One mil of a normal volumetric solution of sulphuric acid requires for exact neutralization one mil of a normal volumetric solution of potassium hydroxide. Titrating against a normal volumetric solution of potassium hydroxide is the commonly-accepted method for ascertaining acid strength. The ninth revision of the Pharmacopoeia (Part II, page 555) gives explicit general directions as to aids in accuracy in volumetric work, and we advise you to consult this authority. You will then be in a position to intelligently work out problems involving at knowledge of volumetric analysis. Patent Barley. W. A. L. asks: "What is 'patent barley?'" We assume that by "patent barley" is meant a preparation similar to several of the infant and invalid foods on the market. These are sometimes prepared by roasting (not steaming) barley or other flour. The roasting process removes all moisture, besides producing some chemical changes in the fats and starches. Cereals treated in this manner will keep from molding in any climate, and are said to be both digestible and nutritious. The German pharmacopoeia of 1872 recognized a preparation under the name "Prepared Barley Flour," which was directed to be prepared by packing barley flour into a welltinned vessel until the latter is not over twothirds full, then closing the vessel tightly, and heating on a steam bath for 30 hours. Every ten hours the can should be opened, the contents mixed by stirring, and then repacked as firmly as possible. Ethyl Alcohol from Sawdust. F. A. M. writes: "Not long ago I saw a statement which said that ethyl alcohol could be made from wood. Can you tell me if the statement was a true one or whether it was methyl alcohol that was meant?" Methyl alcohol is commonly obtained, according to the text-books, by the destructive distillation of wood. The wood is heated in airtight retorts so that it decomposes without burning, and during the process certain gases are liberated which, when condensed, constitute methyl alcohol. When, however, wood is reduced to sawdust, and the sawdust treated with an acid to produce fermentable sugars, the sugars thus formed can, by fermentation, be converted into ethyl alcohol. Government chemists at the Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wis., are authority for the statement that ethyl alcohol made from sawdust is not in any way less safe to use than that obtained from grain or molasses. The amount of impurities in commercial ethyl alcohol, they say, is very small, and the impurities are probably even less objectionable when wood sawdust is used as a base than when grain or molasses is used. Ethyl alcohol has, it is stated, been manufactured from sawdust for several years in this country. A ton of dry sawdust will produce 15 to 25 gallons of 190-proof spirit, and a plant large enough to distill 2500 to 3000 gallons daily can make alcohol at a cost of 14 to 20 cents a gallon, according to the estimate of the Government laboratory. Blue Color for Preserved Fruits. S. M. writes: "I would like to know of a harmless blue coloring agent that may be added to preserved fruits." We suggest the use of what are known as certified colors-coal-tar derivatives from which all arsenic compounds or other injurious ingredients have been removed. The employment of certified colors in the preparation of foods, preserves, etc., is permitted by the United States Department of Agriculture. Information concerning their use may be obtained from Government Bulletins Nos. 76 and 117, issued by the Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. Certified colors are procurable from wholesale drug houses or from dealers in bakers' and confectioners' supplies. Green Ginger. W. A. L. asks: "What is the 'green ginger' that is used for preserving?" The rhizome of zingiber officinale collected The rhizomes when green and succulent. before being boiled with syrup (to make the preserve) should be carefully decorticated. W. C. H.: Formulas for preserving vegetables and fruits for show purposes were printed on page 350 of the August BULLETIN. "ROBERTSON'S FRUIT TABLETS will keep indefinitely, but sell so rapidly after once tried that their keeping qualities are rarely tested," says the Robertson Candy Co., 286 Greenwich Street, New York City. Why not ask the company to point out the profit possibilities in handling fruit tablets? A letter written on your store stationery will bring trade prices and details of the line. "SHE determined to be boss of the house, but he was pretty strong-willed himself." "How'd she manage it?" "Became his cook, instead of his wife."