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PROCEEDINGS
in

ARY
OF THE
VES
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION,
1851-77
AT THE
ANNUAL MEETING,
Held in Boston, August 24th, 25th and 26th, 1853.
Published by Direction of the Association.
PHILADELPHIA:
MERRI HEW AND THOMPSON, PRINTERS,
Merchant Street, above Fourth.
1853.
NOTE BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
In publishing the Proceedings and the documents that follow, by authority of
the Association, the Committee deem it proper to state, that where they have
found it necessary to introduce notes for the purpose of explanation, such addi-
tions are in brackets. In giving a short abstract of the President's Address, they
believe it due to that officer, and have assumed the responsibility of its approval
by the Association. In the statistical reports they have omitted such parts as
were uncalled for, and have transferred several paragraphs relating to laws on
poisons, to the report on that subject. Although not so instructed, they have felt
it necessary to append a copy of the Constitution as amended by the action of
the present meeting, and the Code of Ethics, for the information of many who may
receive the Proceeedings of the Association, and be unacquainted with its laws
and regulations. Finally, they have added a complete list of the members, a
catalogue of the special committees appointed to report next year, and the address
of the officers of the Association.
WILLIAM PROCTER, Jr.,
THOMAS B. MERRICK,
JOSEPH LAIDLEY.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
THE AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION met at the HALL
of the MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, Boston, August
24th, 1853, at 11 o'clock A.M.
In the absence of Daniel B. Smith, President of the Association,
the meeting was called to order by Samuel M. Colcord, of Boston,
one of the Vice Presidents.
The Secretary being absent, Edward Parrish, of Philadelphia,
was appointed temporary secretary. The roll of the Association
being called, nine permanent members answered to their names.
A Committee on Credentials, consisting of Charles Ellis, of Phila-
delphia, C. Augustus Smith, of Cincinnati, and Samuel R. Phil-
brick, of Boston, was appointed by the chair.
This committee retired, and after a recess reported the following
list of delegates, and gentlemen who are properly recommended for
membership, viz:
From the Richmond Pharmaceutical Society.-Alexander Duval,
James P. Purcell, William S. Beers, S. M. Zachrisson, and W. A.
Strother.
From the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy.-William B. Chap-
man, M. D., J. M. Gordon, M. Allen, C. Augustus Smith, and E. S.
Wayne.
From the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.-Daniel B. Smith,
Charles Ellis, William Procter, Jr., Charles Bullock, and Edward
Parrish.
From the New York College of Pharmacy.-George D. Cogge
shall, J. S. Aspinwall, Thomas B. Merrick, Eugene Dupuy, and
Junius Gridley.
From the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.Daniel Hench-
man, William A. Brewer, Thomas Restieaux, T. L. Turner, and
H. W. Lincoln.
As a representative of the Druggists and Apothecaries of Terre
Haute, Indiana.-Thomas H. Barr.
The following names were reported on the recommendation of
members.
From Memphis, Tennessee.-C. B. Guthrie, M. D.
From Boston, Massachusetts.-Thomas Hollis, Andrew Geyer,
and Emery Souther.
4
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
From Bennington, Vermont.-S. P. Peck.
་
From St. Johnsbury, Vermont.--J. C. Bingham.
From Portland, Maine.--H. T. Cummings, M. D.
The roll being now called, the following members were found to
be present; and those who had not already signed the Constitution,
proceeded to do so:
Daniel Henchman,
Thomas Restieaux,
Henry W. Lincoln,
Thomas Hollis,
J. C. Bingham,
Eugene Dupuy,
William Procter, Jr.,
S. M. Zachrisson,
Wm. B. Chapman,
William A. Brewer,
Samuel M. Colcord,
Emery Souther,
H. T. Cummings,
Henry F. Fish,
Junius Gridley,
Edward Parrish,
Joseph Laidley,
Thomas H. Barr,
S. R. Philbrick,
T. Larkin Turner,
Andrew Geyer,
S. P. Peck,
T. B. Merrick,
Charles Ellis,
Alexander Duval,
C. Augustus Smith,
C. B. Guthrie.
On motion, a Committee was selected to nominate officers for the
Association. The members of this committee were appointed by
the respective delegations, as follows:
Philadelphia, W. Procter, Jr.; New York, J. Gridley; Cincin-
nati, W. B. Chapman; Richmond, S. M. Zachrisson; and Massa-
chusetts, T. Restieaux.
On motion of J. Laidley, the chair appointed the following addi-
tional members to represent the undelegated members of the Asso-
ciation: J. Laidley, H. F. Fish, and E. Dupuy. After a recess, the
committee reported the following nominations:
For President.-WILLIAM A. BREWER, of Massachusetts.
For Vice Presidents.-GEORGE D. COGGESHALL, of New York;
ALEXANDER DUVAL, of Virginia; C. B. GUTHRIE, of Tennessee.
For Recording Secretary.-EDWARD PARRISH, of Pennsylvania.
For Corresponding Secretary.-WILLIAM B. CHAPMAN, of Ohio.
For Treasurer.-ALFRED B. TAYLOR, of Pennsylvania.
For Executive Committee.-WILLIAM PROCTER, Jr., of Pennsyl
vania; THOMAS B. MERRICK, of New York; JOSEPH LAIDLEY, of
Virginia.
The report was on motion accepted.
A motion made by C. Augustus Smith, that the officers now
nominated be declared the officers of the Association for the ensuing
year, was, after some discussion, negatived.
It was resolved to proceed to ballot separately for the officers
named.
C. Ellis and C. A. Smith were appointed tellers, who, after the
ballot, reported that all of the gentlemen named had been duly
elected to the several offices for which they were nominated.
The President was conducted to the chair, and made an appro-
priate address.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
5
[In complying with the expressed wish of the Association, the President elect
desired to acknowledge his thankfulness for the confidence reposed in him, with-
out attempting a speech; else, like Icarus, in his flight from Minos, he might
find his means inadequate, and be precipitated into the Ægean of ill success.
Alluding to the numerous and varied qualifications of the pharmaceutical body
in the United States, he remarked that the Association was designed to elevate
the status, not merely of the members, but of the whole profession, and through
them to benefit the public at large.
In relation to the duties of the chair, he promised his earnest efforts to admi-
nister them impartially, in accordance with the received rules of deliberative
assemblies; and claimed the sympathy and support of his brethren.
As a delegate from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, he welcomed the
Association to their Hall, and hoped it might prove a pleasant professional home
to all who met on the occasion. He announced that the room would be open at
all times during the sessions of the Association; that provision was made for
transmitting the letters, &c., to and from the post-office; and that a messenger
would be in attendance at the service of the members. Mr. Brewer concluded
his remarks by offering for the inspection of the members, a cabinet of speci-
mens of indigenous medicinal plants and roots, pressed, and in bottles, prepared
for the occasion by Mr. S. T. Atherton, of the United Society, Harvard, Mass-
achusetts.-EXEC. COM.]
The report of the Treasurer was received, read, and referred to
C. A. Smith and H. F. Fish, to be audited.
The report of the Executive Committee for the past year, was
read by Professor Procter, its chairman, as follows:
The Executive Committee appointed in October last to carry out the purposes
of the Convention then held, Report-that immediately after the adjournment
of that body, they prepared an account of its proceedings, embracing the chief
topics of discussion, with an appendix consisting of the Constitution and Code of
Ethics of the Association, together with the reports of Dr. Bailey and Mr. Hamil-
ton on the Inspection of Drugs, of which the accompanying pamphlet marked A,
is a copy. One thousand of these were printed and distributed over nearly every
State in the Union, by the members of the Committee.
The expenses incurred in getting up the "Proceedings," were not met by the
funds in the treasury. The deficit, together with the expenses incident to the
distribution of the pamphlet, &c., will be found in the accompanying document
marked B.
It having been "Resolved that the Executive Committee be requesed to obtain,
through the several Colleges of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Associations,"
answers to the resolutions adopted by the Convention in reference to statistics;
this Coinmittee communicated with the several bodies indicated, and have re-
ceived reports from Boston, Philadelphia, Richmond, Cincinnati, and New York,
which are marked C, D, E, F, G, in the annexed papers.
As a large portion of the United States lies beyond the immediate influence
of the organized bodies, the Committee deemed it proper to take advantage of
the Circular issued by the Philadelphia College to query in the several States
south and west, and although the apathy of many persons addressed has pre-
vented the resulting information from being full and uniform, yet it is sufficiently
interesting to communicate. In reference to the Richmond report, it is proper
to state, that it is not the result of any action of the Society, but comes from the
president in his individual capacity, and its brevity has induced the Committee
to avail themselves of the full communications of Mr. Laidley, of Richmond,
Dr. Cooke, of Fredericksburg, Dr. Stabler, of Alexandria, and Mr. C. A. Santos,
of Norfolk, to present a view of the condition of pharmacy in Virginia. In re-
gard to most of the Southern and Western States, our information has been only
enough to get a general idea of the condition of our art there; the large propor-
tion of agricultural population, and the few large towns and cities that exist,
6
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
:
give a more uniform cast to the pharmaceutical peculiarities of that region. The
untimely death of our associate, Mr. C. L. Bache, of San Francisco, deprived
us of an expected report on the state of Pharmacy in California; yet, owing to
the thoughtfulness of Mr. Gustavus L. Simmons, of Sacramento, in that State,
we are enabled to give a partial account of it, which will be found, with the
other inforination, in the document marked H.
The Executive Committee, although not specially so instructed, have deemed
it their province to bring forward such suggestions, regarding subjects properly
claiming the consideration of the Association that have not been specially re-
ferred to Committees, as have presented themselves in the course of their official
duty, and now offer the following propositions, viz:
1st. To increase the future usefulness of the Association, it is proposed that
a system of local secretaryships be adopted, which in the beginning may be
limited to the larger cities and chief towns, and so distributed over the several
States, as to enable the Corresponding Secretary and the Executive Committee
to obtain and distribute information in an effectual manner. At first, it is pro-
posed to appoint the local secretaries from among pharmaceutists known to
reside in the localities chosen; and afterwards, if more agreeable to the body
at large, in each place, the name of a person for secretary may be suggested by
his brethren as their medium of communication, to be confirmed at a meeting
of the Association. We believe that there are qualified persons who have the
good of the profession at heart in most of the cities, and that such an organiza-
tion would greatly increase the power of the Association in carrying out its dis-
interested measures for the advancement of pharmacy.
2d. It is recommended that the collection and arrangement of the Statistics of
Pharmacy in the United States, be committed to a special committee, properly
authorized to act for the Association, in such manner as shall most effectually
and speedily obtain a list of the reputable druggists and pharmaceutists in each
place; ascertain the degree to which medicine and pharmacy are separated; the
condition of dispensing pharmacy; the condition and progress of preparative or
manufacturing pharmacy; the extent to which the apprenticeship system pre-
vails, and whether any attention is given to furnish apprentices with proper
books for the study of their business; and finally, whether there is any disposi-
tion to organize local societies.
3d. It is suggested that the subject of pharmaceutical education be entrusted to
a special committee at the commencement of the session, that they may have time
to prepare an address to the pharmaceutists of the whole country, which shall
enter into the practical difficulties which oppose the attainment of pharmaceutic
knowledge by assistants and apprentices, point them out, and encourage the
brethren to extend reasonable aid to those in their service, both by personal in-
terest, and by providing books and the opportunity to use them ;-and also shall
recommend attention to the proper preparatory education and mental fitness of
apprentices for the responsible offices involved in their duties.
4th. It is proposed that the idea of universally adopting a single definite name,
which shall indicate the qualification for preparing and dispensing drugs and
medicines, as possessed by thorough-bred chemists and druggists, or apothe-
caries, be considered, and its propriety decided on. The word "Physician" in-
dicates a person educated to practice medicine in all its branches; why should
not "Pharmacian" define a qualified practitioner of pharmacy?
5th. It is recommended that the Association shall earnestly advocate the ex-
tensive issue of a cheap and accurate edition of the United States Pharmacopoeia;
say at the price of seventy-five cents or one dollar. Of the large number of
persons who, in this country, lay claim to the names of apothecaries and phy-
sicians, a great proportion have never seen the Pharmacopoeia as a separate and
distinct work, a fact easily understood, when it is stated that but 1500 copies are
published in ten years! In many localities the U. S. Dispensatory is considered
to be the Pharmacopoeia. Physicians are constantly prescribing medicines
under unofficinal names, and apothecaries making officinal preparations by
foreign formulæ, because in the dispensatory the receipes are all commingled in
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
7
}
such a manner as to lead to confusion. This would be prevented, and a greater
uniformity of practice created, by making the Pharmacopoeia, with its clearly
defined recipes, the guide at the counter, and in the laboratory, for the officinal
preparations.
6th. We believe that the action of the Association should not be limited to
the practical, the ethical, and the educational interests of the profession,—
should not stop within the limits of self-improvement. American pharmaceutists
owe a large debt to their brethren in Europe, for a constant influx of know-
ledge, the result of their past and present investigations in pharmacy and its ac-
cessory sciences; and the time has fully arrived, when, as Americans, they
should feel bound to render a larger return than individual efforts have hereto-
fore accomplished. The pharmaceutical societies of Europe, offer annually,
prizes for the determination of questions deeply interwoven with the practice or
science of pharmacy, and thus elicit valuable accessions to existing knowledge.
We believe that the Association is now competent to adopt a course of this
kind, as an incitement to dormant ability, and to awaken laudable ambition.
At first, if the idea is adopted, the prizes should be limited in value, except as
symbolic of reward for honorable and successful enterprise.
To make the proposition clearer, a few questions appropriate for such ob-
jects will be instanced.
a. It is conceded that Digitalis of American growth is less active and efficient
as an arterial sedative and diuretic than that of English origin. Is this deterio-
ration due to the less abundant formation of digitalin; to its modification; or
to any other definable cause?
b. What are the impediments, if any exist, to the free cultivation of Colchicum
autumnale in the United States, so as to preserve its power unimpaired; and is
it true that the recent cormus is more active than the same carefully dried, and
if so, why?
c. Do Hyoscyamus and Belladonna, grown in the United States, contain the
active principles in the same proportions as the European plants?
d. Spigelia is admitted to possess positive anthelmintic power. Does this
power reside in a distinct, well-defined principle, capable itself of producing the
effects of Spigelia; if so, isolate and describe it?
e. The best essay on extemporaneous pharmacy which shall treat of the in-
compatible combinations most usually prescribed, the best manner of avoiding
them, and the most efficient methods of proceeding in effecting the union of sub-
stances that are physically incompatible, as emulsions, certain liniments, certain
pill ingredients, &c.
f. For the best essay on the identification of volatile oils when mixed, their pre-
servation, and the actual effects of light and air on them, under the ordinary cir-
cumstances that they are kept in the shop, so as to decide the question
whether all of them, or only a part, should be kept in the dark, to prevent
change?
g. For an essay which shall develop the commercial history of all drugs in-
digenous to the United States, as senega, spigelia, serpentaria, &c., as regards
the manner and places of their collection for the supply of commerce, the annual
amount collected, and the channels through which they enter general com-
merce.
h. For the best essay on the construction and material of pharmaceutical ap-
paratus, including that for evaporation, distillation and solution more especially,
as regards economy, convenience and effectiveness; with a view to the ordinary
wants of a thorough pharmaceutist.
Such are a few of the questions which might be offered. The nature and
value of the prizes, and the local or general invitation to the competition, will
require mature consideration, should the idea be adopted.
7th. An efficient committee might be appointed to inquire into the nature,
extent, and locality of home adulterations, and propose a remedy.
8th. Whether it would be advisable to appoint a committee to con-
sider the subject of state and municipal laws in relation to controlling the trade
Uor M
8
со
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
in drugs and medicines, and whether such laws would be likely to prove salu-
tary, without oppressing the well-disposed druggist and pharmaceutist.
(Signed)
WILLIAM PROCTER, JR.,
GEORGE D. COGGESHALL,*
On behalf of the Executive Committee.
Pending the reading of the Statistical reports accompanying it,
the Association, on notion of D. Henchman, adjourned till half-past
3 o'clock in the afternoon.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The members generally assembled, the President in the chair.
The Committee to audit the Treasurer's account, made a written
report that it was correct, and they were discharged.
In the absence of the Treasurer, W. Procter, Jr., was appointed
to serve in his place, and proceeded to collect the annual contri-
butions of members present.
The following, offered by Jos. Laidley, was adopted.
Resolved, That the members and officers of the Massachusetts
College of Pharmacy, be invited to attend the sittings of the present
meeting of the American Pharmaceutical Association.
The Chairman of the Executive Committee proceeded with the
reading of the documents accompanying his report, till finished.
On motion of C. B. Guthrie they were accepted.
[For extracts from these documents, see Appendix.]
The Committee appointed last year to consider the whole subject
of the Inspection of Drugs, with reference to fixing standards for
imported drugs, presented a report, which was read, and on motion
accepted.
C. B. Guthrie moved the report of the Committee on the Sale of
Poisons be postponed till to-morrow. The motion was not agreed
to, and the report was accordingly read.
The Committee to whom was referred "the subject of the indiscriminate
sale of poisons, as now conducted by apothecaries, druggists and others, as
regards the practicability of effecting some useful reform in the present state
of the traffic," Report: that they have been engaged since the time of their ap-
pointment in endeavoring to collect information relating to the subject, and in
considering it in view of the object of the Association; yet they have been but
partially successful. In the course of their inquiry the measures adopted by
European legislators, naturally claimed attention, and what they now have to
offer will include a notice of the measures legalized in Europe, the condition of
the traffic in this country, and suggestions tending to regulate the sale of popu-
lar poisons in this country.
In Prussia, and perhaps in Germany generally, the law requires the apothe-
cary to keep poisons in a closet under lock and key, and not to sell them but
under certain conditions to persons free from suspicion. The poisonous sub-
stance, be it arsenic or other, must be enclosed in a box, tied, sealed and in-
scribed with the German or French name, and the Latin name; and marked with a
Death's head or three Crosses. It is also necessary, in some of the German
States, for the purchaser to give a receipt declaring the name and quantity of the
* Mr. Joseph Burnett, the third member of the committee, was absent in
Europe, and did not see or sign the report.
Maou
1
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
poison, that it was dispensed according to regulations, and that the seller is
exonerated from all blame for its misuse.
In France, the law designates the substances considered poisons in view of
the Government, which are required to be kept under lock and key, much to the
annoyance of the Pharmaciens. These substances are Hydrocyanic Acid, the
poisonous vegetable alkaloids and their salts, Arsenic and its preparations, Bella-
dona and its extract and tincture, Cantharides in substance or extract, Chloro-
form, Hemlock and its extract and tincture, Cyanide of Mercury, Cyanide of
Potassium, Digitalis its extract and tincture, Tartar Emetic, Hyoscyamus its ex-
tract and tincture, Nicotine, Nitrate of Mercury, Opium and its extract, Phos-
phorus, Ergot of Rye, Stramonium extract and tincture, and Corrosive Subli-
mate.
In Great Britain, the country most analogous to our own in the character of
its population, and the legal and economical usages that exist, the sale of poi-
sons until recently was completely unrestrained by law, except perhaps a few
municipal regulations. In the latter part of 1819 the subject of the loose man-
ner in which the sale of poisons was conducted, and the frequent ill results that
followed, was brought to the attention of the House of Commons by the Pr.-
vincial Medical and Surgical Association, praying that no druggist be allowed to
sell arsenic without a license, under penalty; that no person be allowed to seli
small quantities of arsenic unless combined with some distinctive coloring
material, that every purchaser must have a witness, and that every vender
should keep a strict record. The petitioners stated that, of the fatal cases of
poisoning, one-third were from arsenic, and that in 1837-8 these cases amounted
to 185!
Pending the action of Parliament, the subject was referred to a Committee by
the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society, who, as a preparatory step, issued a
circular of inquiries to 1600 members, over England and Scotland, querying
whether the parties sold arsenic; under what regulations, if any, for what
objects and to what classes of persons, what trades employ it, whether general
dealers sell it, would it do to prohibit its retail sale, how is it dispensed, what
number of accidents and whether these occur from its use by agriculturists ?
The Committee reported that a majority of the Chemists and Druggists re-
quire witnesses in selling arsenic, label the inner and outer wrappers, and some
color it. The classes of persons who buy arsenic are colorists and chemical
manufacturers, candle-makers, farmers, flock-masters, veterinary surgeons, ship-
wrights, glass manufacturers, and dyers, in large quantities; and braziers, white-
smiths, bird stuffers, gamekeepers, gardeners, grooms, whitewashers, painters.
pyrotechnists, ratcatchers, and housekeepers of all grades, for vermin, in small
quantities. They ascertained that arsenic was employed most extensively
through the agricultural districts, both for sheep-dipping and for steeping wheat.
About 40 lbs. of arsenic are required for every 1000 sheep to kill vermin. Of
728 answers, 509 advocated prohibition; yet the numerous legitimate uses of
the poison render its sale necessary. One large farmer had killed in a year
more than 40,000 rats. The Committee arrived at the following conclusions,
viz:-
1st. That with regular chemists and druggists, proper precautions are taken
and few accidents occur.
2nd. That the unrestricted sale of poisons in general by unqualified persons
is the great source of danger.
3rd. And that the total prohibition of the retail sale of arsenic is impractica-
ble and inconsistent with the requirements of legitimate trade.
Subsequently on the 5th of June, 1851, Parliament enacted a law requiring
1st. That all arsenic sales shall be witnessed by a third party when the pur-
chaser is unknown to the vender.
2d. That all arsenic sales shall be registered in a book in a specified form.
3d. That not less than ten lbs. of arsenic shall be sold unless colored by soot
or indigo, unless for a specified purpose in the arts, under a penalty of $100.
4th. That the Act shall not apply to arsenic used medicinally, or to the inter-
course between wholesale and retail dealers.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
10
5th. And that the word "arsenic" includes all preparations of arsenious and
arsenic acids and other colorless poisonous preparations of arsenic.
The Act was confined to arsenic because it was the most generally known and
most accessible poison, and because restrictive legislation on the whole list of
poisons was looked upon as impossible. The poison is sold in all quantities,
from a pennyworth up, at petty stores and by general dealers in England, and the
Arsenic Act, without depriving these of their right to sell, compels them to do
it as above.
To the correspondence they have instituted, your Committee have received
answers from parts of Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maryland, the
District of Columbia, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi,
Louisiana, Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, and California.
It appears that but little State legislation has taken place in regard to the sale
of poisons. In Ohio an Act somewhat similar to the English Arsenic Act”
was passed soon after the latter, requiring the poison to be mixed with soot or
indigo before being retailed, yet but little regard is had to it in practice.
[The following is a copy of the Ohio law, taken from the Cincinnati Report.
SEC. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That it
shall not hereafter be lawful for any apothecary, druggist, or other person in
this State, to sell or give away any article belonging to the class of medicines,
usually denominated poisons, except in compliance with the restrictions con-
tained in this act.
SEC. 2. That every apothecary, druggist, or other person who shall sell or
give away, except upon the prescription of a physician, any article or articles.
of medicine belonging to the class usually known as poisons, shall be required:
1st. To register in a book kept for the purpose, the name, age, sex, and color
of the person obtaining such poison.
2d. The quantity sold.
3d. The purpose for which it is required.
4th. The day and date on which it was obtained.
5th. The name and place of abode of the person for whom the article is in-
tended.
6th. To carefully mark the word "poison" upon the label or wrapper of each
package.
7th. To neither sell nor give away any article of poison to minors of either
sex.
SEC. 3. That no apothecary, druggist, or other person, shall be permitted
to sell or give away any quantity of arsenic less than one pound, without first
mixing either soot or indigo therewith, in the proportion of one ounce of soot or
half an ounce of indigo, to the pound of arsenic.
SEC. 4. That any person offending against the provisions of this act, shall
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined
in any sum not less than twenty, nor more than two hundred dollars, at the dis-
cretion of any court of competent jurisdiction.
Sec. 5. This act to take effect and be in force, from and after its passage.-
Exec. Comm.]
In New Hampshire a State law exists requiring “Every apothecary, druggist,
or other person, who shall sell any arsenic, corrosive sublimate, nux vomica,
strychnia, or prussic acid, shall make a record of such sale in a book kept for
that purpose, specifying the kind and quantity of the article sold, and the time
when, and the name of the person to whom such sale is made, which record shall
be open to all persons who may wish to examine the same.”
The other sections exempt physicians prescriptions, and provide a penalty of
$100, for the violation of the first section. Mr. Edward H. Parker, of Concord,
N. H., in giving this information, states, that the law is almost if not entirely
ineffectual, and that not more than one in five of the druggists pretend to keep
such a record, and some are not even aware of its existence. The effect has
been to confine the sale of poisons to the druggist, as "grocers and shop-keepers
rarely, if ever, retail arsenic or other poisons specified in this law."
·
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
11
[The following law of the State of New York is derived from the report of the
N. Y. College of Pharmacy, on statistics. "Every apothecary, druggist, or
other person, who shall sell or deliver any arsenic, corrosive sublimate, prussic
acid, or any other substance or liquid usually denominated Poisonous, without
having the word poison written or printed upon a label attached to the phial,
box or parcel in which the same is sold; or who shall sell and deliver any tartar
emetic, without having the true name thereof written or printed upon a label at-
tached to the phial, box or parcel containing the same, shall upon conviction be
adjudged guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding
one hundred dollars." Exec. Comm.]
Through Mr. Peck, of Bennington, it appears that no law bearing on the sale
of poisons, exists in Vermont. The regular druggists take generally the proper
precautions, but at nearly all of the little stores in the villages throughout the
state, arsenic, opium, and even strychnia are sold without being labelled.
In the large cities, the better class of druggists and apothecaries are ex-
ceedingly careful in the sale of all poisons; many refuse to sell arsenic at all
except in medicine, and strychnia and poisons of that kind are refused without a
prescription, except in special cases, where the applicant is well known and the
purpose obvious to the vender. Yet it cannot be denied that many others, while
careful to label poisons, are not sufficiently discriminative in their sale. It has
become usual in many places to employ corrosive sublimate as a bug poison.
Many druggists require that the purchaser shall bring a bottle that can be
properly labelled-some are willing to sell the poison in substance, and risk its
subsequent appropriate use. In view of the abundant employment of this poison
in families, often put in the hands of servants-it is surprising that so few acci-
dents occur with it.
Our inquiries from correspondents in the South and South West, exhibit that
no State laws exist restricting the sale of poisons, to persons not suspicious, yet
there is an universal practice of refusing arsenic and other poisons to the black
population, unless they bring a satisfactory order from employers or owners.
In middle Florida, "opium, morphia, strychnia, nux vomica and arsenic" can
be procured from the general storekeepers without difficulty, and the practice
of keeping poisons for destroying vermin and animals, by the country store-
keeper, is very common throughout the whole Western, Southern, and Middle
States. Perhaps the chief demand for arsenic from country stores is by farmers
and millers as a ratsbane. The tastelessness and effectiveness of this poison
renders it superior to all others for this purpose, and hence its employment in
mills and barns, where it has too often occasioned accidents to horses and to
poultry; to the latter from the sweepings of the mill floor, sold commonly for
the purpose of feeding such stock. Several valuable horses were destroyed in
this way near Bladensburg, Maryland, a few months since.
Our correspondent at Sacramento California, Mr. G. L. Simmons, states,
"that large quantities of all kinds of poisons are sold by grocers as well as by
druggists. The larger part is used for the destruction of animal life. The
regular sales of strychnia must be immense. Its more speedy effects than most.
other poisons is liked by the "Ranche-men," who are the principal customers.
Arsenic, is also sold but chiefly as ratsbane. Since the year 1849, no case of
poisoning by arsenic has come to my knowledge.'
ten years.
>>
We have reason to believe that a large proportion of the strychnia made, is
used to poison wolves and other carnivorous wild animals in the newly settled
territories where the population is sparse. It is generally admitted, that the
sale of arsenic by druggists in the Atlantic cities has increased many fold within
The quantity is vastly too great for use as a poison, and we believe
the demand is chiefly attributable to the requirements of new branches of manu-
factures, and, perhaps, by wool growers. In reference to strychnia, the increased
use of which is directly attributable to the pioneers and hunters of our exten-
sive and rapidly peopling territories, both for the purposes of the fur trade, and
protection from the dangerous carnivora, it may be stated that from the best
data the committee can arrive at, between 5,000 and 6,000 ounces are manu-
factured annually in this country, from about 120,000 pounds of nux vomica,
12
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
besides what is imported; and that one manufacturer of Philadelphia, in the year
ending June 3, made 1840 ounces from about 40,000 lbs. of that drug.
As regards cases of suicide, the poison most frequently chosen is laudanum or
opium, not only because it can be readily obtained without suspicion, but be-
cause the suffering is avoided. The immense increase in the consumption of
opium and its preparations, is a subject that deeply concerns the well wisher of
society. Their substitution for alcoholic liquids is but too frequent. The Com-
mittee have not entered into this branch of their inquiry, however, and have not
obtained any farts to communicate.
In making any suggestions with a view to remedying the evils appertaining to
the trade in poisons, the committee feel the necessity of keeping in sight the
habits and peculiarities of the people who are consumers, and do not believe that
the stringent measures adopted in Europe are calculated to work well in this
country. The absolute free trade which now exists, and its general use as a
ratshane, exhibits a remarkable carefulness in the use of arsenic, in so far as
fatal accidents are concerned. We believe that by far the larger portion of
apothecaries and retail druggists are careful in labelling this poison, and observe
some discrimination in its sale. As a class, they are better fitted by their
knowledge and judgment to guard against mal-uses than general dealers. We
are therefore prepared to recommend to the Association that the State Legis-
latures, who have not enacted laws on this subject, be petitioned to pass laws in
their several jurisdictions, confining the sale of arsenic, corrosive sublimate,
opium, strychnia and other poisons popularly known as such, for destroying life,
to druggists, apothecaries and physicians, who shall keep an accurate record of
such sales. That such sales shall not be made to minors or servants, unless
properly authorized by a responsible person; that all packages or bottles shall
be distinctly labelled with the name of the poison, and the word "poison !!" or a
death's head symbol, conspicuously printed, and that any sale of poisons fol-
lowed by accident, in which these precautions shall not have been observed, be
considered a misdemeanour punishable by legal process.
And to further recommend that the druggists and apothecaries of the United
States, do voluntarily adopt a system of precautions in the sale of poisons, both
for their own sake and that of the community, in view of the probable non-
action of the legislative bodies.
They believe that the community can be needfully supplied, even in the rural
districts, from their physician, who necessarily keeps medicines, or from the
apothecary in the nearest town, and a check would thus be given to the facility
of obtaining the poison, by the consequences of neglecting the legal precautions.
WILLIAM PROcter, Jr.,
S. R. PHILBRICK,
ALEX. DUVAL,
GEO. D. COGGESHALL,
On motion, the report was accepted.
Committee.
The Committee on Secret or Quack Medicines introduced a writ-
ten report, which was read, and, on motion, accepted.
C. Augustus Smith moved, that when we adjourn, we do so to
meet at half past seven o'clock this evening, which was adopted.
The following record was, on motion of the Secretary, directed
to be entered on the minutes, by a unanimous vote.
This Association has learned with deep regret the death of an
esteemed associate, present at its last annual meeting, Charles L.
Bache, of San Francisco, California. His amiable disposition, and
the probity of his professional and business character, located as he
was upon the very frontiers of the profession of pharmacy, had
gained for him the respect and esteem of the members of the Asso-
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
13
ciation, and have drawn from them this spontaneous tribute to his
memory.
EVENING SESSION.
Vice-President Alexander Duval in the chair.
The report of the Executive Committee was taken up, and the
suggestions therein contained, of subjects proper to claim the atten-
tion of the Association at its present meeting, were considered in
the order in which they were introduced in the report.
,
of
1st. The proposition for "Local Secretaryships." After much
discussion in regard to the proper functions, rights, and mode of
appointment of these officers, and whether they should be constituted
full members or only semi-official correspondents of the Association,
C. B. Guthrie, of Tennessee, offered the following resolution:
"Resolved, That Mr.
, in the state of
be and is hereby appointed local correspondent for this Association,
for the ensuing year." These blanks to be filled, and the number
selected in this way to be increased at the pleasure of the meeting.
Pending the consideration of this, C. A. Smith moved a reference
of the whole subject to a Select Committee, to mature a suitable
proposition to meet the object, and report as early as practicable,
which was adopted. The chair appointed C. A. Smith, H. F. Fish,
and W. Procter, Jr.
2d. The recommendation for a Special Committee on the collection
and arrangement of the statistics of pharmacy in the United States,
was adopted, and five fixed upon as the number of members of the
Committee. The chair appointed the following members to the
service: C. B. Guthrie, T. B. Merrick, Joseph Laidley, W. B.
Chapman, and H. T. Cummings.
3d. The preparation of an Address on Pharmaceutical Educa-
tion. This was on motion referred to a Special Committee of three,
to report at the next annual meeting. The appointment of the
Committee was deferred till to morrow.
4th. The suggestion that the idea be entertained of adopting a
definite name to define a qualified practitioner of pharmacy. A
motion was made that the members of the Association adopt the
name Pharmacian to designate their profession, but objection being
made to it, the resolution was withdrawn.
5th. The recommended issue of a cheap edition of the Pharma-
copoeia. Professor Procter offered the following resolutions, which
were adopted:
Resolved, That in the opinion of this Association, the cause of
pharmaceutical progress will be greatly advanced by the publica-
tion of a large, cheap, and correct edition of the United States
Pharmacopoeia, in duodecimo form, as it will enable every apothe-
cary and physician to possess a copy of that Code, and thus fami-
14
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
liarize the classes of persons for whose government it was created,
with its real nature, extent, and requirements.
"Resolved, That the Committee of Revision and Publication of
the United States Pharmacopoeial Convention of 1850, be earnestly
requested to authorize the issue of such an edition of that work.”
The Committee to whom the proposition for local secretaryships.
was referred, now made a report, proposing the following addition
to the second section of the Constitution, which, under the rules,
must lay over to a future sitting.
"At each annual meeting the Association may appoint correspond-
ents in any part of the Union, whose duty it shall be to communicate
to the Corresponding Secretary any information which they may be
enabled to obtain on subjects of interest to the Association. Such
correspondents, who are not members, when accepting the appoint-
ment, to be entitled to membership, if in attendance at any annual
meeting of the Association, on signing the Constitution and Code
of Ethics."
E. Parrish moved to strike out, "if in attendance at any annual
meeting of the Association," and add, "and on the payment of the
annual contribution."
Also, in section 2, article 4, of the Constitution, to strike out the
words, "in attendance at the annual meetings."
Also, to add to sect. 2, article 6, "every member who fails to pay
to the treasurer his annual contributions for three consecutive years,
shall be stricken from the roll,"
Resuming the consideration of the Report of the Executive Com-
mittee, the meeting proceeded to consider
6th. The suggestion in regard to appropriate subjects for prize
essays. This was on motion postponed.
7th. The proposition in relation to home adulterations was adopted,
and on motion of C. B. Guthrie, it was resolved to appoint a Com-
mittee of three to inquire into the nature, extent, and locality of
home adulterations, and propose a remedy. The appointment was
deferred.
8th. The subject of State and Municipal laws controlling the sale
of drugs. This was on motion postponed.
Adjourned till half-past nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
AUGUST 25th-MORNING SESSION.
Vice President Alexander Duval presiding.
The minutes of yesterday's session were approved.
George D. Coggeshall, of New York, who was absent at the pre-
vious sessions, appeared and took his seat as first Vice-president.
The additional Special Committees on the subjects brought up
by the Executive Committee and determined last evening, were
announced by the chair, as follows:
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
15
On the 3d proposition, relating to an address on Pharmaceutical
Education, Professor Procter, chairman, David Stewart, and John
Meakim.
On the 7th proposition, relating to home adulteration, C. B.
Guthrie, chairman, G. D. Coggeshall, C. A. Smith.
The proposal to amend the Constitution, offered yesterday by the
Special Committee on local secretaryships, as amended by E. Par-
rish, was now read and adopted, as follows:
Addition to section 2d, Constitution, article 6. "At each annual
meeting the Association may appoint correspondents in any part of
the Union, whose duty it shall be to communicate to the Corres-
ponding Secretary any information which they may be enabled to
obtain on subjects of interest to the Association, such correspond-
ents who are not members, when accepting the appointment, to be
entitled to membership on signing the Constitution and Code of
Ethics, and on payment of the annual contribution."
The further proposition to strike out from section 2, article 4, the
words "in attendance at the annual meetings," elicited some dis-
cussion, and a substitute for this article was offered by H. T.
Cummings, of Maine, as an amendinent to the original proposition,
as follows:
"Every member shall pay into the hands of the treasurer the sum
of two dollars as his yearly contribution, and shall be considered a
member so long as such annual payments shall be continued."
The amendment was negatived, and the original proposition
adopted, so that the article now reads:
"Article IV. Every member shall pay into the hands of the Trea-
surer the sum of two dollars as his yearly contribution.”
The proposition for further amendment was withdrawn.
Andrew Geyer, of Boston, moved the following, which was
adopted:
Ordered, That a Committee of three be appointed to inquire into
the expediency of obtaining a form of certificate of membership, for
the use of this Association, with such insignia or device, or other-
wise, as shall in their opinion be deemed suitable, and report their
doings at the next annual meeting.
The chair appointed A. Geyer, chairman, and C. Ellis and Joseph
Laidley, the Committee.
The Committee on Credentials introduced the names of Ashel
Boyden, of Boston, Mass.; Thomas Farrington, ditto; William B.
Little, San Francisco, Cal., as recommended for membership. The
former being present, signed the Constitution and paid his yearly
contribution.
The President of the Association, being now present, resumed
the Chair. The report of the Committee on the Inspection of
Drugs was now on motion taken up.
16
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Geo. D. Coggeshall, of New York, offered a letter received by
him from Dr. Bailey, special examiner of drugs at the port of
New York, which on motion was read.
S. M. Colcord, of Boston, moved it be received and placed
upon the files. Adopted. [See Appendix for an extract.]
T. B. Merrick, of New York, offered the following :
Resolved, That the Association adopt the report of the Commit-
tee on the Inspection of Drugs as in the main representing our
views. After debate,
On motion, the further consideration of this was postponed until
the afternoon session.
On motion of Prof. Procter, the report of the Committee on Se-
cret or Quack Medicines was now taken up and discussed. The
report was referred to the Committee on Pharmaceutical Educa-
tion, and on motion the Recording Secretary was added to that
Committee.
Moved, That when we adjourn it be till half past 3 o'clock this
afternoon. Adopted.
C. Augustus Smith called up the 6th proposition in the Execu-
tive Committee's report relating to prizes, and spoke, in connection
therewith, of the great importance of the subject of the cultivation
of indigenous plants therein referred to, and moved that the whole
subject of offering prizes be referred to a Special Committee to re-
port next year.
The Chair appointed on this Committee, C. A. Smith, Chair-
man, S. M. Zacchrisson, and T. H. Barr.
The following resolution was offered by Dr. Guthrie:
Resolved, That this Association recommend to each State of the
Union to enact such a law as will require every person offering for
sale any patent or secret medicine, designed and recommended as
a remedial agent, to file in the proper office of each State where-
in such remedy is offered for sale, a full and complete formula of
such remedy, and that under oath. Moreover, to require such per-
sons so offering goods for sale or agency or otherwise, to obtain
from the proper authority of such State or each county thereof, a
general or special license, allowing such agent or proprietor only
such privileges as other pedlars enjoy.
Pending the discussion of this, the meeting adjourned.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
President in the Chair.
The minutes of the morning session were read and approved.
Dr. Guthrie having, since the adjournment, modified his resolution
under discussion at that time, obtained leave to offer it in the follow-
ing form:
Resolved, That this Association recommend to each State the
enactment of such a law as shall require every person engaged in
the manufacture and sale of any patent or secret medicine, designed
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
17
or recommended for exhibition as a remedial agent, to file in the
proper office of each State wherein such remedy is offered for sale,
a full and complete formula of such remedy, and that under oath;
and, moreover, to require such manufacturer so offering goods for
sale or agency or otherwise, to conform to such State laws as regu-
late the levying of tax or excise upon all who engage in the busi-
ness of buying and selling merchandize.
After further discussion the following was offered by Joseph
Laidley:
To strike out all after the word "Resolved," and insert, "That
the American Pharmaceutical Association, believe that the use and
sale of secret or quack medicines is wrong in principle and is in
practice attended with injurious effects to both the profession and
the public at large, and believe it to be the duty of every con-
scientious druggist to discourage their use.
"Resolved, That this Association earnestly recommend to our
pharmaceutical brethren to discourage by every honorable means
the use of these nostrums; to refrain from recommending them to
their customers; not to use any means of bringing them into public
notice; not to manufacture or to have manufactured any medicine
the composition of which is not made public; and to use every op-
portunity of exposing the evils attending their use, and the false
means which are employed to induce their consumption.'
""
The question being divided, the motion to strike out all after
"Resolved," was put by the Chair, and carried by a vote of 13 to 8.
The Resolutions being then put to vote were adopted by a vote
of 13 to 5.
The subject of the Inspection of Drugs being now called up, the
resolution offered by T. B. Merrick in the morning session, and
postponed, was withdrawn.
H. F. Fish now offered the following:
Resolved, That in the opinion of this Association, all varieties of
drugs that are good of their kind should be admitted by the Special
Examiner.
This was discussed at length by Messrs. Merrick, Coggeshall,
Guthrie, Fish, Geyer, Ellis, and Procter.
Pending which the Committee on Credentials introduced for
membership the names of Geo. S. Dearborn, Great Falls, N. Hamp-
shire; and James S. Melvin, Henry D. Fowle, Peter J. Hazzard,.
W. W. Goodwin, of Boston, Massachusetts.
The following being present signed the Constitution and paid the
fee, Geo. L Dearborn, James S. Melvin, and Henry D. Fowle.
On motion the vote on the resolution was directed to be taken by
yeas and nays, and was as follows:
YEAS.-Cummings, Dearborn, Brewer, Fish, Merrick, Ellis, Par-
rish, Procter, Duval, Zachrisson, Barr.-11.
2
18
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
NAYS.-Peck, Henchman, Restieaux, Colcord, Turner, Lincoln,
Souther, Geyer, Dupuy, Coggeshall, Laidley, Smith, Chapman,
Guthrie, Melvin, Fowle.-16.
On motion, Thomas Hollis, of Boston, was excused from voting.
On motion, adjourned till half past 9 o'clock to-morrow morning.
THIRD-DAY.-MORNING SESSION.
The President in the Chair.
The minutes of the last session were read and approved.
The subject under consideration at the time of adjournment being
resumed, the following resolution was offered by the Secretary:
Resolved, that the two lists of Materia Medica and preparations,
prepared by the Committee [on the Inspection of Drugs,] and pre-
sented in their report, with a view to classifying them and fixing
standards upon those which are capable of it, together with the
subject of the appropriate tests for detecting adulterations when
practicable, be referred to a special committee to report next year.
