QUERIES.

Information is given in this department under the following conditions only: (1) No queries are answered by mail; (2) queries must reach us before the 21st of the month to be answered in the BULLETIN of the month following; (3) inquirers must in every instance be regular subscribers; and (4) names and addresses must be affixed to all communications.

Extract of Vanilla.

W. L. F.-An excellent article on the subject of vanilla extracts was printed on page 153 of the BULLETIN for April, 1902. It was from the practical pen of Prof. W. L. Scoville. The article is too long to reproduce on this occasion, and we would suggest that you turn to your old BULLETINS and look it up. Incidentally this case shows the value of having each annual volume of the BULLETIN preserved and bound in such shape that it may be turned to at any time. As a reference guide it is invaluable in the daily work of the store. Last year, for instance, not only was Professor Scoville's article printed, but also a considerable number of formulas for different kinds and grades of vanilla extracts. These may all be found upon reference to the annual index printed in the December number.

We are not able to give you a formula for antiphlogistine, but may say in general that the many products of this class on the market are composed usually of kaolin and glycerin as a base, to which are added antiseptic oils like wintergreen, eucalyptus, and peppermint.

Two Creosote Prescriptions.

J. G. C. sends the following two creosote prescriptions, and asks how they may be dispensed:

....

.1⁄2 grain.

.I grain.

.2 grains.

./% grain.

.2 grains.

./% grain.

.20 drops.

Powdered Jamaica ginger.

Powdered hydrastis

Sugar of milk, a sufficient quantity to

make a ten-grain tablet.

Dose: One or two tablets three times a day.

It has been our experience that nearly all dyspeptics are troubled with constipation, and we recommend an occasional dose of a good laxative. We have found the cascara compound tablet, Hinckle formula, to answer the purpose admirably.

Opium Creosote

Make into 12 pills.

We suggest that enough absorbent powder be used to make a mass, and the compound then either rolled into pills or cut into proper shaped forms to be inserted into capsules. The absorbent might be breadcrumbs, or a combination of powdered licorice, magnesium carbonate, etc., together with a sufficient amount of glucose.

"Beatin"-What is It? This subject has been covered in several recent issues of the BULLETIN, and a number of readers have shown particular interest in it. Three or four correspondents have expressed the opinion that "beatin" was the accidental misspelling of "betaine," inasmuch as no reference to "beatin" could be found in the literature. Now, however, we find mention made of "beatin" in the new edition of Dorland's Medical Dictionary, reviewed elsewhere in the present issue of the BULLETIN. "Beatin" is spoken of as "A substance, CH1NO, used in urinary diseases." The source of the article is not indicated. "Betaine," on the other hand, is derived from the common beet, is used as an emmenagogue, and has the chemical formula of CH11NO2. Finally, we may explain that this subject was brought to the attention of the BULLETIN readers some months ago by a querist who said that he had received a call for "beatin," but had not been able to supply the article or to find any reference to it whatsoever in the literature at his command.

G. R. C.-The ordinary method is to paint heavy unsized Manila paper with common glue, using an ordinary flat paint brush, and allowing to dry. Then follow with one or two coats of the following mixture, made by melting over a gentle fire, stirring constantly:

Castor oil, 4 ounces; resin, 12 ounces. Another mixture, which is spread warm on unsized paper, is castor oil, 8 ounces; resin, 24 ounces; sugar, 4 ounces. This latter is probably the better one as being more attractive to the flies.

Assisting Clerks to Start in Business for Themselves. C. H.-Many of the wholesale druggists of the country render financial assistance to ambitious clerks who desire to possess their own stores. In some cities, indeed, it is well known that perhaps 25 per cent of the druggists are more or less in debt for their stores to the jobbers of the locality. If you are anxious to buy a store, and want assistance from some jobber, it is probable that you could make arrangements with one of the four or five that you are doubtless familiar with in your section of the country.

Binding the BULLETIN.

C. F. S.-No, the publisher of the BULLETIN does not bind the volumes of the journal for readers. This may be done by your local binder. However, the BULLETIN furnishes a loose binder in which the copies of the journal may be placed as fast as they appear. This binder holds one volume (12 numbers) if the advertising pages are retained, or two volumes if these pages are eliminated. The journals are held firmly in the binder by means of a cord which is passed through them and securely fastened. The price of the binder is 65 cents, post-paid.

The Official Assay of Opium.

J. M. B. desires to know why a saturated solution of morphine is used to wash the crystals of morphine in the official assay of opium. Replying, we may say that the wash solution is saturated with. morphine in order to prevent any portion of the morphine crystals, in the process of estimation, from themselves entering into solution.

Regarding Trade-marked Names.

C. F. S. As our laws stand at present, it would be possible, answering your question directly, to secure a trade-mark on such names as "Huskers' Lotion," "Golden Corn Cure," etc.

Disguising the Taste of Aloes.

A. J. E.-Licorice is sometimes used for the purpose, but a large amount is necessary, and the result is more or less unsatisfactory. Probably the best thing is saccharin. Not much is required, and it does the work fairly well.

Solubility of Gutta-percha.

B. F.-Either gutta-percha or India rubber is soluble perfectly in oil of turpentine, or in chloroform, carbon disulphide, benzin, or benzol. When vulcanized, however, rubber resists these solvents.

A Liquid Metal Polish.

W. W.-See the formula contributed to the department of "Letters" in the present issue of the BULLETIN.

Book on Window Dressing.

G. E. S. See answer to "G. H. M." on page 220 of the BULLETIN for May of the present year.

THE JOKE WAS ON HIM!-Prof. W. M. Searby, the wellknown pharmacist of San Francisco, is trying to solve the unique problem as to how a burglar could rob his pharmacy without getting into it. His till and a small bank were robbed, but the front door had not been tampered with and the back door has no outside lock. Professor Searby called in the police. It was discovered that the intruder had gotten out by the back door. The professor was anxious to learn how his caller got in. It was finally suggested that the marauder had been locked in by Professor Searby. The professor removed his spectacles, smiled, and said: "I guess it's on me."-Pharmaceutical Era.