554
I SCIENTIFIC LIBRARY J
GPO 16—53001-1
AMERICAN
Journal of Pharmacy
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE
PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY.
EDITED BY
JOHN M. MAISCH.
PUBLISHING COMMITTEE FOB 1886 :
HENRY ST. RITTENHOUSE, CHARLES BULLOCK.
JAMES T. SHINN, THOMAS S. WIEGAND,
AND THE EDITOR.
VOLUME LVIII. FOURTH SERIES, VOLUME XVI.
PHILADELPHIA : ROYAL PRINTING CO., N. E. Cor. Tenth and Filbert Sts. 18 8 6.
THE AMERICAN
JOURNAL OF PHARMACY.
JANUARY, 1886.
SEVERAL OFFICIAL OINTMENTS.
By R. Rother.
When hog's fat, of the body cavity, is freed from investing mem- branes by a process of fusion, it is said to be " prepared," and is then officially termed lard. Conventionally, however, the unprepared I internal fat is also called lard. But this confusion of terms is of no serious consequence, since the connection in which they appear gen- erally determines the one that is meant. Fat, when properly puri- fied, is not exceedingly prone to objectionable changes. Contamina- tion with parts of the original integument, but particularly the presence of water, either imperfectly removed or fraudulently added, induces speedy and destructive change. In course of time and through changing temperature, good and pure lard Avill become more or less granular, but still remain suitable for its various applications. The action of water, especially when aided by continued warmth, deteriorates lard in a variety of ways. One of the most undesirable and conspicuous of these results is the so-called rancidity. This is perhaps partially superinduced by a species of fermentation, the de- graded product being either coincidently or- subsequently still further damaged by oxidation.
Numerous remedies have beeu suggested and tested in order to obviate these tendencies. As already stated, the absence of water insures a more extended permanence. In many instances, however, its presence is essential for other reasons, and hence the application of some preservative becomes necessary. Officially, benzoin is used for this purpose, which seems to answer very well in the majority of cases. There is, however, a limit to its capacity in both time and conditions. The benzoic acid is here doubtless the active agency, as far as the suppression of fermentation is concerned. On the oxidation it possibly has no effect to the extent that this is independent of the former. A benzoin-protected fat may therefore become disqualified
2 Several Official Ointments. \Ammj™\$trm'
for medicinal use through pure atmospheric influence. When ben- zoinated lard is mixed with substances which combine with or destroy the benzoic acid, the resulting ointment, if at all hydrous, is as liable to spoil similar to aqueous lard without benzoin.
Benzoin imparts an unpleasing discoloration to fats. Owing to its disposition to become more hardened by heating, the benzoin is not readily extracted by the melted lard. Furthermore, suspended parti- cles difficult of separation are likely to contaminate the product. The writer has found that the application of balsam of tolu in place of benzoin is attended by superior effects. The cinnamic acid which is the chief active constituent of the balsam is a more powerful antizy- motic than benzoic acid. In consequence, the preservation will be more thorough and lasting. By reason of the ready fusibility of the balsam, its contact with the heated lard is correspondingly intimate. The fused fat extracts apparently everything from it of a desirable nature. The inert residue that finally remains is somewhat less fusi- ble than the original balsam. This residuum has the valuable prop- erty of gathering up all floating particles contained in the mixture, and in becoming agglutinated permits the complete decantation of the clear and fluid fat. The product, when cooled, has the precise odor of benzoinated lard.
It is known that ordinary resin- — usually called rosin — gives dura- bility to ointments containing it. The writer believes that its judicious employment for preserving fats would give desirable results, when added in no larger proportion than one per cent. It is wholly solu- ble in fats, is scarcely perceptible by its odor, and imparts no color when the light yellow kind is used.
In contradistinction, fats impregnated with tolu might be styled toluinated, and those with resin resinated. The writer, however, is in favor of generally terming fats thus treated " preserved " fats.
Where the consistency of lard is not of the requisite firmness, wax, spermaceti, suet, etc., are added in proper degree.
Yellow wax appears to possess preserving powers. White wax and spermaceti are much less efficient, although retarding deterioration to some extent. The latter two are sometimes already tainted in them- selves. In these compounds, the closer texture is doubtless the main cause of their greater permanence. The combinations between sper- maceti and lard are characterized by clearness of grain, remarkable smoothness and ready fusibility, but are only moderately firm. The
Am. Jour. Pharni. Jan., 1886.
Several Official Ointments
3
wax mixtures are much harder, but less smooth and regularly grained, as a result of the great difference in the fusibility of the components. On becoming rancid, or when subjected to variable temperatures, the wax and spermaceti ointments do not disintegrate into a fluid and solid portion peculiar to the transformation of unmixed lard under similar conditions.
It appears that certain fats, under zymotic influence, in the presence of water, assimilate this and generate a new order of fats and free fatty acids. The fatty acids and the corresponding glycerides that are susceptible of these changes belong to the acrylic series, the acids of which are represented by the general formula CnH2n_202. Oleic acid is the most common and best known member of this class. Acrylic acids, on fusion with potash, absorb the oxygen of water, expelling the hydrogen while generating two new acids of the fatty series, the members of which have the general formula CnH2n02. Acrylic acids are also directly transformed into fatty acids by the assumption of nascent hydrogen. The first reaction may be expressed by the following equation, in which n of course has a different value for each formula :
°(CnH2n_A)+20H2=XC.H2n02)+"(CnH2n02)+2H.
Since, in> the rancidification or fermentative transformation of acrylic acids or their glycerides, no hydrogen is eliminated, the change may occur as shown in the following equation, the n of each formula having a distinct value :
2°(CnH2n_202)+20H2=°(CnH2ll02)+XCnH2n02)+"(CnH2n02).
This reaction seemingly explains the peculiar disintegration of fats containing olein. Some of the resulting glycerides or free fatty acids will be more, and a portion less, fusible than the original components, and therefore have a stronger disposition to separate from each other. The free acids near the base of the fatty series — as, for instance, acetic, propionic, butyric, etc. — are strongly odorous and irritant, while the higher members, such as palmitic, stearic, etc., are inodorous, non- irritant and bland.
Stearic acid, known in commerce as hard stearin, is a white, crys- talline, odorless and tasteless solid, firmer than spermaceti and more tenacious than wax. Its fusion-point is quite low, being 69°C. It melts readily, and promptly congeals on cooling. During the melting a portion rises in vapor, hence the temperature should not be raised
4
Several Official Ointments
r Am. Jour. Pharm. (. Jan., 1886.
unnecessarily high. As all the acids of the fatty series, it is quite unalterable under ordinary conditions, and resists the influence of decomposing agents with considerable force. Melted lard and warm oils abundantly dissolve stearic acid, but on cooling it rapid lv sepa- rates in crystals. The writer has, however, employed it with much success in various connections.
The remarkable hydrocarbons at the upper end of the paraffin series are rapidly attaining a merited popularity. The firmest of these substances, commercially termed paraffin wax, has long been favorably known for numerous uses. The more fusible and unctuous body now officially recognized under the name of petrolatum, is find- ing even more valuable applications in medicine and pharmacy. The market also affords an oily body of the same class which will doubt- less rank popularly very high in due time.
Paraffin wax is colorless and odorless. Petrolatum has heretofore been furnished of a variable yellow shade, and more or less odorous. It can now be obtained perfectly colorless, like paraffin wax, and wholly or quite free from odor. The commercial variety termed vaselin appears to be superior in these respects. The official term petrolatum seems to be appropriate and convenient, The writer would suggest that the so-called paraffin wax be called petrolatum wax, and the oily body petrolatum oil. Of course, these three sub- stances are not single and definite, being merely separated within convenient limits of fusibility. Each one of them is probably a mix- ture of several definite hydrocarbons, separable, however, by fractional distillation.
It is well known that when carbolic acid is dissolved in ordinary fats or oils, it loses its causticity and more decided irritant qualities, while retaining al] its valuable medicinal properties. But when dis- solved in petrolatum it retains an undiminished harshness, even in extreme degrees of dilution. The writer found that a small propor- tion of lard, when added to the mixture, blunted the virulence of the carbolic acid completely. When stearic acid is melted with petrolatum, a more lasting and intimate union results than with ordinary fats. Stearic acid and phenol appear to merge in all proportions. The mixture on cooling resumes a crystalline form, retaining a permanent character. If the cooling mixture is well stirred during congelation a granular or powdered form is obtained which may possibly prove useful for certain purposes. On fusing carbolic acid, stearic acid and
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Several Official Ointments.
5
petrolatum together, an excellent carbolic ointment results. A desir- able product is obtained by melting, one troy ounce of stearic acid with one troy ounce of petrolatum, then gradually adding seven troy ounces more of petrolatum, while maintaining the heat, to insure perfect fusion. To this mixture one troy ounce of carbolic acid is added, either previously fused or in detached crystals, then stirred until thoroughly mixed, and finally permitted to cool during occa- sional stirring.
The Pharmacopoeia has now adopted the superior thiosulphate process for preparing ointment of potassium iodide. But the employ- ment of benzoinated lard is not only unnecessary and useless, but possibly detrimental. Another error was committed in using an insufficient quantity of water for permanently dissolving the salt. Although a barely ample amount of hot water is directed, nevertheless the solution of the salt on cooling deposits more than half of it in crystals. Under the circumstances, it would have been much better to incorporate the saline mixture dry and finely powdered. Properly, however, the salt should be in perfect and permanent solution. The writer has always noticed that when lard alone is used in making this ointment, a speedy and decided disintegration of the fatty excipient results. A small proportion of white wax will always prevent this, and add to the general preservation of the ointment.
It was ascertained that petrolatum wax (paraffin wax) yields a smoother, even whiter, and otherwise stabler product. The writer now prepares this ointment by fusing together three-fourths of a troy ounce of petrolatum wax and three-fourths of a troy ounce of lard, then gradually adding four and a half troy ounces more of lard and setting the melted mixture aside. One troy ounce of potassium iodide and twenty-four grains of sodium hyposulphite (thiosulphate) are then dissolved in one fluid ounce of water. This solution is now thoroughly incorporated with the fatty excipient, previous to its com- plete congelation. When it is deemed desirable to use petrolatum in preparing this ointment, the white article is preferable. The saline solution is not miscible with petrolatum alone. A small proportion of lard, however, effects a ready mixture. The writer has found stearic acid more adaptable. Too large a proportion of this again prevents a proper union. A slight discoloration of the ointment re- sults from the liberation of a trace of iodine. The presence of a small amount of sodium hyposulphite gives a product of superior
6
Several Official Ointments.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 18 6.
whiteness. The ointment is then best prepared by melting half a troy ounce of stearic acid with half a troy ounce of white petrolatam, and gradually adding five troy ounces more of white petrolatum and setting the fused mixture aside. One troy ounce of potassium iodide and eight grains of sodium hyposulphite are dissolved in one fluid ounce of water. This solution is then thoroughly incorporated with the fatty excipient, either before or after complete congelation has occurred.
Zinc ointment, when prepared with lard alone, how much soever benzoinated, will soon give indications of change. The zinc oxide seems here to aid in decomposing the fat. The writer is in the habit of preparing considerable of this ointment — usually ten pounds at a time. A small proportion of white wax gave very good results, but subsequently a mixture of wax and spermaceti proved to be better. A very fine product is obtained by the use of stearic acid. In this case a zinc stearate seems to form — at least superficially. By this means the ointment has a much finer grain than usual, while the zinc compound remains better suspended in the fused excipient. It is questionable whether a "preserved" fat is essential in preparing zinc ointment, since the benzoic or cinnamic acid is likely to combine with the zinc, and thus, perhaps, lose its efficiency. Some difficulty is en- countered in preliminarily giving the zinc oxide a proper degree of fineness for admixture with the fatty medium. For a long time the writer secured the best results by first triturating the oxide with a small proportion of the fat, and then gradually adding the remainder in a melted state. Since then it was, however, ascertained that when the oxide is first rubbed together with a small proportion of powdered starch, the mixture may then be readily passed through a fine sieve and thus brought into an appropriate form.
The following process has thus far yielded the most satisfactory product :
Zinc oxide 4 troy ounces.
Starch, pulverized \ " "
Spermaceti- J " "
White wax 1 '
Lard 14 '
Balsam tolu 120 grains.
Triturate the oxide of zinc with about three-fourths of the powdered starch and sift the mixture with a No. 80 sieve. Rub the coarse portion remaining on the sieve with the rest of the starch, and pass it
Am. Jour. Pharm. \ Jan., 1886. J
Several Official Ointments.
7
all through the sieve. Melt the wax and spermaceti with half an ounce of the lard, and then gradually add the remaining lard. Now add the balsam to the fused fat and apply heat for 15 to 20 minutes, not exceeding 60°C of temperature, and then decant the fluid portion. Pour this gradually upon the zinc oxide mixture, stirring it well meanwhile, and when all the fused medium has been incorporated, stir the mixture occasionally until the ointment stiffens.
With the use of stearic acid the balsam can be omitted, and the proportions will be: Zinc oxide 4 troy ounces, starch J troy ounce, stearic acid 1 troy ounce, and lard 14J troy ounces. The manipula- tion is essentially like that of the preceding process.
With white petrolatum a magnificent ointment is produced ; but, owing to the relatively greater cost of the fatty medium, the ointment becomes too expensive for general sale.
With the facilities at the disposal of pharmacists, it is impossible to prepare a proper mercurial ointment. This work of the pharma- cist is also wholly unnecessary, since the ointment has been correctly prepared by means of machinery for many decades. Under these circumstances, the official process has become decidedly superannuated. It might have been, however, necessary to have an official standard of its composition. But in this respect no progress has resulted. By reason of the fatty medium, as ordinarily employed, forming an ointment of excessive firmness, almost unfit for general use, it has become a very prevalent custom to reduce its strength. In order to secure a suitable consistency, the ointment is habitually mitigated fifty per cent. Since the preparation containing 25 per cent, of mercury is that usually vended, it appears that such a form, with appropriate consistency, should be officially recognized in place of the 50 per cent, article. The Pharmacopoeia now adds tincture of benzoin, for some particular reason. It is difficult to infer what office benzoin fills in this connection. If intended as a perfume to conceal the ill odor of the ointment, it fails to accomplish it. The powerful natural odor of suet cannot thus be overcome. Suet should properly be omitted from this ointment, and replaced by some less hard and less odorous fat. An excellent ointment is now found in the market which appears to contain petrolatum as a medium — at least in part. This new ointment is sold as a 50 per cent, article. It has all the desirable properties, and hence does not, in so far, warrant reduction.
Red oxide of mercury is not decomposed by petrolatum, but — as
8
Several Official Ointment*.
(Am. Jour. Pharm. I. Jan., 1886.
also happens with other heavy powders when mixed with petrolatum alone — a partial separation occurs. Stearic acid, when here added, produces a mercuric stearate, showing that its presence is not admissi- ble. When mercuric oxide is warmed with melted stearic acid, com- bination quickly and effectually takes place in the generation of a definite mercuric stearate. . This substance is white, crystalline, and readily fusible, in these respects differing but inappreciably from stearic acid. It is somewhat less soluble in ordinary fats than the acid. When warmed with certain oils — as, for instance, cotton-seed oil — metallic mercury is promptly liberated. Its solub'lity in warm petrolatum and petrolatum oil is considerably greater, while remain- ing absolutely permanent in this connection. On cooling, these solu- tions congeal and form ointments of good consistency, but of somewhat irregular grain. If suitable solvents and media can be found, mer- curic stearate will doubtless find some valuable uses.
The addition of nitric acid to a congealing mixture of mercuric stearate and petrolatum decomposes the former; and as the stearic acid is much more soluble in the medium than its mercuric salt, an ointment of excellent consistency results. The writer has taken advantage of this reaction for the preparation of citrine ointment. Nitric acid has but little, if any, effect when warmed with pure stearic acid, and scarcely more on petrolatum.
When a solution of mercuric nitrate is mixed with a congealing mixture of stearic acid and petrolatum, a proper merging results, and an ointment having a petrolatum color is obtained. If, however, the mixture is first warmed on a water bath for a short time, the ointment becomes of a lighter yellow, although no visible reaction occurs. Should it be desirable to make a citrine ointment having the usual color and odor of this preparation, a small quantity of lard previously heated with a little nitric acid may be mixed with the petrolatum product. The writer finds an advantage in the use of mercuric oxide for producing the nitrate. In preparing the solution, a small excess of the acid is used. The writer recommends the following formula for making ointment of mercuric nitrate:
Red mercuric oxide 1 troy ounce.
Nitric acid 1
Water 180 minims.
Stearic acid 3 h troy ounces.
Petrolatum KU- "
Mix the mercuric oxide with the water and gradually add the nitric
Am,jan!!ifsSarm'} Diadatic Value of Malt Extracts. 9
acid, with constant stirring. Should some of the oxide have become hardened, rub it into powder, and gently warm the mixture until per- fect solution has resulted. Melt the stearic acid with 3J troy ounces of the petrolatum and then gradually add the rest of the petrolatum. To the fused mixture now add the mercuric solution, and warm the whole on a water bath for 10 to 15 minutes. Finally, permit the ointment to cool, and stir it occasionally while stiffening.
ON THE DETERMINATION OF THE DIASTATIC VALUE OF MALT EXTRACTS. By J. R. Duggan, M. IX, Ph.D. The following suggestions are basel on some recent observations I
O OS
have made on this subject, the details of which have been published in the American Chemical Journal, Vol. VII., No. 4. As these would be somewhat tedious to the general reader, only the more im- portant conclusions have been introduced into the present article.
Many of the determinations of diastase in malt extracts that have been made heretofore, are undoubtedly erroneous, owing to the fact that certain precautions which are essential to correct results have not been generally observed. These may be stated, in brief, to consist in the use of perfectly neutral reagents, and such an excess of starch that not more thin one-third is converted into maltose. Moreover, the extent of conversion is better determined by the amount of sugar formed, than by the time required to show a certain color with iodine. The use of iodine as an indicator for starch in the presence of dex- trin is very unreliable, the color produced being dependent on the amount of iodine added, the temperature of the solution, and various conditions other than the extent of conversion.
All of the commercial starches from corn or potatoes contain more or less alkali from the caustic soda used in their extraction, and this cannot be entirely removed by long washing. Determinations made with these starches show a great diminution of diastatic action, owing to the retarding influence of the alkali. This in some cases amounts to as much as 90 per cent., and is seldom less than 25 per cent. Not only is the actual error considerable, but the comparative error may be almost as great. The following table shows the amount of sugar formed by varying quantities of malt extract acting on an ordinary laundry starch :
10 Diastatic Value of Malt Extract*. {Am jJa0nuri^arrn-
Amount of Amount of
No. Extract. Maltose formed.
1 0-5 giam 0 302 gram.
2 10 " 0789 "
3 1-5 " 1-877 **
In the last of these experiments only three times as much extract was used as in the first, but the amount of sugar formed was over six times as great. No such error as this occurs when neutral starch paste is used.
In arrowroot we have a starch that is usually neutral, no alkali being used in its extraction, and it may therefore be used for these determinations. Distilled water should be used for making the paste, since the use of ordinary water may introduce a very large error.
The following method is suggested for the determination of the diastatic value of malt extracts. The quantities mentioned can, of course, be varied, should there be any reason for so doing; but, in general, this is not desirable, as, by observing these details, not only will correct results be obtained, but they will be directly comparable to those obtained by other observers using this method. In this way, some of the discrepancies that occur in the analyses of well- known chemists might be harmonized.
A 3 per cent, starch paste is made by adding a weighed quantity of Bermuda arrowroot to distilled water, and heating the mixture to gelatinization in the water bath. A flask containing 250 c0 c. of this paste is placed in a water bath kept at 55°C, and when it has attained a constant temperature, 5 c. c. of a 5 per cent, solution of the extract in distilled water is run in, and the whole mixed by shaking. At the end of half an hour the reaction is stopped by the addition of two or three c. c of a 10 per cent, solution of caustic soda, and the whole diluted to 500 c. c. The sugar present is determined by Fehling's solution, and this, minus the quantity contained in the extract used, is the amount formed by diastatic action. If this should be greater than one-third the starch used, another experiment should be made with a smaller quantity of extract. The sugar should be calculated as maltose (reducing power = § glucose), since this is the only sugar formed in the reaction.
The following determinations of the converting power of two well- known malt extracts have been made under these conditions. In order that the samples examined might correctly represent the ex- tracts as supplied to the whole country, they have been obtained from
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Laboratory Notes.
11
well-known drug houses in different cities, and without the knowl- edge of any one but myself as to the purpose for which they were to be used, or of any one interested as to when or from where they were to be obtained. While exceptional cases may give different results, I am compelled to believe that these figures represent a fair average of the diastatic value of the respective preparations. It will be seen that neither of the extracts shows a uniform action, and, considering the difficulties that must be overcome in extracting diastase, I am not surprised at this variation. t The following are the results obtained:
Amount of sugar formed by 0-250 gram of
No. Where obtained. Trommer Co. 's Extract. Maltine.
1. Baltimore ..... 0-149 gram. 0 739 gram.
2. Philadelphia 0 558 " 2-378 "
3. Cincinnati 0-317 " 3052 "
4. Chicago 0-240 " 0739 "
Mean 0-318 " 1-727 "
Baltimore, November, 1885.
LABORATORY NOTES.
Abstracts from Theses.
Ammonium Carbonate. — Four samples were examined by Emil Schaible, Ph.G. The solution made with dilute nitric acid was tested with barium chloride for sulphate. The solution in acetic acid was tested with silver nitrate; a precipitate insoluble in nitric acid indi- cated chloride, while one soluble in nitric acid and turning dark on standing was regarded as indicating hyposulphite. The same solution tested with ammonium oxalate, showed the absence of calcium salt, and the solution in dilute hydrochloric acid, saturated with sul- phuretted hydrogen, showed the absence of heavy metals, while on the subsequent addition of ammonia and ammonium sulphide, No. 4 only yielded a precipitate of iron. Empyreumatic substances were tested for by sulphuric acid and potassium permanganate. The results were as follows :
Insoluble in Sulphate. Chloride. Hypo- Empy- Carbonate,
alcohol. sulphite, reumatic volumetric
substances, estimation.
No. 1 3 percent. 17 per cent. Trace. Trace. 91'9 per cent.
No. 2 27 " 1-0 " , 1 per cent. 92'2 "
No. 3 2-3 " 1-5 " Trace. 91'6 "
No. 4 2-0 " 0-9 " Trace. Trace. 937 "
12
Laboratory Notes.
/Am. Jour. Pharm. (. Jan., 1886.
Mercurous Iodide. — According to George A. Haifa, Ph.G. this com- pound is best made by precipitation of mercurous nitrate with potas- sium iodide and may then be obtained of a yellow or green color according to the density of the solution. The solution of mercurous nitrate is prepared by acting upon 15,000 grs. of mercury with a cold mixture of nitric acid 6,000 grs., and water 4,000 grs., placing the vessel in cold water and stirring the contents constantly until the reaction has entirely ceased; the white crytalline mass, without being separated from the excess of metallic mercury, is then dissolved in water acidulated with nitric acid (1 oz. to the gallon) until the solution measures four pints.
For preparing green mercurous iodide mix solution of mercurous nitrate 6 oz. with water 6 pints, and add to it in a continuous stream and with constant stirring, a solution of potassium iodide 3 oz. in water 54 oz., decant, wash the precipitate with water and dry with- out the aid of heat.
For preparing yellow mercurous iodide operate in the same manner, but use solution of mercurous nitrate 2 oz. diluted with water 8 pints, and a solution of potassium iodide 1 oz. in water 4 pints. This salt darkens much more quickly when exposed to the light than that made by the pharmacopoeial process.
Chloride of Gold and Sodium. — Two commercial samples of this salt, examined by Alfred Conarcl Wood, Ph.G., were found to agree in all respects with the pharmacopoeial requirements, except the per- centage of metallic gold, which was ascertained as directed by the Pharmacopoeia, by treating a solution of 0.5 gm. of the salt with a clear acidulated solution of 2 gm. of ferrous sulphate.
No. 1 yielded 0125 gm. gold = 25 per cent. ; deficiency 7'4 per cent. No. 2 " 0-110 " " =22- " 10-4
Acetic Ether. — Luther P. Bowers, Ph.G. has examined three com- mercial specimens of acetic ether with the following results : One was very impure, had the specific gravity *924, was extremely acid to litmus paper, effervesced strongly with calcium carbonate, and afforded clear solutions with alcohol and ether, but would not dissolve in chloroform. 10 c.c. of it agitated with an equal volume of water, separated an ethereal layer of 7 c.c. The ether had an empyreumatic odor and on evaporation left a yellowish residue. The second sample had the specific gravity '904, effervesced with calcium carbonate, and showed an undue loss on being agitated with water, but was much
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Laboratory Notes.
13
better than the preceding. The third sample effervesced slightly with calcium carbonate, and had the unusually low specific gravity '878, but otherwise answered to the requirements of the Pharmacopoeia.
Acetic ether is used in the preparation of Spiritus odoratus, the pharmacopeeial formula for which would be improved by reducing the oil of bergamot to 14: parts and increasing the acetic ether to 4 parts. Tinctura ferri acetatis, which contains 20 per cent, of acetic ether is best prepared as required for use, since it will gradually pro- duce a precipitate, particularly when exposed to light.
