Part 4

Some of the morphological definitions are actually at variance with accurate descriptive usage, as that of primary and secondary roots, duration, etc. To call a stem an “axis” and a root an “axis” of a different kind, is to perpetuate a term at the expense of all regard for that accuracy which is the most important element of scientific language. Such subjects as venation are of prime importance to the pharmacist, and so far from restricting the teachings to several of the more important terms presented in ordinary text-books on botany, the classification should be elaborated in its fullest details. Compare the definition of classes, as “Plants resembling one another in some grand leading feature,” and of orders or families, as “Plants that very closely resemble each other in some leading particular,” with the clear presentation of ranks in class characteristics, given by Agassiz a generation ago, and which should, if anything, have been improved upon in the light of modern knowledge and perfected usage.

The subject of nomenclature, the recent agitation of which has done more to expose and shatter erroneous practices in scientific thought and custom than any other influence, and whose correct apprehension is the very corner-stone of pharmacopœial definition, we do not see anywhere treated.

It is a pleasure to turn from a contemplation so depressing to the spirits of one who has labored hopefully for years to secure a just and rational treatment of his favorite study at the hands of Pharmaceutical educators, to Part II. of Prof. Sayre’s book, a work so bright and practical, so replete with new and helpful ideas in the teaching of practical Pharmacognosy, and so full of information, both standard and exceptional, though unhappily marred by many errors, as to secure for it at once a prominent place upon the shelves of the “Handy Book Case.”

The principle is here adhered to of making a single volume do duty as a text-book of Pharmacognosy and of “Materia Medica,” as the latter term is commonly used. We have never looked upon this method as being practicable, but Prof. Sayre resorts to a most ingenious device never before resorted to, by which it must be admitted that better results have been obtained than have previously been reached. What might be called a “Pharmacognostical Key,” or a synopsis of Pharmacognosy, is presented separately in advance of the main body of Part II. Here the drugs are numbered to correspond with the consecutive numbering prominently displayed under the second arrangement, that by natural orders, the proper method for retaining and displaying the natural relationships of active constituents and medicinal properties. The “Pharmacognostical Key” appears to us a failure in its practical workings, owing to indefinite characterization, by reference to taste only of the headings. If a drug is both bitter and aromatic, we have to look for it both in Class I. and Class III. A bifurcating key is here required, or better, we might take a combination of characters for each heading. On the whole, this key, while elaborate and very full, and subject to great improvement by a few trifling changes, we must regard as inferior to that of Maisch’s text-book. Prof. Sayre very sensibly omits all attempt to classify volatile oils, except by indicating their sources.

The arrangement of the matter of the second part is, first, a brief description of the ordinal characters, followed by a list of the drugs belonging to that order, those official in heavy-faced capitals; then the drugs are taken up separately, the official names and synonyms in the important languages presented, the definition, botanical characteristics, sources, related, and similar articles, description of drugs, with the more important characters printed in heavier type, accompanied generally by a picture of the plant and of the drug, gross and structural, important constituents, actions and uses, and a synopsis of the official preparations. The doses of the drugs are given, but not of the preparations, though the strengths of the latter are stated. An unfortunate feature, as in Part I., is the illustrations. They are not at all uniform in effect. While the method followed has given exceptionally good results in some cases, yet in many others they are very unsatisfactory, and this is more particularly true from a scientific than from an artistic point of view.

Valuable a contribution as is Part II., there is an evident unfamiliarity with, or disregard of, the commercial aspects of drugs. For instance, the important distinctions between Cassia vera and C. lignea, and the subject of Batavian Cassia, a correct understanding of which is a great aid in the economy of the drug store, are entirely omitted. The distinctions between Coto and Paracoto are not clear, and in the facts concerning commercial occurrence are reversed. Mace is not, as described, a “membrane,” neither does it “invest the kernel.” Moreover, nothing is said about Wild Mace, now so extensively used as an adulterant that it is possible that it constitutes the larger part of commercial Mace. “Reddish brown” boldo leaves are old and worthless. The description of Piper longum is only partly true, according to the variety under consideration, and the individual parts are not “berries.” The part rubbed off from Piper album is not correctly described as an “epidermis.” The important characteristics distinguishing true from false cubebs is not given.

Appendix “A” is a valuable contribution on the subject of insects injurious to drugs.

