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Informing Physicians of the Changes in the New Pharmacopoeia.

Druggists all over the country have shown commendable enterprise in issuing circulars and booklets to the physicians of their territories explaining and describing the more important changes made in the new Pharmacopoeia. The last thing of this kind to reach us is a little wire-stitched folder or booklet from the well-known firm of Hynson, Westcott & Co., of Baltimore. It is 21⁄2 by 41⁄2 inches in size, contains eight pages, and is printed on a very fine and expensive quality of white paper. Its size and nature are such that it can be carried conveniently in the vest pocket. The main portion of the text is printed in black ink, with the headlines in red. On the cover is simply given the title of the folder, together with the name and address of-the firm, while the first inside page is occupied with the following text:

Regarding Our Practice and Policy.-We respectfully announce that subsequent to September 1st, 1905, in the absence of specific instruction and unless our best judgment advises to the contrary, we will give strict adherence to the eighth, the latest, revision of the Pharmacopoeia. In refilling prescriptions, written previous to above date, we will, of course, continue to use preparations conforming to the 1890 edition.

We would have it remembered that all our energies and best endeavors are directed toward assisting PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS; that we, in no way, trespass upon their prerogatives; that we have exceptional facilities and equipment for dispensing their prescriptions and that we need their help and encouragement, which is always highly valued. Faithfully,

AUGUST, 1905.

HYNSON, WESTCOTT & CO.

The remaining six pages of the folder are devoted to the following consideration of the chief changes in the new book: if we have any criticism to make, it is this, that in so condensed a treatise it is unnecessary and even confusing to use cross references. In the booklet itself each preparation is printed on a separate line, in order to be consulted easier: we have "run them together" in paragraphs to save space.

U. S. P. (EIGHTH REVISION).

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Scope of Pamphlet: Change in Dosage.-While it is not pretended that this pamphlet notes anything like all the changes that have been made by this revision of the U. S. P., yet all are cited, important or considerable enough to require changes in the dosage heretofore used.

Strength Increased: Doses to be Diminished.-Basham's mixture (see Sol. Iron and Ammonium Acetate). Caffeine (see Effervescent Citrated). Cantharides (see Tincture of). Capsicum (see Tincture of). Effervescent Citrated Caffeine, double former strength; average dose, 60 grains. Rhubarb (see Tincture of). Solution of Iron and Ammonium Acetate contains twice as much tincture of iron chloride; now has about 20 minims in each fluidounce; average dose, 4 fluidrachms. Strophanthus (see Tincture of). Tincture of Cantharides, double former strength; average dose, 5 minims. Tincture of Capsicum, double former strength; average dose, 8 minims. Tincture of Rhubarb, double former strength; average dose, 1 fluidrachm. Tincture of Strophanthus, double former strength; average dose, 8 minims.

Strength Reduced: Dose to be Increased.-Aconite (see Tincture of). Belladonna Leaves (see Tincture of). Calabar Bean (see Tincture of Physostigma). Cannabis Indica (see Tincture of Indian Cannabis). Catechu, now Gambir (see Tincture of Gambir Compound). Digitalis (see Tincture of). Effervescent Lithium Citrate, about one-third former strength; average dose, 120 grains. Effervescent Potassium Citrate, less than half its former strength; average dose, 60 grains. Gambir, takes place of Catechu (see Tincture of). Gelsemium (see Tincture of). Glycerin Suppositories, half former size; now contain 3 grammes. Hyoscyamus (see Tincture of). Indian Cannabis (see Tincture of). Iron Iodide (see Syrup of). Kino (see Tincture of). Lithium (see Effervescent Citrate). Lobelia (see Tincture of). Ointment of Sulphur, half former strength; now 15 per cent. Physostigma (see Tincture of). Stramonium (see Tincture of). Sulphur (see Ointment). Syrup of Iron Iodide, one-half former strength; average dose, 15 minims. Tincture of Aconite, reduced from 35 grammes in each 10 Cc. to 10 grammes in each 100 Cc.; average dose, 10 minims. Tincture of Belladonna Leaves, reduced from 15 grammes in each 100 Cc. to 10 grammes in each 100 Cc.; average dose, 8 minims. Tincture of Cannabis Indica (see 'Tincture of Indian Cannabis). Tincture of Catechu, Compound (see Tincture of Gambir Compound). Tincture of Digitalis, reduced from 15 grammes in each 100 Cc. to 10 grammes in each 100 Cc.; average dose, 15 minims. Tincture Gambir Compound, to replace Tincture of Catechu Compound, reduced from 10 grammes in each 100 Cc. to 5 grammes in each 100 Cc.; average dose, 1 fluidrachm. Tincture of Gelsemium, reduced from 15 grammes in each 100 Cc. to 10 grammes in each 100 Cc.; average dose, 15 minims. Tincture of Indian Cannabis, reduced from 15 grammes in each 100 Cc. to 10 grammes in each 100 Cc.; average dose, 10 minims. Tincture of Kino, reduced from 10 grammes in each 100 Cc. to 5 grammes in each 100 Cc.; average dose, 1 fluidrachm. Tincture of Lobelia, reduced from 20 grammes in each 100 Cc. to 10 grammes in each 100 Cc.; average dose, 15 minims; emetic, 1 fluidrachm. Tincture of Physostigma, reduced from 15 grammes in each 100 Cc. to 10 grammes in each 100 Cc.; average dose, 15 minims. Tincture of Stramonium, reduced from 15 grammes in each 100 Cc. to 10 grammes in each 100 Cc.; average dose, 8 minims. Tincture of Veratrum (Viride), reduced from 40 grammes in each 100 Cc. to 10 grammes in each 100 Cc.; average dose, 15 minims. Veratrium-Veratrum Viride, 1890-(see Tincture of).