The chief use of acetic ether is in the manufacture of artificial fruit essences; the following are good formulas:
Artifiical fruit essence of
• Pine apple. Raspberry. Strawberry.
Ethyl acetate 4 parts 6 parts. 3 parts.
Amyl acetate 4 1 " 4 "
Ethyl buty rate 4 "
Chloroform " 1 £*
Spirit of nitrous ether .-. 1 part, 1 part.
Tartaric acid 1 " 1 "
Tinct. orris root (10 per cent.)-- • 24 " 24 "
Glycerin .-. 24 " 24 "
Diluted alcohol..... sufficient for 200 parts.
Commercial Sulphate of Morphine. — Albert E. Brown, Ph.G., has analyzed five commercial samples of this salt, two coming from American manufacturers, one each from England and Germany, and the fifth was made by the author. The water was determined by exsiccating the salts at a temperature of 130° C. (266° F.); the sul- phuric acid by precipitation with barium chloride, and the solubility by macerating an excess of the salts in distilled water, weighing the undissolved portion, and evaporating also an aliquot portion of the filtrate to complete dryness. The results were as follows :
No. 1, water 8*53 per cent. ; sulphuric acid 13*46 per cent.; soluble in 20'40 watr No. 2, " 8-02 " . " " 13-52 " « 20*61 "
No. 3, " - 8'38 " " " ' 13-46 " " 20*61 "
No. 4, " 7*80 " " " 13*59 " " 21*66 "
No. 5, " 8*53 " " " 13*46 " " 20*55 "
Lime Fruit Juice. — Daniel Herr Hassler, Ph.G., has examined several commercial samples of lime juice, the results being tabulated below. The percentage of free acid was determined volumetrically. Of the acids not mentioned in the table, oxalic and malic acids were not found in any one of the samples. No. 6 showed a trace of tannin,
14
Laboratory Notes.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
No. 4 a trace of nitrate, No. 3 a trace of tartrate, and No. 7 a trace of acetic acid.
Sample.
Color.
1. Monserrat,
2. Von Lear...
3. Cowdrey...
4. Jamaica....
5. Martinique
6. Rose j
7. Octo
( Bright \ straw. ( Light am ( ber.
f Dark am Vber. (Reddish- < brown, (cloudy, f Light (straw, j Cloudy ( straw.
( Light (straw.
|
Odor. |
Taste. |
Spec, grav. |
|
Pleasant. J Slight, (pleasant. Pleasant. |
/ Pleasant- | ly acid. /Intensely 1 acid. (Bitter ( and acid. |
1-044 1-020 1041 |
|
Musty. {Slightly (musty. |
(Bitter 1 and acid, j Acid and ( bitter. |
1.034 1042 |
|
Unpleasant |
Bitter. |
1-023 |
|
f Slightly j (musty. |
( Sweetish < acid then ( bitter. |
1026 |
|
Citric |
||
|
Chloride. |
Sulphate. |
acid, pr ct. |
|
Trace. |
( Slight |
8 54 |
|
Trace. |
( prec. |
812 |
|
f Slight 1 prec. |
| Med'm |
|
|
( prec. |
7-60 |
|
|
( Med'm |
( Med'm |
|
|
( prec. |
(prec. |
7 42 |
|
(Slight |
( Med'm |
|
|
(prec. |
( prec. |
676 |
|
(Slight |
j Dense |
6-02 |
|
( prec. |
(prec. |
|
|
( Med'm ( prec. |
280 |
Ash pr. ct.
■540 •515
•523
•415
•492 •480
•405
Assaying of Ignatia. — Silas M. Harrington, Ph.G., assayed three samples of ignatia, two of which were purchased in the powdered state, while the last one was powdered by the author. For the first sample DragendorfPs process was used : 15 gm. were boiled three times in succession with dilute sulphuric acid; the united decoctions, nearly neutralized with magnesia, were evaporated to a syrupy consistence, the residue mixed with 2*4 times its volume of alcohol, the filtrate evaporated to 30 c.c, shaken with chloroform, and after this had been removed, rendered alkaline with ammonia, and repeatedly agitated with chloroform to extract the alkaloids; these were dried, weighed, dissolved in hydrochloric acid, the solution evaporated, the salts weighed and then dissolved in water and titrated with potassio-mer- curic iodide, when the weight of strychnine and brucine is calculated from the weight of the mixed alkaloids or of the salts.
The last two specimens were assayed by the process for preparing strychnine as given by the U. S. P. 1870, the brucine being separated from the mixed alkaloids by washing with diluted alcohol.
The following results were obtained:
No. 1 yielded 1*039 per cent, strychnine and 0*355 per cent, brucine.
No. 2 " 1125 " " " 0-41
No. 3 " V425 " " " 0-475 u.
Iodated Phenol is prepared by dissolving 4 grains of iodine in 1^ oz. of glycerin and adding 4 grains of phenol. It has been advantageously used by Dr. Rosenfeld (Centralbl. Ges. Therap.) for dysentery in children, in the form of enema, prepared from one or two teaspoonfuls of the mixture and a glassful of water, to be given three times a day.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Sodium Chlorate.
15
SODIUM CHLORATE. By F. Holbeeg. (Read at the Pharmaceutical Meeting, December 15th, 1885.)
Owing to a difference of authorities as to whether chlorate of sodium when heated to melting gives off oxygen and leaves a residue having a neutral reaction, or whether chlorine and oxygen are given off and the residue has an alkaline reaction, the following investigations were made in the Chemical Laboratory of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy to determine the cause of this difference.
Experiment 1. — A small quantity of sodium chlorate of German manufacture was heated and gave off oxygen, the residue when dis- solved in water had a neutral relation.
Experiment 2. — Some of the salt was prepared by decomposing sodium fluosilicate with potassium chlorate. The resulting salt on heating gave no evidence of anything but oxygen being given off and the residue had a neutral reaction.
Experiment 3. — Another quantity of the salt was made by acting on acid sodium tartrate with potassium chlorate. The resulting sodium chlorate on heating gave off fumes which bleached blue litmus paper, and the residue had an alkaline reaction.
Experiment 4. — A minute quantity of acid potassium tartrate was mixed with the pure sodium chlorate. The mixture on heating gave off fumes which bleached blue litmus paper (thus showing the presence chlorine), and the residue had an alkaline reaction.
Experiment 5. — A minute quantity of acid potassium tartrate was mixed with potassium chlorate. This mixture on heating also gave off fumes which bleached blue litmus paper and the residue had an alkaline reaction.
From the experiments made it appears, that the chlorates when con- taminated with a trace of organic matter will give off chlorine and leave a residue having an alkaline reaction.
One of the processes recommended for the preparation of sodium chlorate, is by decomposing acid sodium tartrate with potassium chlo- rate. The salt prepared in this way has probably caused the state- ment, that on heating chlorine is given off and the residue gives an alkaline reaction, which is due to a trace of organic matter. For this reason sodium chlorate should be prepared by a process which will exclude all possibility of contamination with organic matter.
16 Gleanings from Foreign Journals. {Am'j&nr'im&Tm
GLEANINGS FROM FOREIGN JOURNALS.
By Geo. H. Ochse, Ph.G.
New Method of Preparing Fehling's Solution.— hi. Sclimiedeberg uses mannite in pkce of Rochelle salt in making Fehling's solution. He claims that the addition of mannite insures stability to the solution. His formula is as follows.: Dissolve 34*632 grams of crystallized cop- per sulphate in 200 c.c. of water; to this solution is added a solution of 15 grams of very pure mannite in 100 c.c. of water and 480 c.c. of solution of caustic soda (1*145), and, lastly, sufficient water to make 1 liter. — Schweiz. Wochenschrift, xxiii, p. 400.
Hypodermic Injections of Cyanide of Mercury in Syphilis. — Procho- row uses a 1 per cent, solution of cyanide of mercury hypodermically in the treatment of syphilis. After giving about 20 injections of 25 or 30 drops each the symptoms generally disappear. He has treated quite a number of patients and observed but two cases where abscesses had formed. — Schweiz. Wochenschrift, xxiii, p. 344.
Spiritus Saponatus. — According to Petersen, spiritus saponatus, Phar. Ger., can readily be prepared by mixing the oil, caustic potash and a fourth part of the alcohol, in a glass-stoppered bottle and shaking every 3 or 4 hours. In two or three days the oil is saponified and can then be diluted with the water and remainder of the alcohol. By this method no heat is required nor is there any loss in alcohol. — Schweiz. Wochen- schrift, xxiii, p. 362.
Properties and Preparation of Peptone. — 5 kilograms of finely chopped lean beef are placed in a porcelain evaporating dish with 5 kilograms of water, 150 grams CP. concentrated hydrochloric acid and 20 grams (Witte's) pepsin ; allowed to stand at ordinary tempera- ture for one day, stirring frequently ; it is then heated in a water-bath, taking care not to heat the mixture to more than 70° C. for one day. The excess of acid is neutralized by sodium carbonate (requiring about 150-160 grams). The resulting turbid solution is brought up to 10 kilograms, 5 kilograms of concentrated alcohol added and then put aside for one day to settle. The precipitate is collected on a strainer, ex- pressed and the liquid filtered. After recovering the alcohol the solution is evaporated to extract consistency, poured on plates and dried. Peptone prepared thus is in brown pieces, quite brittle, yielding when pulver- ized a yellowish-brown powder, soluble in at least 2 parts of water. Yield is about 4-6 per cent, of the meat used. Properties: 1. Peptone should be soluble in two parts of water ; the solution is not gelatinous,
Am'jJa0^riS6arm'} Gleanings from Foreign Journals. 17
and becomes turbid on adding 5 volumes of absolute alcohol ; the ad- dition of more water makes a clear solution. 2. A 10 per cent, solu- tion does not become turbid either at an ordinary or elevated tempera- ture on adding nitric acid, acetic acid, ferroeyanide of potassium or saturated solution of sodium sulphate. 3. Picric acid produces yellow — tannic acid, ash-gray flakes. 4. Sulphate of copper and caustic potash produce a violet coloration. 5. It should yield not more than 2 per cent, of ash when incinerated. 6. If to 20 drops of a 1 per cent, solution of peptone 5 drops of a 10 per cent, solution of calcium bichromate are added no turbidity is produced ; if the mixture becomes turbid it proves the presence of at least 5 per cent, of glutinous matter. Solution of bichromate of calcium (Freire's test) is made by dissolving 5 grams crystallized chromic acid in 25 grams of water, gradually adding 2 grams pure calcium carbonate ; after effervescence the solution is diluted to 60 c.c. and filtered through glass-wool. Owing to the rapidity with which peptone is decomposed it is not advisable to keep it in liquid form. — Schweiz. Wochenschrift, xxiii, p. 381.
Potable Water. — The International Pharmaceutical Congress adopted the following resolutions in reference to drinking water: 1. It should be clear, transparent, colorless, odorless and free from suspended matter, 2. It must be fresh, have a pleasant taste, and a temperature not over 15° C. 3. It should contain air and a certain amount of carbonic acid. The air it contains must contain 30-33 per cent, oxygen. 4. It should not contain more than 20 milligrams of organic matter to the liter (determined by oxalic acid) and should be free from nitrogen. 5. The nitrogenous organic matter oxidized with potassium perman- ganate should not yield more than 0*1 milligram albuminous nitrogen to the liter. 6. It should not contain more than 0'5 milli- gram of ammonia in each liter. 7. A liter of water should not contain more than 0*5 gram of mineral salts, 60 milligrams anhydrous sulphuric acid, 8 milligrams chlorine, 2 milligrams anhydrous nitric acid, 200 milligrams oxides of the alkaline earths, 30 milligrams of silica and 3 milligrams of iron. 8. Drinking water should not contain any nitrites, sulphuretted hydrogen or sulphides, nor should it contain any metallic salts which are precipitated by sulphuretted hydrogen or ammonium sulphide excepting traces of iron, aluminium and manganese. 9. When kept in closed or open vessels it should not acquire a disagreeable odor. 10. It should not contain any saprophytes, leptotrix, leptomites, hypheotrix, and other white algae,
18 Meanings from Foreign Journals. { Am ji0n%P8£awn-
numerous infusoria and bacteria. 11. It should not become mouldy on the addition of white sugar. 12. When cultivated on gelatin, no bacteria which liquefy the gelatin should be formed within 8 days. — See Amer. Jour. Phar., 1885, p. 527, 528.
Artificial Cocaine. — By heating benzoyl-ecgonine with a slight excess of methyl iodide and a small quantity of methylic alcohol to 100° C. and evaporating excess of methyl iodide and methylic alcohol, Merck obtained a syrupy liquid containing cocaine hydriodate, from which pure cocaine was obtained. Artificial cocaine thus prepared fuses at the same temperature as natural cocaine (98°), besides showing the same reactions, thus proving the identity. — Rundschau, xi, p. 716.
Coloring and Bleaching of Ivory. — After removing fat by means of ether or benzin, the ivory is bleached with a mixture of equal parts of commercial peroxide of hydrogen and water, washed with water and dried. To color ivory, it is first treated with benzin or ether to remove the fat, then soaked for two minutes in a 1 per cent, solution of hydrochloric acid, washed, and allowed to remain in the warm col- oring-liquor for fifteen or thirty minutes. Coloring liquors are made as follows: Bed — Fuchsin 10 grams, water .3 liters, vinegar 100 grams; or, eosine 5 grams, water 1 liter, tartaric acid 2 grams. Violet — Methyl-violet 2 grams, water 1 liter, tartaric acid 3 grams. Blue — Methyl-blue 2 grams. Green — 3 grams Victoria or brilliant green, water 2 liters, vinegar 100 grams. Yellow — Naphthol-yellow 8 grams, water 2 liters, vinegar 300 grams. — Rundschau, xi, p. 723.
Albumin in Urine. — Roberts recommends a mixture of 1 vol. of concentrated nitric acid and 5 vol. of saturated solution of sulphate of magnesium as preferable to nitric or picric acid. — Rundschau, xi, p. 754.
Methyl-Iodide — a new vesicant. — While conducting his experiments with anaesthetics, Simpson noticed that methyl-iodide produced a redness of the skin lasting for several days. Kirk is surprised that it should have escaped notice for such a long time, and attributes it to its ex- treme volatility. In contact with the hand for two minutes an itching and burning sensation is experienced, after the lapse of one hour the redness becomes more perceptible, and in twelve hours a small blister gradually becoming larger was produced. The blister was filled with yellow serum and totally devoid of pus, healing in several days. The operation is rendered less painful by the addition of a few drops of soda solution to the methyl-iodide. The principal objection to the remedy is that it cannot be used by the patient. Its advantages over
AM-/a°nuy-1f^arm-} Gleanings from Foreign Journals. 19
cantharides consist in its being less painful, and, if required, the opera- tion can be hastened by evaporating under a watch-glass. Methyl- iodide is prepared by passing nascent hydriodic acid into methyl alcohol; it is colorless, has a pleasant odor and boils at 43° C. It is decomposed by light, the color changing to yellow or red. — Pharm. Rundschau, xi, p. 762.
Morrhuol, the Active Principal of Cod-Liver Oil. — M. Chapoteaut treats cod-liver oil first with an aqueous solution of carbonate of sodium at a low temperature to remove the acids, then agitates with alcohol (90°); the alcoholic solution subjected to distillation yields' morrhuol. Morrhuol has an acrid, bitter taste and strong odor. It contains ap- preciable quantities of phosphorus, iodine and bromine, and partly crystallizes at ordinary temperatures. The quantity of morrhuol varies with the quality of the oil employed, the brown oil yielding from 4*50 to 6 in 100, the straw-colored from 2*5 to 3 in 100, and the bleached oil from 1*5 to 2 in 100. The continued use of morrhuol does not interfere with digestion, on the contrary producing a very good appe- tite. Dose, 20 centigrams, equivalent to 5 grams of oil. — Union Pharmaceutique, November 1885, p. 525, from Bull, de Therap.
Solubility of Calcium Oxide and Lime Water. — Ordinary quicklime contains caustic alkali which necessitates the throwing away of the first portion in making lime water. The solubility of calcium hydrate is influenced by the length of time it remains in contact with the water, for instance, 100 cubic centimeters of lime water, made from calcined marble in two minutes, required for saturation 9*80 c.c. nor- mal hydrochloric acid — equivalent to 1*372 grams Ca20H in 1 liter, showing the solubility to be 1:728; the same quantity of lime water which had remained in contact with the lime six hours required 9*30 c.c. normal hydrochloric acid — equivalent to 1*302 grams of Ca(OH)2 in 1 liter, showing the solubility to be 1:768; 100 c.c. lime water which had baen in contact three days required 8*92 c.c. normal hydro- chloric acid for saturation — equivalent to 1*249 grams CaO in 1 liter, showing the solubility to be 1:800. Temperature is known to affect the solubility very much, boiling water dissolving but half as much Ca(OH)2 as water at the freezing point. The quantity of water used to slake the lime also affects the solubility. 100 parts of CaO require 32 parts of water to form Ca(OH)2; if 100 parts of lime are slaked with 50 parts of water, the lime takes up just enough water to form the hydrate, excess of water is lost by evaporation. Calcium hydrate
20 Materia Medica of the Mexican Pharmacopceia. {Am'janT,\^aTm'
thus formed is the most soluble, and when shaken with water quickly precipitates, yielding a perfectly clear nitrate when thrown on a dry filter. By dissolving the lime, the author noticed that oxide of cal- cium forms supersaturated solutions; 1 liter, at a temperature near O0 C, contained 2*4 grams CaO, at 12° C, 1*8 grams CaO. — Pharm. Centralhalle, xxvi, p. 442.
MATERIA MEDICA OF THE NEW MEXICAN PHARMACOPCEIA.
By the Editor. Continued from page 604 of the preceding volume.
Jaltomate, Saracha Jaltomata, Schlechtendal, s. S. dentata, Lin.; Solanacese; in the valley of Mexico, &c. The leaves are tonic and anodyne; the fruit is edible. The leaves of several Peruvian species of Saracha are employed there for anodyne cataplasms.
Jamaica, Hibiscus SabdariiTa, Lin. ; Malvaceae ; in Southern Puebla. The calyx is used in infusion as a refrigerant; it contains according to Laso de la Vega, tartaric acid, uncrystallizable sugar, mucilage, tannin, coloring matters and salts. *
Jicama, Dolichos tuberosus, Lamarck, and D. palmatilobus, Mocifia ; Leguminosse; indigenous and cultivated for the alimentary tubers. In the state of Veracruz the alcoholic tincture of the seeds is com- monly employed externally as an antipsoric, and the experiments of Drs. Casas, Gonzalez, and others have verified the efficiency of this remedy in itch, and its superiority over others.
Jumete (Candelilla), Pedilanthus pavonis, Boissier; Euphorbiacese ; in hot districts of the state of Jalisco. The milk juice is violently drastic in doses of 2 or 3 drops; the root is emetic, and the branches and leaves are regarded as possessing emmenagogue and antisyphilitic properties.
Junco (Junquillo), Cereus flagelliformis, Miller; Cactacese; culti- vated. The infusion of the flowers is used as a prophylactic and as a remedy for eclampsia; the juice is rubefacient, and used internally is vermifuge; must be used with caution.
Lengua de ciervo, Polypodium lanceolatum, Lin.; Filices; in mountainous districts. The plant is pectoral, and the fronds are re- garded as possessing the mild astringent and demulcent properties of the European hart's tongue, Scolopendrium ofncinarum, 8wartzT which is also indigenous to Canada and the northern United States.
^"ja0nuriS6arm"} Materia Medica of the Mexican Pharmaeopwia. 21
Limoncillo, Dalea citriodora, Willdenow; Leguminosae ; in the tem- perate sections of Mexico. The plant is used as an antiperiodic.
Linaloe de Mexico, Amyris Linaloe, La Llave; Terebinthaceae ; in hot districts along the western slope of the mountains. The wood is rich in volatile oil, and is used for perfume.
Macallo, Andira excelsa, Kunth; Leguminosse; in Tabasco, &c. The description of the bark and its constituents and properties agrees with that published in the Amer. Jour. Phar. 1879, p. 392-394.1 Dr. Rosado states that the wood seems to possess energetic properties, since the emanations from it produce inflammation of the eye which effect has also been observed from other species of Andira.
The following more or less well known drugs have found a place in the Mexican Pharmacopoeia : Macias (mace), Maiz (corn meal, &c), Malva (M. rotundifolia and M. vitifolia), Mana (manna), Manganesa (black Oxide of manganese), Manzanilla del pais (German chamomile), Manzanilla romana (Roman chamomile), Marihuana (Cannabis indica), Marrubio (horehound), Matico, Mejorana or Almoraduz (sweet mar- > joram), Meliloto (melilot, sweet clover), Melon (musk melon; the root emetic; the seeds diuretic and antiblennorrhagic), Membrillo (quince; the fruit, juice and seed), Mezereon, Michoacan (mechoacan root; Batatas Jalapa, De Cand.), Miei virgen (honey), Mil en rama (yarrow), Mirra (myrrh), Mirtillo (the European bilberry, Vaccinium Myrtillus ; used in diarrhoeas), Moral (white and black mulberry), Mostaza (white and black mustard seed), Musgo de Corcega (Corsican moss), Nabo (turnip; pectoral), Naranjo agrio (bitter orange; the leaves, flowers, pericarp and juice of the fruit), Nogal (walnut; the leaves, pericarp and kernel, the latter for obtaining its fixed oil), Nuez moscada (nut- meg), Nuez vomica, and Namole (poke root and berries).
Maguey manso, Agave potatorum, Salm, and A. salmiana, Hort.; Amaryllidaceae ; in the Mexican valley, the plains of Apam, Tlaxcala, <fec. The leaves are rubefacient and epispastic, and are employed for frictions in tetanus; the root has diuretic, diaphoretic and antisyphi- litic properties. The leaf-fibres are used for making ropes, various textile fabrics and paper. The juice is known as aguamiel (see Amer. Jour. Phar. 1885, p. 234), and this by fermentation yields:
Pulque, Yinum agaves. This liquid has a milky appearance, a
1 A sample of macalline described in 1879, was sent to us by Mr. Donde* in 1880, and proved to be mainly calcium sulphate. We have not seen any later researches on macallo bark. — Editor.
22 Materia Medica of the Mexican Pharmacopoeia. {Am JJa0nu^arnj
peculiar odor and a sweet agreeable taste; the acid reaction becomes stronger by age; on warming it becomes clear, forming a viscous scum and separates the substances held in suspension; the specific gravity varies in the different stages between 1*102 and 0*9943. Rio de la Loza obtained from pulque albuminoids, gum and resin 12*57, sugar 8.23, salts soluble in water 1*68, salts soluble in acids 0*37, in- soluble salts 0*15, alcohol 36*80, water and gaseous products 940*20. The ash contains chlorides, carbonates, sulphates, phosphates and silicates of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and aluminium. Boussingault found in a liter of pulque 58*96 gm. alcohol, 2*10 gly- cerin, 1*40 succinic acid, 0*61 carbonic acid, 5*50 malic (?) acid, traces of butyric and acetic acids, 0*50 gum, 0*05 ammonia, 0*85 potassa, 2*50 lime, magnesia and phosphoric acid, 1*90 nitrogenous matter, and 901*83 water and undetermined substances. The composition of pulque varies with the species of maguey and with the aguamiel from which it is prepared. The ferment of this beverage is a fungus, which Dr. Barragan has recognized as being a species of Cryptococcus. A, Herrera has succeeded in preserving this liquor by adding to the liter 60 gm. of pure alcohol. It is tonic, analeptic, stimulant and diuretic.
Maguey meco, Agave lutea; in Central Mexico. The purified juice of the leaves is made into a syrup, which has pectoral properties.
Mamey, Lucuma Bonplandii, Kunth; Sapotacese; in hot and moist regions of the western slope of the Mexican mountains. The seed contains hydrocyanic acid and an irritating fixed oil; the fruit is comestible and the bark of the tree is bitter and astringent.
Maranon, Anacardium occidentale, Lin.; Terebinthacese ; in Yucatan. The peduncles are pectoral ; the gum which exudes from the bark, is used in the same manner as gum mezquite; the juice of the pericarp of the cashew-nut, contains anacardic acid and the ver yacrid prin- ciple cardol, and is used as a vesicant and for destroying warts.
Maravilla, Mirabilis dichotoma, Lin.; Nyctaginacese ; in Central Mexico. The root is drastic in doses of 8 to 10 gm.
Mastuerzo, Tropseolum majus, Lin.; Tropaeolaceae ; cultivated. The juice of the leaves of the Indian cress is used as an antiscorbutic, and the infusion of the flowers as a digestive. The buds preserved in vinegar are employed as a condiment and the flowers for salad.
Mazatetes, Valeriana toluccana, De Candolle; Valerianacese ; in fields in the states of Mexico and Michoacan. The tubers (tuberculos) contain an abundance of valerianic acid, are employed the same, as
' iSS ri£earm' } Materia Medica of the Mexican Pharmaeopceia. 23
valerian and are popularly believed to be useful for the cure of hepa- titis and other affections of the liver.