Appendix “B” is no less important, it being an account of the contributions of organic chemistry to materia medica.

Appendix “C” treats of “Pharmacal Microscopy” in such a fragmentary and superficial way that it will scarcely be found of service to any one in these days.

H. H. RUSBY.

_Pharmacy._

_Einführung in die Maassanalyse._--M. Vogtherr. Für junge Pharmaceuten zum Unterricht und zum Selbststudium. Unter Berücksichtigung des Arzneibuches für das deutsche Reich und der Ergänzung desselben durch die ständige Commission für die Bearbeitung dieses Arzneibuches. 2. Aufl. Newied: Heuser’s Verlag.

_Pharmaceutisk Haandboog for 1895._--E. P. F. Peterson. Kjobenhaven: F. Host & Sons.

_Photo-Micrography._

See also Bacteriology.

_Photo-Micrography._--H. van Heurick. Eng. Ed. Re-edited and augmented by the author from the 4th French edition and translated by Wynne E. Baxter. With Illus. London: Crosby, Lockwood & Son.

_Photography._

_Deutsches Photographen Kalender._--K. Schwier. Taschenbuch und Almanach für 1895. 14. Jahr Weimar.

_Physics._

_Manual of Physico-Chemical Measurements._--W. Ostwald. Translated by James Walker. London and New York: Macmillan.

_A Laboratory Manual of Physics and Applied Electricity._--E. L. Nichols. 2 vols. London and New York: Macmillan.

_Anfangsgründe der Physik mit Einschluss der Chemie und Mathematischen Geographie._--K. Koppe. 20. Aufl. Ausgabe B in 2 Lehrgängen. Für höhere Lehranstalten nach den preuss. Lehrplänen von 1892. Bearbeitet von A. Husmann. II. Th.: Hauptlehrgang. Essen: G. D. Baedeker.

_Elementi di Fisica ad Uso delle Scuole secondarie._--F. Cintolesi. Livorno.

_Thermo Dynamics treated with Elementary Mathematics._--J. Parlseo. London: S. Low & Co.

THE MOST RECENT WORK.

_A Seidlitz Powder._--A. Gunn made an examination of some powders and found the blue powder to consist of magnesium sulphate and sodium bicarbonate. The white powder consisted of tartaric acid. Evidently there had been a mistake or else it was a bold attempt to cope with the cutting system and its cheap prices. One wonders that the makers should expect the unusual effect of trying to dissolve the contents of the blue paper to pass unnoticed.--_Pharm. Jour. Trans._, 1894, 534.

_Ointment of Mercuric Nitrate._--C. H. La Wall (_Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1894, 525_). The following fats have been suggested as a substitute for the lard oil: Neatsfoot oil, lard, butter, peanut oil, almond oil, caster oil, palm oil, bear’s oil, ox marrow, beef suet, stearic acid, petrolatum, and almost all of the other fats from the animal and the vegetable kingdoms, and even one from the mineral kingdom, appear to have been experimented with in the vain hope of finding some fat or oil which would make a good and durable ointment.

Several writers have taken another course and have tried to preserve the products obtained from former processes. One advises keeping the ointment in a jar and covering it with a layer of glycerin to prevent oxidation; others have tried the addition of camphor; still others have given their attention to the mercurial portion of the ointment, and suggest making the nitrate from the oxide of mercury instead of making it from the metal. Some have even been skeptical as to the reliability of any process, but those who have approximated the truth more nearly are they who advise careful manipulation, especially as regards temperature.

The author employs the official ingredients and quantities and heats the lard oil to 100° C., removes heat, and adds the nitric acid without stirring and reapplies heat when effervescence ceases until all gas is expelled. It is best to use a vessel of six times the capacity of the quantity to be made to allow for the copious effervescence which takes place. When the foregoing mixture has cooled to 40° C., the solution of mercuric nitrate is added and the temperature is raised gradually to 60° C., and maintained until no further evolution of gas is noticed. If it is then agitated until cold, as usual, the resulting product will comply with the requirements of the Pharmacopœia.

Ointment made by the U. S. P. method, which has become spongy, may be remedied by elevating the temperature to 60° C. and cooling with agitation.

