantity -to purify it for combustion, I dissolved it with potash, by which free -fusel oil was separated, and determined the acetic acid in the form of -a silver salt. - - 0,3080 gram. of silver salt = 0,1997 gram. of silver. - -The per centage of silver in acetate of silver is, according to - - Theory. Experiment. - 64,68 64,55. - -The acetate of amyloxide which, according to the usual way of preparing -it, represents one part sulphuric acid, one part fusel oil, and two -parts of acetate of potash, had a striking smell of fruit, but it -acquired the pleasant flavor of the jargonelle pear only after having -been diluted with six times its volume of spirits of wine. - -Upon further inquiry I learned that considerable quantities of this -oil are manufactured by some distillers, from fifteen to twenty pounds -weekly, and sold to confectioners, who employ it chiefly it flavoring -pear-drops, which are nothing else but barley-sugar, flavored with this -oil. - -I found, besides the pear-oil, also an _apple-oil_, which, according to -my analysis, is nothing but valerianate of amyloxide. Every one must -recollect the insupportable smell of rotten apples which fills the -laboratory whilst making valerianic acid. By operating upon this new -distillate produced with diluted potash, valerianic acid is removed, -and an ether remains behind which, diluted in five or six times its -volume of spirits of wine, is possessed of the most pleasant flavor of -apples. - -The essential oil most abundant in the Exhibition was the pine-apple -oil, which, as you well know, is nothing else but the butyrate of -ethyloxide. Even in this combination, as in {150} the former, the -pleasant flavor or scent is only attained by diluting the ether with -alcohol. The butyric ether which is employed in Germany to flavor -bad rum, is employed in England to flavor an acidulated drink called -pine-apple ale. For this purpose they generally do not employ pure -butyric acid, but a product obtained by saponification of butter, and -subsequent distillation of the soap with concentrated sulphuric acid -and alcohol; which product contains, besides the butyric ether, other -ethers, but nevertheless can be used for flavoring spirits. The sample -I analyzed was purer, and appeared to have been made with pure butyric -ether. - -Decomposed with potash and changed into silver salt, it gave - - 0,4404 gram. of silver salt = 0,2437 gram. of silver. - -The per centage of silver in the butyrate of silver is according to - - Theory. Experiment. - 55,38 55,33. - -Both English and French exhibitors have also sent samples of cognac-oil -and grape-oil, which are employed to flavor the common sorts of -brandy. As these samples were very small, I was prevented from making -an accurate analysis. However, I am certain that the grape-oil is a -combination of amyl, diluted with much alcohol; since, when acted upon -with concentrated sulphuric acid, and the oil freed from alcohol by -washing it with water, it gave amylsulphuric acid, which was identified -by the analysis of the salt of barytes. - -1,2690 gram. of amylsulphate of barytes gave 0,5825 gram. of sulphate -of barytes. This corresponds to 45,82 per cent. of sulphate of barytes. - -Amylsulphate of barytes, crystallized with two equivalents of water, -contains, according to the analysis of Cahours and Kekule, 45,95 per -cent. of sulphate of barytes. It is curious to find here a body, -which, on account of its noxious smell, is removed with great care -from spirituous liquors, to be applied under a different form for the -purpose of imparting to them a pleasant flavor. {151} - -I must needs here also mention the artificial oil of bitter almonds. -When Mitscherlich, in the year 1834, discovered the nitrobenzol, he -would not have dreamed that this product would be manufactured for the -purpose of perfumery, and, after twenty years, appear in fine labelled -samples at the London Exhibition. It is true that, even at the time of -the discovery of nitrobenzol, he pointed out the striking similarity of -its smell to that of the oil of bitter almonds. However, at that time, -the only known sources for obtaining this body were the compressed -gases and the distillation of benzoic acid, consequently the enormity -of its price banished any idea of employing benzol as a substitute -for oil of bitter almonds. However, in the year 1845, I succeeded by -means of the anilin-reaction in ascertaining the existence of benzol -in common coal-tar-oil. In his essay, which contains many interesting -details about the practical use of benzol, he speaks likewise of the -possibility of soon obtaining sweet scented nitrobenzol in great -quantity. The Exhibition has proved that this observation has not been -left unnoticed by the perfumers. Among French perfumeries we have -found, under the name of artificial oil of bitter almonds, and under -the still more poetical name of “essence de mirbane,” several samples -of essential oils, which are no more nor less than nitrobenzol. I was -not able to obtain accurate details about the extent of this branch -of manufacture, which seems to be of some importance. In London, this -article is manufactured with success. The apparatus employed is that -of Mansfield, which is very simple; it consists of a large glass worm, -the upper extremity of which divides in two branches or tubes, which -are provided with funnels. Through one of these funnels passes a stream -of concentrated nitric acid; the other is destined as a receiver of -benzol, which, for this purpose, requires not to be quite pure; at -the angle from where the two tubes branch out, the two bodies meet -together, and instantly the chemical combination takes place, which -cools sufficiently by passing through the glass worm. The product is -afterwards washed with water, and some diluted solution of carbonate -of {152} soda; it is then ready for use. Notwithstanding the great -physical similarity between nitrobenzol and oil of bitter almonds, -there is yet a slight difference in smell which can be detected by an -experienced nose. However, nitrobenzol is very useful in scenting soap, -and might be employed with great advantage by confectioners and cooks, -particularly on account of its safety, being entirely free from prussic -acid. - -There were, besides the above, several other artificial oils; they all, -however, were more or less complicated, and in such small quantities, -that it was impossible to ascertain their exact nature, and it was -doubtful whether they had the same origin as the former. - -The application of organic chemistry to perfumery is quite new; it is -probable that the study of all the ethers or ethereal combinations -already known, and of those which the ingenuity of the chemist is daily -discovering, will enlarge the sphere of their practical applications. -The caprylethers lately discovered by Bouris are remarkable for their -aromatic smells (the acetate of capryloxide is possessed of the most -intense and pleasant smell,) and they promise a large harvest to the -manufacturers of perfumes.—_Annalen der Chemie.—In An. of Pharmacy._ - - -ON TESTS FOR THE IMPURITIES OF ACETIC ACID. - -Pure acetic acid is colorless, possesses strong acid properties and -taste, and no empyreumatic flavor. It should have, according to the -new London Pharmacopœia, a specific gravity of 1.048, and one hundred -grains should saturate eighty-seven grains of crystallized carbonate -of soda; consequently the pharmacopœial acid consists of thirty-one -per cent. of the anhydrous acid, and sixty-nine per cent. of water. -It should leave no residuum by evaporation. Sulphuretted hydrogen, -nitrate of barytes, ferrocyanuret of potash, and nitrate of silver, -should produce no precipitate in it. When it contains empyreumatic -{153} matter, which besides being evident to the smell, concentrated -sulphuric acid causes its color to darken. Sugar, in a more or less -changed condition, is frequently one of the impurities of the German -diluted commercial acid, and may be recognized by the taste of the -residuum left upon its evaporation. - -When sulphuretted hydrogen produces in acetic acid a milky turbidity, -it shows that sulphurous acid is present, the presence of which is due -to the decomposition of coloring and other organic matters, contained -as impurities in the acetates, from which the acetic was prepared, when -treated with sulphuric acid. The turbidity is caused by the separation -of sulphur from the sulphuretted hydrogen, and from the sulphurous acid -by reason of the hydrogen of the former combining with the oxygen of -the latter, and forming water (Wittstein.) If the sulphuretted hydrogen -produces a black precipitate, either lead or copper may be present. -The lead may be recognized by sulphuric acid giving a precipitate of -sulphate of lead; and the copper, by the blue reaction which ensues, -with an excess of ammonia. Sulphuric acid can be readily known when -present by nitrate of barytes producing a white precipitate, insoluble -in mineral acids. Nitrate of silver detects muriatic acid by throwing -down a white precipitate, which changes, under the influence of light, -to a violet color, and is insoluble in nitric acid, but soluble in -ammonia. Ferrocyanuret of potassium will indicate the presence of salt -of iron when by its addition, a blue precipitate results. - -The above tests are not applicable to the same extent to detect the -impurities of the brown vinegar of commerce, because manufacturers are -allowed by law to add to it a small per centage of sulphuric acid, and -there are always sulphates and chlorides and other salts present in it, -derived from the water used in its manufacture; therefore, in testing -for its impurities, an allowance must be made for those which arise -from the necessary process of the manufacture, and those considered -only as adulterations which are over and above such fair allowance. -To detect such impurities as cayenne pepper, {154} &c., it is merely -necessary to neutralize the vinegar with carbonate of soda, when their -presence will be palpably evident to the taste. - -Acetic acid may be purified by distillation from those substances -which are not volatile. By adding acetate of lead previously to its -distillation, sulphuric and muriatic acids can be separated from it; -and sulphurous acid can be removed by peroxide of manganese, which -converts it into sulphuric acid. It can be freed from empyreumatic -impurities by agitation with charcoal, subsequent filtration and -distillation. - -The strength of acetic acid and vinegar cannot be determined by the -specific gravity. The power of saturating an alkaline carbonate is the -best criterion of the quantity of anhydrous acid present in any given -sample. This method will only give correct results when the acid is -pure, or when the quantities of free mineral acids have been estimated -previously by precipitation, so as to make the necessary deductions for -their saturating power when the acid is neutralized with an alkaline -carbonate. It would be well if pharmaceutists were more frequently -to try the strength of their acetic acid, which is constantly sold -with very plausible labels, about one part of the acid to seven parts -of water, making the distilled vinegar of the Pharmacopœia, which -statement we have oftentimes proved to be a very pretty fiction.—_An. -of Pharmacy, March, 1852._ - - -A TEST FOR ALCOHOL IN ESSENTIAL OILS. - -J. J. Bernoulli recommends for this purpose acetate of potash. When to -an etherial oil, contaminated with alcohol, dry acetate of potash is -added, this salt dissolves in the alcohol, and forms a solution from -which the volatile oil separates. If the oil be free from alcohol, this -salt remains dry therein. - -Wittstein, who speaks highly of this test, has suggested the following -method of applying it as the best:—In a dry test {155} tube, about -half an inch in diameter, and five or six inches long, put not more -than eight grains of powdered dry acetate of potash; then fill the tube -two-thirds full with the essential oil to be examined. The contents -of the tube must be well stirred with a glass rod, taking care not to -allow the salt to rise above the oil; afterwards set aside for a short -time. If the salt be found at the bottom of the tube dry, it is evident -that the oil contains no spirit. Oftentimes, instead of the dry salt, -beneath the oil is found a clear syrupy fluid, which is a solution of -the salt in the spirit, with which the oil was mixed. When the oil -contains only a little spirit, a small portion of the solid salt will -be found under the syrupy solution. Many essential oils frequently -contain a trace of water, which does not materially interfere with this -test, because, although the acetate of potash becomes moist thereby, it -still retains its pulverent form. - -A still more certain result may be obtained by distillation in a -water bath. All the essential oils which have a higher boiling point -than spirit, remain in the retort, whilst the spirit passes into -the receiver with only a trace of the oil, where the alcohol may be -recognized by the smell and taste. Should, however, a doubt exist, add -to the distillate a little acetate of potash and strong sulphuric acid, -and heat the mixture in a test tube to the boiling point, when the -characteristic odor of acetic ether will be manifest, if any alcohol be -present. - - -CHEMICAL EXAMINATION OF RESIN OF JALAP. - -BY B. SANDROCK. - -It is a well known fact that when resin of jalap is treated with ether, -we obtain two kinds of resin, one soluble, and the other insoluble -in ether. Dr. Kayser chose first for his analysis that part of the -resin which is insoluble in ether. This resin, purified by means of -charcoal, was friable, almost colorless, without smell or taste, -insoluble in ether and water, but easily {156} dissolved by spirit of -wine; the alcoholic solution reddens litmus slightly. The resin, again -precipitated by water, was perfectly soluble in solution of caustic -ammonia and acetic acid. This resin was dissolved with difficultly in -cold solutions of caustic potash and soda, but was perfectly soluble -when hot, and could again be readily precipitated from the alkaline -solutions by acids. The solution of this resin, in ammonia was of a -bright brown color, and became neutral by volatizing the superfluous -ammonia. It is consequently a resinous acid, which is distinguished -from other resinous acids, by the facts that it does not precipitate -the bases from metalic salts, such as nitrate of silver, sulphate of -copper; it afforded only a precipitate when acted upon by basic-acetate -of lead. A question arose, whether the resin of jalap, dissolved in -alkaline fluids, undergoes any changes in its constitution. To answer -this question, Kayser undertook several analyses, the results of which -were as follows: The uncombined resin of jalap gave C 42, H 35, O -20.—The resin, precipitated by oxide of lead, gave C 42, H 36, O 21. -It is evident that resin of jalap, combined with the bases of salts, -acquires the elements of one equivalent of water. Dr. Kayser, has named -the unchanged resin of jalap, rhodeoretin, and that modified by bases -of salts, hydro-rhodeoretin. - -By dissolving rhodeoretin in absolute alcohol and submitting the -solution to the action of chlorine, and subsequently adding water to -it, Kayser obtained an oily fluid, dark yellow, possessing a pleasant -smell, easy to be volatilized by heat, soluble in water, which he -called rhodeoretin oil. - -The part of the resin soluble in ether, possesses eminently the -disagreeable smell of jalap, a prickly taste; its solution reddens -litmus, and in drying leaves a greasy spot on paper; it is soluble in -alkaline fluids. If the alcoholic solution is allowed to stand, mixed -with water, for a lengthened period, prismatic crystalline needles -are precipitated. According to these properties, Kayser includes the -soluble jalap resin among the fatty acids. Sandrock in general agrees -with Kayser; but, according to his analysis, the jalap can be resolved -in three {157} different resins, one soluble in ether, the second -obtained by precipitating the alcoholic solution by oxides of lead; the -third remains unprecipitated in this solution. - -That part of the resin which is insoluble in ether, but is precipitated -from the alcoholic solution by oxide of lead, Sandrock calls alpha -resin; that which is not precipitated, beta resin; that part which is -soluble in ether he calls gamma resin. - -The alpha resin agrees in its properties with Buchner’s and Herberger’s -jalapine. Sandrock calls ipomic acid, the produce of this resin when -treated by boiling carbonated alkaline solution; and the one obtained -in the same way from beta resin, jalapic acid. The gamma resin forms -in ether a yellow solution, and a purple one in concentrated sulphuric -acid.—_Archiven der Pharmacie._ - - -ON THE PREPARATION OF CHLOROFORM FROM THE ESSENCES OF LEMON, COPAIBA, -PEPPERMINT AND BERGAMOTTE. - -BY M. CHAUTARD, - -Professor of Chemistry at the Lyceum of Vendome. - -M. Chautard, after having completed his experiments for the production -of chloroform by means of oil of turpentine instead of alcohol, led -by analogy, proceeded to try by a similar method to prepare it by -means of the essences of lemon, bergamotte, copaiba and peppermint, -and succeeded. However, the quantity of essences upon which he acted -was too small to carry on a minute analysis. In the meanwhile, his -researches led him to discover formic acid in the calcareous residuum -of the operation. It was already known, M. Chautard observes, that oil -of turpentine, when old and exposed a long time to the action of the -air, was transformed into formic acid, which observations is due to M. -Wappen. On the other hand, M. Schneider, by collecting the volatile -products of the oxidation {158} of turpentine, by means of nitric -acid, detected therein the presence of acetic, metacetic, and butyric -acids. Finally, a few years ago, Mr. William Bastick[11] showed that -hypo-chlorite of lime, by reacting upon neutral unazotised bodies, -such as sugar, starch, &c., gave rise to the formation of a certain -quantity of formate of lime; hence, turning to advantage the details -given by this chemist, M. Chautard continues—I thus have carried on my -operation:― - -[11] “Journal de Pharmacie,” 3^e serie, 1. 14. - -After having ascertained, by means of the solution of indigo, that the -residuum contained in the alembic did not contain any hypochlorite of -lime, the presence of which would have prevented the extraction of -formic acid, I threw the whole upon a cloth, and added sulphuric acid -to the filtered liquor to precipitate the lime retained in a state of -chloride or formate.—This liquor, after having been filtered anew, was -distilled, and the product was a mixture of formic and hydrochloric -acids, which I saturated by means of carbonate of soda. By subsequent -evaporation to dryness, I succeeded, by adding afterwards a little -water, in separating the formate of soda from the chloride. By means -of the formate of soda, I proved the principal properties of formic -acid, and besides, produced from it the formate of silver, which is -decomposed by a boiling heat, leaving a precipitate of metalic silver. - -In finishing this communication, I must observe that fixed oils, -treated in the same way by hypochlorite of lime, do not produce -chloroform; however, the reaction which occurs is so strong, and -indicative of interesting results, that it induces me to continue my -experiments.—_Journal de Pharmacie._ - - -ON DRY EXTRACTS. - -BY DR. MOHR. - -Every one is aware of the utility of possessing dry extracts, -particularly of narcotic plants, so as to be able to administer them -as powders. This able pharmaceutist gives the following {159} formula -for their preparation; and as it seems to answer all purposes, and is -adopted in Berlin, and other continental towns, it deserves to be made -public. - -Take of any extract, and of powder of licorice equal parts, mix them -well in a mortar; when well mixed, put the paste in an earthenware -evaporating dish, and then put this vessel over an iron pan, which has -been filled with chloride of calcium, previously dried in the vessel -by a strong fire without melting; the iron vessel must have a cover -to enclose both vessels, so that the chloride of calcium can absorb -the vapor from the extract without communication with the air, and -must be put on as soon as the extract has been placed on the chloride -of calcium. Let it stand for some days. Remove the extract, and add -an equal weight of licorice powder to it in a mortar, mix well, and -preserve it in bottles. - - -EDITORIAL. - - -PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION. The apothecaries of the United States are -in an anomalous and exceptional position. Exercising functions which -concern the life and health of those who require their services, the -public expects them to possess the experience, the varied requirement, -the high moral qualities which the proper exercise of their profession -demands; yet this same public, itself incapable of discriminating -between knowledge and ignorance, furnishes them no aid in the pursuits -of their studies, and yields them no protection against quackery and -imposture. Everything is left to the spirit of trade, and to the laws -of supply and demand. The advances that have been made in pharmacy -have come from within itself, unaided by any assistance from the state -governments, and looked upon often with coldness or distrust by the -public. In this way, in some of the large cities, with the influence of -the sister profession of medicine, something has been done; but, even -there, how much remains to be accomplished before pharmacy can assume -the rank it holds in France and Germany! - -As heretofore, so now, the best and the only prospect of progress -in the profession lies in itself. It best knows its necessities and -requirments, and it can best devise the remedies that will meet -them. It is in the union of its members, in mutual association and -intercourse, in the formation of a public opinion of its own, which, -{160} operating first upon the members of the profession, will -necessarily have its weight upon the public opinion of the community, -that lie our best hopes. Pharmacy is at once a liberal art, and a -trade. In individuals, particularly in a community like ours, the -spirit of trade is apt to be in the ascendant. Science is estimated at -its money value, for what it brings in, rather than for what it is. -But when the best men of a profession meet together, science resumes -its proper position; they are encouraged in their noblest aims, and -that encouragement is spread widely among their fellows. Individuals -struggling, isolated throughout the country, feel that there is a -tribunal to which they can appeal, and by which they will be judged, -and its influence will be felt too by another class, as a restraint, -if not an encouragement. Success, obtained by worthy means, loses much -of its value, when it costs the esteem of those with whom we are most -intimately connected. - -It is from such considerations that we look upon the approaching -convention at Philadelphia, as a step in a very important movement. A -great deal depends upon its success, and every one who has the interest -of pharmaceutical science at heart, should do all he can to promote it. - -To prove all that is hoped for by its friends, the convention should -be a national one, not only in name, but in reality. Every institution -and society entitled under the requisitions of the call, should appoint -delegates, and above all, they should appoint delegates who will -attend. But there are many apothecaries scattered through the country, -in places not entitled to appoint delegates, who may be enabled to be -present at the meeting of the convention, and we are glad to see that -our Philadelphia brethren are prepared to welcome them in a liberal -and cordial spirit. They will both receive and communicate benefit. -Their presence will add weight and authority to the convention; while, -independent of its official proceedings, they cannot but derive -advantages from acquaintance and intercourse with the numerous able -members of the profession who will, as delegates, attend the meeting. - -Great care should be exercised in the selection of delegates; they -should not only, above all, be men who will attend, but men who have at -heart the position and advancement of pharmaceutists. - -We hope that their election will take place as early as possible, that -they may have time fully to consider the objects of the convention, -and the wants and wishes of the institutions they represent. It would -be well, too, if early notice of their election should be communicated -to Mr. Proctor, or some other of the members residing at Philadelphia, -and their names should be published. The convention will have much to -discuss and determine upon, while its duration will necessarily be -limited. Were the names of its members early announced, an interchange -of opinion might take place between, not to forstall the active of the -convention, but to promote and expedite it. For this purpose, if deemed -desirable our own columns are freely tendered. - -{161} - - - - -NEW YORK - -JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - -JUNE, 1852. - - -ON THE PREPARATION OF PURE BARIUM COMPOUNDS. - -BY HENRY WURTZ. - -The preparation of the compounds of barium in a state of absolute -purity is a subject which has not generally received much attention -from Pharmaceutical chemists, in consequence of the hitherto limited -application of these compounds, except in chemical analysis. The time, -however, is undoubtedly close at hand, when new developments in the -arts, will create a demand for pure barium compounds, as well as for -very many other products now considered as pertaining exclusively to -the laboratory. Indeed, efforts have already been made to introduce -the _chlorate of barytes_ to the notice of pyrotechnists as a means of -producing a green fire unequalled in beauty, and the pure carbonate has -been for some time in use in England, in the manufacture of superior -varieties of plate and flint glass. The precipitated or purified native -sulphate is also preferred as a water color pigment to white lead, -being far more durable than the latter. I may here be permitted to -mention a practical application of the carbonate which has occurred -to myself. I have found that sulphate of lime is totally precipitated -from its solution by mixing therewith an equivalent quantity of the -precipitated or finely pulverized natural carbonate of barytes, {162} -of course with the formation of sulphate of barytes and carbonate -of lime. It is by no means improbable that this property may be made -available in removing sulphate of lime from spring or sea water which -is to be used in steam boilers, thus preventing the formation of the -troublesome incrustation which so often occurs, especially when it is -considered that the sulphate of barytes which would be formed, might -easily be reconverted into carbonate and used over again. Again, -sulphate of lime might be removed in the same way from the brine in -salt works, thus contributing to the purity of the salt produced. - -Recent improvements in chemical analysis have greatly increased the -usefulness of barium compounds in the laboratory, especially of the -carbonate, to which the late investigations of Professor H. Rose, and -of Ebelmen have given a place in the very first rank among the reagents -valuable to the chemist. Any suggestion, therefore, concerning the -preparation of barium compounds in a pure state, cannot be considered -as useless. - -The sulphate of baryta is the only compound which occurs in sufficient -abundance to be an economical source of the other barium compounds, -and the enormous though illegitimate use of this substance in the -adulteration of white lead, is so far fortunate as to render it an easy -matter to obtain it in any required quantity, already in a state of -fine powder which is so desirable in chemical operations. - -The sulphate of baryta is always reduced to the state of sulphide of -barium, by exposing it to a red heat in intimate admixture with some -carbonaceous substance, such as powdered charcoal, rosin, oil or flour. -It is exceedingly difficult, however, if not impossible, to effect -in this manner a complete decomposition of the sulphate. Indeed, it -is probable that in most cases the quantity of sulphide obtained, is -not more than half that which is equivalent to the sulphate employed. -A modification which promises to be far more economical was proposed -by Dr. Wolcott Gibbs. His proposal was to submit the sulphate to the -action of a current of common coal gas at a red heat. It is evident -that in this way a perfect decomposition {163} may readily be -accomplished, especially if the powdered sulphate is stirred during the -operation, so as to expose fresh surfaces to the action of the gas. - -The mass obtained after the reduction of the sulphate is submitted -to the action of boiling water, and a solution obtained, which, -according to Professor H. Rose,[12] contains principally hydrate of -baryta and sulphohydrate of sulphide of barium BaS. HS. formed by the -reaction of equal equivalents of water and proto-sulphide of barium. -It almost invariably contains also a quantity of lime, probably in -the form of sulpho-hydrate of sulphide of calcium, or of hydrate of -lime, proceeding from the almost constant concurrence of sulphate of -lime with native sulphate of baryta. From the presence of this lime -originates the principal difficulty in preparing pure barium compounds -from this substance. Thus when the carbonate is prepared from the -solution by precipitation, with carbonate of soda, or a current of -carbonic acid gas, it is found contaminated with carbonate of lime, -which is fatal to its use as a reagent in analysis. Also in examining -many specimens of commercial _chloride of barium_, which is prepared -from this solution by the addition of chloro-hydric acid, boiling -to separate sulpho-hydric acid gas which is evolved, filtration to -separate the sulphur which is precipitated and crystallization, I have -always found it to contain a small quantity of chloride of calcium, -which I have found it impossible to separate entirely by repeated -recrystallizations. It has been proposed[13] to separate the chloride -of calcium from chloride of barium by the use of very strong alcohol, -in which the latter when anhydrous, is insoluble. This method is -rather expensive and troublesome as it involves the evaporation to -dryness of the chloride of barium solution, the reduction of the -previously ignited residue to a very fine powder and digestion in -strong alcohol. Attempts were made after some previous experimentation, -in which it was found that an {164} aqueous solution of _oxalate of -baryta_ precipitated chloride of calcium, but not chloride of barium, -to separate the lime from a chloride of barium solution by addition -of oxalate of baryta, or simply of a little oxalic acid, but it was -soon found that oxalate of lime was somewhat soluble in a solution -of chloride of barium, so that a solution of oxalate of baryta, gave -no precipitate in a mixture of solutions of chloride of barium and -chloride of calcium. It was found also that the precipitate formed -by a little oxalic acid in a lime solution, could be re-dissolved -by addition of chloride of barium. It may also be mentioned, though -irrelevant to the subject, that it was found that oxalate of lime -was soluble in solutions of chloride of calcium, of ammonia, and of -chloro-hydrate of ammonia. - -[12] Poggendorff’s Annalen, 55,416. - -[13] Gmelin’s Handbuch, 2,158. - -The well known property of carbonate of baryta which the recent -investigations of Professor H. Rose have rendered so important in -the analysis of phosphates, of completely precipitating lime from -its solution by a sufficiently long contact therewith, furnishes us, -however, with a perfectly easy and cheap method of purifying the -chloride of barium solution. In fact a solution of chloride of barium -to which chloride of calcium has been added, having been treated with -a little carbonate of baryta, and allowed to stand in contact with it -for two days, with occasional agitation, was found on filtration to be -free from lime. The only objection to this method, is the considerable -length of time required; but I must here describe an elegant -modification which was communicated to me by Dr. Wolcott Gibbs, and -tested by him in his laboratory; that is to add first to the solution -of chloride of barium containing lime, a little solution of hydrate of -baryta and then to pass through it a current of carbonic acid gas. The -precipitate immediately formed contains of course all the lime. - -The only impurity which is prevalent in commercial chloride of barium -besides lime, is strangely enough, a trace of _lead_ which is almost -always present and sometimes in such quantity that the solution is -immediately blackened by sulphuric {165} acid.[14] This is, however, -very easily removed, either before or after the separation of the lime -by the process of Dr. Gibbs, by passing a little sulpho-hydric acid gas -into the solution, gently heating for a short time and filtering. - -Commercial chloride of barium thus purified is probably the most -convenient source of the other compounds of barium when required pure. -Thus pure carbonate of baryta may be prepared from it by precipitation -with carbonate of ammonia, or with carbonate of soda, which is free -from silica, sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid.[15] - -[14] It may be that leaden pans are used for the evaporation or -crystallization of the commercial chloride of barium, which would -sufficiently account for the presence of lead in the product. - -[15] New York Journal of Pharmacy, 136. - - -RESULTS OF THE EXAMINATION OF SEVERAL PARCELS OF ALEPPO SCAMMONY. - -BY B. W. BULL. - -Since the publication of an article upon Virgin Scammony in a previous -number of this Journal, I have had an opportunity of examining four -different varieties of scammony received from Constantinople, under -the names, Aleppo Scammony, first; Aleppo Scammony, second; Tschangari -Scammony and Skilip Scammony. - -No. 1. _Aleppo Scammony, first_. This occurs in large amorphous pieces -weighing one or more pounds; is not covered with any calcareous powder. -The fractured surface presents a dark greenish resinous appearance. -The specific gravity will be found below. The caseous odor is not so -decided in this {166} specimen as in some of the other varieties, -confirming, as will be seen from its composition, as adduced farther -on, the remark made in the article above alluded to, in regard to -the insecurity of relying upon the odor as a means of judging of the -quality of scammony. - -No. 2. _Aleppo Scammony, second._ Of this a sample of about one pound -was received. This is in amorphous pieces; it differs from the previous -specimen in its fracture which is non-resinous and horny, it is of a -much lighter color, and has a grayish tinge. The scammony odor is more -decided. This variety receives the prefix _Aleppo_ improperly, as it -does not come from that locality, and is said to be made by pressing -the root, though the quantity of insoluble organic matter which it -contains, seems to indicate some other impurity, intentionally added. - -No. 3. _Tschangari Scammony_, derives its name from the place of -production. It appears to be a variety not found in market here. -It resembles in fracture the last mentioned, and is like that, in -amorphous pieces. Its odor is more decided than that of any of the -others. - -No. 4. _Skilip Scammony._ This specimen appears to have undergone some -deterioration, and evinces a disposition to mould. Some of the pieces -are marked exteriorly, as if placed in a bag when soft, and dried in -this way. It is destitute of the caseous odor, and has a mouldy smell. -Fracture, non-resinous, and grayish, like the last mentioned varieties. - -These three latter varieties are always to be obtained in -Constantinople, we are informed, while the first quality Aleppo, is -only produced in small quantity, and is soon out of market. - -The difference in composition of the different varieties will be found -annexed, the numbers referring to those given above. All of them -indicate the presence of starch by the test with iodine. {167} - - No. 1. No. 2. No. 3. No. 4. - Specific gravity, 1.150 1.325 1.339 1.311 - ──── ──── ──── ──── - Resinous matter, water, - and loss. Per cent. per cent. per cent. per cent. - 86.88 55.42 64.10 34.00 - - Vegetable substance, - insoluble in ether, 8.10 38.00 23.17 59.43 - Inorganic matter, 5.02 6.58 12.73 6.57 - ──── ──── ──── ──── - 100.000 100.000 100.000 100.000 - New York, May, 1852. - - -WHAT IS MONESIA? - -BY E. DUPUY, PHARMACEUTIST, NEW YORK CITY. - -Dorvault in the _Officine_ gives it “as the product of a foreign -bark never found in commerce, but described by Mr. Bernard Derosne, -(who, according to the same authority is the only possessor of it,) -as being found in voluminous thick pieces, filled with extractive. -The color is dark brown, excepting the epidermis which is grayish. It -contains tannin and a red coloring matter, analoguous to cinchonic -red, also an acrid one and salts.” Virey attributed it to a _Chrysophi -lum._; Martens says it is the _Mohica_ of the Brazilians; according -to Mr. Constant Berrier, it bears in that country sundry other names: -_furanhem_, _guaranhem_, _buranché_, etc. Duchesne in his _Répertoire -des Plantes utiles et Vénéncuses du Globe_, and Descourtils in his -_Flore médicale des Antilles_ mentions the _Cainito Chrysophillum_ the -bark of which is tonic, astringent and febrifuge. In {168} examining -some extract of Monesia I was struck with the striking resemblance -in its properties with the extract of logwood, (_Hematoxylon -Campechianum_) both possessing the same astringent sweetish taste, -precipitating salts of iron, etc. Descourtils, who practiced medicine -for a long time in the West India islands, says “it is recommendable -in dysentery and diarrhea after the inflammatory period.” and to -that effect prescribes the decoction of one ounce of the wood or a -drachm of the extract added to an infusion of orange tree leaves, or -Cascarilla bark, per diem. Besides, Dr. Wood in the U. S. Dispensatory, -mentions its frequent use in some parts of the United States, “in that -relaxed condition of the bowels, which is apt to succeed to cholera -infantum,” and also in the same complaints as mentioned by Descourtils. -Though both the decoction of the wood and the solution of the extract -are officinal in our national Pharmacopeia, so far as my means of -observation go, they are seldom, if ever, prescribed in New York, and -yet I have repeatedly prepared solutions of the Monesia, prescribed by -our city practitioners. The extract of log-wood being so similar in its -medicinal action, I am strongly inclined to think that it is the same -substance, though perhaps obtained from other sources; and as the price -of it is so much higher than that of the other, it would be desirable -to obtain the results of comparative experiments made to test their -relative value, and whether the extract of _Hematoxylon Campechianum_ -should not be prescribed as answering for all therapeutical purposes, -the mysterious Monesia of Derosne? - -{169} - - -THE PHARMACOLOGY OF MATICO: WITH FORMULA FOR ITS PREPARATION. - -BY DORVAULT. - -As matico is daily attracting more and more the attention of -practitioners, its pharmacology demands consideration. It is well -known that this new Peruvian plant has been lauded as an efficacious -remedy in leucorrhea and gonorrhea, as a vulnerary, and above all as an -excellent hemostatic, both external and internal. - -We shall, in the present paper, content ourselves with making known -the principal pharmaceutical forms which this substance is capable of -assuming, reserving all other considerations for a later period. A long -and careful experience will be needed to establish the relative value -of each of the subjoined forms. - - -POWDER OF MATICO. - -Matico can be easily reduced to an impalpable powder. This powder is of -a yellowish green, and its odor, when fresh is more fragrant than that -of the plant itself. To preserve it well, it should be kept in well -stopped bottles. - -Matico powder can be advantageously used externally in sprinkling -over bleeding parts, in plugging the nasal fossœ and in epithems for -contusions. Internally it may be used moistened with a little sweetened -water under the form of electuary or in pills. - - -INFUSION OF MATICO. - - Bruised matico, 10 to 20 grammes. - Boiling water, 1,000 grammes. - -Let it infuse until cold and strain it. This infusion is amber-colored, -and possesses the aromatic odor of the plant. It is not unpleasant to -take, but may be rendered more agreeable by the addition of sugar, or -an appropriate syrup. - -For external use, lotions, embrocations, lavements and injections, 30, -40 or even 50 grammes of matico may be used to the {170} same quantity -of water, and it may be submitted to a slight decoction. If, in this -mode of operation, it parts with some volatile oil, it gains a small -portion of resin. - - -DISTILLED WATER, OR HYDROLATE OF MATICO. - - Bruised matico, 100 parts. - Water, 1,000 parts. - -Draw off by distillation, 500 parts of hydrolate. - -The product is colorless throughout the distillation, except the first -few drops, which are milky. - -Hydrolate of matico has an odor of turpentine stronger than the plant -itself. It is covered with globules, or a light layer of a volatile -oil, almost colorless, and of the consistence of castor oil. - -If the volatile oil be, as authors have advanced, one of the active -principles of matico, then the hydrolate must be to a certain extent -efficacious. The hemostatic waters of Binelli, Broechieri, Tisseraud, -&c., over their property to the volatile oil of turpentine. - -The hydrolate may be employed both externally and internally. - - -EXTRACT OF MATICO. - -The one which appears to us the preferable is the hydro-alcoholic. -Introduce some rather coarse matico powder into the apparatus for -lixiviation, pour on it the alcohol at 56° so as to imbibe all the -powder, leave it 24 hours, open the lower cock, pour the same alcohol -over the same matico, until the latter is exhausted, and then evaporate -the liquid in the vapour bath, till it is brought to the consistence of -an extract. The product is black, with a marked odor of matico, and a -bitter taste. It is only partially soluble, either in alcohol or water. - -The extract of matico may be used internally in the form of pills, -lozenges, syrup and electuary, and externally, dissolved or softened in -the form of plasters, embrocations, plugs, lavements and injections. - -Matico furnishes about 1/4 of its weight of the hydro-alcoholic -extract. - -{171} - - -SYRUP OF MATICO. - - Bruised matico, 100 parts. - Water, 1,000 parts. - -Distil till you obtain 100 parts. Draw off the residue from the -retort, press the matico, add to the product 700 parts of sugar; mix -it so as to have by the addition of the hydrolate a syrup of ordinary -consistence; filter it by Demarest’s method. - -Thus prepared, matico syrup is brownish, limpid and of an aromatic -taste, which is not disagreeable; it contains all the principles, -active, volatile or fixed, of the substance. - -It may be administered pure, or diluted with water. It is one of the -easiest and most efficacious modes of administering matico in cases of -internal hemorrhage or of flour albus. - -It represents 1-10 of its weight of matico. The spoonful being 30 -grammes, would represent 2 grammes; the tea-spoonful being 5 grammes, -would represent 1/2 gramme. - - -MATICO PILLS. - - Powdered matico, 20 grammes. - Powdered marsh mallow 2 grammes. - Syrup of gum, Q. S. - -Make secundum artem 100 pills rolled in lycopodium. They are of a -dark green. The weight of each pill from 40 to 50 centigrammes, each -containing 20 centigrammes of matico, give from 2 to 25 daily. - - -EXTRACT OF MATICO PILLS. - -Hydro-alcoholic extract of matico, 10 grammes. - -Divide secundum artem into 100 pills, which will each contain 10 -centigrammes. They are blackish. Being smaller they possess the -advantage of being more easily swallowed. - - -OINTMENT OF EXTRACT OF MATICO. - - Extract of matico, 5 grammes. - Weak alcohol, 5 grammes. - Lard, 20 grammes. - -Make an ointment, secundum artem. - -{172} - - -TINCTURE OF MATICO. - - Bruised matico, 100 parts. - Alcohol at 85°, 400 parts. - -Macerate for 10 days, express and filter. The tincture may also be -obtained by lixiviation from the powder. - -It is used both internally and externally as a vulnerary; it must in -the first instance be diluted with water. - -Matico not being poisonous, practitioners can trace its application -through the widest range. - -We will again repeat that we only give these formulæ that they may be -experimented on; we shall hereafter give further comments on the choice -to be made amongst them.—_Bulletin Thèr: 30th January, 1852._ - - -CHEMICAL RESEARCH ON CROTON OIL. - -BY M. DUBLANC. - -Director of the Laboratory of the Central Pharmacy of the Parisian -Hospitals. - -Some interesting researches have been instituted to ascertain, - - _a._ Whether the croton oil contains within itself an acid volatile at - a low temperature? - - _b._ Is this acid the principle of its action, and can it be preserved - if it be separated from the oil, and diminished if it be allowed to - evaporate? - -In order to answer both questions, the following operations have been -instituted by this chemist. - -The seeds of croton, deprived of their husks, ground at the mill, and -subject to pressure, yield a certain quantity of oil.—If the residuum -be mixed with double its quantity of alcohol and pressed again, it -yields a liquid which is a mixture of oil {173} and alcohol. This -liquid, when distilled, will yield more oil. Both oils are filtered, -after having been allowed to settle. - -The produce of this first operation is the natural croton oil, such as -it exists in the seeds, which is of a brown amber color, viscid, having -a peculiar smell, and possessed of great acidity, by which if applied -to the skin, it produces an irritation varying in intensity according -to its quantity, and the duration of time during which it has been -applied. One drop, for instance, causes a blister in twelve hours. - -If a piece of litmus paper be dipped in this oil, it turns red, and re -acts acid; and the red color, though not deep, resists the action of -the air and of a hot furnace. - -The oil obtained by distillation from a solution in alcohol is rather -more dark, viscid, and acid, than that obtained by simple expression. - -The blue paper dipped in the oil obtained by distillation, reddens, and -retains the color under the same circumstances as the former. - -The second operation, however, offers already a fact which is of great -value in deciding the question about the acidity of the croton oil. If -you dip the litmus paper in the fluid which is gained by distillation, -no traces of a change of color is visible; when, on the other hand, -if you dip it in the oil which remains in the distilling apparatus, -it changes the color as quickly as if dipped in the oil previous to -distillation. The same is the case if the residuum is again acted upon -with water or alcohol, the distilled fluid has no traces of acidity. - -However, since the contrary opinion is entertained by good authorities, -we must add other facts in corroboration of our own. - -Croton oil was extracted by the action of ether upon the seeds. The -ethereal solution containing croton oil in suspension was acid: it -was placed in a glass vessel with two openings. One of them admitted -a straight tube, and reached to the bottom of the vessel, admitting -the introduction of external air: the other communicated with Woulfe’s -apparatus, composed, {174} - -1. Of the globular tube after Liebig, containing blue solution of -litmus. - -2. Another globular tube filled with alcohol. - -3. An angular tube in connection with a large vessel full of water, -giving an inferior running to the liquid, and causing the air to pass -across the thick layer of ethereal oil, to lead the volatile principles -in contact with the liquor destined to retain them. The apparatus -being arranged, it was put in action by causing the water to run -which was contained in the large vessel. The vacuum having begun, air -was introduced to the bottom of the ethereal liquid, keeping up this -action till the ether was totally evaporated. Consequently, the air has -agitated the liquid long enough to remove in a state of vapour all the -ether which was contained in the mixture. Nevertheless, the tincture of -Turnesol, which opposed the passage of the vapours of ether and water, -did not change into red, which would have happened if the volatile -principles should have contained any acid. Neither did the alcohol -which was acted upon by the same current exhibit any sign of acid. The -air saturated with ether arrived in the vessel to replace the water -had no acid property; its action upon the eye-lids and nostrils was -pungent and irritating, but not that of an acid. Another experiment was -made with the same apparatus, having always in view to cause a great -quantity of air to pass through croton oil. But this time, instead of -causing the current to pass through a mass of ethereal solution, it was -caused to pass through pure croton oil. The large vessel was this time -not quite filled with water, allowing space to introduce on its upper -part two sponges, one filled with oil, the other with ether. Things -being thus arranged, the liquid was set running, and the air rushed -through the oil, coming in at the bottom of the liquid and spreading -through the surface, causing a lengthened ebullition. The mass of air -employed in this operation was not below two centimetres. The tincture -of litmus contained in the globular tubes was not altered; the oil -contained in the sponge was neither acid, pungent, or corrosive. The -ether acted upon by too much air had disappeared, the {175} sponge was -dry. These two proofs appear to be conclusive, and to show that the -croton oil does not contain an active volatile acid, otherwise it would -have been made manifest by being carried away by the ether in the first -case, or by its proper volatility in the second. - -Is it, however, possible to separate the active volatile principle -from the mere neutral oil? It has been said by several authors that -the croton oil was composed of two different oils, but this was a mere -statement which required to be proved by facts. To solve this problem, -the oil employed in the experiments was obtained by means of ether. The -seeds of croton yield by expression 35 per cent.; treated by ether, -they yield from 52 to 55 per cent. If treated by ether, the ether -obtained by distillation is free from acid, all the acid remaining in -the oil. When a certain fixed quantity of this oil is put in contact -with ten times its weight of strong alcohol, the alcohol dissolves 6 -per cent. of its own weight, and the oil 50 per cent. - -The portion of the insoluble oil has lost its color, its smell, a part -of its pungency, and all its acidity. - -The portion of oil which has been dissolved in alcohol, when separated -from this menstruum by evaporation, is more viscid, more colored, more -pungent, and acid. The oil which is not dissolved, can be acted upon -again by alcohol; by this second operation, it yields some parts to the -alcohol, and the remainder loses all its specific qualities. The action -of alcohol upon oil in successive operation, can be followed up to its -last limits. - -Twenty volumes of oil mixed with 100 volumes of alcohol, will be -followed by the reduction of five volumes of oil. In the next -operation, when the alcohol is renewed, the volume of the columns of -oil lowers only three volumes instead of five. By a fourth operation, -the oil loses not a single volume. When reduced to this state, the -croton oil is slightly amber-colored, without smell, taste, or acidity; -it can be taken in the mouth without causing any sensation. It is -soluble in all proportions in ether. Its specific gravity is, 92 -compared with that of water. {176} - -Thus we find by experiments an evident proof of the co-existence of a -sweet oil with the pungent croton oil. - -All the specific properties of the croton oil are carried over in that -dissolved by alcohol. - -Is it possible by further processes to separate these active principles -from the oily matter that contains them? - -To solve this question we resorted to the following experiment:― - -We took two kilogrammes of croton oil, and for several days we left it -in contact with half a kilogramme of alcohol. A distinct separation -took place. The upper part, composed of oil and alcohol, did not -represent the exact quantity employed; which is explained by the power -which the oil has to dissolve 10 per cent. of alcohol. The upper part -being decanted, it was necessary to remove the alcohol, to avoid the -inconvenience which might have arisen by employing heat for this -purpose. Water was added to this liquid, which having become turbid, -ether was added. Thus the oil came with the ether to the surface. The -ether was removed by free evaporation. During this lengthened process, -the effluvia was so pungent as to affect the eyes and nostrils of the -operator, and cause blisters to rise on his face. The oil thus obtained -is dark-brown, opaque, thick, possessed of a strong smell and acidity. -Applied to the skin, it causes almost instantaneous pain, followed -by a blister. It is soluble in all proportions in alcohol and ether. -Mixed with nine parts of its volume of olive oil, it forms a liquid -possessing specific qualities stronger than those of common croton oil. - -These facts prove the mobility of the active principles of croton oil, -and the possibility of succeeding in obtaining them free from all -fatty matter by chemical ingenuity, a task which will be the object of -further experiments. - -The results from the above experiments are the following:― - -1. That the croton oil does not contain a volatile acid. - -2. That the sensible acid in croton oil is fixed or retained in the -oil, and cannot be separated from it by a heat at 212° Fahr., or even -by distillation. {177} - -3. That the acrid volatile principle, which exists in this oil, -possesses not the qualities of an acid, and has hitherto withstood the -chemical operations which were instituted to extract it. - -4. That the active principles of croton oil are capable of being -separated from one part of the oil, and concentrated in the other. - -5. That croton oil is not homogeneous in its composition, but is formed -of two parts, one inert, of which alcohol is unable to dissolve more -than one-tenth, and a more soluble part, which carries with it all the -active principles. - -6. That the greatest degree of concentration of the active principles, -is by acting upon a large quantity of oil with a small quantity of -alcohol. - -7. That either may be usefully employed in manufacturing croton -oil.—_Repertoire de Pharmacie._—_From the Annals Pharmacy_, 1852. - - -ON ALOINE, THE CRYSTALLINE CATHARTIC PRINCIPLE OF BARBADOES ALOES. - -BY JOHN STENHOUSE, L.L.D., F.R.S.L., & E. - -About two months ago I received from my friend, Mr. Thomas Smith, -apothecary, Edinburgh, a quantity of a brownish yellow crystalline -substance which he had obtained from Barbadoes aloes. Mr. Smith’s -process consisted in pounding the previously dried aloes with a -quantity of sand, so as to prevent its agglutinating, macerating the -mass repeatedly with cold water, and then concentrating the liquors -_in vacuo_ to the consistence of a syrup. On remaining at rest in a -cool place for two or three days, the concentrated extract became -filled with a mass of small granular crystals of a brownish yellow -{178} color. This is the crude substance to which Mr. Smith has given -the name of Aloine, and which appears to constitute the cathartic -principle of aloes. The brownish yellow crystals obtained in this way -are contaminated with a greenish brown substance, which changes to -brownish black on exposure to the air, and still more rapidly when it -is boiled. In order to purify the crystals of aloine, therefore, they -must first be dried by pressure between folds of blotting-paper, and -then repeatedly crystallized out of hot water till they have only a -pale sulphur yellow color. The aqueous solutions of aloine must on no -account be boiled, but simply heated to about 150° F., as at 212° F. -aloine is rapidly oxidized and decomposed. By dissolving the purified -crystals of aloine in hot spirits of wine, they are deposited, on the -cooling of the solution, in small prismatic needles arranged in stars. -When these crystals have a pale yellow color, which does not change -when they are dried in the air they may be regarded as pure aloine. - -Aloine is quite neutral to test-paper. Its taste is at first sweetish, -but soon becomes intensely bitter. Aloine is not very soluble either -in cold water or in cold spirits of wine; but if the water or the -spirits of wine are even slightly warmed, the solubility of the aloine -is exceedingly increased: the color of these solutions is pale yellow. -Aloine is also very readily dissolved by the carbonated and caustic -fixed alkalies in the cold, forming a deep orange yellow solution, -which rapidly grows darker, owing to the oxidation which ensues. The -effects of ammonia and its carbonate are precisely similar. When aloine -is boiled either with alkalies or strong acids, it is rapidly changed -into dark brown resins. A solution of bleaching powder likewise gives -aloine a deep orange color, which soon changes to dark brown. Aloine -produces no precipitate in solutions either of corrosive sublimate, -nitrate of silver, or neutral acetate of lead. It also yields no -precipitate with a dilute solution of subacetate of lead; but in a -concentrated solution it throws down a deep yellow precipitate, which -is pretty soluble in cold water, and is therefore difficult to wash. -This precipitate is by no means {179} very stable; and when it is -exposed even for a short time to the air, it becomes brown. - -When powdered aloine is thrown, in small quantities at a time, into -cold fuming nitric acid, it dissolves without evolving any nitrous -fumes, and forms a brownish-red solution. On adding a large quantity -of sulphuric acid, a yellow precipitate falls, which, when it is -washed with water to remove all adhering acid and then dried, explodes -when it is heated. It plainly, therefore, contains combined nitric -acid. I could not, however, succeed in obtaining this compound in a -crystalline state, as when it was dissolved in spirits, it appeared to -be decomposed. When aloine is digested for some time with strong nitric -acid, much nitrous gas is evolved, and it is converted into chrysammic -acid, but without the formation of any nitro-picric acid, as is always -the case when crude aloes is subjected to a similar treatment. A -quantity of aloine was boiled with a mixture of chlorate of potash -and muriatic acid. The acid solution was evaporated to dryness, and -digested with strong spirits of wine. The greater portion of the -spirits was removed by distillation; and the remainder, when left to -spontaneous evaporation; yielded a syrup which could not be made to -crystallize. Not a trace of chloranil was produced. - -When aloine is destructively distilled, it yields a volatile oil of a -somewhat aromatic odor, and also a good deal of resinous matter. When -aloine is heated on platinum foil it melts, and then catches fire, -burning with a bright yellow flame, and emitting much smoke. It leaves -a somewhat difficultly combustible charcoal, which, when strongly -heated, entirely disappears, not a trace of ashes being left. - -A quantity of aloine dried _in vacuo_ was analyzed with chromate of -lead in the usual way. - -I. 0.2615 grm. aloine gave 0.5695 carbonic acid and 0.14 water. - -II. 0.2415 grm. aloine gave 0.5250 carbonic acid and 0.126 water. {180} - - - Hydrated aloine. Found numbers. - Calculated numbers. I. II. - 34 C 2550.0 59.47 59.39 59.24 - 19 H 237.5 5.54 5.97 5.79 - 15 O 1500.0 35.09 34.64 34.97 - ──── ──── ──── ──── - 4287.5 100.00 100.00 100.00 - -The formula derivable from these analyses is C‗{34} H‗{19} O‗{15}, -which, as we shall presently see, is = C‗{34} H‗{18} O‗{14} +HO, or -aloine with one equivalent of water. - -The aloine which had been dried _in vacuo_ was next heated in the -water-bath for five or six hours, and was also subjected to analysis. - -I. 0.251 grm. aloine dried at 212° F. gave 0.550 carbonic acid and -0.128 water. - -II. 0.2535 grm. aloine dried at 212° F. gave 0.564 carbonic acid and -0.129 water. - -III. 0.234 grm. aloine dried at 212° F. gave 0.521 carbonic acid and -0.114 water. - - Calculated numbers. I. II. III. - 34 C 2550 61.07 60.51 60.67 60.72 - 18 H 225 5.39 5.66 5.65 5.42 - 14 O 1400 33.54 33.83 33.68 33.86 - ──── ──── ──── ──── ──── - 4175 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 - -The aloine employed in these analyses was prepared at three different -times. These results give C‗{34} H‗{18} O‗{14} as the formula of -anhydrous aloine, that dried _in vacuo_ being a hydrate with one -equivalent of water. - -When the aloine was allowed to remain in the water-bath for more than -six hours, it continued slowly to lose weight, apparently owing to -its undergoing partial decomposition by the formation of a brownish -resin. The loss of weight gradually continued for a week or more, -but became very rapid when the aloine was heated to 302° F., when it -melted, forming a dark brownish mass, which when cooled became as hard -and brittle {181} as colophonium. It still, however, contained a good -deal of unaltered aloine, as I ascertained by crystallizing it out with -hot spirits and analyzing it. Much of the aloine, however, had been -changed, most probably by oxidation, into a dark brown uncrystallizable -resin. - -BROM-ALOINE.—When an excess of bromine is poured into a cold aqueous -solution of aloine, a bright yellow precipitate is immediately -produced, the amount of which increases on standing, while at the same -time the supernatant liquid becomes very acid from containing free -hydrobromic acid. The precipitate, after it has been washed with cold -water to remove adhering acid, is dissolved in hot spirits of wine; and -on the cooling of the solution it is deposited in bright yellow needles -radiating from centres, which attach themselves to the bottom and sides -of the containing vessel. - -The crystals of brom-aloine are considerably broader than those of -aloine, and have a richer yellow color and a higher lustre. Brom-aloine -is quite neutral to test-paper, is not so soluble in either cold water -or cold spirits of wine as aloine, but dissolves very readily in hot -spirits of wine. - -I. 0.421 grm. substance dried in vacuo gave 0.547 carbonic acid and -0.103 water. - - 0.856 grm. gave 0.848 bromide of silver = 42.16 Br. - -II. 0.300 grm. substance gave 0.391 carbonic acid and 0.078 water. - - 0.661 grm. substance gave 0.649 bromide of silver = 0.2762 - Br. = 41.78 per cent. - - Calculated numbers. I. II. - 34 C 2550.00 35.73 35.43 35.53 - 15 H 187.50 2.62 2.71 2.86 - 14 O 1400.00 19.63 19.70 19.83 - 3 Br 2998.89 42.02 42.16 41.78 - ──── ──── ──── ──── - 7136.39 100.00 100.00 100.00 - -The brom-aloine employed in these analyses was prepared at two -different times. It is plain therefore from these results, {182} that -this bromine compound is aloine, C‗{34} H‗{18} O‗{14} in which 3 -equivs. of hydrogen are replaced by 3 equivs. of bromine.