Salvia grandiflora, Ettlinger, is in some localities used as a substitute for sweet marjoram, with which its properties seem to agree.
Mispatle, Buddleia verticillata, Kunth; Scrophulariaceae ; in the Mexican valley. The decoction of the leaves is used as a vulnerary.
Monacillo, Hibiscus pentaearpus, Lin.; Malvaceae; cultivated, Though employed as an emmenagogue, the plant is merely emollient. The monacillo amarillo, Sida picta, Hooker, is used in the same mannner.
Muerdago, Loranthus calyculatus, De Cand., Loranthaceae. A substitute for the European mistletoe. The decoction of the leaves and flowers is resolvent and vulnerary, and the distilled water is a good cosmetic.
Muitle, Serieographis Mohuitli, De Cand. ; Aeanthaceae ; in Jalapa, and cultivated in other states. The leaves are stimulant and the in- fusion has considerable reputation as a remedy for dysentery. They yield an amorphous, inodorous, and nearly tasteless, dark-blue coloring matter which is soluble in water, resembles litmus in its reactions, and is superior to the latter as a dye.
Ninfa, JSTymphaea odorata, Aiton; Nymphaeaceae ; in the Mexican valley and other countries of America. Astringent and alimentary. The seeds are popularly known as " cabeza de negro."
Ocuje de la Habana; the resin produced by Calophyllum Calaba, Jacquin; Guttiferae; in Cuba. Vulnerary; popularly believed to mre hernia.
Ojo de gallo, Sanvitalia procumbens, De Cand.; Compositae; near the city of Mexico, &c. The infusion is used in indigestion.
Ojo de venado (cowage), olivo (bark, leaves, fruit and resin, the latter for perfumery and for sealing-wax), opio, opoponaco (opopanax)> or^gano, ororuz (glycyrrhiza), ortiga (nettle leaves), palo del Brasil Brazil wood), palo de campeche (logwood), papa (potato), perejil (parsley), peritre de Africa (pellitory), petroleo, pez de Borgofia (Bur- gundy pitch), Pimiente gorda (allspice), pimiente larga (long pepper), pimiente negra (black pepper), pina (pineapple), poleo (pennyroyal), poligala de Virginia (senega) and pulmonaria (lung-moss, Sticta pul- monaria) are recognized by the pharmacopoeia.
Qmbligo de Venus, Hydrocofyle umbellata, Lin.; Umbelliferae ; in the Mexican valley. The juice is used as an emetic, and the leaves
24
Aconitine.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
in various liver affections. The plant, which is also indigenous to North and South America, is supposed to have the properties of the Asiatic pennywort, H. asiatica, Lin.
Lippia origanoides, Kunth (Verbenacese) is used in Mexico in place of origanum.
• Oreja de burro, Echeverria coccinea, De Cand.; Crassulacese ; in the mountains surrounding the Mexican valley. The fresh leaves are emollient. E. pulverulent^, De Cand, which is quite common in gardens, has the same properties.
ACONITINE. By K. F. Mandelin.
A sample of japaconitine, obtained from Merck, was found by the author to agree exactly in its chemical and physiological behavior with aconitine. From this, the author infers that the two substances are identical, and he considers that the chief point of difference in- sisted upon by Wright and Luff, that japaconitine gives no apoderi- vative, is not to be relied on, as it rests on the estimation of a very small quantity of water. Langgaard's figures of the comparative toxic powers of japaconitine and aconitine are also no criterion, as the dosis lethalis he quotes for the latter is much too high, while the figures he gives for the former agree in the main with those obtained by the author for aconitine.
The author has also been usable to detect any difference between pseuda^onine and aconine; the differences observed by Wright and Luff he attributes to the presence of undecomposed pseudaconitine in the preparation of pseudaconine. The aconitines are thus analogous to the tropines.
The old tests for aconitine are described by the author as worth- less. Pure aconitine should give a colorless solution in concentrated sulphuric acid, which should not be darkened by the addition of a few drops of strong sugar solution. This substance is also precipi- tated in very dilute solutions by mercuric bromide, picric acid, and other reagents, whilst aconine is only thrown down in stronger solutions. Pseudaconitine may be recognized by its yielding proto- catechuic acid when treated with potash, by its reaction with fuming nitric acid and alcoholic potash, and by its behavior with sulpho- vanadic acid. Evaporated on .a watch-glass, with a little fuming nitric acid, a yellow residue is obtained, which gives a purple-red
Am jan^iSe.^111'} Preparations of Ipecacuanha. 25
coloration on addition of alcoholic potash. A solution of pseuda- conitine in strong sulphuric acid yields a violet coloration with sulphovanadic acid. With all these reagents, aconitine gives negative results.
About 3 mgrms. of aconitine would be sufficient to kill a man, whilst as a medicinal dose not more than 0*1 mgrm. should be taken at once. The author recommends the pharmacodynamic method as the best one for estimating the strength of an aconitine preparation.
In conclusion, the author states that the alkaloids acolyctine and lycoctonine, obtained by Hubschmann from A. Lycoctonum, are not identical with aconitine and pseudaconitine. — Jour. Chem. Soo. 1885, p. 911, Arch. Pharm., 1885, p. 161-177.
THE COMPARATIVE STRENGTHS OF CERTAIN PRE- PARATIONS OF IPECACUANHA.
By W. A. H. Nayloe. (Read before the British Pharmaceutical Conference.)
The remarks that the wine of ipecacuanha of the British Pharmaco- poeia is unsatisfactory when viewed from a pharmaceutical standpoint, will be unanimously endorsed by those who have had experience of the making and storing of this preparation. The observation that it deposits emetine on keeping has been recorded from time to time by practical pharmacists. That the quantity of alkaloid apt to be precip- itated is considerable has been demonstrated, notably by Brownen. It is not, therefore, surprising that its use by medical practitioners should have yielded disappointing results, and they should have had recourse to other preparations of the drug which, on the representations of spe- cialists, held out the promise of being more uniform in their action and certain in their effects. It was the knowledge of these facts that suggested to me the desirability of instituting an inquiry into the alka- loidal value of the preparations in common use. For this purpose selection was made of the vinum ipecacuanha? B.P., extractum ipecacu- anha? fluidum U.S.P., and acetum ipecacuanha?.
The mode of procedure consisted in taking a commercially good sample of the root, half of which was bruised as directed by the au- thoritative formula, the remainder being reduced to a fine powder and passed through a sieve having sixty meshes to the linear inch. From the fine powder there were made a wine, fluid extract, and vinegar, the
26 Preparations of Ipecacuanha. {Am7aa ""wL*"**
first according to the strength prescribed by B.P., the second in accord- ance with the directions of the U.S.P., and the third by the use of the dilute acetic acid of the B.P. in the proportion of 1 in 20. The vine- •gar was prepared, like the wine, by maceration for seven days with occasional agitation, the operation of shaking being performed on both at practically the same time. From the "bruised" portion wine and vinegar only were made.
Process of Assay. — The difficulty in making choice between rival processes for the determination of the emetine was considerably en- hanced by the knowledge that the chemistry of this alkaloid is at the present moment in a transitional state. Added to this was the exist- ence of foreign organic matter in one of the menstrua employed, and the method to be adopted must be uninfluenced by the extractive of the sherry. Further, it was necessary to guard against the introduc- tion of manipulative difficulties which might ensue from operating upon too large a volume of liquid. It was also essential that the re- sults should be strictly comparative. On trial it was found that the process proposed by Zinoffsky could be adapted so as to fulfil in the main these conditions. The sample of ipecac, of Xo. 60 powder was assayed as follows: —
To 15 grams of the drug were added 150 c.c. of alcohol (90 per cent.) and 15 drops of dilute sulphuric acid, and shaken during twenty- four hours. At the end of this time 100 c.c. of the liquid were filtered off, the alcohol evaporated, and the residue taken up by water was titrated with Mayer's solution, 1 c.c. of which corresponded to '0189 gram of alkaloid. The poiDt at which precipitation ceases marks the end of reaction. To beguile the tedium consequent upon the patient watching for the subsidence of the precipitate after each addition from the burette, and to ensure a greater degree of accuracy, it is advisable to. make two rough determinations, the third or fourth can then be performed with rapidity and precision.
Examination of Wine and Fluid Extract. — A given volume of each was evaporated until free from alcohol, an excess of lime was added and a gentle heat applied until a dry residue was obtained. The re- spective residues were exhausted with strong alcohol and acidified with sulphuric acid, the spirit was removed by distillation and evaporation, and the products were treated wTth a definite amount of water and titrated.
The vinegar of ipecac was similarly examined, in this case the excess
Aw'/a°ii!yi£6arm'} Preparations of Ipecacuanha, 27
of lime being added after reduction by evaporation to a low bulk. In working the process, the volume operated upon ought not to be less than 400 c.c. of the wine and vinegar, and 20 to 40 c.c. of the fluid extract. It is also imperative that the solutions to be titrated, repre- senting as they do approximate amounts of alkaloid, should be made up to the same measure.
In tabulating the average results obtained, it may be interesting to include the percentage numbers, which were furnished by the titration of the simple residues left behind on the evaporation of the three pre- parations. Not only do they well illustrate the disturbing effect of the organic matter present, but they also supply the chief reason for select- ing, the process of assay which has been adopted.
FROM PORTION OF SAMPLE IPECAC. IN NO. 60 POWDER.
Alkaloid Bark equivalent No c.c. equivalent to 100 grams
taken. in grams. of bark.
Vinum ipecac 400 20 0756
A cetum ipecac 400 20 0-836
Ext. ipecac, fluid 40 40 0720
FROM PORTION OF SAMPLE IPECAC. " BRUISED."
Alkaloid Bark equivalent No c.c. equivalent to 100 errams
taken. in grams. of bark.
Vinum ipecac 400 20 0"604
A cetum ipecac 400 20 0756
. FROM SIMPLE RESIDUES.
Sample in No 60 powder. Sample " bruised,"
Alkaloid Alkaloid equivalent to 100 equivalent to 100
grams of bark. grams of bark.
Vinum ipecac 3;3Q 226
Acetum ipecac 2*45 2-00
Percentage of Alkaloid in Sample Ipecac. 1*09.
So far as emetine may be taken as representing the therapeutic value of ipecacuanha, the inference to be drawn from these figures is obvious. First, that of the three preparations which were made and examined, the vinegar was the strongest; secondly, that the alcohol and acetic acid employed in the extraction of the medicinal properties exerted a greater solvent power when the drug was in fine powder than when it was simply bruised. The possibility that these results might be ser- viceably applied towards the production of a stable and active vinum ipecacuanha}, suggests an inquiry foreign to the objects of this note.— Phar. Jour, and Trans., December 12, 1885.
28 Cochineal Industry in Guatemala.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 188d.
THE COCHINEAL INDUSTKY IN GUATEMALA.
The following paragraphs, describing a visit to a " cochineal range" in Guatemala, are taken from the Montreal Daily Star : —
"In this queer country the raising of hemipterous insects of the bark-louse family — especially the Coccus cacti or Spanish cochinilla — is a profitable, if not a pleasant, industry. In this portion of Gua- temala vast plantations are given up entirely to the cultivation of the " Indian fig," or nopal, of the genus Cacti {Opuntia cochinillifera), upon which these bark-lice feed.
" Senor Espanosa's plantation of Opuntia cochinillifera, which was the one we visited, includes nearly a thousand acres, and the modus operandi of cultivating the insect is most curious. They require about the same care that is ordinarily bestowed upon silk worms, and the occupation is not more disagreeable among crawling bugs than wrig- gling worms. Immediately before the annual time of violent rains, great branches of the nopal, covered with insects, are cut ofi0 and stored in a building erected for the purpose, to protect them from the weather. At the close of the wet season, four or five months later (about the middle of October), the plantations are again stocked from these sup- plies, by suspending little nests made of henequin, maguey, jute or any sort of woody fiber, upon the spines of the growing cacti, each nest containing about a dozen females. Warmed by the tropic sun, the insects soon emerge from their semi-comatose condition, and begin to lay eggs with marvellous rapidity, each female producing more than a thousand young. These spread over the plants with marvellous celer- ity, the young females attaching themselves to the leaves and immedi- ately swelling to incredible size, adhering so closely to the nopal as to become almost a part of it, resembling vegetable excrescences rather than animated creatures.
"In this condition they are gathered for cochineal, none but the pregnant females being valuable for commercial purposes. The males are comparatively few in number — not more than one to two hundred and fifty females — and are of no use for coloring purposes ; but, as in the higher orders of existence, escape most of the pains and perils of life. While the males are thus left to disport themselves undisturbed, the females are picked olf with a blunt knife, collected into baskets and killed by dipping into boiling water, or baking them in a heated oven, or on plates of hot iron. The first crop is gathered about the middle of December, and subsequently several more of as many sue-
Am'j^lIriS6.arm'} Cochineal Industry in Guatemala. 29
cessive generations — the last for the year being late in May. These tiny insects, of the family Coccidce, are in the form of rounded scales, the body covered with deep, transverse wrinkles, abdomen of dark mulberry color, with short, black legs, and bristly on the posterior part. The male has two erect wings, the female none.
"A laborer of ordinary skill can pick only about two ounces of cochineal bugs in a day. These lose at least two-thirds of their weight in the process of drying. As it requires no less than seventy thou- sand insects to weigh a pound, and the average retail price of cochineal is only sixty cents per pound, it may be inferred that the business is by no means a sinecure. By the method of immersing the insects in boiling water they turn to a, reddish-brown hue, losing much of the white powder with which the wrinkles of their bodies are loaded. When dried in an oven they retain this, and then their color is grey, and when killed on hot iron they become black. This is the cause of the varieties known in the market as ( silver grains/ ' black grains ? and 'foxy/ the latter (killed by the first plan) being preferred. When dried, the cochineal presents the form of convex grains, each about an eighth of an inch in diameter, with the transverse wrinkles still visible.
" An inferior quality of insects, called sylvestre, which is indigenous to a wild species of cactus, is frequently gathered and sold for the better variety, and sometimes the species become mixed without design on the part of the planter. Occasionally a bug distemper breaks out and devastates entire plantations, as in Guatemala a few years ago, when the haciendos were obliged to clean out the old stock, root and branch, and begin anew. The Coccus cacti are also fed upon by birds, mice and the larvse of other insects — the latter destroyers sucking out their bodies and leaving only the empty skins." — Phar. Jour, and Trans., Nov. 14, 1885, p. 414.
Behavior of the Bile Acids with Gelatin and Gelatin Pep- tones.— By F. Emich (Monatsh. Chem., vi, 95-103. — Glycocholic acid does not preciptate gelatin solutions, but taurocholic acid does, even from very dilute solutions, and in a very complete manner; the taurocholic acid cannot be removed from the precipitate by boiling alcohol. 1 part of gelatin combines with from 0*68 to 1*49 parts of taurocholic acid.
Taurocholic acid precipitates gelatin peptone but only incompletely. These reactions are of physiological importance. — Jour. Chem. Soc, 1885, pp. 822.
Carmine.
Am. Jour. Pharm
Jan., 1886.
CARMINE.
By M. Dechan, F.C.S. (Read before the British Pharmaceutical Conference.)
The discovery of carmine is generally supposed to Have been acci- dentally made by a Franciscan monk while engaged in the preparation of some medicament from the body of the cochineal insect, which was at that time (about the sixteenth century) and is even now considered by many to possess valuable medicinal properties.
Preparation of Carmine. — In the preparation of commercial carmine no attempt is made to produce a compound possessing a constant chem- ical composition, the prime object of the manufacturer being to obtain a substance having certain well-marked physical properties. I have selected the following methods from those given in standard works, for the purpose of showing that we may expect to find considerable diversity in the composition and general characters of this substance.
China or Spirit Process. — One pound of cochineal is boiled for fifteen minutes in 3 gallons of water, then 1 drachm of powdered alum is added, and the whole boiled for five or six minutes longer. When the liquid has become cold, the clear portion is decanted, and again heated. Tin spirits is now cautiously dropped in until all the carmine is precipitated; it is then collected, drained and dried.
French Process. — The quantity of cochineal and water is the same as in the preceding method, and after boiling fifteen minutes 1 ounce of cream of tartar in powder is added, and the boiling further continued for ten minutes, when ounces of alum are thrown in. After two minutes' boiling the heat is withdrawn, and in five or six minutes more the clear portion is decanted into porcelain vessels, which are set aside until the carmine falls down.
English Process. — One pound cochineal and J ounce carbonate of potash are boiled for fifteen minutes in seven gallons of water. The heat having been withdrawn, 1 ounce of powdered alum is added; the whole is well agitated and allowed to settle for about fifteen min- utes. The clear liquid is next decanted into a clean copper, and J ounce isinglass having been added heat is applied until coagulum forms on the surface ; it is then stirred briskly and allowed to settle.
Madame Genette's Process. — This process is said to yield carmine of extraordinary lustre and beauty. The carmine is said to be pre- pared by this method without the use of either alum or tin spirits, but I have utterly failed to prepare carmine by it, although the specified
Am. Jour. Pharni. Jan., 1886.
Carmine.
conditions were scrupulously adhered to. I have subsequently learned that my efforts in this direction had been anticipated by Hugo Miiller, who tried, but evidently in vain, to obtain carmine by Cenette's pro- oess ; the only and invariable result being a rich crop of mould.
From the results obtained by using the above methods I have come to the conclusion that carmine is not a true chemical compound, but that it is a complex mixture of several compounds. Experiments in- stituted for the purpose of determining whether carmine could be pre- pared without the use of alum or tin spirits have very clearly estab- lished the fact that either of the bases, aluminium or tin, is necessary for its production.
Composition of Carmine. — Some authorities state that carmine is simply the alumina salt of carminic acid ; but this does not increase our knowledge of its exact composition, and no two investigators have been able to agree as to what the true constitution of this acid is. Pelletier and Caventou, in a communication to the Institute de France (1818), gave the following as the percentage composition of the color- ing matter of cochineal : —
Carbon. Hydrogen. Oxvgen. Nitrogen. 49-33 6-66 4045 3'56
Warren de la Rue submitted this substance to a careful examination and succeeded in separating the coloring matter in, what he considered, a pure state, and at the same time discovered that the substance now known as nitro-coccusic acid was one of the products of the decompo- sition of cochineal. The pure coloring matter was named carminic acid, and its composition as determined by W. de la Rue is : —
Theory. Found. Formula. Adopted.
C ,...54-19 54-13 168- C14
H .. 4-52 4-62 14" H14
0 41-29 41-25. 128- 0 8
wow ioo-oo ~m-
This agrees with the composition of copper carminate as analyzed by the same investigator.
Schutzenberger, in his investigations on the constitution of carminic acid, noticed a considerable variation in the composition of carminic acid of different preparations. He came to the conclusion that W. de la Rue had been experimenting on a mixture of several substances. The composition of carminic acid as determined by Schutzenberger is C9H805, which differs very materially from that -given by W. de la Rue.
Schaller in his researches obtained results which differ from those of Schutzenberger by H20. He also gave it as his opinion that carminic
32
Carmine.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
acid was dibasic, and therefore capable of forming normal and acid salts.
Hlasiwetz and Grabowski came to the conclusion that the carminic acid as prepared by the previous investigators was a glucoside, for on treating it with boiling dilute acid it was found to yield a peculiar kind of sugar and a substance which they named carmine red, the analysis of which led to the formula CnH1207.
The results obtained by the repeated ultimate analysis of several samples of commercial carmine exhibited such a wide variation that I was irresistibly led to the conclusion that the formation of carmine was the result of a species of physico-chemical action, and that the products of such action will largely depend on the conditions under which it takes place. Many striking examples of this peculiar reaction may be observed in the dyeing of wool and other fibres, where an ex- tremely small quantity of a base may be made to unite with varying proportions of coloring matter. I am therefore of opinion that it is scarcely possible to obtain carmine of a uniform and fixed chemical composition; consequently, we must adopt some other standard by which to gauge the purity of the commercial article.
This, to a certain extent, has already been decided by the fact that the alumina or tin compound of cochineal is readily soluble in dilute ammonia, whereas the substances with which it is liable to be adulte- rated are, as a rule, not soluble in this menstruum.
It must not, however, be assumed that everything soluble in dilute ammonia is pure carmine; i.e., accepting carmine as a compound of alumina or tin with the coloring-matter of cochineal. Tin spirits form with aniline scarlet a compound which very much resembles carmine physically and chemically, being like it soluble in dilute ammonia and insoluble in water.
The foreign substances which are likely to be mixed with carmine and which are separated from it by means of dilute ammonia, are ver- milion, chrome red, albuminous or starchy matters, and uncombined alumina; aniline carmine, not being separated, must be tested for in the ammoniacal filtrate.
The method adopted in the examination of ten samples, the result of which will be found in the appended table, was as follows :— The quantity taken for analysis was 0'2 gram. This was digested in dilute ammonia with frequent stirring for twenty minutes, then poured on a tared filter and washed with ammonia until all traces of carmine had disappeared. The filter was dried at 100° C. and weighed, and the
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Carmine.
33
percentage of matter insoluble in ammonia calculated. The residue on the filter was now washed with dilute hydrochloric acid and dis- tilled water, again dried and weighed; in the absence of chrome red, the loss in weight was calculated as uncombined alumina and lime. The substance left on the filter, after washing with hydrochloric acid was ignited and the loss calculated as albuminous and starchy matters. If vermilion was present the mercury was determined by a combustion analysis, and the proportion of sulphide to the other substances calcu- lated. In all cases the ash of the whole substance was determined, as well as the ash of the insoluble residue.
The following simple method was adopted for detecting the presence of aniline carmine in the ammoniacal filtrate. Small pieces of clean white woolen cloth were boiled for thirty minutes in the solution, and the tint of color produced carefully examined. From a series of com- parative experiments it Avas found that 1 per cent, of aniline carmine mixed with cochineal carmine manifests its presence quite distinctly, the color assuming a red-orange tint, whereas with pure cochineal car- mine it is of a reddish-purple shade. [None of the samples contained any aniline carmine ; and it is well to know that this substance need not be looked for if oxide of tin is absent in the ash of the whole substance.
That the carmine of commerce, is not above suspicion will be seen from the appended table in which are summarized the results of the examination often samples obtained from different parts of the coun- try. In one case only was the purchase accompanied by any qualifi- cation as to purity, the seller of ~No. 7 stating that the material sup- plied was only of second rate quality.
The alumina and lime given as combined in the table is that which has entered into combination with the coloring-matter of the cochineal. This combination must not be considered as purely chemical, as it partakes of a physico-chemical nature; hence an exact numerical pro- portion must not be looked for between the combined alumina, lime, and coloring-matter.
|
No. 1. |
No. 2. |
No. 3. |
No. 4. |
No. 5. |
No. 6. |
No. 7. |
No. 8. |
No. 9. |
No.10. |
|
|
Carmine (coloring-matter) Combined alumina and lime Matter insoluble) ^ m ammonia. /Vermillon |
6-1 8-0 1- 8 2- 0 221 |
69-2 9-8 25 24 161 ioo-o |
341 11-4 18-5 34-0 2-0 |
65 7 12-0 00 Tr. 22-3 |
608 9-0 9-8 02 20-2 |
69-5 7-0 o-o Tr. 23-5 |
26-1 04 o-o 14-6 50-4 8-5 |
72 0 8-1 8-0 1-9 10-0 |
18 4 4-4 52 4 36 2T2 |
67-5 10 0 9-5 Tr. 130 |
|
100-0 |
ioo-o |
ioo-o |
ioo-o |
oo-o |
ioo-o |
ioo-o |
ioo-o |
ioo-o |
—Phar. Jour, and Trans., December 12, 1885.
34
Preparation of Amyl Nitrite.
< Ajxl. Jour. Pharm. ( Jan., 1886.
NOTE OX THE PREPARATION OF AMYL NITRITE.
By John Williams, F.I.C., F.C.S., and Miles H. Smith. F.C.S. (Read before the British Pharmaceutical Conference.)
Understanding that Mr. A. H. Allen was preparing a paper for this meeting of the Conference upon the result of testing the strength of amyl nitrite by the very ingenious and useful instrument, the "nitro- meter/' which he has lately improved and brought under the notice of pharmacists, it appeared to us that it would be of interest to the meet- ing if we gave an account of a few experiments we have lately under- taken to, if possible, settle certain points in the manufacture of this article. We were induced to undertake these experiments in conse- quence of the discussion which has lately taken place before the Chem- ical Society and elsewhere, in which Professor Armstrong, Messrs. Ramsey and Cundall, and Mr. Lunge have taken part, the main ques- tion being if nitrous acid (N203) could exist in the state of gas or not, but the experiments also showing that very various results, as far as regards the nature of gas given off by the action of nitric acid upon arsenious acid or starch, could be obtained by slight variations in the conditions under which the experiment was conducted. It is not our wish or intention to offer any opinion upon the main question in dis- pute, but we think some of our experiments, although rather rough, may perhaps throw some light upon the question ; at any rate we hope they will prove of sufficient interest to Avarrant their being recorded.
