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.

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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.

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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.

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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.,