—The formula -of brom-aloine therefore is C‗{34} H‗{15} O‗{14} Br‗{3}. - -When a stream of chlorine gas was sent for a considerable time through -a cold aqueous solution of aloine, a deep yellow precipitate was -produced. It contained a great deal of combined chlorine; but as it -could not be made to crystallize, it was not subjected to analysis. -In the present instance, and in those of several other feeble organic -principles, such as orcine, chlorine appears to act some what too -strongly, so that the constitution of the substance is destroyed, -and merely uncrystallizable resins are produced. Bromine, on the -other hand, is much more gentle in its operations, and usually simply -replaces a moderate amount of the hydrogen in the substance, so that, -as in the case of orcine and aloine, crystalline compounds are produced. - -It has long been known to medical practitioners, that the aqueous -extract of aloes is by far the most active preparation of that drug. -The reason of this is now very plain, as the concentrated extract of -aloes obtained by exhausting aloes with cold water consists chiefly of -aloine, by much the larger portion of the resin being left undissolved. -Mr. Smith informs me, that from a series of pretty extensive trials, -from 2 to 4 grs. of aloine have been found more effective than from 10 -to 15 grs. of ordinary aloes. Aloine is, I should think, therefore, -likely ere long, to supersede, at least to a considerable extent, the -administration of crude aloes. - -I endeavored to obtain aloine by operating on considerable quantities -of Barbadoes, Cape and Socotrine aloes. These were macerated in cold -water, and the aqueous solutions obtained were concentrated to the -state of thin extracts on the water-bath. I was quite unsuccessful -in every instance. The impurities contained in the extracts in these -different kinds of aloes appear, when in contact with the oxygen of -the air, to act upon the aloine so as effectually to prevent it from -crystallizing. Aloine can only, therefore, be obtained in a crystalline -state by {183} concentrating the cold aqueous solution of aloes _in -vacuo_; though, after the aloine has once been crystallized, and it -is freed from the presence of those impurities which appear to act so -injuriously upon it, the aloine may be quite readily crystallized out -of its aqueous solutions in the open air. - -Though aloine has as yet only been obtained from Barbadoes aloes, I -have scarcely any doubt that it also exists both in Cape and Socotrine -aloes. The amount of aloine in Cape aloes, is, however, in all -probability, much smaller than in either of the other two species; for -Cape aloes is well known to be a much feebler cathartic, and to contain -a mass of impurities. In corroboration of this opinion, I would refer -to the fact already mentioned in a previous part of this paper, viz. -that when aloine is digested with nitric acid, it is converted into Dr. -Schunck’s chrysammic acid. Now it has been satisfactorily ascertained -that all the three species of aloes yield chrysammic acid, of which in -fact they are the only known sources. Cape aloes, as might have been -expected, yields by far the smallest amount of chrysammic acid together -with much oxalic and some nitro-picric acids. There appears, therefore, -great reason to believe that all the three kinds of aloes contain -aloine. - -Since the above was written, I have learned from Mr. Smith that he has -not succeeded in obtaining crystallized aloine from either Cape or -Socotrine aloes. Mr. Smith does not doubt that both of these species -of aloes also contain aloine, though, most probably contaminated -with so much resin, or some other substances, as prevents it from -crystallizing. What tends to confirm Mr. Smith in this opinion is the -observation he has made, that when the crude crystals of aloine are -allowed to remain in contact with the mother liquor of the Barbadoes -aloes, they disappear and become uncrystallizable. I have also observed -a similar occurrence in the mother-liquors of tolerably pure aloine. -These become always darker and darker; so that if we continue to -dissolve new quantities of aloine in them, at length scarcely any of -it crystallizes out, and the whole becomes changed into a dark-colored -magma. {184} - -In the year 1846, M. E. Robiquet published an account of an examination -he had made of Socotrine aloes. By treating the concentrated aqueous -solution of this species of aloes with basic acetate of lead, he -obtained a brownish yellow precipitate, which was collected on a -filter and washed with hot water. On decomposing this lead compound -with sulphuretted hydrogen and evaporating the solution to dryness, -he obtained an almost colorless varnish, consisting of a scaly mass, -which was not in the least degree crystalline. M. E. Robiquet subjected -his substance, which he called aloetine, to analysis, and obtained the -following result:― - - 8 C = 27.7 per cent. - 14 H = 10.8 per cent. - 10 O = 61.5 per cent. - ──── - 100.0 - -It is plain, therefore, that M. E. Robiquet’s aloetine, if it really is -a definite organic principle, which I very much question, is certainly -a very different substance from the aloine which has formed the subject -of the present notice.—_London and Edinburgh Philosophical Magazine._ - - -ON HENRY’S MAGNESIA. - -BY DR. MOHR. - -In England, under this name is sold a calcined magnesia, at a very -high price, which is not to be obtained in any other way. Many English -travelers, as well as most of their countrymen, believe that they -possess a very large knowledge of medicines, because such things -as blue pills, calomel, sweet spirits of nitre, and laudanum they -administer without medical advice, and {185} bring this magnesia -with them to our shops when they wish a recipe to be dispensed, -which contains calcined magnesia as one of the ingredients. By such -opportunities, I became acquainted with the purity and beauty of this -preparation, and its peculiar silky gloss and whiteness. With a view to -discover its method of preparation, I made the following research:― - -By heating to redness the ordinary carbonate of magnesia, it is not -to be obtained. The ordinary magnesia of commerce, which produces by -a red heat a fine calcined magnesia, I exposed in a crucible, to a -strong white heat. It solidified, and was of a yellow color, and had -become so hard that it was only with the greatest labor that it could -be powdered and sifted. Prepared in this way, it cannot be used. I -now prepared some carbonate of magnesia, observing that Henry’s was -very dense, without reference to that result, which was very fine, by -precipitation in the heat. The process by which the flocculent magnesia -of commerce is obtained, is not explained in any chemical works. Pure -sulphate of magnesia, free from iron, was dissolved in distilled water, -and a solution of carbonate of soda added to it as long as anything was -precipitated by a boiling heat. The ebullition was continued until the -mixture ceased to evolve carbonic acid, and set aside for decantation. -When decanted, fresh distilled water was added to the precipitate, and -the whole again boiled, and afterwards placed on a filter and washed -with hot distilled water, until the liquid passing from the filter gave -no trace of sulphuric acid. The precipitate, when pressed and dried, -was very white and dense. It was exposed to an intense white heat in a -closely-covered Hessian crucible for one hour. When the crucible was -opened, I found a beautifully white magnesia, finely granulated. Where -it had come in contact with the crucible, it had acquired a yellow -color, from the peroxide of iron contained in the crucible. The yellow -portion alone adhered firmly to the crucible and the rest was perfectly -white, and readily removed. In acids, this magnesia was with difficulty -dissolved, although ultimately completely soluble therein. By a -repetition of this {186} process, an identical result was obtained. -The magnesia thus produced in small lumps exhibited by transmitted -light a slight rosy tint, and by reflected light, a very white color. -In these respects, it agrees perfectly with Henry’s. To determine its -comparative density, a cubic inch measure was filled with its powder, -and weighed. As the results of three trials, it contained respectively -10,74, 11,19, and 11,18 grammes of the powder. Two experiments with -Henry’s magnesia gave 7, and 7,2 grammes. Three of the carbonate of -magnesia, prepared by heat, gave 12,68, 12,9, and 12,5 grm. One of the -ordinary calcined magnesia gave 1,985 grm.; and one of the ordinary -carbonate of magnesia, 1,4 grm. - -The calcined magnesia, as above prepared, contains some hard particles, -which are very difficult to pulverize. In attempting to powder them, I -remarked that this magnesia, which was washed before being burnt until -no traces of sulphuric acid could be detected, now afforded an evidence -of a small portion still being present. This same observation I have -previously made in the preparation of oxide of zinc. To remove this -contamination, I recommend that carbonate of magnesia should first be -lightly burnt, and then well washed with hot water, and again burnt -with a very strong heat. - -The above determinations of the density of the magnesias must not be -confounded with their specific gravity. To ascertain the latter is a -task of great difficulty, for Rose, in attempting it, obtained such -discrepant results, that he has withheld them. The specific gravity of -Henry’s magnesia, as near as it could be ascertained, is from 2,50 to -2,67. The magnesia prepared according to my process, gave 3,148 as its -specific weight.—_Buchner’s Repertorium, in Annals of Pharmacy._ - - -MEDICINE AND PHARMACY IN BRAZIL. - -In the entire Brazilian empire, there are two national faculties of -medicine, termed _Escola Imperial de Medecina_, one established at -Rio de Janeiro, the other at Bahia—the present {187} and former -capitals of Brazil. Both are constituted exactly alike in laws, forms, -number of professors, modelled, with very trifling difference, after -the constitution of the _Ecole de Médecine_ of Paris. Each college -consists of fourteen professors, and six substitute professors, with a -director and a vice-director, answering to our own dean and vice-dean -of the faculty. The latter are named by Government, from a triple -list sent up by the professors every third year, and discharge the -ordinary duties of their chairs, being only exempt from attending -the examinations. They possess a limited controling power over -their college, and constitute the official channel of communication -with Government and public bodies, on all matters relating to -public health, prisons, &c. The duties of professor-substitute are -explained in the name. When illness, or public employment—the latter -not unusual in Brazil—interferes with the duties of the professor, -his chair is supplied by the substitute: both are appointed, as in -France, by _concours_. Most of the older members have graduated in -Portugal, Scotland, France, or Italy. Both classes receive a fixed -income from the State, and derive no emolument whatever from pupils -and examination fees, &c. which are applied to public purposes -connected with the college. The income of the professor was fixed -at twelve hundred _mil-reis_ per annum—(about three hundred pounds) -when first established; and that of the professor-substitute at eight -hundred _mil-reis_. Both enjoy the right of retirement on their full -salary, after twenty years’ service, or when incapacitated by age or -infirmities. A travelling professor is elected by _concours_ by the -faculty, every four years, for the purpose of investigating, in the -different countries of Europe, the latest improvements and discoveries -in medicine and the collateral sciences, an account of which he -regularly transmits, in formal reports, to his college. His expenses -are defrayed by the State. - -The medical faculty consists of the following chairs:—1, physics; 2, -botany; 3, chemistry; 4, anatomy; 5, physiology; 6, external pathology; -7, internal pathology; 8, materia {188} medica; 9, hygiene; 10, -operations; 12, midwifery; 13, clinical medicine; 14, clinical surgery. - -In addition to the professors, there is a secretary (medical), -treasurer, librarian, and chemical assistant—all elected by the faculty. - -The order of study is as follows:—first year, medical physics and -medical botany; second year, chemistry and general and descriptive -anatomy; third year, anatomy and physiology; fourth year, external -pathology, internal pathology, pharmacy and materia medica; fifth year, -operative medicine and midwifery; sixth year, hygiene, history of -medicine, and legal medicine. - -All examinations are public, and the subjects are drawn by lot. - -The titles conferred by the faculty, are only three, viz., Doctor in -Medicine, Apothecary, and Midwife. The latter is specially educated and -examined. - -In each chief city there are commonly three or four large hospitals—the -Misericordia, or Civil Hospital, possessed of ample funds from -endowments, legacies, and certain taxes; the Military and Naval -Hopitals; and in Rio, Bahia, and Pernambuco, Leper Hospitals. There -are also infirmaries attached to convents. Private subscriptions to -institutions are utterly unknown. - -The academical session lasts for eight months—from 1st March to -30th October—lectures being delivered daily (with some exceptions) -by the professors or their substitutes. The professors of clinical -medicine and surgery have the right of selecting their cases from the -Misericordia Hospital. - -The student, previous to matriculation, must take his degree in arts; -and the curiculum is the same for all, viz., six years to obtain the -degree of Doctor in Medicine. The examinations are conducted as in -Paris. For the degree of Doctor in Surgery—which, however, is not -essential—a subsequent and special examination must be undergone, as in -France. - -All students are classified, on entering college, into _medical_ {189} -and _pharmaceutical_; and both are obliged to obtain the degree in -arts before they can be matriculated, and to have completed their -sixteenth year. The pharmaceutical student obtains his diploma of -pharmacy after three years study; while that of medicine can only be -obtained after six years. The student of pharmacy is obliged to repeat -the courses of medical physics, botany, chemistry, pharmacy and materia -medica; while one course only of each is required from the medical -pupil. The pharmaceutical student is obliged to attend for three years -in a pharmacy, after the conclusion of his academical studies. He then -undergoes an examination by the faculty, and publicly defends a thesis -to obtain his diploma. His duty afterwards, as apothecary, is strictly -limited to the sale of drugs, and the compounding of prescriptions. -He is never consulted professionally; and, did he attempt to apply a -remedy for the cure of any disease, he would be immediately fined fifty -_mil-reis_ by the municipality, for the first, and an increasing fine -for every subsequent offence; and, did he still persist, his licence -would be withdrawn. On the other hand, the medical practioner is -strictly prohibited from the compounding or sale of medicines, in any -shape or form.—_Dundas’s Sketches of Brazil._ - - -CHEMICAL EXAMINATION OF BROOM. - -(CYTISUS SCOPARIUS D. C.) - -BY DR. STENHOUSE. - -The broom plants examined by Dr. Stenhouse, had an uncommonly bitter -taste. The watery decoction, evaporated down to a tenth part, leaves -a gelatinous residue, which consists chiefly of scoparin. This is -a yellow colored substance, which, when purified, can be got in -stellate crystals, and is easily soluble in boiling water and spirit -of wine. Dr. Stenhouse, from five ultimate analyses, assigns it to the -constitution C‗{21} H‗{11} O‗{10}. - -Scoparin is, according to an extensive series of experiments by Dr. -Stenhouse, the diuretic principle of broom, which has been recognised -by Mead, Cullen, Pearson, Pereira, and others, {190} as one of the -most efficacious remedies in dropsy. The dose for an adult is 5 or 6 -grains. Its diuretic action begins in 12 hours, and the urine under its -use is more than doubled in quantity. - -From the mother liquor of the crude scoparin, Dr. S. obtained, by -distillation, a colorless oily liquid, which, when purified, was found -to be a new volatile organic base spartein. This has a peculiarly -bitter taste, and possesses powerful narcotic properties. A single drop -dissolved by means of acetic acid, affected a rabbit so much, that it -lay stupified for 5 or 6 hours. Another rabbit, which took four grains, -first went into a state of violent excitement, then fell into sopor and -died in three hours. The author observes that shepherds have long been -acquainted with the excitant and narcotic action of broom. - -The proportion of Scoparin and spartein, varies very much in plants -grown in different localities, which probably explains the very -different accounts given by practitioners of its activity as a drug. -The author suggests that it would be better to employ pure scoparin -free from admixture of spartein.—_Edin. Monthly Jour. of Medical -Science._ - - -EDITORIAL. - - -POISONING BY TINCTURE OF ACONITE.—The frequent use of the strong -tincture of aconite root, as an external application, has, as might -have been expected, given rise to repeated accidents, from the -accidental or careless internal administration of that powerful -substance in an overdose. An instance has occurred within a day or two, -where an attendant administered a tea-spoonful of the tincture, which -had been directed to be used as a liniment for a rheumatic affection. -An emetic of sulphate of zinc was administered by the physician, and -within five minutes after the poison had been swallowed, free vomiting -was produced. This continued for several hours, though the external -application of mustard poultices to {191} the pit of the stomach, and -the administration of strong coffee, with small doses of laudanum, were -employed to check it. The man was naturally very stupid, and could -give no clear account of his sensations. He made no complaint of his -throat, until his attention was directed to it, when he said it was -sore and that he had difficulty in swallowing. He had a strange, as -he termed it, bursting sensation in his limbs, with constant sickness -and retching, and great debility. He looked alarmed and anxious, and -was restless. The pupils were at first dilated, then nearly natural, -and afterwards again dilated. The extremities were cold and moist, -the pulse early intermitting and weak, became extinct at the wrist, -and the action of the heart was feeble and irregular. Stimulants were -administered internally, but could not be retained, brandy and water -with carbonate of ammonia was afterwards given in injections, per anum. -and the temperature of the extremities maintained by mustard poultices, -and the application of heat. After an interval of seven or eight hours -the pulse again became perceptible, and the man gradually recovered. - -The characteristic symptoms produced by poisoning with aconite, -are a peculiar numb tingling sensation produced in the tongue and -lips, a sensation in the throat, as if the palate were enlarged and -elongated, and resting upon the root of the tongue, irritability of -the stomach, a numb creeping or tingling sensation felt in the limbs, -or over the whole surface, and depressed action of the heart, and -consequent prostration and coldness of the extremities. Death when it -occurs, seems to depend on the depressing effect produced upon the -heart. From this it would seem that the proper treatment would be, -1st, to promote the evacuation of the poison by mild means. 2nd, to -maintain the circulation, by keeping the patient as quiet as possible -in a horizontal posture, by the application of sinapisms and external -warmth to the extremities, and by the administration of stimulants by -the mouth or when they cannot be retained, by the rectum, and 3d, to -control, if possible, the vomiting. - -Pereira states that aconite, when dropped in the eye, or when taken -internally in poisonous doses, produces contraction of the pupils, and -that with the exception of opium, it is the only article which does so. -In the above case, and in one other, which was likewise seen by the -writer, the pupils were dilated, and the same condition was observed in -several cases which have been communicated to him. - -The above case is note-worthy from the great severity of the symptoms -endangering the patients life, which followed the administration of a -single tea-spoonful of the poison. It must have been absorbed too, with -great promptness, since the vomiting, which took place in five minutes -afforded no relief. This probably depended on the stomach being empty -at the time. Much of the difference observed in the effects produced by -the same dose, too, doubtless depends on the variation of the strength -of the tincture, caused either by the employment of different formulæ -in its preparation, or by the occasional use of decayed and inferior -roots in making it. - -{192} - - -SPURIOUS SULPHATE OF QUININE.—We understand that the article referred -to in the subjoined note, has likewise been offered for sale in this -city. It bears the label of Pelletier, Delondres & Levaillant. We hope -our Western friends will be on their guard against this atrocious -swindle. - - TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW YORK JOURNAL OF PHARMACY:― - - Dear Sir,—I would direct the attention of druggists and apothecaries - to an article sold in New York, purporting to be quinine, put up so as - to resemble the French. - - It has somewhat the appearance of that article, but upon examination - will be found to be totally devoid of bitterness, &c. I should suppose - it to be mannite. - - I am led to believe that 500 ounces have already been shipped to the - West, and some has been sold in this vicinity. - - I hope that your numerous subscribers may profit by this hint, and - that the parties selling the same as quinine, may be frustrated in - their nefarious traffic. - - Your obedient servant, R. J. D. - - BROOKLYN, May 28, 1852. - - -MAGANESE.—Some attention has lately been given, in France, to a variety -of preparations of maganese. Maganese is commonly found associated with -iron in minute quantities. It appears to be an invariable constituent -of the blood, and in certain diseases, in which the iron, normally -contained in that fluid, is deficient, the maganese would seem to be -deficient in similar proportion. It is said that the preparations of -maganese, given in connection with those of iron, in such diseases, -produce effects which cannot be obtained from iron alone. Various -formulæ have been offered for its administration. Commonly similar -salts of the two articles, as the sulphate, lactate, carbonate, &c., -are given together, the manganese being to the iron in the proportion -of from 1/2 to 1/3. The subject would seem to deserve further -inquiry. - - -☛OUR EXCHANGES.—Owing to a variety of circumstances, the Journal -has not been forwarded with proper regularity to the Editors of the -Journals in our own Country, with whom we would desire to exchange. -Exchanges and books intended for us should be directed “TO THE EDITOR -OF THE NEW YORK JOURNAL OF PHARMACY,” care of GEORGE D. COGGESHALL, 809 -Broadway, or of T. B. MERRICK, No. 10 Gold Street. _Foreign Exchanges_ -may be sent through the house of H. BAILLIERE, London, or J. B. -BAILLERE, Paris. - -{193} - - - - -NEW YORK - -JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - -JULY, 1852. - - -NOTES IN PHARMACY, No. 3. - - -EXTR. LIQ. CUBEBÆ.—The formula for this preparation, made officinal in -the lately revised U. S. Pharmacopœia, appearing to me to afford rather -an ethereal oil, than what may be properly called a fluid extract, -I am induced to make known the process which I have been accustomed -to adopt, during some years, to obtain what I conceive to be a true -extract, containing, in an agreeably administrable form, all and the -whole of the properties belonging to the berry, and which has given -much satisfaction in practice, particularly to patients, some of -whom who have had extensive experience in the use of anti-gonnorrhæl -compounds, I have heard state that it is the only thing of the kind -they had ever taken which was not disagreeable to the stomach. I take of - - Pulv. Cubeb. crud. ℔i - Ether. Sulph. - Sp. Vin Rect. - Aquæ Puræ āā q. s. - -The coarsely powdered cubebs, being lightly packed in a displacement -funnel, I pour upon it as much of a mixture of equal parts of ether and -spirit of wine, as it will imbibe, and, having covered closely the top -of the apparatus with moistened bladder, and corked the lower aperture, -allow it to stand for twenty-four hours. I then uncork it, and after it -has ceased {194} dropping, displace the remainder with Sp. Vin. Rect. -until the original quantity (generally a pint,) be obtained; this I -set aside in an open and shallow vessel to _evaporate spontaneously_, -until all the ether, and most of the spirit has passed off, reducing -the quantity to about one half. I then obtain, by displacement with -diluted alcohol, another pint of the liquid, exposing it in the same -manner, until three-fourths of the quantity is evaporated spontaneously -as before; again another pint is obtained by displacement with water, -(this will be a proof spirit tincture,) which is added to the former, -and allowed to lose by the same means, about one-fourth, or sufficient -to leave a resulting quantity of one and a half pints, which will -contain about eight ounces of alcohol. The displacement with water is -continued to exhaustion, when enough fluid will be obtained to raise -the quantity, when added to that already prepared, to two and a half -pints, which is transferred to a proper bottle, and there is dissolved -in it sixteen ounces of white sugar, yielding, in toto, three pints -of fluid extract, equal to one pound of the berries, one fʒi of which -represents ℈j of the dry powder. The dregs, when dried, are destitute -of sensible properties, appearing to be merely ligneous remains, and -the loss in weight, when time is had, may be easily calculated and -compared with the recorded analyses. The extract has the appearance -of a somewhat thick, brownish colored liquid, possessing the peculiar -taste and smell of the cubebs in a remarkable degree, remaining -homogeneous for some time after agitation, and showing after settling -a large proportion of the oleaginous constituents of the berry. Having -aimed more at efficiency than beauty in this preparation, I claim for -it the former rather than the latter, and if it should not invite the -eye, it will be found very agreeable to the palate. Fluid extract of -valerian may be prepared by the same process, and, indeed, all those of -a volatile nature, whose active principles are soluble in any of the -above menstrua. - - -UNG. AQUÆ ROSÆ.—The great trouble with this preparation is, that the -water will separate from it after a time, giving it a {195} lachrymose -and unhandsome appearance. This defect is completely remedied by using -_only one half the quantity_ of Aq. Rosæ, by which a better consistence -and much nicer preparation is obtained, and one more, in accordance -with the soubriquet “Cold Cream,” which is given to it by the fair -sex, for whose use, as a cosmetic, it is far superior to the _highly -scented_, and irritating fancy article of the same name. It is also -an admirable unirritating, cooling, dressing for surgical use; but I -would remark, _en passant_, that it is a very unfit medium for the -composition of ointments, for which purpose it is sometimes prescribed -to the annoyance of the apothecary. In such cases the physician should -be apprised that the addition of a drop of oil of rose to simple cerate -would answer his purpose much better, as the odor only is the quality -desired. I think the above note might not be undeserving the attention -of the next revisers of the Pharmacopœias. - - -UNG. PERUVIAN. It is sometimes difficult to make this ointment smooth, -as, though readily miscible at first, continued trituration causes the -balsam to separate, and like the colored person who “the more he was -called, the more he would not come,” the more it is rubbed, the more it -separates. This hostility to union is readily overcome by the addition -of ten drops or so of alcohol for each drachm of the balsam. It is -perhaps unnecessary to state that this difficulty will not be had when -the balsam is adulterated with alcohol—a good practical test of the -purity of the article. - - -PHARMACEUTICAL ETHICS.—Morality being at present in the ascendant, as -it should always be, it may not be inappropriate, though more important -than practical, to “make a note” of some fashionable practices -prevalent amongst the more ostentatious pharmaceutists of the day, -savoring much more strongly of “Quackery,” to use a vulgar phrase, -than Art Unions, &c. are pronounced by legal wisdom to do of the -“Lottery.” I allude, for example, to the system of _getting up_, under -some mystified appellation, certain preparations, as “Brown’s Elixir,” -“White’s Essence,” or “Black’s Compound,”—something or {196} other, -which are merely the ordinary preparations of the shop, or could -easily be prepared if they were worth the trouble, but under _assumed -names_, are heralded forth at the _ne plus ultra_ of pharmaceutical -perfectibility. I do not envy a reputation so acquired, nor do I wish -to speak of it in that spirit, but to point out its inconsistency with -correct principles, and designate it as unworthy of honorable ambition. -Such preparations generally “hail” from some obscure place or person, -but are occasionally dabbled with by others who should give themselves -to better things. It is self evident, from the nature of his calling, -that the exclusive duty of the apothecary _per se_, is to make, as -faithfully or skilfully as he may, the various preparations of the -Pharmacopœia, as therein set down, when he is called upon to do so, -and to compound accurately the prescriptions of the physician. If, by -long experience or increased skill, he may have been led to any real -discovery or improvement, the minutiæ of which he does not choose to -divulge, (the reverse of which would be the more generous,) its nature -should be stated, when relating to a preparation, in terms distinct -enough at least, to convey an idea of its real composition and medical -properties: thus tinctures should not be misnamed Essences or Extracts; -Fluid Extracts, or Concentrated Infusions, Elixirs; Syrups, Panaceas, -&c. thus avoiding the inconsistency of condemning, if not morally, at -least _constitutionally_, the more open mountebank who plunders your -pockets, while the beam is in your own eye. It is also perhaps worthy -of remark that the necessity does not appear any longer to exist of -retaining those prescriptively excellent preparations made by some, no -doubt, very respectable apothecary in London, claiming, with a dozen -others, to be the sole possessor of the original receipt. They are -imported at a very high price, and as the composition of most, perhaps -all, is, or can be known, might be made by any apothecary here as -well as in London. Some of them might be deserving of adoption into -the Pharmacopœia, as have been Dover’s Powder, Daffy’s Elixir, &c. -already. It is said by connoisseurs in wines, that madeira is very -much improved by {197} crossing the line; but I am not aware that -pharmaceutical preparations are at all benefitted by crossing the -ocean. Their _genuineness_, too, has become a by-word. By the way, I -was gravely informed by a certain importer, the other day, of whom -I enquired concerning one of these _genuine_ articles, that it was -obtained directly from the inventor. I was at a loss to imagine the -“modus transitûs,” nor had I the hardihood to enquire, the good man -having been gathered to his fathers scores of years ago. - -Various are the unworthy practices, one or two of which are thus curtly -alluded to, deserving of a more studied notice and severe censure, than -I am able or willing to give them. Such matters, though not exactly -“putting money in the purse,” should be attended to. The purging of our -profession—for it is one—of them, would be a highly meritorious service. - - -CHLORIC ETHER. - -BY J. F. HOLTON, PROFESSOR OF BOTANY IN THE NEW YORK COLLEGE OF -PHARMACY. - -In the early part of this century, some chemists in Holland found a -peculiar oily fluid of very fragrant smell, resulted from the action of -chlorine on Olefiant gas. It is generally known as the Dutch liquid; it -has been called also chloric ether and bichloric ether. Its composition -is C‗{4} H‗{2} O‗{2}. - -In 1831, Mr. Samuel Guthrie of Sackets Harbor, in this State, distilled -alcohol from the so called chloride of lime, and obtained a product so -closely resembling the Dutch liquid that he though it identical. From -some relations to formic acid, it was afterwards called Chloroform, and -chloroformid. Its composition is C‗{4} HO‗{3}. In 1847, anaésthetic -properties brought {198} chloroform prominently before the public. We -find an article by Prof. B. Silliman, Jr., in the American Journal of -Science, new series, vol., 5, p. 240, in which it is stated that “the -terms chloric ether, bichloric ether, perchloride of formyle, Dutch oil -and oil of Dutch chemists, are all synonyms of chloroform.” - -In a recent visit of the writer at New Haven he saw a prescription of -“chloric ether.” Being reminded of the singular error in the Journal -printed there, he inquired into the nature of the article dispensed. -It proved to be a solution of chloroform in alcohol, and on his return -to this city he found the same practice here to a small extent. The -proportions in the article bearing this name vary greatly; often -it seems that the mere contents of the wash-bottle are in this way -disposed of, containing of course a large proportion of water. Mr. -Currie, one of our most careful and consciencious chemists, usually -prepares it so as to contain 10 per cent. in bulk of chloroform. A more -convenient formula would be, chloroform 1 part, alcohol 10 parts. Some -such article under the name of Tinctura Chloroformi ought to have place -in our pharmacopœia. - -But to our confusion the term chloric ether is applied to yet another, -and entirely a different body, formed by the distillation of alcohol -and hydrochloric acid, the composition of which is C‗{4} H‗{5} O. This -is also called hydrochloric ether and muriatic ether. - -But to neither of these four substances does the name chloric ether -properly belong. Were there such a thing, it would be obtained from the -action of chloric acid on alcohol, a reaction which is prevented by the -decomposition of the chloric acid by the alcohol, to which it gives -part of its oxygen, forming acetic acid. - -This subject is not of so much importance intrinsically as it is by way -of illustrating the extreme importance of rigid adhesion to systematic -nomenclature as the only means of saving us from dangerous errors and -inextricable confusion. - -{199} - - -ON THE PREPARATION OF PURE MAGNESIA. - -BY HENRY WURTZ, M. A. - -The preparation of few substances presents such difficulties as that of -_Pure Magnesia_. - -It seems, however, at first glance, that the cheapness and general -purity of the sulphate which occurs in commerce, would render this -an easy task. Unfortunately, however, no simple process has yet been -proposed for obtaining pure magnesia from the sulphate. The usual -course is to precipitate from the boiling solution with carbonate -of soda, and to expel the carbonic acid from the magnesia alba thus -obtained, by ignition. On trying this process, however, it was found -that the carbonate of magnesia thus precipitated could not be freed -from soda by washing. After an enormous quantity of hot distilled -water had passed through it on the filter, the slight residue left by -evaporation of the washings, still gave the soda tinge to flame. - -It is true that the trace of the soda compound thus retained might -probably be washed out of the magnesia after its ignition, but the -difficulty and tedium of the operation of washing the very voluminous -precipitate, together with the expense attendant upon the necessity -of using _pure_ carbonate of soda, to avoid the presence of silica, -phosphoric acid, and other impurities, which, if present, would -inevitably contaminate the magnesia, induced me to reject this method. -In fact this method, which was formerly almost used universally by -analysts for the _determination_ of magnesia is now rejected by them, -except in some unavoidable cases.[16] - -[16] _H. Ross’s Handbuch_, last edition, 2, 33. - -The substitution of carbonate of ammonia for carbonate of soda is -inadmissible with any regard to economy, on account of the existence -of the soluble double sulphates of ammonia and magnesia. A trial was -made to decompose sulphate of magnesia by mixing its anhydrous powder -with a large quantity of carbonate of ammonia, and igniting, but the -only trace of {200} decomposition which appeared was a slight alkaline -re-action of the aqueous solution of the mass. - -I must here mention an impurity which I have met with in commercial -sulphate of magnesia, and this is a double sulphate of magnesia and -potash, which occurs in small crystals, apparently rhombohedrons, among -the rectangular prisms of the Epsom salt. It may probably be separable -by recrystallization, though this, with sulphate of magnesia, is rather -a difficult affair. - -The method which I adopted for preparing pure magnesia was the -ignition of the nitrate prepared from the commercial _magnesia alba_. -The impurities in the commercial carbonate which I made use of were -sulphate and chloride, a surprisingly large quantity of silica, a trace -of phosphoric acid easily detectable by molybdate of ammonia, oxide of -iron, alumina, lime, alkalies and some organic matter. A small excess -of this impure article was added to commercial nitric acid and the -whole boiled; the silica, oxide of iron, alumina and phosphoric acid -were thus separated by the excess of magnesia and the filtered solution -contained no trace of either of them; the solution was slightly colored -by organic matter. - -Either of two methods may now be adopted for separating the _lime_. - -One is to add a late excess of ammonia, then a little oxalic acid, and -filter. To this method, besides the expense of so large a quantity -of _pure_ ammonia the necessity of the subsequent decomposition and -expulsion by heat of the very large quantity of nitrate of ammonia -formed is a serious objection. - -Unsuccessful attempts were made to separate the lime by adding oxalic -acid immediately to the neutral solution of nitrate of magnesia. It was -found upon experiment that oxalate of lime is somewhat soluble in a -solution of nitrate of magnesia. - -The other method, which is preferable, consists in adding to the -solution a little sulphate of magnesia, and then a quantity of alcohol, -but not enough of the latter to produce any immediate precipitation. -If a precipitate is formed immediately, {201} water is added, for, -singularly enough, it was found that the liquid filtered from this -first precipitate still contained lime. In the course of time the -sulphate of lime separates in the form of small crystals. - -The filtered liquid is now evaporated in porcelain dishes, and the -residue transferred to porcelain crucibles, or still better, to -platinum dishes, and the nitric acid expelled by a gentle heat. By -a slight modification I have succeeded in shortening this operation -very much, that is by adding, from time to time, powdered carbonate -of ammonia to the mass, and stirring with a glass rod, or a platinum -spatula. When no more red gases are evolved the heat is raised to -redness for a few minutes. The mass thus obtained requires washing with -pure water to separate alkaline salts and some sulphate of magnesia -which it still contains. - -Magnesia thus prepared was found, by a most rigid qualitative analysis, -to be perfectly pure. I am aware, however, that the process is a -troublesome one, and it is very much to be desired that some one would -present us with a simple and direct process of obtaining pure magnesia -from the sulphate. - - -ON TINCTURE OF IPECACUANHA. - -BY G. F. LEROY, OF BRUSSELS. - -Officinal preparations during reposition or preservation, when -placed in situations proper to preserve them from all changes, yet -undergo such important modifications, that the pharmaceutist is -frequently obliged to reject them as worthless. We are accustomed to -consider alcoholic tinctures, by reason of the vehicle used in their -preparation, as amongst the most stable of officinal preparations; and -therefore very few {202} pharmacologists have observed the changes -they undergo. Amongst those whose attention has been drawn to the -subject, I may particularly cite: 1st, Baumé, who has remarked that -tincture of saffron deposits a substance analagous to amber.—(_Elements -of Pharmacy_, 2d _ed._ 1789.) - -2nd. Guibourt, who presented to the Academy of Medicine at Paris, some -observations on the changes in its composition which tincture of iodine -undergoes according to the time when it was prepared, (year 1846.) - -3rd. Bastick, with the desire of ascertaining the nature of the changes -to which alcoholic preparations are subject, placed various tinctures, -during several months, in situations similar to those of a pharmacy, -that is to say, exposed to a temperature varying from 60° to 80° -Fahrenheit, in bottles half filled, and to which air was, from time to -time, admitted. - -On examining them, some time afterwards, he found that most of them -had undergone active fermentation in a greater or less degree, and -that the alcohol had gradually become converted into acetic acid. The -tinctures had generally lost their color and taste, and contained _a -precipitate which was partially re-soluble_ in a proportion of alcohol -corresponding to that which had been decomposed.—(_Pharmaceutical -Journal and Transactions_, 1848.) - -The tinctures prepared with weak alcohol are the most subject to this -species of change. - -4th. Tincture of kino changes so with time, that it passes from the -liquid to the gelatinized state. This change even affords an excellent -test when it is suspected that catechu may have been substituted for -kino in this preparation.—(_Dorvault, Officine_, 1850, 3d. ed.) - -In general, pharmacologists consider that tinctures only deteriorate -by the evaporation of the alcohol used in their preparation, and that -this evaporation has the effect of concentrating them too much, and of -giving rise to the precipitation of a part of the principles which were -held in solution. - -I do not entirely concur in this opinion; on the contrary, I {203} -believe that, in many cases, the precipitates which are formed in the -tinctures, do not arise from the evaporation of a part of the vehicle, -but from a modification which takes place in a part of the principles -held in solution, and which, becoming less soluble, or even insoluble, -are precipitated. - -Amongst these precipitates I shall place that which is almost uniformly -found in tincture of ipecacuanha. - -Druggists generally are aware that this tincture, shortly after its -preparation, throws down a deposite of a yellowish white color, very -light, and increasing daily; that when separated by filtration a new -deposit immediately commences, and recourse must again be had to -filtering. - -It is only after three or four filterings, at intervals of five -or six weeks, that the formation of this deposit can be arrested. -In the course of July of this year, I prepared from the _Belgian -Pharmacopœia_, some tincture of ipecacuanha, to be used in the -preparation of some syrup of the same. - -Desiring to follow the different phases which it presents, and to -study, as far as possible, the nature of the precipitate formed in -it, (for as yet I believe that no research has been directed to this -subject.) I took advantage of the opportunity which this preparation -afforded me. - -About six weeks after its preparation, this tincture contained a -deposit which was yellowish white, tolerably abundant, very light, and -rising on being shaken. - -I again suffered the precipitate to form, and after some days, I -decanted the clear liquor, and threw the deposit on a filter. I -afterwards mixed the decanted liquors and that which was filtered, in a -bottle. - -The precipitate remaining on the filter, I repeatedly washed. I put it -to dry spontaneously, but perceiving, after twenty-four hours, that -it was becoming the prey of a number of little cryptogami, formed in -the same manner as in animal gelatine which dries slowly in the air, I -hastened the desication by carrying the filter into a medium of from -30° to 35° centigrade. {204} - -This deposit, during the process of drying, loses its hydrogen, changes -color, becoming reddish brown, and is slightly translucid, when very -dry it is friable. - -The quantity obtained in this first filtering, weighed 5 grains of -the Netherland weights, or 0,3250 milligrammes; from an ounce or 32 -grammes of roots, employed towards the end of October, I again saved -the deposit which was formed: it weighed 1 grain, Netherland, or 0,065 -milligrammes. - -At present, at the end of November, a third deposition is taking place, -and will be collected to be added to the others. - -During the whole time the tincture had no effect either upon blue or -red litmus paper. - -_Physical properties._ The precipitate is solid, friable, of a reddish -color, slightly translucent, without taste. - -_Chemical properties._ Ether, alcohol, water, cold or boiling, have no -action upon it; dilute hydrochloric, sulphuric and nitric acids, have -no action when cold. Concentrated nitric acid, when cold, produces no -effect upon it, but if heated to ebullition it attacks it actively, -becoming of a brownish red color. Put in a glass tube closed by one -only of its extremities, the other being furnished with two pieces -of litmus paper, the one becomes blue, the other red. If the tube is -placed in the flame of a spirit lamp, in a few instants the matter -swells and the reddened paper becomes again blue. - -Placed on a slip of platina, and exposed to the flame of a spirit lamp, -it swells, giving out a strong odor of burnt animal matter; it burns -without flame and leaves a white ash. This ash treated by reagents, has -the characteristics of lime. - -As may be seen by this short exposition, the deposit is by no means a -product resulting from the evaporation of a part of the alcohol, which -holds in solution the principles that are deposited, but a particular -organic matter united to lime, which is formed at the expense of the -azotized principle contained in the roots of the ipecac. What is the -azotised principle which concurs in the formation of this substance? -Certainly it is not one {205} of those which are commonly met with in -vegetables, otherwise the phenomenon which is observed in the tincture -of ipecac would be observed in the tinctures made with the other -roots. Is it the emetine which is decomposed? If that be the case, the -tincture of ipecac would be considered rightly an uncertain preparation. - -From the character assigned by M. Willigh to his ipecacuan acid, -as well as to the tribasic salt of lead, (Journal de Chimie et de -Pharmacie, Octobre, 1851,) it will be readily understood, how I at -first thought, without, however, having made any serious researches, -that it might be this acid united with the lime, to which the -precipitate was owing. But the analysis made by that chemist, which -denotes the absence of nitrogen in its composition, does not permit us -to entertain this idea. - -As will readily be perceived, my researches are far from complete, as I -had not a sufficient quantity of the precipitate at my disposition. But -while waiting to complete them, I did not wish to delay acquainting the -learned world with a fact which appears to me extraordinary and until -now unique, and at the same time to call to it the attention of those -better situated than myself to pursue such researches.—_Presse Medicale -Belge._ - - -ON THE MODE OF ASCERTAINING THE PURITY OF ESSENTIAL OIL OF BITTER -ALMONDS. - -Mr. Redwood laid before the meeting some samples of _oil of bitter -almonds_, prepared by different makers, together with the results of -experiments he had made with the view of ascertaining whether or not -they had been subjected to adulteration. - -He stated, that his attention had been directed to the subject by more -than one of the dealers in this article, in consequence of its having -been represented that some of the samples had {206} been adulterated -with alcohol, an inference which had been drawn from the fact that the -suspected samples had a much lower specific gravity than others met -with in commerce. - -He had been furnished with five samples from different makers, the -specific gravities of which were as follows:― - - 1. 1052.4 - 2. 1055.2 - 3. 1067. - 4. 1081. - 5. 1082.2 - -The merchants having no better mode of testing the quality of this -oil than by its flavor, its specific gravity, and other physical -characters, it was important to ascertain what reliance could be placed -on this class of observations. It was well known that spirit was -sometimes mixed with it, the effect of which would be to reduce its -specific gravity, and this addition, to the extent to which it would be -likely to be made, would not impair the flavor of the oil, or alter its -sensible characters in any other way than is above stated. The light -oils were, therefore, very naturally suspected to have been reduced -with alcohol. - -The experiments he had made in reference to this subject had fully -satisfied him that the specific gravity of essential oil of bitter -almonds, within certain limits, could not be relied on as affording -evidence of purity or adulteration. The specimens on the table, to -which he had already referred, although differing in specific gravity -to the extent of nearly thirty grains in the thousand grain-measures, -he believed to be all free from adulteration. - -Before describing the tests which he had found to afford the most -satisfactory indications, he described the proximate constituents of -the crude oil, which vary considerably in proportion in different -samples, and hence the differences in density and in some of the -properties of the oil. - -According to Liebig and Gregory, crude oil of bitter almonds consists -of _hyduret of benzoyle_, _hydrocyanic acid_, _benzoic acid_, and -_benzoine_, and these probably are not its only constituents. Of these -the two first may be said to be essential constituents, and the others -accidental, being the result of changes which {207} the hyduret of -benzoyle, or true oil of bitter almonds, undergoes. - -The _hyduret of benzoyle_ has the ordinary characters of an essential -oil. When pure it is a colorless, transparent liquid, the specific -gravity of which is 1043. It possesses the peculiar almond flavor, and -is not poisonous. This, which is the true oil of bitter almonds, ought -to constitute about eighty-five or ninety per cent. of the crude oil. -When oil of vitriol is added to pure hyduret of benzoyle the mixture -acquires a dark reddish brown color, but no other visible change takes -place. - -If the hyduret of benzoyle be exposed to the air it speedily becomes -oxidized, and by the substitution of an atom of oxygen for one of -hydrogen it is converted into benzoic acid. The _benzoic acid_ present -in oil of bitter almonds is the result of this transformation, and -sometimes it occurs to such an extent that it is deposited from the -oil in crystals. Benzoic acid is not colored by the action of oil of -vitriol. - -_Benzoine_ is also a product of a remarkable change which hyduret of -benzoyle, when mixed with hydrocyanic acid, is liable to undergo. Like -benzoic acid, it is a solid crystalline body, but unlike benzoic acid, -when mixed with oil of vitriol, it forms a violet colored compound. - -The characters and properties of _hydrocyanic acid_ are too well known -to require notice. It is this constituent, which is sometimes present -to the extent of eight or ten per cent., that gives to oil of bitter -almonds its poisonous properties. - -In examining oil of bitter almonds, with the view of determining -whether it be pure or not, it is necessary to consider the influence on -the action of the reagents employed, of variations in the number and -proportions of the several constituents present. This is especially the -case with reference to the use of oil of vitriol as a test. - -On adding _oil of vitriol_ to the samples of oil under notice, it was -found that it formed with all of them a clear but very dark colored -mature, from which no separation took place. The color of the mixture -thus produced, however, differed to a {208} greater or less extent in -each case. The lightest of the oils produced a reddish-brown color, -similar to that afforded by pure hyduret of benzoyle, while the -heaviest oil formed a bright red mixture, having a shade of violet, and -those of intermediate density gave intermediate shades of color. - -These results, viewed in connection with the differences of density -in the different specimens, were at first thought to indicate that -the light specimens had some admixture foreign to the oil, but on -examining the action of the test on pure hyduret of benzoyle and the -other legitimate constituents of the crude oil, it was evident that -such an inference could not be justly drawn, and, indeed, suspicion -now seemed rather to attach to the heavy oil. Subsequent experiments, -however, showed that the light oil distils at a lower temperature than -the heavy, and that if the heaviest specimens were distilled with -water, the first portions that passed over produced precisely the same -reaction as the light specimens above referred to, while the last -portions that passed over, and especially the oil obtained from the -water by distilling it, after saturating it with common salt, produced -with oil of vitriol a splendid crimson color, the purity and intensity -of which could hardly be surpassed. - -It thus became pretty evident that the differences in the reaction -of oil of vitriol with the different specimens of oil under notice, -arose from variations in the circumstances under which the oils were -distilled, and it seemed probable that the heavy oil had been obtained -by distilling the almond cake with water, to which a large quantity of -salt had been added, so as to raise the point of ebullition, while the -light oil either was the product of a process in which less salt had -been added to the water, or consisted of the first portions distilled. - -In order to obtain more satisfactory evidence of the absence of spirit, -or other foreign substance, from these samples of oil, _nitric acid_ -was used as a test. If oil of bitter almonds be mixed with about twice -its volume of nitric acid, of specific gravity 1.420, no immediate -action occurs. The greater part of the oil floats over the surface -of the acid, and, if the former be free {209} from adulteration, no -change of color takes place within several hours in either; but after -the lapse of three or four days crystals of benzoic acid will begin to -be formed from the oxidation of the hyduret of benzoyle by the nitric -acid, and these will increase in quantity until the whole becomes a -solid mass of crystals, which will gradually assume a bright emerald -green color. This reaction is very characteristic. If spirit be present -in the oil to the extent of eight or ten per cent., the acid, after a -few minutes, will begin to react upon this, and a violent effervescence -will shortly ensue, accompanied by the disengagement of nitrous vapors. - -By using strong nitric acid, of specific gravity not less than 1.5, the -presence of a very minute quantity of spirit may be detected. The pure -oil, when mixed with an equal volume of this strong acid, forms a clear -and uniform mixture, from which nothing separates, and which undergoes -but a very slight change of color and no other visible alteration. The -presence of two or three per cent. of spirit, however, is sufficient to -cause a violent reaction and the disengagement of nitrous vapors. - -After trying several other reagents, the foregoing were those which -were found to afford the most satisfactory results, and appeared -to be conclusive with regard to those adulterations, likely to be -practised.—_Pharmaceutical Journal, London._ - - -ON HOFFMAN’S ANODYNE LIQUOR. - -BY WILLIAM PROCTER, JR. - -Perhaps in no preparation in general use does the practice of -manufacturers, and the requirements of pharmacopœial authorities, more -widely differ than in the compound spirit of {210} ether, universally -known as Hoffman’s Anodyne Liquor. According to the United States and -London Pharmacopœias it consists of three fluid drachms of heavy oil of -wine (Oleum Ethereum, U. S. P.) dissolved in a mixture of eight fluid -ounces of ether and sixteen fluid ounces of alcohol. The Edinburgh -Pharmacopœia has only the simple spirit of ether, without the oil of -wine, whilst the Dublin Pharmacopœia of 1850 under the name of Spiritus -Æthereus Oleosus, gives the following formula, which includes the -preparation of the oil of wine and its subsequent solution, to make the -anodyne:—Mix a pint of alcohol and a pint and a half of oil of vitriol -in a glass matrass, adapt a Liebig’s condenser, and by heat distil -until a black froth rises. Separate the lighter etherial liquid in the -receiver, expose it for 24 hours in a capsule, wash the residual oil -with water, and dissolve it in a mixture of five fluid ounces of ether, -and ten fluid ounces of alcohol. In France, Hoffman’s anodyne consists -of equal parts of ether and alcohol, without oil of wine. - -Owing to the careless or intentionally mystified manner of expressing -himself, it is impossible now to ascertain whether the original -preparation of Hoffman (published in 1732) was constant in its -strength, as now recommended by the Pharmacopœia. Beaumé, (as quoted -in Macquer’s Chem. Dict., London, 1771,) says, in speaking of the -rectification of sulphuric ether, “By distilling the liquor in the -first receiver, together with a very small quantity of oil of tartar, -by a very gentle heat of a lamp furnace, about two pounds and four -ounces of pure ether may be obtained; and afterwards, when a new -receiver is adapted, and a stronger heat applied, from eight to ten -ounces of aromatic liquor, which makes a good _anodyne mineral liquor -of Hoffman_, will be distilled.” - -The third edition of Lewis’ Dispensatory, published at Dublin, 1768, -has the following formula for this preparation, which appears to be -what the apothecaries of that day employed:― - - -“_Hoffman’s Mineral Anodyne Liquor._” - - Into half a pound of concentrated oil of vitriol, placed in a {211} - large glass retort, pour by little and little, through a long stemmed - funnel, one pint and a half of highly rectified spirit of wine. Stop - the mouth of the retort, digest for some days, and then distil with - a very gentle heat. At first a fragrant spirit of wine will arise; - and after it a more fragrant volatile spirit, to be caught in a fresh - receiver. The receiver being again changed, a sulphurous, volatile, - acid phlegm comes over, and at length a _sweet oil of vitriol_, which - should be immediately separated, lest it be absorbed by the phlegm. - Mix the first and second spirits together, and in [every] two ounces - of this mixture dissolve twelve drops of the sweet oil. If the liquor - has any sulphurous smell, re-distil it from a little salt of tartar. - - “Whether this is the exact preparation, so much recommended and so - often prescribed by Hoffman as an anodyne and anti-spasmodic, we - cannot determine. We learn from his own writings that his anodyne - liquor was composed of the dulcified spirit of vitriol, [crude ether] - and the aromatic oil which rises after it; but not in what proportions - he mixed them together. The College of Wirtemburg seems to think that - all the oil was mixed with all the spirit obtained in one operation - without regard to the precise quantities.” - -The product of this recipe must have been analogous to the present -officinal spirit, the formula for which is evidently modeled after it. -The great excess of alcohol distills over first, until the boiling -point rises to the ether producing temperature, when ether is obtained, -and finally the sulphurous oily product. The recipe gives no direction -to isolate the oil of wine before measuring it, which is perhaps less -necessary, as the ethereal part of the distillate is removed previously -to the production of the oil which is found in the receiver in -globules, and not in solution. - -The process now adopted by the manufacturers in this city, avoids the -isolation of the oil of wine, and from the nature of the conditions -the product is liable to vary in the proportions of its ingredients, -not only in different laboratories, but at different operations in -the same laboratory. In the preparation of ether it is usual in this -city to push the process as far as {212} possible, as long as the -residue is not so concentrated as to eliminate much permanent gas. -In the rectification of this first crude product, the distillate is -reserved as rectified ether as long as its specific gravity marks 54° -Beaumé, or there about. By continuing the process the product is found -to consist of ether, alcohol and water, impregnated with oil of wine. -Every one who has made ether, knows how very liable the product is to -vary with an ill regulated heat; on the one hand unaltered alcohol will -pass over, if the temperature is too low, whilst too great a heat, -especially towards the last of the process, will favor the formation -of oil of wine and sulphurous acid. This last distillate, therefore, -will vary in composition, and it is from this that Hoffman’s anodyne -is made in some of the best of our laboratories. _There is no known -practicable method of ascertaining the per centage of heavy oil of wine -in this liquid._ The means used by the manufacturer are founded on the -sensible properties of an arbitrary standard specimen of Hoffman’s -anodyne previously made, and on the degree of opalesence or milkiness -it produces when added to a certain measure of water.—This milkiness is -occasioned by the oil of wine present; but experience has shown that -the degree of milkiness is not strictly in proportion to the quantity -of oil present, the relative proportion of ether and alcohol, and -perhaps water present in the anodyne liquid has a marked influence on -the phenomenon; if too much alcohol, the milkiness is not produced, or -but partially; if too much ether, oily globules separate and float with -but moderate opalescence. In converting this second etherial distillate -into commercial Hoffman’s anodyne, the operator has to make several -essays, sometimes adding water, sometimes alcohol or ether, until -the taste, the smell, and the opalescence agree, as nearly as can be -approached, with his standard specimen. In the process of rectification -it is probable that at least a part of the heavy oil of wine is -decomposed, with the production of the light oil or etherole, and that -the commercial Hoffman’s anodyne differs in this respect, as well as in -containing a much smaller proportion of oil of wine, from that of the -Pharmacopœia. {213} - -To get a better idea of the preparation in use here, authentic -specimens were obtained from four of our largest manufacturing -chemists, and compared with compound spirit of ether made for the -occasion strictly according to the United States Pharmacopœia. Their -density was carefully taken with the 1000 grs. bottle. - - specific - gravity - at 60° F. - A, Wetherill & Brothers, .8925 - B, Smith, Pemberton & Co. .8723 - C, Rosengarten & Dennis, .8495 - D, Powers & Weightman, .8394 - E, U. S. Pharmacopœia .8151 - -Equal measures of each specimen and distilled water were mixed -together; they all produced opaque milky liquids; globules of oil -of wine soon separated from the mixture with E, and floated on the -surface, while the liquid gradually lost its opacity as more of the -oil arose. The mixture with D became less opaque by standing, a small -portion of oil rising to the surface. The mixture with A, B and C -retained their opacity without apparent separation of oil of wine, A -being the most so. - -A was the mildest and least repulsive to the taste, because least -ethereal. C was the next least ethereal, but had pungency not arising -from ether. B was more ethereal than the preceding, notwithstanding -its greater specific gravity. D was yet more charged with ether. E -presented sensible properties differing from all the others, being more -etherial and aromatic, but without a peculiar taste noticeable in the -other specimens, more especially in C. - -When 2 1/2 fluid drachms of each specimen was shaken in graduated -tubes with 60 grains of carbonate of potassa, they were de-hydrated -somewhat in the ratio of their specific gravities. A and B dissolved -the salt readily by a few minutes’ agitation, and the separated aqueous -alkaline solution equalled a third of the bulk of the mixture. In C and -D only about half of the salt was dissolved, whilst in E the salt was -merely rendered pasty. - -To get an idea of the proportion of ether present in these {214} -specimens, a solution of dry chloride of calcium in an equal weight -of water, was made. Five parts of this solution was mixed with three -parts of each of specimens of Hoffman’s anodyne, in tall tubular vials, -corked, well agitated and allowed to stand for twelve hours. In A, -B and C, no separation of ether occurred, but in each of them a few -globules arose to the surface, consisting chiefly of light oil of wine. -In D a stratum of ether holding oil of wine in solution, equal to one -seventh of the bulk of the spirit used, or nearly half a part. Whilst -in E the super-stratum of ether equalled one-third of the spirit used, -and had a light yellow color, due to the oil of wine. - -These data will give an approximative idea of their compositions; it -would appear that A was chiefly alcohol and water, with but little -ether; that B contained almost as much water as A, but less alcohol -and more ether; that C contained much less water than A or B, but less -ether and more alcohol than B, and more ether and less alcohol than -A; that D contained rather more water than C, but more ether and less -alcohol than either of the preceding; and lastly that E contains more -ether, and less alcohol and water than either of the others. - -In regard to the proportion of ethereal oil, the experiments give no -positive clue. It would appear that B and D contained the most among -the commercial specimens, and that D approaches nearest the composition -of the officinal spirit, yet all of them when compared with the -officinal are deficient in this ingredient. - -It must be apparent from these results, that the opacity of a mixture -of Hoffman’s anodyne and water, is no index of the proportion of oil -of wine the former contains, that property being dependent apparently -on the state of combination in which the oil exists, nor would we -pronounce on the medicinal value of the specimens, a task belonging -to the physician. Whatever curative reputation the compound spirit of -ether may have earned, certainly belongs to the commercial spirit, and -not to that of the Pharmacopœia, which is not to be had in the shops. - -The exact nature of the liquid left after the rectification of {215} -ether is an inquiry well worthy of further investigation. The alcohol -of commerce is not a homogenous substance. Besides water, it contains -odoriferous oily matter, produced in the original fermentation, and -which is not wholly removed in the rectification of whiskey. This -matter, modified by the action of sulphuric acid and heat, with the -volatile substances generated during the ether process, are contained -in it. It may also be that the ether in this residue is more intimately -combined with water than in a mere mixture of water, alcohol, and ether -of the same strength, as suggested to me by Mr. Pemberton. - -The question very naturally arises, why do not the manufacturers -prepare the officinal Hoffman’s anodyne, or why do they not furnish -the ethereal oil of the Pharmacopœia, that the apothecary may make -it himself by simple mixing? There are several reasons. 