Prof. Procter proposed the following amendment, which was ac-
cepted by the mover: to add after the word "committee”—the
words "who shall be authorized to invite the co-operation of the
several Colleges of Pharmacy."
The Resolution as amended was then adopted. The number of
the Committee was fixed at 2, and Wm. Procter, Jr., and G. D.
Coggeshall were appointed by vote of the Association.
C. B. Guthrie moved to refer the remaining part of the report on
the Inspection of Drugs, to the Committee just appointed, which
was, after discussion, withdrawn.
H. F. Fish proposed the following:
Resolved, That the late Circular of Instructions, from the treasury
department, is in our opinion a useful one, although, in many of its
provisions defective, and, as regards many articles, calculated to
substitute ineffectual modes of determining quality for a sound and
intelligent judgment founded on their physical characters, and that
this circular be referred to the Committee appointed on the list re-
ported by the Committee.
C. B. Guthrie proposed to strike out all after "department" and
add-" be referred to the Committee of Two, just appointed to be
reported upon, with such amendments as they deem requisite, at
our next annual meeting."
The amendment and resolution as amended were adopted.
The following resolution, [embodying an opinion of the Committee
on the Inspection of Drugs,] was offered, and after much discussion
decided negatively:
Resolved, That we believe the Drug Law was never designed to
exclude foreign secret or quack medicines through the Custom
House, nor do we believe this justifiable however desirable.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
19
The following resolution offered by William B. Chapman of Cin-
cinnati, was adopted:
Resolved, That the next annual session of this Association be
held in Cincinnati, Ohio, at such time as may be fixed upon by the
Association.
Charles T. Carney, of Lowell, Mass., being recommended by the
Committee on Credentials, complied with the rules, and was consti-
tuted a member.
Professor Procter offered the following which was unanimously
adopted.
Resolved, That this Association have heard, with unfeigned re-
gret, of the death of Jonathan Pereira, M. D., of London; and,
as one of the most distinguished and able Pharmacologists of his
age, we esteem his death a serious loss to the cause of Pharmaceutical
and Medical Science.
Jos. Laidley offered a resolution, which was amended with his
consent so as to read:
Resolved, That the next annual meeting of this Association shall
be held on the last Tuesday in July, 1854, at 11 o'clock, A. M.
It was unanimously adopted.
Wm. W. Goodwin, and Peter J. Hazzard, were now constituted
members by signing the Constitution and paying the annual contri-
bution.
The Committee on Credentials reported for membership J. B.
Lane, of Fitchburg, and A. S. Jones, of Newburyport, Mass., and
they also being present, complied with the requirements of the
Constitution.
Joseph Laidley offered the following:
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to consider
the feasibility of forming a benevolent fund for the relief of such
members of this Association as may need its aid; and if they con-
sider it feasible, that they recommend such means for raising, and
rules for governing, the proposed fund, as they may deem suitable,
and report to the next annual meeting.
A motion to lay on the table was decided in the negative, and
the resolution was lost.
The Report of the Committee on the Sale of Poisons, being now
taken up, the recommendations of the Committee were embodied
in the form of resolutions by its Chairman. A motion was made to
lay them on the table, and lost. They were discussed by several
members.
An amendment proposed by C. A. Smith, to substitute the word
arsenic for popular poisons, was adopted.
Thomas Restieaux, of Boston, moved they be indefinitely post-
poned. It was not agreed to.
The question on the resolutions being taken, they were adopted,
as follows:
20
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Resolved, That this Association, in view of the loose manner in
which the sale of arsenic is conducted in this country, earnestly
recommend to the pharmaceutical bodies, where these exist, and
to druggists and pharmaceutists in general in other places, that the
several Legislatures in those States where no law on the subject
exists, be petitioned to pass laws confining the sale of this poison
to apothecaries, druggists, and physicians, or to such other persons
as shall be specially licensed by law, who shall be required to keep
a record of such sales. That such sales shall not be made to minors
or servants unless they be properly authorized by a written order
from a responsible person, That all packages or bottles shall be
distinctly labelled with the name of the poison, and the word POISON
prominently marked on it; and finally, that any sale of arsenic
followed by accident, in which these precautions have been ne-
glected, be considered a misdemeanor punishable by legal process."
C. B. Guthrie offered the following, which was adopted:
Resolved, That the Executive Committee be requested to pub-
lish and circulate a circular address to druggists and apothecaries,
announcing the time of our next meeting, the objects of the Asso-
ciation, terms of membership, and such other information as they
deem requisite to ensure a full attendance upon its sittings.
Thomas Farrington was now constituted a member, by signing
the Constitution, his contribution having been previously paid.
The following communication was introduced by the Correspond-
ing Secretary of last year, and, on motion of C. B. Guthrie, referred
to the present Corresponding Secretary to reply thereto.
To Prof. William Procter, Jr., Corresponding Secretary, &c.
DEAR SIR: At the third annual meeting of the Illinois State Medical So-
ciety, held at Chicago, June 7th to 10th, 1853, the undersigned was appoint-
ed a Committee to transmit to the National Pharmaceutical Convention the
following resolutions reported by the Committee on Drugs and Medicines,
and unanimously adopted by the Society.
Resolved, That the Illinois State Medical Society have learned with much
pleasure of the institution of the National Pharmaceutical Society, and
would hereby express a desire and intention, as far as may be, to co-operate
with the laudable exertions of that body in "the advancement of pharma-
ceutical knowledge, and the elevation of the professional character of apothe-
caries and druggists in the United States."
Resolved, That this Society earnestly recommend to the druggists and
apothecaries in Illinois, that, as far as circumstances will admit, they form
among themselves pharmaceutical societies to enable them to act in the
most efficient manner as adjuvants to the National Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion, in the work of elevation and reform of their profession.
Resolved, That this Society adopt cordially the following two "resolutions"
of the National Pharmaceutical Convention, held at Philadelphia, October
6th, 1852, viz: “Resolved, That in the opinion of this Convention, the law
against the importation of adulterated drugs, chemicals, and medicinal pre-
parations has already effected much good by excluding large quantities of in-
ferior drugs from the market. Resolved, That, inasmuch as the usefulness
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
21
of the law will be proportional to the ability and conscientious discharge of
duty in Examiners, that this convention shall respectfully and earnestly rep-
resent to the appointing power the cardinal importance of preventing the re
moval of qualified Examiners on mere political grounds."
Resolved, That a Committee of one be appointed by the chair to correspond
with the National Pharmaceutical Association, and co-operate with that
body in carrying into effect the spirit of the last quoted resolution.
The undersigned was appointed the Committee under the last resolution,
and would respectfully express his readiness to co-operate with the Associa-
tion in any manner they may suggest as most expedient to effect the object
referred to. Please present the above to the Association, if it should reach
you in time, and believe me
[Signed]
Yours very truly,
JAMES V. Z. BLANEY.
Vice President George D. Coggeshall in the chair.
The following resolution was offered by H. T. Cummings:
Resolved, That the Executive Committee be instructed to publish
a large edition of the proceedings of this Convention, including the
reports and all the accompanying documents; distribute it exten-
sively over the country at the expense of the Association, and file in
the hands of each of the Colleges and Associations here represented
a sufficient number of copies for preservation and future use.
This was put to vote, and lost.
A motion was made directing it to be left to the discretion of the
Executive Committee, what papers introduced in connection with
the proceedings shall be published. This was lost.
It was on motion resolved to take up the various reports and
documents on file, with a view to determine whether they shall or
shall not be published.
The report of the Executive Committee was on motion referred
for publication. The statistical reports introduced by that Com-
mittee were referred to the Executive Committee of this year to
publish so much as may seem to them best.
A motion that the report of the Committee on the Inspection of
Drugs, without the list accompanying it, should be referred for
publication, was lost.
On motion it was Resolved, that so much of Dr. Bailey's letter as
relates to statistical information with regard to the importation of
drugs, be published.
On motion it was Resolved, that Dr. James V. Z. Blaney's letter
be published.
On motion, the report on the Sale of Poisons was referred for
publication.
On motion it was Resolved, that the samples of medicinal herbs.
of home growth, prepared for the Massachusetts College of Phar-
macy, and by them exhibited to this Association, indicates an im-
provement in the preparation of this class of medicines, highly
commendable.
22
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
The President resumed the chair.
The following was offered by C. A. Smith, and unanimously
adopted:
Resolved, That our Committee on Pharmaceutical Education be
requested to report at our next annual meeting on the expediency
of endeavoring to obtain such Congressional action as would compel
all Special Examiners of drugs and medicines to be either graduates
of pharmacy, or to receive a certificate of qualification for such
office from some College of Pharmacy recognised as such by this
Association.
A letter received through George D. Coggeshall from John Mea-
kim, of New York, on the subject of local formulæ, was read; and
on motion of Joseph Laidley, the following resolution in relation
thereto was adopted:
Resolved, That the letter of Mr. Meakim, in reference to securing
uniformity in the preparation of unofficinal compounds be referred
to the Executive Committee, with instructions to request the for-
warding to them of such local formulæ as pharmaceutists may wish
to communicate.
H. F. Fish moved the following, which was unanimously
adopted:
Resolved, That the thanks of the Association be presented to the
President and Secretary, for the able and impartial manner in which
they have discharged the duties of their offices.
Professor Procter moved the following which was unanimously
adopted:
Resolved, That those members of the Association who are stran-
gers in Boston, do express their warm sense of the kindness and
courteous treatment they have received from the members of the
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.
On motion, it was voted that the Recording Secretary be in-
structed to have the book containing the Constitution and Code of
Ethics, and the signatures thereto, enlarged, fully bound, and let-
tered.
The following gentlemen were elected Correspondents agreeably
to section 2, article 6, of the Constitution, for one year, viz:
MAINE.
S. W. Blanchard, M.D., Yarmouth,
Frederick Robie, M.D., Biddeford,
S. R. Byram, Eastport.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Geo. L. Dearborn, Great Falls.
NEW YORK.
A. J. Mathews, Buffalo,
Wm. Bristol, Utica.
NEW JERSEY.
Wm. J. Allinson, Burlington,
P. V. Coppuck, Mount Holly,
J. D. James, Trenton.
PENNSYLVANIA.
L. Wilcox, Jr., Pittsburg,
Wm. G. Baker, Lancaster,
F. R. Smith, M. D., Bellefonte,
H. P. Swartz, Alleghany City.
MARYLAND.
A. J. Lowndes, Baltimore.
VIRGINIA.
Jas. B. Campbell, Portsmouth,
James Baker, Wheeling,
R. H. Stabler, M.D., Alexandria,
Jas. Cooke, M.D., Fredericksburg,
C. A. Santos, Norfolk.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
23
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Dr. R. S. Patterson, Washington.
NORTH CAROLINA.
S. J. Hinsdale, Fayette.
SOUTH CAROLINA.
W. L. Cleveland, Charleston.
GEORGIA.
R. Battey, Rome,
W. W. Lincoln, Savannah,
D. B. Plumb, Augusta.
FLORIDA.
E. Barnard, Jr., Tallahassee.
ALABAMA.
Mr. Gates, Mobile,
Mr. Theiss, Montgomery.
MISSISSIPPI.
Dr. Emanuel, Vicksburg,
C. A. Moore, Jackson.
LOUISIANA.
J. H. Tilghman, New Orleans.
A. E. Richards, Plaquemin.
TENNESSEE.
Dr. R. O. Currey, Nashville,
Mr. Strong, Knoxville.
KENTUCKY,
George R. Miller, Louisville,
J. Morton Morris, Louisville,
Mr. Barkers, Georgetown.
MISSOURI.
G. T. Chamberlain, St. Louis.
ILLINOIS.
Mr. Reed, Chicago.
INDIANA.
Robert Browning, Indianapolis,
John T. Plummer. M.D., Richmond,
John T. Wall, M.D, Terre Haute.
CALIFORNIA.
G. L. Simmons, Sacramento.
On motion of T. Restieaux, the vote approving the minutes of
yesterday was reconsidered, and the Secretary allowed to make an
alteration in the minutes of the morning session, which alteration
was adopted.
The entire minutes were finally read, and by vote adopted.
The Convention, at about 3 o'clock, finally adjourned to meet in
Cincinnati, Ohio, on the last Tuesday in July, 1854, at 11 o'clock
A. M.
(Signed)
EDWARD PARRISH,
Recording Secretary.
24
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
APPENDIX.
C.
Report of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, in relation to the Statistics
of New England.
The Committee to whom was referred the resolution offered in the National
Convention, by Edward Parrish, Esq., for the purpose of obtaining statisti-
cal and other information, for the use of the Convention, would Report,
That after duly considering the importance of the subject, they were
somewhat perplexed as to the form of questions necessary in order to obtain
the desired information, as well as to what inducements should be offered
to such as would collect and forward the same. They concluded to issue
circulars, proposing numerous questions that would admit of definite answers,
and solicited such remarks as parties felt disposed to make.
Such circulars being prepared, (a copy of which is appended to this re-
port,) were sent to one or more persons in every town in New England, and
a record of their names preserved, as well as a record of those from whom
answers were obtained.
"How
Your Committee are pleased in being able to say that numerous answers
were received, containing much valuable information; but they have found
it impossible to make a reliable tabular summary, but have made one to the
best of their ability, which they submit in the appendix to the report.
The First question proposed in the National Convention, to wit,
many apothecaries and druggists are there in each of the principal cities and
towns of the United States?"-may be answered by stating, that from the
best information that could be obtained, in thickly settled villages, a popu-
lation of three thousand inhabitants usually supports one regular apothecary;
a town of six thousand will support three; and in cities of ten thousand
and upwards, the proportion is one apothecary to every fifteen hundred. In
towns and villages of less population than three thousand, thinly settled, the
trade is divided between the practising physicians and the general traders;
and in all places where the population is less than six thousand, the general
traders who sell medicines will average eight to one apothecary.
To the Second question, "What organization exists, &c.?" we reply that
we can learn of but one in New England, (the Massachusetts College of
Pharmacy,) except the imperfect one in Connecticut, which sent a repre-
sentative last year to the National Convention. We learn, however, that
attempts are being made to organize Pharmaceutical Associations in the
States of Vermont and Connecticut. In consequence of their being no other
organization, the Massachusetts College are offering to extend its opera-
tion throughout New England, in the hope of benefitting the profession
where the number of Pharmaceutists is too small to sustain an Association.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
25
The Third question is, "How far is the business of dispensing medicines
separated from the office of prescribing?"
In most places where the population is sufficient to support one or more
regular apothecaries, the business is generally separated. But in small towns,
physicians generally carry their medicines in practising out of the villages.
And in many of the large towns, where physicians have been in the habit of
furnishing medicines before good apothecaries were established, they still
continue to do so; which practice operates greatly against apothecaries
acquiring that proficiency in the science and art of their profession, which
would be promoted by proper encouragement from physicians, to the advan-
tage of both, as well as to the public at large. There is also quite a large
class of persons who practice medicine in cities, who keep an office, aud
prepare and sell the medicines they prescribe.
To the Fifth question, "Are there any State Laws for the protection of the
interests of the profession of Pharmacy, for the purpose of suppressing
Empyricism, or in reference to the sale of poisons?—we reply, there are no
laws to protect the interests of Pharmacy, and no appropriations have ever
been made by any of the New England States in aid of the profession that
we can learn of.
Several attempts have been made to suppress empyricism by legal means,
which has always proved abortive. A very stringent law was passed, how-
ever, in Maine, a few years since, (no opposition being made to it,) but so
objectionable that no practical advantage was ever derived.
Owing to the imperfection of the returns, your Committee are unable to
give satisfactory information as to the number of graduates from the
Schools of Pharmacy, but they should judge the number not to exceed six.
A number of apothecaries, however, have attended lectures on Materia
Medica, Pharmacy, &c., but a much larger portion of the dealers in medi-
cine have received such instruction in their education as physicians.
Your Committee find that with the exception of a few of the larger cities,
there are more physicians engaged in the sale of medicines, than there are
of regular apothecaries. We also find, that an amount equal to the half of
all medicines sold, is sold in the shape of nostrums, as will be seen by the
returns.
We are not able to report satisfactorily to the amount of Botanic Medi-
cines sold. As this branch of the trade has undergone considerable change
within a few years; what was then confined to a few herbs and simples, now
embraces a wide range of vegetable medicines. Indeed, the present
"Eclectic System," bids fair to annihilate the old Thompsonian practice. The
practitioners of this school place but comparatively few of our officinal arti-
cles under their ban,-and these mostly corrosive poisons,-while they are
introducing new vegetable preparations, (Alkaloids, so called.) If we
understand the term "Eclectic" in the sense they use it, we may soon ex-
pect to see them educated into the regular practice.
*
*
*
The United States Pharmacopoeia, or Wood & Bache's Dispensatory are
used as standard authority. Although all the answers affirm that the offici
nal weights are used in compounding medicines, we cannot but think that
the Avoirdupois is often used as the officinal standard.
The suppression of empyricism has always been a subject of deep thought,
speculation, and often active exertion by the better educated Pharmaceutists.
and physicians; but little progress, however, has been made toward the
result. As far as the sale of nostrums is concerned, we know of no better
means for its suppression, than an elevated standard of Pharmaceutical
education, and a higher appreciation by the public of educated and honora-
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
1
26
ble dispensers; for we find it almost universal, that reputable Apothecaries
do not recommend nostrums to their customers, but rather discourage the
sale of them.
All of which is respectfully submitted by
(Signed.)
SAMUEL M. COLCORD,
WM. A. BREWER,
THOS. RESTIEAUX,
ASHEL BOYDEN,
S. R. PHILBRICK,
HENRY D. FOWLE.
STATE.
Statistical Table of the New England States.
In what number of
towns.
Pure apothecaries.
Apothecary shops
kept by physicians.
General traders who
sell drugs.
Amount of medi-
cines sold.
Population.
Maine,
38 47
16
N. Hampshire, 11 00
10
35
172 $141,525
15,000
130,212
19,700 10
Vermont,
17
7
10
53
37,070 41,850
15
Massachus❜ts,
33
18
18
156
83,350 134,500
20
13
Rhode Island,
2
0
4 16
3,000
2,767
2
0
Connecticut,
3
0
0
7
4,700 4,500
2
1
Committee.
31
Number of towns
where physicians fur-
aish their own medi-
cines.
Where they send pre-
~ ← Qļscriptions partly or
wholly to apothe-
caries.

[In looking at this table, it must be understood that in even Maine and
Massachusetts only a part of the towns are included, and in the four other
States, but a small part responded to the circular of the Massachusetts Col-
lege. As in most instances, the cities are not included, and sometimes
when included gave but partial returns, the Executive Committee have deemed
it best at present to give the condensed answers to only a part of the que-
ries which are most interesting.]
D.
Report of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, in answer to the request of the
National Pharmaceutical Convention of 1852, regarding the Pharmaceutical
Statistics of Pennsylvania.
[The great length of this document has compelled the Executive Commit-
tee to abridge it, yet, in doing this, they have endeavored to convey, as
fully as possible, the ideas suggested in the report, and its language.]
The Committee addressed a circular to individuals in various parts of the
State, embodying the queries of the Convention, and obtained answers from
nineteen counties, exclusive of the City of Philadelphia, of which we make
a separate report. The population of the State may now be estimated at
2,062,900. It is divided into 63 counties. Our report embraces but a small
proportion of these, but the sources of our information being widely distri-
buted, may form the basis of a fair estimate of the condition of the whole.
1st. Of Numbers. The following table embraces a general view of the
number of druggists in the counties heard from, of general storekeepers who
deal in drugs, &c. :
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
27

Counties.
Sale of Quack Medicines.
Number
Country stores
of Drug that sell drugs.
Stores.
Estimated
population.
Proportion to
population,
Alleghany,
Armstrong,
Berks,
Blair,
Centre,
63
Clarion,
Immense sale,
1
Columbia,
Extensively sold,
5
Dauphin,
No information,
10
Rather diminished of late,
Decreasing in the towns,
Much diminished in 20 yrs.
Diminishing since the foun-
dation of Medical Society,
Flooded with Nostrums,
9
14
7 in
Bellefont
23,9541 to 3992
25,690 1 to 8563
25,9211 to 25921
19,481 1 to 3896
39,3291 to 3932
40
nearly
all.
152,1191 to 3803
3
(C
32,5161 to 10838
84,2581 to 9362
12
60
all.
Delaware,
Increasing,
5
30
38,1461 to
7629
Franklin,
Decreasing,
14
60
43,8941 to
3135
Indiana,
Decreasing,
3
7
29,8871 to
9962
Jefferson,
Rather increasing,
3
all.
14,2521 to 4784
nearly
Lancaster,
Decreasing,
16
all.
108,838 1 to 6802
Lycoming,
In statu quo,
4
5
28,882 1 to 7220
Mifflin,
No answer,
3
2
16,4781 to
5492
Montour,
Extensively sold,
4
56
14,562 1 to
3640
lar,
Northampton, Irregular practice less popu
Washington, In the ascendant,
nearly
Co
8
all.
44,258 1 to 5562
6 C
York,
66
CC
none.
12
49,432
all.
63,1951 to 5266
139
855,0921 to 6151
From these data, we estimate the whole number of druggists in Pennsyl-
vania, exclusive of Philadelphia, at 331. The general storekeepers in the
rural districts mostly sell medicines, and the extent of this branch of their
trade is usually regulated by the sparseness of population and newness of
settlement, although, in Lancaster county, we are informed by Wm. G.
Baker, "the sale of medicines by storekeepers is so extensive as to awaken
a feeling in favor of Legislative action to prevent any but apothecaries and
physicians from selling them." That this great county, with 100,000 in-
habitants and several large towns, should have but 16 druggists, indicates
that the supply of medicines, except those furnished by physicians in their
visits to the sick, must be derived mainly from country storekeepers and
from pedlars, who, without a local habitation or a responsible name, may
palm off upon the ignorant and unsuspecting, such low priced and inferior
medicines as it suits their interest to supply. Dr. Franklin R. Smith, of
Centre county, very properly says, "That the first step to improvement is,
that storekeepers in boroughs and towns shall relinquish the sale of drugs;
medicine is merchandise, and something more; to sell it in a common country
store is to make it merchandise only." The extent to which the drug busi-
ness is connected with other branches of trade, varies much. In Blair
county there is one "regular" druggist, five who also sell confectionery,
besides fourteen who sell drugs, with dry goods, etc. These confectio-druggists
are perhaps not widely different from some city apothecaries. Dr. Confer,
of that county, informs us that, in his locality, the drug business "has been
connected till lately with the liquor business, and more of this article has
been vended in drug stores than in all the hotels in Hollidaysburg." It may
be proper to adopt the general conclusion, that, in Pennsylvania, out of the
chief towns, the drug business is so imperfectly separated from general trade,
that its votaries, with few exceptions, have not those common aims and
28
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
kindred ties upon which we rely to draw together and elevate to a higher
standard the druggists and apothecaries of our country.
To Pittsburgh we have ventured to look with interest, as a city eminently
qualified to take a leading position in the profession of pharmacy. Its popu-
lation is now about 60.000. Including Alleghany City, it contains forty
druggists and apothecaries, many of whom do a large prescription business.
Of this number, are there not a sufficient number of reputable and earnest
men to form a successful organization?
In Lancaster, we are informed, an attempt at organization was made some
years ago, but failed on account of undue jealousies and rivalries.
2d. Of Relations with Physicians. In the rural districts of Pennsylvania,
physicians almost invariably furnish medicines to their patients. In sorne
cases this is unavoidable; in others, it is most unjust and injurious to the
interests of pharmacy. In Lancaster City, which supports eight druggists,
including several accomplished pharmaceutists, physicians generally com-
pound and furnish their own medicines, thus depriving apothecaries of the
most profitable part of their legitimate business, and depriving the public of
the services of men specially educated for these duties. In Reading, Berks
county, with a population of more than 16,000, and nine druggists and apo-
thecaries, medical men continue to keep and supply medicines themselves.
In Danville, Easton, Chambersburg, Lewistown, Chester, and some other
places, the physicians occasionally issue prescriptions to the apothecary,
but in the greater portion of the northwestern portion of the State, we believe
it is, as our correspondent quaintly asserts of Washington county, "the phy-
sicians are as far from thinking of sending prescriptions, as it is from here to
Sir John Franklin."
3d. Standard of education and general professional character. There is a
great lack of pharmaceutical knowledge and skill throughout the State of
Pennsylvania. Even in the cities and large towns there is a large proportion
of unqualified apothecaries, but in the remote counties the ignorance to be
found among those who deal in medicines is almost incredible. One of our
correspondents reports, that some of the drug dealers "do not know the
difference between morphia and strychnia ;" and another, that "nineteen
in twenty of those who deal in medicines never so much as heard of the
Pharmacopoeia." Although we believe these remarks apply to general
dealers rather than to druggists and apothecaries, yet we find in the practice
of the latter as reported evidence of great deficiencies. About one-third of
those heard from do not employ the officinal weights. The Dispensatory
appears to be generally employed as a guide in practice. Notwithstanding
these deficiencies, the druggists as a class are far before the general dealers,
and was the distinction better understood by the public, and advocated by
physicians, nothing would so elevate the standard of attainment among them
as that kind of stimulus; and nothing would more effectually conduce to the
success of the physician and the welfare of the public than the co-operation
of such a class of intelligent and efficient pharmaceutists as would soon
appear, did a higher appreciation of knowledge and skill in pharmacy
exist among physicians and the public.
One reason of the low state of pharmacy may be found in the abundant
prevalence of quackery, and irregular practice among physicians. Our in-
formation from various sources leads us to the conclusion that this evil is
declining since the extension of county medical societies. In Pittsburg and
Allegheny county, "Eclecticism, Homœopathy, Hydropathy, &c., are on the
decline." In Lehigh county, where the "Infinitesimal System was intro-
duced twenty years ago, and in Northampton county, it has greatly fallen
into discredit; and the same is becoming true of Armstrong, Blair, Indiana,
and Berks counties, whilst in a few localities it is still rampant. In Clarion
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
29
county, there are twenty quack doctors to five graduates, and one regular
druggist in a population of 25,921 persons.
4th. The Sale of Poisons is not in this State regulated by law. Druggists
manifest some care in vending poisons, but keep no record of sales. Our
correspondent, Mr. Pomp, of Easton, informs us that, exclusive of prescrip-
tions and physicians' orders, he retails half a gallon of laudanum per week.
The very great demand at the counter for laudanum must have often
arrested the attention of apothecaries, and led to inquiries as to the uses
made of it; and where it is found to be taken habituaily as a means of in-
toxication, the question naturally arises, how far we are required in fulfilling
the high trust reposed in us, to withhold so powerful a poison, unless it is
used with the sanction of a physician?
5th. Secret or Quack Medicines. The general tenor of our correspondence
induces the belief that this excrescence upon the pharmaceutical body is not
generally increasing. In one locality the sale is said to be more than ten
years ago, but less than during the "Sarsaparilla era," liniments, pain killers,
&c., being most in vogue. In some counties, the sale of nostrums has in-
creased in proportion to the country store drug business, and waned where
druggists are located. The mode of introducing these medicines renders it
exceedingly difficult for physicians and apothecaries to arrest their progress.
They are sent by peddling agents to the doors of the farmer, and, as we are
credibly informed, "the introducers of new pills will sell a single box at re-
mote dwellings on a year's credit." The demand thus created is satisfied by
the storekeeper, and often by the druggist.
Our State is not without many honorable instances of druggists who oppose
the gross deception and imposture practised upon the credulous public by
the manufacturers and venders of secret medicines, and to such the Ameri-
can Pharmaceutical Association should extend the right hand of fellowship,
and, having reason and humanity on their side, should bid them be firm and
confiding.
((
We have received from an esteemed correspondent, a gentleman of edu-
cation, who, besides being a graduate of medicine, has been for some years
zealous in the study and practice of pharmacy, a circular announcing to
physicians, though somewhat vaguely, the composition of five different pre-
parations which he makes and sells. These are called "Rose Pectoral,"
Cream of Camphor," (for external use), "Worm Syrup," "Tooth Wash,"
and Family Pills." As far as appears, they are good remedies, if judi-
ciously applied; and the same circular contains a certificate, signed by
fifteen physicians resident in his section of the State, approving the design
and recommending the medicines as worthy of patronage. Now, although
these medicines were specially designed to be prescribed by physicians,
and were evidently endorsed by respectable practitioners under that im-
pression, they are deposited on sale in distant locations, advertised in the
papers and in circulars, with certificates of cures, and the other necessary
adjuncts of quackery. Aware of the difficulties thrown in the way of the
legitimate practice of pharmacy in distant localities, which are overflowed
by quack medicines, we should be loth to condemn an enterprise of this
kind, if it could be recommended upon any just principles of ethics; but it
must be apparent that there is no real difference between vending medi-
cines which are advertised as cures, whether the recipes be retained as a
profound secret by the maker, or be published to physicians in such terms
as forbid the preparation being made by another. If physicians and drug-
gists recommend such for the purpose of superseding the ordinary secret
medicines, they fail of their object, while they lend their aid to a modified
and less offensive, though more insidious form of quackery. No medicine
can escape the odium of quackery which is offered as a cure for any disease,
30
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
without the advice of a competent physician, even if it contain on its label
a printed formula for its preparation, much less one which is recommended
as containing certain ingredients, without any mention of their proportions.
Thus much your Committee have ventured to offer on a subject of engrossing
interest to pharmaceutists.
Report for the City of Philadelphia.
It is estimated that Philadelphia now contains about 480,000 inhabitants.
The municipalities into which it is divided are, for the purposes of this
report, regarded as constituting one city.
1st. Of the number of Apothecaries and Druggists. There are three
hundred and thirty-one wholesale and retail drug stores and chemical and
pharmaceutical manufactories, as shown in the following table.


Kind of stores.
By whom kept.
Members or Gradu Neither Graduates
Total Numbers.
ates of College of
Pharmacucy's
дог
Members of
College nor M. D.s
Practicing
M. D.5.
Total.
Proportion to the
population.
1. Retail or Pre-
scription.
52
165
57
274
1 in 1719
2. General whole-
20
23
43
sale and jobbing.
3. Drug breking
and selling by
4
5
9
packages.
4. Chemical and
Pharm'l manu-
4
1
5
factories.
80
194
57
331
1 in 1450
In the above classification there are a few discrepancies owing to the
fact that some retailers occasionally do jobbing; and some few of the
wholesale stores practice extemporaneous pharmacy to some extent. The
business of the 3d class is confined to original packages. The chemical
and pharmaceutical manufactories produce almost or quite exclusively
medicinal preparations.
seven
There are besides these,numerous chemical manufactories, which produce
chemicals chiefly used in the arts, eighteen stores established for the
exclusive sale of quack medicines, some in which a single article is made
and sold, others where several are made, and a third class in which a regular
assortment of nostrums is kept, either with or without a stock of regular
medicines. There are also three "homeopathic pharmacies," and "
stores devoted exclusively to the sale of herbs and "eclectic” medicines.
2. Of the Organization. The only organization of druggists and apothe-
caries in Pennsylvania, is the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, established
March 13th, 1821, and incorporated in 1822. This institution comprises 91
resident members, of whom 37 are graduates of its school, and the others
generally respectable druggists and apothecaries, who were established in
business before the College was founded, and some of them its originators.
The proportion of members of the College and of graduates not members,
engaged in the different branches of the business in Philadelphia, is shown
in the following table.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
31

Description of Business.
Members
not
Number of
Graduates Graduates persons in the
and business in
Members. Members. Philadelphia
Proportion of
members and
Graduates to
whole num-
bers.
Retail or prescription
General wholesale and
jobbing
•
Drug broking and selling
by package
Chemical and pharma-
ceutical manufactories
41
14
55
290
1 in 5}
•
32
4
7
29
84
i in 3
3
1
4
11
1 in 3
2
3
5
8
1 in 2
Medical Practitioners
Clerks or employees.
5
Removed or given up bu-
siness .
10
91
34
113
66
1
my
00
8
13
393
1 in 31
The College owns the Hall, in which its meetings and lectures are held,
which cost with the lot $12,000. The Board of Trustees, consisting of the
officers of the College and sixteen members elected annually, are intrusted
with the management of its concerns. The operations of the Institution may
be enumerated as follows:
1st. The School of Pharmacy, in which there are three professors teaching
severally Materia Medica, Chemistry and Pharmacy to an average class in the
last four years of 76 students, many of whom are apprenticed with the mem-
bers. The whole number of matriculants in the school since its commence-
ment, is 1314, and the number of graduates 203, many of whom are located
in various parts of the Union.
2d. The American Journal of Pharmacy, published bi-monthly, and con-
taining besides selected matter from other journals, a large number of origi
nal contributions from American Pharmaceutists and chemists, has now
reached its 25th volume.
3d. The Pharmaceutical Meetings held monthly during the winter season,
at which subjects of a scientific and professional character are discussed in
a familiar and informal manner.
4th. The library and cabinets which although not now rendered as extensive-
ly useful as they are capable of being, should not be overlooked.
5th. The Committee on the preparation and publication of Latin labels, and
6th. The Register kept by authority of the College for apprentices, assist-
ants and employers, wanting situations or needing assistance, to consult.
3d. Relations with Physicians. Physicians in Philadelphia almost univer-
sally issue written prescriptions, and in general a good degree of comity and
professional etiquette is observed between them and pharmaceutists.
The County Medical Society and the College of Pharmacy have informally
adopted a code of ethics for the government of their members in professional
intercourse, and this has been generally observed by their members, though
little respected by many outside of those bodies.
Fifty-seven physicians keep apothecary stores, generally leaving them in
the hands of apprentices, or hired assistants, while they pursue the practice
of medicine. This evil has greatly increased within a few years, especially
in the poorer districts. It is frequently adopted by the young practicioner
as a temporary means of support during the earlier period of his career to be
abandoned as soon as his practice shall become remunerative. A few phy-
sicians, not immediately connected with drug stores, have arrangements with
one or two apothecaries in their neighborhoods, who put up all their prescrip.
32
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
tions and allow them a discount, said to be 30 per cent, on the amount re-
ceived, the prescriptions being generally of the most profitable kind, the apo-
thecary does not suffer so greatly as he otherwise might. This species of quack-
ery is said to be confined to a few in the suburbs, although favoritism, founded
upon motives of interest, is not unknown to physicians of a higher grade, and
is most unfavorable in its effects upon the business of many of our most re.
spectable and well qualified pharmaceutists.
4th. The standard of education and general character of apothecaries.-The
average standard of attainment among Philadelphia pharmaceutists is pro-
bably quite as high as elsewhere, and, when compared with 20 years ago,
has much improved. The proportion of scientifically educated pharmaceutists
is small compared with the whole number, but a large majority have been
instructed in the practical details of the business to a sufficient extent to meet
its ordinary requirements satisfactorily.
Great evil results from the fact that some young men, after spending a few
months in a shop, and occupying their leisure in perusing the dispensatory,
announce themselves as qualified assistants, and engage under circumstances
unfavorable to their continued improvement in the details of pharmacy, and to
acquiring those habits of subordination so indispensible to a pharmaceutical
student.
The excessive competition among pharmaceutists in this city, is one of the
chief obstacles to the attainment of a high standard of knowledge and skill
among them. There are retail stores in this city in which the whole years'
sales do not reach $1000; and perhaps in a majority of the whole, the an-
nual receipts range from $1500 to $2500. Few energetic and well-educated
young men are content with so small a business; and, as a consequence,
stores, of this class, are too frequently kept by rather inefficient and unam-
bitious men, or are owned by physicians, as has been before said.
It is to be regretted, that the small cost of locating a store of the kind re-
ferred to, should operate as an inducement to individuals of small means and
little capacity to take upon themselves the serious responsibility of our pro-
fession; but that such is the case cannot be disguised. In their hard strug-
gles to earn a livelihood, it is not surprising that such persons should resort
to many degrading and dishonest tricks of trade, which would bring discredit
on the profession at large, were it not known that the mass of high-minded
and honourable pharmaceutists utterly repudiate them. It is not merely in
the multiplication of this lowest class of pharmaceutical shops that the evils
of competition are seen. The compensation paid to pharmaceutists of first
rate ability is by no means commensurate with the devotion of time, know-
ledge and skill to the business. Except in certain limited portions of the city,
the prices of prescriptions have diminished from 25 to 50 per cent. within
ten years past, and the regular retail prices of many drugs and preparations
have suffered a similar reduction, even in the best localities. To this re-
duction of profits, is to be traced, in part, the disposition now apparent among
our apothecaries, to increase the variety of their wares; to encroach upon the
province of the tobacconist, the confectioner, and the dealer in fancy goods;
à disposition which, although in itself unobjectionable, seems to imply a less
elevated view of the true mission of the pharmaceutist, a less clear appre-
ciation of the truly liberal and scientific character of his profession.
The Retail Sale of Quack Medicines in Philadelphia has not, we believe,
increased in the same ratio as the population. Our reason for this is that so
many apothecaries are disposed to co-operate with the mass of the medical
profession in discouraging their use. An intelligent and conscientious oppo-
sition on the part of the great body of pharmaceutists cannot fail to be felt
in the mitigation of this crying evil. In some cases this opposition may
appear to be against the interest of the pharmaceutist, but we believe it will
generally be found to open his way to a wider sphere of legitimate business,
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
33
and that by confining himself within the recognized precincts of professional
propriety, without countenancing the falsehood and imposture so inseparable
from the quack medicine business, he may rise in the estimation of his
honest and discriminating neighbors to a position which may well be envied
by the most successful charlatan. We have here numerous instances of the
successful practice of pharmacy uncontaminated by quackery, attesting the
peculiar application to our responsible profession of those high ethical
principles which are every where recognized by the virtuous and the good;
showing that unswerving integrity and adherence to a high standard of recti-
tude are more sure passports to permanent success, and an honorable posi-
tion, than the most energetic pursuit of wealth by the employment of means
not sanctioned by the highest ethics and sustained by the purest morality.
5th. Laws affecting the interests of Pharmacy. The only law of Pennsyl-
vania, which your Committee are aware of, bearing upon our business, is
one passed by the legislature in 1849, for increasing the revenue, and designed
at the same time to discourage the sale of nostrums. Under it, the most ex-
emplary apothecary, if he even keeps Henry's Magnesia and McMunn's
Elixir, is taxed as a vender of patent medicines according to the amount of
his sales, and being thus placed in the same category with the quack medi-
cine vender, is tempted to pay himself by increasing his assortment of the
objectionable articles. The following is a copy of the Law, viz.:
"In addition to the license now required by law to be taken out by venders
of merchandize, all manufacturers, venders, agents, or other persons (except
regular apothecaries for the sale of simple medicines, the prescriptions of
physicians, and the compounds of the Pharmacopoeia and the several dis-
pensatories of the United States,) engaged in the manufacture or sale of any
nostrums, medical compounds, or patent medicines, whether pills, powders,
mixtures, or in any other form whatever, shall also take out from the proper
city or county treasurer a license for manufacturing, vending, hawking,
peddling, or in any way selling such nostrums, medical compounds or patent
medicines. All such venders shall be classed and required to pay annually
to the use of the commonwealth for their respective licenses, as follows. viz.:
"Those who are esteemed and taken to effect annual sales to the amount
of $100, and not exceeding $200, shall constitute the fourth class, and pay
five dollars. Those to the amount of $200, and not exceeding $500, the
third class, and pay $10. Those to the amount of $500 and not exceeding
$1,000, the second class, $30. Those to an amount exceeding $1,000, and not
exceeding $2,000, the first class, $50. Provided that those who are esteemed
to sell an amount exceeding $2,000, shall pay a tax of $50, and 3 per cent.
on all sales exceeding $2,000.
((
Any person convicted of violating the provisions of the above shall be
fined not less than $50, nor more than $500, for each offence; one half for
the use of the Commonwealth, and one half to the person who shall prose-
cute such offender."
We are not aware that the above law has operated materially to suppress
the trade, although its passage was dictated by the best motives, and we are
far from urging its repeal.
(Signed,)
EDWARD PARRISH,
WILLIAM PROCTer, Jr.,
AMBROSE SMITH.
}
Committee.
3
34
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
F.
Report of the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy, in answer to the questions
posed by the National Pharmaceutical Convention, held at Philadelphia, Octo-
ber, 1852.
1st. "How many Apothecaries and Druggists are there in each of the prin-
cipal Cities and Towns in the United States?"
In Ohio, the whole number is 534. In the following cities and towns,
as follows: Cincinnati, 91; Cleveland, 16; Chilicothe, 5; Columbus,7; Day-
ton, 10; Zanesville, 4; Steubenville, 4.
2d. What organization exists in the several States, and what is the num-
ber of their members as compared with the number of Druggists and Apo-
thecaries in the localities which they include?
There is, as far as we are informed, only one regularly organized Associa-
tion of Pharmaceutists in the State, the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy,
which has thirty members, or one in three of the Druggists and Apothecaries
of Cincinnati.
3d. How far is the business of dispensing medicines separated from the
office of prescribing?
Almost universally in the city of Cincinnati, and in the State, but to a
limited extent.
4th. Have you any information in regard to the practice of our art, and
the professional character of its practitioners in different localities, likely to
be of advantage to the Association in promoting the objects in view?
In the practice of our art there is evinced a disposition by our druggists to
supply themselves with a better quality of medicines generally. And in the
preparations by some, a more strict adherence to the formula of the United
States Pharmacopoeia, with a use of proper weights, than was the practice a
few years ago. Still, we regret to say that our national standard is not as
closely adhered to as it should be.
We would also state that there has been brought to our market a number
of sophisticated and spurious articles. A few have come under our own
observation, which we shall mention, viz: glauber salts, crystallized in small
crystals, resembling those of Epsom salts, and sold as English Epsom salts;
sulph. lime, for precipitated carbonate of lime; opium, containing 15 to 20 per
cent. of pebbles, shot, &c., some of which weighed from one to two drachms;
iodide potass, containing from 15 to 20 per cent. of impurities; also, pulv.
cream tartar, largely adulterated with alum, sulph. potass, &c. The past
year, large quantities of the exfoliated bark of the Platanus Occidentalis
(false sycamore) have been shipped from this port, probably for adulterating
other more costly medicines. A better article could not well be selected,
being perfectly inert, inodorous, tasteless, and cheap.
5th. Are there any State laws for the protection of the interests of the pro-
fession of pharmacy, for the suppression of empyricism, or in reference to
the sale of Poisons?
We have no State laws governing in the least the vending of patent or
secret medicines, or for the suppression of empyricism. In the winter of
1851-52, a law was enacted by the State Legislature, to prevent the pro-
miscuous sale of poisons, a copy of which is herewith submitted. [See page
10] As far as we are aware, it has been inoperative, owing to the provisions
of the law being too general.
A. M. STEVENS, Recording Secretary.
WM. B. CHAPMAN, President.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
35
G.
Report of the New York College of Pharmacy on the statistics of that City.