The process we adopt for preparing nitrite of amyl is at first sight a very simple one. A gas which we have hitherto assumed to be nitrous acid (X2Os) prepared by acting upon arsenious acid by nitric acid is passed into amyl alcohol, previously purified and kept carefully cooled. A considerable quantity Ox' the gas is absorbed and the pass- age of the gas is continued until the alcohol is saturated, this being shown by a change of color from bright yellow to brownish green; beyond this point it is not advisable to carry the operation. The pro- duct is then well washed and afterwards subjected to distillation, a thermometer being inserted in the retort (but not toucliing the liquid) so that the boiling point may be observed and the liquid fractioned if necessary. The liquid generally begins to distil at from 80° to 85° C, and the boiling point may rise very considerably if the sample is not pretty pure. The boiling point of pure nitrite of amyl is variously stated by good authorities, some putting it as low as 90° to 92° C,
Ain. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Preparation of Amy I Nitrite.
35
others as high as 98° to 100°. Probably 95° or 96° may be the correct point • our experiments rather tend to confirm that temperature as the correct one. Of course the effort of the manufacturer is to obtain from a given amount of material the largest possible quantity of a product boiling under or about 100° C, and in practice we con- sider the operation a successful one when we obtain to of the result distilled at that point. It not unfrequently occurs, however, that the result is anything but satisfactory, and at one time we had great diffi- culty in accounting for the discrepancies observed. We have now been engaged for some time past in a series of experiments to try and determine if possible under what circumstances the best results were obtained, and to discover, if possible, the cause of the failures we some- times met with. We should mention that in all our experiments we have employed the same sample of ainyl alcohol. This had been care- fully purified and distilled in a current of steam several times; it probably still contained traces of ethylic alcohol, and possibly other bodies, but was as pure as could be readily obtained by ordinary means. The so-called nitrous acid gas was in all cases made by the action of nitric acid upon arsenious acid. We did not employ starch, as al- though the gas so produced appears to have some advantages over that prepared from arsenious acid, the manipulation is very troublesome on account of the large amount of frothing which occurs during the process.
Experiment No. 1. — The nitric acid employed in this case was of sp. gr. 1500, as recommended by Ramsey and Cundall in a paper lately read before the Chemical Society. The red gas produced was almost entirely absorbed by the amyl alcohol, mere traces of unabsorbable gas escaping. There was a strong tendency for the amyl alcohol to heat up, and some care was required to prevent this happening. The pro- duct washed and distilled gave the following results : —
42 per cent, came over under 100° O.
' 64 " " " 105° C.
74 " ," 110° C.
85 "' " . . ,." 120° C.
The remaining fifteen parts left in the retort were not further ex- amined. The result was considered a very bad one, but we shall allude to it further on. •
Experiment No. 2. — Nitric acid, sp. gr. 1420, was used; the gas was fairly absorbed; more unabsorbable gas, however, escaping than in
36 Preparation of Amyl Nitrite, {Am ja0nu!*i£6.arm-
the first experiment. The tendency of the amyl alcohol to heat up was much less marked. The washed product distilled gave —
73 per cent, under 100° C.
84 " " 105° C.
88 " " 110° C.
This result was much better than the first one, but cannot be con- sidered altogether satisfactory.
Experiment No. 3. — Nitric acid of sp. gr. 1350 was now employed; the quantity of gas absorbed was considerable, but much more unab- sorbable gas was produced than in the previous experiments. The tendency for the amyl alcohol to heat up was very much diminished. The product distilled gave —
89 per cent, under 100° C.
95 " " 105° C.
This was considered very satisfactory.
Experiment No. 4. — We now employed acid of sp. gr. 1300; this is the strength of acid recommended by Liebig, and since by Stenhouse and Groves in a paper read before the Chemical Society in 1877. In this case it was found that most of the gas given off was incapable of absorption by the amyl alcohol ; still a small percentage was absorbed, and after passing a very considerable amount of the gas through the alcohol the reaction was effected, and the product, washed and dis- tilled, gave —
93 per cent, under lj)0o C.
95 " " 105° C.
This result was very good, but wasteful on account of the large quantity of gas which had to be employed.
Experiment No. 5. — In this experiment we varied our process some- what, and employed a mixture of gases, with very satisfactory results.
In a glass vessel fitted with exit tube and stoppered acid funnel, a quantity of pure nitrite of sodium together With a little water was placed, and to the mixture nitric acid was allowed to flow slowly in. The resulting gas was not as might have been expected nitrous acid (N2Os), but was clearly nitrogen peroxide (N02). It was colorless until allowed to come in contact with the air, when it gave dense red fumes, and was not to any appreciable extent absorbed by amyl alcohoL The gas thus produced was passed into the upper part of a vessel con- taining arsenious acid and nitric acid sp. gr. 1500, and giving off the red gas, as mentioned in our experiment No. 1. The two gases were
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Preparation of Amyl Nitrite.
37
allowed to mix, taking the precaution to keep the gas evolved from the nitrite of sodium in considerable excess. The mixed gases were passed into amyl alcohol kept cool as usual. There was no excessive tendency to heat up. Much gas was absorbed, but of course some passed through
unabsorbed. The washed product distilled gave —
10 per cent, under 90° C.
87 " " 100° C.
93 " " 105° C.
This result being promising the experiment was repeated with per- haps greater care, and taking special precautions to keep the nitrogen binoxide in excess. The result obtained was —
9 percent, under 90° C.
95 " " • • • 100° C.
This being the best result as yet obtained.
Experiment No. 6. — The experiment just detailed (No. 5) was re- peated, with certain modifications; in place of the nitrite of sodium and nitric acid, to produce the N02, copper turnings and nitric acid were used, and the arsenious acid was acted upon by nitric acid of sp. gr. 1520, or the very strongest commercial article. We found it necessary to use the arsenious acid in lumps, otherwise the action became so vio- lent as to endanger the apparatus. In this experiment great care was taken to keep the nitrogen peroxide gas evolved from the copper turning and nitric acid in large excess. The result obtained was —
12 percent, distilling under 90° C.
95 " " " 100° C.
97 " " " 105° C.
This leaving three parts only unaccounted for. We need hardly say this result was considered as perfect as could be expected.
As a general result we think these experiments show that amyl alcohol can be usefully employed to determine, at any rate to some extent, the nature of the gases evolved by the action of nitric acid of various strengths upon arsenious acid.
In experiment 1, where nitric acid of sp. gr. 1500 was used, we suppose there can be no doubt that the gas evolved was very nearly pure nitrogen tetroxide (N204). It is stated in chemical works that this gas acting upon amyl alcohol is broken up into nitrous acid N2Os and nitric acid. The nitrous acid naturally produces some nitrite of amyl, and in our experiment the quantity found appears to be only 42 per -cent. What other products are obtained by the action of the nitric
38
Preparation oj Amyl Nitrite.
(Am. Jour. Pharm. I Jan., 1886.
acid produced we are unable to say. Some nitrate of amyl (boiling at about 140° C.) may be among the products, or other more highly oxi- dized bodies, but upon that question we offer no opinion. We think it also becomes evident that acids of more moderate strength, such as 1420 or 1350, yield the best results, and when acid of 1300 is em- * ployed but little more than nitrogen peroxide N02 is yielded. What the nature of the mixed gas produced in our experiment No. 5 and 6 may be, we do not venture to offer an opinion upon. It may consist of the two gases N02 and 1ST204 in a mere state of mixture, or it is possible that Union may be effected, and that the gas consists mainly of N2Os or nitrous acid. The gas certainly acts upon amyl alcohol very much in tne way we should expect nitrous acid to do ; but if it is true that such a gas does not exist, we are driven to conclude that union takes place when the mixed gases come in contact with the amyl alcohol, which is somewhat difficult to realize.
As a practical result Ave think our experiments prove that any proT cess in which nitric acid is allowed to come into actual contact with amyl alcohol, even if copper turnings or other deoxydizing agents be present, and especially under the influence of a high temperature, is one not to be adopted, but should be condemned both on theoretical and practical grounds. We lately had an opportunity of examining a sample of nitrite of amyl said to be made by the action of nitric acid in the presence of copper upon the alcohol ; we were not surprised to find it a very impure and inferior article, which opinion was quite con- firmed by subjecting it to the nitrometer test.
These experiments may also throw some light upon the question of the production of nitrite of ethyl ; but upon that subject we do not wish to enter at present.
In conclusion, we think it safe to say that the gas given off by acting upon arsenious acid by nitric acid of specific gravity 1350, or 1360, is the best for converting for ordinary commercial purposes the amyl alcohol into nitrite, unless the operator goes to the trouble of making the mixed gases, as described in experiments Nos. 5 and 6, when, doubtless, the very best result is obtained.— Phar. Jour, and Trans., December 12, 1885.
Headache Essence. — Dr. W. W. Walsh has found the following prep- aration to giye relief in many cases: Oil of lavender 1 oz., camphor % oz.> ammonia water l/2 oz., alcohol 4 oz. — N. E. Med. Monthly, Dec, 1885, p. 127.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Chemistry of Nitroglycerol.
39
CHEMISTRY OF NITROGLYCEROL.
By M. Hay.
From the resemblance of nitroglycerol to the nitrites in its physio- logical and therapeutical properties, the author was at first inclined to regard it as being a glyceryl nitrite instead of a nitrate, but the result of a further investigation did not confirm this view. Railton and others have stated that nitroglycerol when treated with alcoholic potash yields glycerol and potassium nitrate. This statement is quite incorrect ; the decomposition is of a complex nature. No glycerol is obtained, as it is oxidised at the expense of the N03 groups, about two-thirds of which suffer reduction to the nitrous condition, only about one-third being found as nitrate at the end of the reaction. The other products of the reaction are potassium acetate, oxalate, and formate, a small amount of ammonia, and a reddish-brown resinous substance, which gives a dark color to the liquid. Numerous de- terminations of the amount of nitrite formed showed that 100 parts of nitroglycerol gave from 34*14 to 35*24 parts of nitrous anhy- dride. (If two-thirds of the nitrogen were converted into nitrous anhydride the amount would be 33*48.) As it was also found that 5 mols. of potash were required to decompose 1 mol. of nitroglycerol, it seems that the principal reaction may be expressed by the equa- tion C3H5(0*N02)3 + 5KOH = KNG3 + 2KN02 -f CH3 -COOK -j- H.COOK -f- 3H20. The reaction is the same either with alcoholic or aqueous potash, but is very slow in the latter case, owing to the sparing solubility of nitroglycerol in water.
Ammonia and alkaline carbonates act in a manner similar to pot- ash. The same may be said for sodium hydrogen phosphate, but the reaction is much less powerful, whilst sodium chloride exerts hardly any action. Hydrochloric acid acts less powerfully than alkaline carbonates, and sulphuric acid (1 : 10) less powerfully still, whilst the concentrated acid has no action. De Vrifs statement that nitro- glycerol is decomposed by sulphuretted hydrogen, is not correct. The alkaline sulphides decompose nitroglycerol, sulphur being precipi- tated, and the reaction is rapid, and seems to be promoted by the sulphur, yet the particular part played by that element has not been ascertained. Hot water decomposes nitroglycerol slowly. The amount of nitroglycerol formed from a given weight of glycerol agrees fairly with the assumption of its being glyceryl trinitrate.
40
Action of Pyrogallol.
Am. Jour. Pharrri. Jan., 1886.
As different statements have been made as to the physical charac- ters of nitroglycerol, the author has prepared it in a state of parity, and finds that it is perfectly colorless, and remains so even when ex- posed to air. It keeps equally well in water or alcohol. Heated on the water-bath no change occurs, unless acids or alkalis are present.
1 gram of nitroglycerol dissolves in 800 c.c. water; in 3 c.c. alco- hol; in 10 5 c.c. alcohol (sp. gr. 0*846) ; in 1 c.c. methyl alcohol (sp. gr. 0*814; in 4 c.c. methylated spirit (sp. gr. 0*830); in 18 c.c. amyl alcohol; in less than 1 c.c. benzine; in 120 c.c. carbon bisulphide ; in all proportions in ether, chloroform, glacial acetic acid, and phenol; and sparingly in glycerol.
Nitroglycerol can be estimated with tolerable accuracy by deter- mining the amount of nitrate formed by boiling with alcoholic potash, and assuming that 100 parts of nitroglycerol yield 33* A 8 parts of nitrous anhydride. — Jour. Chem. Soc, 1885, p. 742 ; Trans. Roy. Soc, Edinb., vol. 32.
ACTION OF PYROGALLOL ON COPPER AND IRON
SALTS.
By P. Cazeneuve and Q. Linossier.
When solutions of pyrogallol and ferrous sulphate are mixed in complete absence of oxygen, no change is apparent, but the intro- duction of a small quantity of oxygen brings about the formation of the well-known blue coloration. If. however, the pyrogallol solution is not fresh, but has been slightly oxidised, the blue colora- tion is produced at once. The oxygen combines simply with the pyrogallol, and does not oxidise the ferrous sulphate, since ferric salts cannot exist in presence of pyrogallol, but are instantly reduced. A mixture of a ferric salt with excess of pyrogallol gives no colora- tion with thiocyanates, and no precipitate with ammonium succinate.
When solutions of pyrogallol and ferric chloride are mixed out of contact with oxygen, a fugitive blue coloration is also produced, but almost instantly changes to a deep reddish-brown coloration. Addi- tion of an alkali causes the reappearance of the blue color, and if added in excess changes it to violet. In this reaction, the ferric chloride is reduced, and the ferrous salt combines with the pyro- gallol, but the blue compound is at once decomposed by the hydro- chloric acid which has been liberated in the process of reduction.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Action of Pyrogallol.
41
The dark brown color is simply due to oxidised pyrogallol. The addition of alkali neutralizes the free acid, and thus renders the formation of the blue compound possible. All strong acids prevent the formation of this compound, but feebler acids, such as boric and -acetic, have not the same effect. The blue coloration is due to the combination of partially-oxidised pyrogallol with a ferrous salt. If a current of air is blown through the blue liquid, or if pyrogallol is mixed with a large excess of ferric chloride and an alkali then added, a black precipitate is formed by the oxidation of the blue compound.
Pyrogallol does not give any coloration with amnion iacal cuprous chloride out of contact with oxygen, but the introduction of a trace of this gas causes the formation of a deep brownish-black compound. Cupric sulphate is immediately reduced by pyrogallol, and on addi- tion of an alkali a black coloration is produced which is changed to red by excess of ammonia, and is destroyed by hydrochloric acid. Cupric acetate gives an immediate black coloration without addition of an alkali. It is evident, therefore, that the action of pyrogallol on copper salts is strictly analogous to its action on iron salts. — Jour. Chem. Soc.j 1885, p. 1059 ; Compt. rend. ci.
Mercury Compounds in the Animal Organism. 3 )r. Richard Fleischer, in a study of the modification undergone by preparations of mercury in the animal economy, adduces the following facts as the results of his experiments: — (1) Calomel, which in pure water is in- soluble, in the presence of chloride of sodium is dissolved and trans- formed into the bichloride of mercury. (2) The formation of mer- curic chloride is favored by a high temperature — i. e., the tempera- ture of the body. (3) The amount of mercuric chloride produced is minute, but plainly recognizable. (4) Dilute hydrochloric acid of a strength of 25 per cent, converts only a minimum portion of calo- mel into the bichloride. A solution of a strength of 4 per cent, is much more active. (5) By mixture of potassium iodide and calomel, iodide of mercury is produced. The double salt produced is soluble in excess of potassium iodide, but separates in pure water into the insoluble oxide of mercury and into iodide of potassium. (6) The oxide of mercury forms with chloride of sodium, corrosive sublimate and caustic soda. — Deutsche Med. Wochenschrift, Sept. 3, 1885; Med. Chron., Dec, 1885, p. 229.
42
Casein in Milk.
Anj. Jour. Pharm Jarj.,188«i.
CASEIN IN MILK, AND ON THE ACTION OF RENNET.
By W. Eugling.
The addition of ammonium oxalate to milk does not precipitate the calcium salt?, but if, after the addition of the oxalate, calcium chloride be added, then casein is separated and carries calcium oxa- late down with it; it is considered that calcium is in a definite organic combination with casein, and this combination must first be destroyed before calcium can be separated as oxalate. The calcium albumi- nates in milk resemble basic salts, and are readily decomposed by acetic, lactic, and tartaric acids, but not by benzoic acid, etc. When acetic acid has been added and then ammonium oxalate, calcium oxalate may be recognized by the microscope, although the quantity of acid has been insufficient to coagulate the milk. Mineral acids, except boric and arsenious aoids, act like strong organic acids ; at the same time as calcium is in combination with casein as a basic salt, phosphates are carried down with the coagulum. Schreiner has stated that when milk is boiled, sulphuretted hydrogen is evolved, but Eu^lin^ is unable t:> corroborate that statement, as he has found the percentage of sulphur belore and after boiling to be the same, although various samples of milk differ in their percentage of sulphur; the change which the author believes to occur on boiling is that a part of the phosphates dissolved by the alkaline phosphates of the serum pass by the action of heat out of the serum and combine with the casein compounds, the result being the formation of an alkaline albuminate; consequently the milk has an alkaline reaction. This statement is supported by the results of the analysis of milk (fresh and boiled) after addition of alco-^ hoi, which separates casein, combined with a larger quantity of calcium if the milk has been boiled than when it is fresh. It is because of this rearrangement of the constituents of milk after boiling, that it becomes alkaline, and that rennet has no action on boiled milk; but if an acid be added so as to bring back the original condition by destroy- ing the alkaline albuminate, the rennet produces its well-known effects. It is possible that the action of rennet is to hydrolise a part of the milk albuminates, whereby its combinations with calcium phosphates are rendered less stable ; in proof of this, it is stated that although calcium is not recognisable by means of ammonium oxalate in the serum produced by the addition of alcohol or sodium chloride,
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Casein in Milk.
43
yet it is immediately precipitated in the serum from rennet, and as this serum has an acid reaction, it follows that an albuminate has been formed which holds the calcium phosphate in solution as an acid albuminate. Soxhlet considers that the separation of casein is accom- panied by the formation of lactic acid ; the author has been unable to detect this acid in the whey, but he has found several albuminoids, and prefers to consider the formation of acid albuminate by hydration as most probable.
If milk contains lactic acid (1 per 1000), the action of the rennet is more rapid, but the casein produced contains a smaller percentage of ash than it should normally, and is of a bitter taste ; if the quan- tity of acid is more than 1 J per 1000, then the cheese is uneatable. In a cheese prepared under normal conditions, there is present 8*25— 8'75 calcium compounds, which are present in the proportion of 1 mol. tricalcium to 1 mol. monohydrocalcium phosphate. Sometimes part of the calcium is replaced by magnesium. — Jour. Chem. Soc, 1885, p. 1083; Land. Vers.-Stat, 1885, p. 392.
Ptomaines. — By F. Coppola {Gazzetta, xiv, 571-572 )— In a former memoir on the ptomaines the author has pointed out the probability that their genesis is due to the processes, such as Dragen- dorff's, used for their extraction; a description is given of experi- ments on the putrefaction of large quantities of various tissues and organs, such as muscle, pancreas, spleen, brain of dog, etc., kept from free access of air, and at the ordinary temperature. For a fortnight the putrefying mass had an acid, but at the end of six weeks a decidedly alkaline reaction. Both the liquid and the1 solid portions of the resultant mass were extracted with benzene. The extract, on evaporation, gave an abundant yellow residue, which showed all the characteristic reactions of alkaloids. From this result it is inferred that the process of putrefaction is not capable of pro- ducing ptomaines, but that the acid reaction conduces to the de- composition of lecithins with generation of a substance having the properties of an alkaloid.
The relatively small quantity obtained from more than 2 kilos, of putrefying material seems further to indicate that the alkaloids extracted by the Dragendorff. and Stas-Otto methods are mainly formed by the processes employed for their extraction. — Jour. Chem, Soc., 1885, p. 913.
44
Pharmaceutical Study.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
PHARMACEUTICAL STUDY.1
By T. Redwood, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Chemistry and. Pharmacy to the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
When asked to address a meeting of the School of Pharmacy Students' Asso- ciation, I was glad to avail myself of the opportunity of showing that, although in an altered position, I am still among you and anxious to contribute to the furtherance of your objects- here as students.
I wish to be considered now as one of yourselves — as a student among those of the same class, but differing in this, that I am an old student, very much older than most of you. My studies have been extended over a long course of years, exceeding the period at which men are usually actuated by much enthusiasm or capable of much hard work, but which may possibly have brought, together with somewhat exhausted powers, enlarged experience and an aptitude for sober reflection. You, on the other hand, are on the threshold of an intended career, and in the full possession of active energies, which, if rightly directed, may enable you to attain to any reasonable, just and proper objects of your ambition. Such being our respective positions, we may perhaps confer together with ad- vantage on some matters interesting to us all, and of great importance to you — matters affecting your future welfare and that of the school in which you are studying.
I assume that your intended career is that of the practice of pharmacy, and that you are here for the purpose of studying in those departments of knowl- edge, appertaining to that career, in which instruction is given in this institution.
The subjects set before you, and of which you are expected to acquire, first an elementary, but ultimately a more advanced, kno wledge, ard not such as need greatly alarm a student, and yet it may be said of them that their successful study requires the persistent application of the best energies of an active, trained and intelligent mind.
The subjects are botany and materia medica, chemistry and pharmacy, and they are commonly coupled in that order, which suggests the inquiry, Why are they so associated, and in what way are they connected?
Of the four subjects named two belong to the class of sciences, and the other two are not entitled to that distinction. Materia medica and pharmacy are merely departments of art appertaining to the selection and preparation of medicines.
In early remote ages the practice of medicine involved the use of a materia medica, mostly derived from the vegetable kingdom, in the collection of which no scientific knowledge was applied. There were also at that time and long afterwards a good many animal substances employed in medicine, but as scien- tific knowledge was brought to bear upon the study of medicine, most of the crude abominations of that description were expelled.
i Address delivered to the School of Pharmacy Students' Association, Nov. 12. We make room for this excellent address, which, in most respects, applies also to pharmaceutical study in the United States. In July last, the veteran Professor Redwood retired from the chair of chemistry and pharmacy, after an active service of more than forty years as a teacher, he having been appointed Professor of Pharmacy in 1842. On the retirement of Mr. Fownes from the chair of chemistry, in 1846, the two chairs were united. On retiring from active service as a teacher, Mr. Redwood was deservedly honored by being appointed Emeritus Professor of Chem- istry and Pharmacy. A former pupil of his, Mr. Wyndham R. Dunstan, succeeds him as pro- fessor.— Editor Amer. Jour. Phar.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Pharmaceutical Study.
45
The pharmacy also of those days consisted, for the most part, of a rude system of concoction and admixture of vegetable and other substances, with now and then the introduction of a few chemical products, and the application of what was then called chemistry for the improvement of processes. But it was long before the value of chemical compounds in medicine was recognized, and a hot contest prevailed for some time between those who advocated their use and the advocates for the exclusive use of galenical preparations. Ultimately, however, the use of mineral medicines and compounds of definite chemical constitution became established, and those engaged in their preparation and sale assumed the name of chemist and druggist. Previously this class had grown from grocers or dealers in spices into drug-grocers or druggists, most of whom still merely dealt in the raw materia medica, while first (but at an earlier period) the physician, and afterwards the apothecary (half physician and half drug- gist), prepared the crude drugs for use in medicine. The vegetable materia medica, being subsequently enriched by selections and additions, and further improved by the exclusion of much that was comparatively worthless, acquired increased importance, and some amount of botanical knowledge became neces- sary for the identification of valuable medicinal plants and their products. Botany thus became an adjunct to materia medica, and its cultivation and study in connection with the latter added a charm to an otherwise dry and compara- tively uninteresting subject.- As the knowledge and importance of materia medica extended, a more intimate acquaintance with the structure of the various parts of plants, of their organs and of the functions of these, was looked for in those who were considered proficient in the knowledge of the vegetable materia medica. The botanical knowledge required in this study is partly general, that is structural, having a general application to the vegetable kingdom ; and it is partly systematic, or special, in as far as it is applied alone to medicinal plants and such as are allied to them. Taken in that sense, however, even if we attempted to confine ourselves within such a limit, the subject altogether would be a tolerably comprehensive one; but wre cannot place any such limit to the study of botany even for pharmaceutical purposes. We must study it as a whole, although it may be chiefly with a special application.
There is much that tends to reconcile students to the study of botany. It is the study of some of the most beautiful objects of nature, which although in the ordinary sense mute, possess an eloquence of their own, and never fail to appeal to the hearts of those who are willing to hold converse with them. They are organized beings like ourselves, and of all created beings they, are, perhaps, those which offer the greatest facilities for deep searching investiga- tion into the mysterious development of special organisms springing either from an ingrafted type, or from a minute spark of vitality which may have lain dormant for years in an apparently inactive seed. There, are some hundreds Of thousands of forms of vegetation proceeding from such obscure sources, each having distinct and definite characters of its own, which it is capable of further propagating and thus maintaining a life everlasting. The root, the stem, the branches, the leaves, the flowers, the fruit, the seed. Consider the arrangements of all these parts; how extremely elaborate and sometimes fantastic they are. Such arrangements are apparently infinite, but they are all subject to a law of nature, namely, that of symmetry, which is one of the elements of beauty.