1st, the -apothecary, the physician, and to a large extent the consumer, have -become accustomed to the present commercial preparation, and the -majority, both of apothecaries and physicians, would reject the true -officinal spirit, if presented to them, as not correctly made; 2d, -druggists, as a general rule, would refuse to pay the greatly increased -price, absolutely required to remunerate the manufacturer, for the -greater consumption of time and materials, and increased skill and risk -in manipulation. Having, on several occasions, prepared the officinal -oil of wine and Hoffman’s anodyne, I can corroborate the statements -of Mr. Kent, at p. 255, relative to the small yield, and consequent -costliness of officinal heavy oil of wine. The so-called oil of wine, -which is imported into this city from England, and which is sometimes -employed for making the officinal spirit, is an ethereal solution of -etherole, one specimen yielding only seven per cent. of it. And 3d, -in the preparation of ether, the residue left in the still after the -rectification of the ether above 54° Beaumé, must either be thrown -away, or converted to the only use to which it can be applied with -advantage, viz., Hoffman’s anodyne. It is for this reason that the -price of the commercial “anodyne” is so low, being about fifteen cents -per pound. {216} - -It may become a question in the next revision of the Pharmacopœia, -whether it would not be better to reconstruct the formula for compound -spirit of ether, somewhat on the plan of the manufacturers, or that -quoted at page 213, from Lewis’s Dispensatory, so as to render it more -practicable and likely to be followed. Of course it should be done with -due consideration of the difficulties involved in the production of a -spirit of uniform strength.—_American Journal of Pharmacy._ - - -ON GUTTA TABAN. - -BY BERTHOLD SEEMANN. - -The Taban (_Isonandra Gutta_, Hook.), which was formerly so plentiful -[in Singapore], has long since been extinct. A few isolated trees may -here and there occur, but they are very scarce, and I have not been -able to obtain even the sight of one. Several of the white residents -keep in their gardens as a curiosity, a plant or two, but they grow -very slowly. It must ever be an object of regret, that on the first -introduction of the Taban gum, its proper name was not promulgated. -Now everybody in Europe and America speaks of Gutta Percha, when, in -fact, all the time they mean the Gutta Taban. The substance termed by -the Malays “Gutta Percha” is not the produce of the _Isonandra Gutta_, -Hook., but that of a botanically unknown tree, a species of _Ficus_, I -am told. The confusion of these two names has become a popular error—an -error which science will have to rectify. - -The exportation of the indigenous Gutta Taban from Singapore commenced -in 1844, but as early as the end of 1847, all, {217} or at least -most, of the trees had been exterminated. That at present shipped from -the place, is brought in coasting vessels from the different ports of -Borneo, Sumatra, the Malayan peninsula, and Jahore Archipelago.[17] -The difference existing in its appearance and property is owing to -the intermixture of Gutta Percha, Jelotong, Gegrek, Litchu, and -other inferior Guttas, made by the natives in order to increase the -weight.—Though far from being extinct in the Indian Archipelago, -Gutta Taban will every year be more difficult to obtain, as the coast -region is said to be pretty well cleared, and a long transport from -the interior must, by augmenting the labor, increase the value of the -article. - -[17] - -“The total export of Gutta Taban from Singapore has been:― - - In 1844 1 picul - In 1845 169 picul - In 1846 5,364 picul - In 1847 9,296 picul - In 1848 to the 1st of July 6,768 picul - ──── - Total 21,598 piculs. - -valued at 274,190 Spanish dollars. About 270,000 trees have probably -been felled during the three and a half years that the trade has -existed, and the value of each tree has thus on an average, been about -a dollar.”—J. R. Logan, “_On the Range of the Gutta Taban Collectors, -and present Amount of Import into Singapore_.” Mr. Logan has promised -an article on the various substances intermixed with the Taban, a -subject of the highest interest; but he has hitherto disappointed his -readers. - -A few months after the publication of your first account of the -plant, in January, 1847, an article on the same subject appeared in -the _Journal of the Indian Archipelago_, by one of its most able -contributors, Dr. T. Oxley. As that article contains many statements -not contained in yours, and as it may possibly have escaped your -notice, I shall make a few extracts from it. - - “The Gutta Taban tree belongs to the natural order _Sapotaceæ_, - but differs so much from all described genera, that I am inclined - to consider it a new one. I shall, therefore, endeavor to give its - general character, leaving the honor of naming it to a more competent - botanist, especially as, from want of {218} complete specimens, I have - not quite satisfied myself regarding the stamens and fruit. - - “The tree is from sixty to seventy feet high, from two to three feet - in diameter. In its general aspect it resembles the Durian (_Durio - Zibethinus_, Linn.), so much so as to strike the most superficial - observer. The leaves are alternate, obovate-lanceolate, entire, - coriaceous, their upper surface is of a pale green, and their under - surface covered with a close, short, reddish-brown hair. The flowers - are axillary, from one to three in the axils, supported on short - curved pedicels, and numerous along the extremities of the branches. - The calyx is inferior, persistent coriaceous, divided into six sepals, - which are arranged in double series. The corolla is monopetalous, - hypogenous, and divided, like the calyx, into six acuminate segments. - The stamens, inserted into the throat of the corolla, are in a single - series, and variable in number, but to the best of my observation, - their normal number is twelve; they are most generally all fertile. - The anthers are supported on slender bent filaments, and open by two - lateral pores. The ovary is superior, terminated by a long single - style, and six-celled; the cells are monospermous. The fruit is - unknown to me. - - “Only a short time ago the Taban tree was tolerably abundant on the - Island of Singapore, but already, (middle of 1847) all the large - timber has been felled. Its geographical range, however, appears to - be considerable, it being found all up the Malayan peninsula, as far - as Penang, where I have ascertained it to be plentiful. Its favorite - localities are the alluvial tracts on the foot of hills, where it - forms the principal portion of the jungle. - - “The quantity of solid gutta obtained from each tree varies from - five to twenty catties, so that, taking the average of ten catties, - which is a tolerably liberal one, it will require the destruction - of ten trees to produce one picul. Now, the quantity exported from - Singapore to Europe, from the 1st of January, 1845, to the middle of - 1847, amounted to 6,918 piculs, to obtain {219} which, 69,180 trees - must have been sacrificed! How much better would it be to adopt the - method of tapping the tree practised by the Burmese, in obtaining the - caoutchouc, than to continue the present process of extermination.”[18] - -[18] T. Oxley, in the _Journal of the Indian Archipelago_, vol. i, p. -22–30. - -A mercantile house in Singapore lately received from Manilla a gum -which was supposed by those who sent it to be Gutta Taban, but -proved a different substance. It was accompanied by specimens of -the tree producing it, and a note stating that the gum abounded in -the Philippine Islands. As it will probably make its appearance in -England, and perhaps become of some importance, I may add that those -specimens presented to me by the merchant, belong to the genus _Ficus_; -but whether to a new or an already described species, want of books -prevented me from determining.—_Hooker’s Jour. of Botany._ - - -ON GAMBIR. - -BY BERTHOLD SEEMAN. - -Black pepper (_Piper Nigrum_, Linn.) and Gambir (_Uncaria Gambir_, -Roxb.) are grown in great quantities [in Singapore], and exclusively -by the Chinese, for both these articles are so exceedingly cheap, -that Europeans have not deemed it worth their while to engage in the -speculation. Pepper and Gambir plantations are always combined, because -the refuse of the gambir leaves serve as an excellent manure for the -pepper; and moreover, what is of equal, if not greater importance, -kills the Lalang, (_Andropogon caricosus_, Linn.), a plant which, like -the couch-grass (_Triticum repens_, Linn.), spreads with astonishing -rapidity over the fields, growing so close together and so high, that -within a short spate of time valuable plantations {220} are rendered -useless, and many have to be given up from the utter impossibility of -freeing the ground from this weed. - -The process by which gambir is extracted and prepared is simple. The -leaves are boiled in water, until all their astringent property is -extracted. The decoction is then poured into another vessel, in which -it becomes inspissated, and, when nearly dry, is cut in small square -pieces, and thus brought into the market. M’Culloch states that sago -is used in thickening it. This, however, at least in Singapore, is not -the case; but, instead of sago, a piece of wood is dipped into the -vessel, by which the desired effect is produced. It must, indeed, be -an extraordinary substance, the mere dipping of which into the fluid -can cause it to become a thickened mass. I was very eager to obtain a -piece of this wood; unluckily, the Chinaman whose laboratory I visited, -could not be persuaded to part with his, and a friend of mine, who was -exerting himself to procure a sample, had not succeeded at the time of -the Herald’s departure: he promised, however, to send it to England, -accompanied by the Malayan name, and specimens of the tree.—_Hooker’s -Journal of Botany._ - - -ON THE GALBANUM PLANT. - -BY F. A. BUSHE. - -The author states, that in his travels in Persia he discovered the -plant which yields galbanum. In June, 1848, he found it on the -declivities of the Demawend. It is a ferula, from the stalks of -which a liquid issues abundantly, by the odor and nature of which he -immediately recognised galbanum, and his guides assured him, moreover, -that galbanum is gathered from this plant. The author has not yet -distinctly determined {221} the plant. It appears to differ from -_Ferula erubescens_ (_Annales des Sciences_, iii., Sér. 1844, p. 316,) -only by the absence of commissural vitæ; but as neither Aucher-Eloy, -nor Kotschy, who have both collected the Ferula erubescens, make any -mention of its yielding galbanum, the author is in doubt whether his -plant be the same, or a variety of it. Don’s genus galbanum (Trib. -Sibrinæ) and Lindley’s Opaïdia (Trib. Smyrneæ) do not agree with the -plant seen by Bushe, unless that both of these authors have made their -descriptions from imperfect fruits, or that there exist other plants -which yield galbanum.—The plant which Bushe describes is called in -some parts of Persia, _Khassuch_, (not _Kasneh_, which means Cichor -intybus, nor Gäshnis, which is Coriand. sativum), and appears to be -confined to certain districts of Persia. In the whole large district -of the Elburs-chain, from the south-east angle to the south-west -angle of the Caspian Sea, it is only found in the neighborhood of the -Demawend; but here at an elevation of from 4000 to 8000 feet, and even -on the declivity of the top of the Demawend. It exists neither on the -mountains of Talysch, nor in the districts of Karadagh and Tabris. It -is said to re-appear on the Mount Alwend, near Hamadan, and in the -neighborhood of the great salt desert. Near Hamadan Aucher-Eloy has -gathered his Ferula erubescene, and this supports the supposition that -the author’s plant is the same. In the salt desert itself Bushe did not -meet with it again. The inhabitants of the Demawend collect the gum -resin, which issues spontaneously from the lower part of the stalk; -they do not make incisions in the plant; but it is not at this place -that the galbanum is collected for commercial purposes. When fresh, -the gum resin is white like milk, liquid, and somewhat glutinous. In -the air it soon becomes yellow, elastic, and finally solid. The odor -is rather strong, unpleasant, and similar to that of our commercial -galbanum.—_Central Blatt_, für 1852, No. xiii. - -{222} - - -EDITORIAL. - - -THE PREVENTION AND CURE OF MANY CHRONIC DISEASES BY MOVEMENTS. An -exposition of the principles and practice of these movements, for the -correction of the tendencies to disease in infancy, childhood and -youth, and for the cure of many morbid affections of adults. BY M. -ROTH, M. D., London, 1851. - -Open quackery was at one time contented with the market-place and the -stage; its merits and achievements were announced only by the lungs of -its professors and their assistants. We have changed all that. Quackery -has improved with the age. It has got possession of the newspapers, -and forces its way in the pulpit; it has its colleges and graduates, -it edits journals and writes books; but it has changed its form, not -its spirit; at bottom it is as shameless, and lying and rediculous as -ever. While its essence is eternal its form is constantly changing. A -variety springs up, flourishes, attains its maturity, then dies away, -to be replaced by another, or to be revived in a distant country or a -future generation. The facilities of intercommunication afforded by -railroad and steam vessels yield the same advantage to imposture and -credulity, that they give to science and truth. We import nonsense and -humbug as well as silks and dry goods. But as was observed on another -occasion, home manufacture has sprung up, and we have become exporters -as well as importers. Spiritual knocking are set off against Mesmerism; -Thompsonianism is sent in exchange for Hygeia; native Sarsaparillas -have driven the foreign from the market; Mormonism goes a long way -to balance Homeopathy, while the “Great Harmonican,” in size, in -pretension and in absurdity, is scarcely to be rivalled any where in -the present age. - -The newest delusion that pretends to be a system, Kinesipathy, is, -in the country of its origin, already several years old. It comes to -us from Sweden, and recommends the treatment of diseases by means -of various exercises, and above all, blows on different parts of -the body. All these are set forth with the greatest gravity, and -defined and commented on with as much precision as if the author was -bringing forward a National Pharmacopœia. In the treatment of disease -the motives, positions, and blows, are varied in the strangest, and -often most ludicrous manner. Witness the following _prescription_ -for gonorrhea, which is complete except as the author states “some -movements depending on particular circumstances.” - -1. “Percussion on the sacrum in the stride standing position. - -2. “Transversal chopping on the neck in the sitting position. - -3. “Pressure above the os pubis in the lying position, with elevated -back, while the separated and bent legs are drawn towards the abdomen. -Vibration of the perineum, in the same position.” - -“The treatment begins with percussing the sacrum, in the stride -standing position, which in the first day or two not only allays and -relieves the more violent inflammation and copious secretion, but also -changes the whole state of the disease in such a manner, that the -following treatment by movements, (different {223} according to the -state of the patient,) produces an increased flow of arterial blood -in the upper extremities, and the cure is very much accelerated. In -the first stage, during which only moderate stitching pains, tension, -and little secretion appears; the percussion on the sacrum alone is -sufficient, if repeated three or four times daily. If the symptoms -become more violent, and accompanied by chordee and pain during -urinating, &c., then other movements are necessary, then make use of -the transversal chopping of the neck, which acts strongly against the -chordee, and of the pressure above the os pubis in the above mentioned -lying position, which increases the venous absorption of the bladder -and sexual organs, by its effect on the excited nerves of these parts. -In the second period if the urinating is very difficult, the perineum -swollen and painful, the discharge mixed with blood, and fever is -present, then a more general treatment is necessary. To increase the -more local absorption in the urethra, vibrations along the whole tract -of the perineum from before backward are employed.” - -That percussion on the sacrum has long been known as a remedial measure -in moral complaints we are perfectly aware, but that it was to become -an article of materia medica is something new under the sun! - -Kinesipathy has not yet, we believe, been formally introduced into -the United States, but we hear that a new set of quacks, who call -themselves Psychologists, have adopted something from its rules, and -are employing “percussions and flagellations” as one of their means for -the cure of the various ills that flesh is heir too. - -After all some partial truth, long well known and acted on by the -profession, as is the case in most successful quackeries, underlies -Kinesipathy. Exercise and stimulation of the external surface, are -in themselves exceedingly beneficial, and under the influence of a -charlatan, patients will submit to a discipline, which if directed by a -physician would never receive more than momentary attention. - - -PHARMACY IN RICHMOND.—We are glad to see the following call to the -Apothecaries of Richmond, in the July number of the American Journal -of Pharmacy, and we hope that the example will be imitated in all our -towns, in which the number of pharmaceutists is sufficient to form a -society. Mutual association is the best means of promoting the true -interests and standing of the profession. - -“The undersigned, believing that by friendly co-operation among -themselves, their respectability will be increased; their standing in -the community will become more elevated, faults in their profession -be remedied, evils to which they are now subjected be removed; -that their art may be more systematized, and better regulated; a -more friendly feeling towards each other be excited amongst them, -their mutual interests advanced, and the public good promoted; do -most earnestly call upon their brethren, engaged in Pharmaceutical -pursuits, to meet at the Gentlemen’s Parlor, Exchange Hotel, on Friday -evening, 11th inst., at 8 o’clock, for the purpose of considering the -advantages that would result to all of them, from the formation of -some organized Association, that would have for its {224} object the -above named desirable ends; as well as to encourage among themselves -mutual improvement in the knowledge so necessary to a proper discharge -of those duties, (both to themselves and the public,) which their -situations as men occupying positions among the most responsible in -life, impose upon them. - -As the organization which it is now proposed to form, would contemplate -the good of all its Members, it is most earnestly hoped that all the -Druggists and Apothecaries who feel any interest in this important -subject, will cordially unite their intelligence and talents in -an effort to accomplish the above named ends, and that the proper -preliminary steps will be taken for the formation of a society of the -Apothecaries in this city, which will prove beneficial to its members, -an honor to their profession, and a credit to the city of Richmond.” - - ANDREW LESLIE, - S. M. ZACHRISSON, - PURCELL, LADD & CO., - SEABROOK & REEVE, - ADIE & GRAY, - PEYTON, JOHNSTON & BRO., - H. BLAIR, - CHAS. MILLSPAUGH, - ALEX. DUVAL. - -_Richmond, June 8th, 1852._ - - -SUPPOSITORIES OF BUTTER OF CACAO.—Butter of cacao has of late been -largely employed in the formation of suppositories, for which it is -admirably adapted, by its consistence, and by the facility with which -it becomes liquid at the temperature of the body. Some times a good -deal of difficulty is encountered in incorporating it with laudanum, -chloroform, extracts and solutions. In such cases M. Stanislas Martin -recommends that the butter be first moulded in the desired form, and -that then a cavity be formed in it, by means of an iron wire slightly -warmed, sufficiently large to contain the prescribed medicine. The -orifice can then be closed with a thin layer of the butter of cacao, -formed by rubbing a morsel of it upon an iron spatula, or the blade of -a knife slightly warmed in a spirit lamp. - -A number of the suppositories thus prepared beforehand, can be -preserved in envelopes which serve them for a mould, these being -removed only when they are about to be used. - - -DELEGATES TO THE CONVENTION FOR 1852. - -At a meeting of the College of Pharmacy of the City of New York, held -June 28th, Messrs. George D. Coggesshall, William Hegeman and L. S. -Haskell, were elected Delegates from this College to the National -Pharmaceutical Convention, to meet at Philadelphia, on the first Monday -in October next. It was resolved that in case of any disability of -either of their number to attend, the remaining delegates should be -authorised to fill the vacancy. - -The re-issue of President Guthrie’s official call for the meeting of -the Convention was expected in time for this number of the Journal, -but has not been received. It will doubtless appear in our next with a -further notice of this important subject. - -{225} - - - - -NEW YORK - -JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - -AUGUST, 1852. - - -AMOUNT OF LOSS IN POWDERING VARIOUS DRUGS. - -The following results are from the mill returns of a drug house in this -city. They show the actual loss incurred in powdering these different -articles, and are, so far, of service by indicating the practical loss -arising from the process. - -As the per centage of loss varies very much with the quantity subjected -to the process, _ceteris paribus_, the quantities of each parcel are -also given. - - -------------------+--------+----------++--------+----------++--------+----------++--------+---------- - SALTS, CRYSTALINE | |Percentage|| |Percentage|| |Percentage|| |Percentage - SUBSTANCES, &c. |Quantity| of Loss ||Quantity| of Loss ||Quantity| of Loss ||Quantity| of Loss - +--------+----------++--------+----------++--------+----------++--------+---------- - | lbs. | || lbs. | || lbs. | || lbs. | - Acid. Tartaric. | 556 | 1.08 || 1426 | 1.61 || 723 | 1.38 || 256 | 4.95 - | 554 | 1.44 || | || | || | - Cobalt (Arsenic), | 122 | 1.63 || | || | || | - Aluminæ & Potassæ | | || | || | || | - Sulph. | 74 | 5.40 || 49 | 6.12 || | || | - Ammoniæ Muriat. | 202 | 8.41 || | || | || | - Potassæ Nitrat. | 500 | 3.98 || 190 | 2.36 || 500 | 1.80 || 90 | 3.06 - | 300 | 8.17 || | || | || | - ——— Sulphat. | 63 | 1.59 || 98 | 3.06 || | || | - ——— Bitartrat. | 1166 | .43 || 2121 | .47 || 1007 | .49 || 1115 | .44 - | 1115 | .41 || 1160 | .52 || 1116 | .44 || 2650 | .37 - | 1068 | .47 || 1163 | .43 || 1155 | .43 || | - Sodæ Biborat. | 110 | 20.91 || 50 | 10.00 || | || | - Soap, Olive Oil, | | || | || | || | - white, | 62 | 33.33 || | || | || | - VEGETABLE SUB- | | || | || | || | - STANCES, BARKS. | | || | || | || | - Canella Alba, | 67 | 4.48 || 50 | 4.04 || | || | - Cassia, | 30 | 5.00 || 74 | 5.40 || | || | - Cinchona | | || | || | || | - Maracaibo, | 165 | 3.94 || 174 | 4.25 || 921 | 4.56 || | - {226} | | || | || | || | - Cinchona Flava, | | || | || | || | - (Calisaya) | 30 | 5.00 || 47 | 4.25 || 40 | 5.00 || | - ——— Rubra, | 44 | 4.54 || 160 | 4.05 || 59 | 5.08 || 96 | 4.66 - Mezerion, | 32 | 7.81 || | || | || | - Myrica Cerifera, | 85 | 3.53 || 92 | 4.34 || | || | - Prinos verticill.| 24 | 4.16 || | || | || | - Prunus Virginian.| 50 | 4.00 || | || | || | - BERRIES. | | || | || | || | - Capsicum, | 166 | 3.67 || 95 | 3.15 || 64 | 4.69 || 80 | 3.75 - Cubeba, | 68 | 4.32 || 50 | 4.00 || 79 | 3.77 || 54 | 3.70 - | 92 | 3.26 || | || | || | - GUMS AND RESINS. | | || | || | || | - Aloes Soct, | 220 | 7.27 || 320 | 5.23 || | || | - Acacia, | 225 | 4.00 || 217 | 3.64 || 121 | 4.13 || 75 | 4.69 - | 64 | 3.12 || 93 | 3.76 || 64 | 3.12 || | - Catechu, | 70 | 4.28 || 71 | 4.89 || | || | - Euphorbium, | 52 | 3.84 || | || | || | - Gambogia, | 31 | 4.84 || 38 | 3.89 || | || | - Kino, | 50 | 4.00 || 44 | 3.41 || 44 | 3.40 || | - Mastiche, | 15 | 8.47 || | || | || | - Myrrha, | 117 | 4.27 || 35 | 5.71 || | 5.69 || | - Opium, | 70 | 7.14 || 75 | 6.66 || 100 | 5.00 || | - | 50 | 6.00 || 61 | 8.94 || 25 | 6.00 || 95 | 8.42 - | 81 | 4.93 || 63 | 6.72 || 100 | 7.25 || 75 | 6.00 - | 131 | 6.46 || 62 | 6.78 || 27 | 8.25 || 155 | 5.63 - Sanguis Draconis,| 10 | 5.00 || | || | || | - Scammonium | | || | || | || | - Lachrym, | 29 | 6.89 || 9 | 8.33 || 14 | 3.57 || | - | 45 | 4.44 || | || | || 35 | 2.86 - Tragacantha, | 30 | 5.00 || 35 | 4.28 || | || | - HERBS. | | || | || | || | - Aconite, | 38 | 5.26 || | || | || | - Cicuta, | 35 | 5.71 || | || | || | - Digitalis, | 47 | 4.25 || 32 | 4.34 || 28 | 3.57 || | - Lobelia, | 28 | 4.38 || 34 | 4.61 || | || | - Hyoscyamus, | 40 | 8.75 || | || | || | - FLOWERS. | | || | || | || | - Arnica, | 17 | 5.88 || | || | || | - Caryophyllus, | 28 | 5.36 || 55 | 2.72 || 50 | 4.00 || | - Humulus, | 268 | 4.10 || 195 | 5.12 || 222 | 3.80 || 252 | 3.57 - | 218 | 4.11 || 193 | 4.14 || | || | - FRUIT. | | || | || | || | - Colocynth.[19] | 26 | 65.38 || 55 | 69.09 || | || | - LEAVES. | | || | || | || | - Buchu, | 104 | .96 || | || | || | - Senna Alex. | 41 | 3.61 || 26 | 5.66 || | || | - Senna Indic. | 50 | 3.96 || | || | || | - Uva Ursi, | 42 | 4.70 || 50 | 4.00 || | || | - ROOTS. | | || | || | || | - Calamus, | 27 | 7.41 || | || | || | - {227} | | || | || | || | - Cimicifuga | | || | || | || | - Racemosa, | 69 | 4.34 || | || | || | - Colomba, | 194 | 4.13 || 95 | 2.52 || 79 | 3.79 || 94 | 4.25 - Cucuma, ground, | 650 | 3.08 || | || | || | - Gentiana, ground,| 227 | 2.20 || 280 | 2.50 || 149 | 2.68 || | - ——— powdered, | 72 | 4.17 || 71 | 4.22 || | || | - Glyyrrh. | 156 | 3.84 || 145 | 4.13 || 70 | 4.11 || 313 | 4.15 - Helleborus, | 58 | 4.31 || | || | || | - Hydrastis canad. | 37 | 5.40 || 50 | 5.00 || | || | - Ictodes Fœtidus, | 25 | 4.00 || | || | || | - Inula, | 50 | 4.00 || | || | || | - Ipecac. | 99 | 4.44 || 80 | 3.75 || 109 | 4.13 || 73 | 4.76 - | 96 | 4.17 || 321 | 3.42 || | || | - Iris Flor. | 232 | 3.02 || 138 | 3.62 || | || | - Jalap, | 141 | 4.52 || 331 | 3.76 || 193 | 4.39 || 201 | 4.23 - | 271 | 3.13 || | || | || | - Rheum Indic. | 96 | 4.16 || 78 | 3.84 || 75 | 4.00 || 40 | 3.75 - | 96 | 4.14 || 87 | 3.44 || 98 | 3.57 || 314 | 4.46 - ——— Russicum, | 28 | 3.57 || 63 | 4.76 || 30 | 4.17 || | - Sanguinaria, | 50 | 3.96 || | || | || | - Salep, | 67 | 6.66 || 25 | 4.00 || | || | - Scilla, | 27 | 11.11 || 81 | 6.17 || 55 | 8.18 || 40 | 13.12 - | 30 | 16.66 || | || | || | - Senega, | 59 | 5.08 || | || | || | - Serpentara, | 45 | 4.44 || | || | || | - Spigelia Marilan.| 52 | 4.76 || | || | || | - Valeriana, | 47 | 4.24 || | || | || | - Zingib. Jam. | 114 | 4.37 || 58 | 5.17 || 115 | 4.00 || | - SEEDS. | | || | || | || | - Anisum, | 58 | 4.27 || 102 | 2.94 || | || | - Cardamomum,[20] | 50 | 26.00 || 61 | 4.92 || | || | - Colchicum, | 61 | 4.09 || 37 | 4.00 || | || | - Coriandrum, | 99 | 2.02 || | || | || | - Linum, ground, | 533 | .93 || | .81 || | || | - Lobelia, | 67 | 7.46 || | || | || | - Nux Vomica, | 100 | 3.00 || 52 | 3.84 || 66 | 4.54 || | - SUNDRIES. | | || | || | || | - Cantharis, | 68 | 4.41 || 68 | 4.41 || 65 | 3.82 || 112 | 3.57 - | 39 | 3.79 || 41 | 4.88 || 53 | 6.00 || 42 | 3.57 - Ext. Colocynth. | | || | || | || | - Comp. | 33 | 4.57 || | || | || | - Ext. Glyyrrh. | 50 | 4.08 || 200 | 3.50 || | || | - Ext. Jalap, | 20 | 4.86 || | || | || | - Galla, | 70 | 4.21 || 73 | 4.11 || 28 | 5.26 || 56 | 3.54 - Secale Cornut. | 31 | 4.79 || 29 | 5.08 || 30 | 3.33 || | - -------------------+--------+----------++--------+----------++--------+----------++--------+------- - -[19] This includes loss of Seeds. - -[20] Of this 21.00 is loss in Hulls. - -From the above results the following table, showing the average loss on -each article, has been calculated:― - - ---------------------------+------------- - {228} | Average - | per centage - | of Loss. - +------------- - SALTS, CRYSTALINE | - SUBSTANCES, &c. | - Acid, Tartaric | 1.50 - Cobalt (Arsenic) | 1.63 - Aluminæ et Potassæ, | 5.76 - sulphat. (calcined) | - Ammoniæ Muriat. | 8.41 - Potassæ Nitrat. | 2.80 - ——— Sulphat. | 2.37 - ——— Bi-tartrat. | .45 - Sodæ Bi-Borat. | 15.45 - Soap, Olive Oil, white | 33.33 - VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. | - BARKS. | - Cannella Alba | 4.26 - Cassia | 5.20 - Cinchona Maracaibo | 4.25 - ——— Flava (Calisaya) | 4.75 - ——— Rubra | 4.58 - Mezerion | 7.81 - Myrica Cerifera | 3.98 - Prinos Verticill. | 4.16 - Prunus Virginian. | 4.00 - BERRIES. | - Capsicum | 3.81 - Cubeba | 3.81 - GUMS AND RESINS. | - Aloes Soct. | 6.25 - Acacia | 3.78 - Catechu | 4.58 - Euphorbium | 3.84 - Gambogia | 4.36 - Kino | 3.60 - Mastiche | 8.47 - Myrrha | 3.15 - Opium | 6.61 - Sanguis Draconis | 5.00 - Scammonium Lachrym | 5.22 - Tragacantha | 4.64 - Spegelia Mariland. | 4.76 - HERBS. | - Aconite | 5.26 - Cicuta | 5.71 - Digitalis | 4.04 - Lobelia | 4.49 - Hyosciamus | 8.75 - FLOWERS. | - Arnica | 5.88 - Caryoph. | 4.03 - Humulus | 4.14 - FRUIT. | - Colocynth. | 67.23 - LEAVES. | - Buchu | .96 - Senna Alex. | 4.63 - ——— Ind. | 3.96 - Uva Ursi | 4.35 - ROOTS. | - Calamus | 7.41 - Cimicituga Racemosa | 4.34 - Colomba | 3.47 - Curcuma ground, | 3.08 - Gentian. ground, | 2.46 - ——— powdered | 2.20 - Glyyrrh. | 4.06 - Helleborus | 4.31 - Hydrastis Canad. | 5.20 - Iclodes Fœtidus | 4.00 - Inula | 4.00 - Ipecacuanha | 4.10 - Iris Flor. | 3.34 - Jalap | 4.00 - Rheum Indicum | 3.91 - ——— Russic. | 4.17 - Sanguinaria | 3.96 - Salep | 3.84 - Scilla | 9.43 - Senega | 5.08 - Serpentaria | 4.44 - Lobelia | 7.46 - {229} | - Valerian. | 4.24 - Zingib. Jam. | 4.51 - SEEDS. | - Anisum | 3.60 - Cardamom. | 4.92 - Colchicum | 4.05 - Coriandrum | 2.02 - Linum (ground,) | .87 - Nux Vomica | 3.79 - SUNDRIES. | - Cantharis. | 4.31 - Ext. Coloc. comp. | 4.54 - Ext. Glyyrrh. | 6.25 - Ext. Jalap | 4.87 - Galla | 4.34 - Secale Cornutum | 4.39 - - -ON THE PREPARATIONS OF IRON USED IN MEDICINE. - -BY HENRY WURTZ. - -The preparations of iron being among the most important articles of -the Pharmacopœia, it is surprising that so little attention is paid by -many druggists and pharmaceutists to the preparation and preservation -of these articles in a pure state. The greater part of the preparations -of iron to be found in the shops are far from having the chemical -composition indicated by their labels, and in fact, few of the formulas -given in any of the Pharmacopœias for preparations of iron, are capable -of giving even tolerably pure products. - -If there is any difference in a therapeutical point of view, between -compounds of the protoxide and compounds of the peroxide of iron, -and if any value is to be attached to definite composition in -medicines, enabling physicians to administer _known quantities_ to -their patients, this state of affairs should not exist. Persons who -handle the compounds of protoxide of iron, should be aware of the fact -that few substances are more speedily and completely destroyed than -these by the action of {230} moist air; thus, one hundred parts of -the _carbonate of iron_, require less than seven parts of oxygen for -complete conversion into _sesquioxide of iron_, and one hundred parts -of pure _copperas_ require less than _three_ parts of the same element -to effect a like change in all the protoxide of iron which it contains. - -As these protoxide of iron compounds, however, oxydate themselves -only in the presence of water, the mode of preservation which I would -propose, is very simple: It is only necessary to dry them perfectly -and to introduce into the vessels in which they are to be preserved, -a few small lumps of _quicklime_, which will keep the air in the -interior of the vessel continually dry. To prevent any contamination -of the preparation by direct contact with the lime, the latter must be -securely folded in one or two thicknesses of filtering paper. - -The iodide of iron and the carbonate, phosphate, arseniate, lactate -and citrate of protoxide of iron may be preserved in this way, also -the anhydrous sulphate (Ferri Sulphas Siccatum), but it is evident -that _crystallized_ copperas would not retain a definite composition -under these circumstances, because it would soon lose its crystal -water. To preserve crystallized copperas, it is best to pulverize -the crystals rather finely and dry the powder by repeatedly pressing -strongly between folds of filtering paper, before putting up. Some have -attempted to preserve the crystals under the surface of strong alcohol, -but having tried this plan I must report unfavorably, for although -the copperas remained for a while intact, yet, on examination after a -considerable lapse of time, a large proportion of sesquioxide of iron -was found. In fact, this result was to be anticipated in consideration -of the well-known fact that strong alcohol has itself an attraction for -oxygen, and always absorbs a certain amount of it when exposed to the -air, serving thus merely as a medium for transmitting oxygen to any -copperas which may be immersed in it. - -I think it may be confidently stated that none of the protoxide -compounds of iron should be kept in solution, either in water or -alcohol, for medical purposes, unless in vessels {231} hermetically -closed. Some say, notwithstanding, that _iodide of iron_ in solution -may be preserved by keeping in it a piece of metallic iron, a deposite -being formed, however, in the liquid which is supposed to be nothing -more than sesquioxide of iron, but in which I strongly suspect the -presence of a _subiodide of iron_, and consequent abstraction of iodine -from the solution. Of course, however, this question can only be -settled by a chemical examination of the deposit alluded to. - -The sulphate of iron is the starting point in preparing all the -compounds of iron which are used in medicine, and it is important -therefore, to know how to separate easily the impurities which are -contingent to this extremely cheap article of commerce. The impurities -which commercial copperas most frequently contains are more or less -sulphate of sesquioxide, together with a little sesquichloride of iron, -and more rarely, traces of the sulphate of copperas, manganese, alumina -and lime. A small addition of _oxide of silver_ to the solution will -precipitate all chlorine present, and subsequent digestion for a few -minutes with _carbonate of baryta_ will remove every trace of sulphate -of sesquioxide of iron, and of alumina. Copper may, of course, be -removed by immersion of metallic iron. Traces of lime may be separated -by recrystallization, but if traces of _manganese_ are present, as is -sometimes the case, I, know no way by which it can be separated. I am -not aware, however, that the presence of such a trace of manganese in -a preparation of iron would impair its therapeutical value. Another -method of getting rid of the sulphate of sesquioxide is to acidulate -the solution with sulphuric acid and, agitate with some pulverized -_protosulphide of iron_, which will reduce the sesquioxide to protoxide. - -When a solution of pure sulphate of protoxide of iron, free from -sesquioxide, merely is required for preparing the carbonate or other -insoluble protocompound, the method with carbonate of baryta is to be -preferred, and in some rare cases when the presence of sulphate of lime -in the solution of copperas obtained is of no importance, carbonate -of lime may be {232} substituted for carbonate of baryta, and will -accomplish the same object. - -When a solution of pure protosulphate of iron thus obtained is used -for the preparation of carbonate of iron, care must be taken to use -for precipitating, a solution of carbonate of soda which is free from -silica, phosphoric acid, etc., which if present would surely go down -with the precipitate. The precipitated carbonate should be washed with -water which has been freed from _air_ by previous boiling and better -with water which is still boiling hot, dried as quickly as possible, -first by pressure between folds of paper and then in a water bath, -and preserved in well closed vessels containing lumps of quicklime as -recommended above. - -The formulas given in the Pharmacopœias for the preparation of the -sesquioxide of iron, which besides being employed as a remedy itself, -is used in preparing all the other sesquicompounds of iron used in -Pharmacy, appear to be open to great objection on the ground of -affording, instead of a pure sesquioxide of iron, an _indefinite -mixture_ of sesquioxide with carbonate of the protoxide. No necessity -whatever exists for this; the following _modus operandi_, besides -being much less troublesome in its execution than those given by the -Pharmacopœias, will furnish a product of constant composition, being -an anhydrous sesquioxide of iron free from protoxide, and either -chemically pure or very nearly so. The materials required are, five -parts of commercial copperas which has been recrystallized once or -twice, six parts of crystallized pure carbonate of soda, (Na O, C O^2 -+ 10 HO) or two parts of dry carbonate of soda, and one part of -nitrate of soda. (Chili saltpetre). The carbonate and nitrate of soda -are dissolved together in one portion of hot water and the copperas -in another portion, and the two solutions, after filtrating mixed -together, evaporated to dryness and the dry mass exposed to the lowest -possible red heat for a few minutes. On pouring water upon the mass -thus obtained, sulphate of soda and nitrate of soda dissolve and -sesquioxide of iron separates as a heavy powder very easily washed -{233} by decantation. When thoroughly washed and dried it appears as -a dark reddish brown _perfectly impalpable_ powder, which is perfectly -and easily soluble in dilute acids, and even in acetic acid and the -composition of which is Fe^2 O^3. - -One great advantage of this process, is an avoidance of the immense -tedium of _washing the precipitates_ obtained in the ordinary processes. - -I have but one more suggestion to make with regard to preparations of -iron, and that is in the preparation of _Ferri Pulvis_ or powder of -iron by reduction of the sesquioxide—to propose the substitution of -common coal gas as a reducing agent for the hydrogen gas directed by -all the formulas, the former being obviously so vastly more convenient -and far less expensive. - - -NOTE ON THE PREPARATION OF BESTUCHEFF’S TINCTURE. - -BY FR. MAŸER. - -Pure sesqui-chloride and poto-chloride of iron are unknown to the -Pharmacopœia of the United States, a fact which seems strange to -a German pharmaceutist, since they are met with in every German -dispensatory, and require great care for their proper preparation. - -The American Pharmacopœia indeed recognizes a tincture of chloride -of iron, prepared by dissolving the sub-carbonate (sesqui oxide) of -iron in hydrochloric acid, and adding alcohol. This tincture would -be rejected throughout Germany, since they endeavor there to obtain -the preparations of perchloride of iron free from any traces of -sesqui-chloride, while those of the sesqui-chloride should contain no -admixture of the proto salt. This shows the practical character of the -American {234} Pharmacopœia, which does not demand of the apothecary a -purity of preparation which it is next to impossible to meet. - -While making this acknowledgment, a good formula for the preparation -of sesqui-chloride of iron still remains desirable.—This drug too, is -sometimes used in American practice, as may be seen from the “Notes on -Pharmacy,” by Mr. Benjamin Canavan, in the May number of the _New York -Journal of Pharmacy_. Mr. Canavan has given one of the oldest formulæ -from the Austrian Pharmacopœia of 1820, as found in the _Pharmacopie -Universelle_ by Jourdan. This formula directs us to dissolve the iron -in a kind of aqua regia, and then to evaporate the superfluous acid by -means of a sand bath. The sesqui-chloride thus obtained is employed in -the preparation of “Bestucheff’s tincture,” by dissolving one ounce of -it in an ounce of water, adding twelve ounces of ether and agitating, -then decanting the ethereal solution, and finally mixing it with four -times its bulk of alcohol. - -Having had frequent occasion to prepare this tincture as well in -Germany as in this city, it may not be unsuitable if I give here the -formula for its preparation, which seems to me the most convenient, as -well as my reasons for thinking so. - -The sesqui-chloride of iron may be obtained in a pure and neutral -state, by passing a current of chlorine gas through a solution of -proto-chloride of iron, until a solution of the red ferrocyanide of -potassium of Gmelin no longer produces a blue precipitate, and then -evaporating the solution by means of a water bath. In this manner the -salt can readily be obtained in a crystalline form. One ounce of the -crystals thus obtained is to be dissolved in twelve ounces of ether, if -we retain the alleged proportions, mixed with four times its bulk of -alcohol, and finally bleached by exposing it to the direct light of the -sun. - -The Prussian Pharmacopœia of 1846 gives the following proportions:—One -drachm of the sesqui-chloride of iron, or two drachms of the aqueous -solution, one fluid ounce of ether, and three fluid ounces of alcohol. -{235} - -Here we have to notice,—1st, That it is preferable to take ether and -alcohol by weight rather than by measure, since their volume is very -much influenced by the temperature, which may range from 32° to 60° or -80.° - -2nd, That the sesqui-chloride, prepared with nitro-nuriatic acid, is -not so easy to obtain in crystals, in consequence of the adhering -nitro-nuriatic acid, which is always retained in small quantities. On -the other hand, by drying the salt you will, in almost every case, -spoil a quantity of it by driving off too much of the acid. - -3rd, That the sesqui-chloride of iron, if in crystals, is easily and -wholly soluble in ether, while the aqueous solution of it is but -partially so, a portion being decomposed, as is evidenced by the -solution becoming muddy. The ethereal solution, if prepared in the last -mentioned manner, must be of uncertain strength, which is avoided by -the first. - -In Europe Bestucheff’s tincture is much used by physicians. It -sometimes agrees better in the bleached state, sometimes when colored. -When first prepared the tincture has a yellow hue, which it loses by -exposure to the light of the sun. If, after it has thus been bleached, -it is placed in a dark closet, it again becomes yellowish, though the -color is not so deep as at first. - - -ON SOCOTRINE ALOE JUICE, OR LIQUID SOCOTRINE ALOES. - -BY JONATHAN PEREIRA, M. D., F. R. S., - -(Physician to the London Hospital.) - -It has long been known that the Socotrine aloes imported into England -varies considerably in its consistency, and is sometimes met with in -a soft or semi-fluid state. Frequently, on opening a package of this -sort of aloes, the interior is found to {236} be quite soft, while the -exterior is firm and hard. In general this arises from insufficient -evaporation of the aloe juice. - -In the third edition of my _Elements of Materia Medica_, (vol. ii., -part 1, p. 1077, published in 1850,) I have briefly referred to a -soft or semi-liquid Socotrine aloes, which had a bright or palm-oil -yellow color and odor. At that time I had but little opportunity of -investigating this very interesting drug; but a large importation of -it having recently taken place, I have more fully examined it, and, as -it appears to me to be the raw or unboiled juice of the plant yielding -what is known in commerce as Socotrine aloes, I propose to distinguish -it from the ordinary soft Socotrine aloes by the name of “_Socotrine -Aloe Juice_.” - -Messrs. Horner, the holders of the whole of the present importation -of this juice, inform me that it was purchased of the Arabs up the -Red Sea, by a merchant, who was assured by the venders that it was -very fine aloe juice, and had not been boiled or otherwise altered. It -was imported into London by way of Madras, in casks each containing -six cwt. I am informed that the contents of some of the packages have -undergone decomposition during the voyage. - -Its consistence is that of treacle or very thin honey; its color deep -orange or palm oil yellow; its odor powerful, fragrant, and resembling -that of fine Socotrine aloes. By standing it separates into two -parts,—an inferior, paler colored, opaque, finely granular portion, -and a superior, darker colored, transparent liquid. The latter forms, -however, a very small portion of the whole mass. - -When the granular portion is submitted to microscopic examination, it -is found that the opacity and granular appearance arise from myriads of -beautiful prismatic crystals. If a temperature of 132° Fah. be applied -to the juice these crystals melt or dissolve, and the juice becomes -deep red and transparent; and when the liquid becomes cold it retains -its transparency, and does not deposit any crystals. By evaporation -the juice yields a solid, transparent extract, having all the {237} -characters of fine Socotrine aloes, in which no traces of crystalline -texture can be discovered. Mr. Jacob Bell has ascertained that 14 lbs. -of the juice yield 8lbs. 12ozs. of solid extract, or 62 1/2 per -cent. when the juice is mixed with cold distilled water, it becomes -opaque yellow, and renders the water turbid, but is not miscible with -it. If, however, heat be applied, the juice dissolves in the water, -forming an almost clear, rich red liquid. As the solution cools, it -at first becomes turbid, owing to the separation of an opaque yellow -precipitate, which, apparently, is the crystalline principle in an -amorphous form. This gradually separates from the liquid and collects -as a clear resiniform mass (commonly called the _resin_ of aloes) at -the bottom of the vessel, leaving the supernatant liquid tolerably -clear. If the juice be shaken up with rectified spirit of wine, an -uniform clear mixture is obtained, from which numerous yellow crystals -rapidly fall to the bottom of the liquid. Similar results are obtained -when we mix the juice with equal parts of rectified spirit of wine and -water. - -This crystalline constituent of Socotrine aloes is doubtless, either -the _aloin_[21] described by Messrs. T. & H. Smith, of Edinburgh, and -by Dr. Stenhouse, or a principle closely allied to it. - -Dr. Stenhouse, to whom I have given a sample of it, is now engaged in -its investigation; and in a letter which I have received from him, -he says, that though he has not been able to get the aloin ready for -analysis, yet from the experiments he has already made with it, he has -scarcely a doubt that it will be found identical with that formerly -obtained from Barbados aloes. It forms, he adds, a precisely similar -combination with bromine, and, in short, agrees with it in every -particular; I shall, therefore, provisionally term this crystalline -principle the _aloin of Socotrine aloes_. On comparing it with a fine -specimen of aloin, kindly presented to me by Messrs. Smith, I find its -crystals smaller and more tapering—the summits of the crystals being -more acute. - -[21] See New York Journal of Pharmacy, No. vi. page 177. - -In drying, the crystals of the Socotrine aloin have a strong {238} -tendency to break up; so that crystals which in the moist state -are moderately large and regular, become small and pulverulent when -dry. Like the aloin crystals of Messrs. Smith, the aloin crystals of -Socotrine aloes, strongly doubly refract and depolarize light, and are, -therefore, beautiful objects when viewed by the polarizing microscope. - -The crystals of aloin contained in Socotrine aloe juice cannot be -confounded with the crystals of oxalate and phosphate of lime found -in the juices of various plants, and which are called by botanists -_raphides_. The appearance under the microscope of the former is very -different from that of the latter. Moreover, the ready fusibility, -solubility, and complete combustibility of aloin crystals easily -distinguish them from the calcareous salts just referred to. On -platinum foil the aloin burns without leaving any residue, except such -as may arise from the presence of traces of some foreign matter. - -Aloin may be readily obtained from the juice by mixing the latter with -spirit (either rectified or proof,) and collecting and drying the -precipitate. When procured in this way it appears to the naked eye like -a yellow powder; but when examined by the microscope it is found to -consist of minute fragments of crystals. - -The tincture from which the aloin has been separated, yields by -distillation a spirit having the fragrant odor of the juice; showing -that the latter contains some volatile odorous principle. By -evaporation the tincture yields a resiniform extract. - -In the first edition of my _Elements of Materia Medica_, published -1840, I have stated, that by digesting hepatic aloes in rectified -spirit of wine, a yellowish granular powder is obtained which is -insoluble in [cold] water, alcohol, ether, and dilute sulphuric acid, -but is readily soluble in a solution of caustic potash, forming a red -colored liquid. The powder like residue here referred to, is identical -with the aloin of Socotrine aloes. When examined by the microscope, -it is perceived to consist of very minute prismatic crystals, which -depolarize polarized light like the larger crystals of aloin above -referred to. I {239} think, therefore, that it may be safely inferred -that hepatic aloes has been prepared without the employment of -artificial heat, and that its opacity is due to the presence of minute -crystals of aloin. - -When Socotrine aloes is digested in rectified spirit, an insoluble -portion is also obtained; but its color, instead of being yellow, -as in hepatic aloes, is dark brown. On submitting this dark brown -insoluble portion to microscopic examination, I find that it contains -depolarizing crystals. - -Artificial Socotrine aloes (prepared by evaporating this aloe juice) -also yields, when digested in rectified spirit, a dark brown insoluble -portion. - -I think, therefore, that Socotrine aloes differs from hepatic aloes in -the circumstance of its having been prepared by the aid of artificial -heat; by which its aloin constituent has become altered. This inference -is further substantiated by the fact, that after it has been melted, -hepatic aloes is found to have acquired the clearness and transparency -of the Socotrine sort. - -The clear supernatant portion of aloe juice, from which the above -crystals have subsided, would probably also yield, by spontaneous -evaporation, an extract resembling, or identical with, Socotrine aloes. - -That Socotrine and hepatic aloes were obtained from the same plant, -and were not different species of aloes, I have long suspected; and -in the first edition of my work on Materia Medica, published in 1840, -I have observed that “the similarity of the odor of Socotrine and -hepatic aloes leads to the suspicion that they are obtained from the -same plant; and which is further confirmed by the two being sometimes -brought over intermixed, the Socotrine occasionally forming a vein in a -cask of the hepatic aloes.” - -The intermixture of the two sorts of aloes in the same cask might be -explained by supposing that the consolidation of the clear portion of -the juice has produced the so-called Socotrine aloes; while the opaque -aloin containing portion of juice has yielded what is termed hepatic -aloes. {240} - -In the third edition of my work above alluded to, I have stated that -the name of _opaque liver-colored Socotrine aloes_ might with propriety -be applied to hepatic aloes. But until the present time I have been -unable to offer a plausible explanation of the cause of the difference -in these two commercial kinds of aloes. - -From the preceding remarks I think we may infer: - -1. That _aloin_ pre-exists in a crystalline form in the juice of -Socotrine aloes. - -2. That the substance which deposits as a decoction of Socotrine aloes -cools, and which is usually termed the _resin_ or the _resinoid_ of -Socotrine aloes, is the aloin in a modified state. - -3. That hepatic aloes[22] is the juice of the Socotrine aloes plant -which has been solified without the aid of artificial heat. - -4. That hepatic aloes owes its opacity to the presence of minute -crystals of aloin. - -5. That the juice of Socotrine aloes yields, when evaporated by -artificial heat, an extract possessing all the properties of commercial -Socotrine aloes.—_Pharm. Journ. April, 1852._ - -[22] By the term “_hepatic aloes_” I mean the opaque liver-colored -aloes imported into England from the East Indies (usually from Bombay). -This sort of aloes is very different from the _hepatic Barbadoes -aloes_, which formerly appears to have been exclusively called “hepatic -aloes.” - - -THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF COD-LIVER OIL. - -BY DR. H. L. WINCKLER. - -Of all the drugs which have been introduced into medical practice -within the last ten years, none has excited so much attention, and -has met with so favorable a reception, as cod-liver oil. To what -principles its peculiar properties are to be referred, has not yet been -ascertained. By some they have been attributed {241} to the presence -of a small quantity of iodine; but this has not proved a satisfactory -explanation. Many chemists have endeavoured to solve this problem, -but without success.—Amongst others, Dr. de Jongh, who attributed its -virtue to gaduin—a new principle which he had discovered in the oil, -with the usual fatty acids, and some of the constituents of bile, and -traces of iodine and bromine. - -The results of my researches are different, in an important degree. -According to my experience, cod-liver oil is _an organic whole_ of a -peculiar character, differing in its chemical composition from any of -the fat oils which have been heretofore applied to medical purposes. - -The evidences for this conclusion are the following:― - -1. When the clear, pale cod-liver oil is saponified with potash, and -the resulting soap treated with tartaric acid, oleic and margaric acids -are obtained. - -2. When a mixture of six parts of caustic potash, twenty-four parts -of distilled water, and twenty-four parts of cod-liver oil, after -being allowed to remain at an ordinary temperature, and often shaken, -and finally diluted with twenty-four parts of distilled water, is -distilled, a distillate is obtained, which possesses an intense odor -of cod-liver oil, and contains an appreciable quantity of a peculiar -organic compound, namely, oxide of propyl. - -3. When nine parts of cod-liver oil are saponified with five parts of -oxide of lead, with the necessary quantity of distilled water, in a -porcelain vessel, by the heat of a water bath, the oil is decomposed -into oleic and margaric acids, and a new acid propylic acid. The chief -part of this acid combines, like the oleic and margaric acids, with the -oxide of lead, as it appears, to form a basic compound; and another -lead salt, probably an acid one, can be washed out of the plaister with -distilled water. It is worthy of remark, that no glycerine is formed -in this process. The plaister smells of train oil and herrings; and -when it is exposed in a thin layer to the action of the atmosphere in a -water bath, it becomes colored dark brown, after the {242} evaporation -of the water; and by the same means it loses its penetrating odor. -The cause of the coloring is due to the strong disposition which the -salts of propylic acid possess to oxidize, and consequently, to become -brown. When the solution of the acid propylate of lead is treated -with sulphuretted hydrogen, after the separation of the sulphuret of -lead, is obtained an entirely colorless and strongly acid reacting -solution, which by evaporation in a water bath, becomes by degrees -colored. At the commencement of the last part of the operation it -loses its penetrating odor, and at last leaves a dark brown residue. -Exactly in the same manner, the watery solutions of neutral propylates -of barytes and ammonia behave themselves. The neutral, colorless, and -undecomposed ammoniacal salt smells of herrings; and the baryta salt, -as concentrated decoction of meat. - -4. When the before-described (No. 2) solution of cod-liver oil soap -is thrown into a capacious distillery apparatus, with the addition -of caustic lime and chloride of ammonium, (in the proportion of -six drachms of caustic potash, three ounces of cod-liver oil, six -ounces of water, six ounces of fresh burnt lime, and one drachm of -chloride of ammonium,) with the precaution, that the mixture of lime -and chloride of ammonium be not added until the soap is formed in -the retort, so that it may penetrate thoroughly the mass, and the -distillation proceeded with by means of a gentle heat, as the formation -of hydrate of lime evolves considerable heat, there distils rather -quickly a clear, watery fluid, over which is a concentrated solution of -propylamin free from ammonia. By saturating this solution with diluted -sulphuric acid, and adding alcohol, sulphate of propylamin readily -crystallizes out of it. - -This simple experiment serves to prove, with certainty, that cod-liver -oil contains oxide of propyl. The propylamin thus obtained possesses -all the properties of that obtained from the pickle of herrings, or -ergot of rye. - -Cod-liver oil by saponification with potash, is separated into -oleic and margaric acids, and _oxide of propyl_; and with oxide -{243} of lead, into oleic and margaric acids, and propylic acid—a -higher result of the oxidation of propyl—and gives by either process -of saponification no _hydrate of the oxide of glycyl_. The glycyl -(C‗{6} H‗{3}) is in this oil replaced by propyl (C‗{6} H‗{7}). Only -in cod-liver oil are the conditions offered for the formation of -propylamin (N H‗{2} C‗{6} H‗{7}), by the presence of ammonia, as -all the fat oils employed in medicine are free from this substance; -therefore none of these oils can be substituted for cod-liver oil. - -[Should this research of Winckler, as to the existence of the hydrate -of the oxide of propyl in combination with the fatty acids in cod-liver -oil, be confirmed, it will establish an important fact in chemistry, -and may explain the therapeutic action of that remedy which has -heretofore puzzled both chemists and physicians. The combinations -of the radical propyl have been previously only known as artificial -productions; therefore Wincklers’s experiments, if true, show that -they exist in nature, or, in other words, that they are educts, and -not products, from cod-liver oil. Moreover, the presence of oxide of -propyl, and the absence of oxide of glycyl in cod-liver oil, will -enable chemists to distinguish by tests, with certainty, this oil from -other fatty oils.]