The committee appointed by the College of Pharmacy, of the City of New
York, to aid the Executive Committee, of the American Pharmaceutical Asso-
ciation, in obtaining statistics of the state of pharmacy, in the United States,
in accordance with a resolution passed by the National Pharmaceutical Con-
vention, at a meeting held in Philadelphia, Oct. 6, 1852, beg leave to submit
the following answers, to the questions there proposed, as applied to the City
of New York.
Ist. According to the canvass of the City, in May, of the present year, for
the publication, of the business directory, the city contains 273 apothecaries,
51 wholesale drug houses, and 29 analytical and manufacturing chemists,
making about 353, engaged in the manufacture and sale of medicines.
2nd. There are two Pharmaceutical Associations at present existing in this
city. The College of Pharmacy, and a German Society, of which the com-
mittee have not received any particulars.
At a meeting of the druggists and apothecaries, of the City of New York
held on the 18th March, 1829, a draft of a Constitution was presented by a
committee, who were appointed for that purpose at a preliminary meeting,
for the organization of a society to promote pharmaceutical science. The
proposed Constitution was approved, and at a subsequent meeting held on the
25th of the same month, it was signed by upwards of 30 members; and the
first officers of the College of Pharmacy of the City of New York were then
elected. The Constitution provided that, "any person now engaged in busi-
ness as a druggist or apothecary in the city and county of New York, may
become a member of this Institution, at or before the stated meeting in June
next, by signing the Constitution, &c.," also that no person hereafter en-
gaging in such business shall be admitted as a member, unless he has been
regularly educated as a druggist or apothecary, &c."
În 1831 the College was incorporated by an act of the Legislature.
The College, with the view of providing for the education of future apothe-
caries, established, in 1829, a school of Pharmacy, and appointed professors
of chemistry, and materia medica and pharmacy; the school continues in
successful operation. Lectures have been delivered annually, to classes
averaging from 25 to 30 students each, and about 60 candidates, after ful-
filling the requisitions of the College (see article 4, section 1, By-laws) have
received its diploma. In 1850 botanical lectures were introduced with de-
cided benefit to the pupils.
Alterations have been made from time to time, affecting the eligibility to
membership in the College.
In consideration of the number of highly intelligent and respectable drug-
gists and apothecaries emigrating to this city from places where Schools of
Pharmacy have not been established, the College in 1849 deemed it expedi-
ent to open its doors to their admission, by amending its By-Laws, (see
Art. III, Sec. 1. of the By-Laws.) Experience has confirmed the policy of
the change; members elected under it, who otherwise would have been ex-
cluded, have rendered the College valuable service and counsel.
The College at present enrols 53 members, bearing the proportion of about
16 per cent. to the whole number of druggists, apothecaries, and chemists
in this city. New York is strictly a commercial city, and it is difficult to
engage the attention of many who cannot calculate the result directly in dol-
lars and cents; but under all circumstances, the College may be considered
in a prosperous condition.
In 1852 a monthly Journal was established by authority and under the
supervision of the College, for the promulgation of pharmaceutical know--
36
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ledge; its first number was issued in January of that year; the encourage
ment for its continuance increases.
3d. The practice of dispensing and prescribing medicines are considered
very distinct branches, and are generally so conducted; there are, however,
many small shops in retired parts of the city, resorted to by the poorer classes
in which the physician and apothecary are identical. They are usually
held by young physicians of slender means, as a support and a stepping-stone
to practice, until they can live without them, then as heir-looms they are
handed down to the more needy junior, and thus transmitted from generation
to generation.
4th. In this, as in all large cities, every profession presents a great diver-
sity of characters, the particulars of which the Committee do not consider
to be of any practical value to the Association.
5th. On the 11th of March, 1839, the people of the State of New York,
represented in Senate and Assembly, enacted as follows.
An Act to regulate the preparation and dispensing of medicines in the City of
New York, passed March 11, 1839.
The people of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do
enact as follows:
Section 1.--No person shall be hereafter allowed to commence or practice in
the city of New York the business of an apothecary, or that of preparing and dis-
pensing medicine, or of preparing and putting up physicians' prescriptions, with-
out having previously obtained the diploma of the College of Pharmacy of the
city of New York, or unless furnished with a diploma from some other regularly
constituted College of Pharmacy or Medicine, or shall have passed an examina-
tion of the censors of the medical Society of one of the counties of this state, and
have been furnished by such censors with a certificate of his qualifications for the
business of an apothecary, which diploma or certificate he shall produce to the
Secretary of the said College of Pharmacy to be by him registered without
charge.
Section 2.-Any person offending against the provisions of this law, shall be
subject to a penalty of fifty-one dollars for each and every offence, which may
be recovered with costs, in the name of the people in the State of New York, in
any civil court of record, and the said fines when collected, after deducting such
reasonable council fees as the court shall allow, shall be paid by the district at-
torney to the Treasurer of the New York City Dispensary for the use of said
Dispensary.
Section 3.-This law shall not apply to persons who now are in said business,
nor to the preparation and dispensing of medicines by licensed physicians.
There is also a State law regulating the sale of poisons. [See page 11.]
George D. Coggeshall,
JAMES S. ASPINWALL,
JOHN MEAKIM.
Committee.
Report on the Condition of Pharmacy in some parts of the State of New York
not including New York City, as derived from the Correspondence of the
Committee of the N. Y. College of Pharmacy.
Newberg. The number of Druggists and Apothecaries at Newberg is six,
two of whom are physicians. The population of the town is 9000, and it is
the centre of trade to a district of country of two or three hundred square iniles.
No association has occurred. Physicians, in great measure, dispense the
medicines they prescribe, or give verbal directions for obtaining the more
common kinds at the apothecary's. Many physicians in Newberg have tried
to introduce a system of percentage on prescriptions, but it has not worked
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
37
well; the druggist not being willing to charge a sufficient advance to make
it pay, which it does not at the regular prices. Many physicians, in order
to make their patients go to a particular store, have introduced a species of
quackery, prescribing mixtures under private names, as "Laxative Cordial,"
“Cholera Pills,” “Ague Pills," &c., telling their patients to get them at a
certain store only.
Kingston, Ulster County.-Two apothecaries, and one in the village of
Roundout. Eight general dealers also keep an assortment of medicines. and
buy on the cheap principle, without pretending to judge of quality. Physi-
cians dispense their own medicines.
Saratoga Springs Village.-This village, with a population of 4000, has four
apothecary shops, two of which are kept by physicians, who probably pre-
scribe occasionally. No organization.
Utica.-There are eleven Druggists in the city of Utica. No organization
exists. Physicians dispense all their own medicines. The druggists buy
and sell medicines in a commercial spirit, and are seldom competent apo-
thecaries.
Auburn. There are six Druggists, only three having been educated as
such. No organization has occurred. Physicians compound their own pre-
scriptions, except in a few cases, where difficulty or costliness induces their
being sent to the druggist. A very few exceptions to this exist. No advance
will be made unless legislation will exclude from practice the numerous
apothecaries by instinct" who deal in cheap drugs. Petty jealousy is be-
lieved to be a barrier against organization in the smaller towns of the State.
In the town of Syracuse, only one regularly educated druggist and apothe-
cary. Cayuga county has four small stores besides those in Auburn.
Fishkill, Duchess County. This town has three or four apothecaries, and
the village of Wappinger's Falls one, who is a physician and prescribes.
Rome, Oneida County.-There are five Druggists and Apothecaries, who
have no organization. The dispensing of prescriptions is almost entirely con-
fined to physicians.
Genesseo, Livingston County.-There are three Druggists in this town,
and ten or fifteen in the county. No society exists. Dispensing generally
done by physicians for their patients, and the drug stores principally kept
by physicians.
Buffalo.-The city of Buffalo has fourteen Apothecaries and Druggists,
who have formed no association. The dispensing and prescribing medicines
are connected more or less in every shop in the city, with one exception.
Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence County.-There are five drug stores in Ogdens
burg, and twelve persons connected with them who have a knowledge of the
business. No organization. The apothecaries rarely prescribe or put up
prescriptions. Physicians generally keep a few medicines and supply their
patients. The druggist, to obtain a livelihood, is obliged to traffic in other
articles besides drugs, as farmers, mechanics, and grocers embark in the bu-
siness, and compete successfully with the regular druggist, so much are the
people influenced by mere price in buying medicines. The population of
Ogdensburg is 7600.
Cazenovia.-There are three Druggists in this town. Prescriptions are
dispensed wholly by physicians, which is necessary in this sparsely settled
county. The selling of drugs and medicines being considered profitable, is
widely diffused among dealers in tapes, codfish, and molasses, and the induce-
ment for men to qualify themselves as apothecaries is entirely done away
when they find that other men rise by degrees from selling pies, cakes, and
beer, to the position of a Druggist, deeming the elevation creditable to them-
selves, notwithstanding that their ability merely extends to the reading of the
labels of drugs or quack medicine directions. Legislative action is badly
38
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
wanted to regulate the sale of medicines and the qualification of its practi-
tioners.
H.
Remarks on the State of Pharmacy in the Southern and some of the Western
States, compiled from the answers to a circular of queries sent by the Exe-
cutive Committee of the American Pharmaceutical Association.
Virginia. The information from this State has been contributed by Mr.
Laidley, of Richmond, Dr. James Cooke, of Fredericksburg, Mr. C. A. San-
tos, of Norfolk, and Dr. R. H. Stabler, of Alexandria.
Virginia, with a population of about 1,500,000, has 110 regular drug stores,
distributed as follows:
Richmond,
Petersburgh,
Alexandria,
Norfolk,
Portsmouth,
Charlottesville,
22) Salem,
9 Farmville,
8 Danville,
9 Winchester,
3 Harper's Ferry,
3 Charlestown,
3 Abingdon,
3 Sheppardstown,
3 Charleston,
3 Fincastle,
22-
3 Elizabeth City County, 1
3 Charlotte County,
養​醫​斷
​Staunton,
Lynchburgh,
Wheeling,
Martinsburg,
Total,
3 Fredericksburg,
3 Leesburgh,
8 Buchanan,
3 Harrisonburg,
3 Marshall County,
3 Nansemund County,
2 Lewis County,
1
1
1
1
1
1
110
Besides these, medicines are kept to a limited extent by general shop-
keepers through the villages and rural districts. The druggists of Richmond
and the larger towns, generally employ the United States Pharmacopœia, so
far as the proportion of ingredients is concerned, but great deficiency exists
in the use of the officinal weights. Of the 22 druggists in Richmond, only
eight are believed to use troy weight in compounding the officinal formula.
In Alexandria, only about a half use the proper weights. The druggists in
these places, and in the smaller towns more especially, are apt to use the
Pharmacopoeia through the Dispensatory, and often depend on old editions.
Physicians in Richmond, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Alexandria, send their
prescriptions to the apothecary, but in the rural districts and villages they
keep and supply medicines, except in special cases.
The "Richmond Pharmaceutical Society" is the only organization in the
State; it includes twenty members, and was established to promote good
practice, to encourage the increase of pharmaceutical knowledge, and to
advance the interests of the body in Richmond. The Society was not insti-
tuted with educational functions, nor do the members generally approve of
its assumption of them, on interested grounds. The spirit of trade is too
much in the ascendant to admit of those liberal views and sacrifices on the
part of the present generation to benefit the rising one, which are absolutely
necessary to uphold and cherish a College of Pharmacy as an educational
institution; nor do the members in their individual capacity manifest much
disposition to cultivate scientific pursuits.
"Quackery is greatly encouraged in Virginia," yet mostly by the ignorant
classes. Secret medicines have become more popular in some districts by
the extensive use made of them by "regular graduated physicians," who
prescribe various vermifuges," pectorals," "expectorants,"
"altera-
lives," &c., which is so good an argument with the patient, that he next
time tries the nostrum without the doctor. There appears to be an increase
፡፡
(6
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
39
in the variety rather than the amount of sales of quack medicines, and those
for external use are more in demand than others. Country stores generally
keep an assortment.
In taking a general view of the Pharmaceutists of Virginia, there are many
in the chief towns that may be referred to with pride, as examples, and these
are increasing. Students annually are returning from the North, bringing
with them the habits and knowledge acquired by a regular training. The
example of these is influencing those around then to improve, and in places
where a few years since preparations that never should be delegated to
another, were rarely made, now furnish not only their own demand, but
other stores. As a whole, however, there is much need of improvement in
practice, and of that professional spirit that leads the proper pharmaceutist
to resist temptations to gain by resorting to practices wholly at variance
with professional honesty, however they may be connived at by competitors
in trade.
North Carolina. So far as we are informed, there are but seventeen drug
stores in North Carolina. Of these, three are in Wilmington, three in Wash-
ington, and two or three in Raleigh. The United States Pharmacopœia is
employed, and, in the towns mentioned, the officinal weights and measures
are used. No organization exists. The large majority of physicians
keep and dispense medicines, and quack medicines are abundantly sold.
The sparsity of towns, and the large amount of pharmacy in the hands of
physicians in the rural districts, precludes the advancement of our art in
North Carolina.
Georgia. Mr. Robert Battey, of Rome, Floyd county, Georgia, states that
there are two druggists and nineteen stores where medicines can be bought
to some extent in that county. The druggists use the United States Phar-
macopoeia, but pay little regard to weights. The physicians have partially
relinquished dispensing, and a disposition exists among them to abandon it
in the towns. Quackery prevails extensively through Western Georgia, and
increases. "Pharmacy is yet in its infancy;" the apothecaries and physi-
cians know but little of the properties and qualities of medicines, and are
much imposed on by northern druggists. We have no returns from South
Carolina or Eastern Georgia, which is the more to be regretted, as we know
that in Charleston, Savannah, Augusta, Columbia, and other towns in these
States, there are many reputable pharmaceutists.
Florida. There are two druggists in Jacksonville, three in Tallahasse,
and one in Pensacola. The United States Dispensatory is the general
authority. Physicians generally keep and dispense medicines, and some
have small stores attached to their offices. The sale of quack medicines
is extensive and increasing. The general supply of genuine and good
medicines is largely prevented by the practice of planters sending their orders.
to general store-keepers who sell all the more commonly used drugs, at prices
in consonance with the principle of cheap purchasing. Our correspondent
states that in Middle Florida, the sale of drugs is effected in many instances
by persons wholly incompetent, and that this remark applies to Southern
Georgia.
Alabama has sent no returns.
Louisiana. Our information in relation to New Orleans is very limited.
Mr. John H. Tilghman informs us that there are four wholesale druggists,
seven retail druggists and apothecaries who sell some wholesale, and five
prescription offices where recipes alone are compounded, backed in most
instances by physicians. The United States Pharmacopoeia is the authority
used, and the Physicians generally send their prescriptions to the offices
mentioned, though some few have clerks attached to their own offices to
prepare their own prescriptions. No Association exists, nor is any likely to
40
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
be formed. Quackery seems at a stand; as old nostrums disappear, new
ones take their places. The amount expended in this way in the South
and West is beyond calculation. These medicines come chiefly from New
York, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati, which, Mr. Tilghman says, are the
spring sources of the mighty stream of quackery that flows through the
great South Western States.
Mississippi. There are four drug stores in Natchez, four in Vicksburg,
four in Jackson, and one or two in Woodville. The United States Pharma-
copoeia is used as authority, and a regard had to the officinal weights and
measures. In the towns, physicians usually send their prescriptions to the
druggists, who, in the places mentioned, are generally men of character
and deserving of confidence. A large part of the business in Mississippi is
with plantation medicine chests, and country physicians. Large sales of
quack medicines are annually effected, and some druggists have similar
preparations of their own manufacture.
Tennessee. There are 85 druggists in Tennessee, of these 9 are in
Memphis, and 13 in Nashville, in which place wholesale and retail business
is conducted, to the amount of $250,000 per annum. In the country towns,
while there are many exclusive drug stores, yet some are connected with
dry goods, books, etc., and some controlled by practising physicians.
Besides these, country stores deal more or less in medicines, and generally
purchase cheap drugs. According to Dr. O. S. Currey of Nashville, to whom
we are indebted for much information, the United States Pharmacopoeia and
its weights and measures are exclusively used in Nashville. Until within five
years the physicians in that city dispensed their own medicines, a course
they are now abandoning, yet a few are still engaged in the trade. This
change has arisen from the marked improvement in extemporaneous
pharmacy, and in the preparation of officinal medicines, which has given
physicians confidence. All the druggists who pretend to dispense pre-
scriptions, keep a competent clerk for that department. No organization
has occurred in Tennessee. Druggists have so far pursued their business
too much with a view to profit to devote the time and study necessary to
uphold a liberal organization. Dr. Currey suggests the collateral aid of the
Medical Colleges as a means of pharmaceutical education, till a regular
college should be formed. Quackery increases in Tennessee. Its success
is attributed to the unceasing course of advertising and editorial puffing
that is pursued by the originators. The Tennessee Medical Society intend
memorializing their State Legislature for a law compelling quacks to file a
sworn copy of the recipe of each medicine sold, in the office of the Secretary
of State.
As yet there is no attempt at supplying the market with the finer kinds
of chemical and pharmaceutical preparations; none of the stores have a
proper laboratory attached, and druggists depend on the Eastern cities.
Missouri. Through Mr. G. T. Chamberlain of St. Louis, we learn that
that city has ten wholesale and forty-seven retail drug establishments un-
connected with other business. Of these, two wholesale and twenty-four
retail stores, are kept by Germans. The United States Pharmacopoeia is
generally recognised, yet the German stores employ German authorities for
those preparations peculiar to German practitioners, who are numerous.
The general custom with physicians is to send their prescriptions to dis-
pensing stores. No organization has occurred among the pharmaceutists
of St. Louis. A few have availed themselves of the chemical lectures of
the medical schools. There are two stores which exclusively sell quack
medicines. Popular nostrums are kept for sale by all the druggists. The
use of these medicines throughout the West has become so general, that
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
41
drug stores are not considered to be complete without them. The drug
business, and particularly the dispensing department, is comparatively new
in St. Louis. The population has increased from 50,000 in 1846, to 100,000;
and so rapid has been the increase of druggists that every one is compara-
tively a stranger to his neighbor, and the uniform practice of older cities can-
not be expected.
Kentucky and Illinois have sent no returns. Louisville is one of the
medical centres of the West, and should have been noticed here, but our
circular was not answered.
Indiana. Dr. John T. Plummer, of Richmond, informs us that there are
four drug stores in that town, and that all the larger towns throughout the
state have stores for the sale of medicines. The United States Pharmacopoeia
is recognised, except in regard to weights, which are often neglected.
Physicians usually furnish their own medicines. No pharmaceutical organi-
zation exists in Indiana. Quackery is rife in the apothecary's shop and
among medical men, not excepting those who profess to be regular physi-
cians.
Maryland. The Committee, under the impression that the Maryland Col-
lege of Pharmacy would furnish the statistics, etc., relating to that state, and
the district of Columbia, refrained from sending circulars until too late to do it
effectively. The following statements will, however, be given, incomplete.
as they are.
There are about one hundred and thirty nine druggists and apothecaries
of all grades in the State of Maryland, of whom about 100 are in Baltimore.
The large proportion of these in the latter city must be of inferior grade,
as Messrs. Cochrane & Andrews state, that "There are [only] about twelve
pharmaceutists who prepare and sell standard medicines as their principal
business." The United States Pharmacopoeia is authority with nearly all
of the druggists and pharmaceutisis, who also generally use the officinal
weights. All the principal physicians send their prescriptions to the apothe-
cary. The Maryland College of Pharmacy was chartered in 1840, "but for
several years the College has been inactive."
The better class of pharmaceutists in Baltimore will compare favorably
with any in the United States in their qualifications and manner of doing
business, yet a very large part of the extemporaneous pharmacy of the city
does not rate so highly. Quackery is prevalent and increasing.
In the town of Cumberland there are two regular apothecaries and twelve
stores, in the town and vicinity, which sell medicines. Physicians generally,
through the towns and villages of Maryland, dispense their own medicines.
The United States Dispensatory is the authority.
District of Columbia. Our correspondents from this District, are Dr.
R. S. Patterson, of Washington, and Prof. Joshua Riley, of Georgetown.
There are twenty two apothecaries in Washington city, a few of whom sell
paints, etc., but none engaged in general merchandizing. All use the
United States Pharmacopoeia; prescriptions are compounded exclusively by
the apothecary. No organization or general understanding exists, and
quack medicines, though yet much sold, are less saleable than formerly.
In Georgetown there are five apothecaries; these conform to the United
States Pharmacopoeia. Physicians invariably send their prescriptions to
the apothecary. Some of them compound eight or nine thousand annually.
Quackery prevails, and all the drug stores keep nostrums and encourage
their sale.
California. We are indebted to Mr. Gustavus L. Simmons, of Sacra-
mento City, for a communication on the state of pharmacy in that place,
42
PROCEEDings of THE
and, as it is probably a 'fair sample of the condition of our art in other
large towns in California, is valuable.
In Sacramento city, with a local population of eight thousand, there are
twenty district stores of druggists and apothecaries. As yet, no organization
has occurred among the druggists in any place in California. In that city,
two-thirds of all the drug stores are kept by physicians, who thus unite the
offices of prescribing and dispensing, and retail various nostrums of the day,
oftentimes adding their own recommendation to that of the accompanying
label, etc. Indeed there are some physicians, who pretend to be observers
of the ethical rules of the older cities, who in this way ruin the legitimate
business of apothecaries, and cause many pharmaceutists, in self defence,
to put in practice whatever medical knowledge they may have acquired,
by prescribing for the sick at the counter. There are some prominent
exceptions to these trading practitioners, who do not set at defiance the
rules of the profession, merely because they are in California. There are
in this city over forty physicians. Not one-fourth of this number are dis-
connected from drug stores, and in the habit of sending their prescriptions to
a disinterested apothecary. The others are either interested in drug stores,
or retail medicines to their patients. The plea cannot be raised that good
pharmaceutists are not established here; because we have graduates from
most of the Schools of Pharmacy, and other practical apothecaries.
No State laws are yet in existence for the protection of the interests of
pharmacy. Some measures were introduced last session of the Assembly
with this intent, but meeting with strong opposition they were withdrawn.
A slight action on the part of druggists might easily secure legislative action.
on the subject of poisons.
Extract of a Letter from Dr. M. J. Bailey, Special Examiner of Drugs for the
port of New York, to George D. Coggeshall, Esq., and read to the American
Pharmaceutical Association, Aug. 25th, 1852.
"I now in continuation mention the more important articles rejected by
me during the some eleven months that have transpired since the date of the
communication above referred to. (Dated Sept. 25th, 1852. See Proceedings
of last year.)
Senna,
Rhubarb,
Spurious Peruvian Bark,
Scammony,
Opium,
Squills,
Sugar of Lead,
Gum Benzoin,
Lac. Sulphur,
Carbonate of Magnesia,
Calcined Magnesia,
Manna,
Aloes,
Sarsaparilla, -
Guaiacum Resin,
Gum Myrrh,
1
་
11,820 lbs.
610
((
38,459
((
495
((
675
(6
1,537
((
11,017
860 (6
3,620
16
66
3,900
((
875
((
720
(C
246
(6
4,370
(6
1,130
(
837
66 99
The above swells the gross amount of drugs, rejected by Dr. Bailey during
his official career as Examiner, to 710,000 lbs. In reference to the amount
of drugs that passes the Custom-House, Dr. Bailey has no positive records.
but believes it to average about 200,000 packages annually.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
43
CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
As Amended August 25th, 1853.
Whereas, The advancement of pharmaceutical knowledge and the eleva-
tion of the professional character of apothecaries and druggists throughout
the United States are objects that are dear to us in common with all well
disposed pharmaceutists; and whereas, a large portion of those in whose
hands the practice of pharmacy now exists, are not properly qualified for
the responsible offices it involves, chiefly by reason of the many difficulties
that impede the acquirement of a correct knowledge of their business;-
Therefore, We the members of a Convention now met at Philadelphia,
composed of apothecaries and druggists from different sections of the Union,
and from all the Colleges and Societies therein existing, with the object of
deliberating on the condition of our profession, do hereby resolve and con-
stitute ourselves into a permanent association, to meet annually, at such
times and places as may hereafter be determined, for more effectually
accomplishing the objects for which we are now assembled; and do now
adopt the following
CONSTITUTION.
SECTION I.
This Association shall be called "The American Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion."
SECTION II. Of the Members.
ARTICLE I. All pharmaceutists and druggists who shall have attained
the age of twenty-one years, whose character, morally and professionally,
is fair, and who, after duly considering the obligations of the Constitution
and Code of Ethics of this Association are willing to subscribe to them,
shall be eligible for membership.
ARTICLE II. The members shall consist of delegates from regularly con-
stituted Colleges of Pharmacy, and Pharmaceutical Societies, who shall pre-
sent properly authorized credentials, and of other reputable Pharmaceutists
feeling an interest in the objects of the Association, who may not be so dele-
gated, the latter being required to present a certificate signed by a majority
of the delegates from the places whence they come. If no such delegates
are present at the Association, they may on obtaining the certificates of any
three members of the Association be admitted, provided they be introduced
by the committee on credentials.
ARTICLE III. All persons who become members of this Association shall
be considered as permanent members, but may be expelled for improper
conduct by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at any annual
meeting.
ARTICLE IV. Every member shall pay into the hands of the Treasurer
the sum of two dollars as his yearly contribution.
ARTICLE V. Every local Pharmaceutical Association shall be entitled to
five delegates.
ARTICLE VI. At each annual meeting the Association may appoint corres-
pondents in any part of the Union, whose duty it shall be to communicate to
the Corresponding Secretary any information which they may be enabled to
obtain on subjects of interest to the Association; such correspondents who are
not members when accepting the appointment, to be entitled to membership
on signing the Constitution and Code of Ethics, and on payment of the annual
contribution.
SECTION III. Of the Officers.
The officers of this Association shall be a President, three Vice Presidents,
44
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
{
a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Execu-
tive Committee of three, which may include any of the members except the
President, all of whom shall be elected annually.
ARTICLE I. The President shall preside at the meetings and preserve
order. He shall nominate all committees, except a majority of the members
present direct a resort to balloting or other means. He shall sign all certifi-
cates of membership, approve of all foreign correspondence, and counter-
sign all orders on the Treasurer drawn by the Executive Committee. And
he shall at least three months previously to the annual meeting publish a
call in all the pharmaceutical and in such medical and other Journals as
he may select, stating therein the objects of the Association, and the condi-
tions of membership.
ARTICLE II. In case of the temporary absence, or inability of the Presi-
dent, his duties shall devolve on one of the Vice Presidents.
ARTICLE III. The Recording Secretary shall keep fair and correct
minutes of the proceedings of the Association. He shall keep a roll book
of the members, and see that it is corrected annually, and he shall furnish
to the Executive Committee a correct transcript of the minutes of the meet-
ings for publication in the Transactions of the Association.
ARTICLE IV. The Corresponding Secretary shall attend to the official
correspondence directed by the association with other bodies, or with its
members, all of which correspondence shall be approved by the President.
ARTICLE V. The Treasurer shall receive and take care of the funds of
the Association; shall pay its money only on the order of the Executive
Committee, countersigned by the President; and shall present a statement
of his accounts annually that they may be audited.
ARTICLE VI. The Executive Committee shall take charge of the publi
cation of the proceedings of the Association, including such papers on scien-
tific subjects as it may direct to be published; attend to their distribution
pay the expenses incurred on behalf of the Association at its meetings or in
the interim, and report a statement of their transactions to the next
meeting.
SECTION IV. Of the Meetings.
ARTICLE I. The meetings shall be held annually, at such time and place
as shall be determined at the adjournment of the previous meeting, observing
that no two meetings shall be held consecutively at the same place.
ARTICLE II. The meetings shall be organized by the president of the
previous year, or, in his absence, by either of the Vice Presidents in the
order of their election, or, in their absence, by the Recording Secretary, who
shall act pro tempore until the nomination and election of officers for the
session.
ARTICLE III. Immediately after the temporary organization of the Asso-
ciation the roll shall be called, when a committee on credentials shall be
appointed from the members present, to whom the certificates of delegates
shall be submitted, and who shall examine the claims of all other applicants
for membership before they are submitted to the Association.
SECTION V.
This Constitution may be altered or amended by a vote of three-fourths
of the members present at any regular meeting. and notice to alter or
amend the same shall be given at least one sitting before a vote thereupon.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
45
CODE OF ETHICS OF THE AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
1
The American Pharmaceutical Association, composed of Pharmaceutist
and Druggists throughout the United States, feeling a strong interest in the
success and advancement of their profession in its practical and scientific
relations, and also impressed with the belief that no amount of knowledge
and skill will protect themselves and the public from the ill effects of an
undue competition, and temptations to gain at the expense of quality, unless
they are upheld by high moral obligations in the path of duty, have sub-
scribed to the following Code of Ethics for the government of their profes-
sional conduct.
ART. I. As the practice of pharmacy can only become uniform by an
open and candid intercourse being kept up between apothecaries and drug-
gists among themselves and each other, by the adoption of the National
Pharmacopoeia as a guide in the preparation of officinal medicines, by the
discontinuance of secret formula and the practices arising from a quackish
spirit, and by an encouragement of that esprit du corps which will prevent
a resort to those disreputable practices arising out of an injurious and wicked
competition-Therefore, the members of this Association agree to uphold
the use of the Pharmacopoeia in their practice; to cultivate brotherly feeling
among the members, and to discontenance quackery and dishonorable
competition in their business.
ART. II. As labor should have its just reward, and as the skill, know-
ledge and responsibility required in the practice of pharmacy are great, the
remuneration of the pharmaceutist's services should be proportioned to these,
rather than to the market value of the preparations vended. The rate of
charges will necessarily vary with geographical position, municipal loca-
tion, and other circumstances of a permanent character, but a resort to
intentional and unnecessary reduction in the rate of charges among apothe-
caries, with a view to gaining, at the expense of their brethren, is strongly
discountenanced by this Association as productive of evil results.
ART. III. The first duty of the apothecary, after duly preparing himself
for his profession, being to procure good drugs and preparations, (for with-
out these his skill and knowledge are of small avail,) he frequently has to
rely on the good faith of the druggist for their selection. Those druggists
whose knowledge, skill and integrity enable them to conduct their business
faithfully, should be encouraged, rather than those who base their claims of
patronage on the cheapness of their articles solely. When accidentally or
otherwise, a deteriorated, or adulterated drug or medicine is sent to the
apothecary, he should invariably return it to the druggist, with a statement
of its defects. What is too frequently considered as a mere error of trade on
the part of the druggist, becomes a highly culpable act when countenanced
by the apothecary; hence, when repetitions of such frauds occur, they
should be exposed for the benefit of the profession. A careful but firm
pursuit of this course would render well-disposed druggists more careful,
and deter the fraudulently inclined from a resort to their disreputable
practices.
ART. IV. As the practice of pharmacy is quite distinct from the practice
of medicine, and has been found to flourish in proportion as its practitioners
have confined their attention to its requirements; and as the conduction of
the business of both professions by the same individual involves pecuniary
temptations which are often not compatible with a conscientious discharge
of duty; we consider that the members of this Association should discounte-
nance all such professional amalgamation; and in conducting business at the
counter, should avoid prescribing for diseases when practicable, referring
applicants for medical advice to the physician. We hold it as unprofes
sional and highly reprehensible for apothecaries to allow any per centage
46
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
or commission to physicians on their prescriptions, as unjust to the public,
and hurtful to the independence and self-respect of both the parties com.
cerned. We also consider that the practice of some physicians, (in places
where good apothecaries are numerous) of obtaining medicines at low
prices from the latter, and selling them to their patients, is not only unjust
and unprofessional, but deserving the censure of all high minded medical
men.
ART. V. The important influence exerted on the practice of pharmacy
by the large proportion of physicians who have resigned its duties and
emoluments to the apothecary, are reasons why he should seek their favor-
able opinion and cultivate their friendship, by earnest endeavors to furnish
their patients with pure and well-prepared medicines. As physicians are
liable to commit errors in writing their prescriptions, involving serious
consequence to health and reputation if permitted to leave the shop, the
apothecary should always, when he deems an error has been made, consult
the physician before proceeding; yet in the delay which must necessarily
occur, it is his duty, when possible, to accomplish the interview without
compromising the reputation of the physician. On the other hand, when
apothecaries commit errors involving ill consequences, the physician knowing
the constant liability to error, should feel bound to screen them from undue
censure, unless the result of a culpable negligence.
ART. VI. As we owe a debt of gratitude to our predecessors for the
researches and observations which have so far advanced our scientific art,
we hold that every apothecary and druggist is bound to contribute his mite
towards the same fund, by noting the new ideas and phenomena which
may occur in the course of his business, and publishing them, when of
sufficient consequence, for the benefit of the profession.
OFFICERS
OF THE
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
FOR 1853-4.
President.
WILLIAM A. BREWER.
Vice Presidents,
GEO. D. COGGESHALL, ALEX. DUVAL, C. B. GUTHRIE.
Secretaries,
Recording, EDWARD PARRISH. Corresponding, WILLIAM B. CHAPMAN.
Treasurer,
ALFRED B. TAYLOR.
Executive Committee,
WILLIAM PROCTER, JR., Chairman, THO. B. MERRICK, Jos. LAIDLEY.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
47
ROLL OF THE AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
[Those not in attendance at the Meeting in Boston, 1853, are in italics.
Daniel B. Smith,
Llewellyn S. Haskell,
Joseph Burnett,
Henry F. Fish,
S. R. Philbrick.M. D.,
Samuel M. Colcord,
Alexander Duval,
Philadelphia,
New York,
Boston,
Boston,
Pennsylvania.
New York.
Massachusetts.
Connecticut.
Massachusetts.
Waterbury,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Richmond,
Joseph Laidley,
C. Augustus Smith,
Richmond,
Cincinnati,
Virginia.
Virginia.
Ohio.
George D. Coggeshall,
New York,
New York.
John Meakim,
New York,
New York.
Eugene Dupuy,
New York,
New York.
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
William Procter, Jr.,
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia,
Philadelphia,
Baltimore,
Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.
Maryland.
Memphis,
Tennessee.
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Portland,
Charles Ellis,
Alfred B. Taylor,
Edward Parrish,
David Stewart, M. D.,
C. B. Guthrie, M. D.,
W. B. Chapman, M. D.,
Daniel Henchman,,
Thomas Restieaux,
Andrew Geyer,
Emery Souther,
T. Larkin Turner,
Henry T. Cummings, M. D.,
Junius Gridley,
Henry W. Lincoln,
S. P. Peck,
J. C. Bingham,
T. B. Merrick,
S. M. Zacchrisson,
Thomas H. Barr,
William A. Brewer,
Thomas Hollis,
Ashel Boyden,
New York,
Boston,
Bennington,
St. Johnsbury,
New York,
Richmond,
Terre Haute,
Maine.
New York.
Massachusetts.
Vermont.
Vermont.
New York.
Virginia.
Indiana.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Henry D. Fowle,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
James S. Melvin,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
George L. Dearborn,
Great Falls,
New Hampshire.
Charles T. Carney,
Lowell,
Massachusetts.
William W. Goodwin,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Anthony S. Jones,
Newburyport,
Massachusetts.
James B. Lane,
Fitchburg,
Massachusetts.
Pike J. Hassard,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Thomas Farrington,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
48
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
LIST OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
To Report July 27th, 1854, in Cincinnati.
1st. To collect and arrange the Statistics of Pharmacy in the United
States, as suggested in the Executive Committee's Report, (page 6).
C. B. Guthrie, of Memphis, Tenn.
W. B. Chapman, of Cincinnati,
T. B. Merrick, of New York.
Joseph Laidley, of Richmond, Va.
H. T. Cummings, of Portland, Maine.
2d. To prepare an Address to the Pharmaceutists of the United States on
the subject of Pharmaceutical Education, as suggested in the Executive.
Committee's Report, (page 6).
William Procter, Jr., of Philadelphia, John Meakim, of New York,
Edward Parrish, of Philadelphia,
David Stewart, of Baltimore.
3d. To report on the suggestion in relation to appropriate subjects for
prize essays.
C. Augustus Smith, of Cincinnati,
T. H. Barr, of Terre Haute, Ind.
S. M. Zachrisson, of Richmond, Va.
4th. To consider and report on the subject of Home Adulterations.
C. B. Guthrie, of Memphis, Tenn. G. D. Coggeshall, of New York,
C. Augustus Smith, of Cincinnati.
5th. To inquire into the expediency of obtaining a form of Certificate of
Membership for the use of the Association, with such insignia and device,
or otherwise, as shall, in their opinion, be suitable.
Andrew Geyer, of Boston,
Charles Ellis, of Philadelphia,
Joseph Laidley, of Richmond, Va.
6th. The report of the Committee on Quack Medicines was referred to the
Committee on Pharmaceutical Education, (No. 2,) as above.
7th. To consider that part of the report of the Committee on the Inspec-
tion of Drugs relating to the fixing of standards of quality for those drugs
capable of it, together with the appropriate tests for detecting adulterations
when practicable, the following committee was appointed with authority to
invite the co-operation of the several Colleges of Pharmacy, by vote of the
Association.
William Procter, Jr., of Philadelphia, George D. Coggeshall, of New York.
8th. The same Committee were also directed to report on the late Circular
of Instructions from the Treasury Department, such amendments as they may
deem necessary.
9th. The Committee on Pharmaceutical Education, (No. 2,) as above, were
instructed to report on the expediency of endeavoring to obtain such Con-
gressional action as would compel all Special Examiners of Drugs and
Medicines to be either Graduates of Pharmacy, or to receive certificates of
qualification for such office from some College of Pharmacy recognized by
this Association.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
AT THE
THIRD ANNUAL MEETING,
Held in Cincinnati July 25th and 26th, 1854.
Published by direction of the Association.
PHILADELPHIA:
MERRIHEW & THOMPSON'S STEAM-POWER BOOK AND JOB PRINTING OFFICE.
Merchant Street, above Fourth.
1854.
NOTE BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
The present pamphlet will be found to contain a full history of the Transactions of the
late Meeting of the Association, with the exception of the documents reported by the
Committee on the Statistics of Pharmacy, which, although voluminous, refer only to the
Southern Atlantic, Gulf and New England States, in relation to all of which districts the
published "Proceedings" of last year contained pretty full reports. The subject of Sta-
tistics being continued in charge of the Committee, it is expected that at a future meeting
all the facts that can be collected upon it will be fully presented in a compact form, and
will form an important and interesting document for publication. The "Address to the
Pharmaceutists of the United States, their Clerks and Apprentices," has been published
in a separate pamphlet for gratuitous distribution. The edition is large, and we solicit
the aid of the friends of Pharmaceutical Education throughout the country in spreading it
before those for whom it was designed.
The Meeting at Cincinnati proves to have been ill-timed. Most of the members and
delegates who had prepared or intended to make the journey, were deterred as the time
approached by the general prevalence of malignant diseases, especially in the Atlantic
cities, aggravated by the excessive heat of the weather. The apothecaries were generally
detained by their duty to their several communities, and many who were otherwise at
liberty, felt constrained by considerations of domestic and social duty from leaving home
at a time of such general and alarming sickness.
That the small attendance was not from lukewarmness or want of interest, is sufficiently
shown by the encouraging nature of our correspondence, and by the zeal and good feeling
that prevailed at the meeting. It is abundantly evident that a wide-spread and increasing
interest is being felt throughout the country in the aims and measures of the Association.
From the list of members and correspondents published herewith, it will be seen that
the organization already represents sixteen States of the Union; and there cau be no
doubt, that, should the Constitution be so modified as to admit to membership those who
have been prevented from attending its meetings, although desirous of being identified
with it, the roll would soon embrace a much larger proportion of the reputable pharma-
ceutists and druggists throughout the United States.
EDWARD PARRISH, Philadelphia.
A. M. STEVENS, Cincinnati,
C. B. GUTHRIE, Memphis.
Ex.Com.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
The American Pharmaceutical Association met at the hall of
the Mechanics' Institute, Cincinnati, July 25th, 1854, at 11
o'clock, A. M.
In the absence of William A. Brewer, President, the meeting
was called to order by C. B. Guthrie, one of the Vice Presidents,
and on motion, Edward S. Wayne, of Cincinnati, was appointed
Secretary, pro tem., in lieu of Edward Parrish, of Philadelphia,
the Secretary, who was not present.
On motion, a Committee of the members of the Association
was appointed by the Chair to examine Credentials, and that
duty was assigned to W. B. Chapman, C. A. Smith, and Wm.
Procter, Jr.
After a recess, this Committee reported the following list of
delegates and gentlemen, as having been appointed by their re-
spective Colleges.
By the New York College of Pharmacy.-George D. Cogge-
shall, Benjamin Canavan, Eugene Dupuy, Buckland W. Bull,
and John Meakim.
By the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.-William A.
Brewer, S. M. Colcord, Joseph Burnett, Daniel Henchman, H.
W. Lincoln.
By the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.-Henry C. Blair,
Charles Ellis, John H. Ecky, Charles Bullock, and C. H. Dingee.
By the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy.-W. J. Gordon, A.
M. Stevens, Theodore Marsh, W. H. Coolidge, and Edward S.
Wayne.
No communications relative to delegations from the Maryland
College at Baltimore, or from the Richmond Association, were
received.
The following gentlemen having been severally recommended
by three members of the Association, were endorsed by the
Committee as eligible for membership, and were duly elected,
viz Hamilton Creighton, of Xenia, Ohio; W. S. Merrell, W. C.
Arons, and W. H. Addersley, of Cincinnati.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
4
The roll was then called, and the following members found to
be present:
W. S. Merrill, Cincinnati, O.
Theo. Marsh,
C. B. Guthrie,
Tenn.
S. M. Colcord,
Mass.
66
C. A. Smith,
Ky.
W. H. Addersly,
66
W. Procter, Jr.,
Pa.
A. M. Stevens,
66
W. C. Arons,
66
H. T. Cummings, Maine.
W. B. Chapman, Cincinnati, O. W. J. M. Gordon,
Edward S. Wayne,
66
H. Creighton, Xenia, O.
(The following, though not at this time registered on the roll,
were afterwards elected members and attended the sittings :)
Lewis Rehfuss, Cincinnati, O.
J. V. Whetstone,
66
W. R. Smith, Hillsboro, O.
J. W. Hannaford, Cinn., O.
John Scott,
Asbury Kent,
66
66
It was a source of regret to the Association that so many of
its members were absent; the causes assigned had reference
chiefly to the prevalence of epidemic cholera in the Eastern
cities, requiring the presence of pharmaceutists at their posts, or
to indisposition in themselves or families.
On motion, a Committee was selected to nominate permanent.
officers for the Association, consisting of William Procter, Jr.,
W. H. Coolidge, C. A. Smith, H. T. Cummings, H. Creighton,
and S. M. Colcord.
After a recess this Committee reported the following nomina-
tions:
For President.-WILLIAM B. CHAPMAN, of Cincinnati, Ohio.
For Vice Presidents.-HENRY T. CUMMINGS, of Portland,
Maine; JOHN MEAKIM, of New York; JOSEPH LAIDLEY, of
Richmond, Virginia.
For Treasurer.-SAMUEL M. COLCORD, of Boston.
For Recording Secretary.-EDWARD S. WAYNE, of Cincinnati.