Among the inducements to pursue the examination and study of the elemen-
46
Pharmaceutical Study.
/Am. Jour. Pharm. 1 Jan., 1886.
tary structure and arrangements of parts in the vegetable kingdom is this, that we have tangible objects to deal with here, which can be brought within the cognizance of our senses. We can dissect, divide and subdivide them, and when we have thus passed to the limit of observation by the unaided organs of vision, we can resort to the powers of the micro -cope and thus open out ex- tended fields for farther investigation. The knowledge we thus acquire is of a definite and definable nature. There is n >thing speculative about it. It par- takes not of the abstract, but of the concrete character.
Botany has become a necessary adjunct to materia medica, and the two sub- jects are more or less intimately associated when studied for medical or phar- maceutical purposes.
Chemistry, in like manner, has become an adjunct to pharmacy, and, also, although in a lesser degree, to materia medica. As the use of substances of a definite .chemical na ure has become fully established in medical practice, and the number of medicines of that description has undergone, and is farther likely to undergo, considerable augmentation, chemistry is even more neces- sarily allied to pharmacy than botany is to materia medica. The study of chemistry forms the most important part of pharmaceutical education, and one which admits of great and most usefal extension. Taken in its fullest signifi- cation, the scope of chemistry is more vast and comprehensive than even that of b >tany, for while the latter comprehends only one of the three kingdoms of nature, chemis!ry takes cognizance of all three. It treats not of the physical structure, bat of the elementary composition of b jdies and of all bodies. The range of its comprehensive applica'ion extends even beyond the earth and its surroanding atmosphere. Every material object is compos-d of parts having a chemical constitution, and this is subject to chemical change. It is the prov- ince of the chemist to investigate such changes, and to trace out the component parts of all objects, but we cannot do this in the way in which we trace out the structure and arrangement of parts of a plant. We- cannot say of the matter of which chemistry treats that it consists of parts, or atoms, or molecules that are tangible, visible, or definable as to structure. We may know them in the aggregate, but of the individual parts our knowledge is indefinite and specula- tive. What do we know of any chemical element or compound? Of oxygen, or water, or alcohol, for instance? We know oxygen as a gas, and may acquire some knowledge of it in a more condensed form, but wrhat do we know of its ultimate particles or atoms, of their form, size, or weight? So also with regard to water, a Chemical compound of ogygen with another element, or alcohol or acetic acid, compounds of oxygen with two other elements. We have a certain concrete knowledge of them ; we know them in the aggregate, but beyond that we enter the region of speculation. Our knowledge leads us to the conclusion that water is a chemical compound of oxygen and hydrogen. But what do we mean by a chemical compound of elements? It does not simply mean that the elements are brought together, intimately mixed, and in contact. We may to that extent put oxygen and hydrogen together in the definite proportions in which they combine, but that does not necessarily involve combination ; and when they are combined what is the nature of their altered condition, and what are the positions and distribution of the respective atoms or particles? We are accustomed to represent the elements by symbols, and to represent chemical compounds by placing the symbols in juxtaposition, or by connecting them in
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Pharmaceutical Study.
47
some way by lines. These graphic representations are often complex, and may sometimes appear as fantastic, although certainly not so beautiful as the visible arrangement of parts in a flower or plant. But the visible arrangement of parts in the one case and the graphic representation in the other, have quite differeu4 meanings. Graphic representation in chemistry is a result of comparative!; modern science culture. It fulfils some useful objects, but to the imperfectly instructed student it is liable to induce erroneous conceptions, which have to be carefully guarded against.
It is one of the objects of modern chemistry to study the possible aggrega- tions of atoms in chemical compounds, and the changes to which these may be subject, such study being conducted not merely on the. basis of our concrete knowledge, but in accordance with certain abstract principles and conceptions. For many years past chemistry has been gradually becoming more of an abstract, if not less of a concrete science. Twenty years ago Sir Benjamin Brodie, Pro- fessor of Chemistry in the University of Oxford, proposed a special application of the science of algebra for expressing by means of symbols, and without refer- ence to any hypothesis as to the nature of the material world, all the facts of chemical changes. This method he called " the calculus of chemical operations." The proposal then received but slight enco uragement, arising, perhaps, partly from the circumstance that the abstract principles of chemical science had, as indeed they still have, not been sufficiently developed and established to justify the application of such a method of treating chemical data. Obviously, however, there , is a tendency in that direction, and it is useless for those who wish to pursue the study of chemistry with the view of keeping pace with modern ad- vancement in the science to shut their eyes to the present requirements and tendency of the study.
Chemistry and botany are two fundamental subjects, a more or less advanced knowledge of which is necessarily comprised in the education and qualification of pharmaceutical chemists, and it is an important question for the student to consider how much of his time should be devoted to the systematic study of these departments of science, and what portion to other branches of technical knowledge ?
Pharmaceutical students, from necessity often, and more frequently from necessity than choice, have to limit the time they can devote to systematic scientific studies. This was more especially apparent at and soon after the time at which examinations were rendered compulsory. The pressure brought to bear upon our students and schools from that cause led to the adoption of short courses of instruction in this and other schools. Previously, also, from other causes, courses which had been separate became united, and the time given to each subject was thus considerably curtailed. Thus chemistry and pharmacy, which were formerly separate courses, 2 were united, as also were botany and materia medica. I look upon this as a result which has been justified only jy necessity, and for which we may hope to find a remedy in the future. My ex- perience is to the effect that since the first great influx of students, which took place after the passing of the Pharmacy Act of 1868, and especially during recent years, there has been an increased proportion of students who have been willing and anxious to extend their scientific studies. There is ample scope, and, in my opinion, urgent requirement for such extension. Let it not be sup-
i In tne American Colleges of Pharmacy, these two branches form separate courses.— Editor.
48
Phai 'maceutical St udy.
Am. Jour. Ptaarm. Jan., 1886.
posed that the usual association of botany with materia medica, and of chem- istry with pharmacy, is a valid excuse for limiting the study of either of those sciences to what is required in the practice of pharmacy. Such a limitation would indicate a very low estimate of the value of scientific studies as means for advancing mental culture and qualifying a man to occupy a worthy position in the ranks of professional pharmacists. Practically, such a limitation cannot be carried out with any good effect, The knowledge so limited is imperfect ; it is soon lost, and it thus fails to impart a permanent character upon those who have acquired it.
The botanist, if he be such, will seek acquaintance, by recognition or investi- gation, with every flow,er or plant that comes under his observation, and finds in this a constant source of pleasure, and the only means of keeping up his botanical knowedge.
The chemist, also, will desire to follow the progress of discoveries in his de- partment of science, and in doing so will find new investigations and specula- tions, new facts and theories, ever crowding upon his attention, and claiming a record in his memory. If, having commenced the study of chemistry for a special purpose, he rests satisfied with the modicum of knowledge he has ac- quired in his pupilage, or that which he requires in his daily occupation, he will soon cease to be otherwise a chemist than possibly in his own imagination or by the appellation he has adopted. Should he hope to keep pace with the pro- gress of chemical science, he must lay a broad and solid foundation for it, must acquire a love of scientific study and research, and, holding his theoretical views somewhat loosely, be prepared to relinquish doctrines long cherished as land- marks, when new facts, proved to be s'ich, are found to militate against them.
One of the objects I have had in view in this address has been to advocate an extension of the study of chemistry and botany by pharmaceutical students, and to show that all improvements in pharmacy as a professional art have sprung in the past, and can only be looked for in the future from that source.
The School of Pharmacy Students' Association seems to me to be a fitting- arena for the discussion of topics such as I have touched upon, and especially for the consideration of the feasibility and desirability, in regard to lecture arrangements, of seeking a divorce of the alliances between chemistry and pharmacy, botany and materia medic > , as well as an extension of the time allotted to the subjects of chemistry and botany.
It may be a question how far, or whether, an extension of the application of botanical knowledge in the study of materia medica would be capable of re- placing other parts of the study of th.it subject as hitherto pursued, but with reference to the application of chemical knowledge to the art of pharmacy, there can, I think, be no doubt that it is destined to replace much of what has hitherto constituted the chief art involved in the production of galenical prepa- rations. Such preparations must sooner or later assume more of a definite chemical character, and ultimately be classed among chemical products.
I am not prepared to advocate the relinquishment of class instruction in purely pharmaceutical operations, although I think the proper places for the acquirement of such knowledge are the pharmaceutical establishments in which they are practically conducted.
To the extent to which there is a demand for such instruction, it should be provi led in our smools, together with instruction in dispensing, but it is to be
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Minutes of the College.
49
sincerely hoped that the requirement for this provision will gradually tend towards, although it may be long in reaching, a vanishing point. — Phar. Jour and Trans., Nov 21, 1885.
MINUTES OF PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY.
Philadelphia, December 28th, 1885. . A stated meeting of the members of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy was held this day, at 3.30 P. M., in the hall of the college. Twelve members present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted. The minutes of the Board of Trustees for the meetings of October, November, and December were also read and approved.
Professor Maisch stated his desire to have placed upon record in the minutes of the college an expression of the appreciation, and estimation placed by the college upon the generous gift of Mr. R. Rother, of Detroit — now known, and disbursed as the "Rother Fund" — a contribution of five hundred dollars made to this college, for scientific purposes, — for the aid and encouragement of original analytical research. It was further stated, by Professors Sadtler and Trimble, that a large portion of this fund had already been expended, with the approval of Mr. Rother, in the purchase of apparatus of the best mechan- ical construction for the purposes designed, and also of material for use in the investigations.
A communication was read by the Secretary from John W. Geiger, Secretary of the Maryland College of Pharmacy, soliciting information in regard to the practice of this college towards students, who, failing in final examination, elect to pursue subsequent courses. On motion of Professor Maisch the subject contained in this communication was referred to the Board of Trustees for consideration.
Professor Maisch referred to the recent death of Prof. Edw. S. Wayne, form- erly of Cincinnati, an associafe member of this college, whose contributions to the literature of pharmacy, and whose investigations are well known and recognized.
Some remarks were offered by Mr. Thompson and supplemented by a reso- lution to appoint a committee to examine and report upon the present plan of preliminary examination, which elicited reply and discussion, but terminated in the defeat of the resolution. Mr. Thompson expressed the view that a sub- ject so important did not appear to receive the general interest it demanded from members of the college, and that the drift, as well as tendency, seemed to be to relapse into the errors and defects of previously existing methods, and to lose the advantages sought in instituting a preliminary examination.. Mr. Blair spoke at length on the subject, accepting these views, but also depreca- ting the fact that the diploma of the college had lost its value, owing to indiffer- ence to certain necessary requirements, as a certificate of competency, and that sufficient efforts were not made to verify, or substantiate the statements made by candidates for graduation as to their required terms of shop-service, or tuition. Professor Maisch expressed the conviction that this statement reflected upon him as dean of the faculty, and said that he made it an especial
50 Minutes of the Pharmaceutical Meeting. {Am-/a°nuy\Sarm-
duty to satisfy himself as far as it were possible, under the circumstances, and conditions imposed, that all statements were correct in fact and in truth, that he performed thU duty conscientiously, and to the best of his ability.
Professor Sadtler expressed a disposition to do all that was compatible wirh duty and propriety in regard to this question. The present plan he would not condemn, nor would be wholly approve until it had been demonstrated by experience and observation that it was either defective or efficient as a means to the ultimate end sought. He further thought that the time had hardly arrived as yet, either to modify the present plan or determine upon another.
No other subject being presented for consideration, the meeting, on motion, adjourned. William B. Thompson, Secretary.
MINUTES OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL MEETING.
Philadelphia, December 15, 1885.
The meeting was called to order by the actuary, who nominated Mr. Robert England as chairman.
The minutes of the last meeting were read, and, there being no objections, they stand approved.
The " History of Twenty Years in Congress," by Hon. James G. Blaine, was presented to the library by the publishing committee, and was ordered to be placed in the library.
Mr. Holberg, a member of the present senior class, read a paper on sodium chlorate ; the paper was accepted and referred to the committee on publication.
Mr. Lowe asked if any of the students could state whether they had found the cabinets of botanical drugs were of value to them in prosecuting their studies ; he said that such an examination as he had been able to make im- pressed him favorably.
Prof. Maisch exhibited a growing specimen of Urginea Scilla, the true squill, received from Mr. George I. McKelway for the cabinet of the college. Prof. Maisch stated that very often bulbs are offered by dealers as squills which do not belong to the genus Scilla, but to the nearly allied genus Ornithogalum. These green bulbs appear to be mainly mucilaginous, and not acrid, like true squill. A vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. McKelway for the handsome specimen.
Mr. H. S. Barr, an old member of the drug trade, exhibited a bell-metal mortar, bearing date of 1635, and which showed evidence of having given frequent prac- tice to what was formerly an elementary part of a druggist's education.
Prof. Remington exhibited a specimen of uretliane, a new hypnotic, claimed to be devoid of the usual unpleasant after-effects that attend the use of most remedies of its class. It has been largely experimented with in the hospitals of Europe. Its usual dose is half a gram to one gram or more. The compound crystallizes in large tables, melts near the boiling-point of water, is sublimable, dissolves readily in water, alcohol and ether, and being almost tasteless, may be given in the form of solution or powder.
Another new remedy, pyridine, was also exhibited, and it is stated that the peculiar soothing influence induced by the smoking of tobacco is due to this principle. In response to a question as to the cost of these substances, Prof. Remington stated that urethane was worth about two dollars the ounce, but that should the demand warrant its large manufacture, it would doubtless be furnished at a very much lower price.
Am. Jour. Plmrni. Jan., 1886.
Editorial.
51
Mr. Lowe referred to the statement that iodol (see Am. Jour. Phqr., 1885, p. 605) containing 94 per cent, of iodine, had been used for the same or similar pur- poses as iodoform, and had the advantage of being free from the unpleasant odor which almost prevented the use of the latter in private practice. This gave rise to a discussion upon the best means of disguising the odor of iodoform ; among other methods, the use of extract of vanilla, thymol, oil of bitter almonds and oil of verbena were recommended ; but it was generally agreed that none were entirely efficient for the purpose. Prof. Maisch stated that thymol had been mentioned as an adulterant of menthol, and referred to recent investiga- tions made by Prof. Fluckiger, showing that the two crystalline substances left in contact, become liquid. Older observations had shown an analogous behavior between camphor, chloral and phenol. These facts rendered it desirable that the experiments be extended to other stearoptens.
There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was carried.
T. S. Wiegakd, Registrar.
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT.
The Fifty-eighth Volume of this Journal com menses with the present issue. Great, indeed, are the changes which have taken place in pharmacy since the Journal first made its appearance as a regular periodical in 1829. As an applied science, pharmacy must follow in the wake of those sciences upon which it mainly relies, namely, botany and chemistry, in both of which — but more par- ticularly in the latter — unusual activity has prevailed for many years, resulting in making more or less permanent impress upon the scope, as did the progress in mechanical and physical science upon manipulative pharmacy. Education has been extended, not merely by the increase of the number of educational institutions, but, what is of greater importance, by the enlargement of the cur- riculum and by the offering of laboratory facilities. Pharmaceutical societies have been organized, laws enacted for the regulation of the practice of phar- macy, a<id the literature partaining to pharmacy has baen greatly increased.
As an accurate record of thess and kindred changes, and of other facts per- taining to pharmacy, the Journal extends over more than half a century; and it enters upon its new volume with the aim of making the record at least equally full and reliable in the future. That further great changes must be expected is obvious from the continued advances made by the fundamental sciences; but to what these will ultimately lead cannot with any degree of certainty be foretold. Faithful to its purpose, the Journal will continue its devotion to the advancement of pharmaceutical knowledge — scientific as well as practical — and of pharmaceu- tical education, and pharmaceutical literature in general will receive due atten- tion. To the generous contributors and correspondents, who in the past have aided his labors, the editor returns his grateful acknowledgements and bespeaks a continuance of their valued interest in the Journal, and in its aims and objects, an interest which he sincerely hopes may also be shared by numerous other friends who have a warm feeling for the progress of pharmacy, but who, from some cause or other, have hitherto been unable to put in writing their investi- gations and observations on practical or scientific pharmaceutical subjects, whe- ther made in the laboratory or behind the prescription counter.
52
Reviews, elc.
/Am. Jour. Pharm. L Jan.. 1886.
REV I KWS AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTIC ES.
The Practice of Pharmacy. A treatise on the modes of making and dispensing officinal, unofficinal and extemporaneous preparations, with descriptions of their properties, uses and doses; intended as a hand-book for pharmacists and physicians and a text-book for students. By Joseph P. Kemington, Ph. G., Professor of Theory and Practice of Pharmacy, and Director of the Pharma- ceutical Laboratory in the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, etc. With nearly 500 illustrations. Philadelphia : J. B. Lippincott Company, 1885. 8vo, pp. 1080. Price $5.00
By the appearance of this work, near the close of the past year, a book has become accessible to the pharmacist and pharmaceutical student which will prove of very great value to them. Its general arrangement and classification, the. judicious distinction made between important and unimportant matters, the correctness of statements, the clearness of diction and the numerous useful illustrations, will at once secure for it deserved commendation.
The introductory portion is devoted to the explanation of the arrangement and scope of pharmacopoeias and dispensatories. Then follows Part I. of the work proper, in which, upon about 200 pa^es, the physical operations of the various pharmaceutical processes are considered, together with the apparatus required therefor. Weights and measures, the operations requiring heat, comminution ? filtration, precipitation, crystallization, dialysis, maceration, expression, perco- lation, etc., are thus brought into view and discussed theoretically and in their general practical application.
The next 150 pages comprise Part II., the officinal liquid pharmaceutical preparations, such as solutions of different kinds, liniments, infusions, decoc- tions, tinctures, fluid extracts, oleoresins and vinegars, and of the solid prepa- rations, the extracts, abstracts and resins.
The two parts following treat of the chemical medicinal compounds and pro- ducts, Part III. being devoted to the inorganic substances (150 pages) and Part IV. to organic substances (230 pages). The former are arranged in the main in a manner similar to that usually found in chemical text-books. For the grouping together of the latter a system has been adopted which is based upon the chemical character of the substance or of the principal constituents of the drugs, and either in connection therewith or subsequently considers the derivatives. While in Part III. we thus have the non-metallic elements, fol- lowed by the alkalies, alkaline earths and the various heavier metal e. Part IV. considers first the carbohydrates with their derivatives obtained by chemical action, fermentation and destructive distillation, then the volatile oils, resins and allied products, fats and soaps, glucosides and neutral principles, alkaloids and animal substances; this part closes with a chapter on pharma- ceutical testing.
Part V., on extemporaneous pharmacy, occupies 220 pages and treats of dis- pensing prescriptions, solutions, mixtures, powders, troches, pills, suppositories and cerates and allied preparations for external use.
The work closes with Part VI., which contains upon 32 pages a formulary of well selected unofficinal preparations, and is followed by a very full index covering 38 pages.
That the work on its first appearance has become so voluminous, we think,
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Reviews, etc.
53
will be regretted. This is altogether due to the verbatim leproduction of the pharmaco poeial processes for galenical and chemical preparations, in many- cases even taken from the former Pharmacopoeia. The scope of the work can be scarcely intended for its use as a manual in the laboratory, and the utility of the verbatim quotations may therefore be fairly questioned; but if thus in- tended, why should not all officinal and the important unofficinal preparations be treated alike? To illustrate: for preparing Ferri sulphas the formula of the British Phirmacopceia is given in full, while for Ferri Valeriana? only the outlines of the process are given, which is ample for the intelligent pharmacist, particularly if precautions to be observed are pointed out. The former salt being largely used in the arts, may be procured in commerce much cheaper than it can be made by the pharmacist, unless obtained as a secondary product; the second salt, however, may be advantageously prepared by the phirmicist. When requiring corrosive sublimate, calomel, etc., the phar- macist will purchase sum salts, ani confine himself to testing their purity ; a working formula, therefore, does not appear to be any more necessary for these salts than for instance, for copper sulphate, where the bare ou lines have been deemed sufficient An oversight occurs in connection with the latter (p. 596) which is said to be made by acting on scrap copper with diluted sulphuric acid.
While we think that the work could be improved in the direction indicated above, it will be observed that oar preference lies in the direction of seeking in a work like the one before us, a great deal less than is given in the formulas alluded to.
To sum up our review, we will have to conclude as we commenced, that the b)ok is a very valuable one, and that all its essential features will meet with deserved commendation; and we may aid that it deserves to be in the hands of ever/ pharmaceutical student and of every one who takes an interest in pharmacy. That the mechanical getting-up of the work is excellent, needs scarcely being mentioned.
T,ie Pharmacist, publishel by the Chicago College of Pharmacy, announces in its December number, which cmrpletes the 19th volume, that its career terminates with that issue, and that it will be consolidated with the Western Druggist. The latter is one of the best ani most enterprising pharmaceutical trade journals; and while we heartily congratulate it on this " absorption," we cannot help to express our regret that this sign of prosperity puts an end to a kindred journal which in its earlier history and at various times since, has diligently labored for progressive pharmacy.
An EpJiemens of Materia Mediea, the publication of which was com- menced in January, 18S2, has come to a close with the twelfth, number of Vol. II, bearing date of November, 1835. Dr. E. R. Squibb, who wrote most of the articles contained in the two volumes, has gone abroad on a tour of recreation and inspection, a prominent object of his journey being to ascertain the sources of the best qualities of the commsrcial articles of the materia medica. While regretting the — we may hope temporary — abandonment of the publication of serial pamphlets containing so much information of value, those who know Dr. Squibb will agree that the recreation now taken has been well earned by a long period of labor and usefulness.
54
Obituary. OBITUAEY.
f Am. Jour. Pharm 1 Jan., 1886.
Professor Edward S. Wayne died in Philadelphia, December 11, 1885, aged sixty-seven years. He learned the drug business with Frederick Klett, whose well-known store was located at Second and Callowhill Streets, Philadelphia, The apprenticeship commenced in 1835, when Mr. Wayne was in his seven- teenth year, and ten years later he entered into partnership with a nephew of Mr. Klett, Mr. Samuel Pleis, forming the rm of Wayne & Pleis, at Cincinnati. Subsequently, Mr. Wayne was in charge of the prescription department or of the laboratory of several Cincinnati houses, like A. Zeller & Co., F. E. Suire & Co., and J. S. Burdsill & Co.
The organization of the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy was furthered in every way by Mr. Wayne, whose reputation and skill as a pharmacist and chemist caused him to be made one of its professors, and t was particularly in the chair of mateiia medica, that his labors met with signal success. Being a fluent and pleasant speaker, his lectures were made paiticularly interesting through his long and successful laboratory experience.
In 1852, the Cincinnati College appointed him a delegate to the convention which was held in Philadelphia, October 6 of that year, and by which the American Pharmaceutical Association was organized. Prof. Wayne was not present then; but in 1854, at the meeting held in Cincinnati, he became a member of the Association and was elected Recording Secreta^, serving subse- quently also on several committees and as Vice President, and evincing his interest in the Association by presenting, in 1855, the first essay — aside from committee reports — read before this Association; and this was followed in 1856 by five, and in 1867 by six papers from his pen. He published also several papers in the Cincinnati Druggist, and a number of valuable papers were con- tributed by him to this Journal from 1855 to 18T6.
Professor Wayne was a skillful experimenter and manipulator, and a close and careful observer. Years ago, we saw in his cabinet many specimens of interest, procured mostly from indigenous drugs. Want of sufficient leisure prevented him from communicating many of his observations to pharmaceutical literature, and it is doubtful whether this may now be done from the specimens and notes left behind.
Professor Wayne was an associate member of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, an honorary member of the British Pharmaceutical Conference, and of other scientific bodies.
Am. Jour. Pharni. Jan., 1886.
Catalogue of the Class.
•JO
CLASS OF THE PHILA. COLLEGE OF PHARMACY.
SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL SESSION, 1885-1886.
JUXIOR CLASS.
Matriculants.
Anspaeh, Paul Bucher, Backenstoe, Harvey Franklin, Barnes, Frank Albert, Barrett, Walter Eaphael, Bauer, Louis Demme, Beale, Benjamin, Beam, William Ward, Bear, John H., Beatty, Eugene La Vere, Beck, Addison Lloyd, Beckler, Warren B., Benerman, Alan Herbert, Benner, Isaac, Bennum, Charles Henry, Berkau, Theo. Her. Arlington, Beshore, Ellsworth Smith, Bickel, Milton H-, Black, Charles Edgar, # Blomer, Jr., Gerge Davis, Blouch, Charles Henry, Bowker, Frank, Boyd, Charles Ducharme, Brandt, Irwin Jacob, Brewer, William, Brooks, William Dodge, Buchholz, Wm. MacGilvray, Buck, Samuel Traner, Buntin, George Clippinger, Bunting, James Hicks, Burnett, James Howard, Burton, Eobert Jump, Brown, Frederick Kt, Cameron, Harrie Eoss, Cannon, Charles Walton, Carroll, Sherman, Lincoln, Cassady, Orlin Ulysses, Cawley, Charles, Challenger, John Truss, Chamberlain, John Maurice, Charles, John Andrew, Childs, William Ehoads, Clarkson. Philip Steiner, Cleaver, Harry Grant, Clenahan, Samuel John, Cliff, Albert, Coale, Arthur Newton, Collins, Thomas James,
Town. Easton,
Union Deposit,
Philada.,
Shawnee,
Philada.,
Philada.,
Philada.,
Mt. Joy,
Philada.,
Sharon,
Philada.,
Philada.,
Philada.,
Georgetown,
Philada.,
Bethel,
Eeading,
New Carlisle,
Philada.,
Lebanon,
Camden,
Easton,
Eeading,
Woodbury,
Memphis,
Sharon,
Philada.,
Terre Haute,
Wilmington,
Hackensack,
Dover,
Seaford,
Zion,
Bridgeton,
Philada.,
Alliance,
Manchester,
New Castle,
Philada.,
Lancaster,
North Wales,
Beverly.