_Typical Bacilli._--_E. Klein_ [_Quart. Jour. Micros. Sci._, 1894, 1-9 (1 _pl_)] concludes from observations on the bacilli of anthrax diphtheria, and tubercle, that these species are not such typical bacilli as they are usually represented to be. For though under many conditions their morphological characters are those of typical bacilli, yet under others they revert to or assume forms indicating their relationship to Saccharomyces or a still higher mycelia fungus. In the case of anthrax, the typical bacilli may be represented by oval and spherical bodies, some of which may contain vacuoles, and under conditions (early stages of growth on plates composed of beef bouillon, gelatin 10 per cent., pepton 1 per cent., salt 1 per cent.), the colonies are composed of large spindle-shaped, spherical or oval elements in which vacuolation is frequent. Similar appearances are to be observed in colonies of the thrush fungus. From this it is inferred that while _B. anthracis_ is a typical bacillus as a pathogenic microbe, yet in its early stages of growth on gelatin it may assume characters having much resemblance to _Saccharomyces mycoderma_ or _Oidium_ and thus return temporarily to an atavistic stage in its evolutionary history. With regard to _B. diphtheriæ_ the author points out that the club-shaped expansions of one or both ends are not to be regarded as due to involution, for both under natural and artificial conditions where there is active growth these expansions will be found, and have moreover a striking resemblance to the ends of growing hyphæ. Their existence, therefore, is only to be explained by their representing a relationship to a mycelial fungus. In the case of the tubercle bacilli, preparations not unfrequently show threads or filaments composed of unequal elements, some of them being conspicuous for knob-shaped expansions, similar to those of diphtheria. Such appearances occur not only in sputum but in artificial cultivations e.g. glycerin agar after some weeks incubation at 37°. All these preparations behave in the same way as _B. tuberculosis_ when treated with appropriate staining reagents; and that they are not involution forms is evident, as the unbranched nature of the filaments and the existence of lateral bulgings prove that they are in an active condition of growth.

_Lysidin._--Ladenburg describes a compound obtained in the state of hydrochloride by heating ethylene diamene hypochloride with sodium acetate. The composition of the freebase is C₄H₈N₂ and is termed _lysidin_. The aquems solutions dissolve uric acid and the application of lysidin in the treatment of diseases arising from the secretion of uric acid is being investigated. Grawitz describes it as a crystalline body of a light red color, readily soluble in water and possesses a peculiar taste. It is administered in doses from 15 to 80 grains daily, dissolved in carbonic acid-water.--_Deutsche med. Wochenschr._, 1894, 786.

_Gaseous Formaldehyde._--R. Cambier and A. Brochet prepare this aldehyde for disinfection in two ways: 1. By the depolymerization of trioxymethylene by heat, and, 2. Direct production by the incomplete combustion of methylic alcohol. Formaldehyde possesses antiseptic properties only when it is in the condition of a gas. On cooling, ordinarily, it is spontaneously polymerized to an inert solid. If it is allowed to cool, in the presence of much air this process does not take place and hence the formaldehyde retains its bactericidal properties. Experiments made at the bacteriological laboratory of Montsouris have enabled the authors to sterilize the ordinary dust of rooms as well as cultivations of various pathogenic micro-organisms.--_Compt. Rend._, 1894, _No._ 15.

NOTES HERE AND THERE.

_Soda Water._--In Byron’s “Don Juan” we find the following in Canto II., 81, 186:

Ring for your valet--bid him quickly bring Some hock and soda water, then you’ll know A pleasure worthy Xerxes, the great king; For not the best sherbet sublimed with snow, Nor the first sparkle of the desert spring, Nor Burgundy, in all its sunset glow, After long travel, _ennui_, love or slaughter, Vie with that draught of hock and soda water.

_The Essence of Rose Industry in Turkey._--The _Bulletin du Musée Commercial_, in its issue for September 1st, states that the essence of rose industry in Turkey, which was until quite recently one of the principal resources of Eastern Roumelia and the principality of Bulgaria, has within the last few years shown a decided decline, the falling being the quantities and values of the exports during that period:--1889, 2,767 kilos., valued at 1,542,544 francs; 1890, 3,163 kilos., valued at 1,771,427 francs; 1891, 534 kilos., valued at 317,937 francs; 1892, 439 kilos., valued at 267,379 francs. In 1893 the value of the exports was only 143,185 francs. This decline is due largely to the fact that in France, Germany, and in several other places in Turkey besides Roumelia a development has taken place in the growing of roses, so as to provide to some extent for the requirements of consumption in these places.--_Brit. and Col. Drug._, 1894, 421.