For Corresponding Secretary.-WILLIAM PROCTER, JR., of
Philadelphia.
For Executive Committee.-EDWARD PARRISH, of Philadel-
phia, Chairman; C. B. GUTHRIE, of Memphis; and A. M.
STEVENS, of Cincinnati.
The report of the Committee was accepted, and on separate
ballots the nominees were elected to the several offices for the
ensuing year.
The President elect on being conducted to the Chair, returned
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
5
his thanks to the Association for the honor conferred, and
promised his best services.
The name of Lewis Rehfuss, of Cincinnati, was now brought
forward by the Committee on Credentials, and he was duly elected
a member.
The meeting then adjourned to 3 o'clock, P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The President took the Chair. The minutes of the Morning
Session were read by the Secretary, and approved.
The report of the late Treasurer, Alfred B. Taylor, of Phila-
delphia, being in order, it was read and referred to A. M.
Stevens and H. T. Cummings, to be audited.
The report of the Executive Committee for the past year was
read by its chairman, W. Procter, Jr., and was accepted. This
report informed that the Committee, immediately on the adjourn-
ment of the last meeting, collated, printed, and published 2000
copies of the Proceedings," in the form of a covered pamphlet
of 48 pages, at a cost of $111, a part of which amount was de-
frayed by special contributions from the Philadelphia College of
Pharmacy, and the Richmond Pharmaceutical Association.
66
[The following statement, compiled from the Report, will exhibit the
number of "Proceedings" distributed in the several states and cities as far
as ascertained:
New England States, through S. M. Colcord,
Western States, through the Corresponding Secretary,
State of New York,
((
Maryland,
Delaware,
((
N. Carolina,
((
แ
(6
((
((
(:
New Jersey,
(6
Georgia,
Mississippi,
Florida,
California,
Pennsylvania,
Virginia,
A
1
"l
District of Columbia,
(L
((
(L
South Carolina,
Alabama,
Louisiana,
1
•
•
1
•
400
-
460
49
22
3
21
48
29
14
23
87
10
86
19
32
26
62
5
25
30
100
50
124
47
Texas,
Miscellaneous,
Connecticut and vicinity, through H. F. Fish,
City of New York, through T. B. Merrick,
City of St. Louis, through G. F. Chamberlain,
City of Philadelphia,
City of Baltimore,
6
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Thirty-five copies were sent to Editors of Medical and Pharmaceutical
journals. About eighty copies retained by the Committee for future use.
Lists of most of those to whom the "Proceedings have been sent are pre-
served by the Committee.
The Association having by resolution directed the Executive Committee
to request the forwarding to them of such local formulæ as pharmaceutists.
may wish to communicate, they accordingly reported such as had been con-
tributed, and they are placed on file.
The Report further informed that the Committee had issued circulars of
invitation to attend the present Convention. It also contained a statement
of the expenses of the Committee.]
The report of Andrew Geyer, of Boston, Chairman of the
Committee appointed last year, on a proposed certificate of
membership, being in order, was read by Mr. Colcord and laid
on the table for future action. This report was accompanied by
a draft of a certificate embracing a design emblematic of the art
and science of Pharmacy, and a certificate stating that the
American Pharmaceutical Association, having confidence in the
ability and integrity of the holder, has elected him a member of
its body.
The report of the Committee on Education (W. Procter, Jr.,
E. Parrish, D. Stewart and J. Meakim) being called for, it was
read by the Chairman, and was accepted.
This report consisted, 1st, of a draft of an Address to the
Pharmaceutists of the United States on the subject of education
in the shop; (Appendix A.) 2d, a copy of the circular issued by
the committee to gather information relative to the condition of
education among apothecaries; 3d, of the answers to these cir-
culars, tabulated for reference, and the report of G. L. Simmons,
of California, on the condition of apprenticeship in that state; (Ap-
pendix E.) 4th, the report on quack medicines, specially referred
last year; (Appendix G.) 5th, a report on the expediency of
endeavoring to obtain congressional action in reference to the
mode of appointing drug inspectors; (Appendix D.)
On motion of C. B. Guthrie, the "Address" was adopted by
the Association, directed to be printed in the Proceedings, and
the Executive Committee were instructed to print such a number
of copies, in a separate form, as in their judgment were neces-
sary for general distribution.
The fifth document accompanying the report, relative to the
expediency of seeking Congressional action on the appointment
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
7
of special examiners of drugs, was read and accepted. (Appen-
dix D.)
The report on The Circular of Instructions to the Special
Examiners of Drugs, etc." issued by Mr. Guthrie, Secretary of
the Treasury, referred to the committee on Standards for the
Inspection of Drugs," was now read and accepted. (Appendix C.)
The Report of the committee on "A system of Standards for
the government of the Special Examiners of Drugs," etc., re-
ferred to Messrs. Procter and Coggeshall, was now read by the
Chairman of the Committee, was accepted, and laid on the table
for future action. (Appendix B.)
A communication from Gustavus L. Simmons, of Sacramento,
California, corresponding member of the Association was now
read, accepted, and laid on the table. (Appendix F.)
The Report on the subject of "Home Adulterations" being
called for, C. B. Guthrie, Chairman, stated that the committee
had not been unmindful of the task assigned them; that in pro-
ceeding in their labors the subject had so increased in magnitude
and importance that they did not feel ready to report this year,
and thought that by the time of the next annual meeting they
would be able to produce a report that would surprise the mem-
bers of the Association. The Committee was continued, and
encouraged to proceed.
The consideration of the report on Statistics was postponed
until to-morrow at the request of the Committee.
The Report on Quack Medicines, was now called for, read, and
accepted. (Appendix G.)
Then adjourned to 8 o'clock, P. M.
EVENING SESSION.
At the appointed time the President called the meeting to
order, and the afternoon minutes were read and adopted.
On motion, the Report on the Certificate of Membership, read
in the afternoon session, was taken up for consideration. Some
discussion ensued. The draft submitted by the Committee was
objected to as not meeting the wants of the Association. The
design of the artist was objected to as not being appropriate;
and the suggested wording of the certificate was considered as
being far too positive, making the instrument equal to a diploma,
8
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
as it certified to the moral as well as professional character and
qualifications of the holder.
Mr. Colcord observed that, unfortunately, none of the Com-
mittee were present, and he was unable to state their views.
On motion of C. A. Smith the whole matter was laid on the
table until next year, and the Committee continued.
On motion of C. B. Guthrie the report of the committee on
Standards was directed to be printed in the proceedings. The
importance of the subject was dwelt upon and it was resolved to
continue the committee (Messrs. Procter and Coggeshall,) and
increase it at the suggestion of its chairman, by the addition of
Charles T. Carney of Lowell, Massachusetts, and Edward S.
Wayne of Cincinnati.
The consideration of Mr. Simmons' report on the state of
Pharmacy in California was now resumed, and the Executive
Committee were directed to print it in the Proceedings. (Appen-
dix F.)
On motion, it was resolved, that the unofficinal formulæ com-
municated by Messrs. Mathews of Buffalo, Cummings of Maine,
and Meakim of New York, and contained in the Report of the
Executive Committee, be preserved by the Secretary, with a view
to publication when future similar contributions accumulate suf
ficiently to justify it.
A letter from the New York delegation to the late President,
giving the reasons for their inability to be present, was read, The
meeting adjourned to 8 o'clock to-morrow morning.
SECOND DAY, MORNING SESSION.
JULY 26th,-8 o'clock, A. M.-The Association met and ac-
cepted an invitation from the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy
to visit their Cabinet, located in the Museum rooms of the Miami
Medical College. (The Collection of East India drugs and other
specimens is quite numerous. A valuable series of the Cinchona
barks of Peru and Columbia is embraced in it; the whole including
chemical and botanical items, numbering more than eight hundred
specimens, neatly enclosed in bottles and boxes, and labelled.)
Before returning to the Hall, the members were gratified in
visiting the new steam fire apparatus belonging to the city of
Cincinnati, and the invention of one of her citizens.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
9
At half past 10 o'clock, A. M., the Association was called to
order by the President, and the minutes of the previous meeting
were read and adopted. Dr. Guthrie, as Chairman of the Com-
mittee on the Collection and Arrangement of the Statistics of
Pharmacy in the United States," read a sub-report by Joseph
Laidley of Richmond, on the state of Pharmacy in the Southern,
Atlantic and Gulf States, accompanied by tables containing
much valuable information, which will prove very serviceable to
future inquirers. The sub-report of Dr. Cummings, on the state
of Pharmacy in the New England States, was also read, detail-
ing many deficiencies in the practice of Pharmacy of that section,
and attributing a portion of them to the illiberal course adopted
by some physicians.
Dr. Guthrie continued the report for the Western States verbal-
ly, excused the physicians of that region from any unfriendliness
to pharmaceutists, but gave ample evidence to the necessity of
pushing measures of pharmaceutical reform in those States.
The Committee on Credentials brought forward the names of
J. V. Whetstone and J. W. Hannaford of Cincinnati, and W. R.
Smith of Hillsborough, Ohio, who were duly elected members
and signed the Constitution.
The report of the late Corresponding Secretary, Wm. B.
Chapman, was read and accepted.
(This report informed that on the 24th of August, last year, a circular
was issued informing the numerous Correspondents of their selection, and
requesting a note of acceptance or declination. Of the forty-three persons
thus addressed, sixteen accepted and five declined, while twenty-two failed
to answer the circular, of which the Executive Committee was duly in-
formed.
On the 4th of October a letter was addressed to Prof. G. B. Wood, in
accordance with the resolution of the Association, soliciting the publica-
tion of a large and cheap edition of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. No official
reply was received, but the Secretary learned indirectly that the proposition
was favorably entertained.)
On motion of Dr. Guthrie, it was resolved that this Associa-
tion recommend to the several Colleges of Pharmacy and
Pharmaceutical Associations, the appointment of Committees of
Correspondence from their own bodies, who shall address the
apothecaries of their respective sections upon the objects of this
Association, for the promotion of its designs.
The report of the Committee on prizes was now read by its
Chairman, C. A. Smith, in which it is recommended, that in
10
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
view of the limited finances of the Association, but two prizes be
offered for the ensuing year. To make the award more honor-
able to the recipients, it was determined to make them in books
rather than in money. The two following resolutions offered by
the Committee were then adopted.
Resolved, That a copy of twenty-three volumes of the Ameri-
can Journal of Pharmacy be, and hereby is offered for the best
essay which shall develope the commercial history of all drugs
indigenous to the United States, as senega, spigelia, serpentaria,
etc., as regards the manner and places of their collection and
preparation for the supply of commerce, the amount annually
collected, and the channels through which they enter general
commerce.
Resolved, That a copy of the inorganic portion of Gmelin's
Handbook of Chemistry, (as published by the Cavendish Society
in six volumes,) is offered for the best essay on the question,
"Do Hyoscyamus, Belladonna and Conium, grown in the United
States, contain their active principles in the same proportions as
the European grown plants."
To carry out the object of the resolutions in an efficient and
impartial manner, it was
Resolved, That all essays (in answer to the above resolutions,)
be referred to a special committee of judges, who will report on
their relative merit to the next annual meeting of the Associa-
tion, this committee to consist of Daniel B. Smith of Philadelphia,
Dr. David Stewart of Baltimore and John Meakim of New
York.
Resolved, That if, in the opinion of the judges, none of the
essays received are worthy of the prizes, that they decline award-
ing them in their report; the contributors may then either with-
draw their essays or leave them in possession of the Association.
Resolved, That all essays contributed for the prizes be delivered,
free of charge to Daniel B. Smith of Germantown, Philadelphia,
on or before the second Tuesday of August, 1855, in order to
give time for their examination.*
On motion of C. A. Smith, it was Resolved that when this
* These Essays may be directed to the care of Wm. Procter, Jr., Corres-
ponding Secretary, S. W. corner of Ninth and Lombard Sts., or Edward Parrish,
Chairman Executive Committee, S. W. corner Eighth and Arch Sts., Philada.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
11
Association adjourns, it adjourns to meet in the city of New
York, on the second Tuesday in September, 1855, at 3 o'clock,
P. M.
The President having announced that the members of the
Association were invited by Mr. Lewis Rehfuss to visit his vine-
yard this afternoon, the invitation was accepted.
On motion of Dr. Guthrie, the names of A. J. Mathews of
Buffalo, and E. S. Wayne of Cincinnati were added to the com-
mittee on Home Adulterations."
The President announced the reception of a copy of "An essay
on the Relation between the Atomic Weights of the Chemical
Elements, by Josiah P. Cooke, Jr." from Wm. A. Brewer, late
President of the Association, to whom the thanks of the Asso-
ciation are tendered. On motion, the meeting adjourned to 2
o'clock this afternoon.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The President called to order about the time agreed to, and the
Secretary read the minutes.
On motion of C. A. Smith, it was Resolved that a committee
of three be appointed to draft a law regulating the sale of poisons,
to be submitted to the Association at their next annual mecting,
and if approved, to be presented to the Legislatures of the several
States for their adoption.
The Chair appointed Alfred B. Taylor, of Philadelphia;
Joseph Laidley, of Richmond; and Theodore Marsh, of Cincin-
nati, to this service.
On motion of C. A. Smith, it was Resolved that a Committee
of three be appointed to inquire whether any and what amend-
ments are required to the law regulating the importation of drugs
and medicines, to render it more efficient, uniform, and advan-
tageous to the public at large.
The Chair appointed C. B. Guthrie, of Memphis; G. D.
Coggeshall, L. W. Haskell, of New York; and A. M. Stevens,
of Cincinnati, to this duty.
The following preamble and resolution, offered by William
Procter, Jr., were adopted:
This Association having learned with great interest that in the
culture of the grape in the neighborhood of Cincinnati, attention.
12
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
has been turned to the production of wines and tartar, and that
the success which has thus far attended this branch of industry
leads to the belief that in a few years the crop of each will be
extensive, it is therefore Resolved, in view of the importance of
these articles in medicine, that a Committee of three be appointed
to inquire into the adaptation of these wines for medicinal pur-
poses, and the probable amount and quality of the tartar likely
to be produced annually.
The Chair committed this inquiry to Lewis Rehfuss, of Cin-
cinnati; C. A. Smith, of Blue Licks, Ky.; and C. B. Guthrie,
of Memphis.
On motion of the same gentleman it was
Resolved, Inasmuch as the Constitution of this Association
was adopted at a time when the wants of this body were not so
well known as at present, that the whole matter of its revision
be referred to a suitable Committee, to report such amendments
as they may deem best to the next annual meeting.
To this duty Edward Parrish, of Philadelphia; George D.
Coggeshall, of New York; and Samuel M. Colcord, of Boston,
were appointed.
It was further Resolved, that the attention of the pharmaceutists
of the United States be directed to the idea of universally
adopting a single name to indicate the business of the apothecary,
and that the subject be revived at the next annual meeting with
a view to officially adopting one if approved.
On motion of S. M. Colcord the following resolutions were
adopted.
Resolved, That those members of the Association who are
strangers in Cincinnati, express their warmest gratitude for the
kindness and attention they have received from the Cincinnati
College of Pharmacy.
Resolved, That the thanks of the Association are tendered to
the President and Secretary for the able manner in which they
have discharged their duties.
Resolved, That we appreciate the efforts of the Cincinnati
College of Pharmacy to improve the standing and qualifications
of the drug dealers of the West, and that we recommend them to
extend their sphere of action to meet those of other pharmaceu-
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
13
tical societies, until such time as new organizations are made
within their sphere.
The Committee on Credentials presented the name of Asbury
Kent, of Cincinnati, as a candidate for membership, and he was
duly elected.
The Association now adjourned to accept the invitation of Mr.
Rehfuss to his hospitable mansion, situate a few miles west of
Cincinnati, agreeing to meet on their return for final adjourn-
ment.
EVENING SESSION, 8 O'CLOCK, P. M.
After the organization of the meeting and the reading of the
previous minutes, Dr. Guthrie offered the following Resolution,
which was unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Association are due and are
hereby tendered to Mr. Lewis Rehfuss for the many interesting
and valuable facts furnished in connection with the culture of
the grape, and for his generous hospitality.
John Scott, of Cincinnati, having been recommended and en-
dorsed by the Credential Committee, he was duly elected a mem-
ber and signed the Constitution.
There being no further business, the Secretary read the gene-
ral minutes, which, after amendments, were adopted as a whole,
and the Association adjourned to meet in New York City on the
Second Tuesday in September, 1855, at 3 o'clock, P. M.
EDWARD S. WAYNE,
Recording Secretary.
14
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
APPENDIX.
A.
ADDRESS
To the Pharmaceutists of the United States.
The American Pharmaceutical Association, deeply impressed
with the importance of adopting some measure by which the
present and future apothecaries of this country may be improved
in educational standing, viewed in reference to the practice of
their profession, have determined to address their brethren every-
where in our widely extended country, believing that some good
results may arise from the hints they will suggest.
By an inquiry extended to all sections of the Union, it has
been ascertained that a vital defect exists in the very budding
process of pharmaceutical education-the apprenticeship. In
all the pharmaceutical institutions of Europe, where degrees are
granted to apothecaries, the preliminary service in the shop is a
sine qua non to admission to the examinations, it being gene.
rally four years, and in many of them the attendance on lec-
tures follows this term of practical initiation into the duties of
the shop and laboratory. In England, where as yet no degree-
granting institution exists among pharmaceutists, the appren-
ticeship system is carried out by indenture as in ordinary usage,
so important is this preliminary training conceived to be to the
education of a pharmaceutical chemist. In many stores in the
Atlantic cities north of Virginia, and more especially in Phila-
delphia, a system of apprenticing exists, yet it rarely happens
that a lad is legally indentured; the idea of such an instrument
being exceedingly repulsive to most boys who aim at the apothe-
cary business. In lieu of a legal indenture a feeling of honor-
bound obligation should exist, equally binding on the part of ap-
prentice and employer, capable of retaining the connection un-
til the obligation is cancelled by termination of service and com-
pletion of education. For want of this tie between learners
and employers, our country has been deluged with incompetent
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
15
drug clerks, whose claim to the important position they hold or
apply for is based on a year or two's service in the shop, per-
haps under circumstances illy calculated to increase their know-
ledge. These clerks in turn become principals, and have the direc-
tion of others—alas! for the progeny that some of them bring
forth, as ignorance multiplied by ignorance will produce neither
knowledge nor skill.
When we investigate the causes of this state of things, it will
be found to arise primarily in the want of a correct feeling of
the dignity and responsibility of the calling of the apothecary
as a branch of the medical profession. The larger number of
those who deal in drugs and medicines do it solely to make mo-
ney; they aim at making the most out of the least outlay of
capital or trouble; to sell medicines is their vocation; and he is
the best clerk who can sell the most, under whatever circum-
stances it is effected. To avoid the necessity of gaining the re-
quisite knowledge of practical pharmacy, it is no uncommon
habit to buy their preparations ready made, except the simpler
ones, and at the lowest price, and the business, thus shorn of its
most interesting department, the application of chemistry to the
conversion of crude drugs into medicines, becomes a mere store
keeping, where the drug clerk is kept putting up and selling
parcels and bottles of medicines, the preparation of which, and
the beautiful reactions often concerned in their manufacture, he
is as complete a stranger to as though they did not exist. Is it
any wonder then, that, after one or two years service, the ap-
prentice should fancy that he had learned the business as a seller
of drugs and chemicals, and becoming uneasy at the prospect of
a four years term, breaks the slender connection that binds him
to his employer, and starts out as a fledged clerk! In these
days of manufacturing pharmaceutists, when most of the nicer
preparations, from Dover's powder to fluid extracts, are to be
bought ready made, the temptation to purchase them is great,
even to the qualified principal, who thus saves himself the re-
sponsibility and trouble attending their manufacture; but he is
apt to forget the injustice thus done to his protegés, who are thus
deprived of the important practical knowledge only to be gained
by becoming familiar with the manipulations they involve.
Having abandoned, to a large extent, the making of these pre-
16
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
parations, such apothecaries are ready but too often to accept
the agency of the numerous quackeries that abound to swell
their sales, and from this are led into the origination of secret
compounds and become quacks themselves. Further, they are
induced to trench on the business of the tobacconist, and the
variety storekeeper, by keeping their wares; and sometimes to
a considerable amount.
So long as this abandonment of the legitimate duties of the
pharmaceutist is permitted, it is hopeless to expect that appren-
tices will feel that interest in the business they have embarked
in that is excited when they are called upon to carry out the va-
rious chemical and pharmaceutical processes that properly belong
to every well conducted apothecary shop.
Familiarity with those processes, in which the phenomena of
mechanical division, solution, extraction, distillation and other
operations are practically studied, is a true basis upon which to
build the knowledge required by a skilful extemporaneous phar-
maceutist, or prescriptionist, whose vocation includes the highest
department of the art of an apothecary. It is indeed the only
basis upon which it should repose. Making the officinal prepa-
rations is therefore an indispensable part of pharmaceutical ed-
ucation, and no apothecary, whose scheme of business does not
include the preparation of at least a considerable portion of
them, can efficiently educate those under his care.
It may be said that the preparation of the strictly pharmaceu-
tical compounds by the manufacturer of character more surely
supplies the dispenser with medicines of unexceptionable quality.
This is only partially true, because the institution of such a
branch of business by the qualified, soon calls into its scope un-
qualified and careless men, who look at profit and not at thera-
peutic power in the purchase and treatment of drugs. Besides,
the temptation to expand their business is a strong inducement,
even to the skilful, to make quantities of fugitive and easily de-
composable compounds, which are forced on distant markets,
where they are to be dispensed, and where, too often, the dispen-
ser deals them out in full assurance of their excellence. The
gradual effect of this custom on the dispenser is to render him
tributary to the druggist and manufacturing pharmaceutist for
many preparations, the efficiency of which he is bound, by the
highest calls of duty, to be personally assured of.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
17
Before leaving this part of the subject we would urge a care-
ful consideration of these hints by those of the brethren to
whom they apply, that they may see whether their duty to them-
selves, to their apprentices and assistants, and to the medical
profession, does not require them to prepare all the officinal medi-
cines that their shops will admit of that are prone to deteriora-
tion, or are difficult to test. In this category certain of the
extracts and of other classes of preparations are not included,
where the use of steam or a vacuum pan, or some other pecu-
liarity of the process may be required, not at the command of
the apothecary. There are many chemicals that can be easily
made in the smallest apothecary shop, from materials it must
necessarily possess, and which will interest the apprentice, yet
the safe guard which analysis offers to the apothecary, in protect-
ing his stock of chemicals from adulteration, renders it less im-
portant to include these within the scope of his laboratory.
The correspondence with apothecaries before alluded to, has
placed the Association in possession of many facts bearing on
the condition of pharmacy and pharmaceutical education within
the United States. It appears that the tenure of apprenticeship
resting on the simple agreement of the parties apprenticed has
become so lax, especially in the western States, that as a general
rule very little dependence is placed upon it. Boys are taken at
a venture by the year, the employer making the best bargain he
can, feeling assured that the boy will leave or demand clerk's
wages before he has been with him half a regular term. From
this cause, it is stated, the number of half educated assistants
is quite large, and presents a serious difficulty in the prosecution
of business in the way it should be conducted. As the result of
this condition of things it has been found that there are three
classes of individuals engaged in pharmaceutical pursuits who
claim the interest of the Association, and to whom more partic-
ularly this address is directed, viz: First, those who are imper-
fectly acquainted with pharmacy and are in business for them-
selves; secondly, those who have been but half educated as ap-
prentices and who are now assistants receiving salaries, having
the responsibility of business entrusted to them; thirdly, those
who are now apprentices or beginners under circumstances and
with ideas unfavorable to the acquirement of a thorough know-
2
18
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ledge of the drug and apothecary business. Of course all those
instances, which happily are not a few, where individual ambition
or natural talent for study or business has triumphed over the
difficulties alluded to, are not included.
In thus addressing the individuals composing these three
classes, the Association disclaims all disposition to arrogate to
its members, as a body, any superior claim to knowledge or skill.
They have associated together to improve themselves, and to
adopt measures to improve the profession of pharmacy at large.
They know that these classes of individuals exist; they feel that
a remedy is loudly called for, which, whatever it may be, can
only be rendered efficacious by the consent and co-operation of
the parties interested. It is, therefore, earnestly hoped, that
this address will be received in the kindly spirit in which it is
offered, and its suggestions examined and weighed by all who
may feel themselves to belong to the classes addressed.
After a young man has commenced business he rarely feels
disposed, or thinks he has time for systematic duty, and is apt to
discard all attempts at it, depending on the occasional references
to books rendered necessary by the absolute demands of busi-
ness. This is a mistake, there is sufficient time if it is rightly
applied. Let the young proprietor who feels his deficiency,
make it a rule before making each preparation, as required, to
read carefully the commentary in the Dispensatory, and after-
wards note the correspondence or difference of his results with
those laid down. This will cause him to detect errors, if they
exist, or to correct his own, will soon give a constant habit of ob-
servation of great practical value, and will gradually excite an
interest in the collateral branches of science, chemistry and bot-
any, that, if pursued, will place him on the high road to pro-
fessional competency. The young proprietor should adopt at
first an honorable scheme of conducting business; he should de-
termine to sell good drugs and medicines, come what will, and in
doing so he will have a right to the best prices whether he gets
them or not. He should cultivate a good feeling toward the
medical practitioners of his neighborhood, should study the in-
terest of the latter so far as the efficiency of medicines is con-
cerned, and physicians will soon, from interest, incline towards
him.
He will aid his success by storing his memory with gene-
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
19
ral information useful to his patrons, and render himself as ne-
cessary to the comfort as he is to the health of his neighborhood
by his willingness to give it out.
These remarks apply to the dispenser of medicines rather than
to one doing a mixed or wholesale business; on the former mainly
depends the progress of pharmacy, and remembering his own
imperfect opportunities, he should give to his apprentices or
subordinates the best tuition he is capable of. It is a mistaken
and short-sighted policy in the apothecary to withhold instruc-
tion beyond the merest calls of business, under the impression
that it will react unfavorably to his interest. The man who has
efficient assistants will have his reputation increased instead of
diminished, and this will be a safeguard against ingratitude,
when it occurs.
To this end he should improve and extend his pharmaceutical
library by annual additions; he should encourage the periodical
literature of Pharmacy to keep posted up with the improve-
ments and discoveries of the day, and he should exhibit such an
interest in his apprentices or assistants as will encourage them
to adopt a habit of study, which is the best safeguard against the
temptations into which young men and boys are drawn, unless
they have some regular object of pursuit.
The second class, or assistants but half educated, are a numer-
ous and interesting portion of the pharmaceutical community.
They are found every where, because the causes of their defi-
ciencies exist every where, though not equally so. To induce
these to do now what they should have done in their minority is
the object of this appeal. The assistant, except in those in-
stances where the pressure of business is continuous during busi-
ness hours, has ample opportunities for study. He should not
fail to embrace them on every occasion, whilst his mind is un-
trammelled by the troubles and responsibilities of the engage-
ments peculiar to the proprietor. He should beware of the idea
that he knows enough to conduct business." In offering him-
self as a pharmaceutical assistant, a young man tacitly declares
that he is capable of conducting a dispensing establishment;
that he is a fit adjunct to the physician in combatting disease.
He assumes a responsible position, next only to that of his em-
ployer. In the eye of the law he is responsible, in the absence
20
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
of his employer, for the conduct of business, and is actionable for
the results of his own ignorance and carelessness. A proper sense
of this should induce the assistant to qualify himself by study;
to read regularly and understandingly, and assist his reading
when necessary by experiment and observation. He should
never let a false pride induce him to let an error pass over un-
corrected, and he should always keep in view that his destiny is
to be a proprietor, and act as becomes a pharmaceutist. By
pursuing these suggestions many third or fourth rate assistants
might command the best situations and good salaries.
The third class the beginners or apprentices-call forth the
earnest sympathy of the Association. It depends much on the
employer and his chief assistant whether the apprentice will
make rapid or slow progress, or whether he will ever make a
good apothecary; it very much also rests with himself. Some
dispositions are so inimical to tuition that no amount of pains
will fashion them into shape; yet it often happens that a promi-
sing youth will grow into irregularities from the want of a little
candid training on the part of the employer. If there is any
one fault in American boys more prominent than another, it is
the inclination to act independently of authority. The "young
America" spirit leads to various ill results, one of the chief of
which is imperfect education, whether professional, mercantile or
mechanical. It is one phase of this ill spirit that is now filling
the ranks of pharmacy with half educated clerks. Let the
young apothecary do well what he attempts, and carry it out on
all occasions, from the most menial service of the shop to the
most accurate operation of the laboratory. Let him vie with
his fellows in the graceful handling of the spatula and the pes-
tle, in the neatness of folding a powder or bundle, in the accu-
racy of writing or attaching a label, and in the quick, quiet and
courteous mode of conducting business at the counter; these are
all parts of the accomplishment of a perfect pharmaceutist. The
beginner should early adopt the idea that his vocation consists
of something besides a business for gaining a livelihood; it
also partakes of the character of a liberal profession, and de-
mands of its votaries that they uphold its ethics even at the sac-
rifice of gain, that they sell good medicines even if they get low
prices, because it is wrong to dispense bad medicines when it is
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
21
possible to get good. It would be well if every beginner could
have a vision of the duties he has to perform before entering the
precincts of the shop as an apprentice. This picture would dis-
courage all but the earnest ones who, seeing beyond present in-
conveniences and annoyances, aim at the highest qualification.
To these the apothecary's store, with all its petty details and
trials, its busy days and tedious evenings, affords a field rich in
the produce it yields to the unremitting exertions of the carnest
student; as with Scheele and Davy so with many an one in our
day. World-renowned celebrity will cling to names unsuspected
of greatness, the early efforts of whose possessors are now con-
fined to the narrow limits of the shop.
It is a misfortune to many that the idea of the lucrativeness
of the apothecary business has long since obtained popular cre-
dence; and often the fond parent, anxious that his boy should
be started on the road to fortune, has unwittingly doomed him
to an unhappy companionship with the pestle and mortar, when
in the counting room of the merchant or the workshop of the
machinist he might have attained to their desires.
The numerous instances of individuals in other callings who
have commenced as apothecaries, bear ample testimony to the
truth of this statement, and are a speaking caution to all con-
cerned, that the fitness of boys for pharmaceutical pursuits
should be ascertained before placing them with apothecaries.
The difficulties in the way of sustaining schools of pharmacy
will here, as in Europe, confine them to large cities, where the
number of students and the accessories to study are numerous.
Slow but regular currents will circulate between these and dis-
tant towns, and their Graduates, in seeking spheres of action, will
carry back with them the principles they imbibe, and thus act as
examples to their less favored brethren, altogether advantageous
to the public weal. The vast importance, therefore, of good schools
of pharmacy, where the sciences pertaining to our art are regu-
larly taught, is so evident, that this Association freely extends its
countenance and encouragement to those already existing, and
to all new efforts, claiming for them the patronage they deserve.
Such are some of the more prominent points at issue in the
educational reform so greatly needed in the pharmaceutical body
of the United States. If the incubus of quackery was remo-
22
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ved, a general feeling of the necessity of better means of phar-
maceutical education existed, and a strong chain of associations,
linked together by fraternal feeling, established, the prospects
of American Pharmacy would be flattering indeed. The most
sanguine believers in progress do not expect a sudden reforma-
tion; but there are many who look with strong faith and much
interest to the silent influence of a better education in working
a change among the individuals of the profession, and it is the
earnest hope of this Association that the hints now offered in
this address will not be lost, but that many a brother, in his dis-
tant unpretending scene of action, will be induced to raise his
standing and usefulness by personal exertions, and become a
light to his brethren and a boon to his neighborhood.
B.
Report on Standards of Quality for the government of Special Examiners of
Drugs, &c.
The Committee appointed at Boston, 1853, "to consider that part of the
report of the Committee on the inspection of drugs relating to the fixing of
Standards of quality for those drugs capable of it, together with the appropri-
ate tests for detecting adulterations, when practicable," report that they have
given due consideration to the subjects referred to them.
The serious difficulties in the way of accomplishing the objects aimed at in
the above resolution, were so fully appreciated by the last Committee, that
they felt best satisfied to ask the direct action of the Association regarding
the feasibility of Standards for those drugs liable to come under the notice
of Examiners. In not adopting that recommendation, the whole difficulty
was thrown on this Committee, with the liberty of inviting the co-operation
of the Colleges of Pharmacy should they deem it best. The Committee de
termined not to seek this collateral aid, but to prepare the report from the
best means within their reach, and let the Association decide at its next
meeting on any ulterior course that may be necessary to carry on the work
should they deem it necessary.
The object of recognized Standards attached to particular drugs is two-fold
-as a guide to the inspector, giving him a well-defined basis for his exami-
nations, and as a means of comparison for the analytical chemist when sub-
sequently referred after rejection. A large number of substances cannot be
judged by chemical analysis, as to medicinal strength, because they can not be
analyzed in a quantitative manner so as to decide what constitutes a proper
per centage of their active principles. Hence standards based on chemical ana-
lysis apply only to inorganic drugs, and to such organic drugs as contain well-
defined and isolable principles. Analysis in its proximate sense may be em-
ployed to establish the identity of a drug without its being sufficient to de-
termine its actual strength.
When analysis fails, the judgment of the inspector must be based upon the
pharmacological characteristics of taste, smell, feel and conformation, in-
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
23
eluding its botanical characters, if of vegetable origin, and its appearance under
the microscope. The parallelism of external sensible properties with regular
chemical constitution is in most instances sufficiently accurate to be relied
upon. For instance, rhubarb, that is strongly odorous, has a good color, and
the decided bitterness and peculiar taste of the root, rarely fails to be active
as a medicine; and where the pharmacological knowledge of the inspector is
full and practical we would prefer trusting to his judgment in such cases than
to the opinion of a chemist, at least until proximate organic analysis is more
perfect than at present. In judging a bale or cask of senna, the examiner
will first satisfy himself that it is senna and not a sophistication, which he
does by the botanical characteristics of the leaf;-next its freedom from an
excessive proportion of accidental substances ;-3d. that its color, odor and
taste are correct. In the case of digitalis where the leaves of the second
year are preferable, accurate acquaintance with structural botany will afford
essential service to the inspector.
Again;-When a test standard is affixed to an organic drug requiring a
certain amount of an active principle to be present, it would be more satis-
factory if the law would define in what way the drug should be treated to
yield it. For instance, a manufacturing chemist, skilled in the difficult pro-
cesses of proximate analysis, will obtain a larger product from a given speci-
men than a chemist who is not specially familiar with that department. In
the case of opium, an instance occurred where that drug was condemned for
deficient morphia, when it really contained an overplus.
The absolute strength of organic drugs cannot be fixed;-the natural va-
riation in the proportion of the constituents of vegetables, arising from climate,
soil and season, is so great that the range of strength in genuine specimens
of a drug may be quite wide. All such, as a general rule, will have to be
overlooked; yet in a few cases the law should be made to exert its influence,
as for instance in the cinchonas, where every proportion of quinia from 0.1
to 3.0 per cent. exists, owing, as has been alleged, chiefly to the location of
the trees above the sea level; and in opium, where in some locations narco-
tina appears to be secreted to a large extent instead of morphia (in certain
varieties.)
When the law declares that a certain per centage of active matter must
be present to enable a drug to pass the examiner, it is necessary to the effec-
tual carrying out of the ordinance that a practical means of demonstrating
the fact, pro or con, be known. To say, for instance, quoting from Secre
tary Guthrie's circular, that "Jalap root, whether in root or powder, shall af-
ford 11 per cent of pure jalap resin," is wanting in clearness of meaning.
There are two resins in jalap, both equally resins of jalap. One of these is
the active principle and is insoluble in ether, the other inert and soluble in
ether. The instructions should therefore expressly state that a certain per
centage of jalap resin (jalapin) insoluble in ether should be yielded by the
drug, else, in the case of the powder especially, other inert resins might be
introduced with fraud. Again: In the case of Benzoin, the instructions
should say by what process this drug should be tested to prove the absence
of 12 per cent. of Benzoic acid, in order to cause its rejection, as the process
of sublimation and precipitation afford very different results, the latter being
the most productive.
In reference to the purity of medicinal chemicals there should be a clear
understanding. To say that they shall be pure in the chemical sense is pre-
posterous, as ninety-nine hundredths of all that are imported are not so. There
is a generally recognised degree of purity in chemicals, manufactured on a
large scale, which is understood by competent druggists, and while it is not
easy to fix a rational per centage standard of purity beyond which such ac-
24
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
cidental extraneous matter shall not exist, any system of inspection based on
positive or quantitative examination should embrace at least the more im-
portant chemicals, the standard being fixed by careful trials of commercial
chemicals in good esteem.
In carrying out the last recommendation a provi-ion should be made for
the importation of chemical substances for the manufacturing chemist in the
shape of raw material, else our own manufacturers will be unable to compete
with those of other countries. Crude lodine, for instance, is now virtually
excluded by the construction put upon the Law.
As the Committee have not been able, for want of time, and material ne-
cessary to accomplish the objects of the Resolution under which they were
appointed, to make but a partial report, they have determined to classify the
more prominent items of the materia medica as regards their susceptibility of
being tested, and afterwards to give the standards recommended by them for
adoption.
1st.- List of substances which may be quantitatively examined in reference to
their active principles or purity by analysis, viz:
Salts of Ammonia,
Ammoniacum,
Salts of Lead,
Lactucarium,
Benzoic acid,
Citric acid,
Gallic acid,
Salts of Antimony,
Lupulin,
Assafetida,
Salts of Magnesia,
Prussic acid,
Balsam of Peru,
Manna,
Tannic acid,
Balsam of Tolu,
Myrrh,
Tartaric acid,
Benzoin,
Piperin,
Valerianic acid,
Bromine,
Nicotina,
Aconitia,
Salts of Lime,
Veratria and its salts,
Conia,
Camphor,
Cinchonia and its salts,
Catechu,
Atropia
{t
Cinchona barks,
Codeia,
Caffeina,
Delphinia,
Copaiba,
Creasote,
Elaterium,
Ext. Cannab. Ind.,
Galbanum,
Gomboge,
Guaiac resin,
Salts of Iron,
Iodine,
Jalap.
Strychuia and its salts,
Opium,
Salts of Lead,
Salts of Potassa,
Salts of Soda,
Morphia and its salts,
Brucia,
Veratria,
Scammony,
Sagapenum,
Storax,
Flowers of Sulphur,
Quinia and its salts,
Arsenious acid,
Acetic acid,
Salts of Zinc,
Quinidinia and its salts,
Beeberin
Salicine,
((
66
2d.-Drugs which may be examined by external and sensible properties
and characters, but the genuineness of which may be corroborated by chemical
tests.
Aloes,
Ergot,
Aconite root and leaves, Extract of Liquorice,
Belladonna root & leaves, Galls,
Cantharides,
Gum arabic,
Cardamoms,
Helleborus,
Angustura bark,
Ipecacuanha,
Allspice,
Kino,
Cloves,
Nuxvomica,
Cocculus Indicus,
Volatile Oils,
Cochineal,
Black Pepper,
Colchicum root and seed, Burgundy Pitch,
Colocynth
Sabadilla,
Valerian root,
Saffron,
Rhubarb root,
Buchu,
Canella,
Capsicum,
Krameria,
Cascarilla,
Gentian,
Pyrethrum,
Quassia,
Scilla,
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
25
Pareira,
Columbo,
Conium leaves,
Cubebs,
Digitalis,
Savin,
Dulcamara,
Cetraria.
Serpentaria,
Veratrum album,
Hyoscyamus,
3d.-Substances which may be examined by external and sensible characters only.
Carum,
Lavender flowers,
Castor,
Maranta,
Musk,
Cassia fistula,
Carthamus,
Sarsaparilla,
Senna,
Chondrus,
Cinnamon,
Flaxseed,
Mace,
Nutmegs,
Mez-reon,
Ginger,
Contrayerva,
Cowhage,
Garlic,
Fennel seed,
Papaver,
Althea flowers & root,
Liquorice root,
Rosa Gallica,
Aniseed,
Pomegranate root bark,
Rosmarinus,
Chamomile,
Arnica Nowers.
Pomegranate fruit rind,
Elecampane,
Santalum,
Simaruba,
Orange peel,
Calamus,
Orris root,
Juniper,
Tormentilla,
Matricaria.
Essay towards a list of standards or tests for the guidance of the examiners of
drugs in carrying out the law against the importation of adulterated or deteri
orated medicinal substances.
AMMONIACUM should possess the proper sensible properties, should yield at
least 90 per cent. of soluble matter to alcohol and water, at least 60 per cent.
of which should be ammoniac resin; and should be free from designed im-
purities.
ASSAFETIDA should contain at least 45 per cent. of bitter resin soluble in
ether, and three per cent. of volatile oil when distilled with water.
BALSAM PERU should yield 60 per cent. of cinnamein or odorless volatile
oil, heavier than water, when treated with alcohol, potassa and water, and
should afford at least five per cent. of cinnamic acid.
BALSAM OF TOLU should yield, by careful distillation, per se, in a glass re-
tort, at least ten per cent. of cinnamic acid, after the empyreumatic oil is
separated; and should possess the proper sensible properties of this drug ac-
cording to its age.
BELLADONNA Root should be sound; and its syrupy, alcoholic extract when
mixed with an excess of solution of potassa, should readily yield atropia to
chloroform when agitated with that fluid.
BENZOIN should contain 70 per cent. of resin and at least 12 per cent. of
crude Benzoic acid, when boiled to exhaustion with milk of lime and the
filtered solution precipitated with muriatic acid.
CHLORINATED LIME should afford 25 per cent. of chlorine as indicated by
the sulphate of iron test.
CANTHARIDES should be sound. They should yield at least
per cent. of
oily extract to ether, which, when treated with liquor potassæ, should afford
more grains of cantharidin as a residue.
CARDAMOMS should be mature and sound, and should afford at least 15 per
cent. of oily ethereal extract, one fourth of which is volatile oil.
CARYOPHYLLUS. Cloves should yield at least 11 per cent. of volatile oil, by
distillation, of not less than 1.04 sp. gr.
CINCHONA. Calisaya bark should yield at least 23 per cent. of sulphate of
quinia. Other Peruvian and Columbian barks should yield at least two per
ceut. of alkaloids, all told.
26
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
CONII FOLIA should possess a uniform green color, decided narcotic odor,
and when powdered and macerated in liquor potassæ should evolve a decided
odor of conia.
COPAIBA, if of thick consistence, should, when boiled with water till the oil
is driven off, leave a brittle resin. When the copaiba is thin and limpid,
should afford more volatile oil without any terebinthinate odor.
CUBEBS should yield at least 16 per cent. of fluid oleo-resinous extract to
ether.
DIGITALIS should be of the second year's growth, free from stalks, of uni-
form green color, and fully developed in size, odor and taste.
ELATERIUM should yield at least 20 per cent. of elaterin when its syrupy;
alcoholic extract is thrown into hot liquor potassæ.