Additions and What They Mean.-A number of articles (121) have been added to the Pharmacopoeia. These are, in most instances, well known remedies and their admission means no more than: that they are thereby endorsed as being generally used; that they have been given official Latin and English titles, and that, as far as possible, a standard has been established for each. Among the most important of these are: Aconitine (Aconitina); Antidiphtheric Serum-Diphtheria Antitoxin(Serum Antidiphthericum); Antipyrine (Antipyrina); Antiseptic Solution-like "Listerine," etc.-(Liquor Antisepticus): "Aristol" (Thymolis Iodidum); Aromatic fluid extract of Cascara; Cataplasm of Kaolin -like "Antiphlogistine," etc.; Compound Acetanilide Powder-like "Antikamnia," "Ammonol," etc.; Compound Laxative Pills-like "Lapactic" Pills; Compound Syrup of Hypophosphites, with Quinine and Strychnine; Creosol and Solution of Creosol-latter like "Creolin," "Lysol," etc.; Emulsion of Cod Liver Oil (50 per cent) and same with Hypophosphites; Elixir of Iron, Quinine and Strychnine Phosphates; Ethyl Chloride (Aethylis Chloridum); Guaiacol and Guaiacol Carbonate; Homatropine Hydrobromide; Iodol; Methylene Blue (Methylthionine Hydrochloridum); Phenacetine-(Acetphenetidinum); Saccharin (Benzosulphinidum); Solution of Formaldehyde; Sulfonal (Sulphonmethanum); Suprarenals, dried. (Glandulæ Suprarenales Sicca); Thyroids, dried (Glandule Thyroidea Sicca); Trional; (Sulphonethylmethanum); "Urotropin," "Cystogen," "Formin," etc. (Hexamethylenamina); (White Petrolatum); Witch Hazel-distilled extract-(Aqua Hamamelidis).

Regarding form of Administration and Combinations.-It does not appear that the pharmaceutical changes-changes in manipulation, menstrua, etc.-are of a character to render it necessary to change the forms of administration heretofore used or prevent the continuation of favorite combinations.

Relating to the Standardization of Alkaloidal Drugs, Their Prepa

rations, and Volatile Oils.-A much larger number of drugs and their preparations are now subject to assay, by which they are directed to be standardized, but as the standards adopted by the Committee on Revision are practically the same we have been using for the last fifteen years, no apprehension need be had so far as the products of our firm are concerned. If the requirements of the Pharmacopoeia, in this regard, are generally met, more uniform products may be expected. Volatile oils, also, are to be standardized or verified by prescribed estimations of their fixed and important principles; consequently these should, now, be true and uniform.

Dismissed Articles: Formulas to be Preserved.-The fact that 155 articles and preparations have been dismissed from the Pharmacopoeia does not, of course, prevent them from being prescribed or dispensed. The formulas for all such products will be included in the proposed appendix to the National Formulary. Their dismissal does prove, however, that they are not generally used.

Changes in Titles, Latin and English.-Changes in official titles, interesting and important, are not of a character to lead to misunderstandings. Familiarity with these must be acquired gradually. The most striking ones follow the coining of the terms "Fluidextractum" and "fluidextract." Phenol, Latin or English, for "Carbolic Acid;" Valeras for Valerinas; Hydrochloridum, Hydrobromidum, Hydrochloride and Hydrobromide, for Hydrochloras, Hydrobromas, Hydrochlorate, and Hydrobromate, respectively; Resorcinol for Resorcinum; Phenylis Salicylas for Salol and Spiritus Glycerylis Nitratis for Spiritus Glonoini are some of the other changes in titles.