Catawissa,
Lansingburg,
Philada.,
Havre de Grace,
S. Oil Citv,
State. Pa. Pa. Pa. Ohio, Pa. Pa. Pa. Pa. Pa. Pa- Pa. Pa. Pa. Del. Pa. Pa. Pa. Ohio, Pa. Pa. N. J. Pa. Pa. N. J. Tenn. Pa. Pa. Ind. N. C N. J. Del. Del. Md. Del. Pa. Ohio, Iowa, Del. Pa. Pa. Pa. N. J. Pa. N. Y. Pa. Md. Pa.
Preceptor. Weaver & Hohl. W. Eansted Jones. Dr. J. M. Marshall- H. S. Bartlett. L. G. Bauer, M.D. Dr. E. Beale. Eosengarten & Sons.
E. B. Garrigues & Co. W. E. Warner & Co. Mr. Beck.
A. T. Pollard & Co. J. F- Hayes. 0- H. Sterner. Dr. S. D. Marshall. Dr. J. Tomilson. J. M. Cunningham. Drueding Bros. W. N. Janvier. G. D. Blomer. Dr. V. H. Allwein. J. C. Delaconr. P. F. Brakeley. McCurdy & Durham. J. W. Merritt, J. S Eobinson. Wm. Weber. Jas. Williamson. W. C Buntin. John H. Hardin.
T. C Tomlinson, M.D. A. W. Duval, M.D.
F. P. Li ns.
E. W. Cannon. P. G. A. Weber. A. S. Cassady. E. J. Congar. Edward Challenger. M. A. Davis. Dr. S. B. McCleerv. L. F. Slifer, M.D."
Jas. Kleckner. Dr W. H. Farlev. Jeff. Coll. Hospital. E. A. Zeitler. Geo. T. Nichols.
56
Catalogue of the Class.
J Am/Jour. Pharm I Jan., 1886.
Matriculants. Cooley, Harry C, Coover, Per cy Verans, Cotterel, John Wesley, Coursori, Harry Stockton, Cracraft, William Atkinson, Craine, Wrn. Monroe Clarksom Crawford, Martyn Payne, Crenier, Jacob Gruel, Crowe, Charles Wilson, Crull, Lewis Aylesworth, Curriden, George Altick, Dana, Jr., Oscar Fingal, Davis, John Stephen Voorhies Deane, Malcolm Graeme, Dehler, Henry Elias, Droelle, Frank William, Dnnn, Clifford, Durell, Kinsey Embury, Eagle, Edward Worrell, Eckels, Howard Saml., Edenborn, Charles Wesley, Elliott, Russell, English, Addison Henry, Evans, Charles Born, Finfrock, Ira Elmer, Fisher, Robt. Wells, Fletcher, Benjamin Kennard, Focht, Jacob Manger, Frierson, John Witherspoon. Frost Harrv Andrew, Fry, Alb-rt Algert, Gabell. Cromwell Pearce, Gallaschick. Paul Hermann, Garman, Jonas Hezekiah, Gearhart. Harry Jacob, Geist, Richard Clement, Gibson, Clifford Webster, Gill, Charles Alfred, Gingrich. Edward Haeley, Gould, Harry Zinn. Graham, John Langston, Grayson, John Lincoln, Green, Charles Wellington, Greene, Frank Nichols, Groman, John Frank, Gros, Lucian Alfred, Guise, Nettleton. Hackett, Henry James, Haley, John Jose ph, Hamitt, John Frederick, Hanson, Wm. Henry. Hassenplug. William Finley, Haugaard, Peter, HeUmich, Maximilian, Hepler, William Clous, Hergesheimer, David Shaid, Hermany Horace David, Hfsske, A'Tffust Rudolph, Hibberd, Weslev Jackson,
Town. State.
Carpenterville, N. J.
Harrisburg) Pa.
Harrisburg, Pa.
Newbury, Pa.
Van Buren, Pa.
Altoona, Pa.
Mifflintown, Pa.
Chambersburg, Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Harrisburg,' Pa.
Chambers, burg. Pa.
Falmouth, Me.
Wilmington, Del.
Newtown, Pa.
Cleveland, Ohio.
Detroit, Mich.
Chicago, Ills.
Bustletown, Pa.
New Castle, Del.
Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Buffalo, N. Y.
Hightstown, N. J.
Harrisburg, Pa.
Mansfield, Ohio.
Seaford, Del.
Philada., Pa.
Pottstown, Pa.
Columbia, Tenn.
Camden, < N. J. Pleasant Valley, Pa.
Florence, N. J.
Philada., Pa.
Lykens, Pa.
Altoona, Pa.
Medford, N.J.
Williamsport, Pa.
Hulmeville, Pa.
Lebanon, Pa.
Carlisle, Pa.
Morton, Pa.
Shippensburg, Pa.
Litchfield, Ills.
Philada., Pa.
Lambertville, N. J.
Philada., Pa.
Findlay, Ohio,
Philada., Pa.
Gloucester City, N. J.
Norristown, Pa.
Norristown, Pa.
Mifninburg, Pa. Schleswig-Holstein .
Philada., Pa.
Reading, Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Mahonoy City, Pa.
Philada.. Pa.
Bridgeport, Pa.
Preceptor. A. H. Lee, M.D. W. H. Koons-
D. H. Ross.
W. F. Crawford. Dr. Cracraft. H. B. Hooper. L. Banks & Co. A. J. Miller.
C. B. Hunterson. H. D. Dietrick.
J. C Altick & Co. H. H. Stebbins & Co. H. C. Kimble. Israel J. Grahame. O. F. Lohmann.
E. S. Power.
W. R. Warner & Co. J. W. Kohlerman. John Chamberlain. A. B. Wen rich. L G.Bauer, M.D.
F. Jacoby, Jr. J. E. Keeler. J. A. Mevers.
M. V. B/Finfrock.
H. G. Shinn.
W. T. Baker & Co.
H. B. Lippincott.
J. A. Titcomb.
W. Shafer, M. D.
Lr. M. H. Weaver.
E. C Jones & Co.
H. C. Blair's Sons.
Jonas Garman.
S. R. Sterling.
H. P. Thorn.
E. H. Baker.
A. W. Wright & Co.
T. H. Potts.
S. A. Haverstick.
E. C. Jones & Co.
Saml. P. Wolfe.
D. W. Levy. N. A. Cozens.
S. S. Bunting. C, W. Watson. Dr. J O. Eberhard. J A. Walmsley,M.D. Dr. M. West. Atwood Yeakle. Dr. A. W. Taylor. Louis Murjahn. W. T. Baker & Co. M. J. Dundor. C L. Eberle. P. Hermany, M. D. J. A. Heintzelman.
G. I. McKelway.
Am Jour. Pharrn. Jan., 1886.
Catalogue of the Class.
57
Matriculants. Hibshrnan, Paul Robert, Hildebrand, John Frank, Hildreih, Charles Benjamin, Hill, George Bruce, Holtzhausser, Louis, Hoover, Henry Taylor, Horine, Arlington Grove, Horstley, William Henry, Howard, Tod. Huber, Jos. Emil, Hunt, Gideon Shoop, Hunstman, Howard D., Huston, James Lincoln, Jacob, J"hn Pen a Jones, James, William Megargee, Johnson, William, Keeler, Charles Elmer, Keim, Asher D., Kelchner, Charles Franklin, Keller, Charles Emery, Kester, Elias Post, Klinedinst, John Ferdinand, Krebs, Charles, Krollpfeiffer, Frederick W"m, Kuhn, Jr , Gustav Otto, Laferty, Jacob Eber, Lammer, Henry Bruno, Latterner, Carl Daniel, Lawson, George Snowden, Lehr, Joseph Frank, Lenhardt, Oliver Franklin, Letzkus, William George, Leuschner, Paul, Lippen, Harry, Lippincott, Ahab Haines, Lippincott, Harry Eayre, Lippincott. Samuel Wesley, Livezey, John Bennett, Longshore, George Arthur, Lord, Anna,
Lorman, Walter Ellwood, Lorman, William Harry, Ludlam. William Hall, Lyons, George, Macnalr, Edward Dudley, McCandless, Edward Sloan, McClellan, Leslie Cor win, McClure, Berthier, McCollin, William Henry, McCoy, Thomas Francis, McDavit, Henry, McKean, Charles William, McLanahan, Hawley, McMechen, Wm. Benjamin, MeNally, Edward, McNeil. Robt. Corson, Maris, Robert Wood, Martin, Charles Henry, Martin, Charles Stephen,
Town.
State.
Myerstown, Pa.
York, Pa.
Mansfield, Ohio.
Hazletun, Pa. Landau, Germany.
Philada., Pa-
Bnrkettsville, Md.
Philada., Pa.
Findlay, Ohio.
Peoria, Ills.
Danville, Pa.
Richboro, Pa.
Norristown, Pa.
Hollidaysburg, Pa.
Doylestown, Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Plumsteadville, Pa.
Bethlehem, Pa.
Bethlehem, Pa.
Plymouth, Pa.
Great Bend, Pa.
York, Pa.
Cleveland, Ohio.
Philada., Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Galesburg, Ills.
Philada., Pa.
Lykens, Pa.
Lancaster, Pa.
Lock Haven, Pa
Detroit, Mich.
Roxhoro, Pa.
Mt. Holly, N. J.
Pemberton, N. J.
Burlington, N. J.
Doylestown, Pa.
Loudonsville, Ohio.
Odessa, Del.
Philada , Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Brooklyn, 1ST. Y.
Philada., Pa.
Tarboro, N. C
Philada., Pa.
Denver, Col.
Milton, Pa.
Williamsport, Pa.
Conshohocken, Pa.
Hone, N. J.
SaHneville, Ohio.
Hollidaysburg, Pa.
Wheeling, W. V.
Philada., Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Covington, Ky.
Allentown, Pa.
Preceptor. Dr. A. S. Erney. F. T. Williams. J. A. White. C H. Clark. George Bille. H. K. Wampole. Dr. W. A. Burns.
A. E. Nolton.
B. Murray. W. M. Benton. R. D. Magill. J. V. Antill. Dr. T. Jacobs. P. W. Snvder. Dr. G. T. Harvey. Bullock & Crenshaw. H. C. Blair's Sons.
P. Kempsmith.
C. B. Lowe.
Dr. J. P. Biehle.
B S. Gilbert & Co. Wm. Krebs. C. E. Spenceley. A. F. Gerhart." W. H. Riker. Louis Genois. W. T. Baker & Co. A. R. Lawson. E & G. A. Friih. F. Jacoby, Jr. A. H. Bolton. Richard Leuschner. H. M. Levering. Henrv Thornton. S. S. Collum. H. B. Weaver. 0. H. Muster. C. L. Moore. J. P. Remington. M. F. Lorman, M. D. M. F. Lorman, M. D. C H. Gubbins. Beates & Miller. W. H. MacNair. Louis Genois. E. L. SchoHz. Dr. E. L. Heiser. Martin & Somers. T. H. Franklin. R. M. Van horn. W. W. McGilL J. Wveth & Co. W. H. Williams. Eisner & Mendelsohn. Robt. McNeil. Geo. C Webster. C J. Biddle Martin & Co-
58
Catalogue of the Class.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1W>.
Matriculants. Martin, William, Masholder, Jacob Harry, Mauger, Henry Snyder, May, John Aj., Mayer, Albert Henry, Mell, Samuel Stansbury, Mickey, Henry Edgar, Miller, James A., Millet, Martin Edward, Moffett, Thomas James, Moody, Thomas Frank, Moore, Milton, Morris Wm. Henry, Moyer, John Oscar, Muiford. Harry Kendall, Murphy, Frank Edward, Murray, Thomas Francis, Murrajs William Kobert, Myers, Frank, Nardyz, Emma Bour, Neumeister, Otto Christian, Nolting,GeorgeWm. Frederick, Offutt, Albert L., Outten, Albert Pettit, Paine, Charlet Herman, Painter, Howard Thatcher, Patton, John George, Pennock, Edward, Peters, David Augustus, Piatt, Edwin Montague, Pleibel, Adolph William, Pollock, Jr., Robert Blair, Porter, Crawford Washington, Potts, John Franklin, Pryor, Wm. Brooks Thomas, Ranftle, Oscar, Rea, John,
Redner, Thaddeus Rowland, Rehfuss, Charles A., Rhein, John Henry, Rhoads, Harrv Franklin, Riedenauer, Fred'k Philip, Ritter, Norman Guiver, Robbins, George Hendricks, Rosenbaum, Herman, Ross, John Patterson, Rowe, Wm. Clymer, Ruoff, William, Scattergood, Charles Rinear, Schaich, Anthony, Schimell, John, Schindel, Harry Ellsworth, Schneider. Edward Francis, Scott, John, Scott, William James, Seibert, Edward Grant, Seiffert, Otto, Shaak, Franklin Philip, Shaw, Henry, Burfield,
Town. Rancocas, Philada., Douglasville, Manchester, Reading, Harrisburg, Fostoria, Rohrerstown, Philada., Edinburg, Cuthbert, Terre Haute, Asbury Park, Auburn, Bridgeton, Kansas City, Bryn Mawr, Harrisburg, Harrisonburg, Philada., Sheboygan, Seymour, Paris Philada., Valdosta, Darby, Youngstown, Oxford, Intercourse, Chambersburg, Philada., Philada., Philada., Titusville, Langhorne, L. I. City, Chester, Rowlandville, Eaton, Philada., Philada., Philada., Philada., Philada., Mt. Vernon, Oxford, Reading, Philada., Mt. Holly, Reading, Trenton, Philada., Berea, Philada., Wilkesbarre, Chambersburg, Davenport, Lebanon, Germantown,
State. Preceptor.
N. J. Dr. W. L. Martin.
Pa. V. H. Smith & Co,
Pa. H. C Watt.
Iowa. E. J. Congar.
Pa. H. H. Kneedler <k Co.
Pa. Jas. T. Shinn.
Ohio. Chas. Hays.
Pa. H. B. Cochran.
Pa. Bullock & Crenshaw.
Ind. L. K. Slifer, M. D.
Ga. J. W. Stanford.
Ind. Bullock & Crenshaw.
N. J. J. M. Buck waiter.
Pa. B. F. Coulter, M. D.
Pa. L. E. Say re & Co.
Mo. J. A. Gallagher.
Pa. S. F. Stadelman.
Pa. J. H. Fredericks.
Va. Bullock & Crenshaw.
Pa. Dr. S. Hayhurst.
Wis. J. A. Heintzelman.
Ind. J. H. Andrews.
Ky. W. T. Brooks.
Pa. Wm . R. Warner & Co .
Ga. Wm. Paine.
Pa. Harlan Cloud.
Ohio. N. Bostwick.
Pa. Geo. Cooke.
Pa. J. White Murrow.
Pa. H. C Blair's Sons.
Pa. F. Pleibel, M.D.
Pa. J. R. Elfreth.
Pa. J. T. Shinn.
Pa. T. W. Reuting.
Pa. Dr. P. M. Minster.
N.Y. W.E.Lee.
Pa. W. H. Farley.
Pa. W.C.Ebaugh,M.D.
Ohio, A. F. Gerhart.
Pa. W. L. Hinchman.
Pa. J. A. Selinger.
Pa. William Tag.
Pa. W. L. Cliffe.
Pa. C C Vanderbeck.
Ind. W. M. MacArthur.
Pa. D. W. Hutchison.
Pa. C. E. Clemson.
Pa. Daniel Follmer.
N. J. Craig Moffitt.
Pa, J. C. Sanderson.
N. J. G. A. Walker.
Pa. L. C. Funk.
Ohio, Noble &Mattison.
Pa. H. Blithe.
Pa. Dr. L. Hildebrand.
Pa. C. R. Craig.
Iowa. J. B. Mason.
Pa. H. H. Ross.
Pa. M. Kratz.
Am. Jour. Pharrn. Jan., 1886
Catalogue of the Class.
59
Matriculants. Sherman, Joseph Bennett, Shoemaker, Ellery Best, Shrader, Frederick Eennard, Simmons, John Burgess, Simmons, Robert Edwin Lee, Simons, Robert, Skinner, Frederick Stephens, Smedley, Albert Webster, Smith, Phairis Edwin, Smith, Walter Adam, Smith, Walter Valentine, Smith, Willard Eugene, Smyser, John Rieman, Snyder, Bertram, Snyder, William Lincoln, Souder. George Reed, Speer, James Francis, Sprissler, Oscar Alfred, Steidl, Edward Jacob, Steinman, Oustav, Steltzer, Nathan Joseph, Stevens, Frederick Madison, Stevenson, John Stuart, Stewart, Aamn Walter, Stout, William S., Streeper, Frank Park, Sutton, William Henry, Switzer, Luin Burt, Taylor, Bennett Lewis, Taylor, George William, Taylor Gove Saulsbury, Thorn, William Henry, Tittle. William Grant, TJUer, Emil Joseph, Vandegrift, Wm. H. Fljtcraft, Van Scoter, Jay Chester, Waldenberger, Louis, Wallis, Frank James, Warren, Nathan Chew, Weber, William, Weckler, Gustavus Adolphus, Wedemeyer, Frederick, Welliver, Robert Fruit, Wenner, George Victor, Werner, Reinhold Charles, White, Edward Riall, Wilkinson, George Henry, Williamson, James Strickler, Wishart, Frederick Gray, Wolf, Joseph Franklin, Wolfersberger, Geo. Wash., Wright John Armstrong, Wright, Walter, Wrigley, John Thomas, Young. Wayland Philips, Zane, James Stewart, Zeller, Albert Theodore,
Town. Bristol, Lock Haven, Chillicothe, Philada., Elizabeth City, Philada,, Chester, Chester, Saegertown, Philada., Philada,, Wilmington, York, Philada., Troy,
Atlantic City,
Shippensburg,
Philada.,
Crete,
Monroe,
Brooklyn,
Auburn,
Philada.,
Newtown,
Mechanicsburg,
Chestnut Hill,
Frankford,
Bath,
Zanesville,
Fayetteville,
Smyrna,
Philada.,
Harrisburg,
Titusville,
Philada.,
Jamestown,
Manavunk,
Philada,,
Upland,
Philada.,
Oakland,
Germany,
Bloom sburg,
Allentown,
Milwaukee,
Saulsbury,
Philada.,
Harrisburg,
Philada.,
Glassboro,
Campbellstown.
Philada.,
Moorestown,
Chester,
Atglen,
Salem,
Rochester,
State. Preceptor.
Pa. J. K. Young.
Pa. J. G. Wells.
Ohio, W. H. Howson.
Pa. Henrv Bower.
N. C. H. E. Ashmead.
Pa. W. R. Warner & Co.
N. J. F. N. Jenkins.
Pa. Wm. Procter, Jr. Co.
Pa. S. S. Collom.
Pa. W. Burd Patterson.
Pa. V. H. Smith & Co.
Del. E. T. Dilworth.
Pa. W. H. Llewellyn.
Pa. W. C. Bakes.
Ohio, N. Davis.
N. J. Souder & Bro.
Pa. W. D. E. Hayes.
Pa. Theodore Sprissler.
Neb. H. H. Whittlesey.
Wis. W. P. Stearns.
N. Y. H. P. John.
Me. T. J. Stevens.
Pa. Ross Rambo.
Pa. L. A. TreK'hler.
Pa.
Pa. T. L. Buckman.
Pa. F. H. Bassett.
N. Y. J. P. Russell.
Ohio, E. E. Hazlett.
Pa. Dr. N. B. Shade.
Del. Wm.Spem er & Co.
Pa. W. W. Test,
Pa, C. L.Mitchell & Co.
Pa. L. Oliphant.
Pa. Dr. C. H. Lambert.
N. Y. F. W. Pal meter.
Pa. M. A. Hull.
Pa. Dr. Wallis.
Pa. C. L. Lash ell.
Pa. August Arber.
Wis. R, H. Bremecke.
E. W. Herrmann.
Pa. C. A. Klein.
Pa. N. Ranck.
Wis. H. H. Haokendahh
Md. Bullock & Crenshaw
Pa, M. Fussell.
Pa. A. M. Steever.
Pa. F. E. Harrison.
N. J. White & Brother.
Pa. Dr. W. C. Kline.
Pa. A. W. Wright & Co.
N. J. William Wright.
Pa. James F. Judd.
Pa, Dr. W. 0. Higgate.
N. J. W. Hansell.
N. Y. Fred'kHertel,M.D.
60
Catalogue of the Class.
/ Am. Jour. Pharm. I Jan., 1886.
SENIOR CLASS.
Matriculants. Abell, Wm. Warner, Adams, Ellsworth Smith, Albright, Charles Wesley, Alexander, Everett Vincent, Allen, D ivid Roberts, Arnold, Claude Horace, Ask ton, Charles Butterworth, Backes, Thomas Joseph, Baker, David Wiley, Barlow, Louis Eugene, Barrowman, William G., Becker, Harry Vane, Bell, Robert Mathew, Bender, Jr., Wm. Piper, Bernardy, Emile Seraphin, Berret, Arthur, Bickley, Milton Horace, Bicknell, Robert Cooke, Biddle, Richard, Birt, Frank John, Bishop, Saml. Walter, Bogart, Charles Mount, Bonne', Charles Frederick, Bowman, Lin Light, B >yd, John Ch uies, Braddoek, Jr., Chas. Shreve, Brandt, Katie H., Brecht, Morris Winfield, Breneiser, Edgar, Brown, Albert Edward, Brown, Fra'>k L., Bro wnley, Charles Jackson, Buckley, James Edward, Bullock, Wm. Anthony, Burg, John Dellinger, Bark, Alfred Gray, Burke, Wm. Thompson, Burkhart, Herman Adolphus, Butts, Simon Mark, Cafkv, Wm. Walter, Cahill, Daniel Wm., Campbell, Harry Belting, Campbell, Wm. Henry, Cheney, Walter Bowden, Christ, Charles Wesley, Clark, Robf,,
Cohen, Nathan Alexander, Cohn, Ar hur H., Colborn, Isaiah Grant, Commings, Charles Samuel, Comp, Henry Gerhard, Cowie, Isabella, Craig, Edwin Sherman, Creight >n, Orville Sharp, Dalle tt, Prosper Martin, Dan^berger George Wm., Davis, Alfred Ivins.
Town.
Stak
Philada., Pa. Beverly, N. J.
Camden, N. J. McConnelsville, Ohio.
P.ris, Ky. Clifton Springs, N. Y.
N orris ' own, Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Trenton, N. J.
Galion, Ohio.
S< -ran ton, Pa. Fort Wayne, Ind.
Philada., Pa.
Cmiden, N.J.
Philada., Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Chester, Pa.
Madisonville, Tenn.
Philada., Pa.
Trenton, N. J.
Beverly, N. J.
South Amboy, N. J.
Zane-ville, Ohio. Schuvlkill Hav'n,Pa.
P.ri^ 111.
Haddonfield, N. J.
Philada., Pa.
Lancaster, Pa.
Reading, Pa.
Morris, 111.
Chester, Pa.
Porstmouth, Va.
Tacoma, W. T.
Philada., Pa.
York, Pa.
Fl^mington, N.J.
Philada., Pa.
Bethlehem, Pa.
Gettysburg, Ohio.
Jacksonville, 111.
Watertown, N. Y.
Bridgetown, N. J.
Phil h da., Pa.
So. M mchester, Con.
Selins Grove, Pa.
Phrtada., Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Milwaukee, Wis.
Ashland, Pa. Schuvlkill Hav'n,Pa.
Mt. Joy, Pa.
Calcutta, India.
Massillon, Ohio.
Somerton, Ohio.
Philada., Pa.
Chamber sburg, Pa.
Pemberton, N. J.
Preceptor. W. B. Abell. E. S. Adams.