-Buffalo Express. WHEN a "Peerless" brand cork goes into a bottle it comes out whole. It doesn't break off or crumble. That's one reason why particular pharmacists specify "Peerless" corks. They are made by the J. H. Paddock Co., Bush Terminal, Brooklyn, N. Y. THE elder Booth, the tragedian, had a broken nose. A woman friend once remarked to him: "I like your acting, Mr. Booth, but to be perfectly frank with you, I can't get over your nose!" "No wonder, madam," replied Booth; "the bridge is gone."-Ladies' Home Journal. THE PISO COMPANY, Warren, Pa., announces the following price changes on its products: Piso's Remedy (for coughs and colds), $2.40 a dozen, list price; 30 cents a bottle, retail. Piso's Catarrh Balm, $2.40 a dozen, list price; 30 cents a tube, retail. Piso's Tablets, $4.80 a dozen, list price; 60 cents a box retail. On assorted orders amounting to $14.40 or more wholesalers are authorized to allow a discount of 5 per cent. Druggists who have any Piso preparations bearing the former selling prices in stock are asked to write to the company for gummed labels bearing the new retail prices. The new labels are to be pasted over the old price marks. SPIKE TUFF: Me fodder knew a month before his death when he would die. Jim: Who told him? Spike Tuff: The judge.-Lamb. IT IS NOT NECESSARY to tell you that women always want Diamond Dyes But it is sometimes necessary to remind you to be sure to see to it that you have a good stock on hand. The Maas Carbonator MOS PAT. DEC. 5.1916 Why continue to do without a carbonator and divide Why use antiquated, time-consuming methods or and save yourself time and trouble by installing a Maas The Maas Carbonator is small and compact, stands only 20 inches high and Jobbers Everywhere. MAAS CARBONATOR COMPANY, 250 W. Water Street, CALLER: "Doctor, have you ever treated a patient for loss of memory?" Doctor: "Oh, yes, indeed. I employ a bill collector quite often."-Boston Transcript. ATTRACTIVE store displays, novelty cards, and beautiful illustrated booklets are furnished, free of charge, to druggists who handle Hostetter Stomach Bitters"advertised everywhere and all the time." To get your supply of this trade-compelling advertising matter ask the Hostetter Co., 59 and 60 Water Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. "WHAT a bouncing boy!" "Yes'm; its father is a rubber man."-Goodrich News. SEVENTY-FIVE PER CENT net profit. The special assortment of Pond's Extract Company's "Vanishing Cream" nets the druggist that amount. For particulars address Lamont, Corliss & Co., Dept. S, 131 Hudson Street, New York City. STRANGER: Why don't you try to cheer the baby up? Little Girl: Say, did you ever try to cheer anybody up who'd ate five bananas an' a half pound o' citron candy?-Tit-Bits. Ir was just after a rainstorm, and two men were walking down the street behind a young woman who was holding her skirt rather high. After an argument as to the merits of the case, one of the men stepped forward and said: "Pardon me, miss, but aren't you holding your skirt rather high?" "Haven't I a perfect right?" she snapped. "You certainly have, Miss, and a peach of a left," he replied.-Ladies' Home Journal. HERE are two advantages of the Lock-Stub Check System of controlling soda-fountain receipts to be used where a cashier is employed: It quickly and permanently stops "leaks," whether from carelessness or dishonesty. It provides a clean check for each customer. A booklet describing the complete system, and explaining expensive irregularities likely to occur under antiquated systems, will be mailed to you if you write the Lock-Stub Check Co., Bush Terminal, Brooklyn, N. Y., or 22 Quincy Street, Chicago, Ill. Either address. EDITOR: How's the new society reporter? I told him to condense as much as possible. Assistant: He did. Here's his account of yesterday's afternoon tea: "Mrs. Lovely poured, Mrs. Javver roared, Mrs. Duller bored, Mrs. Rasping gored, and Mrs. Embonpoint snored."-Yovne. |