—_Annals of Pharmacy, June, 1852._ - - -GUARANA. - -COMMUNICATED BY D. RITCHIE, SURGEON, R. N. - -A medicinal substance named guaraná was presented to me about two years -ago by a Brazilian. The virtues which he asserted that it possessed -induced me to employ it as a remedy in several troublesome and -obstinate cases of disease. The consequent benefit was so decided, that -I was convinced of the {244} great value it possessed as a remedial -agent. This conviction, with the belief that it was still unknown, -impelled me to bring the subject under the notice of the _profession_ -in this country. A short account of it was therefore transmitted to -the editor of the “Edinburgh Monthly Medical Journal,” who forthwith -submitted it to Professor Christison. To the kindness and extensive -acquirements of this gentleman I am indebted for the information, that -the subject had already engaged the attention, of the brothers Martius -in Germany, and several French writers. It was a matter of satisfaction -to me to find that the opinions I had expressed regarding the great -prospective importance of this substance were fully borne out by all -those who have diligently examined it. - -As a knowledge of the properties and uses of guaraná appears to be -still little diffused in this country, I shall consider that I am -performing an acceptable service to the medical profession in placing -before it an abstract of the more important facts that are known -regarding this substance. Public attention was first directed to it -by M. Gassicourt in 1817, (Journal de Pharmac., tom. iii., p. 259); -but the merit of discovering the source whence it is derived, and of -furnishing a more complete description of it, belongs to Von Martius, -in the year 1826, (Reise, vol. ii., p. 1061, _et seq._) - -The term guaraná is derived from the name of a tribe of Indians, who -are dispersed between the rivers Parama and Uruguay, by whom it is -very commonly used as a condiment or medicine. It is, however, more -extensively prepared for commercial purposes by the Mauhés, an Indian -tribe in the province of Tapajoz. It is, according to Martius, prepared -from the seeds of the Paullinia sorbilis, a species belonging to the -natural family Sapindaceæ. The characters of the species are:—Glabra, -caule erecto angulato, foliis pinnatis bijugis, foliolis oblongis, -remote sinuato-obtuse-dentatis, lateralibus basi rotundatis, extimo -basi cuneato, petiolo nudo angnlato, racemis pubescentibus·erectis, -capsulis pyriformibus apteris rostratis, valvulis intus villosis. The -seeds, which ripen in the month of {245} October and November, are -collected, taken out of their capsules, and exposed to the sun, so as -to dry the arillus in which they are enveloped, that it may be more -readily rubbed off by the fingers. They are now thrown upon a stone, -or into a stone mortar, and reduced to powder, to which a little water -is added, or which is exposed to the night dew, and then formed by -kneading into a dough. In this condition it is mixed with a few of the -seeds entire or contused, and divided into masses, weighing each about -a pound, which are rolled into cylindrical or spherical forms. These -are dried by the sun or by the fire, and become so hard as to be broken -with difficulty. Their surface is uneven, brown, or sometimes black, -from the smoke to which they have been subjected; their fractured -surface is conchoidal, unequal, and resinoid; color reddish brown, -resembling chocolate. This is the guaraná, and in this condition, or -reduced to powder, it is kept for use or carried to market. The Museum -of the Edinburgh College of Physicians contains a specimen of it in -each of these forms. As it is liable to be adulterated with cocoa or -mandioca flour, it is of great importance to be aware that the genuine -article is distinguished by its greater hardness and density, and that, -when powdered, it does not assume a white color, but a grayish-red tint. - -A chemical analysis of this substance was first made by Theodore -Martius, in 1826, (Buchner’s Repert. de Pharm. xxxi., 1829, p. -370). He found it to consist of a matter (tannin?) which iron -precipitated green, resin, a fat green oil, gum, starch, vegetable -fibre, and a white, bitter, crystalline product, to which the -efficacy of the medicine was principally owing, and which he -called guaranine. This he believed to be distinct from, but allied -to, theine and caffeine, and to possess the following elementary -constituents:—C‗{8}, H‗{10}, O‗{2}, N‗{4}. - -Another very careful analysis of guaraná was made in the year 1840, by -MM. Berthemot and Dechastélus, (Journal de Pharmacie, tom. xxvi., p. -518, _et seq._), which varies in some degree from the preceding. They -found the matter, which {246} was considered to be resin by Martius, -a combination of tannin with guaranine, existing in a form insoluble -in water or ether. They also determined the perfect identity of the -crystalline matter with caffeine. It is found to exist in a much larger -proportion in the fruits of the Paullinia than in any of the plants -from which it has hitherto been extracted. Alcohol is the only agent -which completely removes it from the guaraná. To this solution the -addition of lime or hydrated oxide of lead gives, on the one hand, the -insoluble tannates, and on the other, the crystalline matter. - -The medicinal virtues of this substance have been attentively examined -by Theodore Martius, (Op. cit.), and more particularly by Dr. Gavrelle -(sur une nouvelle substance médicinale, etc.: Paris, 1840), who -employed it very often while in Brazil, as physician to Don Pedro, -and afterwards in France. By both it is considered a valuable remedy, -and an important addition to the Materia Medica. By the vulgar it -is held to be stomachic, antifebrile, and aphrodisiac; is used in -dysentery, diarrhœa, retention of urine, and various other affections. -It stimulates, and at the same time soothes, the gastric system of -nerves. It reduces the excited sensibility of the cœliac plexus, -thereby diminishing febrile action, and strengthening the stomach and -intestines, particularly restraining excessive mucous discharges, -increasing the action of the heart and the arteries, and promoting -diaphoresis. It is therefore indicated as a valuable remedy in fevers, -or reduced vital power resulting from cold or prolonged wetness, grief, -to great muscular exertion, depression of spirits, long watching, and -also in colic, flatulence, anorexia, nervous hemicrania, or in a dry -condition of the skin. It is contra-indicated in a plethoric or loaded -condition of the abdominal viscera, and when there exists determination -of blood to the head. It is said to increase the venereal appetite, but -to diminish the fecundating power. - -In cases where irritation of the urethra or urinary bladder succeed -venereal or attend organic disease, it exerts a most salutary effect in -soothing the irritability of the mucous {247} membrane, relieving the -nervous prostration which accompanies these affections, and exalting -vital power. Unlike the disagreeable remedies which are generally, and -often without success, employed in these affections, it is taken with -pleasure, and with an amount of success which, as far as my experience -extends, is universal. - -If we examine guaraná according to its chemical characters, it must be -guarded as a most valuable substance, from its possessing in so great -a proportion that important nitrogenous principle guaranine. This, -if not identical with caffeine, is at least analagous to it, and to -theine, and theobromine,—all important elements of food and grateful -stimulents. From its chemical constitution, then, we may predict with -great certainty its physiological action being powerfully tonic; but -in the combination in which it is found, experience indicates that it -possesses conjoined more valuable properties than belong to the simple -tonics. Its power of correcting generally the discharges, and restoring -the normal vitality of the mucous membranes, must be viewed as one of -these. - -Guarana, in the state of powder, is exhibited in doses of ʒj, three -or four times daily, mixed with water and sugar, or with syrup and -mucilage, conjoined with an aromatic, as cinnamon, vanilla, or -chocolate. A convenient form is that of extract, obtained by treating -the guaraná with alcohol, and evaporating to the consistence of pills. -This may be exhibited in the form of solution or pills. The Brazilians, -however, use the powder with sugar and water alone, and consider this -draught grateful and refreshing.—_Monthly Jour. of Medical Science, -May, 1852._ - -{248} - - -COLORED FIRES FOR PYROTECHNICAL PURPOSES. - -Erdmann, in the last number of his journal, gives the following formulæ -for preparing colored fires, which he has proved and found to answer -the purpose intended admirably. He particularly enjoins the caution -that the ingredients, after being powdered in a mortar _separately_, -should be mixed with the hand, as dangerous explosions would inevitably -follow from the ingredients being rubbed together with any hard -substance. - - Red. - - Chlorate of potash, 61 parts. - Sulphur, 16 parts. - Carbonate of strontia, 23 parts. - - Rose Red. - - Chlorate of potash, 61 parts. - Sulphur, 16 parts. - Chloride of calcium, 23 parts. - - Yellow, No. 1. - - Chlorate of potash, 61 parts. - Sulphur, 16 parts. - Dried soda, 23 parts. - - Yellow, No. 3. - - Saltpetre, 61 parts. - Sulphur, 17 1/2 parts. - Dried soda, 20 parts. - Charcoal, 1 1/2 parts. - - Dark Blue. - - Chlorate of potash, 60 parts. - Sulphur, 16 parts. - Carbonate of copper, 12 parts. - Burnt alum, 12 parts. - - Sulphate of potash and ammonio-sul- - phate of copper may be added to - render the color more intense. - - Purple Red. - - Chlorate of potash, 61 parts. - Sulphur, 16 parts. - Chalk, 23 parts. - - Orange Red. - - Chlorate of potash, 52 parts. - Sulphur, 14 parts. - Chalk, 34 parts. - - Yellow, No. 2. - - Saltpetre, 50 parts. - Sulphur, 16 parts. - Dried soda, 20 parts. - Gunpowder, 14 parts. - - Light Blue. - - Chlorate of potash, 61 parts. - Sulphur, 16 parts. - Burnt alum, 23 parts. - - Dark Violet. - - Chlorate of potash, 60 parts. - Sulphur, 16 parts. - Carbonate of potash, 12 parts. - Burnt alum, 12 parts. - - Light Violet. - - Chlorate of potash, 54 parts. - Sulphur, 14 parts. - Carbonate of potash, 16 parts. - Burnt alum, 16 parts. - - {249} - - Green. - - Chlorate of potash, 73 parts. - Sulphur, 17 parts. - Boracic acid, 19 parts. - - Light Green. - - Chlorate of potash, 60 parts. - Sulphur, 16 parts. - Carbonate of barytes, 24 parts. - - _For Theatrical Purposes._ - - White, No. 1. - - Saltpetre, 64 parts. - Sulphur, 21 parts. - Gunpowder, 15 parts. - - White, No. 2. - - Saltpetre, 64 parts. - Sulphur, 22 parts. - Charcoal, 2 parts. - - Red. - - Nitrate of strontia, 56 parts. - Sulphur, 24 parts. - Chlorate of potash, 20 parts. - - Green. - - Nitrate of barytes, 60 parts. - Sulphur, 22 parts. - Chlorate of potash, 18 parts. - - Rose. - - Sulphur, 20 parts. - Saltpetre, 32 parts. - Chlorate of potash, 27 parts. - Chalk, 20 parts. - Charcoal, 1 parts. - - Blue. - - Saltpetre, 27 parts. - Chlorate of potash, 28 parts. - Sulphur, 15 parts. - Sulphate of potash, 15 parts. - Ammonio-sulphate of copper, 15 parts. - - -EXTRACTUM LOBELIÆ FLUIDUM. - -BY WILLIAM PROCTER, JR. - -Having had occasion to prepare a fluid extract of lobelia at the -solicitation of a druggist, the following process was employed, which -is based on the fact, that in the presence of an excess of acid, the -lobelina of the natural salt which gives activity to the drug, is not -decomposed and destroyed by the heat used, as explained on a former -occasion, (vol. xix. page 108 of this Journal.) - -Take of Lobelia (the plant,) finely bruised, eight ounces, (troy) - - Acetic acid one fluid ounce. - Diluted Alcohol three pints. - Alcohol six fluid ounces. {250} - -Macerate the lobelia in a pint and a half of the diluted alcohol, -previously mixed with the acetic acid, for twenty-four hours; introduce -the mixture into an earthen displacer, pour on slowly the remainder of -the diluted alcohol, and afterwards water until three pints of tincture -are obtained; evaporate this in a water bath to ten fluid ounces, -strain, add the alcohol and, when mixed, filter through paper. - -Each teaspoonful of this preparation is equal to half a fluid ounce -of the tincture. It may be employed advantageously to make a syrup of -lobelia, by adding two fluid ounces of the fluid extract, to ten fluid -ounces of simple syrup, and mixing. Syrup of lobelia is an eligible -preparation for prescription use, in cases where lobelia is indicated -as an expectorant.—_American Journal of Pharmacy._ - - -NEW METHOD FOR PREPARING AND EXHIBITING PROTIODIDE OF IRON. - -BY M. H. BONNEWYN. - -Several methods have been proposed for the preparation and exhibition -of protiodide of iron, all of which are, as far as I am acquainted with -them, subject to many inconveniences and objections. It is on this -account that I offer to my fellow-laborers a new method, which both on -account of its uniformity of action and facility of administration, -deserves to be adopted universally. - -Every practical man knows that all preparations of protiodide of iron -are bad, for instance, syrupus ferri iodidi is a medicine which is -generally disliked, and in some individuals causes nausea and even -vomiting. The pilulæ ferri iodidi {251} likewise disagree with some -constitutions, and when they seem to agree, they never produce the -same regular effects even if prepared at the same labratory. According -to trials made by an experienced physician, who has administered the -protiodide, prepared according to my method, I am assured that this -remedy prepared by a double decomposition in the stomachs of the -patients, has always agreed with them, and produced more constant and -salutary effects. It is already a well-known fact, that the iodide of -iron in its incipient state is better assimilated by the organs. - -No. 1. Dissolve one gramme of iodide potassium in 300 grammes of water. -No. 2. Take sulphate of iron 1 1/2 grammes; make a powder and divide -into eighteen equal parts. Dissolve one of the powders in a large -table-spoonful of sugared water before swallowing it; take immediately -afterwars, one table-spoonful of the solution. - -It is evident that by this operation, each time their is produced in -the stomach one grain, or about five centigrammes of iodide of iron in -its incipient state. - -Although these proportions do not correspond absolutely, but only -approximately with their chemical equivalents, nevertheless, -their effects answer fully the purposes both of the chemist, and -Physician.—_Annals of Pharmacy and Practical Chemistry._ - - -TANNATE OF ZINC.—The preparation announced of late, under the name of -the Salt of Barnit, as infallible against gonorrhœra when used as an -injection, is, according to the analysis of M. Chevalier, a tannate -of zinc. This salt which is soluble, may be prepared by saturating a -solution of tannic acid with freshly precipitated and moist oxide of -zinc, filtering and evaporating in a water bath. - -{252} - - -EDITORIAL. - - -THE CONVENTION.—We cheerfully give place to the following _notice_ from -Dr. Guthrie, in regard to the approaching meeting of the Pharmaceutical -Convention. We regret to learn that the time appointed, is not the -most convenient one for many of the delegates whom we may expect from -the south. It is too late, however, to change the time of meeting, -were there any authority by which such change could be made. In view -of the importance of the object, we hope that there may be a full -attendance on the part of the delegates, even at the cost of some -personal sacrifice. If the whole country be represented, a time can -then be chosen for a future meeting which will suit a majority of those -present:― - - “NOTICE.—The Annual Meeting of the U. S. Pharmaceutical Convention, - will take place in Philadelphia, on Wednesday, the 6th of October next. - - It being a matter of much importance that this meeting should number - as many of our Druggists and Chemists as possible, I deem it proper to - suggest that not only all regularly incorporated and unincorporated - associations of this kind should see that they are fully represented, - but that where no associations exist as yet, the apothecaries should - send one or more of their number as delegates to the convention,—such - will, no doubt, be cheerfully admitted to seats in the convention. - - This meeting it is to be hoped, will either take the necessary steps - to the formation of a regular and permanent national organization, or - possibly effect such organization during its sittings. - - We trust all who feel an interest in this important subject, will - remember the time and place, and give us their assistance in person or - by delegate. - - C. B. GUTHRIE, _President of Convention_.” - - -THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACY.—The editor of the American Journal of -Pharmacy, has done much to raise the standard of American Pharmacy. He -has a solid reputation founded on large knowledge and great industry. -It is with pleasure then that we observe the attention he bestows -upon our Journal. He has taken, however, rather an unusual course, in -animadverting separately upon most of the directly practical articles -that have appeared in our pages, and his criticisms have given rise to -some reclamations on the part of our contributors, which we subjoin:― - - COMMENTS ON “COMMENTS.”—The American Journal of Pharmacy - (Philadelphia), for July, contains “Pharmaceutical notices, being - extracts from various articles in the New York Journal of Pharmacy, - with comments by the editor,” in which {253} our friend Procter, - criticises, rather severely, some of the pharmaceutical formulæ - and suggestions that have been offered in this Journal. With full - respect for the great acquirements and high character as a practical - pharmaceutist, to which my friend Procter is justly entitled, I - should have been glad if the articles, upon which he comments, had - met his approval; and I know of no one that I would rather should set - me right, if anything that I have offered does not find acceptance - with him. With the greater part of his comments, I do not think there - is occasion for controversy,—matters of fact readers can judge for - themselves, and it certainly is of little consequence, who may be - found in error, compared with the elucidation of truth. - - * * * * * - - In respect to the _consistence_ of Syrup of Gum Arabic, he is probably - nearer right, (during this hot weather, at any rate) than I was, - and still, I think he is not right. My experience with the present - officinal formula, had been in the cold season, when I found the syrup - decidedly too thick for convenient use, especially by itself; a large - proportion of it crystallized in the temperature of the shop, and the - mouth and neck of the bottle choked up with candied syrup every two or - three times it was used. I had found the former syrup to answer very - well in regard to consistence and flavor, though, it certainly could - not be considered permanent; it had to be made in small quantities - and frequently; indeed, I do not suppose that any liquid combination - of gum, sugar and water only, can be made of a permanent character. - Since reading Mr. Procter’s comments, I have made this syrup again by - the present formula, and it does keep decidedly better at this season, - than that made in the other proportions, yet not perfectly; and there - is considerable crystallization, even in the very hot weather we have - had lately. I infer that syrup which crystallizes at this season, - has an excess of sugar in it, the crystals formed tending further to - reduce the remaining syrup, and thus sooner promote acidity than if - a proportion of sugar had been used which could remain in solution. - Perhaps, a medium between the two formulæ could be hit upon, in which - the proper balance might be better attained. - - * * * * * - - In the formula offered for Compound Syrup of Squill, in our Journal - for April, there is an error of four ounces in the quantity of honey, - which should have been _twenty-two_ ounces. Whether it was made by - the printer or not cannot be ascertained, as “the _copy_ has been - destroyed.” I had not noticed it until my attention was called to it - by Mr. Procter’s comments. The quantity of sugar used by me in making - this syrup was, for convenience, one pound avoirdupois weight; that of - honey, one pound and a half, same weight. In transcribing the formula - for a medical Journal, I thought I must, per custom, render it in troy - weights; so as 15 oz. troy are 200 grs. more than one pound av., I set - down 15 oz., and intended to set down 22 oz. of honey, as being only - 60 grs. more than one pound and a half av. I think this addition of - 4 oz. of honey will make the whole come up to Mr. Procter’s measure - of “56 fluid ounces before the ebullition,” &c., and a little over. - The boiling can be continued only for a few minutes. I was formerly - in the practice of boiling to three pints, and adding 48 grs. tartar - emetic, but finding that I had to evaporate more than half a pint, - and judging that {254} the strength of the resulting preparation - was rather lessened than increased thereby, I concluded to stop at - three and a half pints. As to the proportion of sugar and honey, - they amount together to 2 1/2 pounds av., which with two pints of - an evaporated menstruum, containing the extractive matter soluble - in diluted alcohol of 8 oz. of the roots, furnishes a syrup of good - consistence. It may be observed, that solution of sugar in a menstruum - so charged, is quite different from that in water. Perhaps, however, - an equal amount of sugar with that of the honey, would be preferable. - I can only say, that I employed the same quantity a number of times, - but reduced it several years since, because it appeared to be too - much for some reason, the particulars of which I do not recollect. - And as this formula has always given me a satisfactory preparation, - I have thought no more about it, until now. Or perhaps, it would be - better to continue the evaporation to three pints, with the advantage - of producing a more symmetrical result, corresponding, at the same - time, with the quantity of the Pharmacopœia. But, is not the officinal - formula “almost as far out of the way” the _other_ way? Forty-two - oz. of sugar in forty-eight fluid oz. of syrup! Can such an amount - remain in solution twenty-four hours at any ordinary temperature? If - mine is an “_anomaly_,” is not this an _impossibility_, “in point - of consistence”? In reference to the alcoholic objection, it may - be remarked, that the evaporation in the case commented upon, is - not “from 4 pints of tincture to 2 pints,” but from 4 3/4 pints - to 2 pints. The small portion of alcohol, that may remain after - this evaporation and the continued heat to the end of the process, - can scarcely be of serious consequence in the doses in which it is - prescribed; it may have some influence in preserving the syrup, and - also in promoting its medical action. Be all this as it may, so far - as taste is a criterion, this preparation appears to be of at least - double strength in the qualities of both roots, of the officinal syrup - carefully made by the second process given,—the first being, as I - suppose, with all apothecaries of the present day, “an obsolete idea.” - - G. D. C. - - -REMARKS ON THE COMMENTS MADE BY THE EDITOR OF THE PHILADELPHIA JOURNAL -OF PHARMACY, ON SOME EXTRACTS FROM VARIOUS ORIGINAL ARTICLES, PUBLISHED -IN THE NEW YORK JOURNAL OF PHARMACY:—After giving the formula for -preparing Stramonium Ointment, as modified by E. Dupuy, the editor -of our contemporary adds, “the objection to the officinal formula -on the score of color, is hardly valid, and if it was so, it would -be better to color it with extract of grass, than to substitute a -preparation which will constantly vary in strength and appearance or -with the age of the leaves. The officinal extract of stramonium, is -easily incorporated with lard, and produces a brown colored ointment of -comparatively uniform strength.” We do not pretend to have furnished a -formula vastly superior to that received in our officinal guide. But -as we were writing for our locality chiefly, and knowing the general -expectation {255} and usage of furnishing stramonium ointment of a -green color, we have given a formula which does furnish an ointment -having a proper strength, requisite color, without the loss of time -and material necessarily incurred in manufacturing a color ad hoc as -suggested by W. Procter, Jr., which from the contamination of the -decomposed chlorophylle of the extract, would never compare favorably -(notwithstanding all that useless waste of trouble,) so far as its -appearance is concerned, with the far readier mode proposed for -transforming at once by a few short manipulations the dry stramonium -into an alcoholic extract and ointment without liability to alteration -during the process. Respecting the keeping of both ointments, we can -affirm that the one prepared by the modified formula, will keep as well -if not better and longer, than the other, and as the color is a point -of some importance for our public and practitioners, we are satisfied -that it will be preferred on the score of economy of time as well as -for its color, which is desirable at least within our circle of custom. - - -EMPLASTRUM EPISPASTICUM WITH CAMPHOR AND ACETIC ACID.—Mr. Procter, -objects to the addition of acetic acid to the officinal blistering -cerate, and seems to smile at the idea of fixing by it the volatile -principle of the cantharis, which, by the way, he gratuitously makes -the author to say is a neutral substance, when he says not a word about -it. He quotes the authority of Mr. Redwood, who in the Pharmaceutical -Journal, October, 1841, speaks of acetic acid as not being a good -solvent for cantharidine. The reason is, in all probability, from the -fact of his using the London standard strength, which is but 1.48. For -Messrs. Lavini and Sobrero, (Memoire lu a l’academie des sciences de -Turin, 9 Mars, 1845,) state that “concentrated acetic acid,, dissolves -cantharidine, but more readily under the influence of heat.” Respecting -the volatility of cantharidine, these same chemists have stated in the -same paper “that while manipulating with but 52 grammes of flies, for -the researches they were making on cantharidine, one of them suffered -from blisters produced on the face and lips, by the emanations from -these insects.” Besides their authority, Soubeiran, in his Traite de -Pharmacie, and Dorvault in the Officine, both state that cantharidine -is a very volatile substance, even at ordinary temperature, and if that -is, as it appears to be, the ease, what reliable information have we -that only 1-30th of a grain was volatilized in the experiment mentioned -by W. Procter, Jr., made with 100 grs. of powdered cantharides? Is it -not very probable, that in removing the hygrometric water, much more -was lost? - -Whatever may be the changes which take place by the addition of acetic -acid in a concentrated state, it is a fact, proved by experience, that -the blistering plaster thus prepared, keeps better—that is, retains -its power longer than the officinal one even exposed to the air in -thin layers. As an example of the stability of this combination, we -have _Brown’s Cantharidine_ which, to all appearance, is made from an -etherial extract of cantharides additioned with concentrated acetic -acid and incorporated in melted wax. We find such a mixture, although -spread on paper and but imperfectly protected from the air, retaining -for a long period its vesicating properties. Is this advantage produced -by a simple acid {256} saponification of the cerate, without reaction -on the active principle, but that of protecting it from atmospheric -influences? We think it probable that there is a modification taking -place, both on the cantharis and other components of the cerate. - - E. D. - - -THE RICHMOND PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY.—A large number of the Druggists -and Apothecaries of the city of Richmond, held a meeting on the 11th -of June for the purpose of forming a Pharmaceutical Society, and, -having appointed a committee to draft a constitution and bye-laws, -and to report to an adjourned meeting, on the 28th of the same month, -assembled on that day, and adopted the constitution and bye-laws -reported by the committee. The election of officers was postponed until -the 6th of July. - -At a full meeting of those who had signed the constitution, the -following gentlemen were elected officers of the society, for the next -twelve months, viz:― - - _President_, ALEXANDER DUVAL. - _1st Vice President_, JAMES P. PURCELL. - _2nd Vice President_, J. B. WOOD. - _Recording Secretary_, CHAS. MILLSPAUGH. - _Corresponding Secretary_, S. M. ZACHRISSON. - _Treasurer_, W. S. BEERS. - _Librarian_, JOHN T. GRAY. - -After which, several nominations for members and associate members -having been made, the society adjourned to Monday, 13th instant, -that the President might, during the recess, appoint the standing -committees, as required by the constitution. - -The Society having assembled on the 13th instant, the following -committees were reported:― - -_Committee on Admission_—J. Bum, John T. Gray, E. J. Pecot. - -_Committee on Pharmaceutical Ethics_—O. A. Strecker, S. W. Zachrisson, -A. Bodeker. - -_Committee of Finance_—Peyton Johnston, Benjamin F. Ladd, Edward -McCarthy. - -_Committee on Library_—Andrew Leslie, James P. Purcell, William M. Dade. - -_Executive Committee_—John Purcell, W. S. Bum, R. R. Duval:― - -After which, several nominations were made. Appropriations were placed -at the disposal of the library committee for subscriptions to various -periodicals, and for the purchase of books, after which, the meeting -adjourned. - -{257} - - - - -NEW YORK - -JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - -SEPTEMBER, 1852. - - -ON THE OIL OF GRAIN SPIRIT, OR FUSEL OIL. - -BY EDWARD N. KENT. - -The oil of grain spirit, has recently attracted considerable attention -from the fact of its being the basis of a number of artificial perfumes -or essences, one of which has been extensively used under the name of -banana or pear essence. - -The crude oil, as is well known, consists principally of hydrated oxide -of amyl, mixed with more or less alcohol, and small quantities of other -substances, the nature of which is not generally known, though it has -been asserted that œnanthic ether and œnanthic acid may be found among -them. To obtain the latter articles was a desired object, and that -which led to the subject of this paper. - -Crude fusel oil, (or oil of grain spirit) when distilled in a glass -retort, commences to pass over at about 190° Fahrenheit, and a -considerable portion is obtained below 212; which consists mostly of -alcohol and water, with a small quantity of the hydrated oxide of amyl. -By changing the receiver and continuing the operation to about 280°, a -large product is obtained, consisting principally of hydrated oxide of -amyl, but contaminated with a little alcohol and water, and a trace of -less volatile oil, which may be found in larger quantity in the residue -remaining in the retort. This residue is small, of an agreeable odor, -and consists of several substances among {258} which may be found, an -oil having the intoxicating smell, but not the chemical properties of -œnanthic ether, other than a similarity in its boiling point. - -To obtain a more perfect separation of the substances contained in the -crude oil, a small copper still was constructed, on the principal which -is now so successfully used in the manufacture of high proof alcohol, -and which proved highly useful for the above purpose. This still is so -arranged, that the vapor which is evolved by the boiling liquid, passes -through a series of bent tubes, each of which is connected with a -return pipe for returning vapors less volatile than boiling water, back -to the still. These tubes are enclosed in a copper funnel filled with -cold water, which becomes heated as the operation proceeds, and finally -boils; the less volatile vapors are thus prevented from passing over, -and the alcohol and water are almost perfectly separated from the oil -remaining in the still.—If the water is then drawn off from the vessel -containing the serpentine tube, the distillation may be continued till -it ceases spontaneously. - -The product thus obtained, when rectified from a little dry caustic -potash to remove coloring matter and acetic and valerianic acid, -and again rectified from dry quick lime to remove water, gives pure -hydrated oxide of amyl. - -The residue left in the copper still is most easily obtained by -distillation with water, containing a little carbonate of soda to -neutralise the free acids contained in it. A small quantity of a -yellow oil is thus obtained, having an agreeable vinous odor similar -to œnanthic ether, but unlike that ether it yields fusel oil, instead -of alcohol, when distilled repeatedly from caustic potash. It is -consequently an _amyl_ compound, while œnanthic ether is known to be -the œnanthate of oxide of _ethyle_. - -The residue remaining in the still after the above distillation with -water, consists of acetic and valerianic acids in combination with the -soda, and the solution holds in suspension a considerable quantity of -byrated oxide of iron, which formerly existed in combination with the -acids. {259} - -From the above statement it appears that crude fusel oil contains the -following substances, viz:― - - Alcohol, - Water, - Hydrated oxide of amyl, - Acetic acid, - Valerianic acid, - Oxide of iron. - -And an amyl compound, analagous to œnanthic ether. - - -EASY METHOD TO MAKE HYPOSULPHITE OF SODA. - -BY JOHN C. TALLON. - -Happening to inquire the price of hyposulphite of soda of a wholesale -druggist, it appeared to me that the cost of its production is -_greatly_ under the wholesale price, I therefore suggest to -apothecaries who may wish to make it _pure_, for their own consumption, -the following: Through a saturated solution of sal soda (ascertained to -be free from sulphate) pass sulphurous acid gas until a small quantity, -taken out of the solution after agitation, on the end of a glass rod, -gives a white precipitate with nitrate of silver; then put the solution -into a beaker glass, and boil it with sulphur (about one-twentieth -of the weight of the soda in solution) until a little of the liquid, -put into a test glass, gives, with a few drops of hydrochloric acid, -a precipitate of sulphur, and another portion with nitrate of silver -a white precipitate, immediately turning yellow and then black, when -the liquid is to be filtered and evaporated quickly, until the salt -be crystallized quite dry. The crystals are to be put into a closely -stopped bottle, and kept well secured from the atmosphere. The -advantage of this process over the common one is that it can be made in -the store without any annoyance from the stench of melted sulphur; it -costs but little and does not require the _continued_ attention of the -operator. - -709 Greenwich Street, New York, August 12, 1852. - -{260} - - -NOTES IN PHARMACY, No. 4. - -BY BENJAMIN CANAVAN. - - -TINCTURA BESTUSCHEFFI.—In the last number (8) of this Journal, Mr. -Mayer, speaking of this preparation, says that the formula given by me -in the May number, is the “oldest” from “the Austrian Pharmacopœia of -1820,” and suggests, as an improvement, preparing the salt by passing -through a solution of protochlor. ferri, a current of chlorine, to -the proper point of saturation. The formula I gave _is_ the “oldest” -and the _original_, for which reason I selected it, affording as it -does _the_ “Bestuscheff’s tincture,” at one time so highly valued, -and though I did not consider it very creditable to the scientific -accuracy of its “fatherland,” it is the one which “did the good.” The -advantages, seemingly, claimed by Mr. Mayer for his process, is its -affording a more certain preparation. This does not appear evident, -as the resulting tincture will be the same, respectively, by whatever -process, supposing equal care to be used in conducting it. It may -be possible that a stronger solution is obtained, but that is not -asserted, nor is it important, as that would concern the _dose_, not -the effect of the medicine. The difference, aside from the identity -of the preparation, appears to me to be that, in one case experiment -will be necessary to ascertain the strength of the tincture, whilst -in the other it can be determined more quickly by calculation, but -the extra labor required in the process in the later case, more than -counterbalances any superiority there may be in this respect. I have, -however, no objection to make to Mr. Mayer’s process, which is a very -_neat_ way of making “Ethereal Tincture of Sesquichloride of Iron”; -but, I think, those who desire to make “Bestuscheff’s Tincture,” will -consider it more strictly accurate to adhere to the “oldest formula.” - - -DECOMPOSED CHLOROFORM.—A specimen of this article lately came into -my possession, to which, I think it right to direct the attention of -apothecaries, although, its villainous odor was so {261} disagreeable -and suffocating, as to render it almost impossible that it could be -administered, still it may serve to teach the necessity of all those -having to do with the article, exercising such increased care that so -bad an article could not pass through their hands unnoticed; for what -might be the consequences in such a case if the sensible properties of -the article did not happen to be so repugnant? And as it is desirable, -in a scientific point of view, to know everything about so important an -agent, it is proper and necessary that anything unusual in its regard -should be recorded. The article in question, was contained in a badly -stopped bottle, and had leaked one-eighth of its quantity. On removing -the cupping, an efflorescent crust was observed coating the upper -surface of the lip of the bottle and contiguous stopper, of a whitish, -partly yellowish-green appearance, having a caustic taste, and washing -off readily with water but not with chloroform, and precipitating -nitrate of silver; the precipitate being soluble in ammonia and not in -nitric acid, leading me to infer from this and other circumstances, -that this substance was, probably a hydrochlorate of ammonia. The neck -of the bottle before the stopper was removed, presented a yellowish -appearance from some colored substance being interposed between it -and the stopper, a pretty constant accompaniment of this kind of -decomposition, which should always be noted. On removing the stopper, -fumes escaped having a most suffocating odor, causing the bottle to -be withdrawn quickly from the nostril and giving with ammonia, the -white fumes characteristic of hydrochloric acid gas. By exposure the -peculiar odor disappeared, and the whole of the liquid passed off -without leaving any residue, except a slight greasy appearance on the -sides of the glass from which it was evaporated, which _was not_ owing -to sulphuric acid. The specific gravity was that of good chloroform, -and sulphuric acid acquired no color when agitated with a portion, and -the reaction with litmus was strongly acid. The bottle having been -emptied, the small portion which adhered to the glass, collecting -in the bottom, assumed a yellowish appearance resembling common -muriatic acid. Not having leisure or {262} means to make an elaborate -examination, I handed some to one of our professors of chemistry, who -will make an accurate analysis. In the meantime, I deemed it prudent -to note these particulars. A large quantity of the article, made at -the same time and by the same process, I have since learned, has been -found to have undergone a similar change. The manufacturer, supposes -the decomposition to have arisen in some way from the sulphuric acid -used in the process after the manner of Professor Gregory, although -every means was used to separate it and none could be detected in it -when recently made; some, however, which was thus supposed to be free -from acid, I found to slightly redden litmus, although the smell was -remarkably fine; but it has been found I learn, that of two specimens -of the article taken from the same bottle and _exposed to the light_, -one underwent decomposition and the other not. It has occurred to -me, that the surest way of separating the acid would be to distil -the chloroform from it; but it should be remembered that the process -of Gregory, was intended to be adopted for smaller quantities for -immediate use, and not for its manufacture on a large scale, to be kept. - - -SUPPOSITORIA.—In the number of the _New York Medical Times_ for -December, 1851, I took occasion to mention the superiority of cacao -butter, to the other excipients for the formation of suppositories, a -means of medication which had _become almost obsolete_; not unlikely -from the circumstance of their having been prepared with iritating -substances which counteracted their intended effect. In the last (July) -number of the _American Journal of Pharmacy_, (Philadelphia,) Mr. A. B. -Taylor, (who has not, apparently, seen my little note,) gives several -formulas for these, which require the cacao butter to be melted, in -which state the medicament is incorporated with it, &c. I recur to the -subject for the purpose of stating that I have not found it necessary -to adopt this very troublesome and tedious, not to say inaccurate -method. The article, at all seasons, becomes sufficiently plastic when -“worked” in the mortar, or in very cold weather, with the addition of -a drop or so of almond or {263} other proper oil, to admit of being -_rolled_ with the spatula into form, the most convenient one for which -I have found to be that of a cylinder about an inch long, weighing -twenty grains, and fitting exactly the calibre of the instrument used -for introducing them, which I generally use as a mould. The active -ingredients used are mostly sulph. morph. and extr. opii aquos. the -latter of which is superior to opium, of course, being _nearly_ free -from narcotine. _Vaginal suppositories_ would be equally applicable and -useful as anal ones. - - -EDITOR AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACY.—Professor Proctor has done me -the honor to notice, favorably, some trifles which I have found time -to contribute to our Journal, among others an observation concerning -the supposed decomposition of Fowler’s solution, with respect to which -he says he “does not understand where the garlicky odor came from, -as it is only the _vapor_ of metallic arsenic that possesses this -peculiarity.” I beg to assure the Professor that the odor _came from -the bottle_. The immediate cause of it is certainly _mist_-erious, -though it is not impossible that among the intricacies of chemical -action sufficient heat may have been evolved to act on how small soever -a portion of the metal in a _nascent state_ as to cause the peculiar -odor. _Spontaneous combustion_ taking place in a mass of the common -mineral known as “cobalt,” produces, unmistakeably, both vapor and -the odor of arsenic, and I have heard of a ships’ crew having been -salivated by the vapor arising from a cargo of quicksilver in a high -latitude. A very much lower degree of heat is required to produce vapor -than might be supposed from the point of volatility of the substance -whence it emanates, an instance in point being the familiar process of -boiling water; but this is rather a _cloudy point_ which would require -the acumen of a certain celebrated jury to elucidate, and to their -tender mercies it is perhaps the better part to consign it. - -{264} - - -GENERAL REPORT UPON THE RESULTS AND EFFECTS OF THE “DRUG LAW,” MADE TO -THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. - -BY C. B. GUTHRIE, M. D. - -The act of Congress, approved 26th of June, 1848, entitled “an Act -to prevent the importation of spurious and adulterated drugs and -medicines,” having now been in existence and enforcement almost three -years, the working of the law and its effects, immediate and remote, -have become necessarily matters of fact, and are no longer left to -conjecture and speculation. - -At the time of the passage of this law by congress, no inconsiderable -fears were entertained by its friends, and great hopes by its enemies, -that it would be found impracticable to carry out its requisite -provisions without great injury to that portion of our citizens engaged -in the importation of this class of merchandize, in which event its -repeal would, of course, have been urgently solicited.[23] - -[23] Strong _prima facie_ evidence of the popularity of this law may be -found in this significant fact that not a petition for its repeal has -ever been presented to Congress. - -In entering upon the duties of the commission, which I had the honor to -recieve from the department, I was fully impressed with the importance -of the information sought for, and the necessity of a candid, impartial -and unbiassed examination of facts bearing upon the subject, and in -making, to the department, this report, I have divided my results and -facts into immediate and remote; the reasons for which, will appear in -the detail. Under the general terms drugs and medicines, are embraced -all articles intended for the treatment of the diseases of the human -system, and though they admit of many subdivisions, these terms, -included under the two heads of chemicals and compounds, and crude -drugs, are all that is necessary for my {265} purpose in speaking of -the effects and applications of the law. - -First, with regard to the effect upon chemicals and compound -medicines.: Previous to the passage of this law, no restriction was -laid upon any class of medicines coming in under this head. If the -importer paid the requisite duty, no questions were asked, no limit -was fixed as to quality or condition. It needs no argument, but -merely a mention of the fact, to show that any compound medicine or -chemical preparation may be so made as to deceive the unsuspecting and -uneducated, and even very often the druggist, apothecary, physician, -and all, because they were not in the habit of analysing their -articles, and were deceived by their external, often times very fine -appearance. Under the combined influence of competition and avarice—two -strong temptations, the manufacture of articles of this class had -become systematised, and on purpose to supply the United States market. - -The immediate and positive beneficial results of the law may be seen in -the fact that now very few, if indeed any, spurious or sophisticated -chemical preparations, for pharmaceutical purposes, are even offered -at our ports, or by any possibility find their way into our markets. -Manufacturing chemists and importers of this description of medicines, -finding it impossible to get such goods through our custom houses, -will, of course, not risk the loss of bringing them here, but in -their stead will import such as are known to come up to our required -standards. Under this general head of chemicals, may be included a -large majority of the manufactured and compound medicines used in -practice by the medical faculty, and all the most important usually -purchased by others for domestic uses, more especially in the great -west and south, where every man, almost, is obliged to learn the uses -and doses of calomel, blue mass and quinine, &c. The certainty of -purity in these articles alone, is a matter of no small moment to the -community at large; of the probabilities of their home adulteration I -shall also refer to elsewhere. - -A few articles of this class may now and then, either through {266} -culpable negligence on the part of the inspector, or by being entered -under a false name, be imported, but they must be few, and are daily -growing less. An instance of this kind has occurred in New York, where -a large lot of sulphate of lime was offered in market, under the name -of precipitated chalk. The New York College of Pharmacy, standing -very properly as the guardians of the public health, and protectors -of this act, for which they had petitioned and which they had agreed -to support, by committee, reported the fact, and warned the holders -of the consequences of continuing to sell the article as a medicinal -preparation, upon which they very readily withdrew it. How it came into -the city that committee have never been able to ascertain, whether -imported under the head of plaster of Paris, and thus escaping the eye -of the inspector, or whether passed by him, or at some other port, -without due test and examination, I am not able to say. That it was -imported under a false name, is, to my mind, the most likely of all. - -If our Colleges of Pharmacy in the different cities, as I have no doubt -they will, continue to thus watch the articles offered them and the -public, and act with the independence that has characterised them thus -far, no deception of this kind will go long unexposed, and it will soon -cease altogether. - -No manufactured article, susceptible of adulteration, ought ever to be -suffered to pass by the Examiner of drugs without being _sampled_ and -tested by analysis, and no matter what its appearances, or what its -label; neither the one or the other are guarantees of its purity, for -both may alike be counterfeits. The more popular the maker, the higher -his name and reputation, the more likely his name, label, bottle and -article to be counterfeited, as has Pelletier’s name to the article -quinine, others to iodide of potassium, &c. &c. - -Secondly. The effects of the law upon crude drugs and medicines, such -as leaves, barks, roots, gums, gum resins, &c. Upon these articles, -the effect has been the same as upon chemicals and compound goods. -Greater variations must of, course occur in their qualities, as many -of them cannot be {267} tested with accuracy; and of the rest, very -imperfect standards are to be found in any of the works on pharmacy or -materia medica now extant. This was heretofore left entirely in the -hands of the examiner at each port, who has been obliged to fix his own -standards when there were none laid down in the works referred to in -the instructions of the department. Such has been the case with many -of our most valuable and important articles of crude drugs, gums, and -gum resins,—such as opium, scammony, &c. Such also has been the case -with many of the roots and barks, as rhubarb and the cinchona and all -its varieties. One may have fixed upon five per cent. of morphine, and -another upon eight, another ten, as the standard for opium. Again, the -same might occur in admitting or rejecting scammony. One requiring -sixty or seventy per cent. of resin, another admitting or rejecting, -merely from the physical appearance of the article. - -So again with regard to barks, especially the cinchonas—one refusing -to admit any except the true medicinal article; another admitting -Maricaibo and other false barks usually sold in market as pale bark, -or used to adulterate that article.—But, upon the whole class of crude -drugs, the effect has been highly beneficial. Greater care is taken in -their selection and preparation for market, and a vast quantity of many -kinds of barks and roots heretofore finding daily their way into market -either in their simple worthlessness or mixed with purer and different -articles, are now scarcely, if ever found; and if seen, they are about -the last of their kind.—Now and then, an article may get through our -ports, by some adroit means of deception, or be slipped in at a port -where there is no examiner, but this must be but seldom.—But recently, -in New York, I saw several casks of gum guaic, the heads of which, for -about six inches, were filled with a fair article, while the remaining -portion of the cask was made up of the vilest trash imaginable. This -is but a shallow trick that could not be often repeated, for though it -might decieve the examiner (as it did not), it would meet detection in -{268} the hands of the jobber, who would not fail to claim damages -from the importer at once. Another mode of evading the law, is by -sending sample packages to the examining office, or such cases as -are known to be all right, and getting the whole invoice passed by -them. This can only be guarded against by the examiner being always -upon the alert, and where there is the least doubt, refusing to pass -anything except what he sees and knows to be correct as to quality. The -facility with which this fraud may be practised, led the convention -of the Colleges of Pharmacy to recommend that every package should be -examined; an opinion, I then and now fully concur in. Many similar -instances, both in regard to chemicals, chemical preparations and all -sorts of crude drugs, might be given, but they have no bearing upon the -object of this report, only as they point to a necessity for the law’s -continuance. - -Another immediate result of the law is the exclusion of damaged drugs. -Heretofore no state of damage or decay, whether little or much, -prevented an article, either manufactured or crude, being thrown into -market and sold for whatever it purported to be, whether calomel half -oxydyzed, iodide of potassium one-third deliquesced, rhubarb one-half -rotten, senna in a similar or worse condition from being soaked with -salt water—they each sold under their original names, and found their -way into the bands of the buyers of _cheap goods_, either in that state -or powdered or re-bottled, re-labelled, and done up good as new. The -importer got his drawback of twenty-five, fifty, and seventy per cent. -of duty. The insurance company sold the goods and paid the difference; -bargain getters purchased; the physician prescribed; the apothecary -dealt out, and the patient, suffering under the pains and ills of -lingering disease, swallowed; all but the last got their pay, while the -poor man who bore the unrighteous accumulation of the whole, cursed his -physician for not understanding his complaint, and perchance turned his -face to the wall and died. This is no fancy sketch, but true, every -word of it, and more than once acted out in the dream of every-day -life. {269} - -Under the proper construction and administration of the law, all -this will and is now mostly prevented. It must be evident that any -article of medicine essentially damaged, is not fit to be given to the -sick as a remedy. This is a very important point, and all examiners -should be careful to enforce it strictly, regardless of the specious -plea of interested insurance companies or individuals, for any other -construction for their general or especial benefit or relief. - -In few words then, may be summed up the immediate effects of this law: -A purer and better class of chemicals and compound preparations, a -material improvement in the quality of crude drugs imported, such as -gums, barks, roots, leaves, and an almost entire exclusion of damaged -and decayed drugs from our markets. - -These results are, in themselves, sufficient to mark the law as one -of great value, and to entitle it to a sure claim for perpetuity, and -its provisions to a steady enforcement. But they are by no means all -that it has accomplished. Its remote or secondary effects, which I -propose to point out, are equally important, and they are found in the -influence upon our home manufactures and trade. - -It has often been claimed that the law was a tariff for protection to -home adulteration, and while we shut out the evil in one way, we were -equally exposed to it in the shape of home preparations; were this -even true, it is no argument against the law for keeping out foreign -adulteration, as it is very evident that if both are equally bad, no -pure medicine can be had by those who require them, while if we are -certain the foreign are pure, we have a choice between the pure and the -sophisticated. But I am satisfied that the amount of home adulterations -have been over estimated, and that under the effect of this law -they are decreasing daily, and perhaps mainly because the demand is -decreasing. - -I have never believed, though it has been again and again asserted, -that our medical gentleman to any great extent, who buy and use -most largely of this class of goods, have desired {270} to buy and -use inferior medicines, because they were cheap, and my own direct -intercourse and observation, as a druggist for five years, aside from -a six years’ experience in the profession, has satisfied me of the -correctness of my views. I speak of the country at large. Wherever -it has been the case, it has been the result of ignorance, as to the -appearance and physical properties of drugs that has led them into this -error, an error in which, from a like ignorance, they have been kept -by their druggist, who has been imposed upon by the bland assurance -of the importer or jobber, which led him to take all things of a like -name as of the same quality. There are those who buy because cheap, and -prescribe, and perchance hope for success in the use of such remedies, -but they are not found among our medical gentlemen of education and -character and entitled to the respect and confidence of the community -at large. The flood of light thrown upon this subject of adulterations -of medicines by the reports to Congress; by the report of Dr. Bailey, -special examiner for the port of New York; reports to the American -Medical Association, and by various other writers in our pharmaceutical -and medical journals, through the newspapers of the day, and various -other means to the people, has worked, and is working a revolution -in the drug trade at large. By a desire and growing necessity for a -proper education of pharmaceutists and druggists, a man is no longer -considered competent to sell, dispose and deal out medicinal articles -affecting the health, life and happiness of his fellow-beings, simply -because he can calculate a per centage, or make a profit. - -The reform in this department is, I know, but just beginning, though -long needed, but it will progress, for public opinion demands, and will -continue to demand it. - -Physicians, professors of materia medica, and teachers of practical -pharmacy and chemistry are feeling it, and the whole course of teaching -upon this and kindred branches, has received more attention from both -professor and pupil within the two past years, than ever before in -the same length of time in the United States. From these combined -sources will continue to {271} flow a light that must shine upon and -enlighten that ignorance which was permitting men to tamper with the -life and health of the community. This has also had the effect to -create a demand for pure medicines. Rhubarb is no longer rhubarb unless -the quality is such as to commend it to the unfortunate consumer, and -calling a thing by a good name is no longer sufficient to redeem it -from its lack of curative properties and consequent worthlessness. - -Again, the endeavor to come up to the law’s standard for chemicals, the -competition with the imported article, the increasing demand for good -medicines, together with a commendable emulation among our chemists, -has produced an improvement in this class of goods, sufficiently -visible to refute all charges of home adulteration because protected -from foreign competition; besides this, they are our fellow citizens, -within reach of our complaints, with no intermediate dealer to shift -the blame of impurity to the other side of the ocean, and thus wash -his innocent hands at our cost. With this and the spirit of inquiry as -to what we are selling, what we are buying, what we are administering, -what we are swallowing with hopes of relief, that is abroad, no man can -long escape detection, exposure and consequent loss of business, if -engaged in the manufacture or sale of spurious goods. - -These opinions are the result of the concurrent testimony of the -different examiners, of various dealers in drugs throughout the -country, from whom I had before and since my appointment to this -commission been in receipt of information, and are fully borne out by -my own extensive observation in almost every state in the union. - -Without inquiring or pointing out the cause, the testimony to this -effect, that the quality Of drugs in general has improved much within -the two past years, is almost universal; and a style of drugs and -chemicals, and of medicinal preparations, may now be found on sale in -our great commercial emporiums, of a quality and purity never before -found, certainly not in the United States, and I question if any -wherelse. {272} - -These are the results of my observations, both as to the remote and -immediate, or special and general effects of the law. And I feel that -the friends of the law have great reason to congratulate themselves and -the community at large, upon the fullest realizations of their hopes as -to the good accruing from this sanitary measure. - -Those who were reaping an iniquitous harvest either through a desire to -do evil for the purposes of gain (if any such there could have been), -or through ignorance of the extent of such evil, must themselves feel -that the law has worked no wrong to them even though it may have forced -them into a different channel of trade. The only ones from whom we -shall hear any complaints while the law is carefully and judiciously -executed, or from whom we shall hear the plea for “unrestricted -commerce,” and the potency of the great laws of trade as in themselves -sufficient for the protection of life and health, are those whose -prototypes aforetime cried out “Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” - -The value of their opinions may be measured by the sincerity of their -professions, and the weight of their testimony calculated by the per -centage of their gains. - -I have pursued my enquiries among drug importers and jobbers, meeting -both friends and enemies of the law, among retail apothecaries, -professional men and their patients, and my conclusions are that no -more popular act, stands upon our congressional record. - -I have only to add my sincere wish, that it may long stand as a mark of -the enlighted wisdom of the age and nation. - - The above report is but the general report upon the working of the - law.—It was, we understand, accompanied by a second private and - detailed one, regarding the manner in which, at different localities, - the law has been carried out.—EDITOR. - -{273} - - -ON THE MANUFACTURE OF NITRATE OF POTASH (SALTPETRE.) - -Previous to the middle of the seventeenth century, the chief part of -the saltpetre consumed in this country was obtained from refuse animal -matters, as is evident from the following edict, issued by James I., -for the regulation of the “mynes of salt peter.”