ERGOTA should be free from insects, strongly odorous, should yield 34 per
cent. to ether, and when its alcoholic extract is distilled with potassa in so-
lution, the distillate should be strongly odorous of secalin.
GALBANUM should yield 60 per cent of resin and five per cent, of volatile
oil as a minimum.
GAMBOGIA should yield 60 per cent of its weight to ether, and the ethereal
extract should possess the properties of gambogic acid.
GUAIAC should contain not less than 80 per cent. guaiac resin, known by its
insolubility in oil of turpentine, and by its reactions with nitric acid and
alkalies.
HELLEBORUS should have the taste and odor of the root strongly developed,
and should not exhibit the cruciform structure when sliced transversely.
IODINIUM, if resublimed, should be pure-if of the variety called commercial
it should not contain beyond 5 per cent. of water or other impurities, unless
specially admitted for manufacturing purposes on bond.
IPECACUANHA should, in addition to the usual external evidence of sound-
ness, etc., be found when necessary to contain per cent. of colored emetia
obtained by precipitation.
JALAP should contain at least 7 per cent of resin insoluble in washed ether
(or rhodeoretin,) which should not be precipitated from its solution in hot
liquor potassæ by acids.
MANNA should contain 95 per cent. of matter soluble in water, of which
at least 37 per cent. is mannite.
NUTMEGS at least three per cent. of volatile oil.
MYRRH should contain twenty-five per cent. of bitter resin, and yield 2 per
cent, of volatile oil when distilled with water.
+
NUXVOMICA should be sound and afford at least 0.3 per cent. of strychnia.
OILS fixed and volatile should be commercially pure, and should withstand
the best tests stated in pharmacological authorities.
OPIUM should contain at least 7 per cent. of morphia, purified by ether from
narcotina, &c., unless admitted under bond for manufacturing purposes.
BITARTRATE OF POTASSA should not contain more than three per cent. of
tartrate of lime, and should require 18 parts of boiling water for solution.
RHUBARB ROOT should be sound, strongly odorous, decidedly bitter, and
should contain at least 10 per cent. of oxalate of lime. A strict adherence to
those points will exclude the European rhubarb, which is deficient in the oxa-
late of lime, and in odor and bitterness.
SAGAPENUM should yield 3 per cent. volatile oil, and fifty per cent. of resin
possessed of the properties described in the Dispensatories.
SARSAPARILLA. The several distinct varieties of this drug should be ex-
amined by their external characters and taste, rather than by chemical ana-
lysis.
SCAMMONY. Two varieties of scammony should be recognised. Amorphous
or Virgin scammony, which should yield to ether 70 per cent. or more of
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
27
resin, and Cake scammony not less than 50 per cent. of resin, possessing the
proper characters of scammony resin, in not being precipitated from its
solution in hot liquor potassæ by an acid.
at least
SENNA should be botanically true, of good color and odor, and should yield
per cent. of dry extract to alcohol of 20 per cent.
PYROXYLIC SPIRIT should not become milky on the addition of water,
and should dissolve chloride of calcium without separating in two layers,
FLOWERS OF SULPHUR and MILK OF SULPHUR should be wholly volatile
when placed on a red hot coal.
It will be seen that this sketch of standards is in many places imperfect-
several blanks remain to be filled. The Committee have been unable to find
the time necessary to carry out the work as it should have been done to be
complete, and submit the above sketch for the consideration of the Associa-
tion, that it may decide on on the propriety of proceeding in the work. So
much depends on the character and qualification of the examiners, that it
seems to us, a movement of the Association that would place the inspection
of drugs in qualified hands, would do more for the drug market than the
most accurate and scientific system of standards will effect if its execution
is to be placed in charge of political favorites but little fitted for the post.
WILLIAM PROCter, Jr.,
GEO. D. COGGESHALL,
Committee.
C.
Report on the Circular of Instructions issued by the Secretary of the Treasury,
under date of June 4, 1853.
The Committee to whom the Circular of Instructions, issued by the Sec-
retary of the Treasury, was committed at the last meeting, report that they
have examined that document, and offer the following critical remarks on
some of its items, viz:
1st.--" ALOES when affording 80 per cent of pure aloetic extractive," is
not sufficiently explicit as a guide to the examiner. If the alocsin of Robi-
quet is meant, the figure is too high, and applies only to the best socotrine.
aloes. If the matter soluble in cold water is alluded to, it is also too high.
We think the standard for this drug should recognize cape and socotrine
aloes under distinct heads.
2nd. The standard for AsSAFETIDA is fair.
3rd.—The standard for CINCHONA will do well, provided the second clause
"or two per cent of all the alkaloids combined," be construed to mean all
the alkaloids collectively without regard to the proportion of quinia. If the
first clause is insisted upon all the pale and other cinchonia barks will be
excluded.
4th. The standard for BENZOIN should indicate in what way that drug
should be treated to yield 12 per cent. of Benzoic acid, whether by subli-
mation or precipitation.
5th. The standard for COLOCYNTH is incorrect, as no colocynth contains
12 per cent of colocynthin. According to Vauquelin 100 parts of the pulp
contains 14.4 parts of the principle, and on the average the best colocynth
yields but one-third of its weight of pulp; hence about five per cent would be
nearer the correct amount.
6th.-ELATERIUM is required to have 30 per cent of Elaterin. This figure is
too high, as the best commercial Elaterium will rarely yield over 25 per
cent, which is quite high enough.
28
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
7th.-GALBANUM is required to have more volatile oil than the average
yield of the two published analyses. It should not be higher than the aver-
age, else the object of the inspection will be defeated; four or five per cent
is an ample average.
8th.-GAMBOGE, the requiring of 70 per cent of resin will exclude all but
the pipe gamboge, the best quality, both the cake and coarse varieties not
reaching that degree of richness in resin. It may be wrong to exclude
these ?
9th. The standard for the GUAIAC at 80 per cent of resin is proper.
10th. AMMONIAC is required by the treasury circular to contain 70 per
cent of resin, and 18 per cent of gum. As it often happens that this gum resin
when of good quality contains some easily separable impurities as capsules,
etc., and as the per centage of resin above noted is the liighest that has been
published, it would be more appropriate to put the per centage at 60, or
what is better, to require a certain amount of matter soluble in alcohol and
water, say 90 per cent, at least 60 per cent of which must be ammoniac resin.
11th.-JALAP. If by pure jalap resin, the circular intends the jalapin or
active resin insoluble in ether, it is erroneous, as very little of the commer.
cial root will afford more than 7 or 8 per cent. If the crude resin is intended
the figures are about right in the circular.
12th.-MANNA. The proportion jo 37 per cent of mannite as a minimum
is a very proper ratio for this drug.
13th.-MYRRH. The standard for Myrrh is based on the proportion of
resin and gum. The quality of myrrh depends much on the proportion of
the volatile oil. A better means of judging myrrh is from the amount of
semi-fluid oleo-resin resulting from the evaporation of the ethereal tincture
of myrrh.
14th.-OPIUM.
To require 9 per cent of pure morphia from Opium is too
high for a standard. Eight per cent is ample, and much opium contains not
more than 7 per cent without being specially adulterated. It is understood that
pure morphia means morphia deprived of narcotina and codeia.
15th. RHUBARB. The item under this head in the circular, requires that
"rhubarb root should contain 40 per cent of soluble matter, whether in root
or powder," without indicating the menstruum to be used, or the nature of
the soluble_matter, and then declares "one admissible but the articles
known as East India, and Turkey or Russian rhubarb."
We think this method of judging Rhubarb entirely erroneous. The odor
and bitterness of the drug, and the presence of a certain proportion of oxalate
of lime are far better criteria, than the ratio of soluble matter.
16th-SAGAPENUM. 3 per cent of volatile oil, and 50 resin, is correct.
17th.-SCAMMONY. If but one variety of Scammony is adopted, the pro-
portion of 70 per cent of resin is too high, as the so-called virgin Scammony
of commerce does not reach that proportion on the average. If a practicable
standard is desired, sixty per cent is about a full ratio.
18th-SENNA. The test of Senna is based on its ability to yield 28 per
cent of soluble matter, without noting the menstruum. This is not a safe or
dependible standard to judge by-as it relates to only a particular quality of
the drug.
19th. The clause of the circular in reference to the condition of vegeta-
ble drugs is good.
20th. The clause in reference to the essential oils is hardly to be relied
on, as the means of judging the purity of these liquids is not yet sufficiently
understood and described to enable any oue, who is not thoroughly versed
in their behavior with tests, and with their changes by time and exposure,
to arrive at positive conclusions.
21st. The clause respecting "Patent Medicines and secret preparations,”
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
29
throws the passing of them through the Custom House entirely upon the
judgment of the examiner as regards their safety "to be used for medicinal
purposes." The power thus delegated to the examiners is very extensive,
and is liable to be arbitrarily applied. If the Drug Law delegates this power
to the Secretary of the Treasury, and through him to the Examiner, its pro-
per enforcement may produce wholesome results, yet there are many who,
deeming the law to be aimed at excluding adulterated and deteriorated
drugs, chemicals, and medicinal preparations, doubt the right of the exami-
ner to exclude these medicines unless adulterated or made different from
what they profess to be.
22nd. The clause relative to appeal, requires the importer to make known
his intention within ten days after the rejection of his goods, which is
well. That section making it obligatory on the Analytical Chemist to
make a full qualitative and quantitative report under oath appears to have
been introduced to prevent chemists from substituting opinion for analysis,
and so far is good, but its strict construction is in most instances as useless
as it is unnecessary, and may in some hands defeat the right of appeal.
The last clause of the circular, giving the examiner power to appeal from
the results of the analytical chemist may occasionally detect fraudulent in-
tent, yet the law expressly declares the report of the Chemist to be final, and
not to be reached by any subsequent action of the Examiner.
WILLIAM PROCTER, JR, on behalf of Committee.
D
Report on the appointment of Special Examiners.
The Committee to whom was referred the subject of "the expediency of
endeavoring to obtain such congressional action as will compel all Special
Examiners of drugs and medicines to be either graduates of Pharmacy, or
to receive certificates of qualification for such office from some College of
Pharmacy recognized by the Association," Report that they have given the
subject a due consideration, and made application by letter to a prominent
member of Congress, but received no encouragement to proceed further.
They believe, in view of the partizan character of political appointments,
and the little dependence that can be placed on the judgment of the appoint.
ing power in cases like the one under consideration, it will be inexpedient
to make any application to Congress, until such time as the Drug law itself
may require a general change or re-enactment, when a clause might be in-
serted, making it obligatory on the Secretary of the Treasury to appoint fully
qualified Pharmaceutists, or persons who have been educated as such.
WILLIAM PROCTER, JR.,
EDWARD PARRISH,
On behalf of Committee.
E.
A general summary of the answers to the Circular of the Committee on Pharma-
ceutical Education.
Summary of answers to First and Second Queries.
1. What is the usual manner of engaging apprentices to the drug and
apothecary business as to length of service, recompense, &c., in your dis-
trict, city, or neighborhood?
2. Is it usual to give attention to the preliminary education and training of
applicants in taking apprentices?
30
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
NEW YORK. (From John Meakim.) The custom of apothecaries in regard to
the apprenticeship is extremely variable, no general system being in vogue.
But little personal attention is given to instructing, boys being allowed to
come up and are not brought up. The New York College requires four years
service for its graduates, but this is not attended to in practice.
BOSTON. (S. M. Colcord.) Apprenticeship much broken up; a wide dif
ference exists as regards the manner of engaging and recompensing junior
assistants. They are generally taken to stay till they are 21 years old, and
allowed a sufficiency for board and clothes, but so little reliance is placed on
their remaining a term of years, that pharmaceutists prefer to engage half
educated clerks on salary, which occasions a scarcity of good clerks.
It is not usual to give much attention to the previous education and train-
ing of lads for apprentices.
BALTIMORE. (F. A. Cochrane.) The term of apprenticeship in regular
stores is four years, the pay $50 to $75 the first year; $125 to $150 the se-
cond; $200 to $250 the third and fourth years; but this applies only to the
more prominent apothecaries.
But few apothecaries give any attention to the preliminary education of
apprentices.
LOUISVILLE. (Sutcliffe & Hughes.) There is no regular system of apprentice-
ship. Boys are taken for any length of time they are willing to stay. They
expect a compensation the first year, and afterwards consider themselves
competent to take charge of business. This applies to the State at large.
But little attention is given to previous education of boys.
(From J. M. Morton Morris.) It is customary to take boys at almost any
age without any specified duration of service, the connection continuing as
agreeable to both parties. Boys are generally chosen who have had a plain
English education.
BENNINGTON, VERMONT. (S. P. Peck.) Boys are engaged from year to year,
and can hardly be said to be apprenticed. Those who have received a good
school education are generally preferred.
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. (J. Laidley.) In this city it is usual in taking ap-
prentices to give no compensation the first year; from $100 to $150 the
second year, and afterwards increased if desired. There is no general
specified term of service. In judging of suitability of boys, apothecaries look
more at natural business talents than to previous education, and consider the
man who increases business more important than the man of education and
skill.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN. (H. Simoneau.) Apprentices are usually bound by
indenture for a term of three years, and on an average receive for their ser-
vice $150, $200 and $250 per year in succession. Not much attention is
given to education.
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE. (R. R. Strong,) Apothecaries generally depend
on salaried assistants; when boys are taken they are chosen for general intel-
ligence rather than in view of previous education and training. The term of
service is rarely fixed by contract, being from year to year, and the recom-
pense gradually increased.
NEW ORLEANS, La. (J. H. Tilghman.) There is no apprenticeship system
in New Orleans, each employer makes the best bargain he can with his
clerks.
ALEXANDRIA, VIRG. (Dr. R. H. Stabler.) Apprentices are usually taken at
14 to 16 years of age and agree to stay till 21; the terms vary much-inden-
tures are not usual-and very little attention is given to previous education.
ROME, GA. (R. Battey.) We have no apprentices, and employ clerks on a
salary during good behaviour.
BUFFALO, N. Y. (A. J. Mathews.) Apprentices here are generally selected
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
31
from the best informed and smartest lads, and are taken on trial for from
one to three months, after which they agree to a term of years according to
the age of the applicant.
The compensation is $100 for the first and second years, and an increase
of from $50 to $100 a year after, according to the value of service. Clerks
get from $500 to $1000 salary.
PORTLAND, MAINE. (Dr. H. T. Cummings.) The manner of engaging ap-
prentices is solely regulated in this place by the supposed mutual advantages,
each party making the best bargain he can out of the other-the most for the
least. Preliminary education is but little attended to, as employers get bet-
ter terms from the ill-educated; but boys generally have school learning.
WHEELING, VIRG. (J. Baker.) No regular usage exists; all depends on
agreement at the time, and the arrangement is viewed as a mere business
transaction, without much idea of teaching a scientific art. But little regard
is had to preliminary education.
PORTSMOUTH and NOFOLK, Va. (J. B. Campbell.) Apprentices are taken
from year to year. $50 is given the first year and gradually increased to $200
as a maximum,-age from 16 to 18 years. Common English education only
required.
ST. LOUIS, MO. (G. T'. Chamberlain.) No apprenticeship system exists
here. Boys are taken at from 14 to 18 years, and receive board and $50 the
first year, slowly increased till of age; but it too often happens that they leave
the first or second year. The only preliminary education required is that
they make business calculations correctly.
Summary of answers to Third and Fourth Queries.
3. Is any personal instruction extended to apprentices beyond the practical
details of the shop, as regards chemistry, materia medica and botany.
4. What books are usually provided for apprentices from which they may
derive scientific information bearing on their business?
NEW YORK. (Meakim.) 3d. Pupils get but little systematic personal in-
struction from their employers, depending mainly on the Dispensatory for
explanation of difficult processes. 4th. The U. S. Dispensatory, Gray's Bo-
tany, Kane's Chemistry, Morfit's Manipulations, Pereira's Materia Medica,
and Christison on Poisons, are found in some stores, but many others are less
fully provided.
BOSTON. (Colcord.) 3d. Not to any extent is personal instruction given.
4th. The U. S. Dispensatory the main dependence. A few of the more
scientific apothecaries supply the principal text books required by the phar
maceutist.
BALTIMORE. (Cochran.) 3d. Only in a few instances is personal in-
struction given to apprentices. 4th. Wood & Bache's Dispensatory, and
Turner's & Graham's Chemistry are the principal books used in the shops.
LOUISVILLE, KY. (Sutcliffe & Hughes.) 3d. No personal instruction is given
in the science of pharmacy, and but few are qualified to give it, with some
honorable exceptions. 4th. The U. S. Dispensatory is generally depended
upon. Some apothecaries, however, provide Turner's Chemistry and Ellis'
Formulary, and occasionally Pereira's Materia Medica, and Mohr & Red-
wood's Pharmacy are met with.
LOUISVILLE. (Morris.) Very little personal scientific instruction is given.
to apprentices or assistants. The books placed in their way are the U.
S. Dispensatory, Silliman's and other Chemistrys and Mohr & Redwood's
Pharmacy.
BENNINGTON, VERMONT. (Peck.) No personal scientific instruction is
extended to apprentices. 4th. The U. S. Dispensatory is in every shop; a
few have the Pharmacopoeia, and in rare cases works on chemistry and botany
are found.
32
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
RICHMOND, VA. (Laidley.) 3d. No personal instruction is given. The U.
S. Dispensatory in some edition is generally found; some stores have the
Pharmacopoeia, some Turner's Chemistry, most stores receive a Journal of
Pharmacy, and three or four of the 21 stores are well supplied with books of
reference.
DETROIT. (Simoneau.) No personal instruction is given, and botany and
chemistry but seldom form a part of the apprentice's study. 4th. The U. S.
Dispensatory is almost the only book used, occasionally "Pereira" is found.
KNOXVILLE, TENN. (Strong.) 3d. Very little if any instruction is given.
4th. U. S. Dispensatory, the Pharmacopoeia, and some chemical works, and
in a few instances the Pharmaceutical Journals.
NEW ORLEANS. (Tilghman.) Only such instruction as tends to profit. The
books usually found are Wood & Bache's Dispensatory, Turner and Ellis.
ALEXANDRIA, VA. (Stabler.) Apprentices have to depend mainly on their
own exertions for science. 4th. The works found in the shops are Wood &
Bache, Chapman, Eberle, Pereira, Graham, Turner and others, also Mohr
& Redwood, and Morfit's Manipulations.
ROME, GA. (Battey.) 3d. None. 4th. The Dispensatory and other books.
BUFFALO, N. Y. (Mathews.) 3. But little personal instruction is given, but
opportunities are offered to apprentices for study. 4th. There are but three or
four Pharmacopoeias in Buffalo, all the apothecaries have the U. S. Dispensa-
tory, and a few Pereira, Griffith's Botany, Mohr & Redwood, Gray's Sup-
plement, and the Journals.
PORTLAND, MAINE. (Cummings.) No personal scientific instruction is given
by employers. 4th. The Dispensatory is the main and frequently the only
book.
WHEELING, VA. (Baker.) None. 4th. Don't know what books are kept.
PORTSMOUTH and NORFOLK. (Campbell.) There is no systematic, scientific
personal instruction extended by employers. 4th. All have the U. S. Dis-
pensatory, Turner & Ellis, several have Christison, Mohr & Redwood, Fowne's
Chemistry, U. S. Pharmacopoeia, Dunglison's Dictionary, and the American
Journal of Pharmacy.
ST. LOUIS. (Chamberlain.) None but the casual instruction during ma-
nipulation. 4th. The U. S. Dispensatory almost solely relied on, though
other books are occasionally found.
Summary of answers to the Fifth and Sixth Queries.
5. Having been informed that the tenure of apprenticeship is very slight,
in the Southern and Western States, and that the pharmaceutists have to de-
pend chiefly on salaried assistants, the Committee wish to learn to what ex-
tent they have been correctly informed.
6. Do you know of any instances of the apprentices or assistants of phar-
maceutists attending lectures at medical schools, and how many.
NEW YORK. (Meakim.) 5th. Not applicable; 6th. No instances but those
of medical students who go into stores for a livelihood. Apothecaries' pupils
go to the school of pharmacy.
BOSTON. 5th. The tenure of apprenticeship is slight. 6th. Drug clerks fre-
quently attend lectures on Materia Medica and Chemistry in the medical
schools; chiefly, however, with a view of practising medicine at a future
time.
BALTIMORE. (Cochran.) In many instances apprentices don't serve out
a third of their term, and then offer themselves as assistants elsewhere, yet
the rule is to stay till 21. 6th. None attending lectures at the medical
schools.
LOUISVILLE. (Sutcliffe & Hughes). 5th. The Committee are informed cor-
rectly. 6th. But a few instances occur.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
33
(J. H. M. Morris.) Druggists almost wholly depend on salaried assistants,
from $50 to $1200 per year. 6th. Is acquainted with but eight in Kentucky
who have attended lectures on materia medica and pharmacy.
BENNINGTON. Negative.
RICHMOND. (Laidley.) Salaried assistants almost wholly employed. 6th. I
know of none who attend medical lectures.
DETROIT. (Simoneau.) 5th. Correctly informed. 6th. Negative.
KNOXVILLE. (Strong.) 5 and 6 as in last answer.
NEW ORLEANS. (Tilghman). 5. The Committee are correctly informed.
6. Under the present law in New Orleans, no requirement of any kind of an
educational character is demanded of apothecaries,-the old law is repealed.
ALEXANDRIA. (Stabler.) 5th. Pharmaceutists depend chiefly on salaried
assistants, as they cannot depend on the tenure of apprenticeship based on
the honor of the apprentice. 6th. No instances of attending medical lec-
tures.
ROME, GA. 5th. Correct. 6th. None.
BUFFALO, N. Y. (Mathews.) 5th. Pharmaceutists depend chiefly on salaried
assistants, as they cannot rely on the apprenticeship,—the latter arrange-
ment being but temporary. 6th. Two instances of attending medical lec-
tures are known.
PORTLAND, MAINE. (Dr. Cummings.) 5th. Knows of but one regular ap-
prentice; depend on clerks with salaries proportioned to the value of their
services.
WHEELING. 5th. Correctly. 6th. None.
PORTSMOUTH. (Campbell.) Generally depend on salaried assistants who
have derived their tuition during former years in the shop, and who receive.
from $400 to $700 salaries. 6th. None.
ST. LOUIS. 5th. The tenure of apprenticeship but slight. 6th. a few in-
stances exist where apothecaries attend lectures at the medical schools.
Summary of answers to the Seventh Query.
7th. Have any attempts been made to give public instruction in the sciences
accessory to pharmacy, by lectures or otherwise, and how far have they
been successful?
NEW YORK. Regrets that the attendance on the lectures at the College of
Pharmacy is but limited in proportion to those interested.
BOSTON. Several attempts have been made at giving public instruction on
chemistry, and the last one attended with some success.
BALTIMORE. The lectures at the Maryland College of Pharmacy were dis-
continued five years ago.
LOUISVILLE. No attempts at publicly instructing apothecaries have been
made. Three medical schools exist here.
BENNINGTON, VT. None.
RICHMOND. Gratuitous lectures were commenced several years ago, but
failed to excite sufficient attention to cause their continuance.
DETROIT. A course of lectures were delivered here by A. R. Terry, Esq.,
on chemical and pharmaceutical subjects, but were poorly encouraged.
KNOXVILLE. None.
NEW ORLEANS. None but in medical schools.
ALEXANDRIA. None but lectures on chemistry at seminaries.
ROME. None.
BUFFALO. None.
PORTLAND. None.
PORTSMOUTH. None.
ST. LOUIS. One attempt to get up lectures on chemistry failed.
3
31
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Answer from California.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, June 15th, 1854.
PROF. WM. PROCTER, JR., Chairman.
Sir:-I have to acknowledge the receipt from you of a circular of the
Committee on "Pharmaceutical Education," of the American Pharmaceuti-
cal Association. Although unable to answer, except with a negative, either of
the queries propounded therein, a due regard for the interest manifested by
your Committee, on the subject, prompts me to offer you a general view of
the system which obtains among Diuggists and Apothecaries here. An
'Apprentice to the drug business is an anomaly in California." We do not
know of a single specimen, although such may be in existence. Most of
the Druggist employers, who are not Physicians, learned their occupations
in the older States, and many had been in business there, prior to their
emigration hither.
They depend solely on salaried assistants, who receive from seventy-five
to one hundred and fifty dollars a month besides board, as compensation.
A few get a salary of two hundred a month and board; but these cases are
rare.
There are many old druggists and apothecaries in California, who came
here to engage in mining, but whom fortune has not favored, or who will
willingly leave the "diggings" whenever an opportunity offers to engage in
their old vocation.
From this source proprietors can at present obtain an adequate supply,
and in this state of things, there seems to be no necessity for the adoption of
a primary system of Pharmaceutical Education.
No organization yet exists to my knowledge for the improvement of those
who are engaged in the business, either as Assistants or Proprietors. About
the only book in common use is the U. S. Dispensatory, although a few pos-
sess a well arranged Pharmaceutical Library.
Very respectfully,
GUSTAVUS L. SIMMONS.
F.
Report for the year 1854, on the state of Pharmacy in California.
To the "American Pharmaceutical Association."
}
GENT. MEMBERS:-Having been appointed by you a correspondent for
California, I herewith present a condensed report on those subjects which
the duty of a correspondent would seem to require.
California contains an estimated population of four hundred thousand in-
habitants, and has seventy-seven regular Drug Stores, distributed as follows:
San Francisco,
Marysville,
Placerville,
30 Sacramento,
19
5 Stockton,
4
3 Coloma,
2
San Jose,
1 Colusa,
1
Shasta,
1 Downieville,
1
Yankee Jims,
1 Sonora,
2
Moquelumne Hill,
1
Diamond Springs,
Nevada,
2 Jackson,
Q -
2
Auburn,
1
77
Of this number of Drug Stores, some sixteen are kept by foreigners;
French, German, Chinese, &c., &c.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
35
There are others, it may be, in existence, but from the large size of the
"State," and the limited means for obtaining information on this subject, I
feel myself unable to offer what I would consider a correct list.
Throughout the small "Mining Settlements," most of the general store-
keepers keep an assortment of a few of the staple Drugs and Patent Medi-
cines.
In reporting upon the state of Pharmacy in California, I am happy to re-
cord that some of the evils complained of in my report of the last year, are
being remedied. This is not, nor could it be expected to be the case in the
sinaller towns,-but in San Francisco, Sacramento, Marysville and Stockton,
we believe the past year has witnessed a great change in the habits of drug-
gists, apothecaries and physicians.
The members of each of these occupations appear to better understand
the relations they should sustain toward each other, and in a majority of
cases we find them adhering to their legitimate occupations: most of the
Physicians who started in either branch of the drug business, have found it
impossible to go on smoothly and profitably with both professions, and those
Druggists or Apothecaries who were addicted to the practice of occasionally
prescribing at the counter, have found it to their interest to abandon the
habit, observing that the well educated Physicians were adopting the system
of separating the two departments of prescribing and compounding medi-
cines.
We have also in the cities I have mentioned, a new interest displayed in
the practice of tastefully arranging the stores of Druggists and Apotheca-
ries; and although the introduction of this subject in a report may be deemed
trivial, yet it seems to me to be an augury of a better day for the interests
of Pharmacy in California. A well arranged and finely fitted Drug store,
needs the most competent employees, to conduct its affairs properly, and the
introduction of these last cannot fail to elevate the standard of a Profession,
which in all new States, is usually very much lowered, or so generally
mingled with others as to be almost lost sight of.
The larger portion of the "Drug Stores in the places named, will com-
pare favorably with those of the older States, and in fact San Francisco seems
determined to outdo any of her sister cities in this respect.
In that city there are some establishments of the first order, and one quite
recently started which is said to equal and even surpass the model stores of
Europe.
Every thing in this last is arranged in the most costly and elegant manner.
The common dispensing spatulas are of gold and silver; attached to the
store is a fine laboratory, and a suite of rooms, apportioned into Library,
Sitting and Consulting apartments, for the especial benefit of medical gen-
tlemen, forming a kind of Exchange, where Physicians may interchange
their views, consult the best and latest authorities, or otherwise spend their
time, as their feelings or wishes may prompt them.
In this State, as has been the case in other new States, the field for the
sale of "Patent Nostrums," has been fully reaped. Most of the medicines
which come under this head, find a ready market, the larger portion of them
being manufactured in North Eastern States, and consist of those kinds,
which were known to our population prior to their emigrating hither. But
few persons have attempted to manufacture and introduce "new nostrums”
into this State, the cost of advertising being so considerable that a small
fortune could be easily lost before the reputation of an article would be
established.
The American Druggists generally adopt the U. S. Dispensatory, many,
however, using the old editions brought from the East years ago. Withou!
36
*
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
designing to reflect upon the well earned reputation of that work, it be-
comes me to report that I have heard frequent complaints, by Druggists who
have followed the "formulas" there laid down; many operations proving
anything but satisfactory.* A practical revision would seem to be desirable.
The Foreign Druggists ase the authorities of their respective countries.
All of which is respectfully submitted by
GUSTAVUS L. SIMMONS.
G.
Report of the Committee on Quack Medicines.
(The Report of this Committee was mislaid by parties in Cincinnati, who
obtained it for the purpose of making extracts. The following concluding
paragraphs embrace in a few words the most important points contained
in it.)
"The disposition to take what are called popular medicines, and the ten-
dency to a belief in their utility, is a fact with which every observer must
be familiar, and in view of this strong popular feeling your committee would
suggest:
(C
1st. That this desire for medicine can be gratified in a legitimate way
by regular officinal preparations.
"2d. That it is the duty as well as interest of the apothecaries and drug-
gists to advocate the use of the officinal medicines in lieu of the quackery
of the day.
"3d. That it is the rightful interest of regular pharmaceutists to divert, in
this manner, the thousands which now annually flow into the coffers of
quacks, into their own limited stores, where of right it belongs.
66 4th. That this can only be done by a united and sustained action on the
part of the pharmaceutists and druggists of the Union, by which they will
practically refrain from the sale or advocation of secret medicines, and sub-
stitute regular officinal compounds for them, correctly labelled, with name
and directions for use.
“5th. That this course should receive the sanction of physicians as the
only one likely to remedy the evil aimed at, as the tendency to take medi-
cine ad libitum is a feature of the Anglo-Saxon race, duly inherited by the
American people, which, whatever may be its faults, is as much their nature
as is the love of political and personal freedom.
“With regard to the propriety and efficacy of legislative action, we think
that movements in that direction should originate in the several States, and
be the joint action of the medical and pharmaceutical professions, and when
applications are made to Legislatures they should be based on a real interest
on the part of druggists and apothecaries generally to abate the evil, and
not on a partial or very local movement."
*The revision of the formulæ in the Dispensatory belongs to the several
bodies who revise the Pharmacopoeias. The authors of the Dispensatory can
only comment on them and suggest improvements. See latest edition.-Exec.
Com.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
37
OFFICERS
OF THE
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
FOR 1854-5.
President.
WILLIAM B. CHAPMAN.
Vice Presidents.
HENRY T. CUMMINGS, JOHN MEAKIM AND JOSEPH LAIDLEY.
Secretaries.
Recording, EDWARD S. WAYNE. Corresponding, WILLIAM PROCTER, Jr.
Treasurer.
SAMUEL M. COLCORD.
Executive Committee.
EDWARD PARRISH, Chairman, A. M. STEVENS, AND C. B. GUTHRIE.
Roll of the American Pharmaceutical Association.
Daniel B. Smith,
Llewellyn S. Haskell,
Joseph Burnett,
Henry F. Fish,
S. R. Philbrick, M.D.,
Alexander Duval,
Philadelphia,
New York,
Boston,
Waterbury,
Boston,
Boston,
Richmond,
Pennsylvania.
New York.
Massachusetts.
Connecticut.
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
Virginia.
Virginia.
Ohio.
New York.
Samuel M. Colcord,
Joseph Laidley,
Richmond,
C. Augustus Smith,
Cincinnati,
George D. Coggeshall,
New York,
John Meakim,
New York,
New York.
Eugene Dupuy,
New York,
Philadelphia,
Philadelphia,
New York.
Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Baltimore,
Maryland,
Tennessee.
Charles Ellis,
William Procter, Jr.,
Alfred B. Taylor,
Edward Parrish,
David Stewart, M. D.,
C. B. Guthrie, M.D.,
Charles L. Bache,
W. B. Chapman, M.D.,
Daniel Henchman,
Thomas Restieaux,
Andrew Geyer,
Emery Souther,
T. Larkin Turner,
Memphis,
San Francisco,
Cincinnati,
California.
Ohio.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
* Deceased.
38
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
James B. Lane,
Henry T. Cummings, M. D.
Junius Gridley,
Henry W Lincoln,
S. P. Peck,
J. C. Bingham,
T. B. Merrick,
S. M. Zachrisson,
Thomas H. Barr,
William A. Brewer,
Thomas Hollis,
Ashel Boyden,
Henry D. Fowle,
James S. Melvin,
George L. Dearborn,
Charles T. Carney,
William W. Goodwin,
Anthony S. Jones,
Portland,
New York,
Boston,
Bennington,
St. Johnsbury,
New York,
Richmond,
Terre Haute,
Boston,
Newburyport,
Fitchburg,
Maine.
New York.
Massachusetts.
Vermont.
Vermont.
New York.
Virginia.
Indiana.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Great Falls,
New Hampshire.
Lowell,
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
Peter J. Hazzard,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Thomas Farrington,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
William C. Arons,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Wm. H. Adderly,
Wm. S. Merrill,
Hamilton Creighton,
Edward S. Wayne,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Xenia,
Ohio.
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
W. H. Coolidge,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
A. M. Stevens,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Theodore Marsh,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
W. J. M. Gordon,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Lewis Rehfuss,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
J. V. Whetstone,
J. W. Hannaford,
W. R. Smith,
Asbury Kent,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Hillsborough,
Ohio.
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
John Scott,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
:
James Baker,
Robert W. Battey,
Wm. L. Cleveland,
G. T. Chamberlain,
J. H. M. Morris,
A. J. Matthews,
J. H. Reed,
R. H. Stabler,
James B. Campbell,
B. R. Strong,
Morris Emanuel,
George B. Gates,
L. Wilcox, Jr.,
R. Browning,
Peter V. Coppuck,
A. E. Richards,
G. L. Simmons,
Correspondents.
Wheeling,
Rome,
Charleston,
St. Louis,
Louisville,
Buffalo,
Virginia.
Georgia,
South Carolina.
Missouri.
Kentucky.
New York.
Illinois.
Chicago,
Alexandria,
Virginia.
Portsmouth,
Virginia.
Knoxville,
Tennessee.
Vicksburg,
Mobile,
Pittsburg,
Indianapolis,
Mount Holly,
Plaquemine,
Sacramento,
Mississippi.
Alabama.
Pennsylvania.
Indiana.
New Jersey.
Louisiana.
California.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
39
LIST OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES,
Of the American Pharmaceutical Association, for the years 1854-55.
To report in New York on the second Tuesday in September, 1855.
1st. To collect and arrange the Statistics of Pharmacy in the United
States. (Continued.)
C. B. Guthrie,
Joseph Laidley,
Wm. B. Chapman.
H. T. Cummings,
T. B. Merrick,
2d. To consider and report on the subject of Home Adulterations. (Continued.)
C. B. Guthrie,
C. A. Smith,
G. D. Coggeshall,
A. J. Matthews,
E. S. Wayne.
3rd. To report further on suitable Standards of Quality for those Drugs
capable of it, together with appropriate tests for detecting adulterations
when practicable. (Continued.)
Wm. Procter, jr.,
Charles T. Carney,
George D. Coggeshall,
Edward S. Wayne.
Charles Ellis,
Joseph Laidley.
4th. To consider the subject of a Certificate of Membership. (Continued.)
Andrew Geyer,
5th. To draft a law regulating the sale of Poisons, to be presented to the
Legislatures of the several States for their adoption, if approved by the
Association.
Alfred B. Taylor,
Joseph Laidley,
Theodore Marsh.
6th. To enquire whether any and what amendments are required to the
law regulating the Importation of Drugs and Medicines to render it more
efficient, uniform and advantageous to the public at large.
C. B. Guthrie,
L. W. Haskell,
G. D. Coggeshall,
A. M. Stevens.
7th. To inquire into the adaptation of Wines of American growth for
medicinal purposes, and the probable amount and quality of the Tartar
likely to be produced annually.
Lewis Rehfuss,
C. A. Smith,
C. B. Guthrie.
8th. To report a revised Constitution.
Edward Parrish,
Geo. D. Coggeshall,
Samuel M. Colcord.
40
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
PRIZES OFFERED BY THE ASSOCIATION.
1st.—Twenty-three volumes of the American Journal of Pharmacy.
For the best Essay which shall develope the commercial history of all
drugs indigenous to the United States, as Senega, Spigelia, Serpentaria, &c.,
as regards the manner and places of their collection and preparation for the
supply of commerce, the amount annually collected, and the channels
through which they enter general commerce.
2nd.-Six volumes of Gmelin's Hand Book of Chemistry.
For the best Essay on the question-Do Hyoscyamus, Belladonna, and
Conium, grown in the United States, contain their active principles in the
same proportion as the European grown plants.
Daniel B. Smith,
Committee of Judges.
John Meakim.
Dr. David Stewart,
☞ All Essays contributed for the Prizes must be delivered free of charge
to Daniel B. Smith, of Germantown, Philadelphia, on or before the second
Tuesday in August, 1855.*
* Or to the Corresponding Secretary, Wm. Procter, Jr., or to the Chairman of
Executive Committee, Edw. Parrish, Philadelphia.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION,
AT THE
THIRD ANNUAL MEETING,
Held in Cincinnati July 25th and 26th, 1854.
Published by direction of the Association.
PHILADELPHIA:
MERRIHEW & THOMPSON'S STEAM-POWER BOOK AND JOB PRINTING OFFICE.
Merchant Street, above Fourth.
1854.
NOTE BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE,
The present pamphlet will be found to contain a full history of the Transactions of the
late Meeting of the Association, with the exception of the documents reported by the
Committee on the Statistics of Pharmacy, which, although voluminous, refer only to the
Southern Atlantic, Gulf and New England States, in relation to all of which districts the
published "Proceedings" of last year contained pretty full reports. The subject of Sta-
tistics being continued in charge of the Committee, it is expected that at a future meeting
all the facts that can be collected upon it will be fully presented in a compact form, and
will form an important and interesting document for publication. The "Address to the
Pharmaceutists of the United States, their Clerks and Apprentices," has been published
in a separate pamphlet for gratuitous distribution. The edition is large, and we solicit
the aid of the friends of Pharmaceutical Education throughout the country in spreading it
before those for whom it was designed.
The Meeting at Cincinnati proves to have been ill-timed. Most of the members and
delegates who had prepared or intended to make the journey, were deterred as the time
approached by the general prevalence of malignant diseases, especially in the Atlantic
cities, aggravated by the excessive heat of the weather. The apothecaries were generally
detained by their duty to their several communities, and many who were otherwise at
liberty, felt constrained by considerations of domestic and social duty from leaving home
at a time of such general and alarming sickness.
That the small attendance was not from lukewarmness or want of interest, is sufficiently
shown by the encouraging nature of our correspondence, and by the zeal and good feeling
that prevailed at the meeting. It is abundantly evident that a wide-spread and increasing
interest is being felt throughout the country in the aims and measures of the Association,
From the list of members and correspondents published herewith, it will be seen that
the organization already represents sixteen States of the Union; and there cau be no
doubt, that, should the Constitution be so modified as to admit to membership those who
have been prevented from attending its meetings, although desirous of being identified
with it, the roll would soon embrace a much larger proportion of the reputable pharma-
ceutists and druggists throughout the United States.
EDWARD PARRISH, Philadelphia.
A. M. STEVENS, Cincinnati.
C. B. GUTHRIE, Memphis.
Ex. Com.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
The American Pharmaceutical Association met at the hall of
the Mechanics' Institute, Cincinnati, July 25th, 1854, at 11
o'clock, A. M.
In the absence of William A. Brewer, President, the meeting
was called to order by C. B. Guthrie, one of the Vice Presidents,
and on motion, Edward S. Wayne, of Cincinnati, was appointed
Secretary, pro tem., in lieu of Edward Parrish, of Philadelphia,
the Secretary, who was not present.
On motion, a Committee of the members of the Association
was appointed by the Chair to examine Credentials, and that
duty was assigned to W. B. Chapman, C. A. Smith, and Wm.
Procter, Jr.
After a recess, this Committee reported the following list of
delegates and gentlemen, as having been appointed by their re-
spective Colleges.
By the New York College of Pharmacy.—George D. Cogge-
shall, Benjamin Canavan, Eugene Dupuy, Buckland W. Bull,
and John Meakim.
By the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.-William A.
Brewer, S. M. Colcord, Joseph Burnett, Daniel Henchman, H.
W. Lincoln.
By the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.-Henry C. Blair,
Charles Ellis, John H. Ecky, Charles Bullock, and C. H. Dingee.
By the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy.-W. J. Gordon, A.
M. Stevens, Theodore Marsh, W. H. Coolidge, and Edward S.
Wayne.
No communications relative to delegations from the Maryland
College at Baltimore, or from the Richmond Association, were
received.
The following gentlemen having been severally recommended
by three members of the Association, were endorsed by the
Committee as eligible for membership, and were duly elected,
viz: Hamilton Creighton, of Xenia, Ohio; W. S. Merrell, W. C.
Arons, and W. H. Addersley, of Cincinnati.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
4
The roll was then called, and the following members found to
be present:
W. S. Merrill, Cincinnati, O.
Theo. Marsh,
W. H. Addersly,
66
C. B. Guthrie,
Tenn.
S. M. Colcord,
Mass.
C. A. Smith,
Ky.
W. Procter, Jr.,
Pa.
A. M. Stevens,
66
W. C. Arons,
66
66
H. T. Cummings, Maine.
W. B. Chapman, Cincinnati, O. W. J. M. Gordon,
Edward S. Wayne,
(6
H. Creighton, Xenia, O.
(The following, though not at this time registered on the roll,
were afterwards elected members and attended the sittings :)
Lewis Rehfuss, Cincinnati, O.
J. V. Whetstone, 66
W. R. Smith, Hillsboro, O.
J. W. Hannaford, Cinn., O.
John Scott,
Asbury Kent,
(C
66
It was a source of regret to the Association that so many of
its members were absent; the causes assigned had reference
chiefly to the prevalence of epidemic cholera in the Eastern
cities, requiring the presence of pharmaceutists at their posts, or
to indisposition in themselves or families.
On motion, a Committee was selected to nominate permanent
officers for the Association, consisting of William Procter, Jr.,
W. H. Coolidge, C. A. Smith, H. T. Cummings, H. Creighton,
and S. M. Colcord.
After a recess this Committee reported the following nomina-
tions:
For President.-WILLIAM B. CHAPMAN, of Cincinnati, Ohio.
For Vice Presidents.-HENRY T. CUMMINGS, of Portland,
Maine; JOHN MEAKIM, of New York; JOSEPH LAIDLEY, of
Richmond, Virginia.