Some Excellent Newspaper Advertising.

The daily newspaper advertisements of the Christy Drug Store, Fourth Avenue and Smithfield Street, Pittsburg, Pa., are of unusual excellence. We have pleasure this month in

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Prescriptions

Christy Drug Store is especially cpupped to a large number of prescriptions. The compounding is doar upstairs in a department by H. where there is nothing to interfere with or interrupt the prethe

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scriptionists Our method is to fill put. the prescription firs and price u afterward, basing the charge on the cost of the ingredients There no ducement for substr tation, as we do not cut prices on prescriptions and do not attempt to Compete with cotters in this branch of our bu mess.

Our prices, however, are never bigh, as the quantities of expensive drug used in the average prescrip tica are usually small, Under a circumstances we may be relied upon to put into prescription xactly what the physician presribes without regard to cost or the difficulty of preparation

If you have had any trouble, in procuring rare drugs or in having your prescriptions filled, come to this rellalile pharmac

Christy Drug Store,

"Open 24 Hours Every Day." Fourth Ave. and Smithfield St.

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reproducing specimens. We are under the impression that Mr. J. R. Thompson is responsible for the preparation of these newspaper ads.

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There is little doubt that an almanac is good advertising for a druggist located in a rural or farming territory. Farmers and people in small villages consult an almanac to an extent only surpassed by the family Bible. Mr. P. R. Turner, of Marianna, Arkansas, writes the BULLETIN a very interesting letter in which he says that he has used an almanac of his own now for two years. He is in a county-seat town, with no other villages of any size near him, His trade extends to a radius of even fifteen or twenty miles, and he finds that the great majority of his customers want an almanac the first of the year. "I cannot say definitely," he writes, "just what the returns have been. This is only my second year, but I am under the impression that the almanac is paying me. I do not believe it would pay, however, with any one catering to a town trade. I use 3,000 annually, and they cost me $54 for the lot. They are supplied me by Ulysses G. Manning, the well-known advertising purveyor of South Bend, Indiana. My own name appears on the cover, and of course advertisements of mine are sprinkled throughout the whole book."

Sampling.

There is no advertising that pays better than judicious sampling, says The Spatula. The indiscriminate spilling of sample envelopes of pills all over town is to be condemned, and in some States is forbidden by law, but that is simply where sampling becomes a nuisance. If you make a tooth powder of your own, or a chap lotion, or any of the thousand and one things that druggists do put up for themselves, if possible put up small samples properly labeled and wrap them in with packages going where they are likely to do good. See that your clerks use some judgment in the distribution of them, and don't put samples of face powder into packages going to a livery stable. Send them to the right places and the results will be satisfactory to a surprising degree.

PRACTICAL PHARMACY.

An Improved Form of Retort Stand.—

J. P. Remington, Jr., contributed a paper to the Scientific Section of the A. Ph. A. at the recent Atlantic City meeting describing an improved form of retort stand for druggists' use. It consisted of an iron base, an upright of wrought-iron pipe (4 inch), with a set of ingeniously constructed clamps, into which the shafts of the rings fit and can be securely fastened to the upright at any time and in any position. The novel feature of this retort stand consisted in the construction

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Emulsify the oil with the acacia, and 174 Gm. (or 55% troy ounces) of water, as directed under acacia emulsion of cod-liver oil (N. F.), and add the flavoring. Then dissolve the calcium lactate in 65 Cc. (or 2 fluidounces) of water with the aid of the phosphoric acid, add the solution gradually to the emulsified oil, then the syrup, and lastly enough water to make 100 Cc. (or 32 fluidounces). Mix the whole thoroughly. This emulsion should be freshly prepared when dispensed. Average dose: 16 Cc. (4 fluidrachms).

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Metric.

0.5 Cc.

8 minims.

Oil of rosemary..

0.5 Cc.

8 minims.

Oil of juniper..

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Oil of peppermint.

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Oil of cinnamon (cassia).

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Oil of lemon.....

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Oil of cloves.

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Alcohol

.....175 Cc.

6 fluidounces.

Acetic acid (U. S. P.).

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Water, a sufficient quantity to make

Dissolve the oils in the alcohol, add the acetic acid, and lastly enough water to make 1000 Cc. (or 32 fluidounces). Warm the turbid mixture, during several hours, at a temperature not exceeding 70° C. (158° F.), taking care that it shall not suffer loss by evaporation. Then set it aside for a few days, occasionally agitating, and filter.