—“The King, taking into -his consideration the most necessary and important use of gunpowder, -as well for supply of his own royall navie, and the shippinge of his -lovinge subjects, as otherwise for the strength, safety, and defence of -his people and kingdoms, and how greate a blessinge it is of Almighty -God to this realm, that it naturally yieldeth sufficient mynes of -salt peter for making of gunpowder for defence of ittself, without -anie necessitie to depend uppon the dangerous chargeable and casuall -supply thereof from forraigne parts, hath sett downe certen orders and -constitutions to be from henceforth inviolably kept and observed, for -the better maynteyning of the breed and increase of salt peter, and the -true making of gunpowder. - -“Noe person doe from henceforth pave with stone or bricke, or floare -with boarde, anie dove-house or dove-cote, or laie the same with lyme, -sand, gravel, or other thing, whereby the growthe and increase of the -myne of salt peter maie be hindered or ympaired, but shall suffer the -floure or grounde thereof to lye open with goode and mellowe earth, apt -to breede increase of the myne and salt peter, and so contynue and keep -the same. - -“That no innkeepers, or others that keep stables for travellers and -passengers, doe use anie deceiptful meanes or devices whereby to -destroy or hinder the growthe of salt peter in those stables. And that -no stables at all be pitched, paved, or gravelled where the horse feete -used to stand, but planked only, nor be paved, pitched, or gravelled -before the plankes next the mangers, but that both places be kept and -maynteyned with goode and mellowe earth, fitt and apt to breede and -increase the myne of salt peter, and laide with nothinge which may -hurte the same. {274} - -“That all and every such person and persons as having had heretofore -had anie dove-house, dove-cote, or stable (which were then good -nurseries for the myne of salt peter) have sithence carried out the -goode moulde from thence, and filled the place agayne with lyme, sand, -gravel, rubbish, or other like stuff, or paved or floored the same, -whereby the growthe of salt peter myne there hath been decayed and -destroyed, shall and doe within three months next contryve to take up -the pavements and boards agayne, and carrie out the said gravel, lyme, -and offensive stuff from thence, and fill the place agayne with goode -and mellowe earth fitt for the increase of salt peter, three foote -deepe at the least, and so contynue and keepe the same for the breede -of salt peter myne. No person, of anie degree whatsoever, was to denie -or hinder the salt peter man workinge any earth; nor was anie constable -to neglect or to forbeare to furnish him with convenient carriages -necessarie for his worke; and every justice to whom the salt peter -man should address himself for assistance was at his peril to fail to -render it, that his majesties service might not suffer by his default. -And no one was to give any gratuity or bribe to the salt peter man for -forbearinge or sparinge of anie ground or place which may be digged or -wrought for salt peter.” - -To lessen the annoyance to the owners of these dove-cotes and stable -beds of saltpetre, and to promote the comfort of the pigeons, the -saltpetre man was “to dig and carrie away the earth in such convenient -time of the daie, and work it in suche manner as maie give least -disturbance and hurte to the pigeons, and encrease of their breede, and -in the chief tyme of breeding, that it be not done above two howers in -anie one daie, and that about the middest of the daie, when the pigeons -use to be abroade. And shall in like seasonable tyme carrie in the -saide earth after it shall be wrought, and spreade itt there, and make -flatt the floure of the dove-house, and leave itt well and orderlie.” - -In another proclamation, issued two years after this, it was ordered -that whensoever anie ould building or house in London {275} within -three miles, is to be pulled down and removed, notice is to be given -at the king’s storehouse in Southwark, that the deputy may first take -as much of the earth and rubbish as in his judgement and experience is -fitted for salt peter for the King’s service.” - -Soon after, we find that this enactment which caused much complaint, -was repealed. “The manufacture of salt peter,” says the king, -“had hitherto produced much trouble and grievance to the lieges, -by occasioning the digging up the floors of their dove-cotes, -dwelling-houses, and out-houses, and had also occasioned great charge -to the salt peter men for removing their liquors, tubbes, and other -instruments, and carrying them from place to place, but now, divers -compounds of salt peter can be extracted by other methods, for which -Sir John Brooke and Thomas Russell, Esq., have received letters patent. - -“To encourage so laudable a project, all our loving subjects,” -continues his majesty, “inhabiting within every city, town, or village, -after notice given to them respectively, shall carefully and constantly -keep and preserve in some convenient vessels or receptacles fit for -that purpose, all the urine of man during the whole year, and all the -stale of beasts which they can save and gather together whilst their -beasts are in their stables and stalls, and that they be careful to -use the best means of gathering together and preserving the urine and -stale, without any mixture of water or other thing put therein. Which -our commandment and royal pleasure being so easy to be observed, and -so necessary for the public service of us and our people, that if any -person be remiss thereof, we shall esteem all such persons contemptuous -and ill affected both to our person and state, and are resolved to -proceed to the punishment of that offender with that severity we may.” - -Sir John agreed to remove the liquid accumulations from the houses once -in every twenty-four hours in summer time, and every forty-eight hours -in winter time. - -About the year 1670, the importation of saltpetre from the East Indies -(where it is obtained as a natural product, being {276} disengaged by -a kind of efflorescence from the surface of the soil) had so increased -as to affect the home manufacture, which has since gradually declined -and become extinct. The manufacture of saltpetre from sources of the -kind above mentioned, is not followed in this country at the present -day, and it will be unnecessary to indicate here the process employed -in France, Sweden, Germany, and other countries for obtaining it by the -decomposition of animal refuse, the more especially as full accounts -are given in Knapp’s _Technology_, Ure’s _Dictionary of Arts and -Manufactures_, and other standard chemical works; we shall therefore -confine our attention to an account of the processes which have been -proposed for obtaining nitrate of potash by the decomposition of -nitrate of soda and other sources. - -The first of these processes is that of adding nitrate of lime to a -solution of sulphate of potash; sulphate of lime is precipitated, and -nitrate of potash obtained in solution, which, on evaporation yields -crystals of that salt. - -Mr. Hill’s method of manufacturing nitrate of potash is by decomposing -nitrate of soda by means of muriate of potash. For this purpose the -nitrate of soda is put into a suitable vessel, made of wrought or -cast iron, and dissolved in as much water as is required, and then -the equivalent quantity of muriate of potash is added; decomposition -ensues, with the formation of nitrate of potash and muriate of soda; -the greater portion of the latter is separated during evaporation, as -it is equally soluble at all temperatures. The nitrate crystallizes on -the cooling of the solution. Specimens of this nitre were shown at the -Great Industrial Exhibition. - -Mr. Rotch’s processes for converting nitrate of soda into nitrate of -potash are as follows:― - -_First process with American potashes, (caustic)._—In a suitable -round-bottomed iron boiler, he dissolves 2000 lbs. of the ashes in 1000 -quarts of water, and then applies heat for three hours, at the end of -which time the solution ought to be of a density of 45° Baumè, (sp. gr. -1.453). In a similar boiler he dissolves 1300 lbs. of nitrate of soda -in 1200 quarts of water, {277} applying the heat as before, until the -solution becomes of the density of 45° Baumé. Both solutions are then -allowed to stand for twelve hours to cool and settle. They should be -heated to from 175° to 200° Fah., and then both poured into a third -vessel or crystallizing pan, when the double decomposition will take -place, and the crystals of nitrate of potash be deposited, this first -deposition giving from 700 to 900 lbs. of good merchantable saltpetre. - -Care must be taken not to let the heat fall below 85°, at which the -crystals form; and the better and more regularly the heat is kept up, -the speedier will be the deposition of the crystals. The mother-liquor -should then be poured off, and the crystals collected and thrown into -the centrifugal drying machines, where they may be washed with weak -mother-liquors. The portion of nitrate of potash that is left in the -mother-liquor may be obtained by crystallization as before. - -_Second process with carbonate of potash (Pearlash)._—The pearlash -is dissolved in water, and the solution brought to a density of 40° -Baumé (sp. gr. 1.384). This will cause whatever sulphate of potash -may be contained in it to be deposited. The solution should then be -left to stand for five or six days, after which it should be poured -off, and diluted with water, until its density becomes 15° Baumé -(sp. gr. 1,116). Caustic lime should then be added in the proportion -of one-fourth of the weight of the original quantity of carbonate -employed. It should then be poured off from the carbonate of lime -formed, heated and mixed with the solution of nitrate of soda, as above -described. The precise proportions that the caustic alkali should -bear to the nitrate of soda, are forty-eight parts of the former to -eighty-six parts of the latter. The materials to be used should be -tested, so as to enable the just proportions to be arranged according -to the formula just given. The patentee states that by this means a -nitre is produced which is equal to the Bengal saltpetre, after the -latter has gone through the expensive process of refining. - -A Stockholm manufacturer says:—“On dissolving nitrate of {278} soda -in excess of caustic potash solution, and evaporating to 28° or 32° -Baumé (sp. gr. 1.241 or 1.285), the chief part of the saltpetre -crystallizes, contaminated by the magnesia which is precipitated, and -a small quantity of carbonate of lime. In order to obtain the whole -of the saltpetre, the solution must be concentrated to 45° or 50° -Baumé (sp. gr. 1.453 or 1.530). Here however, a difficulty arises; the -cast iron crystallizing vessels are not impermeable to the liquor, -which, whatever the thickness of the vessels, oozes through them, thus -occasioning great loss. The saltpetre which still remains in solution -after crystallization in the caustic solution at 30° Baumé (sp. gr. -1.263), cannot be collected, and if it be employed in the manufacture -of soap, this will be found to contain so large a proportion of -saltpetre, that it deliquesces and falls to pieces in a few days.” - -“A method employed in the Russian manufactories is first to dissolve -the fine pearlash, and the nitrate of soda in the relative proportions -of water required for their mutual decomposition, or rather with an -excess of potash in such a quantity of water that the resulting product -remains dissolved at 50° Reaumur. The solution is then allowed to -settle, whereby the carbonates of lime and magnesia are deposited, -after which the liquor is run off into wooden crystallizing vessels. -As soon as the temperature is lower than 50° Reaumur, the principal -part of the nitrate of potash crystallizes. The crystallization must -now be very attentively watched, for as soon as the soda begins also to -crystallize, the mother-liquors should be run off into other vessels, -where a small quantity of nitrate of potash will crystallize, though -the principal part will be soda. The nitrate of potash and the soda -must then be purified by new crystallizations. The salts formed from -the mother-liquors must be redissolved with the nitrate of potash or -the soda, according to which of the two most predominates.” - -Messrs. Crane and Jullion patented in 1848 the following method of -manufacturing the nitrates of potash and soda:—The oxides of nitrogen -evolved in the process of manufacturing oxalic acid, are mixed with -oxygen gas or atmospheric air, and {279} made to pass slowly through -a chamber or other apparatus containing an alkali placed on trays -(similar to the lime in a dry lime purifier), the mixed gases combine -with the alkali, forming a nitrate of potash or soda, whichever alkali -may have been employed. - -De Sussex’s process for the manufacture of nitrate of potash is as -follows:—A solution is made of 166 pounds of nitrate of lead, and -another of 76 pounds of chloride of potassium. The two solutions are -then mixed, when double decomposition takes place, chloride of lead -being precipitated, and nitrate of potash obtained in solution. In -order to avoid the presence of lead in the nitrate of potash, a small -portion of caustic or carbonated lime or magnesia is added, by which -means any portion of the chloride of lead remaining in solution is -precipitated. The solution of nitrate of potash is then evaporated and -crystallized. - -Nitrate of soda is obtained in the same way, by substituting sixty-six -pounds of chloride of sodium for the chloride of potassium above -mentioned.—_Pharmaceutical Journal and Transactions, July 1, 1852._ - - -ON TINCTURE OF OPIUM. - -The Pharmaceutical Society of Antwerp has employed a commission -composed of its members to determine the best menstruum for the -preparation of tincture of opium. It has arrived at the following -results:― - -1. Good opium gives, when treated with water, less extract than bad or -adulterated. - -2. By warm digestion, a stronger solution is obtained than by cold -infusion. - -3. Alcohol must be preferred to wine in the preparation of tincture of -opium. - -4. Narcotine, although alone insoluble in water, becomes partially -extracted with the other ingredients of opium. When it is advisable -to avoid the removal of narcotine, proceed {280} as follows:—Treat -carefully prepared aqueous extract of opium with, boiling alcohol; this -dissolves out the narcotine and morphine, from which solution, when -cold, the narcotine separates. - -After the precipitation, whatever ingredients are necessary to form the -tincture are to be added to the alcoholic solution. - -By this opportunity, the commission recommend another process by which -morphine may be more readily separated from narcotine. One part of the -opium is to be treated with four parts of alcohol. After the alcohol -has been separated by filtration, the residue is again to be macerated -with three parts of alcohol. The resulting tinctures, after being -mixed, are to be set aside for twenty-four hours to allow the narcotine -to separate; afterwards the morphine is to be precipitated with -ammonia. To remove the last traces of morphine, the fluid, from which -the precipitated morphine has been filtered, is to be kept in a warm -place for two days, a little water having been previously added, when -a fresh quantity of morphine will fall down. By this method, 1/12 of -the weight of the opium employed, can be obtained as morphine.—_Annals -of Pharmacy and Practical Chemistry._ - - -PREPARATION OF PROPYLAMINE FROM ERGOTINE. - -BY DR. F. L. WINCKLER. - -The readers of the _New Repertory for Pharmacy_, part i., p. 22 already -know that I have been for some time occupied with the investigation -of ergot, and that I obtained, by the distillation of ergotine with -potash, besides ammonia, a substance having a very unpleasant odor, -which conducted itself as a volatile alkali, and possessed a narcotic -and highly diuretic property. This confirmation of a result which I -had obtained some years before, induced me to continue my experiments, -and I have now arrived at the conviction that the volatile alkali -{281} which is extracted from ergotine by distillation with potash is -propylamine (N H‗{2} C‗{6} H‗{7}, or N H‗{3} C‗{6} H‗{6}) consequently -the same which, according to the most recent experiments, is proved -to be the product of decomposition of narcotine by potash, and the -ingredient of herring-pickle. The smell itself made me imagine, -long before I was acquainted with Wertheim’s experiments, that -herring-pickle must likewise contain propylamine, and my experiments -have fully confirmed this supposition, for in distilling herring-pickle -with potash I obtained the same propylamine as that extracted from a -concentrated aqueous solution of ergotine. The properties in which they -agree are the following:― - -1. Propylamine saturates acids completely, and thus forms salts -soluble in water, and for the most part in spirit of wine, with the -exception of sulphate of propylamine, which does not dissolve in the -latter. Beautiful white crystals may, however, be produced from the -concentrated aqueous solution by the admixture of alcohol of eighty -per cent. of strength. The salts of propylamine dissolved in water and -treated with tannic acid produce a white (flocculent) precipitate; with -chloride of mercury likewise, a white but pulverulent precipitate; -with nitrate of silver a white (flocculent) precipitate; and with -chloride of platinum a yellow precipitate (a crystalline powder). The -salts of propylamine have a strong odor of fresh ergot, much less of -herring-pickle, and are easily decomposed by potash. - -2. The concentrated aqueous solution being mixed with a fourth of its -volume of tincture of iodine, a considerable dark yellowish-brown -sediment is precipitated, and the supernatant fluid appears dark -brownish-red. But in a very short time this sediment diminishes -considerably, the fluid gradually changes color, so that in about -twelve hours’ time there will be left but very little orange-colored -sediment, whilst the fluid itself will appear almost colorless. -Immediately after the addition of iodine the very disagreeable odor of -propylamine disappears, and the mixture acquires the odor of iodine. - -3. When the neutral aqueous solution of sulphate of {282} propylamine -is evaporated in a water-bath it exhales a very disagreeable odor of -herring, the solution becomes very acid, has only a weak odor of ergot, -and all the re-actions cease. If this concentrated solution be digested -with caustic lime in a still, there comes over, without the aid of -artificial heat, almost pure propylamine, which has the odor of an -ammoniacal liquid, and produces all the re-actions of pure propylamine. - -Now the propylamine of ergot presents the very same results, and it -is on this account that until lately, it has always been mistaken for -ammonia. I am convinced that it constitutes the odorous principle -of urine, perspiration, and in the blood, and is often the cause -of the odor which we observe in the action of alkaline leys upon -nitrogenous compounds. Propylamine belongs to the organic bases, and -may be considered as the adjunct [_Paarling_] of ammonia. I think I -am justified in concluding, from the results of my experiments, that -propylamine, _combined with an acid_, pre-exists in ergot as well as in -herring-pickle, and is not produced by the potash, as is the case with -narcotine. I have previously demonstrated the presence of formic acid -in ergot, and it is with that acid that the propylamine seems to be -united. I have not yet made any experiments with herring-pickle. - -It will now be difficult to determine whether the medicinal activity -of ergot depends on propylamine or not, for the neutral salts of -propylamine dissolved in water are easily absorbed, and I hope to be -able to induce physicians to make pharmacological and therapeutical -experiments. - -I have reasons to suppose that propylamine is likewise an ingredient -of cod-liver oil, and being easily combined with iodine, it may soon -be ascertained by practical application whether it ought not to be -considered as the bearer (_träger_) of iodine. I propose to begin -the necessary experiments in this respect as soon as my apparatus is -entirely free from the odor of propylamine, in order to avoid all error. - -Finally, I had the idea of trying an experiment with regard to -propylamine upon my own urine, which I made after a {283} supper -consisting of roast veal, potato-salad, and a glass of water, and which -was neither acid nor alkaline. I poured three ounces of the urine, -fresh made and still quite warm, upon four ounces of burned lime, -and submitted it to distillation. The distilled product had indeed -the odor of pure propylamine, and re-acted strongly alkaline; but -acted in a remarkable manner on tincture of iodine in the same way as -liquid ammonia. After having neutralized it with sulphuric acid, the -liquid showed when tested with tannic acid and nitrate of silver, an -unmistakable proportion of propylamine. Might this be formed out of the -urea? My experiment confirms, at all events, the opinion stated above; -the beginning is made, and I may now pass from experiment to scientific -deductions. - -_Remarks by Dr. Buchner_:—My friend, Dr. Winckler, in communicating -the above paper, very agreeably surprised me by transmitting at the -same time specimens of his preparation of propylamine, and that too in -quantities varying from one to two drachms, for which I hereby beg to -express to him publicly my best thanks. I received from him, namely:― - -1. The rough product of distillation of herring-pickle. - -2. The aqueous solution of the sulphate produced from it. - -3. The pure crystallized, and by spirit of wine, precipitated sulphate -of propylamine. - -4. The concentrated solution of pure propylamine. - -5. The aqueous solution of the sulphate prepared with No. 4. - -Hitherto I have only experimented with the preparations No. 2, 4 and 5, -in order to verify and complete the statements of the above paper. All -these solutions are quite colorless and clear, like water; they diffuse -already at some distance a strong odor of herring; but the pure aqueous -propylamine, when smelt at closely, has a pungent odor, very similar -to that of liquid ammonia, which, however, at a distance, assumes, as -it has been said, the smell of herring. This odor is so peculiarly -characteristic, that I do not doubt, that even in water-closets, in -consequence of fermentation, propylamine is developed, particularly -as woollen clothes easily acquire there the odor of {284} herring. -All the conditions at least necessary for the formation of propylamine -ammonia, and carbo-hydrogen, are to be found in water-closets. In a -small close room its odor becomes insupportable, and affects strongly -the head. Dr. Winckler, had therefore, good reasons to warn me against -it. A young chemist, upon whose hand I dropped a very minute quantity -of aqueous propylamine, for the purpose of ascertaining its taste, -notwithstanding that he had been walking after that a considerable -distance, and had been exposed to the air, smelt still, after some -hours, so strongly of herring, that happening to to enter a company, he -was spoken to about it by several persons. I mention this merely as a -caution. The taste of pure aqueous propylamine is pungently alkaline, -and hardly distinguishable from that of caustic ammonia. - -The chemical re-actions of propylamine are well explained by Winckler. -Turmeric paper turns brown with it, but being exposed to the air, in -which propylamine quickly evaporates, it resumes again its primitive -yellow color. - -Sulphate of propylamine (No. 3,) appears in small splendid white -prisms, exposed to the air it evolves a distinct smell of herring, and -has a pungent saline taste, like sulphate of ammonia; it is entirely -neutral, and when moistened with water, it does not alter the color -either of blue or red litmus-paper, or of turmeric-paper. - -We have in solutions of silver and iodine, which are not precipitated -by ammonia, very appropriate re-agents for distinguishing propylamine -from ammonia. Propylamine, however, treated with sulphate of silver, -gave me not a white, but a yellowish-brown precipitate; and this -result suggested to me the idea, that formiate of propylamine might be -present. This precipitate was easily and perfectly dissolved in caustic -liquid ammonia. With an aqueous solution of iodine I acquired at one -time, according to the quantitative proportion a brown, and at another -time a beautiful yellow precipitate, which dissolved in an excess of -iodide of potassium. I usually employ an aqueous solution of iodine in -iodide of potassium {285} instead of the tincture of iodine made with -spirit of wine. The precipitate produced by iodide of potassium is, as -I have just stated, either brown or yellow, provided that no excess of -iodide of potassium be employed.—_Buchner’s Neues Repertorium_, Bd. 1. - - -EDITORIAL. - - -We had intended once more to call the attention of our readers to -the approaching meeting of the National Convention, but have been -anticipated by one of our colleagues in the communication which is -subjoined, giving an account of both its origin and its objects. It is -to be hoped that, as the convention will probably assume a permanent -organization, its proceedings will take on a scientific character. -Independent of the subjects which pharmacy, every where, presents, such -a body would be a fit one to assist in ascertaining and developing -the resources of our indigenous materia medica. Our country is rich -in medicinal articles, but the properties of many of them are but -imperfectly known, and comparatively little attention has been paid -to their pharmaceutical preparation. Inquiries of this kind, carried -on with the aid of physicians, particularly of those attached to -hospitals, could not fail to produce important results, and they seem -peculiarly adapted to the wants of the community and to the position of -the convention. - -THE NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION. - -The second meeting of Pharmaceutists, the first as a National -Convention, to which the Convention of Delegates from the several -Colleges of Pharmacy, held in New York last October, may be considered -the preliminary movement, will take place in Philadelphia, on Wednesday -the 6th of October ensuing. The convention of last fall was held -chiefly for the purpose of considering the important subject of -standards of quality and purity which imported drugs ought to possess -in order to regulate and render uniform the character required of -them by the government Inspectors, at the various ports of entry -in the United States. Unofficially and officially the duty of -affixing standards for imported drugs was, with propriety, assigned -to the Colleges of Pharmacy. For this object they were called in -convention for that time only, and permanent organization was not -then anticipated. But on the meeting of the Colleges, and their -united action upon the one subject of such general importance, it was -a natural consequence that a spontaneous and general feeling should -arise in favor of the establishment of a National Pharmaceutical -Organization, with an Annual Convention for the {286} advancement -of science and for the promotion of intercourse and good will among -pharmaceutists generally. Accordingly the preamble and resolutions -brought forward by the committee, subsequent to their report on the -special business of that convention and its action upon it, were -received with hearty favor. We think it would be well to recapitulate -them: - - “WHEREAS, The advancement of the true interests of the great body - of Pharmacutical practitioners in all sections of our country is a - subject worthy of earnest consideration; and whereas Pharmaceutists, - in their intercourse among themselves, with physicians and the public, - should be governed by a code of ethics calculated to elevate the - standard and improve the practice of their art; and whereas, the means - of a regular pharmaceutical education should be offered to the rising - Pharmaceutists by the establishment of Schools of Pharmacy in suitable - locations; and whereas, it is greatly to be desired that the united - action of the profession should be directed to the accomplishment of - these objects; therefore, - - _Resolved_, That in the opinion of this Convention, much good will - result from a more extended intercourse between the Pharmaceutists - of the several sections of the Union, by which their customs and - practice may be assimilated; that Pharmaceutists would promote their - individual interests and advance their professional standing by - forming associations for mutual protection, and the education of their - assistants, when such associations have become sufficiently matured; - and that, in view of these important ends, it is further - - _Resolved_, That a Convention be called, consisting of three delegates - each from incorporated and unincorporated Pharmaceutical Societies, - to meet at Philadelphia, on the first Wednesday in October, 1852, - when all the importent questions bearing on the profession may be - considered, and measures adopted for the organization of a National - Association, to meet every year. - - In accordance with these resolutions, it was resolved that the - President of the Convention be requested to transmit an invitation to - the authorized bodies, at least three months previous to the time of - meeting, desiring such bodies to acquaint him with the names of the - delegates they may appoint. - - On motion, it was resolved that the New York Delegation be appointed - a Committee to lay the proceedings of this Convention before the - Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, and afterwards have - them published in pamphlet form. - - Dr. Philbrick of Boston, offered the following preamble and - resolution, which were adopted: - - WHEREAS, To secure the full benefits of the prohibition of - sophisticated drugs and chemicals from abroad, it is necessary to - prevent home adulteration; therefore, - - _Resolved_, That this Convention recommend to the several Colleges - to adopt such measures as in their respective states may be best - calculated to secure that object. - - On motion of Mr. Colcord of Boston, it was - - _Resolved_, That a committee of three be appointed by this Convention - to act as a Standing Committee to collect and receive such information - as may be valuable, {287} and memorials and suggestions from any - Medical and Pharmaceutical Associations, to be presented at the next - Convention. - - The President appointed G. D. Coggeshall of New York, S. M. Colcord of - Boston, and W. Procter, Jr., of Philadelphia, as the Committee. - - A vote of thanks to the officers was passed, and then the Convention - adjourned, to meet in Philadelphia, on the first Wednesday in October, - 1852.” - -We hope that the considerations embraced in the preamble and -resolutions of the committee will engage the thoughtful and -earnest attention of every apothecary every where throughout the -United States, who has a just sense of the proper dignity of his -profession and an honest desire for its advancement, and that all -will feel the importance of a general gathering at the approaching -convention,—one that shall comprise a full representation of remote -as well as adjacent districts of our extended country. In the words -of the resolution, “three delegates, each, from incorporated and -unincorporated pharmaceutical societies,” are invited, but a feeling -has been increasingly manifested since the last convention, to solicit -representation from all districts, small as well as large, that in -places where but few apothecaries are located—too few as they may think -for efficient organization,—they should yet feel their individual -responsibility, and be encouraged to depute one or more of their number -to represent them. All, who come in the right spirit of regard for -the cause, may be sure of being welcome.—A National Pharmaceutical -Association will undoubtedly be organized on a similar plan to that -of the medical profession, and in it individuals may be admitted to -membership that are acceptable as worthy practioners of their art. - -The convention will have many subjects of general interest to discuss -and to arrange for future consideration. Prominent amongst these -will be, a Code of Ethics which should govern pharmaceutists in the -performance of their duties, and in their intercourse with each other -and with physicians; the importance of general conformity in practice -with the United States Pharmacopœia; the suppression of _home_ as well -as the exclusion of _foreign_ adulteration; and the driving out of -quackery into its own mean company. That all these ends can at once be -attained is scarcely to be hoped for; but we trust the convention will -be composed of men who appreciate the distinctness of the honorable -practice of our profession from all malpractice and quackery, and who -are fully disposed to mark the division clearly and broadly; so that -persons governed by such opposite principles may take their separate -places, and be esteemed accordingly. - -We are authorized by Dr. Guthrie, who, since the Convention of 1851, -has removed to Memphis, Tennessee, to request that the names of -delegates may be reported to Prof. William Procter, Philadelphia,—a -convenient arrangement, as Mr. Procter is one of the delegates to the -next Convention, residing in the city where it is to be held. - -We would also invite the attention of Pharmaceutists to the resolution -introduced by Mr. Colcord, of Boston, and hope that any suggestions -they may wish to offer, will be presented at an early day to one of the -committee appointed, to rceive them. - -{288} - - -POISONING BY ADULTERATED CIDER. - -A number of cases of lead poisoning, two of which terminated fatally, -have lately occurred at Paris, which have been traced to the use of -cider, clarified by a mixture of acetate of lead and carbonate of -potassa. The history of this matter shows the efficacy of the French -law regarding the use of poisonous substances, and the rigor with which -it is enforced:― - -Several manufacturers, were accused of having sold cider adulterated -and containing substances injurious to health; others in addition -to this, of having caused various internal injuries to different -individuals, and one M. Henon, further of having thus caused the death -of two individuals. - -One of the witnesses testified, that he had purchased cider at the -establishment of the defendant, that some days after drinking it he had -been attacked with colic, and constant tremblings; by the advice of his -physician, he sent a quantity of the suspected cider to the prefect of -police for analysis. A number of other witnesses who had been poisoned, -made statements to the same effect. - -M. Chevallier deposed, that he had received a letter from the prefect -of the police, enclosing one from the physician of the plaintiff, who -stated that a number of his patients had been rendered ill by the use -of this cider; that he had, in consequence of this, inspected the -various establishments in which the manufacture of cider was carried -on, and that he has ascertained the presence of lead in the cider -obtained at establishments of the accused. - -Several physicians testified, that the symptoms under which their -patients (the witnesses) had labored, were due to lead poisoning. - -M. Dubail, a _Pharmacien_, testified that he had furnished M. Henon, -(one of the accused), with a mixture of acetate of lead and carbonate -of potassa, which M. H. stated, that by the advice of one of his -clerks, he intended to use in the clarification of cider. That he had -cautioned M. H. regarding its employment, and had furnished him with -a re-agent for the purpose of detecting any lead which might not be -precipitated in the cider thus clarified. - -The trial was commenced on the 9th of May, continued upon the 11th, and -judgment rendered on the 18th. - -Henon, the use of whose cider had caused two deaths, was condemned to -18 months imprisonment and to pay a fine of 800 francs; a second, to -8 months imprisonment and a fine of 500 francs; a third, to 6 months -imprisonment and 500 francs; while a fourth party, accused only of -selling adulterated cider, but to the employment of which no injury had -been traced, was imprisoned 3 months and fined 100 francs. M. Henon was -condemned to pay 24,050 francs in addition as damages; another of the -accused, the sum of 1500 francs. - -Truly, if the Prince President has been rather free in the employment -of lead in the streets of Paris, the government takes good care that -its citizens shall not be poisoned by it with impunity. - - -ERRATUM.—In the July No. page 224, article announcing delegates to the -Convention for 1852, fourth line, for Monday read _Wednesday_. - -{289} - - - - -NEW YORK - -JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - -OCTOBER, 1852. - - -UNITED STATES CUSTOMS. - -NEW YORK, September 25, 1852. - -MR. GEORGE D. COGGESHALL. - -_Dear Sir_,—Your kind and courteous favor of the 16th instant, on -behalf of the Publishing Committee of the New York Journal of Pharmacy, -asking “information respecting the character of imported drugs and -medicines coming under my supervision; and also, information in -reference to the general working and effect of the drug law of 1848,” -has been before me for several days, waiting such response, in the -shape of a full and lengthy communication in detail, as it was my wish -to furnish; but pressing and increasing official duties compel me, -from want of time (not material), to forego that pleasure and confine -myself to a brief statement of facts and data, which, together with -some general observations, I am in hopes may, nevertheless, be found -interesting to your readers. - -As an evidence of the beneficial effects of the wise sanitary measure, -in the success of which, we have all taken so much interest, I am -pleased to say that the character and quality of the more important -articles of drugs, medicines and chemical preparations, connected -with medicine at present presented for entry from abroad, is greatly -improved, and of a far higher standard of strength and purity than -formerly; notwithstanding, as will be seen, I still have occasion to -apply the “veto power”—a labor of love, which must, of necessity, -be {290} performed in order to arrest the unhallowed strides of -deception and fraud which will ever be practised, to a greater or less -extent, as long as we have those among us, engaged in any department -of the drug trade, who, to put money in their purse, would endanger, -if not sacrifice the lives of their fellow men. The law in question -has now been in operation at this port something more than four -years; and, with the exception of some eleven months, the duties and -responsibilities of its administration have devolved upon me. On the -21st day of April, 1849, I made a report to the New York Academy -of Medicine, on the practical operation of this law, and stated -therein the more important articles of drugs and medicines, with the -quantities annexed, rejected by me up to that date; but as that report -is doubtless familiar to most of your readers, I have not deemed it -necessary to repeat them here. The following are the more important -articles, with the quantities annexed, that I have since rejected and -condemned as not of the requisite strength and purity to be safely and -properly used for medicinal purposes, viz:― - - Senna, 31,838 lbs. - Jalap root, 37,121 lbs. - Rhubarb root, 5,782 lbs. - Sarsaparilla, 65,374 lbs. - Mezereon bark, 1,353 lbs. - Opium, 3,164 lbs. - Kino, 230 lbs. - Scammony, 1,483 lbs. - Aloes, 12,375 lbs. - Squills, 1,626 lbs. - Spurious Peruvian bark, 304,135 lbs. - Spanish Saffron, 360 lbs. - Ergot, 475 lbs. - Chamomile flowers, 1,896 lbs. - Assafœtida, 3,700 lbs. - Worm seed, 230 lbs. - Colchicum seed, 2,246 lbs. {291} - Valerian root, 650 lbs. - Guaiacum, 9,300 lbs. - Cream of Tartar, 7,673 lbs. - Magnesia (carb.), 2,867 lbs. - Magnesia (calc’d.), 1,560 lbs. - Althea root, 1,117 lbs. - Liquorice root, 9,430 lbs. - Bistort root, 140 lbs. - Gentian root, 7,572 lbs. - Gentian root, in powder, 430 lbs. - Lavender flowers, 3,042 lbs. - Poppy flowers, 190 lbs. - Hellebore root (white), 460 lbs. - Pareira Brava root, 730 lbs. - Cantharides, 1,276 lbs. - Creosote, 140 ozs. - Bromine, 430 ozs. - Sulphate of Quinine, 3,200 ozs. - Iodine, 6,864 ozs. - Hydriodate of Potass, 3,720 ozs. - -Making altogether some five hundred and twenty thousand pounds, to -say nothing of various articles in small quantities rejected from -time to time, which I have not considered of sufficient importance to -note down. This, together with the ninety thousand pounds previously -rejected, as stated in an early report above alluded to, makes some -six hundred and ten thousand pounds of various articles of drugs and -medicines condemned by me as unfit for medicinal purposes since the law -took effect at this port. What articles and in what quantities, were -rejected during the eleven months that I was absent from the office, -I am not advised, neither am I at this time able to say what has been -done under the requirements of this act at the other ports of entry. I -hope, however, that the special examiners can give a good account of -their stewardship, and that they will not hesitate to do so, whenever -the information is desirable as a means of pushing on the column of -medical and pharmaceutical reform. {292} - -It will be seen by the above statement, that by far the largest -quantity of any one article rejected, is that of spurious Peruvian -bark, or as it is generally known in commerce, Carthagena and -Maracaibo bark; and that too, as a general thing of the poorest and -most worthless quality. The best of this bark affords on analysis -only an exceedingly small percentage of quinine, not unfrequently, -but a mere trace; while, at the same time, it yields as high as -two, and occasionally with choice samples, two and a half per cent -of a _peculiar_ alkaloid which has been named _quinidine_, in -contra-distinction to quinine, cinchonine, and aricine, (the three -alkaloids heretofore obtained from the different varieties of the -cinchona tribe of plants,) from which it differs essentially in several -respects. - -What _is quinidine, medicinally understood_? How does _sulphate_ -of quinidine _compare with sulphate of quinine_ (from which it is -very difficult to distinguish it by the naked eye,) medicinally, -as a remedial agent in cases where the use of the latter salt is -particularly indicated? These are important questions, and the subject -is one very properly at the present time calling for prompt, patient, -and persevering investigation by all those whose mission it is to -prepare, dispense or prescribe the most efficient means wherewith to -combat disease; the more so for the reason, that I have detected in -most of the sulphate of quinine lately imported from abroad, more -or less of this non-officinal, and (in my opinion) as compared with -quinine, non-efficient substance yclept quinidine; a fact readily -accounted for, when it is known that for the last year or two immense -quantities of the bark in question, good, bad, and indifferent, have -been exported from New Grenada, (as well as much from this port that -had been rejected) and purchased by foreign manufacturing chemists, -for the purpose, as I have reason to believe, of mixing it with the -_true_ bark in the manufacture of sulphate of quinine; hence the hybrid -salt now too frequently presented to entry; a practice that, if not -speedily abandoned, will ruin as far as this country is concerned, -the formerly well deserved reputation of more than one of the {293} -foreign manufacturers of sulphate of quinine I could name. The -argument maintained by some of them that the article is used in their -hospitals and found equal to pure quinine, will not answer on this side -of the water; it smacks too much of the almighty dollar, even as I must -believe (until further advised) at the expense of truth. - -This comparatively inert substance, quinidine, is readily detected by -using the method adopted by Zimmer, and published in the March number -of the Pharmaceutical Journal (London), and, as I was happy to see, -transfered to the columns of the May number of your valuable Journal. -It is a test so perfect, so scientifically practical, and so simple -withal, that any one possessing only a moderate share of chemical and -analytical acumen can successfully apply it, even though perchance -he may not be able to boast of wearing the mantle of the departed -Berzelins, or of having been a favorite pupil of Liebig. - -The law went into operation at this port on the 12th day of July, 1848, -and it is worthy of remark, as a cause of gratulation, on the part of -the early friends of the measure, that the importation of inferior and -worthless qualities of many important drugs and medicines, has since -gradually and greatly decreased in quantity. For instance, I rejected -during the first seven months of the working of the law 19,989 pounds -of Rhubarb root; but I have since rejected only 5,782 pounds, being -but a fraction over one third of the quantity. For the past eighteen -months, I have not had occasion to reject a single pound. I rejected -during the first nine months 3,347 pounds of opium; but have since, -during a period of more than two years and a half of my administration -of the law, as will be seen by the above statement, rejected only 3,164 -pounds. For the past thirteen months I have rejected only nine hundred -and fifty two pounds, while I have passed during that period not less -than 70,000 pounds. During the first two months of the operation of -the law, I rejected 1,414 pounds of gamboge, but have since met with -that only which I was ready {294} to pass without any hesitation. -During the first nine months I rejected 2,977 pounds of gum myrrh, -but all that has since been presented to entry at this port, I have -found satisfactory. Thus might I continue, but time and space will -not permit. Enough I opine, has been said and shown to satisfy even -the most prejudiced and sceptical opponent of this wise measure, -that if faithfully and judiciously administered, _and seconded with -becoming zeal and honesty of purpose by the medical profession, the -pharmaceutist and dispensing apothecary_, it is calculated and destined -to effect most beneficial and lasting sanitary reforms throughout the -length and breadth of our vast and glorious land. In a word, the law -has operated thus far remarkably well considering the hasty manner -in which it was framed and passed through Congress. It is, in some -respects imperfect, as must ever be the case with all new measures -of legislation until their utility is tested by practical operation; -but these imperfections were, some time since, brought to the -attention of the Secretary of the Treasury, who, with his accustomed -promptitude soon after instructed me to report to the Department such -manifestations and suggestions as my experience in the administration -of the law should dictate as most desirable, practicable, and -judicious; and, notwithstanding this important and responsible -trust has necessarily been made the subject of the few occasional -leisure moments I could from time to time command, apart from other -official duties, it is nearly completed, and, in a manner too, as I -have reason to believe, that will render the law, when amended as -proposed, satisfactory to all honorable dealers, importers, owners, and -consignees, and, at the same time do away with the not unreasonable -objections entertained by our marine insurance companies; while its -efficiency instead of being in any manner impaired by the amendments, -will be more perfectly guarded and essentially strengthened. The -particulars and details connected with this duty I must defer until -another time; but I must be permitted before closing this communication -to say, that to the present able and distinguished {295} head of the -Treasury Department, Hon. Thomas Corwin, is due a debt of gratitude, -from all true friends of this important measure, not easily cancelled. -Soon after he was called to take upon himself the responsibilities -of one of the most important, and by far the most arduous offices -under the general government, the downward and fatal tendency of a -maladministration of the law was brought to his notice; when, rising -_above all minor considerations_, he rescued it from impending danger, -and placed it upon what he deemed a safe basis; and has since, on -all occasions, lent a willing ear to every suggestion calculated to -render it more perfect, to add to its efficiency, or perpetuate its -usefulness. A noble example truly, and one well worthy of the man. - -To conclude, I beg to say, that although I have not the honor of -belonging to any Pharmaceutical Association, I nevertheless take great -interest in everything calculated to advance the good cause and noble -calling in which you have so long been engaged; and, I hope the day -is not far distant, when every city and town of importance throughout -this wide extended country, will be favored with an organization of -the kind, radiating from a _National_ Pharmaceutical Association as -a common center. It would be of vast benefit to the community at -large, as well as eminently useful to the medical profession; for as -all must admit, it is of the most vital importance to the success of -the physician, that his remedial agents are properly prepared by a -well-bred and perfectly educated chemist and pharmaceutist; and, I may -add my conviction, that medical and pharmaceutical chemistry, a part of -medical education that has thus far been most unpardonably neglected, -should be universally and efficiently taught in our Schools of Medicine. - - I am, dear Sir, - Very respectfully, your obd’t. serv’t., - M. J. BAILEY, M. D., - -Special Examiner of Drugs, Medicines, Chemical Medicinal Preparations, -&c. - -{296} - - -ON THE USE OF COAL GAS AS A SOURCE OF HEAT FOR THE LABORATORY. - -BY EDWARD N. KENT. - -Having recently fitted up a new laboratory in which I have introduced -coal gas as a source of heat, I have thought a description of the -apparatus and manner of using it, would be interesting to chemists -and pharmaceutists, as it has not been very generally applied to this -purpose as yet in this country, although in England, where alcohol is -dear, it has long been used as a substitute. - -In the use of coal gas as a source of heat, the principal difficulty -to be avoided, is its tendency to smoke; this I have accomplished in a -variety of ways. The ordinary argand gas burner, fixed permanently upon -a branch pipe passing up through the table, is one of the cheapest, -and a convenient arrangement for many purposes, and to prevent smoke, -a tall glass chimney, or a short sheet iron chimney, with every other -hole in the burner plugged, so as to make separate and distinct jets -for the air to pass through, is all that is necessary. A tripod or -sheet iron cylinder, for supporting vessels over the flame, is an -indispensable addition to this burner. There is one objection to this -form of apparatus, which is, that it is _fixed_, and cannot be moved -about like a lamp. To avoid this inconvenience, I have had a number -of burners constructed in different ways, and connected with flexible -tubes, so as to admit of a change of position, to any place within the -length of the tube. - -[Illustration: Fig. 1.] - -Figure 1, is a gas burner designed as a substitute for the Rose Lamp, -and when connected to the gas pipe by means of a flexible tube, -answers every purpose of that excellent lamp without being liable -to the danger of catching fire, or to the necessity of replenishing -during an operation, as is the case with most alcohol lamps. The above -arrangement consists of an ordinary argand gas burner, with every other -hole plugged, fixed to an arm with a socket and {297} thumb screw, by -means of which it can be raised to any height on the rod attached to -a moveable wooden foot. The lower part of the burner is provided with -a screw to which the flexible tube is attached, by means of a Hare’s -gallows screw connector. The other end of the flexible tube should be -provided with a stopcock, at its union with the fixed gas pipes for -regulating the supply of the gas. Above the burner is a moveable ring, -with socket and thumb screw, for supporting retorts, flasks, etc., at -any desired height. A glass chimney is represented in the figure, but -this may be replaced with a short sheet iron chimney, when part of the -holes in the burner have been plugged as before mentioned. The above -burner is well adapted for use with the wire gauze chimney, as the -moveable ring with the addition of a wire tripod, answers as a support -for a platina crucible. To insure a perfect combustion of the mixture -of gas and air, I find that the sheet iron cylinder should be about -ten inches high and two inches diameter. Over such a cylinder, with -the upper end covered with wire gauze, it is an easy matter to fuse -carbonate of soda, or other substance requiring a bright red heat. -When the combustion is perfect with the above cylinder, the flame is -of a pale blueish white color, like that of a solid flame from alcohol -but much hotter. With the addition of a small conical chimney of sheet -iron, placed over the mixed gas-burner, so as to bring the blue flame -to a smaller compass, I find it a very convenient and powerful flame -for bending glass tubes, by which tubes of any diameter, or the neck of -a retort, may be easily softened and bent. - -[Illustration: Fig. 2.] - -Figure 2, is an argand burner, with every other hole plugged, attached -to a heavy brass foot, and with an arm and stopcock, to which a long -flexible tube is attached, the other end of which is connected to a -pendant above the table. This burner is well adapted for use on any -part of the table, and may be used with an ordinary retort {298} -stand, or with a sheet iron cylinder, for supporting vessels over -the flame. It has all the conveniences without the disadvantages of a -Berzelius’ Lamp, as it requires no wicks or replenishing, and cannot -take fire; and the stopcock is not liable to get out of order, as is -the case with the rack and pinion of the alcoholic lamp. - -[Illustration: Fig. 3.] - -Figure 3, is a large burner, six inches in diameter, with the holes -placed far enough apart to form distinct jets of the burning gas, by -which means smoke is entirely prevented without the use of any chimney. -This burner, like the preceding, is attached to a heavy brass foot, and -with an arm and stopcock, to which a long flexible tube is attached, by -means of which it can be moved to any part of the table. - -[Illustration: Fig. 4.] - -This burner is provided with a large sheet iron cylinder, (figure 4) -with air holes at the top and bottom, a slit at the side, to go over -the arm of the burner, and a door in front for convenience in lighting -the gas, and thus forms a powerful and convenient gas furnace, by means -of which a gallon of water can be easily boiled. With this arrangement -the confined heat is so great, that it is necessary to protect the -table from burning, by means of sheet iron, or other suitable material. - -In point of economy, coal gas is cheaper than alcohol for fuel, -even in America where the latter is so cheap, and the price of gas -is comparatively high; and, it is to be hoped, that the price of -the latter will be reduced, so that coal gas may yet be used with -economy, as a source of heat for domestic as well as for chemical and -pharmaceutical purposes. The present price should be no detriment -to its free use, as it is, {299} undoubtedly, the most cleanly and -convenient fuel which can be used in the laboratory; and, as such, I -would strongly recommend it to those, for whom the above description -has been prepared. - - -NOTE UPON CICUTA (CONIUM MACULATUM) AND CONICINE. - -Since Stoerck, who first extolled the virtues of Hemlock, this plant -has undergone numerous alterations of credit and neglect which may be -explained by the want of certainty, or rather by the irregularity, of -its action. - -An important work has just appeared on this subject, executed -conjointly by a physician and pharmacien of Lyons, MM. Devay and -Guillermond. This work, which developes and completes what has been -said upon the medicinal virtues of hemlock, furnishes a new element -which will fix, we believe, the therapeutic value of that substance. It -is the substitution of the seed like fruits for the other parts of the -plant. We will briefly explain the motive of that preference. - -The principle to which cicuta owes both its toxicological and -therapeutic powers has received the names of cicuta, coneine and -conicine, the last of which is now generally adopted. It is a volatile -alkaloid, of a sharp penetrating, disagreeable smell, somewhat like -that of mice. It is of an oily consistence, and easily decomposed by -heat. In these respects it resembles nicotine. But, a characteristic -readily recognized and which distinguishes it from the latter, when -shaken with water it again floats upon the surface, while nicotine is -immediately dissolved by that liquid. - -The volatility of conicine, the readiness with which it is {300} -decomposed by heat or time alone, are such that the Lyonese -experimenters do not hesitate to propose the abandonment both of -the herb itself, and of all the pharmaceutic forms prepared by the -aid of heat, or in which the conicine is susceptible of undergoing -decomposition. We think this is going rather too far. The extracts of -cicuta prepared with care, and particularly those prepared in vacuo, -are of daily service. We have been able to verify by trituration with -potassa, the presence of conicine in a hydro-alcoholic extract, a -number of years old. But, notwithstanding, recognizing the fact that -the preparations of cicuta of this kind are often inert, we agree with -the experimenters that it is of consequence to escape from such a state -of things. - -The tincture of cicuta prepared with the fresh plant, is a very -beautiful product, but made from parts of the plant containing but a -small proportion of conicine, or at all events containing it in very -variable proportions, may be inert or irregular in its action. What -then is to be done? employ conicine itself? But the preparation of -the alkaloid is difficult; it is promptly decomposed by contact with -the air and light, and the apportionment of its dose, offers serious -inconveniences. - -There is a organ of the plant in which its active principle is found in -larger and more constant proportion, and under conditions in which it -is better preserved than in any other; that organ is the fruit. It is -at the moment of its most perfect development, when the plant commences -to flower, that it contains the largest proportion of conicine, and -that the principle is most perfectly elaborated. At a later period it -disappears and is fixed in the fruit, in which it is concentrated in -great quantity. It is in the fruit that we seek it when we wish to -extract it. It is in the fruit we should seek it for medical use. - -PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS. FORMULÆ.—“Having shown by experiment as -well as by reasoning, that the fruit of the cicuta (akène) should -henceforth replace all the preparations of the plant employed in -medicine: we have to make known the use we have made of this fact. -It is important in the first {301} place, that the fruit employed -should be that of the great cicuta, and that it should not be mingled -with seeds of the other umbelliferæ. They may be known by being almost -globular with five crenelated sides. - -When the fruit is divided, the sides fold in the form of a crescent. -They do not possess like most of the other umbelliferæ, a peculiar -aromatic odor. This appears to be covered by that of conicine. The -fool’s parsley, (_æthusa cynapium_,) the phellandrium aquaticum, the -anise, bear fruits which, physically, have much resemblance to that of -the cicuta; but, when the latter is pulverized, the characteristic odor -which is developed is sufficient to enable us readily to recognize it. -Another precaution to be taken is in relation to the time at which the -fruit should be collected. Those which were employed in our experiments -and preparations had reached the perfection of their maturity. It -is then it should be collected for medical use, because then it is -isolated, so to speak, from the plant which produces it; the active -principle exists then in them in a true state of concentration and -permanence. - -1st. FORMULÆ FOR INTERNAL USE.—“The fruit of the cicuta does not need -any complicated pharmaceutic preparation. It is active enough of itself -to be employed in its natural condition. A very simple manipulation -only seems necessary to facilitate its use. It is to reduce it to -powder and to form it into pills, which, coated with sugar, may be -preserved an indefinite time. We have thought best to give the pills -two degrees of strength according to the following formulæ. - -“_Pills of Cicuta, No. 1._—Take one gramme of the fruit of the cicuta -recently pulverized; make with a sufficient quantity of sugar and of -syrup a mass, to be divided into 100 pills. These are to be covered -with sugar; each pill will weigh about 10 centigrammes. These are -suited to persons who are not yet habituated to the use of the drug, -and who are of a delicate constitution. We commence with two pills the -first day, and the dose is augmented day by day to 10, 15, or 20. It is -then most convenient to employ pills No. 2. {302} - -_Pills No. 2._—Take 5 grammes of the recently powdered fruit of the -cicuta; incorporate them with a sufficient quantity of gum and sugar; -divide as before into 100 pills, which are to be enveloped with sugar, -each pill will weigh about 25 centigrammes. - -“We will finish the series of internal medicines by the formula -of a syrup of conicine, which will be of the greatest utility to -practitioners. - -“Exhaust 10 grammes of the fruit of the cicuta, with alcohol at 28° C. -(82 F.) so as to obtain 60 grammes, to which 3000 grammes of syrup, -aromatised, _ad libitum_, are to be added. - -“Thirty grammes of this syrup represent 1 decigramme of the fruit or -a milligramme of conicine. A teaspoonful being the equivalent of 30 -grammes of syrup, the patient who takes one pill of No. 2. will be able -to take half a teaspoonful of the syrup. - -FORMULA FOR EXTERNAL USE.—_Balm of Conicine._—The process which -we employ to prepare the balm of conicine authorizes us to give -it that name. It is in effect, a true solution in lard freed from -the principles which retain it in combination, and as pure as the -processes we have proposed for its extraction will permit. Thus, after -having exhausted the fruit by alcohol, and after having separated as -completely as possible the conicine by means of ether and caustic -potash, confining ourselves to the precautions indicated below, we -take: the ether of cicuta, obtained by the exhaustion of 100 grammes -of the fruit, and 300 grammes of recently washed lard. We begin by -evaporating the ether in the open air, that is, by pouring it little -by little in a plate, and as soon as the greater part of it has been -eliminated, and the conicine commences to appear upon the plate in the -form of little yellow drops, separating themselves from the vehicle, -the lard is to be incorporated with it by degrees, the whole being -constantly stirred to facilitate the evaporation of the ether. A balm -of conicine is thus obtained, exceedingly active and convenient for -use. {303} - -The following is the mode of preparing the ether of cicuta: “The -alcoholic tincture obtained by the complete exhaustion of 100 grammes -of the fruit, is to be evaporated to the consistence of a syrup, and -the alcohol is to be replaced by a small quantity of water. This leaves -undissolved a thick green oil, entirely soluble in ether, and of which -the quantity reaches the weight of 30 grammes. After having separated -this green oil, we wash with ether the product of the alcoholic -evaporation and obtain a yellowish resinous substance, which has no -action on litmus paper and which has a strong odor, _sui generis_, -different from that of conicine. - -After having submitted the mother waters of the alcoholic extract -to this preliminary treatment, we have introduced them into a flask -having a capacity three times as great as their volume, and treated -them successively with a concentrated solution of caustic potash and -rectified sulphuric ether. Immediately after the addition of the -potash, a well marked odor of conicine was manifest in the mixture, -and the ether became strongly alkaline. We left the same ether, (about -20 grammes) upon the mixture for twelve hours, often agitating it. It -was then decanted and replaced by fresh ether, and this was replaced -until the ether became nearly insensible to litmus paper. We remarked -that the first 20 grammes of ether took up nearly all the alkaloid. -One hundred grammes of well rectified ether was sufficient to remove -almost completely the alkaloid from the extractive and alkaline mixture -derived from 100 grammes of the fruit of the cicuta. - -SOLUTION OF CONICINE FOR INJECTIONS. - - Tincture of the fruit, 100 grammes. - Lime water, 900 grammes. - -Filter at the end of a few minutes. - -“In this preparation we have thought best to employ lime water instead -of simple water. We have remarked previously that the tincture of -cicuta possessed no smell of conicine, but when lime water was added, -the odor was instantly developed in a high dagree. The conicine is -disengaged by the lime {304} from its saline combination, and remains -free, dissolved in the water.” - -MM. Devay and Guillermond, who, in their work, have been so just -in their deductions, fail here, we think, in denominating syrup, -injection, &c., of conicine, the various preparations of the fruits of -the cicuta. It is only perhaps a matter of form, but it is important to -avoid in materia medica a matter of form which may give rise to a false -idea of things, which may in a word, induce error. - -We have only occupied ourselves with the pharmacological part -of the work of MM. Devay and Guillermond. The Bulletin de -Therapeutique will soon offer an appreciation of its therapeutical -portion.—_Dorvault._—_Bulletin de Therapeutique._ - - [The facts on which the preference of the seeds of conium to the - preparations in ordinary use are founded, are by no means new. They - have been long known and frequently commented on. From six lbs. of the - fresh and nine of the dried fruit, Geiger obtained an ounce of conia, - or, as the French chemists prefer to call it, conicine; while from 100 - lbs. of the fresh herb, he procured only a drachm. The fresh dried - herb exhibited only traces of it. The extract prepared from the herb - partakes necessarily of its uncertainty and inactivity. Most of what - is found in the shop is entirely inert; while the best, that of Tilden - or of Currie, which are superior to the best English extract we have - seen, possess comparatively little power. If conium is to be retained - in the materia media, it is evident that we should employ that part of - the plant in which the active principle is contained in the greatest - quantity, and in a condition least liable to alteration. We are as - yet, however, very imperfectly acquainted with the properties, either - medicinal or poisonous of conium; and, as the continuation of the - memoir of MM. Devay and Guillermond promises us a solution of the - question, we await it with much interest.]—ED. NEW YORK JOURNAL OF - PHARMACY. - -{305} - - -ON THE MANUFACTURE OF WRITING INKS. - -In the manufacture of good writing ink, more nicety is required in the -choice of materials, as well as greater skill in manipulation, than is -generally bestowed upon it. - -The proportion of the various ingredients used is a matter of -considerable importance, affecting in a great degree the durability of -the ink. - -DR. LEWIS’S WRITING INK.