For Treasurer.-SAMUEL M. COLCORD, of Boston.
For Recording Secretary.-EDWARD S. WAYNE, of Cincinnati.
For Corresponding Secretary.-WILLIAM PROCTER, JR., of
Philadelphia.
For Executive Committee.-EDWARD PARRISH, of Philadel-
phia, Chairman; C. B. GUTHRIE, of Memphis; and A. M.
STEVENS, of Cincinnati.
The report of the Committee was accepted, and on separate.
ballots the nominees were elected to the several offices for the
ensuing year.
The President elect on being conducted to the Chair, returned
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
5
his thanks to the Association for the honor conferred, and
promised his best services.
The name of Lewis Rehfuss, of Cincinnati, was now brought
forward by the Committee on Credentials, and he was duly elected
a member.
The meeting then adjourned to 3 o'clock, P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The President took the Chair. The minutes of the Morning
Session were read by the Secretary, and approved.
The report of the late Treasurer, Alfred B. Taylor, of Phila-
delphia, being in order, it was read and referred to A. M.
Stevens and H. T. Cummings, to be audited.
The report of the Executive Committee for the past year was
read by its chairman, W. Procter, Jr., and was accepted. This
report informed that the Committee, immediately on the adjourn-
ment of the last meeting, collated, printed, and published 2000
copies of the "Proceedings," in the form of a covered pamphlet
of 48 pages, at a cost of $111, a part of which amount was de-
frayed by special contributions from the Philadelphia College of
Pharmacy, and the Richmond Pharmaceutical Association.
[The following statement, compiled from the Report, will exhibit the
number of "Proceedings" distributed in the several states and cities as far
as ascertained:
New England States, through S. M. Colcord,
Western States, through the Corresponding Secretary,
State of New York,
((
Maryland,
Delaware,
N. Carolina,
66
((
((
(C
Georgia,
Mississippi,
Florida,
California,
((
Pennsylvania,
(6
New Jersey,
((
Virginia,
District of Columbia,
South Carolina,
(6
Alabama,
(C
Louisiana,
Texas,
.
400
460
49
22
3
21
48
29
14
23
87
10
86
19
32
26
62
5
25
30
-
100
50
124
47
Miscellaneous,
Connecticut and vicinity, through H. F. Fish,
City of New York, through T. B. Merrick,
City of St. Louis, through G. F. Chamberlain,
City of Philadelphia,
City of Baltimore,
6
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Thirty-five copies were sent to Editors of Medical and Pharmaceutical
journals. About eighty copies retained by the Committee for future use.
Lists of most of those to whom the "Proceedings have been sent are pre-
served by the Committee.
The Association having by resolution directed the Executive Committee
to request the forwarding to them of such local formulæ as pharmaceutists
may wish to communicate, they accordingly reported such as had been con-
tributed, and they are placed on file.
The Report further informed that the Committee had issued circulars of
invitation to attend the present Convention. It also contained a statement
of the expenses of the Committee.]
The report of Andrew Geyer, of Boston, Chairman of the
Committee appointed last year, on a proposed certificate of
membership, being in order, was read by Mr. Colcord and laid
on the table for future action. This report was accompanied by
a draft of a certificate embracing a design emblematic of the art
and science of Pharmacy, and a certificate stating that the
American Pharmaceutical Association, having confidence in the
ability and integrity of the holder, has elected him a member of
its body.
The report of the Committee on Education (W. Procter, Jr.,
E. Parrish, D. Stewart and J. Meakim) being called for, it was
read by the Chairman, and was accepted.
This report consisted, 1st, of a draft of an Address to the
Pharmaceutists of the United States on the subject of education
in the shop; (Appendix A.) 2d, a copy of the circular issued by
the committee to gather information relative to the condition of
education among apothecaries; 3d, of the answers to these cir-
culars, tabulated for reference, and the report of G. L. Simmons,
of California, on the condition of apprenticeship in that state; (Ap-
pendix E.) 4th, the report on quack medicines, specially referred
last year; (Appendix G.) 5th, a report on the expediency of
endeavoring to obtain congressional action in reference to the
mode of appointing drug inspectors; (Appendix D.)
On motion of C. B. Guthrie, the "Address" was adopted by
the Association, directed to be printed in the Proceedings, and
the Executive Committee were instructed to print such a number
of copies, in a separate form, as in their judgment were neces-
sary for general distribution.
The fifth document accompanying the report, relative to the
expediency of seeking Congressional action on the appointment.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
7
of special examiners of drugs, was read and accepted. (Appen-
dix D.)
The report on The Circular of Instructions to the Special
Examiners of Drugs, etc." issued by Mr. Guthrie, Secretary of
the Treasury, referred to the committee on "Standards for the
Inspection of Drugs," was now read and accepted. (Appendix C.)
The Report of the committee on "A system of Standards for
the government of the Special Examiners of Drugs,” etc., re-
ferred to Messrs. Procter and Coggeshall, was now read by the
Chairman of the Committee, was accepted, and laid on the table
for future action. (Appendix B.)
A communication from Gustavus L. Simmons, of Sacramento,
California, corresponding member of the Association was now
read, accepted, and laid on the table. (Appendix F.)
The Report on the subject of "Home Adulterations" being
called for, C. B. Guthrie, Chairman, stated that the committee
had not been unmindful of the task assigned them; that in pro-
ceeding in their labors the subject had so increased in magnitude
and importance that they did not feel ready to report this year,
and thought that by the time of the next annual meeting they
would be able to produce a report that would surprise the mem-
bers of the Association. The Committee was continued, and
encouraged to proceed.
The consideration of the report on Statistics was postponed
until to-morrow at the request of the Committee.
The Report on Quack Medicines, was now called for, read, and
accepted. (Appendix G.)
Then adjourned to 8 o'clock, P. M.
EVENING SESSION.
At the appointed time the President called the meeting to
order, and the afternoon minutes were read and adopted.
On motion, the Report on the Certificate of Membership, read
in the afternoon session, was taken up for consideration. Some
discussion ensued. The draft submitted by the Committee was
objected to as not meeting the wants of the Association. The
design of the artist was objected to as not being appropriate;
and the suggested wording of the certificate was considered as
being far too positive, making the instrument equal to a diploma,
8
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
as it certified to the moral as well as professional character and
qualifications of the holder.
Mr. Colcord observed that, unfortunately, none of the Com-
mittee were present, and he was unable to state their views.
On motion of C. A. Smith the whole matter was laid on the
table until next year, and the Committee continued.
On motion of C. B. Guthrie the report of the committee on
Standards was directed to be printed in the proceedings. The
importance of the subject was dwelt upon and it was resolved to
continue the committee (Messrs. Procter and Coggeshall,) and
increase it at the suggestion of its chairman, by the addition of
Charles T. Carney of Lowell, Massachusetts, and Edward S.
Wayne of Cincinnati.
The consideration of Mr. Simmons' report on the state of
Pharmacy in California was now resumed, and the Executive
Committee were directed to print it in the Proceedings. (Appen-
dix F.)
On motion, it was resolved, that the unofficinal formulæ com-
municated by Messrs. Mathews of Buffalo, Cummings of Maine,
and Meakim of New York, and contained in the Report of the
Executive Committee, be preserved by the Secretary, with a view
to publication when future similar contributions accumulate suf-
ficiently to justify it.
A letter from the New York delegation to the late President,
giving the reasons for their inability to be present, was read. The
meeting adjourned to 8 o'clock to-morrow morning.
SECOND DAY, MORNING SESSION.
JULY 26th,—8 o'clock, A. M.-The Association met and ac-
cepted an invitation from the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy
to visit their Cabinet, located in the Museum rooms of the Miami
Medical College. (The Collection of East India drugs and other
specimens is quite numerous. A valuable series of the Cinchona
barks of Peru and Columbia is embraced in it; the whole including
chemical and botanical items, numbering more than eight hundred
specimens, neatly enclosed in bottles and boxes, and labelled.)
Before returning to the Hall, the members were gratified in
visiting the new steam fire apparatus belonging to the city of
Cincinnati, and the invention of one of her citizens.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
9
At half past 10 o'clock, A. M., the Association was called to
order by the President, and the minutes of the previous meeting
were read and adopted. Dr. Guthrie, as Chairman of the Com-
mittee "on the Collection and Arrangement of the Statistics of
Pharmacy in the United States," read a sub-report by Joseph
Laidley of Richmond, on the state of Pharmacy in the Southern,
Atlantic and Gulf States, accompanied by tables containing
much valuable information, which will prove very serviceable to
future inquirers. The sub-report of Dr. Cummings, on the state
of Pharmacy in the New England States, was also read, detail-
ing many deficiencies in the practice of Pharmacy of that section,
and attributing a portion of them to the illiberal course adopted
by some physicians.
Dr. Guthrie continued the report for the Western States verbal-
ly, excused the physicians of that region from any unfriendliness
to pharmaceutists, but gave ample evidence to the necessity of
pushing measures of pharmaceutical reform in those States.
The Committee on Credentials brought forward the names of
J. V. Whetstone and J. W. Hannaford of Cincinnati, and W. R.
Smith of Hillsborough, Ohio, who were duly elected members
and signed the Constitution.
The report of the late Corresponding Secretary, Wm. B.
Chapman, was read and accepted.
(This report informed that on the 24th of August, last year, a circular
was issued informing the numerous Correspondents of their selection, and
requesting a note of acceptance or declination. Of the forty-three persons
thus addressed, sixteen accepted and five declined, while twenty-two failed
to answer the circular, of which the Executive Committee was duly in-
formed.
On the 4th of October a letter was addressed to Prof. G. B. Wood, in
accordance with the resolution of the Association, soliciting the publica-
tion of a large and cheap edition of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. No official
reply was received, but the Secretary learned indirectly that the proposition.
was favorably entertained.)
On motion of Dr. Guthrie, it was resolved that this Associa-
tion recommend to the several Colleges of Pharmacy and
Pharmaceutical Associations, the appointment of Committees of
Correspondence from their own bodies, who shall address the
apothecaries of their respective sections upon the objects of this
Association, for the promotion of its designs.
The report of the Committee on prizes was now read by its
Chairman, C. A. Smith, in which it is recommended, that in
10
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
view of the limited finances of the Association, but two prizes be
offered for the ensuing year. To make the award more honor-
able to the recipients, it was determined to make them in books
rather than in money. The two following resolutions offered by
the Committee were then adopted.
Resolved, That a copy of twenty-three volumes of the Ameri-
can Journal of Pharmacy be, and hereby is offered for the best
essay which shall develope the commercial history of all drugs
indigenous to the United States, as senega, spigelia, serpentaria,
etc., as regards the manner and places of their collection and
preparation for the supply of commerce, the amount annually
collected, and the channels through which they enter general
commerce.
Resolved, That a copy of the inorganic portion of Gmelin's
Handbook of Chemistry, (as published by the Cavendish Society
in six volumes,) is offered for the best essay on the question,
"Do Hyoscyamus, Belladonna and Conium, grown in the United
States, contain their active principles in the same proportions as
the European grown plants."
To carry out the object of the resolutions in an efficient and
impartial manner, it was
Resolved, That all essays (in answer to the above resolutions,)
be referred to a special committee of judges, who will report on
their relative merit to the next annual meeting of the Associa-
tion, this committee to consist of Daniel B. Smith of Philadelphia,
Dr. David Stewart of Baltimore and John Meakim of New
York.
Resolved, That if, in the opinion of the judges, none of the
essays received are worthy of the prizes, that they decline award-
ing them in their report; the contributors may then either with-
draw their essays or leave them in possession of the Association.
Resolved, That all essays contributed for the prizes be delivered,
free of charge to Daniel B. Smith of Germantown, Philadelphia,
on or before the second Tuesday of August, 1855, in order to
give time for their examination.*
On motion of C. A. Smith, it was Resolved that when this
*These Essays may be directed to the care of Wm. Procter, Jr., Corres-
ponding Secretary, S. W. corner of Ninth and Lombard Sts., or Edward Parrish,
Chairman Executive Committee, S. W. corner Eighth and Arch Sts., Philada.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
11
Association adjourns, it adjourns to meet in the city of New
York, on the second Tuesday in September, 1855, at 3 o'clock,
P. M.
The President having announced that the members of the
Association were invited by Mr. Lewis Rehfuss to visit his vine-
yard this afternoon, the invitation was accepted.
On motion of Dr. Guthrie, the names of A. J. Mathews of
Buffalo, and E. S. Wayne of Cincinnati were added to the com-
mittee on Home Adulterations."
The President announced the reception of a copy of "An essay
on the Relation between the Atomic Weights of the Chemical
Elements, by Josiah P. Cooke, Jr." from Wm. A. Brewer, late
President of the Association, to whom the thanks of the Asso-
ciation are tendered. On motion, the meeting adjourned to 2
o'clock this afternoon.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The President called to order about the time agreed to, and the
Secretary read the minutes.
On motion of C. A. Smith, it was Resolved that a committee
of three be appointed to draft a law regulating the sale of poisons,
to be submitted to the Association at their next annual meeting,
and if approved, to be presented to the Legislatures of the several
States for their adoption.
The Chair appointed Alfred B. Taylor, of Philadelphia;
Joseph Laidley, of Richmond; and Theodore Marsh, of Cincin-
nati, to this service.
On motion of C. A. Smith, it was Resolved that a Committee
of three be appointed to inquire whether any and what amend-
ments are required to the law regulating the importation of drugs
and medicines, to render it more efficient, uniform, and advan-
tageous to the public at large.
The Chair appointed C. B. Guthrie, of Memphis; G. D.
Coggeshall, L. W. Haskell, of New York; and A. M. Stevens,
of Cincinnati, to this duty.
The following preamble and resolution, offered by William
Procter, Jr., were adopted:
This Association having learned with great interest that in the
culture of the grape in the neighborhood of Cincinnati, attention.
12
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
has been turned to the production of wines and tartar, and that
the success which has thus far attended this branch of industry
leads to the belief that in a few years the crop of each will be
extensive, it is therefore Resolved, in view of the importance of
these articles in medicine, that a Committee of three be appointed
to inquire into the adaptation of these wines for medicinal pur-
poses, and the probable amount and quality of the tartar likely
to be produced annually.
The Chair committed this inquiry to Lewis Rehfuss, of Cin-
cinnati; C. A. Smith, of Blue Licks, Ky.; and C. B. Guthrie,
of Memphis.
On motion of the same gentleman it was
Resolved, Inasmuch as the Constitution of this Association.
was adopted at a time when the wants of this body were not so
well known as at present, that the whole matter of its revision
be referred to a suitable Committee, to report such amendments
as they may deem best to the next annual meeting.
To this duty Edward Parrish, of Philadelphia; George D.
Coggeshall, of New York; and Samuel M. Colcord, of Boston,
were appointed.
It was further Resolved, that the attention of the pharmaceutists
of the United States be directed to the idea of universally
adopting a single name to indicate the business of the apothecary,
and that the subject be revived at the next annual meeting with
a view to officially adopting one if approved.
On motion of S. M. Colcord the following resolutions were
adopted.
Resolved, That those members of the Association who are
strangers in Cincinnati, express their warmest gratitude for the
kindness and attention they have received from the Cincinnati
College of Pharmacy.
Resolved, That the thanks of the Association are tendered to
the President and Secretary for the able manner in which they
have discharged their duties.
Resolved, That we appreciate the efforts of the Cincinnati
College of Pharmacy to improve the standing and qualifications
of the drug dealers of the West, and that we recommend them to
extend their sphere of action to meet those of other pharmaceu-
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
13
tical societies, until such time as new organizations are made
within their sphere.
The Committee on Credentials presented the name of Asbury
Kent, of Cincinnati, as a candidate for membership, and he was
duly elected.
The Association now adjourned to accept the invitation of Mr.
Rehfuss to his hospitable mansion, situate a few miles west of
Cincinnati, agreeing to meet on their return for final adjourn-
ment.
EVENING SESSION, 8 O'CLOCK, P. M.
After the organization of the meeting and the reading of the
previous minutes, Dr. Guthrie offered the following Resolution,
which was unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Association are due and are
hereby tendered to Mr. Lewis Rehfuss for the many interesting
and valuable facts furnished in connection with the culture of
the grape, and for his generous hospitality.
John Scott, of Cincinnati, having been recommended and en-
dorsed by the Credential Committee, he was duly elected a mem-
ber and signed the Constitution.
There being no further business, the Secretary read the gene-
ral minutes, which, after amendments, were adopted as a whole,
and the Association adjourned to meet in New York City on the
Second Tuesday in September, 1855, at 3 o'clock, P. M.
EDWARD S. WAYNE,
Recording Secretary.
14
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
APPENDIX.
A.
ADDRESS
To the Pharmaceutists of the United States.
The American Pharmaceutical Association, deeply impressed
with the importance of adopting some measure by which the
present and future apothecaries of this country may be improved
in educational standing, viewed in reference to the practice of
their profession, have determined to address their brethren every-
where in our widely extended country, believing that some good
results may arise from the hints they will suggest.
By an inquiry extended to all sections of the Union, it has
been ascertained that a vital defect exists in the very budding
process of pharmaceutical education-the apprenticeship. In
all the pharmaceutical institutions of Europe, where degrees are
granted to apothecaries, the preliminary service in the shop is a
sine qua non to admission to the examinations, it being gene.
rally four years, and in many of them the attendance on lec-
tures follows this term of practical initiation into the duties of
the shop and laboratory. In England, where as yet no degree-
granting institution exists among pharmaceutists, the appren-
ticeship system is carried out by indenture as in ordinary usage,
so important is this preliminary training conceived to be to the
education of a pharmaceutical chemist. In many stores in the
Atlantic cities north of Virginia, and more especially in Phila-
delphia, a system of apprenticing exists, yet it rarely happens
that a lad is legally indentured; the idea of such an instrument
being exceedingly repulsive to most boys who aim at the apothe-
cary business. In lieu of a legal indenture a feeling of honor-
bound obligation should exist, equally binding on the part of ap-
prentice and employer, capable of retaining the connection un-
til the obligation is cancelled by termination of service and com-
pletion of education. For want of this tie between learners
and employers, our country has been deluged with incompetent
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
15
drug clerks, whose claim to the important position they hold or
apply for is based on a year or two's service in the shop, per-
haps under circumstances illy calculated to increase their know-
ledge. These clerks in turn become principals, and have the direc-
tion of others—alas! for the progeny that some of them bring
forth, as ignorance multiplied by ignorance will produce neither
knowledge nor skill.
When we investigate the causes of this state of things, it will
be found to arise primarily in the want of a correct feeling of
the dignity and responsibility of the calling of the apothecary
as a branch of the medical profession. The larger number of
those who deal in drugs and medicines do it solely to make mo-
ney; they aim at making the most out of the least outlay of
capital or trouble; to sell medicines is their vocation; and he is
the best clerk who can sell the most, under whatever circum-
stances it is effected. To avoid the necessity of gaining the re-
quisite knowledge of practical pharmacy, it is no uncommon.
habit to buy their preparations ready made, except the simpler
ones, and at the lowest price, and the business, thus shorn of its
most interesting department, the application of chemistry to the
conversion of crude drugs into medicines, becomes a mere store
keeping, where the drug clerk is kept putting up and selling
parcels and bottles of medicines, the preparation of which, and
the beautiful reactions often concerned in their manufacture, he
is as complete a stranger to as though they did not exist. Is it
any wonder then, that, after one or two years service, the ap-
prentice should fancy that he had learned the business as a seller
of drugs and chemicals, and becoming uneasy at the prospect of
a four years term, breaks the slender connection that binds him
to his employer, and starts out as a fledged clerk! In these
days of manufacturing pharmaceutists, when most of the nicer
preparations, from Dover's powder to fluid extracts, are to be
bought ready made, the temptation to purchase them is great,
even to the qualified principal, who thus saves himself the re-
sponsibility and trouble attending their manufacture; but he is
apt to forget the injustice thus done to his protegés, who are thus
deprived of the important practical knowledge only to be gained
by becoming familiar with the manipulations they involve.
Having abandoned, to a large extent, the making of these pre-
16
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
parations, such apothecaries are ready but too often to accept
the agency of the numerous quackeries that abound to swell
their sales, and from this are led into the origination of secret.
compounds and become quacks themselves. Further, they are
induced to trench on the business of the tobacconist, and the
variety storekeeper, by keeping their wares; and sometimes to
a considerable amount.
So long as this abandonment of the legitimate duties of the
pharmaceutist is permitted, it is hopeless to expect that appren-
tices will feel that interest in the business they have embarked
in that is excited when they are called upon to carry out the va-
rious chemical and pharmaceutical processes that properly belong
to every well conducted apothecary shop.
Familiarity with those processes, in which the phenomena of
mechanical division, solution, extraction, distillation and other
operations are practically studied, is a true basis upon which to
build the knowledge required by a skilful extemporaneous phar-
maceutist, or prescriptionist, whose vocation includes the highest
department of the art of an apothecary. It is indeed the only
basis upon which it should repose. Making the officinal prepa-
rations is therefore an indispensable part of pharmaceutical ed-
ucation, and no apothecary, whose scheme of business does not
include the preparation of at least a considerable portion of
them, can efficiently educate those under his care.
It may be said that the preparation of the strictly pharmaceu-
tical compounds by the manufacturer of character more surely
supplies the dispenser with medicines of unexceptionable quality.
This is only partially true, because the institution of such a
branch of business by the qualified, soon calls into its scope un-
qualified and careless men, who look at profit and not at thera-
peutic power in the purchase and treatment of drugs. Besides,
the temptation to expand their business is a strong inducement,
even to the skilful, to make quantities of fugitive and easily de-
composable compounds, which are forced on distant markets,
where they are to be dispensed, and where, too often, the dispen-
ser deals them out in full assurance of their excellence. The
gradual effect of this custom on the dispenser is to render him
tributary to the druggist and manufacturing pharmaceutist for
many preparations, the efficiency of which he is bound, by the
highest calls of duty, to be personally assured of.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
17
Before leaving this part of the subject we would urge a care-
ful consideration of these hints by those of the brethren to
whom they apply, that they may see whether their duty to them-
selves, to their apprentices and assistants, and to the medical
profession, does not require them to prepare all the officinal medi-
cines that their shops will admit of that are prone to deteriora-
tion, or are difficult to test. In this category certain of the
extracts and of other classes of preparations are not included,
where the use of steam or a vacuum pan, or some other pecu-
liarity of the process may be required, not at the command of
the apothecary. There are many chemicals that can be easily
made in the smallest apothecary shop, from materials it must
necessarily possess, and which will interest the apprentice, yet
the safe guard which analysis offers to the apothecary, in protect-
ing his stock of chemicals from adulteration, renders it less im-
portant to include these within the scope of his laboratory.
The correspondence with apothecaries before alluded to, has
placed the Association in possession of many facts bearing on
the condition of pharmacy and pharmaceutical education within
the United States. It appears that the tenure of apprenticeship
resting on the simple agreement of the parties apprenticed has
become so lax, especially in the western States, that as a general
rule very little dependence is placed upon it. Boys are taken at
a venture by the year, the employer making the best bargain he
can, feeling assured that the boy will leave or demand clerk's
wages before he has been with him half a regular term. From
this cause, it is stated, the number of half educated assistants.
is quite large, and presents a serious difficulty in the prosecution
of business in the way it should be conducted. As the result of
this condition of things it has been found that there are three
classes of individuals engaged in pharmaceutical pursuits who
claim the interest of the Association, and to whom more partic-
ularly this address is directed, viz: First, those who are imper-
fectly acquainted with pharmacy and are in business for them-
selves; secondly, those who have been but half educated as ap-
prentices and who are now assistants receiving salaries, having
the responsibility of business entrusted to them; thirdly, those
who are now apprentices or beginners under circumstances and
with ideas unfavorable to the acquirement of a thorough know-
2
18
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ledge of the drug and apothecary business. Of course all those
instances, which happily are not a few, where individual ambition
or natural talent for study or business has triumphed over the
difficulties alluded to, are not included.
In thus addressing the individuals composing these three
classes, the Association disclaims all disposition to arrogate to
its members, as a body, any superior claim to knowledge or skill.
They have associated together to improve themselves, and to
adopt measures to improve the profession of pharmacy at large.
They know that these classes of individuals exist; they feel that
a remedy is loudly called for, which, whatever it may be, can
only be rendered efficacious by the consent and co-operation of
the parties interested. It is, therefore, earnestly hoped, that
this address will be received in the kindly spirit in which it is
offered, and its suggestions examined and weighed by all who
may feel themselves to belong to the classes addressed.
After a young man has commenced business he rarely feels
disposed, or thinks he has time for systematic duty, and is apt to
discard all attempts at it, depending on the occasional references
to books rendered necessary by the absolute demands of busi-
ness. This is a mistake, there is sufficient time if it is rightly
applied. Let the young proprietor who feels his deficiency,
make it a rule before making each preparation, as required, to
read carefully the commentary in the Dispensatory, and after-
wards note the correspondence or difference of his results with
those laid down. This will cause him to detect errors, if they
exist, or to correct his own, will soon give a constant habit of ob-
servation of great practical value, and will gradually excite an
interest in the collateral branches of science, chemistry and bot-
any, that, if pursued, will place him on the high road to pro-
fessional competency. The young proprietor should adopt at
first an honorable scheme of conducting business; he should de-
termine to sell good drugs and medicines, come what will, and in
doing so he will have a right to the best prices whether he gets
them or not. He should cultivate a good feeling toward the
medical practitioners of his neighborhood, should study the in-
terest of the latter so far as the efficiency of medicines is con-
cerned, and physicians will soon, from interest, incline towards
him. He will aid his success by storing his memory with gene-
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
19
ral information useful to his patrons, and render himself as ne-
cessary to the comfort as he is to the health of his neighborhood
by his willingness to give it out.
These remarks apply to the dispenser of medicines rather than
to one doing a mixed or wholesale business; on the former mainly
depends the progress of pharmacy, and remembering his own
imperfect opportunities, he should give to his apprentices or
subordinates the best tuition he is capable of. It is a mistaken
and short-sighted policy in the apothecary to withhold instruc-
tion beyond the merest calls of business, under the impression.
that it will react unfavorably to his interest. The man who has
efficient assistants will have his reputation increased instead of
diminished, and this will be a safeguard against ingratitude,
when it occurs.
To this end he should improve and extend his pharmaceutical
library by annual additions; he should encourage the periodical
literature of Pharmacy to keep posted up with the improve-
ments and discoveries of the day, and he should exhibit such an
interest in his apprentices or assistants as will encourage them.
to adopt a habit of study, which is the best safeguard against the
temptations into which young men and boys are drawn, unless
they have some regular object of pursuit.
The second class, or assistants but half educated, are a numer-
ous and interesting portion of the pharmaceutical community.
They are found every where, because the causes of their defi-
ciencies exist every where, though not equally so. To induce
these to do now what they should have done in their minority is
the object of this appeal. The assistant, except in those in-
stances where the pressure of business is continuous during busi-
ness hours, has ample opportunities for study. He should not
fail to embrace them on every occasion, whilst his mind is un-
trammelled by the troubles and responsibilities of the engage-
ments peculiar to the proprietor. He should beware of the idea
that he knows enough to conduct business." In offering him-
self as a pharmaceutical assistant, a young man tacitly declares
that he is capable of conducting a dispensing establishment;
that he is a fit adjunct to the physician in combatting disease.
He assumes a responsible position, next only to that of his em-
ployer. In the eye of the law he is responsible, in the absence
20
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
of his employer, for the conduct of business, and is actionable for
the results of his own ignorance and carelessness. A proper sense
of this should induce the assistant to qualify himself by study;
to read regularly and understandingly, and assist his reading
when necessary by experiment and observation. He should
never let a false pride induce him to let an error pass over un-
corrected, and he should always keep in view that his destiny is
to be a proprietor, and act as becomes a pharmaceutist. By
pursuing these suggestions many third or fourth rate assistants
might command the best situations and good salaries.
The third class—the beginners or apprentices-call forth the
earnest sympathy of the Association. It depends much on the
employer and his chief assistant whether the apprentice will
make rapid or slow progress, or whether he will ever make a
good apothecary; it very much also rests with himself. Some
dispositions are so inimical to tuition that no amount of pains
will fashion them into shape; yet it often happens that a promi-
sing youth will grow into irregularities from the want of a little
candid training on the part of the employer. If there is any
one fault in American boys more prominent than another, it is
the inclination to act independently of authority. The "young
America" spirit leads to various ill results, one of the chief of
which is imperfect education, whether professional, mercantile or
mechanical. It is one phase of this ill spirit that is now filling
the ranks of pharmacy with half educated clerks. Let the
young apothecary do well what he attempts, and carry it out on
all occasions, from the most menial service of the shop to the
most accurate operation of the laboratory. Let him vie with
his fellows in the graceful handling of the spatula and the pes-
tle, in the neatness of folding a powder or bundle, in the accu-
racy of writing or attaching a label, and in the quick, quiet and
courteous mode of conducting business at the counter; these are
all parts of the accomplishment of a perfect pharmaceutist. The
beginner should early adopt the idea that his vocation consists
of something besides a business for gaining a livelihood; it
also partakes of the character of a liberal profession, and de-
mands of its votaries that they uphold its ethics even at the sac-
rifice of gain, that they sell good medicines even if they get low
prices, because it is wrong to dispense bad medicines when it is
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
21
possible to get good. It would be well if every beginner could
have a vision of the duties he has to perform before entering the
precincts of the shop as an apprentice. This picture would dis-
courage all but the earnest ones who, seeing beyond present in-
conveniences and annoyances, aim at the highest qualification.
To these the apothecary's store, with all its petty details and
trials, its busy days and tedious evenings, affords a field rich in
the produce it yields to the unremitting exertions of the earnest
student; as with Scheele and Davy so with many an one in our
day. World-renowned celebrity will cling to names unsuspected
of greatness, the early efforts of whose possessors are now con-
fined to the narrow limits of the shop.
It is a misfortune to many that the idea of the lucrativeness
of the apothecary business has long since obtained popular cre-
dence; and often the fond parent, anxious that his boy should
be started on the road to fortune, has unwittingly doomed him
to an unhappy companionship with the pestle and mortar, when
in the counting room of the merchant or the workshop of the
machinist he might have attained to their desires.
The numerous instances of individuals in other callings who
have commenced as apothecaries, bear ample testimony to the
truth of this statement, and are a speaking caution to all con-
cerned, that the fitness of boys for pharmaceutical pursuits
should be ascertained before placing them with apothecaries.
The difficulties in the way of sustaining schools of pharmacy
will here, as in Europe, confine them to large cities, where the
number of students and the aecessories to study are numerous.
Slow but regular currents will circulate between these and dis-
tant towns, and their Graduates, in seeking spheres of action, will
carry back with them the principles they imbibe, and thus act as
examples to their less favored brethren, altogether advantageous
to the public weal. The vast importance, therefore, of good schools
of pharmacy, where the sciences pertaining to our art are regu-
larly taught, is so evident, that this Association freely extends its
countenance and encouragement to those already existing, and
to all new efforts, claiming for them the patronage they deserve.
Such are some of the more prominent points at issue in the
educational reform so greatly needed in the pharmaceutical body
of the United States. If the incubus of quackery was remo-
22
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ved, a general feeling of the necessity of better means of phar-
maceutical education existed, and a strong chain of associations,
linked together by fraternal feeling, established, the prospects
of American Pharmacy would be flattering indeed. The most
sanguine believers in progress do not expect a sudden reforma-
tion; but there are many who look with strong faith and much
interest to the silent influence of a better education in working
a change among the individuals of the profession, and it is the
earnest hope of this Association that the hints now offered in
this address will not be lost, but that many a brother, in his dis-
tant unpretending scene of action, will be induced to raise his
standing and usefulness by personal exertions, and become a
light to his brethren and a boon to his neighborhood.
#
B.
Report on Standards of Quality for the government of Special Examiners of
Drugs, &c.
The Committee appointed at Boston, 1853, "to consider that part of the
report of the Committee on the inspection of drugs relating to the fixing of
Standards of quality for those drugs capable of it, together with the appropri-
ate tests for detecting adulterations, when practicable," report that they have
given due consideration to the subjects referred to them.
The serious difficulties in the way of accomplishing the objects aimed at in
the above resolution, were so fully appreciated by the last Committee, that
they felt best satisfied to ask the direct action of the Association regarding
the feasibility of Standards for those drugs liable to come under the notice
of Examiners. In not adopting that recommendation, the whole difficulty
was thrown on this Committee, with the liberty of inviting the co-operation
of the Colleges of Pharmacy should they deem it best. The Committee de
termined not to seek this collateral aid, but to prepare the report from the
best means within their reach, and let the Association decide at its next
meeting on any ulterior course that may be necessary to carry on the work
should they deem it necessary.
The object of recognized Standards attached to particular drugs is two-fold
-as a guide to the inspector, giving him a well-defined basis for his exami-
nations, and as a means of comparison for the analytical chemist when sub-
sequently referred after rejection. A large number of substances cannot be
judged by chemical analysis, as to medicinal strength, because they can not be
analyzed in a quantitative manner so as to decide what constitutes a proper
per centage of their active principles. Hence standards based on chemical ana-
lysis apply only to inorganic drugs, and to such organic drugs as contain well-
defined and isolable principles. Analysis in its proximate sense may be em-
ployed to establish the identity of a drug without its being sufficient to de-
termine its actual strength.
When analysis fails, the judgment of the inspector must be based upon the
pharmacological characteristics of taste, smell, feel and conformation, in-
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
23
cluding its botanical characters, if of vegetable origin, and its appearance under
the microscope. The parallelism of external sensible properties with regular
chemical constitution is in most instances sufficiently accurate to be relied
upon. For instance, rhubarb, that is strongly odorous, has a good color, and
the decided bitterness and peculiar taste of the root, rarely fails to be active
as a medicine; and where the pharmacological knowledge of the inspector is
full and practical we would prefer trusting to his judgment in such cases than
to the opinion of a chemist, at least until proximate organic analysis is more
perfect than at present. In judging a bale or cask of senna, the examiner
will first satisfy himself that it is senna and not a sophistication, which he
does by the botanical characteristics of the leaf;-next its freedom from an
excessive proportion of accidental substances ;-3d. that its color, odor and
taste are correct. In the case of digitalis where the leaves of the second
year are preferable, accurate acquaintance with structural botany will afford
essential service to the inspector.
Again;-When a test standard is affixed to an organic drug requiring a
certain amount of an active principle to be present, it would be more satis-
factory if the law would define in what way the drug should be treated to
yield it. For instance, a manufacturing chemist, skilled in the difficult pro-
cesses of proximate analysis, will obtain a larger product from a given speci-
men than a chemist who is not specially familiar with that department. In
the case of opium, an instance occurred where that drug was condemned for
deficient morphia, when it really contained an overplus.
The absolute strength of organic drugs cannot be fixed;—the natural va-
riation in the proportion of the constituents of vegetables, arising from climate,
soil and season, is so great that the range of strength in genuine specimens
of a drug may be quite wide. All such, as a general rule, will have to be
overlooked; yet in a few cases the law should be made to exert its influence,
as for instance in the cinchonas, where every proportion of quinia from 0.1
to 3.0 per cent. exists, owing, as has been alleged, chiefly to the location of
the trees above the sea level; and in opium, where in some locations narco-
tina appears to be secreted to a large extent instead of morphia (in certain
varieties.)
When the law declares that a certain per centage of active matter must
be present to enable a drug to pass the examiner, it is necessary to the effec-
tual carrying out of the ordinance that a practical means of demonstrating
the fact, pro or con, be known. To say, for instance, quoting from Secre
tary Guthrie's circular, that "Jalap root, whether in root or powder, shall af-
ford 11 per cent of pure jalap resin," is wanting in clearness of meaning.
There are two resins in jalap, both equally resins of jalap. One of these is
the active principle and is insoluble in ether, the other inert and soluble in
ether. The instructions should therefore expressly state that a certain per
centage of jalap resin (jalapin) insoluble in ether should be yielded by the
drug, else, in the case of the powder especially, other inert resins might be
introduced with fraud. Again: In the case of Benzoia, the instructions.
should say by what process this drug should be tested to prove the absence
of 12 per cent. of Benzoic acid, in order to cause its rejection, as the process
of sublimation and precipitation afford very different results, the latter being
the most productive.
In reference to the purity of medicinal chemicals there should be a clear
understanding. To say that they shall be pure in the chemical sense is pre
posterous, as ninety-nine hundredths of all that are imported are not so. There
is a generally recognised degree of purity in chemicals, manufactured on a
large scale, which is understood by competent druggists, and while it is not
easy to fix a rational per centage standard of purity beyond which such ac-
24
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
cidental extraneous matter shall not exist, any system of inspection based on
positive or quantitative examination should embrace at least the more im-
portant chemicals, the standard being fixed by careful trials of commercial
chemicals in good esteem.
In carrying out the last recommendation a provision should be made for
the importation of chemical substances for the manufacturing chemist in the
shape of raw material, else our own manufacturers will be unable to compete
with those of other countries. Crude lodine, for instance, is now virtually
excluded by the construction put upon the Law.
As the Committee have not been able, for want of time, and material ne-
cessary to accomplish the objects of the Resolution under which they were
appointed, to make but a partial report, they have determined to classify the
more prominent items of the materia medica as regards their susceptibility of
being tested, and afterwards to give the standards recommended by them for
adoption.
1st.- List of substances which may be quantitatively examined in reference to
their active principles or purity by analysis, viz:
Salts of Ammonia,
Ammoniacum,
Salts of Antimony,
Assafetida,
Balsam of Peru,
Salts of Lead,
Benzoic acid,
Lactucarium,
Citric acid,
Lupulin,
Gallic acid,
Salts of Magnesia,
Prussic acid,
Manna,
Tannic acid,
Balsam of Tolu,
Myrrh,
Tartaric acid,
Benzoin,
Piperin,
Valerianic acid,
Bromine,
Nicotina,
Aconitia,
Salts of Lime,
Veratria and its salts,
Conia,
Camphor,
Strychnia and its salts,
Cinchonia and its salts,
Catechu,
Opium,
Atropia
(6
(C
Cinchona barks,
Codeia,
Copaiba,
Caffeina,
Delphinia,
Creasote,
Elaterium,
Ext. Cannab. Ind.,
Galbanum,
Gomboge,
Guaiac resin,
Salts of Iron,
Iodine,
Jalap.
Salts of Lead,
Salts of Potassa,
Scammony,
Salts of Soda,
Sagapenum,
Storax,
Flowers of Sulphur,
Arsenious acid,
Acetic acid,
Salts of Zinc,
Morphia and its salts,
Brucia,
Veratria,
Quinia and its salts,
Quinidinia and its salts,
Beeberin
Salicine,
(!
((
2d.-Drugs which may be examined by external and sensible properties
and characters, but the genuineness of which may be corroborated by chemical
tests.
Aloes,
Ergot,
Aconite root and leaves, Extract of Liquorice,
Belladonna root & leaves, Galls,
Cantharides,
Gum arabic,
Cardamoms,
Helleborus,
Angustura bark,
Ipecacuanha,
Allspice,
Kino,
Cloves,
Nuxvomica,
Cocculus Indicus,
Volatile Oils,
Cochineal,
Black Pepper,
Colchicum root and seed, Burgundy Pitch,
Colocynth
Sabadilla,
Valerian root,
Saffron,
Rhubarb root,
Buchu,
Canella,
Capsicum,
Krameria,
Cascarilla,
Gentian,
Pyrethrum,
Quassia,
Scilla,
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
25
Pareira,
Columbo,
Conium leaves,
Cubebs,
Digitalis,
Savin,
Dulcamara,
Cetraria.
Serpentaria,
Veratrum album,
Hyoscyamus,
3d.—Substances which may be examined by external and sensible characters only.
Carum,
Lavender flowers,
Castor,
Maranta,
Musk,
Cassia fistula,
Carthamus,
Flaxseed,
Mace,
Sarsaparilla,
Chondrus,
Nutmegs,
Senna,
Cinnamon,
Mezereon,
Ginger,
Contrayerva,
Cowhage,
Garlic,
Fennel seed,
Papaver,
Althea flowers & root,
Liquorice root,
Rosa Gallica,
Aniseed,
Pomegranate root bark,
Rosmarinus,
Chamomile,
Pomegranate fruit rind,
Santalum,
Arnica flowers.
Elecampane,
Simaruba,
Orange peel,
Orris root,
Tormentilla,
Calamus,
Juniper,
Matricaria.
Essay towards a list of standards or tests for the guidance of the examiners of
drugs in carrying out the law against the importation of adulterated or deteri-
orated medicinal substances.
AMMONIACUM should possess the proper sensible properties, should yield at
least 90 per cent. of soluble matter to alcohol and water, at least 60 per cent.
of which should be ammoniac resin; and should be free from designed im-
purities.
ASSAFETIDA should contain at least 45 per cent. of bitter resin soluble in
ether, and three per cent. of volatile oil when distilled with water.
BALSAM PERU Should yield 60 per cent. of cinnamein or odorless volatile
oil, heavier than water, when treated with alcohol, potassa and water, and
should afford at least five per cent. of cinnamic acid.
BALSAM OF TOLU should yield, by careful distillation, per se, in a glass re-
torf, at least ten per cent. of cinnamic acid, after the empyreumatic oil is
separated; and should possess the proper sensible properties of this drug ac-
cording to its age.
BELLADONNA ROor should be sound; and its syrupy, alcoholic extract when
mixed with an excess of solution of potassa, should readily yield atropia to
chloroform when agitated with that fluid.
BENZOIN should contain 70 per cent. of resin and at least 12 per cent. of
crude Benzoic acid, when boiled to exhaustion with milk of lime and the
filtered solution precipitated with muriatic acid.
CHLORINATED LIME should afford 25 per cent. of chlorine as indicated by
the sulphate of iron test.
CANTHARIDES Should be sound. They should yield at least
per cent. of
oily extract to ether, which, when treated with liquor potassæ, should afford
more grains of cantharidin as a residue.
CARDAMOMS should be mature and sound, and should afford at least 15 per
cent. of oily ethereal extract, one fourth of which is volatile oil.
CARYOPHYLLUS. Cloves should yield at least 11 per cent. of volatile oil, by
distillation, of not less than 1.04 sp. gr.
CINCHONA. Calisaya bark should yield at least 23 per cent. of sulphate of
quinia. Other Peruvian and Columbian barks should yield at least two per
cent. of alkaloids, all told.
26
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
CONII FOLIA should possess a uniform green color, decided narcotic odor,
and when powdered and macerated in liquor potassæ should evolve a decided
odor of conia.
COPAIBA, if of thick consistence, should, when boiled with water till the oil
is driven off, leave a brittle resin. When the copaiba is thin and limpid, it
should afford more volatile oil without any terebinthinate odor.
CUBEBS should yield at least 16 per cent. of fluid oleo-resinous extract to
ether.
DIGITALIS should be of the second year's growth, free from stalks, of uni-
form green color, and fully developed in size, odor and taste.