H. 0. Cox, M. D. J. Alexander.
J. A. Lvle & Co. J. Hinds. Wm. Stahler. E. P. Camp.
I. W. Kelly.
B. N. Bethel, Thos. Barrowman. Mever Bros. & Co.
C. J. Ni e.
J. R. Angney, M. D. W. T. Baker & Co. W. A. Musson. M. H. Bickley. E. Lehman.
A. Schwartz.
H. C. Van Meter.
G. W. J icqnes. E. E. Hazlett,
E. W. Sta/er.
J. B. Addelsberger.
I. A. Braddoek.
F. P. Albright.
F. E. Himmelwright. T. & E. Catlin. J. M. Stoever. W. G. Day. J. F. Haye*. Bullock & Crenshaw. J. M. West, M. D.
H. P. Lechler.
A. Kennedy.
E. H. Luckenback. L. E. Savre.
W. E. Lee.
H. J. P. Spencer & Son. Fred. Seitz.
F. Jacoby, Jr. Cheney & Goulden. J. E. Lehman.
B. Franklin Sholl.
G. W. Carpenter & Co. Louis Lotz.
W. F. Colborn.
H. N. Coxe,
C. H. Clark.
T. M. Johnson. B. F. Creighton. Bullock & Crenshaw. J. S. Nixon & Son. S. S. Collom.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Catalogue of the Class.
61
Matriculants. Davis, Win. Harry, Deibert, Thomas Irwin, DeKalb, Hugh Leonard, DeReeves, Eugene, Donnell, George J., Donough, Wm. Edgar, Downes, Clarence Eugene, Downes, Randolph Hinson, Drew, Dimer, Duffie, Silas Johnstone, Dunn, Frederick, Dunn, Walter,
Eisenhart, Foster Benjamin, Elden, Wm. McKee, Emerson, Henry Everett, Ennis, George A., Evans, George Brinton, Fa hey, Edward H., Falloure, Edwin Reed, Faust, John Kirk, Ferguson, James A., Fetter, Harry Herman, Fetterolf, Daniel Webster, Fischer, Albert Martin, Fisher, Frederick Drake, Fisher, Jacob, Livingood, Fletcher, Oscar, Conrad, Flynn, J< hn Joseph, Fritsch, Harry, Galbraith, Wm. Henry, Gardner, Frank Edwin, Gifim, Henry Riggeal, Goodman, Oscar Peter, Gould, John R., Graf, Albert Frederick, Grant, James Smith, Greenawalt, Wm. G., Groom, Elleslie Wallace, Groom, Joseph, Hall, Frank Devie, Hall, Harry Newberry, Harr gan, John William, Harrison, Thomas Wesley, Hartzell, William Lincoln, Hauck, Allen AVesley , Hayes, Wm. Nathaniel, Heim, Henry, Lewis, Heller, Charles Tompkins, Henderson, James Rutledge, Herring, Doane, Herrmann, Ralph Christian, Hettinger, Howard Huyett, Hewitt, Charles Ellsworth, Hiecke, William, Hiestand, John Summy, High, Edward Gilbert, Hinkl^, James, Hinterleitner, Geo. Gustav, Hoffman, Geo. Wm. Jacoby,
Town. State.
Coatesville, Pa. Schuylkillhaven, Pa.
Busileton, Pa.
Triniiy, Tex. Clifton Heights, Pa, NorthHeidelbergPa.
Denton, Md.
Templeville, Md.
Wor hum, Va.
Columbia, S. C.
Philada., Pa.
Clifton Heights, Pa.
Hellertown, Pa.
Bendersville, Pa.
Milforcl, Pa.
Wilmington, Del.
Plymouth, Pa.
Wiimingion, Del.
Wheeling, ' W. Va.
Reading, Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Philada,, Pa.
Ashland, Pa.
Philada., Pa,
Wheeling, W. Va.
Pawrxsutawney, Pa,
Franklin, Ky.
Mt. Holly, N. J.
Philada,, Pa.
Springfield, Pa.
York, Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Omaha, Neb.
Bellebend, Pa.
Philada., Pa,
Frostburg, Md.
Chambersburg, Pa.
Bristol, Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Newark, Ohio,
Aguas Calentes, Mexico
Philada., Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Lebanon, Pa.
Philarla., Pa,
Philada., Pa.
Bridgeton,% N. J.
Soartansburg, S. C.
Wilson, N. C
Allentown, Pa.
Reading, Pa.
Libertv, Ind.
Milwaukee, Wis.
Mt, Joy, Pa.
Philada,, Pa,
Trenton, N. J.
Pottsville, Pa,
Terre Haute, Ind.
Preceptor. G. W. Davy. G. W. Kennedy. R. W. Hickman. M. Campbell.
G. R. Vernon, M. D. M. A. Davis. T. O. Nock. F. A. Sanderson.
H. C. ManL.ve. Dr. C. H. Miot. J. M. Rudolph. A. Tatem. W. F. Owen. P. S. Brugh. C. A. Armstrong. Brown & Tomlinson. James V. Perse. H. K. Watson. J. B. Reynolds. J. H. Stein. J. B. Ferguson. Wilson & Bro. S. A. Marshall. J. L. Supplee. C. E. D wight,
A. P. Cox, M.D. H. Moore. J. H. Hulme. W. R. Warner & Co.
B. F. Johnson.
F. E. Morgan.
C. F. Goodman. A. B. McCrea. J. R. Elfreth.
G. A. Wingert. C. H. Cressler. Dr. H. Pursell. Hance Bros. & White. L. E. Sayre. ,Dr. H. S. Squire. R. R. S'ewart, M.D. W. B. Bicker. J. G. Howard. S. C. Blair, M.D. J. F. Hayes. Aschenbach & Miller, J. L. Curry.
H. E. Heinitsh. W. A. Rnmsey. August Weber. J. B. Raser.
C. L. Mitchell, M.D. Otto Schorse.
D. G. E. Mussel man. Hance Bros. & White. S. N. Penrose. S. R. Miller. Gulick & Berry.
62
Catalogue of the Class.
Am. Jour. Pbarm. Jaa., 1886.
Matriculants. Holberg, Ferdinand, Holland, Edgar Atwood. Hooper, Sidney Lee, Horner, Kaspar, Hulshizer, John G ay ton, Jacobson, Frank Edward, Johnson, Frank Elmer, Johnson, Seth Caleb, Johnstone, Henry Havelock, Jones, Samuel Stephen, Judge, John Aloysius, Kalteyer, Moritz, Keck, Frank Peter, Keifer, John, Kelly, William Daniel, Keogh, Francis Joseph, Keyes, Frank Williamson, Kiedaisch, Jr., John Fred'k, Kieffer, Otto de, Kirkham Walter Agan, Kizer, Thomas Joseph, Jr., Klopfenstein, John A., Knight, Howard, Knisell, Sidney L., Koch, Charles Herman, Kroh, Harry H., Kurtz, David Haines, Lache, Oscar Julius, Lackey, Richard Henry, Lafean, Edward Charles, Lammer, Jr., Francis Joseph, Lantz, John Joseph, Laurence, Samuel Comfort, Leitch, Charles T., Lintner, John Rathfon, Lowenthal, Wm. A., Long, John Nathan Grier, Longshore, John Liggett, Lough ead, Raymond Blythe, Loughridge, Samuel Steen, McBath, Wm. Andrew, McCarthy, Cornelius Joseph, McClanahan, John Thomas, McConnell, Charles Henry, MoCov, Clarence Herbert, McFarland, Thaddeus H., McKee, Joseph, Mallard, Jeff, Franklin, Mallon, James Peter, Marbourg, J. George, Maurer, George Bright, Mawhinney, Frank, Mavo, Ca-well Armstrong, Means, Samuel Robert, Meek, William Henry, Medd, Henry, Melot, Irvin G., Miller, Joseph Charles, Moeszinger, Philip Pierre,
Town.
Stale.
Macon, Miss.
Frazer, Pa.
Philada., Pa.
San Antonio, Tex.
Huorhesville, N. J.
Bethlehem, Pa.
Morton, Pa.
Atsion, N. J. New Castle, N. Bnmsw'k
Wilkesbarre, Pa.
Philada., Pa.
San Antonio, Tex.
Laurys, Pa.
Loudonville, Ohio.
St. Paul, Min.
Philada., Pa.
York, Pa.
Keokuk, Iowa,
Philada., Pa.
Newark, N. Y.
Winchester, Ind.
Galion. Ohio,
Edgewood, Pa.
Woodbury, N. J.
Philada., Pa.
Conshohocken, Pa.
Blue Rock Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Philada., Pa.
York, Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Attica, N. Y.
Appleback, Pa.
Millersville, Pa.
Evansville, Ind.
Honeybrook, Pa.
Mansfield, Ohio,
Chester, Pa.
Philada., Pa.
Flenniken, Tenn.
St. Clair, Pa.
Galveston, Tex.
Philada., Pa.
Lebanon, 111.
Hudson, Ohio,
Bridgeton, N. J.
Rusk, Tex.
Philada., Pa.
Bedford, Pa.
Reading, Pa.
Ambler, Pa.
Columbus, Miss.
Lewistown, Pa.
E. Douglass, Mass. England.
Schuylkill Hav'n,Pa.
Rohrerstown, Pa.
Lyons, Iowa,
Preceptor. J. F. Jones.
C. E. Davis. Bullock & Crenshaw. L. Orynski.
W. J. Shaffer. Cyrus Jacoby. H. M. Brennan. T. P. Waters, M.D. E. Lee Street. Millard F. Cypher. Bullock & Crenshaw.
G. H. Kalteyer & Son. Hartzell, Smith & Co.
D. F. Shull & Co. McMaster & Getty. J. Howard Evans. James L. Bispham. Wilkinson & Co. James T. Shinn. M. M. Kenyon.
D. S. Ferguson. J. M. Reugenberg. Wm. Procter Jr. Co. Bullock & Crenshaw. J. T. Shinn.
D. W. Harry. John B. Raser. Webb & Gatchell. Given & Co.
A. H. Lafean. Wyeth & Bro. W. H. Lantz. Dr. E. J. Sni'cher. C. W. Clymer & Co.
H. B. Cochran. G. Appenzeller. J. R. Remington. P. Bigelow.
G. B. Wilson. J. N. Higgins.
E. W. Tedford. Bullock & Crenshaw.
C. E. Watson & Co.
D. F. Shull & Co. W. A. Weldon.
E. S. Bentley.
H. T. Seeley.
W. G. Jamison & Co. J. M. Fronefield. Charles Shivers.
F. X. Wolf. Keasby & Mattison. James P. Bolton. D. L. Stackhouse.
G. B. Evans.
C. H. Wagener. John B. Raser. Charles Bauer. A. Kennedy.
-Am. Jour. Pbarm. Jan., 1886.
Catalogue of the Class.
63
Matriculants. Moffitt, Edward Thomas, Moller, John Daniel, Moore, John Demuth, Morrison, James. Muir, John Eobert, Munson, James Harry, Nebig, William George, Neeley, Charles Godfrey, Neil, Wm. Edgar, Neiman, Levi Allen, Nelson, William Heisley Oetinger, Albert, Ohl, William, Ousey, Samuel Byron, Outten, Elmer, Pantzer, F. Will, Parker, James Pleasant, Parrish, Callistus Mitchell, Pechin, Edward Vogan, Pechin, George Joseph, Pechman, William, Pemberton, Samuel L., Pfaeffle, Robert, W. Pinchback, Pinckney N., Poehner, Adolph Adam, Porter, William David, Post, Philip Van Riper, Prewett, Samuel Washington, Prickett, Frank W., Pritchett, Hartwell Harrison; Rambo, Saml. Lee, Rayner, Howard Lincoln, Read, Clinton Hubert, Reese, Berch Taylor, Reighter, Frank Clymer, Rentschler, Charles, Jr., Rhoads, Charles Henry, Ridington, Wm. Augustus, Rinedoller, Charles Wesley, Ringler, George Parsons, Risher, Harry Cooke, Rixstine, Livingston Everett, Roberts, Joseph VonCulin, Roseberry, John Mickey, Rosenbaum, David. Rottner, Charles Selmar, Sample, Nathan Welshard, Saurer, Wm. Henry, Savage, Thomas Albert, Scarborough, Geo. W., Jr., Schofield, Thos. LaBlanc, Scull, Andrew Stewart, Seary, Wm. Notson, Seither, Charles Albert, Shoemaker. Geo. Washington Slaughter, John Virgil, Smith, Frank F., Smith, Frank Luther, Spalding, Charles,
Town. Scran ton, Philada., Wrightsville, Roxboro', Lock Haven, Lancaster, Philada., York Springs, Mounds ville, York, Philada., Philada., Peoria,
Clifton Heights, Philada., Sheboygan, Springfield, Ebeilsburg; Philada., Philada., Thurlow, Philada., Philada., New Orleans, Philada., Mahanoy City, Passaic, Columbia, Wilmington, Danville, Logan, Philada., Williamstown, Philada!, Carlisle, Bernville, Philada., Bridgeport, Philada., Bloomsburg, Waco,
Phcenixville, Philada., Phillipsburg, Mt. Vernon, Philada., Wilmington, Philada., Germantown, Lambertville, Philada., Atlantic City, Philada., Philada-, , Hummelstown, Rio Grande, St. Johnsville, Springfield, Austin,
Va.
State. Pa. Pa. Pa. Pa. Pa. Pa. Pa. Pa. W Pa. Pa. Pa. 111. Pa. Pa. Wis. Md. Pa. Pa. Pa. Pa. Pa. Pa. La. Pa. Pa. N. J. Tenn. Del. Va. Ohio. Pa. N. J. Pa. Pa. Pa. Pa. Pa. Pa. Pa.
Texas.
Pa.
Pa.
N. J.
Ind.
Pa.
Del.
Pa.
Pa.
N. J.
Pa.
N. J.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
N.J.
N. Y.
Ohio.
Texas
Preceptor. L. E. Sayre. Dr. Kellv. P. S. Br ugh. William Morrison.
E. S. Muir. J. B. Moore. C. C. Hughes.
H. C. Blair's Sons. Bullock & Crenshaw. S. H. Shingle. Smith, Kline & Co. J. R. Angney, M. D. Von Achen & Ohl. Barker,Moore & Mein . S. D. Marshall. R. England. Hubbell & Parker. W. Lemmon.
G. H. Johnson. W. H. Lacey.
F. M. Reed. Bullock & Crenshaw. L. Wolff, M.D. Wiley & Harris.
B. C. Waterman.
C. D. S. Fruh. Webb & Gatchell. W. P. Wooldridge. James M. Griffin.
H. A. Wiseman.
F. Harrington.
R. Shoemaker & Co. Geo. Holland. Wiley & Harris. S. E. R. H-assinger. H. T. Haring.
Wm. McKenzie. C. G. Frowert. S. P. Wright. Castles & Morrison. R. G. Stevenson.
G. V. Eddy.
W. D. Robinson. A. Robbins. P. Rottner. Z. James Belt. L. A. Treichler. W. Conner.
H. M. Brennan. Hance Bros & White. Dr. West.
W. Notson.
Bullock & Crenshaw.
J. W. Marquardt.
C. L. Ross.
Jas. Williamson.
E. B. Legg.
S. W. Tobin & Bro.
64
Catalogue of the Glass.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Jan., 1886.
Matriculants. Town. State.
Stager, Eel win Wesley, Lebanon, Pa.
Stahler, Harry Lincoln, Norristown, Pa.
Starr, John Wm., PhiJada., Pa.
Stearns, Isaac, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Steinmetz, Wm. Fred., Philada., Pa.
Stevenson, Wellington, Aiken, S. C.
Stewart, Harry Clifton, Wheeling, W. Va
Sunderland, Harry, Frankford, Pa.
Strasser, John Jacob, Jr., Trenton, N. J.
Strunk, Lewis Curtin, Quakertown, Pa.
Supplee, Wm. Edward, Bridgeport, Pa.
Suydam, John Derr, Philada., Pa.
Swanson, Charles Adolphus, Jamestown, N. Y.
Tatem, Henry Randolph, Collingswood, 1ST. J.
Thompson, Geo. Washington, Titusville, Pa.
Tidd, Harry, Trenton, N. J.
Todd, James Charles, Manayunk, Pa.
Trauck, Chas. Cadrick, Tinicuin, Pa.
Trout, Winrield Scott, Philada., Pa.
Vincent, Lorren Stiles, Flint, Mich.
Wagner, George Lewis, Allentown, Pa.
Wagner, William Finley, Hartleton, Pa,
Wain, Charles Herbert,' Yardville, N. J.
Ward, Christopher Columbus, Crisfield, Md.
Ward, Joseph Poletus, Gastore, Ala.
Watson, Maurice, Bristol, Pa.
Wayman, John Martin, Wheeling, W. Va.
Week, Charles Erastus, Clyde, Kan.
Wetteroth, Henry, Bordentown, N. J.
Weyand, William Jacob, Philada,, Pa.
Whitney, Heston, Glassboro, N. J.
Wild, Charles Ferdinand, Philada., Pa.
Wilgns, Wm. Alcott, Philada., Pa.
Wilkinson, Wm. John, Philada., Pa,
Williams, Joseph Pearson, Willmington, Del. Wingender, Wendell Phillips, Schuylkillhaven,Pa.
Wissler, Benjamin Abraham, Millersville, Pa.
Wittiger. Hugo Otto, Kutztown, Pa,
Wyeth, Maxwell, Philada,, Pa,
Yealy, Ja«. Frank, Bellefonte, Pa,
Young, Frank John, Detroit, Mich.
Young, Robt, Taylor, Philada., Pa,
Young, Wm. Schraek, Coatesville, Pa.
Zieber,Paul, Hanover, Pa.
Preceptor. J. A. Armstrong, M. D. W. Stahler. J. W. Re wait. M. Stearns. M. G. Briggs. H. H. Hall & Bro.
H. Mueller.
J. Frank Wilgus. F. R. Jummel. W. M. Bowen. Wm. Conner. T. E. Conard, M. D. J. F. Haves.
I. W. Lutz. F. A. Tifft. M. Tidd.
W. C. Todd, M. D. E. C. Jones & Co. W. R. Warner & Co. O. P. Safford. Marl in & Co. H. P. Helwig.
Dr. W. D. Blake. P. W. Beale, M. D. S. Douglass. Ed. Bocking. P. McDonald. B. Hankins. Stan^bury & Bibby. Ja«. G. Wells. P. Fitch, M. D. J. Frank Wilgus. J. B. Ferguson. J. M. Harvey. P. W. Beale. Dr. Reeder. J. W.Shoffner. J. Wyeth & Bro. John Hams. Dr. E. S. Power.
A. B. Wenrich. J. C. Roberts.
B. A. Hertsch.
THE AMERICAN
JOURNAL OF PHARMACY.
FEBRUARY, 1886.
FABIAN A IMBRICATA; OR PICHI.
By A. B. Lyons, M. D.
In the December issue of the Therapeutic Gazette there appeared an article by Dr. Rusby with reference to a new drug which, under the name of pichi (pronounced pee'chee), has acquired considerable repu- tation in Chili in the treatment of urinary affections. Specimens of the drug have been sent to Europe and to the United States, and its vir- tues will no doubt be speedily put to the test of clinical experiment.
Meanwhile, opportunity is afforded to make acquaintance from the standpoint of the botanist and of the chemist with the new drug; and I take pleasure in presenting here some preliminary notes on its natural history.
The drug is the product of a solanaceous plant — Fabiana im- bricata, Ruiz et Pavon; subtribe Fabianese, Miers — a shrub or small tree, growing on rocky, sterile hill-tops in Chili. As imported, it consists of the branches and leafy branchlets of the shrub, and these bear a close resemblance in general aspect to those of a cedar. The highly resinous character of the drug and its aromatic odor and taste, recall the familiar arbor vitse, although the foliage bears a closer resemblance to that of the red cedar. In absence of flowers and fruits, even an accomplished botanist would scarcely recognize under such a disguise a member of the natural order solanacese.
The accompanying illustrations render minute description of the drug superfluous. The larger stems, 1 to 2 cm. in diameter, are covered with a thin, rather smooth bark, obscurely wrinkled longitudinally, the surface more or less distinctly tuberculate, color brownish gray, with darker or lighter patches. The bark is firmly adherent over a yellowish- white, tough, compact wood. The smaller twigs, 2 to 5 mm. in diameter, are of a darker color, and show (when stripped) at regular intervals scars indicating the points of in- sertion of the minute leaf-sprays. The leaves are minute scales, about 1 mm. in length, closely imbricated on these numerous sprays.
5
66 Fabiana Imbricata; or Pichi. {AmFeb'\m&rm-
Dr. Rusby gives the following graphic description of the shrub as he saw it growing in its habitat : " Growing upon high, dry hill-tops, where there is a somewhat sparse vegetation, its plume-like sprays, with their peculiar light, bluish-green color, present a rather pretty
Branch of Fabiana imbricata. Stems of Fabiana imbricata.
(Natural size.) (Natui al size.)
Am. Jour. Pharm. Feb., 1886.
Fabiana Imbricata; or Pichi.
67
appearance against the sky, although the shrub is somewhat strag- gling j more so here than in the south, where it becomes a small tree Seeing one of these sprays without flowers for the first time, it is hard to realize that it is not a conifer, and seems almost incredible that it is in the tobacco family. Handling it, I was astonished at
Branchlet of Fabiana imbricata; 3 diameters.
the great amount of resin with which all its tender parts are covered, this coating, perfectly impervious to water, being an admirable pro- vision of the plant against the loss of its small supply of water during the long droughts of this region." In further description of the plant, the Doctor says: " The minute branchlets are densely
68
Fabiana Imbricata; or Pichi.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Feb., 1886.
crowded and terminated in the second year by the solitary flower. The white, nerved, withering, persistent corolla is J inch long, four times the length of the bell-shaped calyx, funnel form, with fine lobes. Fruit an oblong, ovoid, light-brown, crustaceous capsule, 2 J lines long; seeds about four, \ line long."
From Dr. Manuel S. Ramires, of Valparaiso, Dr. Rusby learned that the remedy had proved curative in a case of calculous disease which had baffled the skill of physicians, and, the patient being a man of influence, a wide-spread interest had been awakened in the drug. Dr. Ramires had himself made a pretty careful study of the drug, finding it a diuretic of considerable importance, but inapplica- ble to cases of kidney disease in which there was degeneration of the excreting organ. He considered it a valuable remedy in catarrhal inflammations of the urinary tract, but believed that its action in re- storing impaired digestive power was even more important than its diuretic property. He had found it also a hepatic stimulant, although this action might be secondary, and dependent upon improved digestion.
Dr. Rushy made a chemical examination of the drug, ascertaining that its abundant resin was soluble in ether, to a certain extent in ammonia, being reprecipitated by sulphuric acid, and that its alkaline solutions had a most intense blue fluorescence. Aqueous solutions gave no reactions with the ordinary reagents for alkaloids, except solution of iodine in potassium iodide. On the strength of this latter reaction, however, the Doctor was inclined to regard the bitter- ness of the drug as due to an unknown alkaloid. The Doctor was unable to make any complete examination of the drug, owing to lack of reagents and laboratory facilities; indeed, with the means at his disposal, he is entitled to much credit for having so clearly indicated the direction of further research.
A preliminary examination of the drug by the writer has yielded the following results of interest :
Ten grams of the drug in fine powder was treated with 100 c. c. of petroleum ether. After macerating twenty-four hoiars, with occa- sional shaking, crystals were observed to be forming on the sides of the bottle. After several day's maceration, 25 c. c. of the petroleum ether was evaporated and found to contain 280 milligrams of extract- ive matter, reduced by heating for some time at 105° C. to 260 rug., the loss in weight due to volatilization of essential oil, and traces of
Am. Jour. Pharm. Feb., 1886.
Fabiana Imbricata; or Pichi.
69
moisture. The petroleum ether had extracted more than 10 per cent, of the weight of the drug. Of this extract alcohol dissolved all but 30 milligrams, the residue consisting of fatty and waxy mat- ter, which in burning produced an odor similar to that of burning india-rubber.
Water dissolves a very small portion of the extract, producing a somewhat bitter solution, which, on addition of ammonia, becomes strongly fluorescent. Of the resinous portion, taken up by alcohol, ammonia dissolves only a part, producing a solution having a terebinthinate bitter taste.
Ether extracts about 33 per cent, of the drug, the extract having the consistence of a soft resin, with the characteristic odor and taste of the drug. Tf to the ethereal solution a few drops of an alcoholic solution of ammonia are added, a precipitate is at once produced, which gradually assumes the crystalline form. The same thing is true of the solution obtained with petroleum ether. The crystals are white, delicate needles or scales, tasteless, insoluble in water, soluble in chloroform, hot alcohol even when somewhat dilute, crystallizing readily from its solutions in most of these solvents fusible at a some- what elevated temperature, burning with a smoky flame.
It is apparently indifferent to the action of acids and alkalies, except that it is thrown out of some of its solutions, as already stated, by alkalies. Probably it is inert, but we must not too hastily draw this conclusion from its insolubility and tastelessness.
Tinctures of pichi made with moderately strong alcohol, deposit crystals also of this substance, which is the same, no doubt, as that which crystallizes spontaneously from the solution in petroleum ether.
The ethereal extract contains a larger proportion than the benzin extract of the fluorescent principle to which reference has been made. This principle resembles in its general properties sesculin ; it is solu- ble in petroleum ether sparingly ; in alcohol freely ; in ether, chloro- form and other similar solvents. Cold water dissolves it sparingly, hot water more freely; from its aqueous (acid) solution it may be removed by shaking with chloroform, or a mixture of chloroform and ether. It is not easily induced to crystallize, and in this respect differs from sesculin. This may be du^, however, to the presence of impurities, and my experiments have not been sufficiently numerous to warrant me in saying that it is not crystallizable.