—Dr. Lewis, who instituted a series of very -careful experiments on the manufacture of writing ink, found that equal -parts of sulphate of iron and of galls gave an ink, which, although of -a good color when first used, became yellowish-brown when the writing -was kept for a moderate length of time, and that in proportion to the -quantity of the sulphate, the inks were less durable in color, and that -those in which the galls were in excess, were most durable. - -He, therefore, recommended the following proportions as best suited -for the manufacture of good writing ink:—Powdered sulphate of iron, 1 -oz.; powdered logwood, 1 oz.; powdered galls, 3 oz.; gum arabic, 1 oz.; -white wine or vinegar, 1 quart. - -Water will answer for common purposes, but white wine formed a blacker -ink than water, and vinegar formed one still blacker than wine. The -addition of spirit injured the color, and occasioned a precipitation of -coloring matter—a decoction of logwood, instead of water, improved both -the beauty and deepness of the black. The ingredients are to be put -in a glass or other convenient vessel, not metallic, and the mixture -shaken four or five times a day. In ten or twelve days it will be fit -for use, and sooner if in a warm situation; but it continues for a -long time to improve if left without decantation. When it is separated -from the powdery residue, it will be kept in a good state with greater -certainty, if some broken galls freed from the powder and some pieces -of iron are put into it. Iron, however, is the only metal which it is -safe to retain in contact with the ink. - -Dr. Lewis gave the preference to distilled or rain water in {306} the -manufacture of ink, but it seems probable that a water containing a -certain proportion of carbonate of lime is more suitable. In dyeing -a black color by means of galls or sumach and copperas, hard spring -water is preferred by some dyers. To produce in a liquid a given depth -of color, distilled water requires more dyestuff than common spring -water. This is illustrated in the following experiment, devised by Mr. -Phillips: into two glass jars of the same size, each half-filled with -distilled water, introduce equal quantities of infusion or tincture of -galls or sumach, and an equal number of drops (only three or four) of -a solution of copperas; a faint purplish color will be developed in -both jars, but if one is filled with spring water, the color in that -rapidly becomes dark reddish-black, and one-half more water is required -to reduce it to the same shade of color as the other. The water which -is found by experience to be best adapted for dyeing with galls and -sulphate of iron, differs from distilled water in containing sulphate -of lime, carbonate of lime held in solution by free carbonic acid, -and chloride of calcium. The beneficial ingredient seems to be the -carbonate of lime, which possesses slight alkaline properties, for if -the smallest quantity of ammonia or of bicarbonate of potash is added -to the distilled water in the above experiments, the purple color is -struck as rapidly and as deeply as in the spring water; chloride of -calcium and sulphate of lime, on the contrary, produce no sensible -change either in the depth of color or the tint. The effect is no doubt -referable to the action of the alkali or lime on the proto-sulphate -of iron, by which the sulphuric acid of the latter is withdrawn, and -hydrated protoxide of iron set free, for protoxide of iron is much -more easily peroxidized and acted upon by tannic and gallic acids (the -dyeing principles of galls) when in the free and hydrated state, than -when in combination with sulphuric acid. Neither the caustic fixed -alkalies (potash and soda) nor their carbonates can be well introduced -in the above experiments, as the slightest excess reacts on the purple -color, converting it into a reddish-brown. Ammonia, lime-water, and the -alkaline {307} bicarbonates also produce a reddening, and if applied -in considerable quantity a brownish tinge. It is very probable that the -above-mentioned principle is applicable to the preparation of writing -ink. - -RIBANCOURT’S WRITING INK.—M. Ribancourt, who paid much attention to the -preparation of inks, stated that none of the ingredients should be in -excess. “If there be a want of the matter of galls, part of the vitriol -will not be decomposed; if, on the contrary, there be too much, the -vitriol will take as much as it can decompose, and the remainder will -be nearly in the state of the decoction of galls, subject to change -by becoming mouldy, or to undergo an alteration after writing which -destroys its legibility much more completely than the change undergone -by ink containing too small a portion of the galls. - -“It is doubtful whether the principles of the galls are well extracted -by cold maceration, and it is certain that inks made in this way flow -pale from the pen, and are not of so deep a black as those wherein -strong boiling is recurred to.” - -From all the foregoing considertions, M. Ribancourt gives the following -directions for the composition of good ink:― - -“Take 8 oz. of Aleppo galls (in coarse powder); 4 oz. of logwood (in -thin chips); 4 oz. of vitriol of iron; 3 oz. of gum arabic (in powder); -1 oz. of vitriol of copper; and 1 oz. of sugar-candy. Boil the galls -and logwood together in 12 lb of water for one hour, or till half the -liquid has evaporated. Strain the decoction through a hair sieve or -linen cloth, and then add the other ingredients. Stir the mixture till -the whole is dissolved (more especially the gum), after which leave it -to subside for twenty-four hours. Then decant the ink, and preserve it -in bottles of glass or stoneware well corked.” The sulphate of copper -must be omitted in the preparation of an ink required for steel pens. - -DR. BOSTOCK’S INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF INK.—A few years -since, Dr. Bostock presented to the Society of Arts the following, -valuable communication “On the Properties of Writing Inks,” which will -be read with interest. {308} - -“When the sulphate of iron and the infusion of galls are added -together, for the purpose of forming ink, we may presume that the -metallic salt or oxide enters into combination with at least four -proximate vegetable principles, viz: gallic acid, tan, mucilage, and -extractive matter, all of which appear to enter into the composition -of the soluble part of the gall-nut. It has been generally supposed -that two of these, the gallic acid and the tan, are more especially -necessary to the constitution of ink; and hence it is considered, by -our best systematic writers, to be essentially a tannogallate of iron. -It has been also supposed that the peroxide of iron alone possesses the -property of forming the black compound which constitutes ink, and that -the substance of ink is rather mechanically suspended in the fluid than -dissolved in it. - -“Ink, as it is usually prepared, is disposed to undergo certain -changes, which considerably impair its value; of these, the three -following are the most important:—Its tendency to moulding; the -liability of the black matter to separate from the fluid, the ink -then becoming what is termed ropy; and loss of color, the black first -changing to brown, and at length almost entirely disappearing. - -“Besides these, there are objects of minor importance to be attended to -in the formation of ink. Its consistence should be such as to enable -it to flow easily from the pen, without, on the one hand, its being -so liquid as to blur the paper, or on the other, so adhesive as to -clog the pen and be long in drying. The shade of color is not to be -disregarded; a black approaching to blue is more agreeable to the eye -than browner ink; and a degree of lustre or glossiness, if compatible -with due consistence of the fluid, tends to render the characters more -legible and beautiful. - -“With respect to the chemical constitution of ink, I may remark that, -although as usually prepared it is a combination of the metallic salt -or oxide with all the four vegetable principles mentioned above, yet I -am induced to believe that the last three of them, so far from being -essential, are the principal {309} cause of the difficulty that we -meet with in the formation of a perfect and durable ink. - -“I endeavored to prove this point by a series of experiments, of which -the following is a brief extract. - -“Having prepared a cold infusion of galls, I allowed a portion of it -to remain exposed to the atmosphere, in a shallow capsule, Until it -was covered with a thick stratum of mould, the mould was removed by -filtration, and the proper proportion of sulphate of iron being added -to the clear fluid, a compound was formed of a deep black color, which -showed no further tendency to mould, and which remained for a long time -without experiencing any further alteration. Another portion of the -same infusion of galls had solution of isinglass added to it, until it -no longer produced a precipitate; by employing the sulphate of iron, -a black compound was produced, which, although paler than that formed -from the entire fluid, appeared to be a perfect and durable ink. - -“Lastly, a portion of the infusion of galls, was kept for some time -at the boiling temperature, by which means a part of its contents -became insoluble; this was removed by filtration, when, by addition of -sulphate of iron, a very perfect and durable ink was produced. - -“In the above three processes, I conceive that a considerable part of -the mucilage, of the tan, and the extract, were respectively removed -from the infusion, whilst the greatest part of the gallic acid would be -left in solution. - -“The three causes of deterioration in ink, the moulding, the -precipitation of black matter, and loss of color, as they are distinct -operations, so we may presume that they depend on the operation of -different proximate principles. - -“It is probable that the moulding more particularly depends ©n the -mucilage, and the precipitation on the extract, from the property, -which extractive matter possesses of forming insoluble compounds with -metallic oxides. - -“As to the operation of the tan, from its affinity for metallic salt we -may conjecture that, in the first instance, it forms a {310} triple -compound with the gallic acid and the iron, and that in consequence of -the decomposition of the tan, this compound is afterwards destroyed. -Owing to the difficulty, if not impossibility, of entirely depriving -the infusion of galls of any one of its ingredients without in some -degree affecting the others, I was not able to obtain any results which -can be regarded as decisive; but the general result of my experiments -favors the above opinion, and leads me to conclude that, in proportion -as ink consists merely of the gallate of iron it is less liable to -decomposition or to experience any kind of change. The experiments to -which I have alluded above, consisted in forming a standard solution -by macerating the powder of galls in five times its weight of water, -and comparing this with other infusions, which had either been suffered -to mould, from which the tan had been extracted by jelly, or which had -been kept for some time at the boiling temperature, and by adding to -each of these respectively both the recent solution of the sulphate -of iron, and a solution which had been exposed for some time to the -atmosphere. - -“The nature of the black compound produced was examined, by putting -portions of it into cylindrical jars and observing the changes which -they experienced with respect either to the formation of mould, the -deposition of their contents, or any change of color. The fluids -were also compared by dropping portions of them upon white tissue -paper, in which way both their color and their consistence might be -minutely ascertained. A third method was to add together the respective -infusions, and the solutions of the sulphate of iron, in a very diluted -state, by which I was enabled to form a more correct comparison of the -quantity and of the shade of the coloring matter, and of the degree of -its solubility. - -“The practical conclusions which I think myself warranted in drawing -from these experiments are as follows:—In order to procure an ink which -may be little disposed either to mould or to deposit its contents, -and which at the same time may possess a deep black color not liable -to fade, the galls should be {311} macerated for some hours in hot -water, and the fluid filtered; it should then be exposed for about -fourteen days to a warm atmosphere, when any mould which may have -been produced must be removed. A solution of sulphate of iron is to -be employed which has been exposed for some time to the atmosphere, -and which consequently contains a certain quantity of the red oxide -diffused through it. I should recommend the infusion of galls to be -made of considerably greater strength than is generally directed, and I -believe that an ink formed in this manner will not necessarily require -the addition of any mucilaginous substance to render it of a proper -consistence. - -“I have only farther to add, that one of the best substances for -diluting ink, if it be in the first instance too thick for use, or -afterwards become so by evaporation, is a strong decoction of coffee, -which appears in no respect to promote the decomposition of the ink, -while it improves its color and gives it an additional lustre.” - -Dr. Ure recommends the following formula for the manufacture of writing -ink. To make twelve gallons take: 12lb of nutgalls; 5lb of green -sulphate of iron; 5lb of gum Senegal; 12 gallons of water. The bruised -nutgalls are to be put into a cylindrical copper, of a depth equal to -its diameter, and boiled during three hours, with three-fourths of the -above quantity of water, taking care to add fresh water to replace what -is lost by evaporation. The decoction is to be emptied into a tub, -allowed to settle, and the clear liquor being drawn off, the lees are -to be drained. The gum is to be dissolved in a small quantity of hot -water, and the mucilage thus formed, being filtered, it is added to -the clear decoction. The sulphate of iron must likewise be separately -dissolved and well mixed with the above. The color darkens by degrees, -in consequence of the peroxidizement of the iron, on exposing the ink -to the action of the air. - -But ink affords a more durable writing when used in the pale state, -because its particles are then finer and penetrate the paper more -intimately. When ink consists chiefly of tannate {312} of peroxide of -iron, however black, it is merely superficial, and is easily erased or -effaced. Therefore, whenever the liquid made by the above prescription -has acquired a moderately deep tint, it should be drawn off clear into -bottles and well corked up. Some ink-makers allow it to mould a little -in the casks before bottling, and suppose that it will thereby be not -so liable to become mouldy in the bottles. A few bruised cloves or -other aromatic perfume, added to ink, is said to prevent the formation -of mouldiness, which is produced by the ova of infusoria animalcules. - -The ink made by this prescription is much more rich and powerful than -many of the inks commonly sold. To bring it to the common standard a -half more water may safely be added. Even twenty gallons of tolerable -ink may be made from the above weight of materials. - -SCOTT’S WRITING INK.—Mr. Scott’s method of manufacturing writing ink, -as patented by him in 1840, is as follows:—Take 48lb of logwood chips, -and let them be saturated two days in soft water, then put the same -into a close covered iron cauldron, and add 80 gallons of soft water; -let these be boiled one hour and a half, when the wood must be taken -out and the fluid left, to which add 48lb of the best picked Aleppo -galls in coarse powder; boil these half an hour longer, then draw -off the fire, and let it remain in the cauldron twenty-four hours -infusing, during which it is to be very frequently agitated; when the -properties of the galls are sufficiently extracted, draw off the clear -fluid into a vat, and add 40lb of pulverized sulphate of iron; let -these ingredients remain a week (stirring daily), after which add four -gallons of vinegar. Next take 7 1/2lb of the best picked gum arabic, -and dissolve it in sufficient water to form a good mucilage, which -must be well strained, and then added to the fluid by degrees; let -these stand a few days longer, when pour into the same 20 ounces of the -concentrated nitrate of iron; let the whole stand by again until it has -arrived at its height of blackness; next pour the clear fluid off from -the sediment, and add to it the following substances, each prepared -and ground separately:― {313} - -First, take half a pound of Spanish indigo, which grind very fine -between a muller and stone, adding by degrees portions of the ink -until it is made into an easy soluble paste; next take well-washed and -purified Prussian blue five pounds, which prepare as the former, except -grinding it in distilled water in lieu of the fluid, until it is formed -into a soluble paste; also next take four ounces of gas black which -results from the smoke of gas burners received on surfaces of glass, as -is well known, which grind in one ounce of the nitrate of iron; when -each is sufficiently fine, let them remain a few hours unmixed, when -the whole may be incorporated with the fluid, and kept agitated daily -for a week. The clear may then be poured off for use. The above will -make eighty gallons of ink. - -DR. NORMANDY’S BLACK INK.—In order to supersede the use of nutgalls, -Dr. Normandy patented the following process for making black ink:― - -Take either sumach, elm wood, elder, chestnut, beech, willow, oak, -plum, sycamore, cherry, poplar wood, catechu, or any other wood or -berry, or extract of vegetable substances, containing gallic acid and -tannin, or either, and put this, previously reduced to powder, into a -copper full of common water, and boil it until a sufficiently strong -decoction be obtained. - -The quantity of water must of course vary according to the sort of -vegetable substance employed; catechu, for example, requiring less -water than sumach, on account of the former being almost totally -soluble. To this add a certain quantity of Campeachy wood, of acetate -and hydrate of deutoxide of copper, of sulphate of alumina and potash, -of sulphate of protoxide of iron, in quantities which vary also -according to the vegetable material first employed, and gum arabic, -or the best sort of gum Senegal, in the proportion of eighty pounds -or thereabouts for 340 gallons of liquid; also a variable quantity of -sulphate of indigo; the whole of these last ingredients, depending on -the shade of the color intended to be produced, it is impossible to -indicate absolutely the proportions in which they are to be used, as -the taste and fancy of the operator must {314} decide. Supposing, -however, a blue black to be the color desired, and sumach, for example, -the vegetable ingredient selected for the purpose, the proportions -should be for 240 gallons: sumach, from 12 to 15 sacks, of four bushels -each; Campeachy logwood, 2 cwt. or thereabouts, according as new or old -chip is used; gum arabic, 80 lb. to 1 cwt.; sulphate of protoxide of -iron, 1 cwt.; acetate and hydrate of deutoxide of copper, 4lb; sulphate -of alumina and potash, 37lb; sulphate of indigo, 6lb, or even more, -according to the intensity of the blue cast desired. If catechu were to -be used instead of sumach, 1 cwt. would be required, the proportions of -the other materials remaining the same. - -The variously colored precipitates which salts of iron form in the -solutions of the above-cited vegetable astringent substances, all of -which precipitates vary from the green to the brown (the decoction -of nutgalls yeilding with salts of iron only a dark purple,) are the -obstacles which have hitherto prevented the use of these vegetable -substances, with a view to supersede nutgalls; but by means of the -sulphate of indigo in various proportions, from the above-cited -substances a liquid may be obtained, of different shades of color, from -dark blue to most intense black, applicable to dyeing, staining, or -writing, and which may be used with every description of pen. - -DR. NORMANDY’S PURPLE INK.—To produce a purple-colored ink called the -“King of Purples,” Dr. Normandy recommends the following proportions to -be observed:—To twelve pounds of Campeachy wood add as many gallons of -boiling water; pour the solution through a funnel with a strainer made -of coarse flannel, on one pound of hydrate or acetate of deutoxide of -copper finely pulverized (at the bottom of the funnel a piece of sponge -is placed), then add immediately 14lbs. of sulphate of alumina and -potash, and for every 340 gallons of liquid add eighty pounds of gum -arabic or gum Senegal. Let these remain for three or four days, and a -beautiful purple color will be produced. - -DR. NORMANDY’S BLUE INK.—Dr. Normandy’s blue ink is made by operating -upon Chinese blue or cyanoferruret of {315} iron. The cyanoferruret -of iron is to be ground in water with oxalic acid or bin-oxalate of -potash, adding gum arabic in the following proportions: to seven ounces -of water add three drachms of Chinese blue, 1 drachm of bin-oxalate of -potash, and 1 drachm of gum arabic; to these ingredients a solution of -tin may be added. - -GIROND’S SUBSTITUTE FOR GALLS.—The substitute for gallnuts, patented -by M. Girond, of Lyons, in 1825, is an extract from the shell of the -chestnut, and also from the wood and sap of the chestnut-tree. The -extract is denominated _Damajavag_, and the mode of preparing it is -by reducing the chestnut-shell into small pieces, and boiling them in -water. - -One hundred-weight of the shells of chestnuts broken into small pieces -is to be immersed in about 180 or 200 quarts of water, in a vessel -of copper or any other material, except iron, and after having been -allowed to soak in this water for about 12 hours, the material is then -to be boiled for about three hours, in order to obtain the extract. The -wood of the chestnut tree may be cut into small pieces or shaved thin, -and treated in the same way. - -The extract is now to be drawn off from the boiler, and filtered -through a fine sieve or cloth, after which the water must be evaporated -from it until the extract is reduced to the consistence of paste. - -It may now be cut into cakes of any convenient size, and dried in an -oven of low temperature, and when hard, may be packed for sale, and -used for any of the purposes in the arts to which gallnuts have been -heretofore applied. The quantity of damajavag obtained from the above -will be about 8 or 10 lbs. - -In using this damajavag, it is only necessary to pound or otherwise -reduce it to powder when it may be mixed with other ingredients as -pulverized gall nuts. - -The same chemical properties belong to the sap of the chestnut-tree, -which may be extracted by tapping the trunk, and when so obtained, may -be used for the same purpose as gallnuts. - -STEPHENS’ BLUE INK.—Stephens’ blue ink is prepared as follows:—Take -Prussian blue, whether produced from a combination of prussiate of -potash and salts of iron, or the Prussian {316} blue of commerce, as -commonly manufactured, and put this into an earthen vessel, and pour -over it a quantity of strong acid, sufficient to cover the Prussian -blue. Muriatic acid, sulphuric acid, or any other acid which has a -sufficient action upon iron will do. If sulphuric acid is used it -should be diluted a little, that is, with a quantity of water equal to -about its bulk. The Prussian blue is allowed to remain in the acid from -twenty-four to forty-eight hours or longer, and then the mixture is -diluted with a large quantity of water, stirring it up at the time, for -the purpose of washing from it the salts of iron. When in this state -of dilution, it is allowed to stand until the color has subsided, when -the supernatant liquor is drawn off with a syphon and more water added -to it. This process is repeated until the acid, with the iron, has been -completely washed away, which is known by testing it with prussiate of -potash, which will show if it yields any blue precipitate; if not, it -is sufficiently washed. The product is then placed upon a filter, and -suffered to remain until the liquid has all drained away. - -The Prussian blue, thus prepared, is reduced to a state containing less -iron than the Prussian blue of commerce, in which state it is more -readily acted upon, and rendered soluble than in any other condition. - -This Prussian blue may then be placed in evaporating dishes, and -gently dried. To form the Prussian blue, so operated upon, into a -solution, oxalic acid is added, and carefully mixed with it, after -which cold water is added (cold distilled water is best) a little at -a time, making it into a dense or dilute solution, according to the -color required. The quantity of oxalic acid may vary according to the -quantity of water used. It will be found that the Prussian blue that -has undergone the process of digestion, as described, requires but a -small quantity of oxalic acid to dissolve it: about one part of oxalic -acid will dissolve six parts of Prussian blue, the weight taken before -digesting in the acid. This will answer for a concentrated solution, -but for a dilute solution more acid will be required. - -(TO BE CONTINUED.) - -{317} - - -VARIA—EDITORIAL. - -QUINIDINE.—Sulphate of quinidine is advertised, “eo nomine,” for -sale in the London Journals. What we get, as yet, occurs only as an -adulteration of the sulphate of quinine. The same virtues, and to an -equal extent, are ascribed by the advertisers to the new article, -that are possessed by quinine. We do not know what authority there is -for this statement, but it is exceedingly desirable that careful and -well conducted experiments should be made to determine the properties -and relative value of quinidine, quinoidine, and cinchonine. The -great importance of quinine and its immense and constantly increasing -consumption, long ago created a well founded anxiety lest the sources -whence we obtain it should become exhausted or materially diminished. -If the allied alkaloids will in any degree replace it, it is a fact -of the highest value. Quinidine, in particular, is contained in some -varieties of bark in which little or no quinine is found, and if the -statements which have been made of the identity of its effects with -quinine, probably without any better foundation than the closeness -of resemblance of the two substances, should prove correct, the -destruction of the cinchona Calisaya which is going on, may be in some -measure stayed. - - -EXTRACT OF BARK.—A new article has appeared in our markets under the -name of Extract of Bark. The specimen that came under our observation -was a dark brown substance, homogenous, and about the consistence -of dry opium. It was very little soluble in water, much more so in -alcohol, and completely so in diluted sulphuric acid. From chemical -examination it would appear to contain about 46 per cent of quinine, -with perhaps traces of quinidine and cinchonine. At the price at which -we hear it is offered it will be sought for by the manufacturers of -sulphate of quinine. - - -SYRUP OF TURPENTINE.—M. Trousseau often uses the syrup of turpentine -in chronic catarrh of the bladder and the lungs, in old copious -suppurations, etc., but as the standard works contain no formula, the -preparation intended is not always obtained. {318} - -The following is the formula which has been published by M. Dorvault, -according to the indications furnished by M. Trousseau, as being at -once the most rational, and as furnishing a product preferable in all -respects to that of the two formulæ given in the officine. - - Turpentine,[24] 100 grammes. - Water, 375 grammes. - -Digest during two days, taking care to agitate frequently; afterwards -make a syrup after the manner of the balsam of Tolu, by adding - - White sugar, 750 grammes. - -This syrup contains besides the resinous principles, the nature of -which is not well ascertained, from 1-40 to 1-100 of its weight of the -essence of Turpentine. - -It is limpid, of an aromatic odor—very sweet, and of an agreeable -taste; it may be employed pure, or used to sweeten appropriate drinks. - -Dose: from one to a number of tablespoonsful per day.—_Bulletin de -Therap._ - -[24] The turpentine recommended by M. Dorvault is a variety of the -Strasburg turpentine, having an agreeable odor of lemon. - - -ALOINE.—Our readers will recollect that Dr. Pereira has found Aloine, -the chrystalline neutral principle recently discovered in Barbadoes -aloes, by Mr. Smith of Edinburgh, in Socotorine aloe juice, (New -York Journal of Pharmacy, No. 6, p. 177.) Since then Mr. Smith has -succeeded in procuring it from Socotorine aloes. It was much longer in -crystallizing than when obtained from Barbadoes aloes, but did so at -last. When the impure product is recrystallized from rectified spirits -it presents the same appearance as the purified crystal of Barbadoes -aloes (the crystals obtained by Dr. Pereira which were spontaneously -deposited from the juice, were much smaller) and seems identical with -that substance. It has not yet been obtained from Cape aloes, but -undoubtedly exists in that substance, though probably from its inferior -activity in much smaller quantity. - -Aloine has been introduced into the practice of medicine in Edinburgh, -and the Messrs. Smith have already (June) sold a quarter of a hundred -weight of it. It is five times more active than good aloes—a single -grain producing all the effect of a large aloetic pill; the Edinburgh -physicians describe it as acting “_tuto, cito, et jucunde_,” safely, -speedily, and pleasantly. If this is meant altogether seriously, in the -second of the characteristics it presents a marked contrast with the -crude drug. From the convenience with which it may be exhibited, it -bids fair to come into general and extensive use. - - -_Action of Sulphuric Acid on the insoluble residue left by Opium, -exhausted by water. Formation of a new Alkaloid, by_ M. STANISLAS -MARTIN.—The smallest object added to a kaleidoscope produces new shades -and different images; so it is {319} with vegetable chemistry; every -practical man knows that a foreign body, an hours delay in executing -a work already commenced, changes the nature of the products. Two -experiments on the inert residue of opium, exhausted by water give -another illustration of this truth. - -The residue of opium submitted to fermentation, affords us a substance -which has a great analogy to paramorphia; this substance has since been -studied by M. A. Guergy. The account of the labor of that chemist has -been reproduced in the review of the Journal de Pharmacie, 1849. - -Our second operation consists in treating the residue of opium -exhausted by water, with water acidulated with sulphuric acid. The -result is the formation of an alkali which has many of the chemical -properties of narcotine, but which differs from it completely by its -insolubility in ether. - -This alkali has no relation with codeine or narceine; besides we obtain -an extractive matter, soluble in all proportions in water, to which it -communicates the property of frothing like soap. - -The following is the method of proceeding. The residue of opium, -exhausted with water, is boiled in distilled water acidulated with -sulphuric acid, after ten minutes ebullition it has the appearance of a -thick magma; it is strained with strong expression; when the colature -is cold it is filtered through paper. - -The colature is highly colored; its odor is similar to that of opium, -its taste is exceedingly bitter. - -Ammonia is added until litmus paper is no longer altered; the liquid is -filtered, the precipitate washed with distilled water, and permitted to -dry; afterwards it is boiled with a sufficient quantity of rectified -alcohol and again filtered. The alcoholic solution deposits on cooling, -numerous needle like crystals, colored by a brownish bitter resin. It -is purified in the ordinary manner. - -What are the therapeutic properties of this alkaloid, of the extractive -saponaceous matter, and of the brown bitter resin! Do they partake of -the properties of opium? We know not; the physician alone can determine -their value.—_Bulletin de Therapeutique._ - - -GELATINIZATION OF THE TINCTURE OF RHATANY.—Mr. Editor,—Some years -ago having occasion to prepare some saturated Tincture of Rhatany, -about eighteen, ounces were put aside in a glass stoppered bottle. -The tincture being examined but a short time since, was found to be -gelatinized, as is generally the case with old tincture of kino. Having -never seen such a change before, I sought information, and ascertained -through the United States Dispensatory that a French Pharmaceutist -in Paris has remarked the same phenomenon, What is the cause of this -remarkable change, attended as it is, with the loss of astringency? -Is it not, perhaps, caused by the same action which produces peculiar -exudation from the bark of certain trees possessed of tannin, retaining -it for a {320} while and afterwards, when cut up in logs, losing their -tanning properties and exuding a species of ulmine? Is it not the same -process which takes place in the decomposition of the kino and rhatany? -But why is catechu exempt from such a decomposition? If you can -enlighten me, and especially can explain how to prevent this change, -you will much oblige myself and numerous readers. - - -LIST OF DELEGATES TO THE CONVENTION.—On the Sixth of this month the -National Convention will meet in Philadelphia, and we see that our -Philadelphia friends, with a reference to the convenience of the -Delegates, have fixed upon 4 o’clock in the afternoon as the hour for -assembling. The meeting will be held in the Hall of the College of -Pharmacy, in Zane Street, above Seventh, which has been placed at the -disposal of the Convention. As far as heard from, the following is a -list of Delegates:― - - _Philadelphia College of Pharmacy_, - DANIEL B. SMITH, - CHARLES ELLIS, - WILLIAM PROCTER, JR., - - _Massachusetts College of Pharmacy_, - JOSEPH BURNETT, - SAMUEL COLCORD, - SAMUEL R. PHILBRICK, - - _Richmond Pharmaceutical Society_, - ALEXANDER DUVAL, - JOHN PURCEL, - JOSEPH LAIDLEY, - - _Maryland College of Pharmacy_, - GEORGE W. ANDREWS, - DAVID STEWART, M. D. - - _Cincinnatti College of Pharmacy_, - WILLIAM B. CHAPMAN, - EDWARD S. WAYNE, - CHARLES A. SMITH, - - _College of Pharmacy of the City of New York_, - GEORGE D. COGGESHALL, - L. S. HASKELL, - JOHN MEAKIM. - -{321} - - - - -NEW YORK - -JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - -NOVEMBER, 1852. - - -ACCIDENTAL SUBSTITUTION OF EXTRACT OF BELLADONNA FOR EXTRACT OF -DANDELION. - -PROSECUTION OF THE MANUFACTURER. - - In the Court of Appeals, - - SAMUEL THOMAS, JR. AND MARY ANN THOMAS, HIS WIFE, - - _Against_ HOSEA WINCHESTER. - - RUGGLES, _Chief Judge_. - -This action was brought to recover damages from the defendant for -negligently putting up, labelling and selling as and for the extract -of _dandelion_, which is a simple and harmless medicine, a jar of -the extract of _belladonna_, which is a deadly poison; by means of -which the plaintiff, Mary Ann Thomas, to whom, being sick, a dose of -dandelion was prescribed by a physician, and a portion of the contents -of the jar was administered as and for the extract of dandelion, was -greatly injured, &c. - -The facts proved were briefly these: Mrs. Thomas being in ill health, -her physician prescribed for her a dose of dandelion. Her husband -purchased what was believed to be the medicine prescribed, at the store -of Dr. Foord, a physician and druggist in Cazenovia, Madison County, -where the plaintiffs reside. - -A small quantity of the medicine thus purchased, was administered -to Mrs. Thomas, on whom it produced very alarming effects; such as -coldness of the surface and extremities, feebleness of circulation, -spasms of the muscles, giddiness of the head, dilation of the pupils -of the eyes, and derangement of mind. She recovered, however, after -some time, from its effects, although, for a short time, her life was -thought to be in {322} great danger. The medicine administered was -_belladonna_, and not dandelion. - -The jar from which it was taken was labelled “_1/2lb. Dandelion, -prepared by A. Gilbert, No. 108 John Street, N. Y. Jar 8.02_.” It was -sold for, and delivered by Dr. Foord, to be the extract of dandelion as -labelled. Dr. Foord purchased the article as the extract of dandelion, -from James S. Aspinwall, a druggist at New York. Aspinwall bought it of -the defendant as extract of dandelion, believing it to be such. - -The defendant was engaged at No. 108 John Street, New York, in the -manufacture and sale of certain vegetable extracts for medicinal -purposes, and in the purchase and sale of others. The extracts -manufactured by him were put up in jars for sale, and those which he -purchased, were put up by him in like manner. The jars containing -extracts manufactured by himself, and those containing extracts -purchased by him from others, were labelled alike. Both were labelled -like the jar in question, as “prepared by A. Gilbert.” Gilbert was -a person employed by the defendant, at a salary, as an assistant in -his business. The jars were labelled in Gilbert’s name because he had -been previously engaged in the same business, on his own account, at -No. 108 John Street, and probably because Gilbert’s labels rendered -the articles more saleable. The extract contained in the jar sold to -Aspinwall, and by him to Foord, was not manufactured by the defendant, -but was purchased by him from another manufacturer or dealer. The -extract of dandelion and the extract of belladonna resemble each -other in color, consistence, smell and taste, but may, on careful -examination, be distinguished, the one from the other, by those who are -well acquainted with these articles. Gilbert’s labels were paid for by -Winchester, and used in his business, with his knowledge and assent. - -The defendant’s counsel moved for a nonsuit on the following grounds:― - -1. That the action could not be sustained, as the defendant was the -remote vender of the article in question, and there was {323} no -connexion, transaction, or privity between him and the plaintiffs, or -either of them. - -2. That this action sought to charge the defendant with the -consequences of the negligence of Aspinwall and Foord. - -3. That the plaintiffs were liable to, and chargeable with the -negligence of Aspinwall and Foord, and therefore could not maintain -this action. - -4. That according to the testimony Foord was chargeable with -negligence, and that the plaintiffs therefore could not sustain this -suit against the defendant; if they could sustain a suit at all, it -would be against Foord only. - -5. That this suit, being brought for the benefit of the wife, and -alleging her as the meritorious cause of action, cannot be sustained. - -6. That there was not sufficient evidence of negligence in the -defendant to go to the jury. - -The Judge overruled the motion for a nonsuit, and the defendant’s -counsel excepted. - -The Judge, among other things, charged the jury that if they should -find from the evidence that either Aspinwall or Foord were guilty of -negligence in vending as and for dandelion the extract taken by Mrs. -Thomas, or that the plaintiff Thomas, or those who administered it to -Mrs. Thomas, were chargeable with negligence in administering it, the -plaintiffs were not entitled to recover; but if they were free from -negligence, and if the defendant Winchester was guilty of negligence in -putting up and vending the extracts in question, the plaintiffs were -entitled to recover, provided the extract administered to Mrs. Thomas -was the same which was put up by the defendant and sold by him to -Aspinwall, and by Aspinwall to Foord. - -That if they should find the defendant liable, the plaintiffs in -this action were entitled to recover damages only for the personal -injury and suffering of the wife, and not for loss of service, medical -treatment, or expense to the husband, and that the recovery should be -confined to the actual damages suffered by the wife. {324} - -The action was properly brought in the name of the husband and wife, -for the personal injury and suffering of the wife, and the case was -left to the jury, with the proper directions on that point. _1 Chitty -on Pleadings. 62 ed. of 1828._ - -The case depends on the first point taken by the defendant on his -motion for a nonsuit; and the question is whether the defendant, -being a remote vender of the medicine, and there being no privity or -connexion between him and the plaintiffs, the action can be maintained. - -If in labelling a poisonous drug with the name of a harmless medicine -for public market, no duty was violated by the defendant, excepting -that which he owed to Aspinwall, his immediate vender, in virtue of -his contract of sale, this action cannot be maintained. If A build a -wagon and sell it to B, who sells it to C, and C hires it to D, who, -in consequence of the gross negligence of A in building the wagon, -is overturned and injured. D cannot recover damages against A, the -builder.—A’s obligation to build the wagon faithfully, arises solely -out of his contract with B. The public have nothing to do with it. -Misfortune to third persons, not parties to the contract, would not be -a natural and necessary consequence of the builder’s negligence; and -such negligence is not an act immediately dangerous to human life. - -So for the same reason, if a horse be defectively shod by a smith, -and a person hiring the horse from the owner is thrown and injured in -consequence of the smith’s negligence in shoeing, the smith is not -liable for the injury. The smith’s duty in such case grows exclusively -out of his contract with the owner of the horse; it was a duty which -the smith owed him alone, and to no one else. And, although the injury -to the rider may have happened in consequence of the negligence of -the smith, the latter was not bound, either by his contract or by any -considerations of public policy or safety, to respond for his breach of -duty to any one except the person he contracted with. - -This was the ground on which the case of _Winterbotham vs. Wright. -10 Mees and Wellsby, 109_, was decided. A {325} contracted with the -Post Master General to provide a coach to convey the mail bags along -a certain line of road, and B and others also contracted to horse the -coach along the same line. B and his co-contractors hired C, who was -the plaintiff, to drive the coach. The coach, in consequence of some -latent defect, broke down; the plaintiff was thrown from his seat, and -lamed. It was held that C could not maintain an action against A for -the injury thus sustained. The reason of the decision is best stated by -Baron Rolfe. A’s duty to keep the coach in good condition was a duty to -the Post Master General, with whom he made his contract, and not a duty -to the driver employed by the owners of the horses. - -But the case in hand stands on a different ground. The defendant was a -dealer in poisonous drugs. Gilbert was his agent in preparing them for -market; the death, or great bodily harm of some person was the natural -and almost inevitable consequence of the sale of belladonna by means -of the false label.—Gilbert, the defendant’s agent, would have been -punishable for manslaughter if Mrs. Thomas had died in consequence of -taking the falsely labelled medicine. Every man who, by his culpable -negligence, causes the death of another, although without intent to -kill, is guilty of manslaughter. 2 _R. S._ 662. § 19. A chemist who -negligently sells laudanum in a phial labelled as paregoric, and -thereby causes the death of a person to whom it is administered, is -guilty of manslaughter. _Tessymond’s case, 1 Lewins’ crown cases, -169._ “So highly does the law value human life that it admits of no -justification wherever life has been lost, and the carelessness or -negligence of one person has contributed to the death of another.” -_Regina vs. Swindall, 2 Car. and Kir. 232–3._ And this rule applies -not only where the death of one is occasioned by the negligent act -of another, but where it is caused by the negligent omission of a -duty of that other. _2 Car. and Kir. 368–371._ Although the defendant -Winchester may not be answerable, criminally, for the negligence of -his agent, there can be no doubt of his liability in a civil action, -in which the act of the agent is to be regarded {326} as the act of -the principal. In respect to the wrongful and criminal character of the -negligence complained of, this case differs widely from those put by -the defendant’s counsel. No such imminent danger existed in those cases. - -In the present case the sale of the poisonous article was made to a -dealer in drugs, and not to a consumer. The injury, therefore, was not -likely to fall on him, or on his vendee who was also a dealer; but much -more likely to be visited on a remote purchaser, as actually happened. -The defendant’s negligence put human life in imminent danger. Can it -be said that there was no duty on the part of the defendant to avoid -the creation of that danger by the exercise of greater caution. Or, -that the exercise of that caution was a duty only to his immediate -vendee, whose life was not endangered? The defendant’s duty arose out -of the nature of his business, and the danger to others incident to its -mismanagement. Nothing but mischief like that which actually happened -could have been expected from sending the poison falsely labelled into -the market; and the defendant is justly responsible for the propable -consequences of the act. - -The duty of exercising caution in this respect did not arise out of -the defendant’s contract of sale to Aspinwall. The wrong done by the -defendant was in putting the poison mislabelled into the hands of -Aspinwall, as an article of merchandize to be sold and afterwards -used as the extract of _dandelion_ by some person then unknown. The -owner of a horse and cart, who leaves them unattended in the street, -is liable for any damage which may result from his negligence. _Lynch -vs. Mordon, 1 ad. and Ellis, U. S. 29, 5 Car. and Payne 190._ _Illidge -vs. Goodwin._ The owner of a loaded gun, who puts it into the hands -of a child by whose indiscretion it is discharged, is liable for -the damage occasioned by the discharge. _5 Maule and Sel. 198._ The -defendant’s contract of sale to Aspinwall does not excuse the wrong -done to plaintiffs. It was a part of the means by which the wrong was -effected. The plaintiffs injury and their remedy would have stood on -the same {327} principle, if the defendant had given the _belladonna_ -to Dr. Foord without price; or, if he had put it in his shop without -his knowledge, under circumstances which would propably have led to its -sale, on the faith of the label. - -In _Longmead vs. Holliday, 6 Law and Eq. Rep. 562_, the distinction is -recognized between an act of negligence imminently dangerous to the -lives of others, and one that is not so. In the former case, the party -guilty of the negligence is liable to the party injured, whether there -be a contract between them or not; in the latter, the negligent party -is liable only to the party with whom he contracted, and on the ground -that negligence is a breach of the contract. - -The defendant on the trial insisted that Aspinwall and Foord were -guilty of negligence in selling the article in question for what it -was represented to be in the label; and that the suit if it could -be sustained at all, should have been brought against Foord. The -judge charged the jury that if they or either of them were guilty of -negligence in selling the _belladonna_ for _dandelion_, the verdict -must be for the defendant, and left the question of their negligence to -the jury, who found on that point for the plaintiff. If the case really -depended on the point thus raised, the question was properly left to -the jury. But, I think it did not. The defendant by affixing the label -to the jar represented its contents to be _dandelion_, and to have -been “prepared” by his agent Gilbert. The word “prepared” on the label -must be understood to mean that the article was manufactured by him, -or that it had passed through some process under his hand, which would -give him personal knowledge of its true name and quality. Whether Foord -was justified in selling the article upon the faith of the defendant’s -label, would have been an open question in an action by the plaintiffs -against him; and I wish to be understood as giving no opinion on that -point. But it seems to me to be clear, that the defendant cannot in -this case set up as a defence that Foord sold the contents of the jar -as and for what the defendant represented it to be. The label conveyed -the idea distinctly to Foord that the contents of the {328} jar was -the extract of _dandelion_, and that the defendant knew it to be such. -So far as the defendant is concerned, Foord was under no obligation -to test the truth of the representation. The charge of the judge in -submitting to the jury the question in relation to the negligence of -Foord and Aspinwall, cannot be complained of by the defendant. - -Judgment Affirmed. - - A Copy. H. R. SELDEN, _State Reporter_. - -MEM.—The original verdict against Winchester was $800; the costs of -appeal, &c. swelled the amount to near $1,400, which was paid by -Winchester. - - -NOTES IN PHARMACY, No. 5. - -BY BENJAMIN CANAVAN. - - -SUCCI INSPISSATI PER AERE SICCO.—I take occasion again to notice these -preparations, for the reason, that I perceive from a note, by the -Editor of this Journal, appended to an article on “Cicuta,” &c., in -the last (September) number: that he considers the extracts of Messrs. -Tilden or Currie, superior to the best English extracts he has seen. I -think, however, that on reflection, he will agree with me that those -prepared by means of a current of dried air—some of which so made have -been imported and used here—must particularly, when there is anything -volatile about them,—be superior to all others; indeed, so favorably -am I inclined to regard this process, that I think the profession, -medical and pharmaceutical, should _demand_ its adoption by those -engaged in the business of preparing extracts; until which is the case, -I shall feel it incumbent upon me to use the imported article, as I -have been in the habit of doing. Moreover, the relative virosity of -the _narcotic plants_ of the {329} American and European continents -are still in favor of the latter, although, if recent researches are -to be depended upon, the difference is not so great as was supposed. -Mr. Currie, I believe, prepares some at least, if not all his extracts -with imported herbs, and in vacuo, and they are therefore the best made -here; but these are the _dried_ herbs, and cannot afford as good an -extract, ceteris paribus, as when the fresh plant is used. The English -extracts of indigenous plants are, strictly speaking, _inspissated -juices_, according to the _London Pharmacopœia_. The juice of a plant -inspissated by air alone, and that quickly too, must be tantamount in -its properties to the fresh plant whence obtained, so far as we are at -present aware, or at least to the same, dried in the same equally safe -manner; wherefore, I consider them preferable to all other preparations -of the family of Extracts.[25] - -[25] Mr. Canavan mistakes—the assertion was that the Extract of Conium, -prepared by Tilden or by Currie, was superior to the best English -Extract of that article we have seen, and a comparison of the odor of -the two articles, under the influence of a little liquor potassae, will -readily convince the observer of its correctness. The question as to -the other Extracts is one of great interest, and we still believe it -awaits a satisfactory solution.—[ED.] - - -SANGUINARINA.—Having been called upon to prepare some of this article, -I undertook to do so by the process said to have been adopted by Mr. -Dana, viz.: displacing the root with dilute acetic acid; precipitating -by ammonica; boiling with purified animal charcoal; treating with -alcohol, and finally evaporating the alcoholic solution, by which I -obtained from two ounces of the root, about twenty grains only, having -the sensible properties of the article very strongly, and being of a -reddish brown color, assuming, when finely pulverized, an ochreish -hue. It has been described as a “white, pearly substance,” which it -might have become by more perfect discoloration, or the use of a -different acid. The liquor from which it was precipitated, lost its -peculiar taste, but not all its color, showing that the color of the -root does not depend altogether on this principle, as was supposed. -The article in question has been used by one practitioner, who stated -it to have met his expectations, administered in doses of one sixth of -a grain. The preparation in question is a very desirable one, as the -objectionable taste of the ordinary preparations is a frequent bar to -their use. - - -ALOINE.—On this subject it may be well to mark the fact, {330} that -the officinal “ext. aloe purificat,” presents the active property of -the aloes, freed from its griping quality, (though this is doubted; but -the same doubt would seem to apply to aloine.) It is, however, about -twice the strength of the crude extract, and is generally used when the -“tuto cito et jucunde” effect is desired. The change which is supposed -to take place in the aloine, from the heat used in the preparation of -the purified extract, would only—according to the Messrs. Smith of -Edinburg—prevent its crystallization, and therefore the extract should -be equally advantageous, except, perhaps, in regard of bulk, which is -not a very _great_ object. - - -ZIMMER TEST FOR QUINIDINE.—In employing this test, some modification -of the original directions is necessary, in order to success. The -word _drop_ is used, but it is doubtful whether _minim_ may not be -meant, and if not, the difference in density of the liquids used would -prevent our getting, by dropping, the correct quantities. This I found -to be the case, and to save future trouble I give the minutiæ of the -experiment as I performed it, with success; no evidence of the presence -of quinidine being shown, as was expected: - - ℞ Aquae gtt. xxiij. - Acid. Sulph. C. P. gtt. vi. - Aether Sulph. _concentr._ gtt. lx. - Aquae Ammonia F. F. F. gtt. xx. - -Et agita bene. - -In each instance, the drops were allowed to fall from the lip of an -ordinary quart tincture bottle, except the sulphuric acid, which was -contained in a small pint tincture bottle, and of which I used _three -times the number of drops_ directed; the drops being about one third -the size of a drop of distilled water, which was shown to be correct, -by the necessity for that quantity to effect a solution which took -place without the aid of external heat. With regard to this matter of -drops, it is a considerable eyesore. I would recommend to apothecaries, -(perhaps it might be deemed worthy of the action of the convention), -to agree upon some standard _size_ for the {331} drop,—say that of -a drop of distilled water, under definite circumstances. It is true, -we have a measure; but it is for minims not for drops, whilst in this -way, by a little practice, the eye might be accustomed to the proper -size of the drop, so that there would be little or no difficulty in -obtaining an exact result, by increasing or diminishing the number of -drops, according to the proportional size of its drop, to the standard -one. Of course, when I speak of “keeping the drop in the eye,” I do not -mean to imply anything incompatible with the Maine Liquor Law. I speak -aquatically, not _spiritually_. - - -NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION. - -According to the arrangement which had previously been announced, -the National Convention met in Philadelphia, on Wednesday the 6th of -October, at 4 P. M. In the absence of Dr. Guthrie, the President, the -Convention was organized by the appointment of Mr. Coggeshall, of New -York, as President _pro tempore_; Mr. A. B. Taylor, of Philadelphia, -as acting Secretary. A committee was then appointed by the Chair, -consisting of Messrs. Ellis, of Philadelphia, Colcord, of Boston, and -Laidley, of Richmond, to examine the credentials of the delegates -present; and to report a resolution in regard to the admission of such -apothecaries as might be present, who, though not {332} delegated by -any incorporated institution, desired to attend the Convention. - -The committee reported that satisfactory credentials had been presented -by the following gentlemen:― - -_From the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy_—Joseph Burnett, Samuel M. -Colcord, Dr. Samuel R. Philbrick. - -_From the College of Pharmacy, of the City of New York_—George D. -Coggeshall, L. S. Haskell, John Meakim. - -_From the Richmond Pharmaceutical Society_—Alexander Duvall, John -Purcell, Joseph Laidley. - -_From the Cincinnatti College of Pharmacy_—William B. Chapman, Charles -Augustus Smith, Edward S. Wayne. - -_From the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy-_-Daniel B. Smith, Charles -Ellis, William Procter, Jr. - -_From the Maryland College of Pharmacy_—Dr. David Stewart, George W. -Andrews. - -Henry F. Fish, of Waterbury, Connecticut, as the representative of -the apothecaries and druggists of Hartford county, Connecticut. The -following resolution was also offered by the committee:― - -_Resolved_, That those gentlemen whose interest in the object of the -Convention has induced them to meet with us on this occasion, be -invited to take seats in the Convention, and fully participate in its -proceedings. - -The report and resolutions were adopted, and the committee continued to -act on claims of delegates, and others not yet arrived. - -After the roll had been called, the following gentlemen were invited to -seats in the convention, viz.:― - - CHARLES L. BACHE, of San Francisco, California. - EUGENE DUPUY, of New York. - EDWARD PARRISH and ALFRED B. TAYLOR, Of Philadelphia. - -A committee, consisting of one from each delegation, was {333} -then chosen to nominate officers for the Convention, and on their -nomination, the following gentlemen were duly elected:― - - DANIEL B. SMITH, of Philadelphia, PRESIDENT. - GEORGE W. ANDREWS, of Baltimore, - SAMUEL M. COLCORD, of Boston, - C. AUGUSTUS SMITH, of Cincinnati, VICE PRESIDENTS. - GEORGE D. COGGESHALL, of New York, RECORDING SECRETARY. - WILLIAM PROCTER, JR., of Philadelphia, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY. - -After the officers had taken their seats, the following report was -presented by the committee appointed at the Convention, held the -previous year at New York, “To act as a standing committee, to collect -such information as maybe deemed valuable, together with memorials -and suggestions from Medical and Pharmaceutical Associations to be -presented to the next Convention.” - -“The undersigned, a committee appointed at the Convention, held -last year in New York, and instructed “To collect and receive such -information as may be valuable, and memorials and suggestions from -Medical and Pharmaceutical Associations, to be presented to the next -Convention,” respectfully report: That in the period that has elapsed -since their appointment—notwithstanding the fact of their readiness -to receive any communications, having been duly announced—they -have received no contributions towards the end or object of their -appointment, except those relating to the inspection of drugs. They -have, however, not been unmindful of the duty imposed upon them, and -now offer the following suggestions, as tending to aid the business of -the Convention, in so far as they exhibit some of the more prominent -subjects, worthy of its serious deliberation and action. - -1st, The number of pharmaceutists constituting the professional body in -the United States is large, comprehends all grades of qualifications, -and extends to every city and town in the country. The professed -object of the present Convention being to adopt measures calculated to -benefit this large body of citizens, in a professional point of view, -by showing that there exist many grounds of sympathy between them, -notwithstanding the present want of united action; we believe, that the -institution of a national association, whose members may come from all -sections of the body, is calculated to enlist this feeling of {334} -brotherhood, and direct its power, as a reforming force, towards the -elevation of the average standard of qualification now existing. In -view of this, it is suggested, whether the passage of a resolution by -this Convention, resolving itself into a National Association, should -not properly engage its attention at its commencement, so that the -important details of forming a Constitution—explaining the nature of -its organization, &c. &c., might receive the deliberate consideration -they merit, before being adopted. - -As the basis upon which the Association will rest, will be the -decision as to what shall constitute a member, we believe its ultimate -usefulness will very much depend on the character of this decision, and -we cannot refrain from presenting some reflections on the subject. - -The inefficiency or inadequacy of the present basis, viz.:—Delegates -from incorporated and unincorporated societies is here demonstrated, -by the small number who have been appointed in answer to the call; at -least, this must be true, so long as the process of local organization -is so dilatory. The aim should be, to enlist as much as possible of the -talent now engaged in the pharmaceutical ranks. - -We think, therefore, that membership in the proposed association -should be of a representative character, to as full an extent as -practicable. Colleges and societies of pharmacy should, of course, -send delegates. Then, provision should be made for the apothecaries, -in cities and towns where no society exists, whereby they may send -representatives, to the extent of one for every ten apothecaries, in -such places; each representative to bring with him a certificate from -his constituents. Finally, to provide for the admission of isolated -individuals, who may not have neighbors sufficient to entitle them to -act as representatives, but who feel an interest in the association. -Power should be given to the committee, on credentials, under certain -restrictions. - -The formation of the constitution, and the preparation of a code -of ethics applicable to the present condition of the profession; -sufficiently stringent to elevate the members above many things now too -prevalent, and yet not so binding as to exclude a large number, who, -though well disposed, are unable to free themselves from participation -in acts contrary to the highest standard, without a sacrifice greater -than could be expected of them, should engage the wisest action of the -Convention, to render them practicable in their working. {335} - -2nd, The subject of _Pharmaceutical Education_ is, in the opinion -of this committee, one of great importance, and deserving of the -consideration of the committee, in several points of view. Indeed, -the primary object of the Convention being called, was in reference -to the improvement of the standard practice throughout the country; -and this cannot be effected without extending the present means of -education, either by schools, or by an increase of facilities, offered -by proprietors to their apprentices and assistants. In too many -instances the proprietors are illy fitted to extend to those whom they -have engaged to teach the business of a Pharmaceutist the tuition that -of right belongs to them. As schools of pharmacy are of gradual growth, -and cannot be expected to exist, except in large cities, the Convention -would do well to consider what subsidiary means may be enlisted to -reach those of our brethren who reside in small towns. One of the -first of these collateral aids will be found in local organizations, -embracing the proprietors in such towns where, by a union of their -exertions and contributions they may encourage pharmaceutical -literature, by forming libraries, and uphold among themselves correct -practice,—the employment only of good drugs, and the receipt of fair -prices. - -In France, where but three pharmaceutical schools exist, there are -such societies in all large towns, which have halls and libraries, -where their young men and apprentices have opportunities for gaining -knowledge; and laboratories wherein they occasionally perform -operations not easily executed with the instruments and utensils most -usually found in shop laboratories. If such associations can be formed -by the proprietors, they will soon influence the apprentices, and thus -effect the object aimed at, to a great extent. - -The superior advantages of tuition in well conducted schools of -pharmacy will not be doubted, especially, when it is preceded by -several years shop practice. Access to these, by young men at a -distance, can always be had, when their circumstances enable them to -attend, and thus finish their pharmaceutical education. The perfection -of a school of pharmacy is attained by attaching to it a practical -laboratory, wherein the advanced pupils can have an opportunity to -become familiar with the more difficult manipulations of pharmaceutical -chemistry, and of extemporaneous pharmacy. As yet, neither of the -schools in this country have that addition, which arises from the fact, -that the expense of conducting them, renders their support by the fees -{336} of the pupils almost impossible. We think the voice of the -Convention should be raised to encourage the formation of such schools, -and also, to advocate the practice of preparing chemicals in the shop -laboratory. - -3rd, The apprenticeship system, which obtains, in many parts of the -United States, is a subject worthy the consideration of the Convention. -The conditions, conducing to mutual advantage, between the employer -and the employed, are not sufficiently attended to in general. -Proprietors often do not consider the fitness of applicants, both -as regards natural endowments and preliminary education, with that -care and attention that a due regard to such applicants demands; and -consequently, a large number of inefficient apothecaries are entailed -upon the country—inefficient from lack of talent, or from disgust at -a business for which they have no inclination. More attention to the -claims of apprentices, on the _teaching_ of their employers, should be -advocated by the Convention as due to the former, as advantageous to -the latter, and eventually to