Determination of Salicylic Acid in Foodstuffs.

The colorimetric determination of small quantities of salicylic acid presents difficulties when tannic acid is present. The following method (Harry and Mumford in the Analyst) takes advantage of the insolubility of lead tannate and the solubility of lead salicylate in caustic alkalies: 50 Gm. of the sample is mixed with a little water, 15 Cc. or 20 Cc. of strong solution of lead subacetate added, and then 25 Cc. of roughly normal soda. With this 15 Cc. to 20 Cc. of roughly normal hydrochloric acid is mixed, and the whole made up to 300 Cc.; 200 Cc. is filtered off, acidified with hydrochloric acid, refiltered if necessary, extracted three times with ether, and the salicylic acid determined in the usual way. Different samples require different treatment with regard to the quantity of lead subacetate and alkali to be used, which can be judged by practice.

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A REPRESENTATIVE INDIANA PHARMACY.-One of the neatest, most successful, and most exemplary drug stores in the State of Indiana is that of the Schultz-Boswell Drug Co. of Lafayette. The exterior of the store, shown in this illustration, presents a very modern and up-to-date appearance. Lafayette is a town of about 20,000 inhabitants and has perhaps ten drug stores. The two proprietors of this establishment, Messrs. Schultz and Boswell, are both of them young men and hustlers. Mr. Schultz is at present a member of the City Street Commission, and is also the first vicepresident of the Indiana Pharmaceutical Association.

tion, and hypodermic tablets of strychnine sulphate, 1-60 grain, were reported as containing 1-40 grain; strychnine sulphate pills, 1-60 grain, as containing 1-30 grain; tincture of opium, as containing 0.68 Gm. of morphine per 100 Cc.; Blaud's pills, as containing 0.12 Gm. ferrous sulphate per pill; and quinine sulphate pills, 2 grains, as containing 1.3 grains per pill. Samples of lemon and orange extracts were obtained from a South Boston grocer. The lemon extracts contained 90.9 per cent of alcohol, about one-half of which was methyl alcohol. The orange extract had 83.2 per cent of alcohol, which contained a small admixture of wood alcohol. When will this criminal use of wood alcohol be stopped?

Making a Quince-seed Cream.

C. H. Reynolds, writing in the Druggists Circular, remarks that the great difficulty most pharmacists experience in the preparation of toilet creams is to obtain a clear or a white preparation. Where quince seed (which makes the least objectionable mucilage) is used the greatest mistake is the use of dirty seed or the failure to filter the mixture properly. Only clean selected quince seed should be used. The seed can be cleaned by rubbing in flannel or soft cloth. By filtering the cream through a felt filter a perfectly clear preparation may be obtained. If a filter of this kind is not procurable, one can easily be made in the following manner: Take an old or unused felt hat and boil for a few minutes in water, care being taken to subsequently rinse it in clear, cold water. Then punch holes in the rim of the hat, in which strings may be tied for the purpose of suspending the completed filter.

Wild vs. Cultivated Ginseng.

The United States consul at Amoy, China, says that the Chinese value ginseng not only for whatever actual qualities it may possess, but also for qualities they may believe it possesses, remarks the Pharmaceutical Era. Ginseng roots which are knotted and gnarled, which have a grotesque or abnormal appearance, which are of a peculiar color or have an unusual quality of any sort, are generally more highly esteemed than those which are smooth, regular, and normal. Wild ginseng is preferred to the cultivated, and a root which resembles some animal, especially some fabulous animal, will bring a very high price. Cultivation naturally tends to produce regular, normal roots. The consul also states that if American growers can make their product appear wilder, more grotesque, more like the kind supposed to have supernatural qualities, they will realize more for it.

Cleaning Oily Bottles.

E. H. Elvidge, of Van Kleek Hill, Ontario, writing to the Western Druggist, gives a pointer for cleaning bottles that have contained such oils as wintergreen, cedar, sassafras, peppermint, etc. Drain the bottle and put into it some linseed meal-about one-half ounce for an eight-ounce bottle. Allow the meal to absorb as much of the oil as possible, then add a little water, shaking well. Fill the bottle with water, shake well, empty, rinse with clean water, and the bottle will be clean and free from odor. He has tried it and knows, he says. The same method will clean out any other oils that are not oxidized on the inside of the bottle.