Alumni Association.

Minutes of the Executive Board meeting held January 9, 1895.

The meeting was called to order at about 8.30 P. M. by the President. There were present Miss K. C. Mahegin and the Messrs. Graeser, Henning, Ehrgott and Hoburg.

On motion, the reading of the Minutes of the last Executive Board meeting was dispensed with.

Reports of Committees:

The Letter-Box Committee reported progress, and that the “box” will be up in a few days.

Motion made and seconded that the Alumni Room Furnishing Committee be discharged with the heartfelt thanks of the association, and that the Secretary notify the chairman of said committee, Mr. Hohenthal, of this action. Motion carried.

The report of the Treasurer was very satisfactory, and was forthwith adopted.

The business manager of the JOURNAL reported it as being in a very flourishing condition, which reassuring report was gladly adopted.

After having duly notified the following gentlemen, they were to-night dropped from membership in the Alumni Association, a motion, which was seconded and carried having been made to that effect, and that the Secretary request the return of their certificates of membership, according to a clause in our Constitution to that effect. These gentlemen are Messrs. George W. Snedeker, A. Zimmerman and A. T. Halsted.

The resignation of W. M. Rheineck was recently received, and since he gave sufficient reason for so doing, his resignation was accepted with regrets.

The resignation of Mr. A. Henning as Business Manager of the JOURNAL was also handed in this evening, and under the existing circumstances it had to be accepted, with the sincerest regrets of the association.

It was then regularly moved and seconded that the salary of the editor of THE ALUMNI JOURNAL be increased on account of three extra issues of the JOURNAL per annum.

After a very interesting discussion of important business for an hour or so, the meeting came to a pleasant termination.

W. A. HOBURG, Jr., Sec’y.

* * * * *

The following list of names are of persons who have changed their addresses and consequently the Treasurer of THE ALUMNI JOURNAL is unable to supply them with the information that they are entitled to. If these persons or any one knowing of their addresses will communicate with Mr. A. Henning, this end will be attained:

Adam Vogt, 787 8th avenue, city; A. Levy, 125 Grand street, city; G. J. Wolston, Cortland, Cortland Co., N. Y.; H. W. Walp, 536 5th avenue, city; Gustav Katz, Lenox avenue and 125th street, city; Alfred Miller, 537 9th avenue, city; Fred. T. Hartman, 703 3d avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.; Thos. H. McDonald, Cairo, Ill.; A. J. Van der Bergh, 213 6th avenue, city; C. E. W. Lewin, 106 2d avenue, city; Emil Th. F. Holthusen, 20 Rutger street, city; Emil Buchler, 100 St. Marks Place, city; Frank K. Burr, 821 7th avenue, city; A. W. Moschowitz, 1099 Broadway, city; L. D. Huntoon, Port Oram, N. J.; Chas. E. Stammler, 172 Varick street, city; Chas. H. Everest, 27 West 34th street, city; Edward Stone, 1501 Broadway, city; Fred. Peiter, 301 3d avenue, city; Major C. Brown, 874 Broadway, city; Louis Hess, Scranton, Pa.; A. Zimmerman, 561 5th avenue, city; Otto C. B. Groin, Denver, Col.; Jacobo Alvarado, Paso del Norte, Mexico; G. S. Badger, 52 East 42d street, city; Frank A. M. Schleiff, 242 East 27th street, city.

* * * * *

“We’ll learn the perfect skill, The nature of each herb to know, Which cures and which can kill.”

College Notes.

MARRIED.--Smith Ely Jelliffe, M. D., to Helena Dewey Leeming, both of Brooklyn, by Rev. Dr. Kelsay, of Brooklyn, assisted by Rev. T. LaFleur, of Montreal, Thursday, Dec. 20th, 1894. In the 6th Ave. Baptist Church, Brooklyn, at 8 P. M.

’94 NOTES.

Apropos of the New Year, it is seemingly proper that we should endeavor to surpass our former records by carrying out such resolutions that we may deem proper both for the welfare of ourselves and the gratification of our associates.