the profession. - -4th, The committee believe that the subject of _secret medicines_, or -quackery, as applied to Pharmacy, together with the course usually -followed by quacks, in bringing their nostrums into notice, is becoming -yearly more fraught with ill consequences, both to the consumers and -the apothecaries, and merits the consideration of the Convention, as -to whether the reference of the subject to a committee to investigate, -would not result in some advantage. - -5th, The subject of the _inspection of imported drugs_, as regards -the _actual_ working of the law, is of deep interest to all. The -possibility of bringing the influence of this Convention to bear, in -regard to the continuance in office of able men, solely on the ground -of fitness, is worth consideration. The usefulness of this law rests -absolutely on the ability and conscientiousness of the inspector, and -if incumbents, perfectly satisfactory to those concerned, are removed -on political grounds, and replaced by inexperienced and unqualified -persons, it is apparent that the good results of the law will cease. - -Whatever may be the efficiency of the law against the importation of -inferior drugs, it will not reach those _at home_, who are disposed -to resort to adulteration as a means of increasing their profits. The -power of the General Government ceases with the Custom House. It will -be necessary in order to reach this evil effectually, as far as it can -be {337} done by legislation; to induce our State Legislatures and -Municipal Authorities to authorize some form of inspection by which -the delinquents can be reached; not the drug adulterator merely, but -the medicine adulterator—the apothecary who scruples not to reduce -the strength of standard medicines, that he may reduce his prices. -Whatever may be the proper course of this Convention, we believe that -eventually the National Association should urge, with all the force of -its influence, the enactment of State laws tending to the reformation -of these evils. - -6th, The general adoption of our _National Pharmacopœia_ as a guide -in the preparation of officinal medicines, is much to be desired. We -believe that this Convention should encourage its adoption, and should -request the publishers of that work to issue a small sized cheap -edition, so that every physician and apothecary shall have a copy. We -also believe that a fruitful source of variation in the preparations -of the shops, is the existence of a number of formulæ for the same -preparation, as found in the British Pharmacopœias parallel with that -of our own code, in the commentaries in general use. - -7th, The _indiscriminate sale of poisons_ by druggists and -apothecaries, as at present conducted, is a serious evil in the United -States. Any views which may originate in the Convention, tending to -abate this evil, would no doubt have some influence, if circulated by -its authority. - -8th, The separation of Pharmacy from the practice of Medicine, has long -been effected on the continent of Europe, by the direct interference -of the government, each profession being in the hands of a distinct -class of men. Inheriting, as we do, our medical institutions from -Great Britain, the confusion of interests which has long prevailed -there has in some measure descended to us; and many instances of -medical practitioners conducting apothecary shops, like the so-called -_apothecaries_ of England, exist among us. The increase of this class -in some localities has been marked of late years—a fact attributable -to the “undue multiplication of graduates in medicine, who, finding -the ranks of their profession so full as to render prospect of -immediate success doubtful, turn their attention towards Pharmacy, -as a subsidiary means of support. As these mongrel apothecaries too -frequently use their shops merely as stepping-stones to business, -they tend directly to depreciate the standard of practice on the one -hand, and tempt {338} young apothecaries, who are struggling against -the difficulties of an already excessive competition, to turn their -attention to medical practice with or without a diploma, as may suit -their circumstances or fancy, on the other, and thus complicate the -confusion. As pharmacy never will advance as it should, whilst this -amalgamation exists in cities and towns to any large extent, we -earnestly recommend to this Convention, that a voice may go forth at -its present session, calling attention to this growing evil. - -9th, Believing, that if the Pharmaceutists of the United States are -true to themselves, the Meetings of the Association, of which the -present may be considered the beginning, will annually increase in -interest and importance, we would suggest—what must have occurred to -many present—that they should be partially devoted to the advancement -of Pharmacy, as well as to the sciences on which it is based, by -inviting contributions of original papers, and by committing subjects -requiring investigation to suitable committees, who should report -the results of their researches at the ensuing Annual Meeting, -when, if they meet the approbation of the Association, it might -direct their publication. Participation in the proceedings of such -a gathering of their brethren, would prove a powerful incentive to -many pharmaceutists, whose tastes lead them into scientific paths, to -cultivate their talents by the pursuit of investigations fraught with -usefulness to their profession at home, and with honor to it abroad. - -And lastly, whatever may be the ultimate action of the Convention, -in relation to the subjects brought forward in this Report, we would -respectfully suggest that a full digest of its proceedings be directed -to be published, and largely circulated among the Pharmaceutists of the -United States, as calculated to do much good. - - (SIGNED,) - WILLIAM PROCTER, JR., - SAMUEL M. COLCORD, - GEO. D. COGGESHALL. COMMITTEE. - -The Second Meeting of this Association was mainly occupied in reading -and discussing a draft of a Constitution and code of Ethics. - -THIRD SITTING, October 7th, 4 o’clock, P. M. - -President in the chair. - -On the roll being called, the delegates generally were present. {339} - -The minutes of the preceding sitting were read and adopted. - -The President informed the Convention, that the Business Committee not -being ready to report, it was understood that Dr. Stewart, Examiner of -Drugs, &c., at the port of Baltimore, had some statements to offer in -regard to the working of the Drug Law at that port, and the Convention -assenting, requested him to proceed. - -Dr. Stewart stated, that as there had been some difference of opinion -among the Drug Examiners, as to the intention of the law in certain -cases, he desired the opinion of the Convention regarding the inferior -class of Cinchona Barks that came from Maracaibo, Carthagena, &c., -and other articles about which there is difference of opinion among -druggists. In illustration of the difficulties of the subject, he -remarked that one invoice of bark, that in a commercial point of view -was not esteemed, and which came invoiced at ten cents per pound, had -yielded, on analysis, two and a half per cent of cinchonine; whilst -Loxa bark, invoiced at thirty cents per pound, had afforded but a -fraction of one per cent. He considered the admission of the barks in -question as quite different from deteriorated or adulterated drugs, in -as much as they possessed a range of power which, though inferior to -the best Peruvian barks, was yet useful, and capable of application in -medicine. - -He therefore offered the following resolution: - -“Resolved, that it is the opinion of this Convention, that all -varieties of drugs, that are good of their kind, should be admitted by -the Special Examiners of drugs and medicines.” - -Pending the consideration of this resolution, Mr. Coggeshall informed -the Convention that Dr. Bailey, the Special Examiner of Drugs for -the port of New York, had furnished, at his request, a report on the -character of imported drugs, coming under his supervision, and on the -general working of the laws, which, by request, was read. (Published in -our last.) - -A similar report from Mr. Edward Hamilton, late Drug Examiner at the -port of Boston, communicated to Mr. S. M. Colcord, at his request, with -a view to its being presented to {340} this Convention, was also read. -(To be published in our next.) - -Dr. Stewart then opened the debate on the subject, arguing that drugs, -of whatever virtue or variety, so that they are good of their kind, -should be admitted. In reference to Barks he could say, that perhaps -a larger amount of the varieties of that drug came to the port of -Baltimore than any other. That the merchants in that trade were so -desirous of getting the best kinds, that it was quite usual for them -to import specimens by way of the Isthmus, and have them examined -before ordering their invoices, to ascertain whether they would pass -the Custom-house, that he had, (as Examiner at that port,) chemically -examined a large number of samples of the barks, both Peruvian and -Carthagena, and that the latter had invariably contained more or less -of alkaloids, and were generally of good quality, of their kind. - -He therefore considered the fact that a drug is, or may be used as an -adulteration for other drugs, should not exclude it if it is used to -any extent on its own merits. In illustration, Dr. Stewart remarked -that the Examiner might go on a vessel and observe, side by side, two -casks of oil, consigned to the same individual, one invoiced “cod liver -oil,” and the other “sperm oil.” On examination he finds that they are -what they purport to be; the suspicion would arise very naturally, -that the latter was to be used for adulterating the former, yet, -should sperm oil be excluded, because certain parties use it for an -adulteration? He thought not, and on the same grounds he considered -that the inferior barks and rhubarb should be admitted, although some -persons may use them for adulteration. - -At the request of the President, Professor Carson, of the University -of Pennsylvania, addressed the Convention on the subject before it. -He coincided generally with the views of Dr. Stewart, as regarded the -value of the drugs in question. He expressed the opinion that numerous -varieties of the so-called Carthagena and Maracaibo barks, were -possessed of decided medicinal virtue; that several kinds of European -rhubarb {341} were of much value in medicine, especially in times when -the officinal varieties are scarce, and that these drugs should all be -admitted, when not deteriorated or adulterated. - -Mr. Haskell, of New York, advocated the same views, more especially, -as related to English rhubarb, bringing forward the testimony of Dr. -Pereira, to the effect, that some specimens of Banbury rhubarb were -almost, if not fully equal to the Chinese drug, and they were here even -of rather higher price. He also stated, that a large demand existed in -this country for the yellow Carthagena barks, that the House, of which -he Was a member, sold large quantities in powder, and that the parties -purchasing it did so, knowing its origin. He was not aware of the use -to which it was put, but presumed that it was employed legitimately. - -Mr. Fisk, of Connecticut, stated, that through the part of New England -that he represented, considerable quantities of the barks in question -were used legitimately, as tonics; and that no instance of their being -used as an adulteration of the Peruvian barks had come to his knowledge. - -Mr. Coggeshall on the other side of the question, called the attention -of the Convention to the item in Dr. Bailey’s Report, showing that -three hundred thousand pounds of these barks had been rejected at the -port of New York, in about two years and a half. He argued that this -bark was not consumed there; that it was not used in the manufacture -of the alkaloids; that the allegation that it was used for making -tooth powders would hardly account for the great consumption of it, -and the question naturally arose for what purpose was it imported? He -believed that it was used extensively to grind with the Peruvian barks, -as an adulteration, and to make an inferior extract, which could be -done cheaply and profitably, and it was largely sold as an officinal -preparation, that many of the persons who came to our cities to buy -drugs, were not able to judge of their purity, and bought them without -asking any questions, save, as regarded price,—and so convinced was he -of the application of these false barks to these false purposes, {342} -that as a protective measure, in his opinion, they should be excluded. -And also, in regard to English and other European rhubarb, that the -argument of Professor Carson would not hold good while the markets were -so well supplied with the Russian and Chinese varieties, to which the -Banbury, regarded as the best of the European, was so very inferior. It -might be used as a dernier resort, but should only be so used. Entirely -independent of this argument, however, Mr. Coggeshall considered that -European rhubarb should be excluded, because of its peculiar adaptation -and general use as an adulteration, owing to its fine color, which -enables the adulterator to improve the appearance of the inferior -Chinese variety, to mix it with the Russian article in powder, without -depreciating its appearance; or, as it is notoriously done, to a great -extent, substitute it entirely for the true article. - -Mr. Colcord, of Boston, advocated the latter view, and hoped that the -Resolution would not pass. - -Other members of the Convention joined in the debate, after which, the -question was taken on the Resolution of Dr. Stewart, and it was lost. - -As the importance of the subject introduced by Dr. Stewart, was fully -appreciated by the Convention, at the same time that no direct course -of action seemed proper for it to pursue, the following Resolution was -offered by Mr. Smith, of Cincinnati, viz.: - -“Resolved, that the whole subject of the Inspection of Drugs shall be -referred to a Committee, who shall be instructed to confer with the -Examiners, and endeavor to arrive at some practicable means of fixing -standards for imported drugs.” - -The resolution was unanimously adopted, and Mr. Taylor, of -Philadelphia, Mr. Meakim, of New York, and Mr. Burnett, of Boston, were -appointed by the President, to carry it into effect. - -On motion of Mr. Procter, Dr. Stewart, of Baltimore, was added to the -Committee. - -[This Report is made up from the Report of the Executive Committee, -published in Philadelphia. The conclusion of the proceedings will be -given in our next.] - -{343} - - -OBSERVATIONS UPON A GENERAL METHOD FOR DETECTING THE ORGANIC ALKALOIDS -IN CASES OF POISONING. - -BY PROFESSOR STAS, OF BRUSSELS. - -Whatever certain authors may have said on the subject, it is possible -to discover in a suspected liquid all the alkaloids, in whatever state -they may be. I am quite convinced that every Chemist who has kept -up his knowledge as to analysis, will not only succeed in detecting -their presence, but even in determining the nature of that which he -has discovered, provided that the alkaloid in question is one of -that class of bodies, the properties of which have been suitably -studied. Thus he will be able to discover conia, nicotine, aniline, -picoline, petinine, morphine, codeine, narcotine, strychnine, brucine, -veratrine, colchicine, delphine, emetine, solanine, aconitine, -atropine, hyoscyamine. I do not pretend to say that the chemical study -of all these alkaloids has been sufficiently well made to enable the -experimenter who detects one of them to know it immediately, and affirm -that it is such an alkaloid, and not such another. Nevertheless, in -those even which he cannot positively determine or specify, he may -be able to say that it belongs to such a family of vegetables—the -Solanaceæ, for example. In a case of poisoning by such agents, even -this will be of much importance. The method which I now propose for -detecting the alkaloids in suspected matters, is nearly the same as -that employed for extracting those bodies from the vegetables which -contain them. The only difference consists in the manner of setting -them free, and of presenting them to the action of solvents. We know -that the alkaloids form acid salts, which are equally soluble in water -and alcohol; we know also that a solution of these acid salts can be -decomposed so that the base set at liberty remains either momentarily -or permanently in solution in the liquid. _I have observed that all -the solid and fixed alkaloids above enumerated, when maintained in a -free state_ {344} _and in solution in a liquid, can be taken up by -ether when this solvent is in sufficient quantity._ Thus, to extract -an alkaloid from a suspected substance, the only problem to resolve -consists in separating, by the aid of simple means, the foreign -matters, and then to find a base which, in rendering the alkaloid free, -retains it in solution, in order that the ether may extract it from -the liquid. Successive treatment by water and alcohol of different -degrees of concentration, suffices for separating the foreign matters, -and obtaining in a small bulk a solution in which the alkaloid can -be found. The bicarbonates of potash or soda, or these alkalies in -a caustic state, are convenient bases for setting the alkaloids at -liberty, at the same time keeping them wholly in solution, especially -if the alkaloids have been combined with an excess of tartaric or of -oxalic acid. - -To separate foreign substances, animal or otherwise, from the suspected -matters, recourse is commonly had to the tribasic acetate of lead, -and precipitating the lead afterwards by a current of sulphuretted -hydrogen. As I have several times witnessed, this procedure has many -and very serious inconveniences. In the first place, the tribasic -acetate of lead, even when used in large excess, comes far short of -precipitating all the foreign matters; secondly, the sulphuretted -hydrogen, which is used to precipitate the lead, remains in combination -with certain organic matters which undergo great changes by the action -of the air and of even a moderate heat; so that animal liquids which -have been precipitated by the tribasic acetate of lead, and from which -the lead has been separated afterwards by hydrosulphuric acid, color -rapidly on exposure to the air, and exhale at the same time a putrid -odor, which adheres firmly to the matters which we extract afterwards -from these liquids. The use of a salt of lead presents another -inconvenience, viz.: the introduction of foreign metals into the -suspected matters, so that that portion of the suspected substance is -rendered unfit for testing for mineral substances. The successive and -combined use of water and alcohol at different states of concentration, -{345} permits us to search for mineral substances, whatever be their -nature, so that in this way nothing is compromised, which is of immense -advantage when the analyst does not know what poison he is to look for. - -It is hardly necessary to say, that in medico-legal researches for the -alkaloids, we ought never to use animal charcoal for decolorizing the -liquids, because we may lose all the alkaloid in the suspected matters. -It is generally known that animal charcoal absorbs these substances at -the same time that it fixes the coloring and odoriferous matters. - -[This is no doubt true; we must not use animal charcoal to decolorize, -and then look for the alkaloid in the _liquid_, but we may use it, at -least in the case of strychnia and some of the non-volatile alkaloids, -to separate them, and then we look for them _in the charcoal_. See -notice of Graham and Hofmann’s Process for Detecting Strychnia: -_Monthly Journal_, Aug., 1852, p. 140; _Pharmaceutical Journal_, vol. -xi., p. 504, May, 1852.] - -The above observations do not proceed from speculative ideas only, but -are the result of a pretty long series of experiments which I have -several times employed for discovering these organic alkaloids. To put -in practice the principles which I have thus explained, the following -is the method in which I propose to set about such an analysis:—I -suppose that we wish to look for an alkaloid in the contents of the -stomach or intestines; we commence by adding to these matters twice -their weight of pure and very strong alcohol;[26] we add afterwards, -according to the quantity and nature of the suspected matter, from ten -to thirty grains of tartaric or oxalic acid—in preference tartaric; -we introduce the mixture into a flask, and heat it to 160° or 170° -Fahrenheit. After it has completely cooled it is to be filtered, the -insoluble residue washed with strong alcohol, and the {346} filtered -liquid evaporated in vacuo. If the operator has not an air-pump, the -liquid is to be exposed to a strong current of air at a temperature -of not more than 90° Fahrenheit. If, after the volatilization of the -alcohol, the residue contains fatty or other insoluble matters, the -liquid is to be filtered a second time, and then the filtrate and -washings of the filter evaporated in the air-pump till nearly dry. -If we have no air pump, it is to be placed under a bell-jar over a -vessel containing concentrated sulphuric acid. We are then to treat -the residue with cold anhydrous alcohol, taking care to exhaust the -substance thoroughly; we evaporate the alcohol in the open air at the -ordinary temperature, or still better, in vacuo; we now dissolve the -acid residue in the smallest possible quantity of water, and introduce -the solution into a small test-tube, and add little by little pure -powdered bicarbonate of soda or potash, till a fresh quantity produces -no further effervescence of carbonic acid. We then agitate the whole -with four or five times its bulk of pure ether, and leave it to settle. -When the ether swimming on the top is perfectly clear, then decant some -of it into a capsule, and leave it in _a very dry place_ to spontaneous -evaporation. - -[26] When we wish to look for an alkaloid in the tissue of an organ, -as the liver, heart, or lungs, we must first divide the organ into -very small fragments, moisten the mass with pure strong alcohol, then -express strongly, and by further treatment with alcohol exhaust the -tissue of everything soluble. The liquid so obtained, is to be treated -in the same way as a mixture of suspected matter and alcohol. - -Now, two orders of things may present themselves; either the alkaloid -contained in the suspected matter is liquid and volatile, or solid and -fixed. I shall now consider these two hypotheses. - - -EXAMINATION FOR A LIQUID AND VOLATILE ALKALI. - -We suppose there exists a liquid and volatile alkaloid. In such a -case, by the evaporation of the ether, there remains in the inside of -the capsule some small liquid striæ which fall to the bottom of the -vessel. In this case, under the influence of the heat of the hand, -the contents of the capsule exhale an odor more or less disagreeable, -which becomes, according to the nature of the alkaloid, more or less -pungent, suffocating, irritant; it presents, in short, a smell like -that of a volatile alkali masked by an animal odor. If we discover -any traces of the presence of a volatile alkaloid, we add then to the -contents {347} of the vessel, from which we have decanted a small -quantity of ether, one or two fluid drachms of a strong solution of -caustic potash or soda, and agitate the mixture. After a sufficient -time, we draw off the ether into a test-tube; we exhaust the mixture by -two or three treatments with ether, and unite all the ethereal fluids. -We pour afterwards into this ether, holding the alkaloid in solution, -one or two drachms of water, acidulated with a fifth part of its weight -of pure sulphuric acid, agitate it for some time, leave it to settle, -pour off the ether swimming on the top, and wash the acid liquid at -the bottom with a new quantity of ether. As the sulphates of ammonia, -of nicotine, aniline, quinoleine, picoline, and petinine, are entirely -insoluble in ether, the water acidulated with sulphuric acid contains -the alkaloid in a small bulk, and in the state of a pure sulphate; -but as the sulphate of conia is soluble in ether, the ether may -contain a small quantity of this alkali, but the greater part remains -in the acidulated watery solution. The ether, on the other hand, -retains all the animal matters which it has taken from the alkaline -solutions. If it on spontaneous evaporation leaves a small quantity of -a feebly-colored yellowish residue, of a repulsive animal odor, mixed -with a certain quantity of sulphate of conine, this alkaloid exists -in the suspected matter under analysis. To extract the alkaloid from -the solution of the acid sulphate, we add to the latter an aqueous -and concentrated solution of potash or caustic soda, we agitate and -exhaust the mixture with pure ether; the ether dissolves ammonia, and -the alkaloid is now free. We expose the ethereal solution at the lowest -possible temperature to spontaneous evaporation; almost all the ammonia -volatilizes with the ether, whilst the alkaloid remains as residue. To -eliminate the last traces of ammonia, we place for a few minutes the -vessel containing the alkaloid in a vacuum over sulphuric acid, and -obtain the organic alkaloid with the chemical and physical characters -which belong to it, and which it is now the Chemist’s duty to determine -positively. - -I applied, on the 3d March, 1851, the process which I have {348} -described, to the detection of nicotine in the blood from the heart -of a dog poisoned by two cubic centimetres [0.78 C.I.] of nicotine -introduced into the œsophagus, and I was able in a most positive manner -to determine the presence of nicotine in the blood. I was able to -determine its physical characters, its odor, taste, and alkalinity. -I succeeded in obtaining the chloroplatinate of the base perfectly -crystallized in quadrilateral rhomboidal prisms of a rather dark yellow -color, and to ascertain their insolubility in alcohol and ether. - -I have applied the same process for the detection of conia in a very -old tincture of hemlock, which my friend and colleague M. de Hemptinne -was so kind as to put at my disposal; and I was equally successful in -extracting from the liquid colorless conia, presenting all the physical -and chemical properties of this alkali. I was also able to prove that -the ether which holds conia in solution, carries off a notable portion -of this alkaloid when the solvent is exposed to spontaneous evaporation. - - -EXAMINATION FOR A SOLID AND FIXED ALKALOID. - -Let us now suppose that the alkali is solid and fixed; in that -case, according to the nature of the alkali, it may happen that the -evaporation of the ether resulting from the treatment of the acid -matter, to which we have added bicarbonate of soda, may leave or not -a residue, containing an alkaloid. If it does, we add a solution of -caustic potash or soda to the liquid, and agitate it briskly with -ether. This dissolves the vegetable alkaloid, now free and remaining -in the solution of potash or soda. In either case, we exhaust the -matter with ether. Whatever be the agent which has set the alkaloid -free, whether it be the bicarbonate of soda or potash, or caustic soda -or potash, it remains, by the evaporation of the ether, on the side -of the capsule as a solid body, but more commonly a colorless milky -liquid, holding solid matters in suspension. The odor of the substance -is animal, disagreeable, but not pungent. It turns litmus paper -permanently blue. - -When we thus discover a solid alkaloid, the first thing to do is -to try and obtain it in a crystalline state, so as to be able to -{349} determine its form. Put some drops of alcohol in the capsule -which contains the alkaloid, and leave the solution to spontaneous -evaporation. It is, however, very rare that the alkaloid obtained by -the above process is pure enough to crystallize. Almost always it is -soiled by foreign matters. To isolate these substances, some drops -of water, feebly acidulated with sulphuric acid, are poured into the -capsule, and then moved over its surface, so as to bring it in contact -with the matter in the capsule. Generally we observe that the acid -water does not moisten the sides of the vessel. The matter which is -contained in it separates into two parts, one formed of greasy matter, -which remains adherent to the sides—the other alkaline, which dissolves -and forms an acid sulphate. We cautiously decant the acid liquid, -which ought to be limpid and colorless, if the process has been well -executed; the capsule is well washed with some drops of acidulated -water, added to the first liquid, and the whole is evaporated to -three-fourths in vacuo, or under a bell-jar over sulphuric acid. We -put into the residue a very concentrated solution of pure carbonate -of potash, and treat the whole liquid with absolute alcohol. This -dissolves the alkaloid, while it leaves untouched the sulphate of -potash and excess of carbonate of potash. The evaporation of the -alcoholic solution gives us the alkaloid in crystals. - -It is now the Chemist’s business to determine its properties, to be -able to prove its individuality. I have applied the principles which I -have just expounded to the detection of morphine, iodine, strychnine, -brucine, veratrine, emetine, colchicine, aconitine, atropine, -hyoscyamine—and I have succeeded in isolating, without the least -difficulty, these different alkalies, previously mixed with foreign -matters. - -I have thus been able to extract, by this process, morphine from opium, -strychnine and brucine from nux vomica, veratrine from extract of -veratram, emetine from extract of ipecacuanha, colchicine from tincture -of colchicum, aconitine from an aqueous extract of aconite, hyoscyamine -from a very old extract of henbane, and atropine from an equally old -tincture of {350} belladonna. Thus it is in all confidence that I -submit this process to the consideration of Chemists who undertake -medico-legal researches.—_Bulletin de l’ Académie Royale de Médecine de -Belgique_, tom. vi., No. 2; _and Edinburgh Monthly Journal of Medical -Science_. - - -VARIA—EDITORIAL. - - -OINTMENT OF STAVESACRE IN ITCH.—It has long been known that the itch is -caused by the attack of a minute insect, the acarus scabiei, the male -of which has only been lately detected, by the microscope. The ordinary -sulphur ointment, though successful after repeated applications, in -destroying the insect, often causes a good deal of irritation of the -skin, and leaves the patient with an eruption as troublesome if not -as permanent as the itch itself. M. Bourguignon, a French physician, -finds that the infusion of the seeds of the stavesacre, (Delphinium -Staphisagria) or a solution of the extract, not only speedily kills -the insects and destroys their eggs, but that it has no irritating -influence whatever upon the skin itself. He afterwards adopted an -ointment, prepared by digesting over a vapor bath, for twenty-four -hours, three parts of stavesacre seeds in five parts of lard, and -straining the product while still liquid. He found that friction with -this ointment cured the patient in four days, while seven days were -required when sulphur ointment was used. - - -POISONOUS HONEY.—The family of one of our most respectable wholesale -druggists has lately suffered severely from symptoms of poisoning, -caused by some honey which they had eaten. The family of one of -his neighbors likewise, to whom, induced by its particularly fine -appearance, he had sent some of the honey, were affected in a similar -manner. The number of those who partook of the suspected article, -all of whom were affected, though not to the same degree, renders it -certain that the symptoms were not caused by any idiosyncracy, but -were produced by some poisonous principle, probably derived from some -narcotico-acrid plant on which the bees had fed. - -On eating it there was an unpleasant sense of pricking and burning -in the throat, nausea, and a burning sensation throughout the whole -system, together with an immediate effect upon vision, approaching -to blindness. Several of those who {351} ate of the honey vomited -violently and were in great distress. One was rendered entirely blind -and insensible, and it was feared for some time might not recover. In -the other cases the effect passed off in some ten or twelve hours. In -one case a single drop of the honey, taken on the end of the finger -from the box where it had leaked through a crevice, had such an effect -on the sight that the person could not see to read a newspaper, but it -passed off within an hour. - -“We are not aware,” continues our informant, “of any poisonous plants -in the vicinity where the honey was made, except what is called -kill-calf, (Andromeda Mariana) which is found in abundance on Hempstead -Plains, at a distance of about a mile.” - -If, as is supposed, the poison was derived from some plant in which -the bees had fed, it must have been elaborated or concentrated in the -economy of the insect, or been the product of some reaction of the -honey itself upon the poisonous principle, since no poisonous vegetable -is known which would produce such effects, in such minute quantity. - - -NEW REMEDIES.—Dr. J. Y. Simpson, of Edinburg, the discoverer of the -anaesthetic properties of Chloroform, has lately been experimenting -on the physiological and therapeutical properties of a varitey of -substances which have not previously been used in medicine. He finds -that the alkaloid furfurine in poisonous doses, produces upon animals -many of the symptoms of poisoning by quinine, and that in smaller doses -on the human subject it acts as a tonic, if not an anti-periodic. He -has likewise used nickel, generally in the form of sulphate, and finds -that it is exceedingly analagous in its therapeutic effects to the -salts of iron. In one instance, however, a case of severe periodic -headache, it proved completely successful, after iron with quinine, and -a great many other remedies had been tried in vain. - - -THE CONVENTION.—The _event_ for Pharmaceutists in the past month, was -the Meeting of the Convention at Philadelphia. The number present was -smaller than could have been wished, yet great as could reasonably have -been anticipated. Eight states were represented, including Mr. Bache, -of San Francisco, California, and there were delegates present from -five Colleges. We have devoted, perhaps, an undue portion of our space -to a partial record of its proceedings. Though on particular points -there were differences of opinion, yet on the whole the meetings were -characterized by great unanimity of sentiment, as well as cordiality -of feeling. Our great hope for the Convention is, that it will form a -bond of union among the scattered and divided members of the profession -in the United States; that it will tend to bring them into one great -body, united by common interests and common pursuits, that it will -tend to soften commercial jealousies between individuals, as well as -between states and cities; that it will enable the profession when -united, to exercise its rightful and legitimate influence upon {352} -public opinion; that in the profession itself it will promote a -more extended course of education, a higher standard of attainment -and nobler principles of conduct. These are great aims and worthy of -strenuous efforts, and it is to be hoped that no personal or sectional -jealousies may be permitted to stand in the way of their attainment. -The Convention has made a good beginning, “Esto perpetua.” - - -COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK. - -The regular Winter Course of Lectures in this Institution, will -commence on Monday, 1st instant, at 7 o’clock, P. M., and be continued -four months, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings of each week, at -the College Rooms. - - On Materia Medica and Pharmacy, from 7 to 8 o’clock, by Prof. B.W. - MCCREADY, M.D. - - On Chemistry, from 8 to 9 o’clock, by Professor R. O. DOREMUS, M.D. - - On Botany, by Professor I. F. HOLTON, of which further notice will be - given. - -The Chemical Lectures will comprise instruction in the Science as -extensively connected with many of the useful and ornamental arts, -rendering them of great advantage to the community at large as well as -to the Apothecary. - -In calling public attention to the present Course, the Trustees would -more especially call upon the Medical Profession and Druggists and -Apothecaries generally, to encourage them in carrying out, in the most -effectual manner, the important design of providing, at a nominal -expense, for a knowledge of Chemistry, Pharmacy, and the collateral -Sciences, to our future Apothecaries, and to all others who will avail -themselves of the facilities offered. - -In urging these, the Trustees have no selfish ends to attain beyond -the gratification of ministering to the public good in the elevation -of their profession; they desire to see their efforts appreciated and -sustained by full classes, and would earnestly ask of their brethren -to make sufficient sacrifice of time and convenience to enable their -Assistants and Pupils to profit by the opportunity offered for their -instruction. The advantages will recur directly to the employer in the -improved capacity and usefulness of his Assistants. - -The Trustees solicit the influence of the Medical Profession to aid -them in cultivating a desire to improve this important Auxilliary -Department of the Profession, as the successful treatment of disease is -greatly dependent on the integrity and intelligence of the apothecary. - -Tickets for the Course on Chemistry, at $7, and on Materia Medica and -Pharmacy, at $7, may be procured from - - MR. GEORGE D. COGGESHALL, No. 809 BROADWAY. - MR. J. S. ASPINWALL, No. 86 WILLIAM STREET. - DR. W. J. OLLIFFE, No. 6 BOWERY. - - AND AT THE COLLEGE ROOMS, No. 511 BROADWAY. - - October, 1852. - - -ERRATUM.—In the October No. on page 294, twentieth line from the top, -for _manifestations_, read _modifications_. - -{353} - - - - -NEW YORK - -JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. - -DECEMBER, 1852. - - -ON THE PRESERVATION OF IODIDE OF IRON. - -BY HENRY WURTZ. - -There can be no doubt that imperfections exist in many of the methods -at present in use for the preservation of various articles of the -materia medica. Wherever the fault may be in these cases, the evil -is generally shared between the physicians and the patients, much -the larger share of course, falling to the latter. The _iodide of -iron_ is one of these articles, and it will appear probable from the -sequel that, in a multitude of cases, this remedy is administered to -the patient in quantities which are inconstant and much too small to -produce the effect contemplated by the physician in his prescription. - -One method, extensively employed, of preserving iodide of iron, for -use in medicine, is in the form of an aqueous solution in which a coil -of iron wire is kept immersed. This method is given by Pereira,[27] as -proposed by Hemingway. Pereira also remarks in another place that “it -is important to know, that by keeping a coil of iron wire in a solution -of the protiodide, as suggested by Mr. Squire, no free iodine or -sesquiodide of iron is formed although the liquid may be fully exposed -to air and light; sesquioxide of iron is formed, but if the solution be -filtered it is found to contain protiodide only.” - -[27] Materia Medica, 3rd Am. Ed. 1, 745. - -In a paper previously published in this journal, I have remarked with -reference to this matter, that I should strongly {354} suspect in this -case a formation of a subiodide of iron and consequent abstraction of -iodine from the solution.[28] Since that time I have been enabled to -confirm this supposition by experiment. Pieces of iron wire placed in -contact with a colorless solution of iodide of iron caused, in the -course of a few hours, the deposition of a precipitate, which had a -dark orange color quite distinct from the dark brown color of hydrated -sesquioxide of iron precipitated from a solution of the protochloride -of iron by metallic iron. This precipitate, being washed with distilled -water until the washings gave no indication of the presence of _iron_, -was still found to contain much iodine. No quantitative analysis of -the precipitate, however, was attempted, for it was found that the -washings which no longer contained a trace of iron still gave with -nitric acid and starch, a strong iodine reaction, thus indicating that -the subiodide of iron upon the filter, whatever its composition, was -decomposed by the action of water and oxygen as soon as the neutral -iodide of iron was washed out. This is probably the reason why previous -observers have mistaken this precipitate for pure sesquioxide of iron, -having continued washing the precipitate until the washing no longer -gave an _iodine_ reaction, instead of an _iron_ reaction as in the plan -adopted by me, and consequently until all the subiodide of iron was -decomposed and nothing but sesquioxide of iron was actually left upon -the filter. - -[28] New-York Journal of Pharmacy, August, 1852. - -The washings, however, after the removal of the iodide of iron, gave -no iodine reaction with starch until after the addition of nitric -acid; iodine, therefore, could only have been present in the form of -hydriodic acid and the reaction by which the unknown subiodide of -iron was decomposed may be represented as follows:—2 Fe I^{1}‗{x} + -^{1}‗{x}H O + (3−^{1}‗{x})O = Fe ^{2}O^{3} + ^{1}‗{x}HI. - -Since the above experiments were made, I have found that I have, -after all, merely been in a measure confirming an observation of -the illustrious Berzelius. _Gmelin’s Handbuch_ under the head of -_Einfachiodeisen_, has the following, “Nach Berzelius ist das braune -Pulver welches sich beim Aussetzen des {355} wässrigen Einfachiodeisens -an die Luft absetzt, nicht reines Eisenoxyd, sondern ein basisches -salz.”[29] - -It appears, therefore, that the method of preserving iodide of iron in -solution, in contact with metallic iron is perfectly fallacious. This -remedy, if preserved in solution at all, should be kept in bottles -hermetically closed. - -[29] According to Berzelius, the brown powder, which is deposited -upon exposure of aqueous protiodide of iron to the air, is not pure -sesquioxide of iron, but a basic salt. - - -OBSERVATIONS ON THE VOLATILITY AND SOLUBILITY OF CANTHARDIN IN VIEW OF -THE MOST ELEGIBLE PHARMACEUTICAL TREATMENT OF SPANISH FLIES. - -BY WILLIAM PROCTER, JR. - -Cantharides have been used in Pharmacy since the days of Hippocrates. -It was not till 1810, however, that the principle giving them -activity was isolated by Robiquet (Annal. de Chimie lxxvi. 302,) and -subsequently named _Cantharidin_ by Dr. Thomas Thompson. Since then -various experimenters have been engaged in the chemical investigation -of these flies, and in the more recent treatises they are stated to -consist of _cantharidin_, _yellow fixed oil_, _green fixed oil_, -_a yellow viscous substance_, _a black matter_, _ozmazome_, _uric -acid_, _acetic acid_, _phosphoric acid_, and the _phosphate of lime -and magnesia_. It is proverbial among apothecaries and physicians, -that the pharmaceutical preparations designed to produce vesication, -vary very much in their power as prepared by different individuals, -and from different samples of cantharides by the same recipes. Is -this variableness of power due to the inequality of strength of the -commercial drug? or, are we to attribute it to the treatment employed -by the apothecary? The real importance of these queries demands an -answer. To proceed {356} properly, the investigator should examine -cantharidin in a pure state, ascertain how far the statements of -writers are correct, then by a series of analyses, quantitative as -regards that principle, determine whether its proportion varies, and to -what extent, in different specimens of cantharides of fair quality; and -finally to test the preparations derived from the same samples and see -how far they correspond with the inferences drawn from the ascertained -properties and proportion of the active principle. I have at present -undertaken to resolve but a part of these queries—yet by far the most -important ones—as will be seen. - -Cantharidin is a white, neutral substance, of which the formula -according to Regnault is C‗{10}H O‗{4}. Gmelin considers it of the -nature of a solid volatile oil. As usually seen it has the form of -minute flatted four-sided prisms (_c_,) much broken up, so as to appear -like scales. When deposited from an ethereal solution of cantharides by -slow evaporation, or from its solution in hot acetic acid by cooling, -it assumes the form of flattened oblique four-sided prisms with -dihedral summits, derived from the rectangular prism by the bevelment -of its edges (see fig. _a_ and _b_ from _c_.) The crystals by slow -sublimation are four-sided rectangular prisms of great brilliance and -sometimes iridescent, _c_ and _d_. - -[Illustration] - -SOLUBILITY.—Pure cantharidin is insoluble in water, hot or cold. It is -slightly soluble in cold alcohol, readily so when hot. Ether dissolves -it to a greater extent, yet much more easily hot than cold. Chloroform -is its best solvent, cold or hot, as shown in a former essay (Am. Jour. -Pharm. vol. xxiii. 124,) and will remove it from the aqueous infusion -of the flies. Acetic ether dissolves cantharidin, especially when hot, -but does not retain much on cooling. When one part of cantharides -is mixed with 20 parts of olive oil and heated to 250° Fahr. it is -completely dissolved. As the solution cools, the cantharidin rapidly -separates in shining needles in such quantity as {357} at first to -give the oil a pulpy consistence. The clear cold oil retains sufficient -to act as an efficient rubefacient but not as an epispastic. One part -of cantharidin requires 70 parts of oil of turpentine to dissolve it at -the boiling temperature, the greater part separating, as the solution -cools, in long asbestos-like needles. A piece of paper saturated with -the cold solution and applied to the skin under adhesive plaster did -not vesicate. Acetone (from the distillation of acetate of lime) -dissolves cantharidin with great readiness and ranks next to chloroform -in this regard. The solution deposits the substance in crystals by -evaporation. The commercial methylic alcohol or wood naphtha also -dissolves cantharidin, but to a much less extent than acetone. When -acetic acid sp. gr. 1.41 (U. S. P.) is added to cantharidin, it but -slightly acts on it in the cold; heat much increases its solvent power, -which is lost on cooling and the substance deposited by standing, -though not immediately. One part of cantharidin was mixed with 40 -parts of _crystallizable_ acetic acid and agitated together during -five hours, but a small percentage was dissolved; but on applying heat -the crystals were dissolved quickly. On standing, nearly all of the -cantharidin was slowly deposited in regular crystals. To ascertain -whether, as has been asserted,[30] a combination was effected, and an -_acetate_ of cantharidin produced, an acetic solution of cantharidin -was evaporated to dryness and the crystals mixed with strong sulphuric -acid and heated till dissolved, while the nose was held near, without -the slightest evidence of acetic odor; one twentieth of a grain of -acetate of potassa was then added, which instantly evolved the well -marked smell of acetic acid. Formic acid dissolves but a trace of -cantharidin, cold or hot; and muriatic acid sp. gr. 1.18 hardly can be -said to act on it in the cold, but when boiling a minute portion is -taken up. The same is true of phosphoric acid dissolved in five parts -water. Sulphuric acid sp. gr. 1.840, when heated readily dissolves -pure cantharidin without being discolored, {358} and deposits it in -crystals unchanged by cooling. Hot nitric acid sp. gr. 1.38, dissolves -cantharidin readily, and deposits the greater part of it on cooling -in brilliant crystals, unchanged. A concentrated solution of ammonia -slowly dissolves cantharidin to a small extent, and yields it up -on evaporation in crystals. Solutions of pottassa and of soda also -dissolve this principle. - -[30] New York Jour. Pharm. vol. 1. p. 72. - -ITS VOLATILITY.—About ten grains of pure and perfectly dry cantharidin -was spread on the pan of an Oertling’s balance, (sensitive to 1-150th -of a grain,) and the equilibrium carefully adjusted with platina -weights. After exposure for a week to the action of the air, a vessel -of lime being present to keep the air dry, no change in the adjustment -had occurred. To further test the volatility of cantharidin, a portion -of it was put at the bottom of a dry test tube, through a paper funnel -so as not to soil the sides, which was then fixed so as to dip half an -inch in a mercurial bath having a thermometer suspended in it. It lost -nothing appreciable after being kept at 212° F. for half an hour, no -sublimate being visible with a lens. At 220° F. no visible effect was -produced. Kept at 250° F. for twenty minutes, a very slow sublimation -commenced. At 300° F. the vaporization was but slightly increased. -The heat was then raised to 360° F., when the sublimation became -more decided, yet still slow. Between 402° F. and 410° F. it fused, -and rapidly sublimed at a few degrees higher. Cantharidin at this -temperature volatilizes with great ease and condenses in beautiful well -defined crystals like salicylic acid. - -The specific gravity of cantharidin is considerable, as it sinks in -nitric acid sp. gr. 1.38; it is exceedingly acrid; its powder applied -to the skin with a little oil, produces speedy vesication, and taken -internally it is an irritant poison of the most virulent kind. - -Such are some of the more prominent characters of this remarkable -substance, which exhibits a permanence and want of affinity -extraordinary in an animal principle. Let us now see how far -experiments with cantharidin as it exists in the flies in substance, -correspond with its behaviour in an isolated state. {359} - -1st. Is cantharidin, as it exists in Spanish flies, volatile at common -temperatures, or at the temperature usually employed in making the -cerate; and if so to what extent? - -_a._ Six hundred grains of powdered cantharides were put into a quart -flask, a pint of water poured on, and macerated two hours. The flask -was then adapted to a glass tubulated receiver by means of a long glass -tube, the joints made tight, and the tube refrigerated throughout its -length by a current of cool water, the receiver itself being surrounded -by water. A sand-bath heat was then applied and the materials in the -flask kept boiling during several hours, until half a pint liquid had -distilled. The product in the receiver was opalescent, with white -particles floating through it, and had a strong odor of spanish flies. -It was decanted into a bottle, and agitated repeatedly with half -an ounce of chloroform, which dissolved the particles and removed -the opalescence. The chloroform, when separated with a funnel, and -evaporated spontaneously, yielded a colorless semi-crystalline residue, -having a waxy consistence and a strong odor different from that of the -flies. It fused at 120° Fahr., was volatile _per se_, but was partially -decomposed and condensed in drops which subsequently solidified. This -substance is soluble in alcohol, ether and chloroform, is decomposed -and dissolved by sulphuric acid, produces _no signs of vesication after -forty-eight hours’ contact with the skin_ under adhesive plaster, and -is most probably the same volatile principle that has been noticed by -Orfila. - -The long glass tube was then examined for a sublimate, by rinsing it -thoroughly with chloroform, which, on evaporation, afforded more of the -same substance obtained from the distilled water, and like it did not -produce vesication. - -This experiment shows conclusively that cantharidin _does not -volatilize to an appreciable extent with water evaporating from -cantharides_. - -_b._ More water was added to the residue in the flask, again boiled for -fifteen minutes and thrown on a displacing filter, and water added to -the solid residue, after the decoction had {360} ceased to pass, until -the absorbed liquid was displaced. The decoction was much less odorous -than the distilled water, and had a deep reddish-brown color. Half of -this was agitated repeatedly with chloroform. The latter decanted and -evaporated yielded a crop of crystals intermixed with some coloring -matter. A part of these heated in a tube over a lamp, gave immediately -the brilliant crystaline sublimate of cantharidin well marked; another -portion applied to the skin produced vesication in a few hours. - -The other half of the decoction was evaporated to a soft extract by -direct heat. This produced speedy and deep vesication, more effectual -than that of pure cantharidin, as in the extract that principle was in -a soluble state by virtue of the yellow matter of the flies. - -_c._ The residual flies were then dried carefully and exhausted with -ether, which assumed a deep green color. A green semi-fluid fatty oil -was obtained by evaporation, from which a fluid yellow oil separated by -standing, which produced a tardy vesication, not comparable with the -aqueous extract. - -_d._ One hundred grains of flies in powder were introduced into a test -tube so as not to soil the sides. This was then kept at the temperature -of 212° F. during six hours, by causing it to dip into a vessel of -boiling water through a tin plate. The hygrometric water was removed as -it condensed above. At the end of the experiment a minute deposit of -microscopic crystals less than one thirtieth of a grain, was observed -above the flies on the side of the tube. - -_e._ Two hundred grains of flies were introduced into a two ounce -retort, which they half filled, adapted to a two ounce receiver, and -this again connected with a third vessel. The retort heated by a -mercurial bath, was kept at 225° F., for two hours, without any product -except a little odorous hygrometric water. The heat was then raised to -412° F., when a colorless oily matter flowed slowly into the receiver, -mixed with water, whilst a crystalline matter mixed with oil collected -in the neck. This crystalline matter mixed with the oil produced -{361} vesication when applied to the skin. The heat was now rapidly -increased so as to produce brown vapors, from which was condensed a -dark colored empyreumatic oil, abundant crystals of an ammonical salt -collected in the tubes and on the sides of the receiver, whilst the -aqueous liquor in the receiver was strongly ammonical. Neither the dark -oil nor the crystals produced vesication, the high temperature having -probably decomposed the cantharidin. - -From these experiments it must be admitted that cantharidin is less -volatile than has been asserted. The effect produced on the eye of the -pupil of Robiquet who was watching the crystallization of cantharidin -during the evaporation of an ethereal solution, may be accounted for -by the mechanical action of the dense ethereal vapor escaping near his -eye, as he watched the process with a lens, carrying off some particles -of cantharidin; and the readiness with which this principle may be -brought mechanically in contact with the skin of the face, during a -series of experiments, by want of care, will easily account for the -occasional testimony of writers in favor of its volatility at low -temperatures based on that kind of evidence. During the whole of the -experiments detailed in this paper, the author has not experienced any -inconvenience to his eyes or face except in two instances, once when -decomposing cantharides by destructive distillation, during which some -of the vapors escaped near his person, and again where a small capsule -containing aqueous extract of cantharides was accidentally exposed -to high temperature over a lamp so as to partially decompose it; he -suffered slight pain for a few hours in the conjunctiva of both eyes. - -It must also be admitted that the heat ordinarily employed in making -the blistering cerate of the United States Pharmacopœia, does not -injure the preparation by volatilizing the cantharidin, and that the -recommendation to digest the flies in the melted vehicle on a water -bath is not only not injurious, but decidedly advantageous, as it -increases, many fold, the solvent power of the fatty matter. {362} - -2d. Having ascertained the solvent powers of olive oil, oil of -turpentine and acetic acid, on pure cantharidin, the following -experiments were made with those menstrua, and with water, on the flies -in substance: - -_a._ One hundred grains of powdered cantharides were mixed with two -hundred grains of olive oil in a large test tube, which was corked, -and the mixture heated in a boiling water bath during four hours, with -occasional agitation. The contents of the tube were then poured into a -small glass displacement apparatus, surrounded with water kept hot by -a lamp, and the saturated oil gradually displaced, without cooling, by -the addition of fresh portions of oil. The oily liquid thus obtained -had a deep green color, smelled strongly of the flies, and when applied -to the skin produced full vesication in about twelve hours contact. -After standing twenty-four hours shining needles of cantharidin -gradually separated, but not in quantity. - -_b._ One hundred grains of powdered flies were mixed with two hundred -grains of pure oil of turpentine in a closed tube, heated in a boiling -water bath four hours, and displaced while hot as in the preceding -experiment. The terebinthinate solution had a dull yellow color, and -was perfectly transparent as it passed, but in a short time numerous -minute stellated crystals commenced forming, which increased in -quantity by standing. The saturated cold solution, separated from the -crystals after standing twenty-four hours, did not blister when applied -to the skin. - -_c._ One hundred grains of powdered flies were digested in a close -vessel, at the temperature of boiling water, in three hundred grains -of acetic acid sp. gr. 1.041, for six hours, and then subjected to -displacement in the hot filter above noticed. A dark reddish-brown -transparent liquid passed, which had very little odor of flies, even -when a portion was exposed until the acetic acid had nearly all -evaporated. A portion of this liquid applied to the skin produced -complete vesication in about ten hours. After standing a few hours, -numerous minute {363} granular crystals were deposited, which -gradually increased in amount and size. - -These three experiments prove that hot fatty matter is a good solvent -for cantharidin as it exists in the flies, and that it retains more -on cooling than either turpentine or acetic acid. That hot oil of -turpentine is a good solvent for extracting cantharidin, although it -does not retain much on cooling, and that officinal acetic acid at the -temperature of 212° F. will remove cantharidin readily from Spanish -flies, but retains but a part on cooling. - -_d._ Five hundred grains of recently powdered flies, contained in a -flask, were boiled in a pint of water, for an hour, and the clear -decoction decanted, the residue again treated with half a pint -of water, so as to remove all matter soluble in that liquid. The -decoctions were mixed, filtered, and evaporated carefully to dryness. -The extract was exhausted by repeated treatment with boiling alcohol, -which left a dark colored pulpy matter, very soluble in water, from -which it is precipitated by subacetate of lead. The alcoholic solution -was now evaporated to a syrup, and on cooling yielded a yellow extract -like mass, interspersed with numerous minute four-sided prisms. -By washing a portion with water, the yellow matter was removed, -leaving the crystals white and pure. The aqueous washings yielded -by evaporation a residue of crystals, and does not vesicate. When -the alcoholic extract was treated with chloroform the crystals were -dissolved, and the yellow matter left. On evaporating the chloroform -solution the crystals were re-obtained with all the characters of -cantharidin. The matter left by chloroform was now treated with water, -in which it dissolved, except a trace of dark substance, and was -again evaporated carefully. It afforded a yellow honey-like residue, -thickly interspersed with crystals and strongly acid to litmus, without -vesicating power. - -A portion of the yellow matter separated from the alcoholic extract by -water was boiled with some cantharidin, filtered and evaporated. The -residue treated with chloroform afforded no {364} cantharidin; hence -it would appear that although the yellow matter enables the cantharidin -to dissolve in water and cold alcohol, when once separated its solvent -power ceases. - -Having now studied the effects of the ordinary solvents on cantharidin -in a free state, and in the condition in which it exists in the insect, -we are prepared to consider with some clearness, the pharmaceutical -preparations of the Spanish fly, and their action as vesicants. - -_a._ If 1-30th of a grain of pure cantharidin, in fine powder, be -placed on the skin of the arm and covered with a piece of warmed -adhesive plaster, active vesication occurs in eight hours, with pain. -If the same quantity of cantharidin be put on the other arm, a small -piece of paper be laid over it, and then a piece of adhesive plaster -with a circular hole in it be applied, so as to hold on the paper, -no vesication occurs in sixteen hours, the powder remaining dry. If -then a large piece of plaster be put over the whole, at the end of -eight hours more no blistering action will have taken place. If now a -trace of olive oil be applied to the back of the paper covering the -cantharidin, and the plaster replaced, speedy vesication will occur. -These experiments prove that cantharidin must be in solution to have -its vesicating action, and that oily matter is a proper medium. - -_b._ When powdered flies are stirred into the ordinary vehicle of -resin, wax, and lard, so as to chill it almost immediately as was -formerly directed, but little of the cantharidin is dissolved by the -fatty matter, and when applied to the skin the process of vesication is -retarded. If, however, the cerate be kept fluid for a length of time, -say for half an hour, by a water-bath or other regular heat, no loss -of cantharidin occurs by the heat, the active principle is in a great -measure dissolved by the fat, and every part is impregnated and active. -In the foregoing experiments it has been shown that twenty parts of -olive oil will dissolve one of cantharidin when hot. If we admit with -Thierry that cantharides contain but four thousandths of their weight -of cantharidin, the quantity contained in a {365} pound of cerate is -about _eight_ grains, whilst the lard in the same weight of cerate is -1600 grains, or two hundred times the weight of that principle, not to -speak of the influence of the wax and resin, which, in union, with the -melted lard, act as solvents. Hence the whole of the cantharidin may be -dissolved by the vehicle. Another advantage of employing a continued -heat in digestion is the removal of the hygrometric water from the -flies, which is the source of the mouldiness to which the cerate is -prone in certain conditions. - -In a former essay (Amer. Journ. Pharm., vol. xiii, p. 302,) I have -advocated digestion in making this cerate, (a recommendation also made -by Mr. Donovan, of Dublin, about the same time,) and also the use of -a portion of the oil of turpentine to facilitate the solution of the -cantharidin, but the foregoing experiments prove that fatty matter is -quite as good, if not a better solvent alone than with turpentine. - -_c._ It has been asserted long ago by Beaupoil, Robiquet and others, -that water will perfectly extract the active matter from Spanish flies, -which these experiments corroborate. Hence it is easy to understand -how the condensed perspiration may facilitate the action of a blister, -especially when, as was formerly much the case, its surface is coated -with the dust of the flies, and the skin moistened. - -It is also clear why the Unguentum Cantharidis of the United States -Pharmacopœia is active although made with a decoction of flies, yet, -in this preparation, care should be observed not to evaporate all the -water, as on the existence of the aqueous extract in a soft state -depends much of the efficiency of the preparation as an irritant -dressing. - -_d._ In the Linimentum Cantharidis, United States Pharm., in which an -ounce of flies is digested in eight fluid ounces of oil of turpentine, -the cantharidin is to be the menstruum as 1 to 1500, a proportion -probably quite sufficient to retain it in solution. The importance of -the officinal direction to digest is evident. It is quite doubtful -whether this liniment, as made