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A REPRESENTATIVE INDIANA PHARMACY.-This interior view of the Schultz - Boswell pharmacy makes it clear that a legitimate pharmaceutical business is carried on. There is no cigar case, no candy counter, no soda fountain. The prescription department is seen at the right of the store as you enter, separated from the observer only by a transparent glass partition, with the various prescription medicaments arrayed neatly on plate-glass shelves. As might naturally be expected, a very large prescription business is done, and a gratifying amount of support is received from the physicians of Lafayette. A commendable feature of the pharmacy is the presence of an ornamental ice chest just behind the prescription counter for the storage of serums, vaccines, and similar biological products. In addition to the two proprietors, there are three sales and prescription clerks, and the latter, it is interesting to note, include a young Japanese. Graduated in chemistry from the University of Tokyo, this bright young man has been six months in the United States and is rapidly learning the English language and becoming proficient in the drug business. The exterior of the Schultz-Boswell pharmacy is shown on the preceding page.

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Name given a sterilized 10-per-cent solution of aristol in oil of sesame (National Druggist). It appears as a reddishbrown, oily liquid, claimed to be of boundless (unbegrenzte) stability. It is impossible, it is claimed, for it to become rancid, or decomposed. It is intended for various troubles in ophthalmological practice, especially in accidental cases of burning of the cornea, etc., from caustic alkalies. Put on the market by Farbenfabriken, vorm. F. Bayer & Co., Elberfeld. Borol.

A preparation of Parke, Davis & Co., containing borax, sodium bicarbonate, sodium benzoate, eucalyptol, thymol, menthol, pineol, and glycerin (National Druggist). Used as a spray, dissolved in six times its weight of water, in hayfever, nasal catarrh, and in mouth and throat troubles. It is not to be confounded, says Pharmaceutische Centralhalle, with another preparation going under the same name, and which is merely a molten mixture of boric acid and sodium, or potassium bisulphate.

Cinnamal.

This is said to be a concentrated aromatic prepared from Ceylon cinnamon. It is recommended as a prophylactic against influenza, etc. Marketed by Squire & Sons, London, W.

TAKEN AT ATLANTIC CITY.-On this page we are showing this month two "snap-shots" taken at the recent meeting of the A. Ph. A. in Atlantic City. In this illustration we have pleasure in introducing a pair of professors from the Brooklyn College of Pharmacy. Dr. W. C. Anderson, the dean, stands at the left, and the other gentleman is Dr. F. P. Tuthill, assistant professor of pharmacy.

TAKEN AT ATLANTIC CITY.-These five gentlemen, engaged arduously in holding up a hedge in the yard of the Hotel Islesworth, are, reading from the left, Charles A. Rapelye of Hartford, E. G. Eberle of Dallas, Texas, J. A. Koch of Pittsburg, H. M. Whelpley of St. Louis, and George Reimann of Buffalo.

Citraminum Oxyphenylicum.

According to J. Zernik, in the Apotheker Zeitung, this is a mixture, in equal parts, of hetralin (resorcino-hexamethylentetramin) and helmitol (anhydro-methylentetramin). It is said to appear as a white crystalline powder of a pleasant, somewhat acid taste, and a creosote-like odor. It dissolves in 5 parts of water, the solution having an acid reaction. Eutannin.

This is a new intestinal astringent, of unknown composition as yet. It can be taken by children at the breast, who show no repugnance to it. It is used in acute and chronic diarrheas. It is marketed by the Chemische Fabrik Vogtenberger & Foehr, in Feuerbach bei Stuttgard.

Ferrocolin.

This is a pleasant tasting liquid which is said by its makers to consist of a solution of peptonized guaiacol-iron albuminate. Manufactured by Apotheker A. Kreher, Lichtenfels am Main. Glyphocal.

A compound syrup of the glycerophosphates of calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and iron, along with pepsin and diastase. The same glycerophosphates, in another series, carry malt extract, hematogen, etc., and all are marketed by Squire & Sons of London.

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Iodalia.

An organic iodine-tannin combination, each fluidrachm of which contains 1 grain of iodine (National Druggist). It has a pleasant taste and is said to be stable under all ordinary circumstances. Iodalia, it is claimed, causes no iodism or other unpleasant and harmful sequelae of iodine or iodide of potassium, and hence is recommended as the remedy in intensive iodine medication. The manufacturers claim that it is well tolerated even by young children, and may be used wherever iodine is indicated. The adult dose is from 2 drachms to half an ounce.

Thiderol.

A syrupy guaiacol preparation, each 10 Gm. of which contain 20 cgm. of guaiacol. It is used in lung and laryngeal troubles, in which the pure guaiacol effect is desired. The dose is a teaspoonful three or four times a day.

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