ELATERIUM should yield at least 20 per cent. of elaterin when its syrupy;
alcoholic extract is thrown into hot liquor potassæ.
ERGOTA should be free from insects, strongly odorous, should yield 34 per
cent. to ether, and when its alcoholic extract is distilled with potassa in so-
lution, the distillate should be strongly odorous of secalin.
GALBANUM should yield 60 per cent of resin and five per cent. of volatile
oil as a minimum.
GAMBOGIA should yield 60 per cent of its weight to ether, and the ethereal
extract should possess the properties of gambogic acid.
GUAIAC should contain not less than 80 per cent. guaiac resin, known by its
insolubility in oil of turpentine, and by its reactions with nitric acid and
alkalies.
HELLEBORUS should have the taste and odor of the root strongly developed,
and should not exhibit the cruciform structure when siiced transversely.
JODINIUM, if resublimed, should be pure-if of the variety called commercial
it should not contain beyond 5 per cent. of water or other impurities, unless
specially admitted for manufacturing purposes on bond.
IPECACUANHA should. in addition to the usual external evidence of sound-
ness, etc., be found when necessary to contain per cent. of colored emetia
obtained by precipitation.
JALAP should contain at least 7 per cent of resin insoluble in washed ether
(or rhodeoretin,) which should not be precipitated from its solution in hot
liquor potassæ by acids.
MANNA should contain 95 per cent. of matter soluble in water, of which
at least 37 per cent. is mannite.
NUTMEGS at least three per cent. of volatile oil.
MYRRH should contain twenty-five per cent. of bitter resin, and yield 2 per
cent, of volatile oil when distilled with water.
NUXVOMICA should be sound and afford at least 0.3 per cent. of strychnia.
OILS fixed and volatile should be commercially pure, and should withstand
the best tests stated in pharmacological authorities.
OPIUM should contain at least 7 per cent. of morphia, purified by ether from
narcotina, &c., unless admitted under bond for manufacturing purposes.
BITARTRATE OF POTASSA should not contain more than three per cent. of
tartrate of lime, and should require 18 parts of boiling water for solution.
RHUBARB ROOT should be sound, strongly odorous, decidedly bitter, and
should contain at least 10 per cent. of oxalate of lime. A strict adherence to
those points will exclude the European rhubarb, which is deficient in the oxa-
late of lime, and in odor and bitterness.
SAGAPENUM should yield 3 per cent. volatile oil, and fifty per cent. of resin
possessed of the properties described in the Dispensatories.
SARSAPARILLA. The several distinct varieties of this drug should be ex-
amined by their external characters and taste, rather than by chemical ana-
lysis.
SCAMMONY. Two varieties of scammony should be recognised. Amorphous
or Virgin scammony, which should yield to ether 70 per cent. or more of
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
27
resin, and Cake scammony not less than 50 per cent. of resin, possessing the
proper characters of scammony resin, in not being precipitated from its
solution in hot liquor potassæ by an acid.
SENNA should be botanically true, of good color and odor, and should yield
at least per cent. of dry extract to alcohol of 20 per cent.
PYROXYLIC SPIRIT should not become milky on the addition of water,
and should dissolve chloride of calcium without separating in two layers,
FLOWERS OF SULPHUR and MILK OF SULPHUR should be wholly volatile
when placed on a red hot coal.
It will be seen that this sketch of standards is in many places imperfect-
several blanks remain to be filled. The Committee have been unable to find
the time necessary to carry out the work as it should have been done to be
complete, and submit the above sketch for the consideration of the Associa-
tion, that it may decide on on the propriety of proceeding in the work. So
much depends on the character and qualification of the examiners, that it
seems to us, a movement of the Association that would place the inspection
of drugs in qualified hands, would do more for the drug market than the
most accurate and scientific system of standards will effect if its execution
is to be placed in charge of political favorites but little fitted for the post.
WILLIAM PROCTER, JR.,
GEO. D. COGGESHALL,
Committee.
C.
Report on the Circular of Instructions issued by the Secretary of the Treasury,
under date of June 4, 1853.
The Committee to whom the Circular of Instructions, issued by the Sec-
retary of the Treasury, was committed at the last meeting, report that they
have examined that document, and offer the following critical remarks on
some of its items, viz:
1st.--" ALOES when affording 80 per cent of pure aloetic extractive," is
not sufficiently explicit as a guide to the examiner. If the aloesin of Robi-
quet is meant, the figure is too high, and applies only to the best socotrine
aloes. If the matter soluble in cold water is alluded to, it is also too high.
We think the standard for this drug should recognize cape and socotrine
aloes under distinct heads.
2nd. The standard for ASSAFETIDA is fair.
3rd.—The standard for CINCHONA will do well, provided the second clause
"or two per cent of all the alkaloids combined," be construed to mean all
the alkaloids collectively without regard to the proportion of quinia. If the
first clause is insisted upon all the pale and other cinchonia barks will be
excluded.
4th. The standard for BENZOIN should indicate in what way that drug
should be treated to yield 12 per cent. of Benzoic acid, whether by subli-
mation or precipitation.
5th.-The standard for COLOCYNTH is incorrect, as no colocynth contains
12 per cent of colocynthin. According to Vauquelin 100 parts of the pulp
contains 14.4 parts of the principle, and on the average the best colocynth
yields but one-third of its weight of pulp; hence about five per cent would be
nearer the correct amount.
6th.-ELATERIUM is required to have 30 per cent of Elaterin. This figure is
too high, as the best commercial Elaterium will rarely yield over 25 per
cent, which is quite high enough.
28
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
7th.-GALBANUM is required to have more volatile oil than the average
yield of the two published analyses. It should not be higher than the aver-
age, else the object of the inspection will be defeated; four or five per cent
is an ample average.
8th.-GAMBOGE, the requiring of 70 per cent of resin will exclude all but
the pipe gamboge, the best quality, both the cake and coarse varieties not
reaching that degree of richness in resin. It may be wrong to exclude
these?
9th. The standard for the GUAIAC at 80 per cent of resin is proper.
10th.-AMMONIAC is required by the treasury circular to contain 70 per
cent of resin, and 18 per cent of gum. As it often happens that this gum resin
when of good quality contains some easily separable impurities as capsules,
etc., and as the per centage of resin above noted is the highest that has been
published, it would be more appropriate to put the per centage at 60, or
what is better, to require a certain amount of matter soluble in alcohol and
water, say 90 per cent, at least 60 per cent of which must be ammoniac resin.
11th.-JALAP. If by pure jalap resin, the circular intends the jalapin or
active resin insoluble in ether, it is erroneous, as very little of the commer.
cial root will afford more than 7 or 8 per cent. If the crude resin is intended
the figures are about right in the circular.
12th.-MANNA. The proportion jo 37 per cent of mannite as a minimum
is a very proper ratio for this drug.
13th-MYRRH. The standard for Myrrh is based on the proportion of
resin and gum. The quality of myrrh depends much on the proportion of
the volatile oil. A better means of judging myrrh is from the amount of
semi-fluid oleo-resin resulting from the evaporation of the ethereal tincture
of myrrh.
14th.--OPIUM.
To require 9 per cent of pure morphia from Opium is too
high for a standard. Eight per cent is ample, and much opium contains not
more than 7 per cent without being specially adulterated. It is understood that
pure morphia means morphia deprived of narcotina and codeia.
15th.-RHUBARB. The item under this head in the circular, requires that
"rhubarb root should contain 40 per cent of soluble matter, whether in root
or powder," without indicating the menstruum to be used, or the nature of
the soluble matter, and then declares "one admissible but the articles
known as East India, and Turkey or Russian rhubarb.”
We think this method of judging Rhubarb entirely erroneous.
The odor
and bitterness of the drug, and the presence of a certain proportion of oxalate
of lime are far better criteria, than the ratio of soluble matter.
16th -SAGAPENUM. 3 per cent of volatile oil, and 50 resin, is correct.
17th.-SCAMMONY. If but one variety of Scammouy is adopted, the pro-
portion of 70 per cent of resin is too high, as the so-called virgin Scammony
of commerce does not reach that proportion on the average. If a practicable
standard is desired, sixty per cent is about a full ratio.
18th.—SENNA. The test of Senna is based on its ability to yield 28 per
cent of soluble matter, without noting the menstruum. This is not a safe or
dependible standard to judge by-as it relates to only a particular quality of
the drug.
19th. The clause of the circular in reference to the condition of vegeta-
ble drugs is good.
20th. The clause in reference to the essential oils is hardly to be relied
on, as the means of judging the purity of these liquids is not yet sufficiently
understood and described to enable any one, who is not thoroughly versed
in their behavior with tests, and with their changes by time and exposure,
to arrive at positive conclusions.
21st.-The clause respecting "Patent Medicines and secret preparations,"
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
29
throws the passing of them through the Custom House entirely upon the
judgment of the examiner as regards their safety "to be used for medicinal
purposes." The power thus delegated to the examiners is very extensive,
and is liable to be arbitrarily applied. If the Drug Law delegates this power
to the Secretary of the Treasury, and through him to the Examiner, its pro-
per enforcement may produce wholesome results, yet there are many who,
deeming the law to be aimed at excluding adulterated and deteriorated
drugs, chemicals, and medicinal preparations, doubt the right of the exami-
ner to exclude these medicines unless adulterated or made different from
what they profess to be.
22nd. The clause relative to appeal, requires the importer to make known
his intention within ten days after the rejection of his goods, which is
well. That section making it obligatory on the Analytical Chemist to
make a full qualitative and quantitative report under oath appears to have
been introduced to prevent chemists from substituting opinion for analysis,
and so far is good, but its strict construction is in most instances as useless
as it is unnecessary, and may in some hands defeat the right of appeal.
The last clause of the circular, giving the examiner power to appeal from
the results of the analytical chemist may occasionally detect fraudulent in-
tent, yet the law expressly declares the report of the Chemist to be final, and
not to be reached by any subsequent action of the Examiner.
WILLIAM PROCTER, JR., on behalf of Committee.
D
Report on the appointment of Special Examiners.
The Committee to whom was referred the subject of "the expediency of
endeavoring to obtain such congressional action as will compel all Special
Examiners of drugs and medicines to be either graduates of Pharmacy, or
to receive certificates of qualification for such office from some College of
Pharmacy recognized by the Association," Report that they have given the
subject a due consideration, and made application by letter to a prominent
member of Congress, but received no encouragement to proceed further.
They believe, in view of the partizan character of political appointments,
and the little dependence that can be placed on the judgment of the appoint.
ing power in cases like the one under consideration, it will be inexpedient
to make any application to Congress, until such time as the Drug law itself
may require a general change or re-enactment, when a clause might be in-
serted, making it obligatory on the Secretary of the Treasury to appoint fully
qualified Pharmaceutists, or persons who have been educated as such.
WILLIAM PROCTER, JR.,
EDWARD PARRISH,
On behalf of Committee.
E.
A general summary of the answers to the Circular of the Committee on Pharmc-
ceutical Education.
Summary of answers to First and Second Queries.
1. What is the usual manner of engaging apprentices to the drug and
apothecary business as to length of service, recompense, &c., in your dis-
trict, city, or neighborhood?
2. Is it usual to give attention to the preliminary education and training of
applicants in taking apprentices?
30
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
NEW YORK. (From John Meakim.) The custom of apothecaries in regard to
the apprenticeship is extremely variable, no general system being in vogue.
But little personal attention is given to instructing, boys being allowed to
come up and are not brought up. The New York College requires four years
service for its graduates, but this is not attended to iu practice.
BOSTON. (S. M. Colcord.) Apprenticeship much broken up; a wide dif
ference exists as regards the manner of engaging and recompensing junior
assistants. They are generally taken to stay till they are 21 years old, and
allowed a sufficiency for board and clothes, but so little reliance is placed on
their remaining a term of years, that pharmaceutists prefer to engage half
educated clerks on salary, which occasions a scarcity of good clerks.
It is not usual to give much attention to the previous education and train-
ing of lads for apprentices.
BALTIMORE. (F. A. Cochrane.) The term of apprenticeship in regular
stores is four years, the pay $50 to $75 the first year; $125 to $150 the se-
cond; $200 to $250 the third and fourth years; but this applies only to the
more prominent apothecaries.
But few apothecaries give any attention to the preliminary education of
apprentices.
LOUISVILLE (Sutcliffe & Hughes.) There is no regular system of apprentice-
ship. Boys are taken for any length of time they are willing to stay. They
expect a compensation the first year, and afterwards consider themselves.
competent to take charge of business. This applies to the State at large.
But little attention is given to previous education of boys.
From J. M. Morton Morris.) It is customary to take boys at almost any
age without any specified duration of service, the connection continuing as
agreeable to both parties. Boys are generally chosen who have had a plain
English education.
to year,
BENNINGTON, VERMONT. (S. P. Peck.) Boys are engaged from year
and can hardly be said to be apprenticed. Those who have received a
school education are generally preferred.
good
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. (J. Laidley.) In this city it is usual in taking ap-
prentices to give no compensation the first year; from $100 to $150 the
second year, and afterwards increased if desired There
There is no general
specified term of service. In judging of suitability of boys, apothecaries look
more at natural business talents than to previous education, and consider the
man who increases business more important than the man of education and
skill.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN. (H. Simoneau.) Apprentices are usually bound by
indenture for a term of three years, and on an average receive for their ser-
vice $150, $200 and $250 per year in succession. Not much attention is
given to education.
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE. (R. R. Strong,) Apothecaries generally depend
on salaried assistants; when boys are taken they are chosen for general intel-
ligence rather than in view of previous education and training. The term of
service is rarely fixed by contract, being from year to year, and the recom-
pense gradually increased.
NEW ORLEANS, La. (J. H. Tilghman.) There is no apprenticeship system
in New Orleans, each employer makes the best bargain he can with his
clerks.
ALEXANDRIA, VIRG. (Dr. R. H. Stabler.) Apprentices are usually taken at
14 to 16 years of age and agree to stay till 21; the terms vary much-inden-
tures are not usual-and very little attention is given to previous education.
ROME, GA. (R. Battey.) We have no apprentices, and employ clerks on a
salary during good behaviour.
BUFFALO, N. Y. (4. J. Mathews.) Apprentices here are generally selected
1
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
31
from the best informed and smartest lads, and are taken on trial for from
one to three months, after which they agree to a term of years according to
the age of the applicant.
The compensation is $100 for the first and second years, and an increase
of from $50 to $100 a year after, according to the value of service. Clerks
get from $500 to $1000 salary.
PORTLAND, MAINE. (Dr. H. T. Cummings.) The manner of engaging ap-
prentices is solely regulated in this place by the supposed mutual advantages,
each party making the best bargain he can out of the other-the most for the
least. Preliminary education is but little attended to, as employers get bet-
ter terms from the ill-educated; but boys generally have school learning.
WHEELING, VIRG. (J. Baker.) No regular usage exists; all depends on
agreement at the time, and the arrangement is viewed as a mere business
transaction, without much idea of teaching a scientific art. But little regard
is had to preliminary education.
PORTSMOUTH and NOFOLK, Va. (J. B. Campbell.) Apprentices are taken
from year to year. $50 is given the first year and gradually increased to $200
as a maximum,-age from 16 to 18 years. Common English education only
required.
ST. LOUIS, MO. (G. T. Chamberlain.) No apprenticeship system exists
here. Boys are taken at from 14 to 18 years, and receive board and $50 the
first year, slowly increased till of age; but it too often happens that they leave
the first or second year. The only preliminary education required is that
they make business calculations correctly.
Summary of answers to Third and Fourth Queries.
3. Is any personal instruction extended to apprentices beyond the practical
details of the shop, as regards chemistry, materia medica and botany.
4. What books are usually provided for apprentices from which they may
derive scientific information bearing on their business?
NEW YORK. (Meakim.) 3d. Pupils get but little systematic personal in-
struction from their employers, depending mainly on the Dispensatory for
explanation of difficult processes. 4th. The U. S. Dispensatory, Gray's Bo-
tany, Kane's Chemistry, Morfit's Manipulations, Pereira's Materia Medica,
and Christison on Poisons, are found in some stores, but many others are less
fully provided.
BOSTON. (Colcord.) 3d. Not to any extent is personal instruction given.
4th. The U. S. Dispensatory the main dependence. A few of the more
scientific apothecaries supply the principal text books required by the phar.
maceutist.
BALTIMORE. (Cochran.) 3d. Only in a few instances is personal in-
struction given to apprentices. 4th. Wood & Bache's Dispensatory, and
Turner's & Graham's Chemistry are the principal books used in the shops.
LOUISVILLE, KY. (Sutcliffe & Hughes.) 3d. No personal instruction is given
in the science of pharmacy, and but few are qualified to give it, with some
honorable exceptions. 4th. The U. S. Dispensatory is generally depended
upon. Some apothecaries, however, provide Turner's Chemistry and Ellis'
Formulary, and occasionally Pereira's Materia Medica, and Mohr & Red-
wood's Pharmacy are met with.
LOUISVILLE. (Morris.) Very little personal scientific instruction is given
to apprentices or assistants. The books placed in their way are the U.
S. Dispensatory, Silliman's and other Chemistrys and Mohr & Redwood's
Pharmacy.
BENNINGTON, VERMONT. (Peck.) No personal scientific instruction is
extended to apprentices. 4th. The U. S. Dispensatory is in every shop; a
few have the Pharmacopoeia, and in rare cases works on chemistry and botany
are found.
32
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
RICHMOND, VA. (Laidley.) 3d. No personal instruction is given. The U.
S. Dispensatory in some edition is generally found; some stores have the
Pharmacopoeia, some Turner's Chemistry, most stores receive a Journal of
Pharmacy, and three or four of the 21 stores are well supplied with books of
reference.
DETROIT. (Simoneau.) No personal instruction is given, and botany and
chemistry but seldom form a part of the apprentice's study. 4th. The U. S.
Dispensatory is almost the only book used, occasionally "Pereira" is found.
KNOXVILLE, TENN. (Strong.) 3d. Very little if any instruction is given.
4th. U. S. Dispensatory, the Pharmacopeia, and some chemical works, and
in a few instances the Pharmaceutical Journals.
NEW ORLEANS. (Tilghman.) Only such instruction as tends to profit. The
books usually found are Wood & Bache's Dispensatory, Turner and Ellis.
ALEXANDRIA, VA. (Stabler.) Apprentices have to depend mainly on their
own exertions for science. 4th. The works found in the shops are Wood &
Bache, Chapman, Eberle, Pereira, Graham, Turner and others, also Mohr
& Redwood, and Morfit's Manipulations.
ROME, GA. (Battey.) 3d. None. 4th. The Dispensatory and other books.
BUFFALO, N. Y. (Mathews.) 3. But little personal instruction is given, but
opportunities are offered to apprentices for study. 4th. There are but three or
four Pharmacopeias in Buffalo, all the apothecaries have the U. S. Dispensa-
tory, and a few Pereira, Griffith's Botany, Mohr & Redwood, Gray's Sup-
plement, and the Journals.
PORTLAND, MAINE. (Cummings.) No personal scientific instruction is given
by employers. 4th. The Dispensatory is the main and frequently the only
book.
Wheeling, Va. (Baker.) None. 4th. Don't know what books are kept.
PORTSMOUTH and NORFOLK. (Campbell.) There is no systematic, scientific
personal instruction extended by employers. 4th. All have the U. S. Dis-
pensatory, Turner & Ellis, several have Christison, Mohr & Redwood, Fowne's
Chemistry, U. S. Pharmacopoeia, Dunglison's Dictionary, and the American
Journal of Pharmacy.
ST. LOUIS. (Chamberlain.) None but the casual instruction during ma-
nipulation. 4th. The U. S. Dispensatory almost solely relied on, though
other books are occasionally found.
Summary of answers to the Fifth and Sixth Queries.
5. Having been informed that the tenure of apprenticeship is very slight,
in the Southern and Western States, and that the pharmaceutists have to de
pend chiefly on salaried assistants, the Committee wish to learn to what ex-
tent they have been correctly informed.
6. Do you know of any instances of the apprentices or assistants of phar-
maceutists attending lectures at medical schools, and how many.
NEW YORK. (Meakim.) 5th. Not applicable; 6th. No instances but those
of medical students who go into stores for a livelihood. Apothecaries' pupils
go to the school of pharmacy.
BOSTON. 5th. The tenure of apprenticeship is slight. 6th. Drug clerks fre.
quently attend lectures on Materia Medica and Chemistry in the medical
schools; chiefly, however, with a view of practising medicine at a future
time.
BALTIMORE. (Cochran.) In many instances apprentices don't serve out
a third of their term, and then offer themselves as assistants elsewhere, yet
the rule is to stay till 21. 6th. None attending lectures at the medical
schools.
LOUISVILLE. (Sutcliffe & Hughes). 5th. The Committee are informed cor-
rectly. 6th. But a few instances occur.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
33
(J. H. M. Morris.) Druggists almost wholly depend on salaried assistants,
from $50 to $1200 per year. 6th. Is acquainted with but eight in Kentucky
who have attended lectures on materia medica and pharmacy.
BENNINGTON. Negative.
RICHMOND. (Laidley.) Salaried assistants almost wholly employed. 6th. I
know of none who attend medical lectures.
DETROIT. (Simoneau.) 5th. Correctly informed. 6th. Negative.
KNOXVILLE. (Strong.) 5 and 6 as in last answer.
NEW ORLEANS. (Tilghman). 5. The Committee are correctly informed.
6. Under the present law in New Orleans, no requirement of any kind of an
educational character is demanded of apothecaries,-the old law is repcaled.
ALEXANDRIA. (Stabler.) 5th. Pharmaceutists depend chiefly on salaried
assistants, as they cannot depend on the tenure of apprenticeship based on
the honor of the apprentice. 6th. No instances of attending medical lec-
tures.
ROME, GA. 5th. Correct. 6th. None.
BUFFALO, N. Y. (Mathews.) 5th. Pharmaceutists depend chiefly on salaried
assistants, as they cannot rely on the apprenticeship,-the latter arrange
ment being but temporary. 6th. Two instances of attending medical lec-
tures are known.
PORTLAND, MAINE. (Dr. Cummings.) 5th. Knows of but one regular ap-
prentice; depend on clerks with salaries proportioned to the value of their
services.
WHEELING. 5th. Correctly. 6th. None.
PORTSMOUTH. (Campbell.) Generally depend on salaried assistants who
have derived their tuition during former years in the shop, and who receive
from $400 to $700 salaries. 6th. None.
ST. LOUIS. 5th. The tenure of apprenticeship but slight. 6th. a few in-
stances exist where apothecaries attend lectures at the medical schools.
Summary of answers to the Seventh Query.
7th. Have any attempts been made to give public instruction in the sciences
accessory to pharmacy, by lectures or otherwise, and how far have they
been successful?
NEW YORK. Regrets that the attendance on the lectures at the College of
Pharmacy is but limited in proportion to those interested.
BOSTON. Several attempts have been made at giving public instruction on
chemistry, and the last one attended with some success.
BALTIMORE. The lectures at the Maryland College of Pharmacy were dis-
continued five years ago.
LOUISVILLE. No attempts at publicly instructing apothecaries have been
made. Three medical schools exist here.
BENNINGTON, Vт. None.
RICHMOND. Gratuitous lectures were commenced several years ago, but
failed to excite sufficient attention to cause their continuance.
DETROIT. A course of lectures were delivered here by A. R. Terry, Esq.,
on chemical and pharmaceutical subjects, but were poorly encouraged.
KNOXVILLE. None.
NEW ORLEANS. None but in medical schools.
ALEXANDRIA. None but lectures on chemistry at seminaries.
ROME. None.
BUFFALO. None.
PORTLAND. None.
PORTSMOUTH. None.
ST. LOUIS. One attempt to get up lectures on chemistry failed.
3
34
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Answer from California.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, June 15th, 1854.
PROF. WM. PROCTER, JR., Chairman.
Sir-I have to acknowledge the receipt from you of a circular of the
Committee on Pharmaceutical Education," of the American Pharmaceuti-
cal Association. Although unable to answer, except with a negative, either of
the queries propounded therein, a due regard for the interest manifested by
your Committee, on the subject, prompts me to offer you a general view of
the system which obtains among Diuggists and Apothecaries here. An
"Apprentice to the drug business is an anomaly in California." We do not
know of a single specimen, although such may be in existence. Most of
the Druggist employers, who are not Physicians, learned their occupations
in the older States, and many had been in business there, prior to their
emigration hither.
They depend solely on salaried assistants, who receive from seventy-five
to one hundred and fifty dollars a month besides board, as compensation.
A few get a salary of two hundred a month and board; but these cases are
rare.
There are many old druggists and apothecaries in California, who came
here to engage in mining, but whom fortune has not favored, or who will
willingly leave the "diggings" whenever an opportunity offers to engage in
their old vocation.
From this source proprietors can at present obtain an adequate supply,
and in this state of things, there seems to be no necessity for the adoption of
a primary system of Pharmaceutical Education.
No organization yet exists to my knowledge for the improvement of those
who are engaged in the business, either as Assistants or Proprietors. About
the only book in common use is the U. S. Dispensatory, although a few pos-
sess a well arranged Pharmaceutical Library.
Very respectfully,
GUSTAVUS L. SIMMONS.
F.
Report for the year 1854, on the state of Pharmacy in California.
To the "American Pharmaceutical Association."
Gent. Members:-Having been appointed by you a correspondent for
California, I herewith present a condensed report on those subjects which
the duty of a correspondent would seem to require.
California contains an estimated population of four hundred thousand in-
habitants, and has seventy-seven regular Drug Stores, distributed as follows:
San Francisco,
Marysville,
Placerville,
San Jose,
Shasta,
Yankee Jims,
Moquelumne Hill,
Nevada,
Auburn,
•
30 Sacramento,
5 Stockton,
3 Coloma,
1 Colusa,
1 Downieville,
1 Sonora,
I Diamond Springs,
2 Jackson,
1
4
-
19
4
2
1
2
2~
77
Of this number of Drug Stores, some sixteen are kept by foreigners;
French, German, Chinese, &c., &c.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
35
There are others, it may be, in existence, but from the large size of the
(6 State," " and the limited means for obtaining information on this subject, I
feel myself unable to offer what I would consider a correct list.
Throughout the small "Mining Settlements," most of the general store-
keepers keep an assortment of a few of the staple Drugs and Patent Medi-
cines.
In reporting upon the state of Pharmacy in California, I am happy to re-
cord that some of the evils complained of in my report of the last year, are
being remedied. This is not, nor could it be expected to be the case in the
smaller towns, but in San Francisco, Sacramento, Marysville and Stockton,
we believe the past year has witnessed a great change in the habits of drug-
gists, apothecaries and physicians.
The members of each of these occupations appear to better understand
the relations they should sustain toward each other, and in a majority of
cases we find them adhering to their legitimate occupations: most of the
Physicians who started in either branch of the drug business, have found it
impossible to go on smoothly and profitably with both professions, and those
Druggists or Apothecaries who were addicted to the practice of occasionally
prescribing at the counter, have found it to their interest to abandon the
habit, observing that the well educated Physicians were adopting the system
of separating the two departments of prescribing and compounding medi-
cines.
We have also in the cities I have mentioned, a new interest displayed in
the practice of tastefully arranging the stores of Druggists and Apotheca
ries; and although the introduction of this subject in a report may be deemed
trivial, yet it seems to me to be an augury of a better day for the interests
of Pharmacy in California. A well arranged and finely fitted Drug store,
needs the most competent employees, to conduct its affairs properly, and the
introduction of these last cannot fail to elevate the standard of a Profession,
which in all new States, is usually very much lowered, or so generally
mingled with others as to be almost lost sight of.
The larger portion of the "Drug Stores" in the places named, will com-
pare favorably with those of the older States, and in fact San Francisco seems
determined to outdo any of her sister cities in this respect.
In that city there are some establishments of the first order, and one quite
recently started which is said to equal and even surpass the model stores of
Europe.
Every thing in this last is arranged in the most costly and elegant manner.
The common dispensing spatulas are of gold and silver; attached to the
store is a fine laboratory, and a suite of rooms, apportioned into Library,
Sitting and Consulting apartments, for the especial benefit of medical gen-
tlemen, forming a kind of Exchange, where Physicians may interchange
their views, consult the best and latest authorities, or otherwise spend their
time, as their feelings or wishes may prompt them.
In this State, as has been the case in other new States, the field for the
sale of "Patent Nostrums," has been fully reaped. Most of the medicines
which come under this head, find a ready market, the larger portion of them
being manufactured in North Eastern States, and consist of those kinds,
which were known to our population prior to their emigrating hither. But
few persons have attempted to manufacture and introduce "new nostrums"
into this State, the cost of advertising being so considerable that a small
fortune could be easily lost before the reputation of an article would be
established.
The American Druggists generally adopt the U. S. Dispensatory, many,
however, using the old editions brought from the East years ago. Without
36
་་
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
designing to reflect upon the well earned reputation of that work, it be-
comes me to report that I have heard frequent complaints, by Druggists who
have followed the formulas there laid down; many operations proving
anything but satisfactory.* A practical revision would seem to be desirable.
The Foreign Druggists use the authorities of their respective countries.
All of which is respectfully submitted by
GUSTAVUS L. SIMMONS.
G.
Report of the Committee on Quack Medicines.
(The Report of this Committee was mislaid by parties in Cincinnati, who
obtained it for the purpose of making extracts. The following concluding
paragraphs embrace in a few words the most important points contained
in it.)
"The disposition to take what are called popular medicines, and the ten-
dency to a belief in their utility, is a fact with which every observer must
be familiar, and in view of this strong popular feeling your committee would
suggest:
1st. That this desire for medicine can be gratified in a legitimate way
by regular officinal preparations.
"2d. That it is the duty as well as interest of the apothecaries and drug-
gists to advocate the use of the officinal medicines in lieu of the quackery
of the day.
"3d. That it is the rightful interest of regular pharmaceutists to divert, in
this manner, the thousands which now annually flow into the coffers of
quacks, into their own limited stores, where of right it belongs.
"4th. That this can only be done by a united and sustained action on the
part of the pharmaceutists and druggists of the Union, by which they will
practically refrain from the sale or advocation of secret medicines, and sub.
stitute regular officinal compounds for them, correctly labelled, with name
and directions for use.
"5th. That this course should receive the sanction of physicians as the
only one likely to remedy the evil aimed at, as the tendency to take medi
cine ad libitum is a feature of the Anglo-Saxon race, duly inherited by the
American people, which, whatever may be its faults, is as much their nature
as is the love of political and personal freedom.
"With regard to the propriety and efficacy of legislative action, we think
that movements in that direction should originate in the several States, and
be the joint action of the medical and pharmaceutical professions, and when
applications are made to Legislatures they should be based on a real interest
on the part of druggists and apothecaries generally to abate the evil, and
not on a partial or very local movement."
* The revision of the formulæ in the Dispensatory belongs to the several
bodies who revise the Pharmacopeias. The authors of the Dispensatory can
unly comment on them and suggest improvements. See latest edition.-Exec-
Com.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
37
OFFICERS
OF THE
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
FOR 1854-5.
President.
WILLIAM B. CHAPMAN.
Vice Presidents.
HENRY T. CUMMINGS, JOIN MEAKIM AND JOSEPH LAIDLEY.
Secretaries.
Recording, EDWARD S. WAYNE. Corresponding, WILLIAM PROCTER, JR.
Treasurer.
SAMUEL M. COLCORD.
Executive Committee.
EDWARD PARRISH, Chairman, A. M. STEVENS, AND C. B. GUTHRIE.
Roll of the American Pharmaceutical Association.
Daniel B. Smith,
Llewellyn S. Haskell,
Joseph Burnett,
Henry F. Fish,
S. R. Philbrick, M.D.,
Alexander Duval,
Philadelphia,
New York,
Boston,
Waterbury,
Boston,
Pennsylvania.
New York.
Massachusetts.
Connecticut.
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
Virginia.
Virginia.
Ohio.
New York.
Samuel M. Colcord,
Boston,
Richmond,
Joseph Laidley,
Richmond,
C. Augustus Smith,
Cincinnati,
George D. Coggeshall,
New York,
John Meakim,
New York,
New York.
Eugene Dupuy,
New York,
New York.
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Charles Ellis,
William Procter, Jr.,
Alfred B. Taylor,
Edward Parrish,
David Stewart, M. D.,
C. B. Guthrie, M.D.,
Charles L. Bache,*
W. B. Chapman, M.D.,
Daniel Henchman,
Thomas Restieaux,
Andrew Geyer,
Emery Souther,
T. Larkin Turner,
Philadelphia,
Philadelphia,
Baltimore,
Memphis,
San Francisco,
Cincinnati,
Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.
Maryland,
Tennessee.
California.
Ohio.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
* Deceased.
38
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
James B. Lane,
Henry T. Cummings, M. D.
Junius Gridley,
Henry W Lincoln,
S. P. Peck,
J. C. Bingham,
T. B. Merrick,
S. M. Zachrisson,
Thomas H. Barr,
William A. Brewer,
Thomas Hollis,
Ashel Boyden,
Henry D. Fowle,
James S. Melvin,
George L. Dearborn,
Charles T. Carney,
William W. Goodwin,
Anthony S. Jones,
Portland,
New York,
Boston,
Bennington,
St. Johnsbury,
New York,
Richmond,
Terre Haute,
Boston,
Newburyport,
Fitchburg,
Maine.
New York.
Massachusetts.
Vermont.
Vermont.
New York.
Virginia.
Indiana.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Great Falls,
New Hampshire.
Lowell,
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
Peter J. Hazzard,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Thomas Farrington,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
William C. Arons,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Wm. H. Adderly,
Wm. S. Merrill,
Hamilton Creighton,
Edward S. Wayne,
W. H. Coolidge,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Xenia,
Ohio.
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
A. M. Stevens,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Theodore Marsh,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
W. J. M. Gordon,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Lewis Rehfuss,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
J. V. Whetstone,
J. W. Hannaford,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
W. R. Smith,
Hillsborough,
Ohio.
Asbury Kent,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
John Scott,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
James Baker,
Robert W. Battey,
Wm. L. Cleveland,
G. T. Chamberlain,
J. H. M. Morris,
A. J. Matthews,
J. H. Reed,
R. H. Stabler,
James B. Campbell,
B. R. Strong,
Morris Emanuel,
George B. Gates,
L. Wilcox, Jr.,
R. Browning,
Peter V. Coppuck,
A. E. Richards,
G. L. Simmons,
Correspondents.
Wheeling,
Rome,
Charleston,
St. Louis,
Louisville,
Buffalo,
Virginia.
Georgia,
South Carolina.
Missouri.
Kentucky.
New York.
Illinois.
Virginia.
Chicago,
Alexandria,
Portsmouth,
Virginia.
Knoxville,
Tennessee.
Vicksburg,
Mobile,
Pittsburg,
Indianapolis,
Mount Holly,
Plaquemine,
Sacramento,
Mississippi.
Alabama.
Pennsylvania.
Indiana.
New Jersey.
Louisiana.
California.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
39
LIST OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES,
Of the American Pharmaceutical Association, for the years 1854-55.
To report in New York on the second Tuesday in September, 1855.
1st. To collect and arrange the Statistics of Pharmacy in the United
States. (Continued.)
C. B. Guthrie,
Joseph Laidley,
Wm. B. Chapman.
H. T. Cummings,
T. B. Merrick,
2d. To consider and report on the subject of Home Adulterations. (Continued.)
C. B. Guthrie,
C. A. Smith,
G. D. Coggeshall,
A. J. Matthews,
E. S. Wayne.
3rd. To report further on suitable Standards of Quality for those Drugs
capable of it, together with appropriate tests for detecting adulterations
when practicable. (Continued.)
Wm. Procter, jr.,
Charles T. Carney,
George D. Coggeshall,
Edward S. Wayne.
Charles Ellis,
Joseph Laidley.
4th. To consider the subject of a Certificate of Membership. (Continued.)
Andrew Geyer,
5th. To draft a law regulating the sale of Poisons, to be presented to the
Legislatures of the several States for their adoption, if approved by the
Association.
Alfred B. Taylor,
Joseph Laidley,
Theodore Marsh.
6th. To enquire whether any and what amendments are required to the
law regulating the Importation of Drugs and Medicines to render it more
efficient, uniform and advantageous to the public at large.
C. B. Guthrie,
L. W. Haskell,
G. D. Coggeshall,
A. M. Stevens.
7th. To inquire into the adaptation of Wines of American growth for
medicinal purposes, and the probable amount and quality of the Tartar
likely to be produced annually.
Lewis Rehfuss,
C. A. Smith,
C. B. Guthrie.
8th. To report a revised Constitution.
Edward Parrish,
Geo. D. Coggeshall,
Samuel M. Colcord.
40
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
PRIZES OFFERED BY THE ASSOCIATION.
1st.—Twenty-three volumes of the American Journal of Pharmacy.
For the best Essay which shall develope the commercial history of all
drugs indigenous to the United States, as Senega, Spigelia, Serpentaria, &c.,
as regards the manner and places of their collection and preparation for the
supply of commerce, the amount annually collected, and the channels
through which they enter general commerce.
2nd.—Six volumes of Gmelin's Hand Book of Chemistry.
For the best Essay on the question-Do Hyoscyamus, Belladonna, and
Conium, grown in the United States, contain their active principles in the
same proportion as the European grown plants.
Committee of Judges.
Daniel B. Smith,
Dr. David Stewart,
John Meakim.
All Essays contributed for the Prizes must be delivered free of charge
to Daniel B. Smith, of Germantown, Philadelphia, on or before the second
Tuesday in August, 1855.*
*Or to the Corresponding Secretary, Wm. Procter, Jr., or to the Chairman of
Executive Committee, Edw. Parrish, Philadelphia.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
American Pharmaceutical Association,
AT THE
A
FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING,
HELD IN BALTIMORE,
SEPTEMBER, 1856.
WITH
A LIST OF THE MEMBERS.
PHILADELPHIA.
AND THOMPSON, PRINTERS,
MERRIHEW AND
Lodge street, north side Pennsylvania Bank.
1856.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
THE American Pharmaceutical Association, pursuant to no-
tice, met in the city of Baltimore, September 9th, 1856, at 3
o'clock, P. M., in the Hall of the College of Dental Surgery.
The meeting was called to order by the President, John Mea-
kim, of New York; W. J. M. Gordon, of Cincinnati, Secretary.
On motion, the President appointed Edward Parrish, of
Philadelphia, Edward S. Wayne, of Cincinnati, and Eugene
Dupuy, of New York, as a Committee on credentials, who after
a recess reported the following list of Delegates, viz:
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy-Charles T. Carney, A.
P. Melzar, R. R. Kent, and Charles H. Atwood.
New York College of Pharmacy-John Meakim, Eugene
Dupuy, H. J. Kiersted, and C. B. Guthrie.
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy-Charles Ellis, Henry C.
Blair, William Procter, Jr., S. S. Garrigues, and Fred. L. John.
Cincinnati College of Pharmacy-A. M. Stevens, J. W.
Hannaford, W. J. M. Gordon, and Edward S. Wayne.
Maryland College of Pharmacy—George W. Andrews, Charles
Caspari, Israel J. Grahame, J. Jacob Smith, and J. F. Moore.
Apothecaries' Association of the District of Columbia—V.
Harbaugh, John L. Kidwell, John W. Nairn, Francis S. Walsh,
and W. H. Gilman.
The Executive Committee reported the following list of mem-
bers elected by them since last annual meeting:
4
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Abijah Littlefield, Bost., Mass. H. J. Macdonald, of Barnwell
Augustus P. Melzar,
66
Charles P. Tufts, Dover, N. H.
H. C. Bliar, Philadelphia, Pa.
Thomas Weaver,
John H. Ecky,
66
66
66
M. Henry Kollock,
Charles Banvart, Harrisburg,
Pa.
Courthouse, S. C.
Felix Glackmeyer, Montgomery,
Ala.
Joseph A. Lee, Franklin, La.
Robert Battey, Rome, Ga.
Guilford T. Chamberlain, St.
Louis, Missouri
John A. Child, Madison, Ind.
66
T. Roberts Baker, Richmond, J. C. Parr, Cincinnati, Ohio,
Va.
Paul Reinlein,
John Thomson, Sumpter, S. C. J. W. Dietrich, Dayton, Ohio,
On motion, the section relative to electing members by ballot
was suspended by a unanimous vote, and the following gentle-
men, having been recommended by the Executive Committee,
were elected, viz:
Baltimore,
Edward C. Gilpin, Baltimore,
William Caspari,
Joseph Roberts,
66
Oscar Monserrat,
66
John W. Barry,
66
Wm. S. Thompson,
66
Charles Wiseman,
(6
L. Phillips,
66
George J. Fetter,
J. B. Baxley,
James Balmer,
J. H. Lemmon,
66
R. H. Dryden,
66
66
66
(6
William Reed,
66
Frederick Thompson, N. York,
John M. Maisch, Philadelphia,
William Heyser, Jr., Chambers-
burg, Pa.
James W. Bowers,
66
H. A. Blauw, Rochester, N. Y.
Samuel McPherson,
66
James Walsh, Washington, D. C.
The Secretary called the roll, and recorded those present, as
follows:
John Meakim, New York,
James Bolmer, Baltimore,
Eugene Dupuy,
66
J. H. Lemmon,
66
Frederick Hale,
66
Jos. Walsh,
66
H. J. Kiersted,
G. J. Fetter,
66
Charles Ellis, Pennsylvania,
C. Caspari,
66
W. Procter, Jr.,
66
J. F. Moore,
66
E. Parrish,
66
Jos. Roberts,
66
S. S. Garrigues,
66
A. P. Sharpe,
66
F. L. John,
66
G. W. Andrews,
66
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
5
Edw. S. Wayne, Ohio,
W. J. M. Gordon,
66
Frederick Stearns, Michigan,
I. J. Grahame, Baltimore,
E. C. Gilpin,
(6
S. McPherson, Washington,
J. Jacob Smith, Baltimore,
J. W. Barry,
C. Wiseman,
W. Reed,
(6
66
66
[The following members were also present at the subsequent
sittings :
R. H. Stabler, Alexandria, Va., A. E. Richards, La.,
V. Harbaugh, Washington, D. C., Wm. S. Merrill, Cin., O.,
F. S. Walsh,
Wm. H. Gilman,
D. C.,
66
66
J. L. Kidwell, Georgetown,
Charles T. Carney, Mass.,
R. R. Kent,
A. P. Melzar,
66
Charles H. Atwood, 66
Eugene J. F. Russell, Balt.
G. Davidge Wood,
Jas. C. Rogers,
Henry C. Blair, Penn.,
W. Heyser, Jr.,
66
66
66
Jas. Cooke, Petersburg, Va.,
L. Phillips, Baltimore,
R. H. Dryden.]
(6
On motion, a nominating committee was appointed. Each
delegation named one member, and the President appointed two
from the non-delegated members present, to nominate officers
for the ensuing year, and report at the next sitting as follows:
C. B. Guthrie, of N. York College; Edward Parrish, of
Philadelphia College; E. S. Wayne, of Cincinnati College;
J. F. Moore, from the Maryland College; and F. Stearns, of
Detroit, and A. P. Sharp, of Baltimore, from the non-delegated
members.