by the process of Dr. Joseph Hartshorne, -one part of flies to {366} three parts of oil, will retain all the -cantharidin after standing awhile. - -_e._ The Acetum Cantharidis, (Lond. Ph.) made by macerating an ounce of -flies in ten fluid ounces of acetic acid, 1.48, has been criticised by -Mr. Redwood, (Pharm. Journal, Oct. 1841,) who arrived at the conclusion -that it owed its vesicating power almost solely to the acid, he not -being able to discover cantharidin in it. The inefficiency of _cold_ -acetic acid as a solvent for _pure_ cantharidin has been proven by the -above experiments, and its efficiency when hot equally shown. There can -be little doubt that the London preparation would be much improved by -_digesting_ the flies in the acid for an hour in a close glass vessel -at the temperature of boiling water. - -_f._ The _cantharidal collodion_ of M. Ilisch has been considerably -used as a vesicant in this country. Ether being a good solvent for -cantharidin readily keeps that principle in solution. When applied to -the skin, the escape of the ether leaves a coating of ethereal extract -of cantharides, admixed with collodion. This preparation sometimes -fails from a deficiency of cantharidin, at other times from want of -a sufficient body in the collodion excipient, and it has been found -more advantageous to treat the cantharides with ether till exhausted, -distill off the ether, and add the oily residue to collodion of the -proper consistence. The addition of a little olive oil, and of Venice -turpentine, as recommended by Mr. Rand, will give more activity to the -preparation, especially if a piece of oiled silk or adhesive plaster be -applied over the part. - -_g._ Besides these, many other epispastic preparations are made in -France and other countries. The acetic alcoholic extract of cantharides -of Ferrari is made by digesting four parts of cantharides in sixteen -parts of alcohol 36° B. mixed with one part of acetic acid 10° B. -In the opinion of the author, the acetic acid tends to prevent the -crystallization of the cantharidin, a statement rendered doubtful by -the above experiments, as that principle separates in crystals from an -acetic solution of cantharides. The alcohol dissolves the green oil -{367} which gives to the extract a butyraceous consistence. This is -undoubtedly an efficient preparation, and is used by spreading it on -paper with a brush, and applying to the skin. Nearly all the French -preparations direct digestion of from 2 to 6 hours, showing evidently -that the experience of pharmaceutists is opposed to the opinion that -cantharides is “a very volatile substance, even at common temperatures.” - -The vesicating tafeta of the Codex, is that proposed by Messrs. Henry -& Guibourt, and is made by fusing together one part of the ethereal -extract of cantharides and two of wax, and spreading it on waxed paper -or linen in the manner of adhesive plaster. This preparation is said -to lose its efficiency by exposure to the air. How can this occur in -view of the results which have been detailed above? admitting the fact, -it is not probable that the change lies in the strong tendency of the -cantharidin to separate in crystals? a change easily observable in -the ethereal extract. This is the chief objection to some otherwise -excellent preparations of cantharides for vesication, and it is far -more probably the true explanation, than, that volatility should be the -cause. - -The recently prepared and soft aqueous extract of cantharides has -been shown to be a powerful epispastic. Will this extract of the -consistence of honey, associated with sufficient acetic acid, alcohol, -or acetone, to preserve it, keep without the gradual separation of -the cantharidin? If so, it will undoubtedly prove one of the very -best blistering agents, as by simply applying a covering of it over -the surface of waxed paper, or adhesive plaster, with a camel’s-hair -brush, a perfect blistering plaster can be made quickly and neatly, -and all tendency to change of aggregation by the action of the air on -the menstruum avoided. This is a question now under trial, and should -it result favorably, a formula will be published. The extraordinary -tendency of cantharidin to crystallize, even under the most adverse -circumstances, taken in connection with its insolubility, _per se_, -has hardly received sufficient attention from pharmaceutists as a -cause of the deterioration of {368} cantharidal preparations, and the -discovery of a menstruum, that will retain that principle in solution -for an indefinite period, is a problem yet to be solved, and worthy the -attention of pharmaceutical investigators. - -Philadelphia, September, 1852. - - -ON GELSEMINUM SEMPERVIRENS OR YELLOW JASSAMIN. - -BY WILLIAM PROCTER, JR. - -Considerable attention has recently been turned to the Yellow Jassamin -of our Southern States, from the accidental discovery of certain -remarkable effects produced by it when taken internally. A planter -of Mississippi having suffered much from a tedious attack of bilious -fever, which resisted the usual medicines employed in such cases, -requested one of his servants to obtain from the garden a certain root, -from which he intended to prepare an infusion for drinking. By mistake, -the person sent collected a different root, and administered the tea -to his master, who, soon after taking it, was seized with a complete -loss of muscular power, being, in fact, so completely prostrated as -to be unable to move a limb or to raise the eyelids, yet he could -hear, and could appreciate what was occurring around him. After some -hours, during which his friends were watching him with much anxiety -and little hope, he gradually recovered his muscular control, and was -astonished to find that the fever had left him. Having ascertained from -his servant what plant he had collected, he subsequently employed it -successfully on his own plantation as well as among his neighbors. The -history becoming known to a quackish physician, he prepared from it -a nostrum called the “Electrical Febrifuge,” in {369} which, it was -disguised by oil of winter-green, (_Eclectic_ Dispensatory, page 186.) - -The Gelseminum is not noticed by Dr. Griffith in his Medical Botany, -nor in the recent edition of the United States Dispensatory, and so -far appears to have been used chiefly by the “Eclectic” practitioners -of Cincinnati and other parts of the Western States. The accompanying -description of the plant is taken partly from a specimen sent -from Memphis, Tennessee, where, in common with other parts of the -south-western States, it is cultivated as an ornamental garden plant. - -The Gelseminum belongs to the natural order Apocyneæ, so remarkable for -the great activity of many of its genera, and the name of the genus, -given by Jussieu, is one of the ancient names of the jessamine, and -that of the species arises from its evergreen foliage. - -GELSEMINUM belongs to Pentandria Digynia of Linnæus, and to the natural -order Apocyneæ of Jussieu. - -_Generic characters._—Regular, calyx five parted, (the sepals of -this species being furnished with bract-like appendages) carolla -funnel-form, border spreading, five lobed, nearly equal, capsule -compressed, flat, two partible, two-celled, seeds flat and attached to -the margins of the valves, (Eaton.) - -_Specific characters._—The G. sempervirens is known at the South under -the names yellow jasmine, wild jasmine, and woodbine. In Florida it -flowers in March, and in Mississippi and Tennessee in May and June. -Its stem is twining, smooth and glabrous; its leaves are opposite, -perennial, lanceolate, entire, dark green above, paler beneath; with -short petioles. The flowers, which are esteemed poisonous, are yellow, -about an inch long and half an inch wide at the top, of a fine yellow -color, and have an agreeable odor, which perfumes the air when they -bloom. It grows luxuriantly, climbing from tree to tree, forming a -delightful shade. According to Eaton, from whose botany we glean part -of the above botanical notice, there is a variety called inodorum which -has scentless flowers. - -The Gelseminum is indigenous to the Southern States, and its beauty has -caused its introduction into the gardens. {370} - -_Medical properties and uses._—The root is the part used, and the -tincture is the preparation most usually employed, and, as made, must -be a saturated tincture. The roots, in a green state, well bruised, -are introduced into a suitable vessel, and covered with whiskey, or -diluted alcohol. After standing two weeks, the tincture is separated by -expression and filtered. It has a dark red color, and a pleasant bitter -taste. The dose is from ten to fifty drops. The following account -of its medical properties and effects is taken from a paper in the -“Eclectic Medical Journal,” August, 1852, page 353, by F. D. Hill of -Cincinnati: - - “Gelseminum is stimulant, tonic, and anti-spasmodic. By its relaxing - effect it produces gentle diaphoresis, and is said to be _narcotic_. - Its effect in large doses, or doses too frequently repeated, is - extreme relaxation, and general prostration of the whole muscular - and nervous system. It will suspend and hold in check muscular - irritability and nervous excitement with more force and power than - any known remedy. It is of a pleasant bitter taste, and performs its - wonder-working cures, in all febrile diseases, without exciting either - nausea, vomiting, or purging. When enough has been given to produce - its specific effect, the eye is dimmed, the vision clouded and double, - the head light and dizzy. When these effects follow the administration - of this remedy, no more should be given until the patient has entirely - recovered from its influence. ‘It maybe used in all species of - fevers, nervous and bilious headache, colds, pneumonia, hemorrhages, - leucorrhea, chorea, ague-cake, asthma, and many other diseases: but - its efficacy has been most admired in all forms and grades of fevers.’ - It should always be used with great care and caution. The root is - said to possess a resinous principle, which, when extracted by pure - alcohol, will produce death in very small doses. But no such effect - need be expected from the proper dose of the common tincture. There - is danger of carrying it to such an extent as to suspend involuntary - muscular action, and when this is the case, death must ensue. ‘It is - incompatible with no known substance, and may follow any _preceeding - treatment with perfect safety_.’ The dose is forty drops for an - adult, and children in proportion to age and temperament. It is given - either with or without quinine. It has been used alone for _chronic - rheumatism_, in doses of forty drops, three times a day, with marked - effects. Three or four doses, with a mild cathartic, will remove the - redness and swelling attending inflamed sore eyes. Special attention - should be directed to the general health and constitution of the - patient before giving gelseminum. If the bowels be constipated they - should be moved by a gentle aperient, and kept in a relaxed condition. - It requires double the quantity to produce the effect on some that it - does on others; and should the practitioner ever produce too great a - degree of relaxation, he should lose no time in stimulating and toning - up his patient.” {371} - -The alleged effects of this plant on the human system, taken in -connection with its medico-botanical relations, mark it out as being -probably one of the most valuable of our indigenous remedial agents, -and render it well worthy of the investigation of regular physicians. - - -ON THE MANUFACTURE OF WRITING INKS. - -(_Concluded from page 316._) - -Prussian blue, that has not undergone digestion in acid in the way -above pointed out, will require a much larger proportion of oxalic -acid, from twice to three times its weight; and even then it will be -greatly liable to precipitation after standing; but when treated in the -way described, it is not liable to precipitate, but remains a permanent -solution. - - -STEPHENS’ RED INK.—Stephens’ red ink is prepared as follows:—Take a -quantity of common soda, potash or carbonate of ammonia, to which is to -be added, at intervals, twice its weight of crude argol in powder. - -When the effervescence, arising from this combination, has ceased, pour -off the solution, or filter it from the insoluble matter; to this, add -by measure half the quantity of oxalate of alumina, or oxalo-phosphate -of alumina, prepared by adding to precipitated alumina or phosphate -of alumina, in a damp state, as much oxalic acid as will dissolve. -Into this mixture, put, when cold, as much cochineal, first bruised -or powdered, as will give it a fine red color, varying the quantity -according to the shade of color required; and after letting it stand -for the space of forty eight hours, strain it off for use. - - -PROFESSOR RUNGE’S WRITING FLUID.—One of the least expensive formulas -for the manufacture of a writing ink, is that given by Professor Runge, -who says: “I have for some time {372} endeavored to find a black fluid -possessing the properties of forming no deposit, of adhering strongly -to the paper, of being unaffected by acids, and lastly, what is of -great importance, not acted upon by steel pens. - -“After many experiments, I have succeeded in obtaining a composition of -the kind required, very simple in its preparation, containing nothing -but logwood, chromate of potash, and water, and free from vinegar, -gum, copperas, blue vitriol, and even nutgalls. The low price of this -writing fluid is also in its favor. It is prepared by simply adding -one part of chromate of potash to 1000 parts of decoction of logwood, -made by boiling twenty-two pounds of logwood in a sufficient quantity -of water to give fourteen gallons of decoction; to this decoction, -when cold, the chromic salt is gradually added, and the mixture well -stirred. The addition of gum is injurious. In the preparation of -this ink, it must be remembered that the yellow chromate and not the -bi-carbonate of potash is employed, and great care is required to -ensure due adjustment of the relative proportions of the ingredients -used. The best way is to make a decoction of logwood, and _gradually_ -add to it, well stirring the mixture, as much solution of chromate as -will give the shade required. - -“It appears astonishing what a small quantity of the chrome salt is -required to convert a large quantity of decoction of logwood into a -black writing fluid; the fact is however certain, and care must be -taken not to allow the proportion of chrome salt to exceed half a -part for each 500 parts of decoction of logwood, as a larger quantity -exercises a prejudicial effect in destroying the coloring matter of the -liquid, whilst in the proportion above mentioned, a deep blue black -writing ink is formed, which, unlike the ink made with tannogallate -of iron, is perfectly fluid, forming no deposit. This writing fluid -possesses another advantage; the paper which has been written upon with -it may be washed with a sponge, or be left twenty-four hours under -water, without the writing being effaced. Weak acids do not destroy -the writing, nor do they even change the {373} shade, whilst that -made with gallnuts is effaced, and the ink prepared with logwood and -copperas is turned red. - -“New steel pens are coated with a greasy substance, which prevents the -ready flow of the ink; this should, therefore, be removed previous to -use by moistening the pens with saliva, and then washing them in water. -The application of an alkaline solution is still preferable to remove -this greasy matter. The cleansing of the steel pens is absolutely -essential in the case of using the ink above mentioned. I have used -this ink upwards of two years, and my steel pens are not in the least -degree affected. No rust is formed on the pens, so that after years -of service the only wear experienced is that from constant use on the -paper, thus rendering unnecessary the use of pens tipped with iridium -and other hard substances.” - - -ON THE GROWTH OF VARIOUS KINDS OF MOULD IN SYRUP. - -Professor Balfour, the Professor of Botany in the University of -Edinburgh, has read a valuable paper on this subject, at the Botanical -Society in that city, in which he states that mould of various kinds, -when placed in syrup, has a tendency to spread out and form a flat, -gelatinous, and leathery expansion. This he shows by experiments, as -follows:—Mould that had grown upon an apple was put into syrup; and in -the course of two months there was formed upon the syrup a cellular, -flat, expanded mass, while the syrup was converted into vinegar. - -Mould that had grown upon a pear was also put into syrup, and the -same result was produced. He also experimented in the same manner -with various moulds that were growing upon bread, tea, and some other -vegetable substances; the effect {374} produced, in most cases, was -to cause a fermentation, resulting in the production of vinegar. In -another experiment, a quantity of raw sugar, treacle, and water, were -put into a jar, without any mould being introduced. When examined, -after a lapse of four or five months, a growth like that of the vinegar -plant was visible, and vinegar was formed. This plant was removed, and -put into fresh syrup, which was followed again by the production of -vinegar. It appears that, when purified white sugar only is used to -make syrup, the plant, when placed in it, does not produce vinegar so -speedily; the length of time required for the changes varying from four -to six months. Dr. Balfour thinks this may possibly be owing, to the -presence of some ingredient in the raw sugar and treacle, which may -tend to promote the production of vinegar. - -In connection with this subject, I may refer to the _Vinegar Plant_, -which is considered by some eminent botanists to be an unnatural and -peculiar form of some fungus. This plant, which has a tough gelatinous -consistence, when put into a mixture of treacle, sugar and water, -gives rise to an acetous fermentation. The vinegar, which is the -result of this acetous fermentation, is of a syrupy nature; and when -evaporated to dryness, a large quantity of saccharine matter is left. -Various conjectures have been hazarded as to the origin of this vinegar -plant; some stating that it came from South America, or other distant -regions; and others that it is a spontaneous production. Dr. Lindley -is of opinion that it is a peculiar form of _penicillum glaucum_, or -common blue-mould. The general opinion appears to be, that it is in an -anomalous state of mould, or of some fungus: and the peculiar form and -consistence it assumes on different occasions, seems to depend upon the -nature of the material in, or upon which, it makes its appearance. - -{375} - - -CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION. - -_Whereas_, The advancement of pharmaceutical knowledge and the -elevation of the professional character of apothecaries and druggists -throughout the United States are objects that are dear to us in common -with all well disposed pharmaceutists; and, _whereas_, a large portion -of those in whose hands the practice of pharmacy now exists, are not -properly qualified for the responsible offices it involves, chiefly -by reason of the many difficulties that impede the acquirement of a -correct knowledge of their business;― - -_Therefore_, We, the members of a Convention now met at Philadelphia, -composed of apothecaries and druggists from different sections of the -Union, and from all the Colleges and Societies therein existing, with -the object of deliberating on the condition of our profession, _do_ -hereby resolve and constitute ourselves into a permanent asociation, to -meet annually at such times and places as may hereafter be determined, -for more effectually accomplishing the objects for which we are now -assembled; and do now adopt the following CONSTITUTION: - -SECTION 1. - -This association shall be called “_The American Pharmaceutical -Association_.” - -SECTION 2. _Of the Members._ - -_Article_ I. All pharmaceutists and druggists who shall have -attained the age of twenty-one years, whose character, morally -and professionally, is fair, and who, after duly considering the -obligations of the Constitution and Code of Ethics of this Association -are willing to subscribe to them, shall be eligible for membership. - -_Article_ II. The members shall consist of delegates from regularly -constituted Colleges of Pharmacy, and Pharmaceutical Societies, who -shall present properly authorized credentials, and of other reputable -Pharmaceutists feeling an interest in the objects of the Association, -who may not be so delegated, the latter being required to present a -certificate signed by a majority of the delegates from the places -whence they come. If no such delegates are present at the Association, -they may, on obtaining the certificates of any three members of the -{376} Association, be admitted, provided they be introduced by the -committee on credentials. - -_Article_ III. All persons who become members of this Association shall -be considered as permanent members, but may be expelled for improper -conduct by a vote of two thirds of the members present at any annual -meeting. - -_Article_ IV. Every member in attendance at the annual meetings shall -pay into the hands of the Treasurer the sum of two dollars as his -yearly contribution. - -_Article_ V. Every local Pharmaceutical Association shall be entitled -to five delegates. - -SECTION III. _Of the Officers._ - -The officers of this association shall be a President, three Vice -Presidents, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, a -Treasurer, and an Executive Committee of three, which may include any -of the members except the President, all of whom shall be elected -annually. - -_Article_ I. The President shall preside at the meetings and preserve -order. He shall nominate all committees, except a majority of the -members present direct a resort to balloting or other means. He -shall sign all certificates of membership, approve of all foreign -correspondence, and countersign all orders on the Treasurer drawn by -the Executive Committee. And he shall, at least three months previously -to the annual meeting publish a call in all the pharmaceutical and in -such medical and other Journals as he may select, stating therein the -objects of the Association, and the conditions of membership. - -_Article_ II. In case of the temporary absence, or inability of the -President, his duties shall devolve on one of the Vice Presidents. - -_Article_ III. The Recording Secretary shall keep fair and correct -minutes of the proceedings of the Association. He shall keep a roll -book of the members, and see that it is corrected annually, and he -shall furnish to the Executive Committee a correct transcript of the -minutes of the meeting for publication in the Transactions of the -Association. - -_Article_ IV. The Corresponding Secretary shall attend to the official -correspondence directed by the association with other bodies, or with -its members, all of which correspondence shall be approved by the -President. {377} - -_Article_ V. The Treasurer shall receive and take care of the funds -of the Association; shall pay its money only on the order of the -Executive Committee, countersigned by the President; and shall present -a statement of his accounts annually that they may be audited. - -_Article_ VI. The Executive Committee shall take charge of the -publication of the proceedings of the Association, including such -papers on scientific subjects as it may direct to be published; attend -to their distribution; pay the expenses incurred on behalf of the -Association at its meetings or in the interim, and report a statement -of their transactions to the next meeting. - -SECTION IV. _Of the Meetings._ - -_Article_ I. The meetings shall be held annually, at such time and -place as shall be determined at the adjournment of the previous -meeting, observing that no two meetings shall be held consecutively at -the same place. - -_Article_ II. The meetings shall be organized by the President of the -previous year, or, in his absence, by either of the Vice Presidents in -the order of their election, or, in their absence, by the Recording -Secretary, who shall act _pro tempore_ until the nomination and -election of officers for the session. - -_Article_ III. Immediately after the temporary organization of the -Association the roll shall be called, when a committee on credentials -shall be appointed from the _members_ present, to whom the certificates -of delegates shall be submitted, and who shall examine the claims of -all other applicants for membership before they are submitted to the -Association. - -SECTION V. - -This Constitution may be altered or amended by a vote of three-fourths -of the members present at any regular meeting, and notice to alter -or amend the same shall be given at least one sitting before a vote -thereupon. - -{378} - - -CODE OF ETHICS OF THE AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION. - -The American Pharmaceutical Association, composed of Pharmaceutists and -Druggists throughout the United States, feeling a strong interest in -the success and advancement of their profession in its practical and -scientific relations, and also impressed with the belief that no amount -of knowledge and skill will protect themselves and the public from the -ill effects of an undue competition, and the temptations to gain at the -expense of quality, unless they are upheld by high moral obligations in -the path of duty, have subscribed to the following _Code of Ethics_ for -the government of their professional conduct. - -ART. I. As the practice of pharmacy can only become uniform by an open -and candid intercourse being kept up between apothecaries and druggists -among themselves and each other, by the adoption of the National -Pharmacopœia as a guide in the preparation of officinal medicines, by -the discontinuance of secret formulæ and the practices arising from -a quackish spirit, and by an encouragement of that _esprit du corps_ -which will prevent a resort to those disreputable practices arising out -of an injurious and wicked competition;—_Therefore_, the members of -this Association agree to uphold the use of the Pharmacopœia in their -practice; to cultivate brotherly feeling among the members, and to -discountenance quackery and dishonorable competition in their business. - -ART. II. As labor should have its just reward, and as the skill, -knowledge and responsibility required in the practice of pharmacy are -great, the remuneration of the pharmaceutist’s services should be -proportioned to these, rather than to the market value of preparations -vended. The rate of charges will necessarily vary with geographical -position, municipal location, and other circumstances of a permanent -character, but a resort to intentional and unnecessary reduction in -the rate of charges among apothecaries, with a view to gaining at -the expense of their brethren, is strongly discountenanced by this -Association as productive of evil results. - -ART. III. The first duty of the apothecary, after duly preparing -himself for his profession, being to procure good drugs and -prepartions, (for without these his skill and knowledge are of small -avail,) he frequently has to rely on the good faith of the druggists -for their selection. {379} Those druggists whose knowledge, skill and -integrity enable them to conduct their business faithfully, should -be encouraged, rather than those who base their claims to patronage -on the cheapness of their articles solely. When accidentally or -otherwise, a deteriorated, or adulterated drug or medicine is sent to -the apothecary, he should invariably return it to the druggist, with a -statement of its defects. What is too frequently considered as a mere -error of trade on the part of the druggist becomes a _highly culpable_ -act when countenanced by the apothecary; hence, when repetitions of -such frauds occur, they should be exposed for the benefit of the -profession. A careful but firm pursuit of this course would render -well-disposed druggists more careful, and deter the fraudulently -inclined from a resort to their disreputable practices. - -ART. IV. As the practice of pharmacy is quite distinct from the -practice of medicine, and has been found to flourish in proportion as -its practitioners have confined their attention to its requirements; -and as the conducting of the business of both professions by the -same individual involves pecuniary temptations which are often not -compatible with a conscientious discharge of duty; we consider that -the members of this Association should discountenance all such -professional amalgamation; and in conducting business at the counter, -should avoid prescribing for diseases when practicable, referring -applicants for medical advice to the physician. We hold it as -unprofessional and highly reprehensible for apothecaries to allow any -per centage or commission to physicians on their prescriptions, as -unjust to the public, and hurtful to the independence and self-respect -of both parties concerned. We also consider that the practice of -some physicians, (in places where good apothecaries are numerous) of -obtaining medicines at low prices from the latter, and selling them to -their patients, is not only unjust and unprofessional, but deserving -the censure of all high-minded medical men. - -ART. V. The important influence exerted on the practice of pharmacy -by the large proportion of physicians who have resigned its duties -and emoluments to the apothecary, are reasons why he should seek -their favorable opinion and cultivate their friendship, by earnest -endeavors to furnish their patients with pure and well-prepared -medicines. As physicians are liable to commit errors in writing their -prescriptions, involving serious consequences to health and reputation -if {380} permitted to leave the shop, the apothecary should always, -when he deems an error has been made, consult the physician before -proceeding; yet in the delay which must necessarily occur, it is his -duty, when possible, to accomplish the interview without compromising -the reputation of the physician. On the other hand, when apothecaries -commit errors involving ill consequences, the physician, knowing the -constant liability to error, should feel bound to screen them from -undue censure, unless the result of a culpable negligence. - -ART. VI. As we owe a debt of gratitude to our predecessors for the -researches and observations which have so far advanced our scientific -art, we hold that every apothecary and druggist is bound to contribute -his mite towards the same fund, by noting the new ideas and phenomena -which may occur in the course of his business, and publishing them, -when of sufficient consequence, for the benefit of the profession. - - -VARIA—EDITORIAL. - -THE JOURNAL.—With the present number, the first volume of the Journal -is completed. In a pecuniary point of view its success has fully -equalled the expectations of its originators; it is no longer an -experiment, but is established on a firm basis, and will be continued -with increased energy and a larger experience in the art of journalism. -We have tried to keep faithfully in view the objects with which the -Journal was commenced; while we have endeavored to present to our -readers whatever of general interest or importance has been published -abroad, we have the gratification to believe that some contributions -to the general stock have first appeared in our pages which would -otherwise never have seen the light. But those who confine the benefit -of a journal solely to the information it imparts have but a limited -view of its usefulness; an account of what is done abroad excites -but little emulation compared with far humbler efforts made by our -own friends, and in our own neighborhood, and the encouragement and -promotion of such efforts is a large good, quite independent of the -results that may be attained. The mere attempt to write on a subject -like scientific pharmacy leads to a close scanning of the foundation of -our opinions, to renewed experiments to ascertain their justness, to -more enlightened views of the connection and bearing of our science. -In this way we hope to see the good done by the {381} Journal greatly -increased. The contributors to its pages have hitherto been but few -in number, but its columns are open to all. They are controlled by no -clique, are subservient to no views of merely personal advancement, and -we will gladly, welcome communications from all quarters, judging of -them only by their merit and usefulness. - - -THE DRUG INSPECTION LAW. - -We had intended to have made some remarks on the debate which took -place in the Convention regarding the admission of certain articles, -under the law for the inspection of imported drugs, which, though -possessing medicinal properties are, we believe, merely used for the -purpose of adulterating other and better articles, but willingly -give place to the subjoined communication from Dr. Guthrie, which, -on the whole, advocates views similar to our own. With regard to the -Carthagena barks, as they are termed, we confess to a desire for -further information. Those barks vary very much from each other. -Though not rich in quinia, some of them contain a large per centage of -alkaloids, which are closely allied to it. We hope that the committee -to whom the subject was referred by the Convention will not only cause -proper analyses to be made of the commercial varieties of these barks, -but will have experiments instituted regarding their comparative -therapeutic value. The Hospitals of our country afford abundant cases -of malarious disease, and, we have no doubt, the physicians attached -to them would be ready to institute trials which would afford a -satisfactory solution to this important question. - - GEO. D. GOGGESHALL, - - _My Dear Sir_,—The proceedings of the National Pharmaceutical - Convention have just come to hand, and been perused by me, with no - ordinary degree of interest. - - You have known somewhat of my anxiety concerning these preliminary and - forming stages of an Association of this character, and will readily - believe that I have awaited the results of the late Convention, from - which, most unfortunately for myself, I was compelled to be absent, - with great solicitude. That solicitude has been relieved, and in - its stead I have the assurance that a good foundation to a National - structure has been laid, towards which hope points and expectation - looks with joyous anticipations of future good. - - I may be permitted to congratulate you upon the successful labors - of the convention, and more especially upon the fact that you have - avoided any untenable false ground both in the convention and - organization of the Association. - - That old stumbling block of “all drugs good of their kind,” in - reference to our Drug Law, I see made its appearance again, but - this time from a quarter I {382} little expected. But it had, - notwithstanding its new paternity and eminent godfathership, only, so - far as I can see, the same lame, diffuse and weak conclusions to back - it. - - I was the more surprised at seeing the resolution in the form offered - as coming from my friend Dr. Stewart, of Baltimore, because I had - considered him as one who held entirely opposite opinions, and from - this fact, that in a communication made to me in January last, as - special agent of the Treasury Department, charged with the examination - of the practical workings of the Drug Law, he says, “I have inspected - several hundred thousand dollars worth of one drug which requires some - particular notice, as I understand your views and mine correspond with - regard to it, and you have succeeded in arranging a uniform system of - examination at the different ports. - - The prominent principles upon which its value is based vary from - about one to four per cent. The commercial article of the best - varieties is graduated by the quantity of valuable element above - referred to, but with regard to the inferior kinds this is not the - case, as I have found upon repeated analyses that what are called - bastard varieties (which are not used for extracting the valuable - principles above referred to) _sell at_ higher prices in proportion - to their resemblance to the _officinal kinds_. Even in cases where - they contain no valuable medicinal constituents they are invoiced at 3 - to 4 times the price of the other varieties on board the same vessel - containing 3 per cent. Now if our object in this law is to discourage - the introduction of those articles that are used for the purpose of - adulterating medicines, it is manifest that the true interest of - all will be served by admitting those only of the bastard varieties - that are _equal_ to the inferior officinal varieties, particularly - as they happen to be at a lower cost and are very abundant.” This - is Dr. Stewart, Jan. 9, 1852. The whole of his report to me, a very - interesting and able document, I intend publishing, and have delayed - it for the purpose of accompanying it with some other matter of the - same nature, not yet in hand. - - If I understand him correctly, he took entirely opposite ground in the - Convention, and I certainly shall look with no ordinary interest for - some explanation of a change so entire, in one whose position and well - earned reputation give him importance and great influence in the final - settlement of this matter. What new light has shone upon his path? - What new facts has he to offer? I say _final_ settlement, because I - see by the appointment of a committee to whom the matter was referred, - that the whole subject is but laid over. Although the convention - negatived the resolution, as it did a _similar_ one a year ago in New - York, they seem disposed to endow the question with as many lives as - are fabled of the cat. - - Notwithstanding all the reasoning of the author of the resolution, - backed by the eminent professor, and aided by other reasons, thick - no doubt as blackberries, you practical men who buy and sell these - articles, were not convinced and never will be. They may cry out for - “tooth powder,” until the demand for dentrifice shall quadruple, and - tell us of the legitimate use of Carthagena or Maracaibo barks; (what - is its legitimate use?) all in vain, for it is too well {383} known - that the main use of the article is to adulterate the genuine barks. - Why does the Drug examiner at Baltimore, Dr. Stewart, say that the - “bastard varieties _sell at higher_ prices in proportion to their - _resemblance to the officinal kinds_?” Why this demand for such as - resemble the genuine, but to supply it to the buyers of Peruvian bark - for the genuine and officinal. There can be no other conclusion. - If more proof is wanting I take the remark of the gentleman from - New-York, that the “house he was connected with sold large quantities - in powder, and the parties purchasing did so knowing its origin.” No - one could doubt this statement, at least as to the quantity annually - purchased, who will go through half-a-dozen drug stores in any of the - country villages or small towns any where in our country from Maine to - Louisiana. - - He will have offered prime, best quality cinchona bark for 40 to 100 - cents almost any where, and in one half the cases the venders believe - they are selling what they offer, for they bought it for that. Is this - not so, or is it all bought for “tooth powder?” One half the druggists - who go to our large cities, buy “pale yellow” and red bark, and never - think to enquire for the inferior barks, and once drive these last - from our seaboard cities, and we shall have done with them. - - You are aware that I have had some opportunity of becoming acquainted - with the drug trade of our country, and I assure you that throughout - its length and breadth there is more worthless Peruvian bark sold and - consumed by far than of the genuine, mostly, I hope through ignorance, - but many times knowingly on the part of the dealer. - - The same that has been said of these false barks, may be said of - English rhubarb; when it is not sold for and in the place of Turkey, - it is used to make powdered Turkey out of. But the resolution does not - stop short at these two articles, as the discussion seemed to. There - is “false jalap” undoubtedly good of its kind, but unfortunately for - the buyer the kind is good for nothing, although it makes extract of - jalap, that in looks cannot be told from the genuine. - - There is also Egyptian opium, and a false Sarsaparilla and many other - important drugs, that should have received the attention of the - friends of this resolution, all of which, I beg to assure them, are - undoubtedly good of their kind. - - But I have written more than I designed by far, as the subject grows - upon my hands, though I regard it a very important one, and vitally so - to the drug law which lies at the very foundation of all beneficial - results to grow out of this association, and the position of the - association as to the whole subject is equally important, for if we - unfortunately commit ourselves to a wrong principle in the start, and - especially upon this standard of purity as applicable to our Drug - examiners, which is now regarded as a test question by the community - at large, we lose all hold upon their confidence, and with it all hope - of effecting any good either to ourselves as a profession or to the - community in general. - - My chief object in addressing you this communication (intended for - the New York Journal of Pharmacy, if you choose so to use it) is to - record my experience as differing in toto from those of Dr. Stewart - and Prof. Carson, and to elicit a full discussion of the whole matter. - Let us have light! light! light enough to {384} settle this question, - especially about the barks, for they are the source of this whole - contention after all. There must be data enough to be had, upon which - to form an opinion, and a correct one as to the medicinal virtues of - Maracaibo, and Carthagena barks, as well as of English rhubarb, false - jalap, Egyptian opium etc., etc. - - I shall be perfectly satisfied if the labors of this committee result - in fixing a definite standard of strength, or amount of alkaloids - required to be found in barks before consumed for medicine, and - therefore admissible under the act, but satisfied at nothing short - of this, for till that is done there will never be any uniformity in - the action of the law. I had designed to make some remarks upon the - requirements of the law and its needed emendation which I must defer - to more leisure. - - Yours, etc., C. B. GUTHRIE. - - Memphis, Tenn., November 2, 1852. - - -A DISCOURSE ON THE TIMES, CHARACTER AND WRITINGS OF HIPPOCRATES, -READ BEFORE THE TRUSTEES, FACULTY AND MEDICAL CLASS OF THE COLLEGE -OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS, AT THE OPENING OF THE TERM, 1852, BY -ELISHA BARTLETT, M. D., PROFESSOR OF MATERIA MEDICA, AND MEDICAL -JURISPRUDENCE. Published by the Class. - -Introductory lectures are generally very common-place affairs. Custom -has prescribed that every year the different medical schools shall be -opened with them; and custom, too, has prescribed for them a certain -limited range of topics. Year after year, in a hundred places, the -same round is gone over, and the same good advice is listened to, and -neglected. Dr. Bartlett has broken through all this. He has chosen for -the subject of his discourse the Character and Writings of the Father -of Medicine, and he has illustrated them well and thoroughly. This is -not the place for a detailed notice of the lecture. Yet we cannot but -call attention to the playful humour, the kindly and genial spirit -which set off and enliven its details, and which, breathing from the -whole air and features of the man, render him one of the most agreeable -lecturers to whom we have ever listened. - - -EXCHANGES.—Hitherto the exchanges of this journal have not been -conducted with proper regularity. It has neither been transmitted -punctually to other journals, nor have they been received regularly -in return. For the future this will be corrected; the journal -will be forwarded immediately on its publication; and we hope our -contemporaries will observe a like regularity with us. - -{385} - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - Accidents caused by a very small dose of Santonine given to a child, - . . . 16 - - Act relative to the sale of drugs, . . . 62 - - Action of Sulphuric Acid on the insoluble residue left by opium, - exhausted by water. Formation of a new alkaloid, . . . 318 - - Adulteration of certain drugs, and the methods of detecting said - adulteration, . . . 73 - - Adulteration of sulphate of quinine, . . . 142 - - Aleppo Scammony, results of the examination of several parcels of, - . . . 165 - - Alcohol in essential oils, a test for, . . . 154 - - Aloe Juice, Socotrine, . . . 235 - - Aloine, the crystalline cathartic principle of Barbadoes aloes, . . . - 177 - - Aloine, . . . 318 - - American Journal of Pharmacy, . . . 252 - - Amount of loss in powdering drugs, . . . 225 - - Anodyne liquor, Hoffman’s, . . . 209 - - Application of Organic Chemistry to perfumery, . . . 148 - - Barbadoes Aloes, Aloine, the cathartic principle of, . . . 177 - - Barium Compounds, . . . 161 - - Bark, extract of, . . . 317 - - Belladonna, accidental substitution of, for extract of dandelion, - . . . 321 - - Bestucheff’s tincture, . . . 233 - - Blistering cerate, . . . 72 - - Broom, Chemical examination of, . . . 189 - - Butter of Cacao, . . . 224 - - Camphor, as a stimulant, . . . 63 - - Carbonate of potash, preparation of pure, . . . 33 - - Carbonate of Soda, preparation of pure, . . . 36 - - Cavendish Society, . . . 64 - - Cerate, blistering, . . . 72 - - Cicuta, . . . 299 - - Cider, poisoning by adulterated, . . . 287 - - Chemical technology, . . . 128 - - Cherry laurel water, strength of, . . . 26 - - Chloric ether, . . . 48 - - Chloroform, as a solvent, . . . 197 - - Chloroform, remarkable specimen of decomposed, . . . 116 - - Chloroform, prepared from essences of lemon, copaiba, peppermint and - bergamotte, . . . 157 - - Chromic acid, an escharotic, . . . 127 - - Chronic diseases, cure of by movement, . . . 221 - - Coal gas, used as a source of heat in laboratories, . . . 296 - - Cod liver oil, chemical composition of, . . . 240 - - {386} - - Code of ethics of the American Pharmaceutical Association, . . . 378 - - Coffinism, . . . 63 - - Colchicum Autumnale, . . . 95 - - College of Pharmacy, . . . 128, 352 - - Colored fires for pyrotechnical purposes, . . . 248 - - Committee of College of Pharmacy, . . . 3 - - Comments on comments, . . . 252 - - Constitution of the American Pharmaceutical Association, . . . 375 - - Convention of the American Pharmaceutical Association, . . . 159, 252, - 285, 331, 352 - - Convention delegates to, . . . 224 - - Croton oil, Chemical examination of, . . . 172 - - Dandelion, compound fluid extract of Senna and, . . . 15 - - Delegates to the Convention, . . . 224 - - Delegates to the National Pharmaceutical Convention, . . . 320 - - Division of gum resins in potions and in diachylon plaster, . . . 58 - - Drugs, adulteration of, . . . 73 - - Drugs, law, report on, . . . 264 - - Drugs, amount of loss in powdering, . . . 225 - - Dry Extracts, . . . 158 - - Envelopment of pills, . . . 146 - - Emplastrum epispasticum, . . . 255 - - Ergotine, preparation of propylamine from, . . . 280 - - Escharotic, chromic acid as an, . . . 127 - - Essential oil of bitter almonds, . . . 205 - - Essential oils, test for alcohol in, . . . 154 - - Essence of jargonelle pear, . . . 60 - - Essence of pine apple, . . . 114 - - Estimation of strength of Medicinal Hydrocianic acid, of bitter almond - water, and of cherry laurel water, . . . 26 - - Ether, chloric, . . . 197 - - Extract of bark, . . . 317 - - Extract of belladonna, accidental substitution of, for extract of - dandelion, . . . 321 - - Extract of Senna and dandelion, . . . 15 - - Extractum lobeliæ fluidum, . . . 249 - - Extracts, dry, . . . 158 - - Facts and discoveries in science, . . . 373 - - False jalap, . . . 4 - - Fires, colored for pyrotechnical purposes, . . . 248 - - Fluid extract of senna and dandelion, . . . 15 - - Fusel oil, . . . 257 - - Galbanum plant, . . . 220 - - Gambir, . . . 219 - - Gas, coal, use of as a means of heat in the laboratory, . . . 296 - - General method for detecting alkaloids in cases of poisoning, . . . 343 - - General report on the drug law, . . . 264 - - {387} - - Gelatinization of tincture of rhatany, . . . 319 - - Gelseminum sempervirens, . . . 368 - - Growth of plants in various gases, . . . 61 - - Guarana, . . . 243 - - Gum resins, division of in potions and in diachylon plaster, . . . 58 - - Gutta Taban, . . . 216 - - Heavy oil of wine, . . . 61 - - Heat, coal gas used as a means of, in the laboratory, . . . 296 - - Henry’s magnesia, . . . 127 - - Hints, practical, . . . 69, 133 - - Hoffman’s anodyne liquor, . . . 184 - - Honey, poisonous, . . . 350 - - Hydrate of potash, preparation of pure, . . . 33 - - Hydrate of soda, . . . 36 - - Hydrocyanic acid and bitter almond water, strength of, . . . 26 - - Hygeine, public, . . . 127 - - Hyposulphite of soda, easy method to make, . . . 259 - - Impurities, test for, in acetic acid, . . . 152 - - Indelible ink, . . . 106 - - Inks, writing, . . . 305, 371 - - Inspection of the drug law, . . . 381 - - Internal use of Atropine, . . . 125 - - Ioduretted oil, artificial, a substitute for cod liver oil, . . . 121 - - Ipecacuanha, tincture of, . . . 201 - - Iron, used in Medicine, notes on the preparations of, . . . 229 - - Iron, protiodide of, new method of preparing and exhibiting, . . . 250 - - Iron, soda, pyrophosphate of, . . . 92 - - Itch, ointment of stavesacre in, . . . 350 - - Jalap, two varieties of false, . . . 4 - - Jalap, resin of, . . . 155 - - Jargonelle pear, essence of, . . . 60 - - Lemon, essence of, preparation of chloroform from, . . . 157 - - Liquid socotrine aloes, . . . 235 - - Liquor magnesiæ citratis, . . . 132 - - Lobeliæ extractum fluidum, . . . 249 - - Loss in powdering drugs, . . . 225 - - Magnesiæ citratis, liquor, . . . 132 - - Magnesia, preparation of pure, . . . 199 - - Magnesia, Henry’s, . . . 184 - - Manganese, . . . 192 - - Manufacture of nitrate of potash, (saltpetre), . . . 273 - - Manufacture of writing inks, . . . 305, 371 - - Matico, pharmacology of, . . . 169 - - Means of detecting adulterations in sulphate of quinine, . . . 142 - - Measures, weights and, . . . 135 - - {388} - - Medicine and pharmacy in Brazil, . . . 186 - - Medicines, act relating to, . . . 62 - - Medicine, preparations of iron used in, . . . 229 - - Medical hydrocyanic acid, estimation of strength of, . . . 26 - - Method of preparing and exhibiting protiodide of iron, . . . 250 - - Method of detecting organic alkaloids in cases of poisoning, . . . 343 - - Method of easy to make hyposulphite of soda, . . . 259 - - Mode of ascertaining the purity of essential oil of bitter almonds, - . . . 205 - - Monesia, what is, . . . 167 - - Movements as a cure in chronic diseases, . . . 221 - - National Pharmaceutical Convention, . . . 285, 331 - - National Pharmaceutical Convention, delegates to, . . . 320 - - New alkaloid, discovery of, . . . 318 - - New remedies, . . . 351 - - New method of preparing protiodide of iron, . . . 250 - - Nicotine, poisoning by, . . . 17 - - Nitrogen of the air, other gases substituted for, . . . 61 - - Nitrate of potash, manufacture of, . . . 273 - - Notes in pharmacy, . . . 103, 129, 193, 260, 328 - - Notes on the division of gum resins in potions, . . . 58 - - Notice of some vegetable and animal substances, products of New - Granada, . . . 89 - - Observations on a method of detecting organic alkaloids in cases of - poisoning, . . . 343 - - Observations on the volatility and solubility of cantharidin, . . . 355 - - Officers of the College of Pharmacy, . . . 128 - - Oil, cod liver, . . . 240 - - Oil, Croton, . . . 172 - - Oil, fusel, . . . 257 - - Oil, ioduretted, . . . 121 - - Oil, of bitter almonds, . . . 205 - - Oil, heavy wine, . . . 65 - - Oil, test for alcohol in essential, . . . 154 - - Ointment, stavesacre, . . . 350 - - Ointment, stramonium, . . . 13 - - Opium, cultivation of, . . . 127 - - Opium, residue left by, . . . 318 - - Opium, letter on, . . . 45 - - Opium, observations on strength of tincture of, . . . 85 - - Opium, tincture of, . . . 279 - - Pear, essence of jargonelle, . . . 60 - - Perfumery, application of organic chemistry to, . . . 148 - - Pharmacopœia of the United States, . . . 27 - - Pharmaceutical Convention, . . . 30, 157, 193, 331 - - Pharmacy, . . . 119, 328 - - Pharmacy, College of, . . . 352 - - Pharmacy, Journal of, . . . 3, 252 - - {389} - - Pharmacology of Matico, . . . 169 - - Pharmacy in Brazil, . . . 186 - - Pharmacy in Richmond, . . . 223 - - Pills, on the envelopment of, . . . 146 - - Pine apple, essence of, . . . 114 - - Poisoning by drinking adulterated cider, . . . 287 - - Poisoning, by tincture of aconite, . . . 190 - - Poisoning, Nicotine, . . . 17 - - Potash, nitrate of, . . . 273 - - Potions, division of gum resins in, . . . 58 - - Poisonous honey, . . . 350 - - Powdering drugs, loss in, . . . 225 - - Preparations of iron used in medicine, . . . 229 - - Preparations of the pharmacopœia of the United States, . . . 38 - - Preservation of iodide of iron, . . . 355 - - Practical hints, . . . 69 - - Propylamine, prepared from ergotine, . . . 280 - - Protiodide of iron, new method of preparing, . . . 250 - - Prosecution of a manufacturer of extract of dandelion, . . . 321 - - Pure magnesia, . . . 199 - - Pure Hydrate of potash, . . . 33 - - Pure Hydrate of Soda, . . . 36 - - Quinine, spurious sulphate of, . . . 192 - - Quinidine, . . . 141, 317 - - Santonine, . . . 16 - - Scammony resin, . . . 7 - - Scammony, Aleppo, . . . 165 - - Senna and dandelion, compound fluid extract of, . . . 15 - - Simaba Cedron, . . . 93 - - Socotorine aloes juice, . . . 235 - - Stavesacre ointment, . . . 350 - - Stramonium ointment, . . . 13 - - Sulphate of quinine, spurious, . . . 192 - - Sulphate of quinine, adulteration of, . . . 142 - - Sulphuric acid, action of on the residue left by opium, . . . 318 - - Suppositories of butter of cacao, . . . 224 - - Tannate of zinc, . . . 251 - - Technology, Chemical, . . . 317 - - Test for alcohol in essential oils, . . . 154 - - Tincture of aconite, poisoning by, . . . 190 - - Tincture, Bestucheff’s, . . . 233 - - Tincture, Ipecacuanha, . . . 201 - - Tincture, opium, . . . 279 - - Tincture of rhatany, . . . 319 - - United States Customs, . . . 289 - - {390} - - Use of coal gas as a means of heat in laboratories, . . . 296 - - Valerianic acid, . . . 108 - - Virgin Scammony, . . . 7 - - Weights and Measures, . . . 135 - - Woorara, . . . 77 - - Writing inks, . . . 305, 371 - - Yatamansi, . . . 82 - - Yellow jessamine, . . . 368 - - Zinc, tannate of, . . . 251 - - - - -INDEX OF AUTHORS. - - - BAILEY, DR. M. J. - - United States Customs, . . . 289 - - BARNES, MR. J. B. - - Valerianic Acid, and its salts, . . . 108 - - BERNARD, M. U. - - On Woorara, . . . 77 - - BERNOUILLI, J. J. - - A test for alcohol in essential oils, . . . 154 - - BOUNWYN, M. H. - - New method of preparing and exhibiting protiodide of iron, . . . 250 - - BULL, B. W. - - Virgin scammony, with some remarks upon the characteristics of - scammony resin, . . . 7 - - Results of the examination of several parcels of Aleppo scammony, - . . . 165 - - BUSHE, T. A. - - On the Galbanum plant, . . . 220 - - CANAVAN, BENJ. - - Notes in Pharmacy, No. 1, . . . 103 - - Notes in Pharmacy, No. 2, . . . 129 - - Notes in Pharmacy, No. 3, . . . 198 - - Notes in Pharmacy, No. 4, . . . 260 - - Notes in Pharmacy, No. 5, . . . 328 - - CHANTARD, M. - - On the preparation of chloroform from the essences of lemon, copaiba, - peppermint, and bergamotte, . . . 157 - - COGGESHALL, GEORGE D. - - Remarks upon some of the preparations of the United States - Pharmacopœia, 1851, . . . 38 - - The same continued, . . . 97 - - CURRIE, JOHN H. - - On two varieties of false jalap, . . . 4 - - DORVAULT, - - Remarks on the envelopment of pills, . . . 146 - - Pharmacology of Matico, with formulæ for its preparation, . . . 169 - - DUBLANE, M. - - Chemical research on croton oil, . . . 172 - - DUPUY, EUGENE - - On the preparation of stramonium ointment, . . . 13 - - Compound fluid extract of senna and dandelion, . . . 15 - - On blistering cerate, . . . 72 - - What is Monesia? . . . 167 - - {391} - - GARROD, DR. A. B. - - Observations on the strength of tincture of opium, . . . 85 - - GIBERT, M. - - Report presented to the Academy of Medicine of Paris, on the - substitution of an artificial ioduretted oil for cod liver oil, . . . - 121 - - GLADSTONES, MESSRS. - - On the growth of plants in various gases, especially substituting - carbonic oxide, hydrogen and light carburetted hydrogen, for the - nitrogen of the air, . . . 61 - - GUILLER, M. - - Indelible ink, . . . 106 - - GUTHRIE, DR. C. B. - - General report upon the results and effects of the drug law, . . . 264 - - HARRIS, C. T. - - On the adulteration of certain drugs and the methods of detecting said - adulterations, . . . 73 - - HOFFMAN, DR. A. W. - - On the application of organic chemistry to perfumery, . . . 148 - - HOLTON, I. F. - - Chloric ether, . . . 197 - - HOWARD, MR. ROBT. - - Quinidine, . . . 141 - - KENT, EDWD. H. - - On the heavy oil of wine, . . . 65 - - On the oil of grain spirit, or fusel oil, . . . 257 - - On the use of coal gas as a source of heat for the laboratory, . . . 296 - - LEPAGE, M. P. H. - - On chloroform as a solvent, . . . 48 - - LEROY, G. F. - - On tincture of Ipecacuanha, . . . 201 - - LIEBIG, J. - - On the estimation of the strength of medicinal hydrocianic acid of - bitter almond water, and of cherry laurel water, . . . 26 - - MAYER, FR. - - Note on the preparation of Bestucheff’s tincture, . . . 233 - - MOHR, DR. - - On dry extracts, . . . 158 - - On Henry’s Magnesia, . . . 184 - - MONZON, DR. M. J. RAF. - - Notice of some vegetable and animal substances natural products of New - Granada, . . . 89 - - ORFILA, M. - - On poisoning by nicotine, . . . 17 - - PEREIRA, JONATHAN - - On a remarkable specimen of decomposed chloroform, . . . 116 - - On socotrine aloe juice, . . . 235 - - PROCTER, W. JR. - - On Hoffman’s anodyne liquor, . . . 209 - - Extractum Lobeliæ Fluidum, . . . 249 - - On the volatility and solubility of cantharidin, . . . 355 - - On Gelseminum Sempervirens, . . . 368 - - RITCHIE, D. - - Guarana, . . . 243 - - SANDROCK, B. - - Chemical examination of resin of jalap, . . . 155 - - SEEMAN, M. B. - - On the simaba cedron, . . . 93 - - On Gutta Taban, . . . 216 - - On gambir, . . . 219 - - STAS, Prof. - - Observations upon a general method for detecting the organic alkaloids - in cases of poisoning, . . . 343 - - On aloine, . . . 177 - - STENHOUBE, DR. J. - - Chemical examination of Broom, . . . 189 - - TALLON, JOHN C. - - Easy method to make hyposulphite of soda, . . . 259 - - URE, ALEX. - - On the soda pyrophosphate of iron, . . . 92 - - WIEGAND, THOS. S. - - Liquor Magnesiæ citratis, . . . 132 - - {392} - - WINCKLER, DR. H. S. - - Chemical composition of cod liver oil, . . . 240 - - Preparation of propylamine from ergotine, . . . 280 - - WURTZ, H. - - On the preparation of pure hydrate of potash and carbonate of potash, - . . . 33 - - On the preparation of chemically pure hydrate and carbonate of soda, - . . . 36 - - Preparation of barium compounds, . . . 161 - - Preparation of pure magnesia, . . . 199 - - On the preparations of iron used in medicine, . . . 229 - - On the preservation of iodide of iron, . . . 353 - - ZIMMER, MR. - - On the adulteration of sulphate of quinine, and the means of its - detection, . . . 142 - - - - -TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE - -Original spelling and grammar have been generally retained, with -some exceptions noted below. Errata mentioned in the endmatter of -monthly issues have been ignored—left unchanged. Original printed -page numbers are shown like this: “{52}”. Original small caps are now -uppercase. Italics look _like this_. Footnotes have been relabeled -1–30. The commas used to end several paragraphs by mistake, e.g. -on page 176, were changed to full stops. Superscript x looks like -this: “^x” or “^{x}”. Subscript x looks like “‗{x}”. The transcriber -produced the cover image and hereby assigns it to the public domain. -Original page images are available from archive.org—search for -“newyorkjournalof11852newy”. - -Ditto marks, including “Do” or “do”, have been eliminated, replaced -by repeated text. In a table on page 130, white space was employed as -a ditto mark. In this table, the white space ditto and “Nitrici” have -been replaced with “Acidi hydro nitrici”. - -Page 36. The formula for ordinary monohydrated bicarbonate of soda is -retained. The phrase “lost by ignition; O. 845 grn.” was changed to -“lost by ignition; 0.845 grn.” - -Page 44. Large curly brackets “}” employed as graphic devices to -indicate combination of information over two or more lines of text were -eliminated. There were examples of this on pages 44 and 58. The text -was restructured as necessary to retain the evident meaning of the -original brackets. - -Page 63; “sufficient t supply” to “sufficient to supply”. - -Page 70; added a full stop after “the doctor knows but little more”. - -Page 81; “3nd” to “2nd”. - -Page 86; “constitutents” to “constituents”. - -Page 90; “exeoriating” to “excoriating”. - -Page 100; “with fonr ounces” to “with four ounces”. - -Page 110. The formula for valerianic acid is retained. - -Page 122; “phrosphorus” to “phosphorus”. - -Page 124; “a renecessary” to “are necessary”. - -Page 126; “Anaethesia” to “Anaesthesia”. - -Page 127; “engagaged” to “engaged”. - -Page 142; “800 gains” to “800 grains”. - -Page 167; “_Chrysophi lum;_” to “_Chrysophi lum._;”. - -Page 169; “fossœ”, retained, possibly should be “fossæ”. - -Page 170; “over their property” is retained, but maybe should be “owe -their property”. - -Page 171; “represents 1-10 of its weight of matico” is retained. - -Page 209; “gavity” to “gravity”. - -Page 225. In the table row “Potassæ Nitrat.”, “3 98” was changed to -“3.98”. - -Page 228. In table row “——— Bi-tartrat.”, “ 45” was changed to “.45”. -In row “Buchu”, “ 96” was changed to “.96”. - -Page 243; “hyrate” to “hydrate”. The words “guarana” and “guaraná”, -in various states of capitalization, have been retained as printed -throughout the book. - -Page 244; “imformation” was changed to “information”, and “knowlege” to -“knowledge”. The word “angnlato” is retained, but possibly should be -“angulato”. - -Page 249; “Salpetre” to “Saltpetre”. - -Page 250; “incoveniences” to “inconveniences”. - -Page 254; “evarated” to “evaporated”. - -Page 259; “preciptate” to “precipitate”. - -Page 261; “qnantity” to “quantity”. - -Page 278; “mannfacture” to “manufacture”. - -Page 280; unmatched right parenthesis was removed from “part i., p. -22)”. - -Page 287; “rceive” to “receive”. - -Page 297; “atttched” to “attached”. - -Page 302. The original quotation punctuation is retained, although it -appears wrong. The first paragraph has no left quotation mark, and the -fourth paragraph has no end quotation mark. Similarly, the original -quotation marks are retained on page 303. - -Page 326, 327; “propable” and “propably” retained. - -Page 330. A right parenthesis is added after “(perhaps it might be -deemed worthy of the action of the convention” to close the left -parenthesis. - -Page 357; “catharidin” to “cantharidin”. - -Page 369; “commom” to “common”. - -Page 381; “satisfacfactory” to “satisfactory”. Also, there is a letter -to “Geo. D. Goggeshall”. The name has been retained on page 381, -although the only other reference to “Goggeshall” was on page 390—see -below—where it was evidently wrong, and refers to “Coggeshall”. - -Page 383. A matching right quotation mark was added to ‘say that the -“bastard varieties _sell at higher_ prices in proportion to their -_resemblance to the officinal kinds_?’. - -Page 390. The name “Goggeshall” has been changed to “Coggeshall” -on page 390 (Index of Authors) to conform with its position in the -alphabetical list, and to agree with the names found on the referenced -pages 38 and 97. - - - - - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of New York Journal of Pharmacy, Volume 1 -(of 3), 1852, by Various - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NEW YORK JOURNAL OF PHARMACY, 1852 *** - -***** This file should be named 53828-0.txt or 53828-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/8/2/53828/ - -Produced by Charlene Taylor, Bryan Ness, RichardW, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This book was produced from scanned images of public -domain material from the Google Books project, and from -The Internet Archive.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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