A tincture of the drug, prepared with 75 per cent, alcohol, was
70
Fabiana Imbricata; or Pichi.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Feb., 1886.
precipitated by pouring into a large volume of water. The solution was filtered, concentrated, considerable resinous matter separating during this operation. When reduced to a small volume, the solu- tion was shaken with chloroform, and the resin which had separated was washed also with the chloroform. The chloroformic solution, when evaporated, left a residue of the consistence of a soft resin, of a rich, red-brown color. This was treated with hot water which dis- solved a large part of it. The solution was intensely bitter. On adding neutral acetate of lead, a scanty buff-colored precipitate was thrown down. This was removed by filtration, and basic acetate of lead was then added, producing a bulky, slimy, bright-yellow pre- cipitate, which was readily soluble in acetic acid and reprecipitated by ammonia. The filtrates from both of these precipitates, and the wash waters, also, were strongly fluorescent. The precipitates them- selves, after moderate washing, were decomposed by dilute sulphuric acid, and the solutions thus obtained both exhibited fluorescence, that from the yellow precipitate becoming of a deep yellow color on addition of ammonia. Whether the fluorescent principle was incom- pletely precipitated by one or the other of the reagents, or whether there are two or three distinct fluorescent compounds present, these experiments did not decide, and the question remains an open one, which, however, continued investigation may enable me to decide. In all cases the fluorescent solutions have been observed to be bitter, and I am strongly inclined to regard the bitterness as belonging to the fluorescent substance.1
Not having succeeded in isolating this substance, I am not able to affirm that it is a glucoside, but this is extremely probable. The im- pure substance produces with nitric acid and ammonia color reactions similar to those obtained from sesculin, and after boiling with an acid reduces copper solutions.
1 In continuing the study of these compounds, the writer reports that he finds the fluorescence to reside mainly in th e substance precipitated by subacetate of lead. This substance, when freed from the lead, proves to be partially soluble in chloroform. The portion dissolved by chloroform readily assumes the crys- talline form ; it is exceedingly bitter, but apparently not more so than the por- tion of the original aqueous solution not precipitated by lead subacetate. It gives with nitric acid, followed by ammonia, the same color reaction as sesculin, and the color of i's ammoniacal solution, and the intensity of the blue fluores- cence of its dilute solution-, are identical with those of sesculin, but its bitter- ness and its solubility in ether appear to constitute differential characteristics.
Am'Fe°bU!'i8P86arm'} Fabiana Imbricata; or Pichi. 71
By treiting the drug with Prolliiis' solution, I obtained an ethereal fluid from which acidulated water removed a not inconsiderable quan- tity of alkaloid. The concentrated solution gave with Mayer's re- agent a heavy white precipitate; with picric acid a yellow; with phosphomolybdic acid a yellowish white; with tannin a tawny; with iodine solutions a brown precipitate. The solution had a bitter taste, and when evaporated yielded minute, well-defined crystals. The quantity of alkaloid is small, certainly less than OT per cent., but this quantity is not so minute that we are warranted in concluding of necessity that the drug owes its efficacy to other constituents. Whether it is a new alkaloid, however, remains to be determined ; also, what physiological, toxic or therapeutic properties it may have, and these questions can be solved only when a sufficient quantity of the alkaloid lias been pre- pared to render its study possible.
Should the alkaloid prove to be a new one, it will naturally take the name fabianine.
To sum up the results justified by the preceding examination, Pichi c >n tains —
1st. A minute quantity of some alkaloid, probably peculiar to the drug, and capable of forming crystal! izable, bitter salts.
2d. A neutral, crystallizable priuciple, rich in carbon, insoluble in water, tasteless, and probably inert.
3d. A fluorescent body (perhaps more than one) closely resembling sesculin.
4th. Volatile oil.
5th. A bitter resin, probably complex in composition, present in great abuadance, soluble in alkalies, reprecipitated by acids, not fluorescent, soluble in ether and chloroform, very sparingly in water and in petroleum ether.
It seems probable that the three last named constituents are the important ones, unless, indeed, there be a bitter in addition to the fluorescent, principle, which dissolves somewhat freely in water. The tincture of the drug has a very clinging, disagreeable bitter taste, and unless an alkali is added, it precipitates much resin when mixed with water.
We may hope that before long clinical experiment will determine positively what therapeutic value the drug possesses, and which of its constituents may be regarded as its active principle. January 8, 1886.
72 Materia Medica of the Mexican Pharmacopoeia. {^mY^\m&xm'
MATERIA MEDICA OF THE NEW MEXICAX PHARMACOPOEIA.
By the Editoe. Continued from page 24.
Palo del niuerto, Ipomoea muricoides, Kunth; Convolvulacea? ; in the Mexican valley, Tenango, &c. The decoction of the branches is used in baths against paralysis, and in the same manner is also em- ployed I. arborea, Kunth, which is abundant in the interior of the country. The former plant yields by incisions a gum-resin, and con- tains, according to Gomez, tannin, gum, sugar, red coloring matter and a white crystalline principle, which is soluble in ether and chloroform, and has an aromatic odor similar to that of the flowers.
Palo mulato de Mexico, Xanthoxylon pentanome, De CancL; RutaceaB; in the Mexican valley. The wood comes in pieces of differ- ent dimensions. The bark is thick, hard, covered with a yellowish, slightly adhering layer; the periderm underneath is greenish ash- colored in its outer layers, and red brown in the inner layers; trans- verse fracture uneven, showing alternating reddish and whitish or gray lines ; liber chalky white ; inodorous ; taste on mastication pungent and acrid; wood yellowish- white, coarse. According to Mendez the drug contains resin, tannin, coloring matter, saponin-like substance, glucose, gum, extractive and a crystalline nitrogenous body which is soluble in alcohol and chloroform, and is probably an alkaloid. It is tonic, stimulant and antisyphilitic, and in Veracruz the infusion is used in black vomit.
Papayo, Carica Papaya, Lin.; Papayacese; in Yucatan, Cordoba, Puebla and other hot and moist localities. The juice of the green fruit contains a caoutchouc-like substance, fat, resins, albumin, bitter extractive, malic acid, pectin, salts, and a peculiar ferment, papain. Dr. Jose Font recommends the juice for the cure of dyspepsia; a spoonful of the juice acts as a vermicide. The root, leaves and seed have similar properties. The juice of the ripe fruit is made into a syrup which is employed for the cure of bronchitis.
Parietaria, Parietaria pennsylvanica, Muhlenberg; Urticacese; in Mexico, &c. Diuretic. The infusion is made from 5 to 14 gm. of the plant to the liter. Dose of the extract 1 to 6 gm.
Peonia verdadera, Pseonia officinalis Lin; Ranunculacese ; culti- vated. The root and seeds are employed to a limited extent; antispas- modic; dose O 30 to 2 gm. The drug is popularly used in convul-
Am*Fe0bU!'i£6arm'} Materia Mediea of the Mexican Pharmacopoeia. 73
sions of children. The tubers of Cyperus rotundus Lin., which is known as peonia del pais, are improperly used as a substitute for the preceding.
Picoso, Croton adenaster, Jimenez; Euphorbiacese ; in Queretaro. Stem cylindrical, stellately hairy ; leaves ovate-lanceolate, covered with stellate hairs principally upon the lower surface ; the margin with numerous pedicillate pyriform yellow glands ; stipules with like glands ; inflorescence in small monoecious racemes, having the pistillate flowers at the base ; fruit spherical, hairy, three-celled, three-seeded, of a burn- ing taste. Laso de la Vega (Observ. Med. iv, 17) found in the plant black resin soluble in ether, acid oleo-resin, volatile balsamic matter, tannin, various coloring matters, extractive and salts. The plant is used as an antiperiodic, an infusion being prepared from 1 or 2 gm. of the leaves to 500 gm. of water.
Pipitzahoac, Trixis fruticosa, C. H. Schultz, Tr. Pipitzahuac, 6r. Schaffner; Composite; in Tenango, the eastern mountains of the Mexican valley, &c. The rhizome with the roots is employed. Rhi- zome horizontal, tortuous, covered with a thick brown layer; with stem-scars on the upper side; rootlets numerous, cylindrical, about 5 Mm. (i inch) thick, dark gray, longitudinally wrinkled, and near the meditullium with a reddish-yellow crystalline powder of the natural resin having an acrid taste. The virtues of the drug are due to this resin. Drastic purgative; dose 4 to 8 gm. (see also Amer. Jour. Phar. 1884, pp. 185, 193). The powdered drug or the acid, internally ad- ministered, usually imparts a greenish color to the urine.
The Pharmacopoeia recognizes also acidum pipitzahoicwm, which is directed to be prepared from the roots deprived of the rhizome, which are washed with water, dried, powdered, exhausted with 82 pr. ct. alcohol, and the strong tincture precipitated by slowly pouring it into water. Thus prepared it is an active drastic in doses of 0*20 or 0'30 gm. and forms a crystalline powder varying in color between bright canary yellow and deep reddish; soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform and carbon bisulphide, fusible to a reddish-yellow liquid, which gives off yellow vapors condensing partly as an oily liquid and partly as brilliant yellow prisms ; the vapors are inflammable and burn with a bright and sooty flame. Its most characteristic reaction is the behavior with alkalies: on adding a drop of its alcoholic solution to water, followed by a little ammonia, a violet color is produced. P. Anschiitz and F. Mylius have recently (Berichte, 1885) shown that the above
74 Materia Medica qf the Mexican Pharmacopoeia. { AmFehT,\m&Tm'
compound belongs to the class of quinones, and the name perezone was proposed for it by the latter.
For the preparation of pipAtzahoina, the crude pipitzahoic acid is directed to be put in a thin layer upon a porcelain plate, covered with a glass funnel ; a gentle heat is applied by means of a sand bath, and when the sides of the funnel are covered with crystals, the white ones are collected, and those near the lower edge, which are usually colored, are again sublimed. The compound forms prismatic needles and cry- stallizes from its solutions in plates; it is white, fusible, volatile, neutral to litmus paper, inodorous and tasteless, but finally slightly bitter. It is insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, ether and chloro- form, also in potassa, the latter solution being precipitated by acids, while the alcoholic solution is precipitated by sulphuric acid, the pre- cipitate being soluble in alcohol. Xitric acid converts the compound into a yellow amorphous resin.
Platano. The species most common in Mexico are Musa paradi- siaca, Lin., known as platano largo (plantain) M. sapientum, Idn.f the platano guineo or camburi (banana), M. regia, Lin., the platano dominico or costeno, and M. coccinea, Andrews, the platano rojo de China. The fruit contains sugar, gum, malic acid, gallic acid, albu- men and pectin, and in the green state much starch. The juice of the stem is used as an astringent and the fruit of the banana is popu- larly regarded as pectoral; the green as well as the ripe fruit is alimentary.
Pochote, Eriodendron anfractuosum, De Cand.; Bombacese; in hot and damp localities. The gum which exudes from the stem, is used in enteritis; the fruit is comestible and the cotton which sur- rounds the seeds is utilized for filling cushions, &c. The same uses are made of the ceiba espinosa, Eriodendron leiantherum, JDe Cand. .
Poligala mexicana, Polygala mexicana, Flor. Mex. ined., Pol. sco- paria, Kunth; Polygalacese ; near the city of Mexico. The root is mostly simple, slender, tortuous, in the centre and in the outer layers resembling senega root, as well as in odor and taste. Simeon obtained from it sugar, starch and bitter extractive, the latter in about one half the proportion obtainable from senega. In small doses of about 0*20 gm. it is used as a tonic, and in doses of 2 or 3 gm. as an emetic.
According to Schiede, Spermacoce diversifolia (Rubiacese) which has different properties, is used in place of polygala ; and Cal states that Pol. tricosperma is substituted for senega. Pol. rivinsefolia is found
AmFe°bU!ri£6arm'} Materia Mediea of the Mexican Pharmacopoeia. 75
in Ario and in Morelia; Pol. lutea in Guadalajara, Pol. amara in Tepatitlan and Pol. americana in Veracruz.
Ponchishuis, Asclepias currasavica, Lin.; Asclepiadacese ; in Hua- steca, Yucatan, &c. From 3 to 9 drops of the milk-juice act as a powerful emeto-catliartic, and it is also used as an antiperiodic and vermifuge. The extract of the juice is violently sternutatory, and to the stem are attributed the same properties as to sarsaparilla and China root. Dr. Leon of Tabasco believes the root to be useful in asthma and other nervous affections; in doses of I/O to 1*5 gm., taken in three portions, it acts as an emetic, and in smaller quantities it is purgative. The leaves, topically applied, are said to cure cancer; according to Dr. Hamilton they possess useful haemostatic and antiblennorrhagic pro- perties. All preparations of this plant should be used with great care.
Prodigiosa, Athanasia amara, Cervantes; Compositse; in the Mexi- can valley. Leaves rough, orbicular, with rounded lobes; heads hermaphrodite ; involucre calyculate ; corolla yellow, tubular, five- lobed; style bifid, terminating in two small tufts of hairs near the stigmatic lines; akenes crowned with a chaffy pappus. The entire plant is used as a bitter tonic and vermifuge.
Quauchichic, Carya ovata ; Juglandacese ; in the mountains near the Mexican valley. The bark enjoys considerable reputation for the cure of atonic diarrhoeas.
Quaumecatl, Serjana mexicana, Willdenow; Sapindacese; in hot and moist localities. The infusion of the root is diuretic.
Quelite, Chenopodium viride, Lin.; Chenopodiacese ; in the Mexi- can valley. The leaves are alimentary and emollient.
The following well known drugs have been admitted : Quina (cin- chona barks), Rabano cultivado (radish), Rabano rusticano (horse- radish), Rapontico (European rhubarb), Romero (rosemary), Rosa de Castilla (rose petals), Rubia or Granza (madder), Ruda (rue), Ruibar- bo de China, Sabina, Sagapeno, Sagu (sago), Salep, Sandalo cetrino # (sandal wood), Sandalo rojo (red saunders), Sandia or Zandia (water- melon seed), Sangre de drago (dragon's blood), Santonico, Sassafras (root bark), Sauz (willow bark), Sen (senna leaves), Serpentaria de Virginia (Virginia snake root), Simaruba, and Sumbul.
Raiz de China de Mexico, Smilax pseudo-china, Schlechtendal ; Smilacese ; in the states of Morelos, Colima, &c. The root is large? oblong, tuberous, externally bright red, internally reddish and when cut with a saw, of a mahogany color, astringent and somewhat bitter ;
76 Materia Medica of the Mexican Pharmacopoeia. {Am-Fe°bU!'i£6.arm*
in the dry state readily attacked by insects. It is used as a substitute for the root of Smilax China, Lin., the decoction being employed in dropsy and as a diaphoretic and depurative.
Eaiz del manso, Echinacea heterophylla, Don, Helianthus glutino- sus, Fl. Mex. ined.; Composite; in Puebla, &c. Cal (Mat. Med. Mex., 1832) describes the root as being tuberous, cylindrical, extern- ally gray and striate, internally white, becoming yellowish; when cut in the fresh state it has an odor resembling turpentine and emits a sticky juice, which on drying is resinous. It contains 12*11 resin, 15*62 gum, and 46*87 extractive. It has considerable reputation as a vulnerary, and the decoction is used in dysentery. The resin has a clove-like color, a saffron-like odor, and a taste which is bitter, after- ward acrid and persistent.
Romeritos, Chenopodina linearis, Moquin; Chenopodiaceaa ; in Cen- tral Mexico. The leaves are used for emollient cataplasms and as a pot-herb.
Rubia laevigata, Be Cand., grows in the neighborhood of the capital, and has the same tinctorial properties, though in a less degree than the madder of commerce.
Sagitaria, Sagittaria sagittsefolia, Lin. Alismacese; in the Mexican valley, also in the United States. The rhizome is astringent; the tubers are comestible and may be used for obtaining starch.
Salvia. Instead of S. officinalis, Buddleia globosa, Lamarck, Scro- phulariacese, is usually found in the shops of the city of Mexico, and the salvia poblana, Verbena callicarpiaafolia, Kunth, Verbenacea?, is very generally employed. The latter has a quadrangular stem; leaves opposite, ovate-elliptic, dentate, rugose, hairy and spiny on the upper side, and covered with canescent hairs beneath; bracts large, many- nerved, of a handsome violet color; calyx bifid, externally villous and hispid ; corolla elongated, funnel-shaped, glandular above ; odor strong and agreeable ; taste pungent and somewhat bitter.
In other parts of the country the following species are employed : Salvia polystachya, Ortega, in Guadalajara; S. chrysantha, Martius, in Oaxaca; S. aspera, Martius, in Tehuacan; S. Sessei, Bentham, in Tuxpam; S. regia, Cavanilles, in Villalpando and Aguascalientes ; S. fulgens, Cav., in the Mexican valley, <fec.
Samatito, Ficus complicata, Kunth; Urticacese; in hot districts. The milk juice is used as a resolvent, the same as that of F. benjamina, Lin., which is commonly known as "amate."
Am. Jour. Pharra. Feb., 1886.
Whiting and Its Manufacture.
77
Sangre de drago. Besides the • commercial dragon's blood, this name is applied in Mexico to the resins of several plants, chiefly to that of Pterocarpus Draco Lin. (Leguininosse) and of Croton sangui- fluum, Kunih (Euphorbiacese), the latter known as " Ezquahuitl" or " Arbol de sangre." The jnice and the branches of these plants are astringent.
ON WHITING AND ITS MANUFACTURE.
By Joseph W. England, Ph. G. (Read at the Pharmaceutical Meeting, January 19th.)
Among the varied industries whose products have found general employment and received numerous applications in the arts and scien- ces, the preparation of purified chalk may properly claim our attention, and a few remarks incidental to its commercial history and preparation for market, may be of interest.
Amongst its many applications we quote : For medicinal purposes in the form of the so-called "Creta Praeparata" we find it internally employed for its well-known antacid and astringent qualities, or exter- nally for the healing of burns, ulcers, intertrigo and other cuticular affections ; and then, chemically, for the preparation of various lime- salts. Moulders use its finest grades, in connection with plastic clay and glue, in the mouldings upon picture frames, preparatory to gild- ing ; while in oil-cloth manufacture, it serves as a basis in the applica- tion of other materials. Mixed with a variety of colors, it forms the water-color pigments, and is also utilized in the sizing of wall papers. When strongly heated it may readily be converted into lime and used either as a cement in connection with other materials or for fertilizing land ; the immediate effect being to render the soil more able to retain moisture and to improve its texture. It is very largely used as a basis for some cheap colored paints, but its great lack of the body that characterizes the lead product, prevents its more general adoption, ex- cept as an adulterant. Latterly, it has been applied in the preparation of carbonated waters by mineral water manufacturers, some of whom state that the relative proportion of marble dust used to whiting is as 1:3 or 4. Its well-known cleaning properties upon glass, or metallic surfaces, when freed from hard, crystalline siliceous particles, to pre- vent scratching, and its use in making putty with linseed oil, are too well-known to require more than mere passing comment.
78
Whiting and Its Manufacture.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Feb., 1886.
The main source of supply of commercial chalk, is from the cliff- hills along the shores of the North Sea and the banks of the English Channel, where it is found in deposits of vast extent, consisting of foraminiferous microscopic shells, through which are occasionally distributed more or less rounded nodules of flint, together with, very rarely, a specimen of petrified fish. Chemically, it is almost wholly calcium carbonate (Ca C03), with small and varying traces of ferric oxide (Fe203), alumina (A1203), magnesia (MgO) and silica (Si02). The so-called " French Chalk " or Talcum, P.G., does not contain any calcium carbonate, but is a hydrated magnesium silicate (4MgSi03* Si02-4H20).
Next, and of far less importance than the common, white variety, we have " Black Chalk/' a soft carbon-like schist that may be used in writing or drawing; "Brown Chalk," an umber-like body, and "Eed Chalk" or "Kiddle," an impure earthy variety of haematite. The red varieties, in general, may contain as much as 9*28 per cent, silica, 9*6 per cent, ferric oxide, and 1*43 per cent, alumina1 and the Norfolk red chalks, in particular, leave, on treatment with acids and subsequent drying, 9*3 per cent., argillaceous residue, consisting of water, ferric oxide and alumina, with a small proportion of magnesium and potassium.2
Chalk is brought from Hull or London, England, on board ships as ballast, in the form of yellowish-white or white (with occasional streaks of red from traces of ferric oxide), insoluble, soft and friable earth-like masses, irregular in shape and size, variable in weight and having a rough, irregular fracture, and insipid taste ; specific gravity varying about from 2*4 to 2*6; absorbent of moisture; containing 5, 10, 20, or more, per cent, of water. Cliffstone is the name given to a variety of chalk, from which it differs, mainly, in being much more hard and stone-like.
For the year ending June 30, 1884, the amount of unmanufactured chalk admitted into the U. S. ports,3 duty free, amounted to 33,677 tons, having a value of $26,856, while unmanufactured cliffstone, a variety of chalk previously referred to, amounted to 6,003 tons, hav- ing a value of $11,701. Independently of this, for the same year, 5,000 to 6,000 tons were withdrawn from private storehouses, where
1 Chem. News, 1862, Vol. 6, p 313. Chapman.
2 Chem. News, 1875, Vol. 36, p. 199. Church.
3 Commerce and Navigation (U. S.) Reports, 1884, p. 182.
Am. Jour. Pharm. Feb., 1886.
Whiting and Its Manufacture.
79
they had remained on storage from previous years, and also used; making the total sum used about 45,000 tons.
After importation into Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, or New Orleans, it is there purified and prepared at " Whiting Works." Of these there are in Philadelphia eight in active operation, with an estimated yearly capacity of 22,000 tons, or 50 per cent, of the whole product manufactured in the country.
The source of supply is not necessarily limited to England, since France exports from her shores a much finer crude product; the only objection to whose employment, in certain cases, being its lack of body, yet, if desired, the English article and it may be mixed with the best of results. In our country an inferior quality, and apparently limited supply, is furnished by the states of North Carolina, Colorado, and the interior of Dakota, which has, as yet, failed to receive any especial attention, or whose development has not been deemed of suffi- cient importance to prosecute.
On its reception in the yards of the refining- works, the crude chalk is stored in wooden bins, from whence, as needed, it is placed on wheel- barrows and shoveled from there into large cylindrical tanks, through which a stream of water is constantly rushing, where it is ground in water by massive rotating disks of iron, weighing from 4 to 5 tons each.
From these tanks, by the current of running water, through an outlet on the side, flows the milky stream of suspended chalk, the impurities of silica and flint having to a large extent remained in the tank, from whence they are removed as occasion may require; the liquid is conducted through irregular, snake-shaped conduits, in order to separate the heavier, coarser particles of partly crushed chalk that may have been forced along by the current of liquid into a larger, longer and straight conduit, leading in succession to enormous wooden settling bins, having a volumetric capacity of over 5,000 gallons each of water. In the establishment visited, there were sixteen of these bins, placed successively along the whole side of the building. Now the running stream slowly flowing from the first to the last bin, through the long wooden channel provided for it and connected with each bin in its passage, gradually deposits by gravity, on standing, the coarse grade in the first, finer in the second, still finer in the third and so on until the last bin is reached, where the deposit is very slow and the product obtained correspondingly fine.
At the base of each of these ivooden bins are sluice-gates opening
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Whiting and Its Manufacture.
Am. Jour. Pharm.
Feb., 1*86.
into large, square, open iron tanks in front, under which is conducted, by draught, a current of strongly heated air from kilns, placed in front, so regulated in temperature as never to exceed 300° F.
At the proper time, which ranges from five to six days for the first, to from six to eight months for the last, each bin is closed, the excess of water drawn oif from above, and pumped to a large tank upon the roof of the building, for re-use in grinding crude chalk, and the sluice-gates below are opened to allow the Avhite, viscid mass to flow into the flat, open tanks in front. As soon after heating as the mass becomes suffi- ciently plastic, it is cut into blocks of about one cubic foot, weighing 20, 30 or 40 pounds. The instrument used to do this division is tech- nically called a "Scorer," and is simply a long, stout pole, at the end of which is attached an L shaped piece of iron. The mass is then again slowly heated, from beneath, to still further expel moisture.
From there these blocks are conveyed on tramways and taken to the drying-room above, where they are exposed on large trays to the continued draughts of atmospheric air, to promote thorough dryness; which point of the process is reached in one or more weeks, according to the condition of the weather. Then these blocks are powdered, bolted, graded and packed in barrels of about 300 pounds each, for shipment, as kiln-dried whiting.
To a limited extent, in comparison with the previously described process, there is another mode of manufacturing practiced, whose only difference consists in the method of drying employed, which, in this instance, is done by simple exposure of the viscid, elutriated chalk to the air, without previously heating to expel contained moisture and then proceeding as before mentioned. This product so obtained, is called air-dried whiting, in contradistinction to the kiln-dried body and must of necessity contain a certain percentage of unexpelled moisture; the presence of which rendering it, by giving what is called "body," more fit for certain uses in the arts than the kiln-dried substance.
In the grades of whiting mainly supplied to markets, samples are presented in the order of their grade of fineness; the lowest grade being mentioned first, the finer second, the still finer third, and so on. A is