At the present time, I think one of the most important resolutions should regard the memory of our Alma Mater. Therefore let me suggest that the bonds of friendship that have hitherto existed, be not cast asunder, but on the contrary, be more tightly strengthened. Let us in the strife and turmoil of commercial life, pause, if but for a moment and think of the pleasant days spent at college, the recollections of which not even time can efface from our memories.

To enable us carry out this resolution, our Alumni Association has extended their characteristic hospitality by inviting us to their monthly lectures, therefore why should we not show our appreciation of their kindly feeling, by taking advantage of the opportunity, and thus not only serving to further make these meetings enthusiastic and successful ones, but also demonstrating to our fraternal friends that sociability is not a lost art among us.

* * * * *

EX-SECY. INHOFF is at present in Colorado seeking the high altitude of the Rocky Mts. as a substitute for the many panaceas, usually recommended for obesity. Last reports were to the effect that the trip was not taken in vain.

* * * * *

Despite the prevailing rain and cold winds, many of our “Gilded Pharmacists” braved the elements in order to have Prof. Haubold give them a few “pointers” on digestion. It is needless to say that they were liberally rewarded, for, who would not enjoy the pleasure of an “Iodine Sandwich with a test tube of genuine pancreatic juice on the side,” handed him, particularly when the latter was the self-sacrifice of a wandering specie of canine.

Our class was represented by Messrs. Race, Burger, Ely, Hutchinson, Struck, Pond, Krueder, Katz, Wurthiman and Stoezer, who did justice to our familiar. Pento! Meta! Boraci!

* * * * *

EX-SEC’Y LINNIG has been advised by his physician to drink no more water as its reaction on his cast iron constitution might result in an incrustation commonly known as Rust.

MOSE KATZ as bright and jovial as ever is still with Messrs. J. N. Hegeman & Co., 3d Ave. and 31st St. He anticipates being present at most if not all of the Alumni lectures this winter.

FRED HILTZ left for Cleveland, Ohio, a few weeks ago. He anticipates entering the Medical University of that city next year; subsequently he will finish in the P. and S. College, this city under the guidance of Harry W. Carter, Ph. D., A. M., of Brooklyn.

JOHN P. WILCOX is located in Plainfield, N. J.

One of our most successful graduates is AUG. W. BRATER, who together with his brother is conducting a cosy pharmacy on Park Ave., cor. 76th St. Brater is as energetic as ever and devotes no little time in making an exquisite window display, which is the admiration of the neighborhood’s fair ones.

ARTHUR BASTEDO is indeed quite a genius, for besides attending to his duties with Caswell & Massy, he has found sufficient time to dissect several times a week at the P. and S. College, which will be an advantage to him when he commences the study of medicine. Arthur has also joined the Alumni Association and is such an active member that he may be found at all their meetings.

Through the endeavors of J. REMINGTON WOOD (with a little bunch of whiskers on his chin), we hope to have a reunion dinner before commencement. His success on former committees of this kind gives us every confidence of his ability to make such an occasion a success at this time.

THOS. E. DAVIES is hospital steward of the Eighth Battalion, N. G. S. N. Y., and a quite popular one too. At their receptions and drills the Red Cross of his uniform is always conspicuous. He spent two weeks in State camp during the summer, of which his reminiscences are many as well as interesting. Mr. Davies has just met with a severe loss in the death of his Father.

NELSON S. KIRK, PH. G., 9 E. 59th St.

Senior Class Notes.

D. M. WELLS on returning home one evening found his room in a somewhat disjointed condition. The bed was taken apart, pillows tacked to the wall, and books, clothes, ladies’ photos and old suspenders heaped up in artistic fashion on the floor. He thought the place was struck by lightning, but was informed that it was the work of a couple of friends who had called to see him.

The servant girl has a gun loaded. So beware, Cooley.

Wells says home coming is not pleasant when you have to climb through the transom to get into your room.

* * * * *

For the Johnson & Johnson excursion Brown is going to have his whiskers trimmed, Manville is having his voice scoured; Joe is going to wear his new white hat; Gifford is going to have his hair cut so as to disguise himself; Morse and his extra eyes will be there too; Clarey says I am going if my fair one does too.

Thum is going to have his trousers pressed and his hair banged.

Sherman is going to put glucose on his mustache to swap for cold sores.