The President, John Meakim, of New York, now read the
following address:
Fellow-Members of the American Pharmaceutical Association :-
The period appointed for another anniversary of our Association has ar-
rived, and we have assembled to celebrate the occasion, not by idle rejoic-
ings with the sound of drums or by torchlight procession, but, in accord-
ance with the serious habit of our daily duties, to compare the results of
our thoughts and observations since last we met, and if possible to deduce
from them such truths as have made immortal the names of Scheele, Davy,
Pereira, Leibig and many others, which so fitly encircle the column rising
from the centre of our certificete of membership. Considering the
6
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
local and onerous duties of our profession, the Association has just cause
for congratulation, in the assemblage of the many members, whose pre-
sence gives evidence of the high estimation in which our cause is held.
Had I the ability, it is not my purpose to detain you long from a more use-
ful employment of your time. The routine of an Apothecary's life better
fits him for thoughtful labors than for the eloquence of words; the labora-
tory is his forum ; there he commands the elements of that eloquence, which
thundering through the skies, makes the earth tremble. Like the rod with.
which Moses smote the rock to bring forth the water, he too holds the wand
with which to smite invisible air to produce water, and by another magic
touch to again resolve it into its primitive elements.
In the course of the present session will be presented a report on the
Statistics of Pharmacy in the United States, by one whose name gives as-
surance to facts. The Certificate Committee will also place before you the
evidence of their labors, with a full explanation of its design. Digressively
let me say, that although nominally a member of that Committee, to my col-
leagues belong the exclusive credit of the work, and not content to be a drone.
in the hive, I would ask your co-operation to revolve that column, and ex-
tend the scroll on which to engrave names of native growth, whose sound
is even now familiar to our ears. The committee to report on a standard of
quality for those drugs capable of its application, and who made an able
report at the last meeting of the Association, were properly continued. They
have many difficulties to encounter, and on their reports depend in a great
measure, the equal and faithful execution, at the different ports, of the
law recently enacted by Congress, for the prohibition of foreign adulte-
rated drugs. The equally important subject of home adulterations is also
in the hands of a continued committee. It seems to me a subject falling
especially within the province of this Association, for without a complete
check upon home adulterations, the interdiction of foreign similar frauds
will be of but little practical benefit.
A committee was also appointed to report a Revised Constitution. This
subject claims our earnest and careful consideration; it may affect the per-
petuity of our Association; it should be constructed, not for present exi-
gencies, but as a permanent bulwark.
A Committee to select the best Text-books for the Pharmaceutical student
will, no doubt, report to you the result of their deliberations. And you
will also receive a report from the Committee of Judges on prize essays.
The idea of prize essays was suggested by the Executive Committee, (to
elicit valuable accessions to existing knowledge,) in the able report pre-
sented by them in 1853, based upon the valuable experience of the Pharma-
ceutical Societies of Europe. Thus far the proposition has not received
much encouragement, but this session we anticipate a rich reward in the
development of subjects hitherto unexplored.
These comprise the subjects referred, at a previous meeting of our mem-
bers, for the consideration of the present. New subjects will, no doubt, be
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
7
suggested, as heretofore, by our Executive Committee, and by other mem-
bers, worthy of the occasion; and, when adjourned, we shall return to our
homes conscious of having contributed something for the advancement of
our whole profession, and for the good of humanity. Before returning to a seat
among my peers, permit me to thank my fellow-members of the past ses-
sion for the courtesy and indulgence received from you, and so much need-
ed, through my inexperience in the duties of the position you were pleased
to assign me; assuring you that my continued efforts shall be, to aid in
making the American Pharmaceutical Association worthy of the name;
and my highest ambition, the title to a place among its members.
The following report of the Treasurer, J. S. Aspinwall, of
New York, was read by C. B. Guthrie, and with his vouchers
was referred to G. W. Andrews, of Baltimore, and H. T. Kier-
sted of New York, to audit.
The Treasurer of the American Pharmaceutical Association presents
herewith his annual Report;
The receipts during the past year from members for dues, &c.,
including balance of $13 10 from S. M. Colcord, former
Treasurer,
The payments for same time amount to
Balance on hand Sept. 8th,
:
$110 10
85 75
$24 30
Annexed to this Report will be found a complete list of the Members of
the Association, showing the amount of dues owing by each member;
separate bills of the same are also prepared, including the sums due at the
present Annual Meeting-to afford an opportunity to those who wish to
pay at once. The undersigned recommends to the Association in order to
draw the attention of members to the payment of these bills, that when
the Report of the Proceedings of this present Meeting are published, the
list of those dues then remaining unpaid should also be printed.
These lists show that the total amount of dues remaining unpaid is $232,
are dues of this year.
of which
$138
74
payable Sept. 1855.
16
<<
4
1854.
1853-2.
JAS. S. ASPINWALL, Treasurer.
New York, Sept. 8, 1856.
The following report of the Executive Committee was read
by William Procter, Jr., accepted, and laid on the table for
future action.
со
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
To the American Pharmaceutical Association.
The undersigned, the Executive Committee, respectfully report, that the
several duties devolving upon them by direction of the Constitution, or
through instruction from the last Annual Meeting, have been attended to
as follows, viz :
66
1st. The minutes of the meeting in New York, together with the several
papers and reports directed to be printed, were published in that city, un-
der the direction of the Chairman of the Committee, with the usual title of
Proceedings of the American Pharmaceutical Association, &c.. for 1855,”
in a pamphlet of forty pages. One thousand copies were printed and dis-
tributed, as far as the number would permit, over most of the States of
the Union. The cost of printing the pamphlet was,
Expenses of distribution,
$78.00
5.00
$83.00
By the Amended Constitution it became the duty of the Executive Com-
mittee to receive applications for membership, during the interim to the
next meeting, and if approving, and the President likewise agreeing, they
were authorized to issue the certificate of membership. In accordance
with this new power, they have, as already reported, admitted nineteen
gentlemen to membership, all of whom presented proper testimonials.
The funds accruing from these new members for certificates amounting
to $45 has been handed over to the Committee on Certificate. That part
arising from the membership fee, amounting to $32, the committee are
ready to pay over to the Treasurer.
The special duty of issuing circulars of invitation to the Pharmaceu-
tists and Druggists of the United States, as directed by the last meeting,
was attended to; one thousand copies were printed and distributed over
the United States at an expense of $8.25.
The advertisement of the meeting in Medical Journals, has, so far as
the committee are informed, cost $4.00.
It has, on some previous occasions, been usual for the Executive Com-
mittee to bring forward suggestions for the consideration of the Associa-
tion on subjects pertaining to its interests or objects. In view of this pre-
cedent the committee respectfully suggest the following, viz :
1st. As the plan of offering prizes has hitherto failed in enlisting the
talents of Pharmaceutists in the investigation of the subjects announced
for competition, it is suggested that the Association at its annual meetings
distribute subjects to individual members for special investigation, to be
reported on at the following meeting.
The whole or any portion of these papers may be read on decision of the
meeting, and should any one of them merit the particular approbation of
the members, it may, on a motion supported by a vote of two-thirds of
those present, receive an award to be designated in the resolution.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
9
In submitting subjects to members, special care should be observed in
selecting those whose interest in the matter to be investigated will induce
them to give the requisite attention, so that an interesting series of reports
may confidently be anticipated at the following meeting.
When desirable, a subject may be submitted to two or several mem-
bers when its scope or nature renders such a course advisable; but as a
general rule it is believed that individual responsibility will be most pro-
ductive.
The committee have prepared a list of subjects to be thus referred, as
an example, but they by no means desire that it will prevent members from
bringing forward others that may be more important and useful, and it is
hoped that any member who would like to investigate and report on any
particular subject, will mention it, that he may be invited to do it.
2d. It is recommended that the Association decide on the precise method
or form which the Executive Committee shall adopt in admitting members
during the interim, as regards the requisites to be demanded of applicants,
and the kind of paper they shall be required to sign before proceeding to
issue the certificate. The committee have prepared a draught of such a
paper, which will be found annexed.
3d. It is recommended that the price of the Certificate be fixed at three
dollars instead of five dollars, as by resolution of last year existing mem-
bers were to have it at the former sum, and all the new members have re-
ceived it for the same.
4th. As the period for the decennial revision of the United States Phar-
macopoeia is approaching, it is suggested that some action should be
taken by the Association, by the appointment of a committee which should
be instructed to report to the meeting of 1857, on the manner in which
this body may most efficiently contribute its aid in that important work.
GEO. D. COGGeshall,
A. I. MATHEWS,
WILLIAM PROCTER, JR.,
Executive Com-
mittee for
1855-56.
The Committee on Standards of Quality for Drug Examiners,
made a report, as follows, which was accepted and laid on the
table for future action.
To the American Pharmaceutical Association.
The Committee to whom was referred the subject of preparing a list of
standards of quality of drugs, etc., report,
That they have not accomplished any further labor since the last report,
and they continue of the opinion, that, under the circumstances which at
present govern the appointment of the Examiners, it will be useless to ex-
pond the labor on the investigations necessary to render them creditable to
the Association, and they therefore ask to be discharged from further service.
WILLIAM PROCTER, JR.,
GEO. D. COGGESHALL,
E. S. WAYNE,
Committee.
10
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
The following report of the Committee on the Certificate of
Membership, was read by Charles Ellis, the Chairman, and a
copy of the new certificate exhibited.
The report was accepted, and on motion of Prof. Guthrie, a
vote of thanks was tendered to the Committee for the able man-
ner in which they have executed their trust.
To the American Pharmaceutical Association.
The Committee to whom was referred the subject of a Certificate of Mem-
bership, respectfully report, that in accordance with the powers delegated
to them "to decide upon the design, have it executed, and deliver it to the
members who have subscribed for it," they proceeded to prepare a design,
and after
many sketches, embodying various ideas more or less appropriate,
they finally adopted the one now presented. In perfecting this, the Com-
mittee would acknowledge valuable aid from Robert Coulton Davis, of Phila-
delphia, who also favored them with a spirited original sketch, which was-
among those not adopted. After the drawing was placed in the hands of
the lithographer, a revised pencil sketch was produced by the artist, em-
bodying some new details in reference to the plants and apparatus figured:
The following is a description of the picture:
Near the centre of the picture is a monument in honor of Pharmacy, con-
sisting of a square panelled base, from which rises a fluted column, sur-
mounted by the mortal and pestle. Encircling the shaft of the column is
a winding scroll, on which appear the names of Galen, Geber, Avicenoa,
Bazil Valentine, Lemery, Baumé, Scheele, Davy, Sertuerner, Robiquet,
Pereira and Liebig. One of the panels represents an alchemist at his fur-
nace, the other exhibits a series of pharmaceutical apparatus, the balance,
gas burners, Liebig's condenser, graduated measure, 1000 gr. bottle, etc.
There are four human figures; a European, a Turk, a Chinese, and an
American Indian. The European is leaning gracefully with his left arm
on the monument, with a book (the Pharmacopoeia) in his left hand, whilst
his index finger points toward the Structure. The Turk holds in his right
hand the Poppy and Acacia vera, whilst his left is extended toward the
horizon where a group of pyramids symbolize the East. The Chinese holds
in his right hand the Laurus camphora and Piper nigrum, whilst at his
feet is a pile of Chinese books, towards which he points. The American
Indian, on the right of the picture, is represented as in the act of speaking,
with a branch of Cinchona in his right hand, and his left extended toward
the south, indicated in the horizon by a volcano (Cotopaxi) in the Andes,
and by a Mexican teocalis. Before him on the ground is a rude wicker
basket containing a variety of plants from Southern America, among which
may be recognized Ipecacuanha, Cinchona, Quassia, Angustura, Copaiba,
Guaiacum, Canella, Sarsaparilla, and Jalap; whilst around him, growing
1
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
11
from the soil, are several well-known North American plants, as Senega,
Spigelia, Sanguinaria, Podophyllum, etc.
The explanation of the picture is as follows. The European represents
the scientific pharmacy of all countries; every region contributes to its
materia medica; and his scientific art, illustrated by the illustrious indi-
viduals named on the column, has votaries in every country where European
civilization has extended, without reference to nationality. The Arabian
symbolizes that imperfect empyrical pharmacy that pertains to Mahomedan
countries. The Chinaman signifies that ultra oriental pharmacy now prac-
ticed in India, China, and Japan, embraced in the volumes before him, and
which he boasts as antedating the earliest records of European science.
The Indian is introduced to Americanize the picture. He is represented
as saying, however valuable are the plants growing around him, and with
the virtues of which he is familiar, those given by the Great Spirit to his
aboriginal brethren of Tropical America, of which the basket contains a
sample, are far more important and useful.
The Committee are aware of several defects in the drawing, which might
have been remedied had they been observed in time, but all who have had
to superintend this kind of work in the hands of an artist, who does not
perhaps fully appreciate the idea intended, will be aware of the difficulties
that present themselves.
The Committee had no instructions in reference to the form of words to
be placed on the certificate, and the following, which was adopted, they
have rendered as simple as possible, viz.,
American Pharmaceutical Association.
"This is to certify that
has been elected
member of the American Pharmaceutical Association. In testimony
whereof the signatures of the proper officers are hereunto affixed.
Attested at
day of
18
President.
V. President.
Secretary.
The second blank is intended to be filled by a word expressive of the
kind of membership, so that the same form answers for an acting, and an
honorary member. The word "contributive" signifying "lending aid to
promote, in concurrence with others," was adopted, as conveying a correct
idea of the obligations implied by membership.
As soon after the completion of the engraving as possible, those members
who had subscribed for it at the meeting in New York were furnished with
the certificate, with some few exeeptions arising out of the difficulty of send-
ing. The following is a statement of the expenses and receipts of the
Committee, viz, :
12
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Cost of executing stone and of
printing 200 copies,
$99.00
Printing description of certi-
(Subscription of 21 existing mem-
bers, subscribed in advance, $63.00
Subscription of 20 existing mem-
ficate,
1.75
Incidentals, box, postage, ex-
press charges, &c.,
6.25
bers, subscribed for since,
Subscription of 16 new members
paid in,
60.00
48.00
Cost of filling blanks in certi-
ficate,
15.25
171.00
122.25
48.75
All of which is submitted by
122.25 Balance due Association in hands.
of Committee,
3 new members having not yet paid.
CHARLES ELLIS,
WILLIAM PROcter, Jr., Committee.
JOHN MEAKIM.
The Committee on Home Adulterations made a verbal ex-
planation, and were continued to report further at a future sit-
ting.
The report on the Statistics of Pharmacy, referred last year
to the Corresponding Secretary, being called for, was read by
that officer, together with letters from A. E. Richards, of Pla-
quemine, Louisiana; Robert Battey, of Rome, Georgia; Guilford
T. Chamberlain, of St. Louis, Missouri; A. I. Mathews, of Buffalo,
New York; Frederick Stearns, of Detroit, Michigan; and one
from S. M. Colcord, of Boston, Massachusetts, and accepted.
(See Appendix.)
The report of the Committee on the Revision of the Consti-
tution, Messrs. Parrish, Colcord, and Aspinwall, as printed for
the use of the members, was read by its title and accepted.
On motion of Edward Parrish it was voted, that the Associa-
tion on to-morrow, Wednesday, morning, at 11 o'clock, com-
mence the examination of specimens, and the reading of scien-
tific papers.
On motion it was voted, that the next business after the
election of permanent officers be the consideration of the new
Constitution.
On motion, adjourned to meet at 9 o'clock on Wednesday
morning at the Hall of the University of Maryland.
Second Day, Sept. 10th, 1856—Morning Session.
The Association met at 9 o'clock at the Maryland University.
The minutes of the preceding meeting were read, amended,
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
13
and adopted. The roll was then called, and forty-one members
answered to their names.
The Committee to nominate officers, reported the following
nominations, viz:
President.
GEO. W. ANDREWS, of Baltimore, Md.
Vice Presidents.
1.-JOHN L. KIDWELL, of Georgetown, D. C.
2.—FREDERIOK STEARNS, of Detroit, Mich.
3.-H. T. KIERSTED, of New York city.
Treasurer.
JAMES S. ASPINWALL, of New York city.
Recording Secretary.
W. J. M. GORDON, of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Corresponding Secretary.
WILLIAM PROCTER, Jr., of Philadelphia, Pa.
The report of the Committee was accepted.
Israel J. Grahame and Edward S. Wayne were appointed
tellers and, after a ballot, they reported that the nominees
were separately elected to their several offices.
The delegations from Boston and Washington being now
present, the former appointed Charles H. Atwood, and the
latter V. Harbaugh, members of the nominating committee, who
were continued, to report nominees for the standing committees.
The President elect was now conducted to the chair by Mr.
Meakim, the late president, and in a pertinent speech returned
thanks to the Association, and promised his best exertions for
its advancement.
On motion, in order to facilitate the business devolving on
the Treasurer, the resolution of yesterday, making the considera-
tion of the revised Constitution the first business in order after
the election of officers, was suspended to receive the report of
the committee to audit the Treasurer's accounts. This Com-
mittee reported the accounts correct, and that they correspond
with the vouchers in the hands of the Treasurer. The report
was accepted and approved.
14
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Onn motion, C. B. Guthrie was appointed Treasurer pro-tem.
On motion it was Resolved, That the thanks of the Association
are hereby tendered to the late President and Secretary, for the
prompt and faithful discharge of their respective duties.
The following gentlemen, recommended by the Executive
Committee, were duly elected members of the Association, viz:
H. H. McPherson, Washington, G. Davidge Wood, Baltimore,
Eugene J. F. Russell, Baltimore, James C. Rogers,
66
James Cooke, M.D., Fredericksburg, Va.
The draft of the revised Constitution, as reported at a former
sitting, was now read and considered in detail, and each Article
was separately adopted.
On motion, the rivised Constitution as thus perfected was laid
on the table, to be engrossed for adoption at a future sitting.
[See Appendix.]
The hour having arrived for reading scientific papers and for
examining specimens, a table filled with interesting specimens
was brought in front of the President's desk.
A paper on the action of oil of sassafras upon metallic
vessels containing lead, and upon the compound formed thereby,
was read by Edward S. Wayne, of Cincinnati, who exhibited a
specimen of the oil and the lead compound.
Mr. Wayne next presented specimens of crude cotton seed,
of the seed deprived of their episperms and ground, of the crude
oil by expression, and of the oil refined, and more or less de-
colorized, accompanied by verbal remarks, which are reported
on pages 31 and 32.
Mr. Wayne exhibited nitre earth from the neighborhood of
Nashville, Tennessee, which yields 15 per cent of saltpetre, and
is said to be in sufficient abundance to supply the demand of the
United States.
The same gentleman exhibited paraffine from the cannel coal
of Western Virginia, and stated that a ton of the coal, when
distilled at a moderate temperature, yielded from 700 to 800 lbs.
of liquid products, which by subsequent treatment afforded 50 lbs.
of paraffine. Mr. Wayne suggested that paraffine properly
purified will answer as a substitute for wax, and that a bland oil
may be extracted from the liquid products obtained by super-
heated steam, so mild in qualities as to be substituted for olive oil
and lard in ointments, thus obtaining both wax and oil from coal.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
15
Mr. Dupuy also exhibited specimens of paraffine.
Mr. Wayne presented for examination a specimen of the Mexi-
can soap root, which appears to be a different root from that de-
scribed by Mr. Simmons (Amer. Jour. Pharm. vol. 26, page
482) as so common in California. The most remarkable charac-
teristic of this root is the peculiar spiral arrangement of the fibres
of its cortex, which gives to the cylindrical root the appearance
of a small bundle of Para sarsaparilla. It appears to contain a
saponinoid principle. Its infusion froths powerfully by agita-
tion, and is used in Mexico as a substitute for soap.
Mr. Wayne next read a paper on Leptandra Virginica, in
which he describes a bitter principle upon which the activity of
the root depends, and which is quite different from the so-called
Leptandrin described in the Eclectic Dispensatory, see vol. 26,
page 505, American Journal of Pharmacy. The same member
read a paper on the Peculiar Acid Principle of the Natural Order
Trilliaceæ. (See page 36.)
Prof. Guthrie announced the decease of our late fellow mem-
ber, William Thomas, in a few appropriate remarks, and offered
the following resolution, which was adopted:
"Resolved, That the members of this Association have learned
with deep regret the decease of one of their members, William
Thomas, of Jersey City, New Jersey, and they hereby tender
their condolence to his bereaved family.
The meeting then adjourned to 4 o'clock this afternoon.
Sept. 10th, 1856-Afternoon Session.
The meeting was called to order by the President, and the
minutes of the morning session were read, corrected, and adopted.
On motion of Edward Parrish, it was Resolved, That the Facul-
ty of the University of Maryland, and of the Maryland College
of Pharmacy, be invited to seats in this Convention.
On motion, it was voted that the Association resume the ex-
amination of specimens and the reading of scientific papers at
4 o'clock.
The following report of the Committee on the best Text-books
for the pharmaceutical student was read by the Chairman, Prof.
Procter, and accepted.
16
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
To the American Pharmaceutical Association.
The undersigned, a Committee appointed at the last meeting of the As-
sociation, to report on the question, "What are the best text-books published,
for study and reference," offer the following as their report.
According to Webster, a text-book, in the sense here intended, is “a book
containing the leading principles or most important points of a science or
branch of learning, arranged in order for the use of students." The ques-
tion naturally divides itself into an inquiry relative to books for study, or
text-books for the student of Pharmacy, and books for reference, to be
used by him, but more frequently by the pharmaceutist, in the course of his
business, to point out the causes of incompatibility in dispensing, or to ex-
plain difficulties that arise in the laboratory; and we shall therefore consider
them separately.
Of the students of Pharmacy in the United States, of all grades, perhaps
nineteen-twentieths never have the advantage of lectures, and are left to
feel their way through the treatises on materia medica, chemistry and
pharmacy that they may possess, without any systematic arrangement to
aid them in appreciating the several subjects. The novice, who takes up
the Dispensatory at the beginning, soon becomes interested in the botanical
and commercial history and chemical properties of the acacia gums, and
suddenly finds himself out of depth in the chapters on acids, involving
much chemical technicality; and after these he dips successively into
aconitum, alcohol, aloes and ammonia. The alphabetical arrangement of
the Dispensatory is one of its advantages as a book of reference in the course
of business, but to the student, without a syllabus to guide him, it is the
source of continued annoyance and loss of time. Hence in view of the de-
finition of our great lexicographer, the United States Dispensatory, in its
arrangement, can hardly be considered a text-book for the pharmaceutical
student, unaided by instruction. And yet it is his main dependence, and
intrinsically merits all the eulogiums that it has received. As a com-
pendium of materia medica and pharmacy for the use of the physician and
apothecary, the United States Dispensatory is so generally reliable, com-
prehensive, and perspicuous, that no work of the kind in the English lan-
guage approaches it in usefulness. This has mainly arisen from the authors'
just appreciation of the wants of the two classes for whom it was written.
What the home student wants to aid him is a syllabus, to be used in con-
nection with the Dispensatory, as a guide book for study, which will take
the place of the lecturer, in so far as such a substitute can do it, and it is
worthy of consideration whether a suitable committee could not prepare
such a work, within moderate limits, that would prove of great service to
apprentices and assistants, and be eminently creditable to the Association,
under whose auspices it might be published. It would be within the scope
of such a work to make constant references to the authors most advantage-
ously to be consulted in the progress of study, without loading it with
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
17
quotations, and so enable the student to avail himself of the best informa-
tion at the appropriate moment without waste of time.
Next to the United States Dispensatory we would place the great work
of Pereira. As an encyclopedia of materia medica, and especially in the
beautiful arrangement in groups according to the natural system of botany,
of the large part pertaining to the vegetable kingdom, it is admirably suited.
to the advanced student. Besides, as the preparations of each drug are
described in connection with it, the student also pursues the study of materia
medica and pharmacy together, which is the true course when not follow-
ing separate lecturers. The pharmaceutical part of Pereira's work, how-
ever, is not so well suited as that of the United States Dispensatory as a
guide to the American student, as the latter is strictly conformed in its
nomenclature to the United States Pharmacopoeia.
Before materia medica and pharmacy, as exhibited in the Dispensatories,
can be properly understood, the student must acquaint himself with the
elements of chemistry and botany and with pharmaceutical manipulation.
It might at first thought be considered that the manipulations of pharmacy
are best learned in the shop and laboratory; but this is true only of those
establishments wherein manipulations are carried on to such an extent as
to afford an opportunity to the apprentices or assistants to become familiar
with them, and when so learned they are most effectually acquired. Un-
fortunately a very large number of the pharmaceutists throughout this
country make so few of the nicer chemical and pharmaceutical preparations,
that, unless through books, their pupils know very little of manipulation,
except that learned at the counter or the mortar stand. Hence the adran-
tage of such works as Mohr and Redwood's Practical Pharmacy, which enter
minutely into a description and figuration of apparatus, describing the
difficulties that arise in using them, and the means of combating and over-
coming these. Of works on pharmaceutical manipulation, strictly speaking.
the one alluded to is the best, as it is in fact the only one yet published in
English, with the exception of a small book by Dr. Kane, of Dublin, many
years ago. To these must be added the volume recently published by
Edward Parrish of Philadelphia, on Practical Pharmacy, which is addressed
both to the physician and apothecary, and enters to some extent into the
manipulations of the laboratory, but chiefly treats of the processes con-
ducted in the shop, and particularly those required in extemporaneous
pharmacy. There is so much that is useful to the young pharmaceutist in
this book, and so many valuable hints to those in business, that it should
find a place in every shop library.
The study of chemistry is the most important as it is the most difficult of
all the collateral branches of a pharmaceutist's education; the one that
gives him the most power when applied in his professional pursuits, and
the most reputation among the scientific. Chemistry is indeed the ground-
work of every important process, and none can expect to excel who do not
make it their study. The student of chemistry should, as early as practi-
2
18
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
cable, get a mental outline grasp (if we may so speak) of the leading prin-
ciples of the science, to do which it is necessary to select a text-book that
presents the subject in a form so compact that the mind can take it in with
a reasonable effort. "Fownes' Chemistry for Students" will meet this de-
mand better than larger works, yet the treatises of Grahame, Kane and
Turner may be employed when more convenient of access. Of course these
remarks apply to the early career of the student; as he progresses, the more
extended works will naturally attract attention. The study of analytical
and applied chemistry must always follow, if pursued at all, the elemen-
tary studies above referred to, and embrace a practical knowledge of chemi-
cal manipulation. But very few apothecaries have the time or qualifica-
tions to become eminent practical chemists, and yet almost every one may
become sufficiently familiar with the outlines of analysis to detect adultera-
tions, and with applied chemistry to make many of the nicer chemicals of
the shop. We would recommend the little work called "Bowman's Practi-
cal Chemistry" to the young apothecary who desires aid in analysis, and
to the more advanced, the work of Heinrich Will, called "Outlines of Chemi-
cal Analysis," translated by Drs. Breed and Steiner. The apothecary with
predilections for practical chemistry, will do well to read carefully
Faraday's Chemical Manipulations," or "Morfit's Chemical and Pharma-
ceutical Manipulations." The latter work is most accessible, and is well
illustrated.
Botany, as a distinct study, is rarely pursued by the American pharma-
ceutist; and yet so intimately is it connected with the study of materia
medica, and the practical distinguishment of organic drugs, that it seems
almost unaccountable why it should be neglected. None of the American
Schools of Pharmacy have regular courses on botany, so far as we know,
yet the rudiments are generally explained by the teachers of materia medica.
We believe that apothecaries would be the gainers by encouraging their
apprentices to cultivate a taste for this science, not only for its intrinsic
usefulness, but as affording a mental occupation greatly advantageous to
the boys themselves. Gray's, Balfour's or Lindley's "Elements" will be
found useful text-books for beginners, and the School Book of Botany by
Mrs. Lincoln is also well adapted.
In concluding our task by a catalogue of works of reference for the
pharmaceutist's library, it will require some care to avoid a redundancy.
Besides regular treatises on the sciences collateral to Pharmacy, the
thoroughly furnished apothecary will require formularies, dictionaries,
technologies, etc.
Gmelin's hand book of Chemistry, 12 vols., now publishing by the Caven-
dish Society.
Regnault's Chemistry, 2 vols.
Lowig's Principles of Organic and Physiological Chemistry.
Gregory's Organic Chemistry, (1856.)
Muspratt's Chemistry of Arts and Manufactures.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
19
Booth's Encyclopedia of Chemistry.
Griffith's Medical Botany.
Pereira's Materia Medica.
Dorvault's l'Officine (a compendium of information of various kinds that
relate to the apothecary business, in French.)
Redwood's Gray's Supplement.
Griffith's Universal Formulary.
Mohr and Redwood's Practical Pharmacy.
Parrish's Practical Pharmacy.
Darby's Translation of Wittstein's Pharmaceutical chemistry.
Respectfully submitted by
WM. PROCTER, Jr.,
CHARLES ELLIS,
A. P. SHARP.
Committee.
On motion of H. C. Blair, it was resolved that three members
be appointed to nominate a Committee whose duty it shall be to
report at the next annual meeting a syllabus of a course of study
appropriate to the student of Pharmacy, as suggested in the Re-
port just read.
The Chair appointed Wm. Procter, Jr., Charles Ellis, and
Edward S. Wayne, a nominating Committee.
On further discussion this Committee was instructed to act, in-
stead of referring it to another Committee, and the name of
Edward Parrish was added to their number.
The following report of the Committee on prizes was read and
accepted :-
The Committee of Judges appointed to examine prize essays, report, that
they have received no communications upon the several subjects for which
prizes were offered last year. They understand that a proposition will be
brought forward by the Executive Committee bearing on the subject, which
may be more successful in eliciting the action of members, and they there-
fore decline offering any suggestions in the same direction.
In behalf of the Committee,
WM. PROCTER, JR.,
CHARLES ELLIS.
The following forms for the signatures of applicants for mem-
bership, and for the certificate, as offered by the Executive Com-
mittee, were read and adopted, and directed to be appended to
the printed copies of the constitution designed for signature.
20
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
I, A—————— B———————, of D——, approving of the objects of the American Phar-
maceutical Association, am desirous of joining it in membership; and hav-
ing read its Constitution I hereby signify my approval of it.
(Signed)
AB B-
I, A———— B———— of D, hereby agree to return my certificate of mem-
bership in the American Pharmaceutical Association to the Treasurer of
that body, if I shall hereafter cease to be connected in membership with it.
A B
B-
(Signed)
The list of subjects for investigation referred to in the Execu-
tive Committee's report, (see page 9,) was now read, and after
some discussion the following resolution was adopted, viz. :
Resolved, That the questions embodied in the appendix to the
Executive Committee's report be adopted and published in the
Proceedings, and that the recommendation of the Committee in
regard to the answers being read and published, and in regard to
the award of prizes, be adopted.
The following allotment of the questions was made:
1st. What are the actual sources of the light Cod-liver oil of
American commerce, both as relates to the species of fish that
yield it, and the places where it is extracted? Is it adulterated
with sperm or fish oil? and if so, is it done by the producers or
collectors, or after it enters commerce?
Accepted by Robert R. Kent, of Boston.
2d. The substance known in commerce as New England Isin-
glass, is said to be made from the intestines of the cod fish.
Quere, where and by whom is the article of commerce prepared,
what process does it undergo, what portions of the fish yield it,
and what amount is obtained from a single fish?
Accepted by Charles T. Carney, of Boston.
3d. Has Iodine been manufactured in New England from the
algaceous plants of that coast? if so, by whom, and to what ex-
tent; and what is the relative productive value of the algae of
our own coast, and those of Scotland?
Referred to Dr. Henry T. Cummings, of Portland, Me.
4th. The manufacture of Castor Oil as a branch of American
industry. What is the estimated crop of beans for 1856, where
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
21
grown, and what the amount of oil extracted up to August 1st,
1857? To what uses besides medicine is the oil put, and how far
short of the domestic consumption is the production?
Referred to Guilford T. Chamberlain, of St. Louis.
5th. It is said that Hyoscyamus niger has become natural-
ized in some parts of Michigan, in the neighborhood of Detroit.
How does the medicinal power of this native grown plant com-
pare with that of the best European grown drug?
Accepted by Frederick Stearns, of Detroit, Mich.
6th. What is the actual state of the production of volatile oils
in the United States, and more especially in Ohio, New York,
and New Jersey, as regards quantity, quality, and locality, to-
gether with remarks on the trade in volatile oils generally; their
adulterations, tests, &c. ?
Accepted by Edward S. Wayne, of Cincinnati, Ohio.
7th. What measures, if any, have been taken to introduce the
culture of liquorice root into the United States, and to what ex-
tent have they succeeded?
Referred to Joseph Laidley, of Richmond, Va.
8th. Prof. Calvert, of Manchester, England, has asserted that
the article known as " American lard" in the English market, is
sometimes found adulterated to a considerable extent with the
pulp of potatoes, or other starchy matter. Quere, has this adul-
teration been noticed in the commerce of this country? if so, how
is it most easily detected by chemical or other means?
Accepted by Israel J. Grahame, of Baltimore, Md.
9th. Arnica flowers are largely used in the United States. Has
any attempt been made to cultivate the plant in New York, New
England, or other parts of this country by the Shakers or others?
Accepted by W. J. M. Gordon, of Cincinnati, Ohio.
10th. The medicinal powers of Cimicifuga are generally ad-
raitted, its use is increasing, it belongs to a natural family (Ra-
nunculaceae) embracing many active plants containing alkaloids,
and yet the attempts hitherto made have not educed any distinct.
22
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
active principle. Quere, to what distinct principle, if any, is
the medicinal power of Cimicifuga to be attributed?
Accepted by Edward S. Wayne, of Cincinnati.
11th. It has become proverbial that Digitalis of American
growth has not the same amount of sedative power as the Euro-
pean leaf. Quere, does American Digitalis yield a less propor-
tion of digitalin than the imported, and is such digitalin equally
active with that of foreign origin?
Accepted by Edward S. Wayne, of Cincinnati.
12th. The Elaterium plant grows readily in Philadelphia.
Can it be availably cultivated with a view to the extraction of
its peculiar product; and does the elaterium it yields compare
favorably with the English drug?
Accepted by Edward Parrish, of Philadelphia.
13th. According to the most recent researches on ergot by
Winckler, (Amer. Jour. Pharm. vol. xxiv. p. 346) that chemist
obtained an alkaloid from it, which he calls secalin, and which he
believes to be analogous if not identical with propylamin, the
odorous principle of herring pickle. It is desired that the ques-
tions be determined: 1st. Whether the volatile alkaloid of ergot
possesses the utero-stimulant power of the drug itself. 2d.
Whether propylamin, as obtainable from herring pickle, and
from narcotin, possesses the same power as secalin; and 3d. In
view of the result, what is the best formula for preparing a per-
manent fluid preparation of ergot that will fully represent the
drug?
Accepted by William Procter, Jr., of Philadelphia.
14th. What is the correct history of the production of hem-
lock or Canada pitch, U. S. P., where chiefly produced, how ex-
tracted, and is it obtained by incision; also where is the com-
mercial oil of hemlock produced; is it the oil of the leaves, and
what is the proportion yielded?
Accepted by Charles T. Carney, of Boston.
15th. On what proximate principle does the anthelmintic power
of spigelia depend, is it volatile, and is the odor of the drug
AMERICAN PHARMCEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
23
a good criterion of its quality; is said principle soluble in water;
and what effect have the carbonated alkalies upon it?
Accepted by Richard H. Stabler, M. D., Alexandria, Va.
16th. Dr. Wright, of Kentucky, has recently recommended
the bark of Liquidambar styraciflua, as a remedy in diarrhoea and
dysentery, made into a syrup with cold water, (see Amer. Jour.
Pharm. vol. xxviii, Sept.) He likewise states that the resinous
exudation which this tree produces at the South, is obtainable.
by incision from the tree in the States bordering on the Ohio,
and that the Kentucky product contains benzoic acid and styra-
cin. It is desirable to have the latter statement corroborated;
and if verified, the percentage of benzoic acid that it will yield,
and the practicability of obtaining it, as an article of commerce?
Accepted by Valentine Harbaugh, of Washington, D. C.
17th. To what extent is the fecula of the Maranta arundina-
cea produced in the States of Georgia and Florida, and what im-
pediments prevent its being made to rival that of Bermuda, in
beauty and excellence?
Referred to Robert Battey, of Rome, Georgia.
18th. What are the most approved methods of rendering medi-
cines palatable to the taste and pleasing to the eye?
Accepted by Frederick Stearns, of Detroit.
19th. What are the present sources of senega, serpentaria,
spigelia, and other prominent American roots, etc., as supplied
in commerce?
Accepted by Prof. C. B. Guthrie, of New York.
The period for scientific communications having arrived, S.
S. Garrigues directed the attention of the members to a variety
of specimens on the table; among them were pingwar-at-zumbi,
a species of lichen from Japan, used as a means of stopping
hæmorrhage; a fine specimen of hippuric acid, a variety of
specimens of the cobalt-ammonia series of Professors Genth and
Gibbs, and several other substances.
Mr. Garrigues also read a critical paper on the narcotic vege-
table extracts, with an account of a new process for making
them. (See page 42.)
24
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
A. P. Sharp read some observations in reference to the cus-
tom of coloring tinctures with red sanders-wood, as compound
tincture of bark, and compound spirit of lavender; and
strongly objected to the practice, owing to the insolubility of the
coloring matter in water, and the unsightly appearance of a
mixture of these tinctures with water. He preferred avoiding
all such useless additions, but if they must be added, he preferred
to employ the soluble coloring of cochineal.
A paper on effervescing powders, by John M. Maisch, of
Philadelphia, was read by Edward Parrish, in which the com-
position and uses of these powders were minutely considered in
their various applications in pharmacy. (See page 49.)
F. W. Tomlinson and J. Jacob Thomsen, of Baltimore, being
duly recommended by the Executive Committee, were elected
members.
Suggestions relative to non-officinal formulae were made by
Mr. Meakim, who advised that formula which are in use in
various places under the same name, should be rendered uniform
by a general understanding effected through the agency of the
Association.
Moved and carried, that when we adjourn, we will adjourn to
meet at 9 o'clock on Thursday morning; and that the first
business in order shall be to fix upon a place for the next annual
meeting, and that at 12 o'clock we resume the reading of scientific
papers, and the examination of specimens.
On motion adjourned.
Third Day-Morning Session-Sept. 11th, 1856.
About the time adjourned to, the meeting was called to order
by the President, and the previous minutes read and adopted.
Thomas H. Hilsby, of Baltimore, was elected to membership.
The adoption of a place for the next annual meeting being in
order, John L. Kidwell, on behalf of the Washington delegation,
invited the Association to meet in that city, promising them a
hearty welcome from the pharmaceutists of the District of Co-
lumbia. Pending the consideration of this invitation, a similar
invitation was extended from Philadelphia, and Charles Ellis, on
behalf of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, offered the
following resolution, viz:
Resolved, That when this meeting finally adjourns, it adjourns
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
25
to meet at Philadelphia on the second Tuesday in September,
1857.
After a free discussion the question was taken on the motion
of Mr. Ellis, and decided in the affirmative.
The Committee on nominations reported the following mem-
bers for the standing committees, viz:
For the Executive Committee-W. J. M. Gordon, of Cincin-
nati; Charles T. Carney, of Boston; Edward Parrish, of Phila-
delphia; Israel J. Grahame, of Baltimore; and C. B. Guthrie,
of New York.
For the Committee on the Progress of Pharmacy-William
Procter, Jr., of Philadelphia; Eugene Dupuy, of New York;
Edward S. Wayne, of Cincinnati; James Cooke, of Fredericks-
burg, Va.; and Francis S. Walsh, of Washington, D. C.
The proposed members were elected to the service stated.
[At subsequent meetings of these Committees, E. Parrish was elected
chairman of the first, and W. Procter, Jr., of the second.]
Professor Guthrie offered the following:-
Resolved, That in view of the fact that great inaccuracy and
discrepancy is known to exist in the weights and measures in
common use among pharmaceutists in the United States, a com-
mittee of three be appointed by the chair to take this subject into
consideration, and report at the next annual meeting.
C. B. Guthrie, S. S. Garrigues, and C. T. Carney, were
appointed to this service.
On motion of W. H. Gilman it was Resolved, That six volumes
of Gmelin's Chemistry, as offered by the Association for the best
essay relating specially to Pharmacy, be awarded to Edward S.
Wayne, of Cincinnati, for his admirable series of papers and
extemporaneous communications.
On motion of Prof. Procter it was Resolved, That the whole
subject of the sale of poisons by pharmaceutists and others; and
the legal means of restraining it, be referred to a committee of
five members, to report in 1857.
To serve as this Committee, the President appointed S. S.
Garrigues, A. E. Richards, A. P. Melzar, John L. Kidwell, and
Frederick Stearns.
The propriety of this Association taking some action in refer-
ence to the next Pharmacopoeial Convention in 1860, having
26
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
been brought forward in the Executive Committee's report, it
was resolved that it be referred to a committee of five to report
next year.
E. Parrish, of Philadelphia, G. W. Andrews, of Baltimore,
S. M. Colcord, of Boston, W. B. Chapman, of Cincinnati, and
John Meakim, of New York, were appointed.
On motion it was Resolved, That the Executive Committee be
desired to procure a suitable temporary depository in Philadel-
phia, for the printed and manuscript documents of the Associa-
tion, and for any specimens, books, or other contributions, that
may become its property.
The Report of the Committee on Home Adulterations being
called up, the chairman, Professor Guthrie, informed the Asso-
ciation that they had no written report, but they were in poses-
sion of a large number of facts bearing on various parties, and
wished to know whether it was the will of the Association that
their names be reported in connection with the facts. After
some discussion, during which the difficulty of fixing fraudulent
intent on parties who may be in possession of adulterated drugs
was fully canvassed, the following resolution, offered by Mr.
Procter, was adopted, viz:
Resolved, That the Committee on Home Adulterations be
continued, and instructed to report next year all the facts they
can authenticate, and bring forward any recommendation in
reference to the enactment of State laws controlling this evil,
which they may deem advisable; and that the members of this
Association, and all others interested, be requested to forward to
the chairman of the Committee, C. B. Guthrie, (No. 12 Gold
street, New York), all information bearing upon this subject that
they may possess.
On motion of Professor Guthrie, G. W. Andrews, of Balti-
more, was substituted on this committee for George D. Cogge-
shall, of New York, he having relinquished the drug business.
John Meakim again called attention to the subject of the col-
lection of local unofficinal formula, and the following offered by
him was adopted :—
Resolved, That with the view of more effectually carrying out
the expressed wish of many members of this Association, for the
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
27
compilation of unofficinal formulæ in local use with many physi-
cians of our Union, a committee be appointed to collect such and
report to the next meeting.
The following gentlemen were appointed to this service, viz:
John Meakim, of New York, chairman; D. Henchman, of Bos-
ton; H. C. Blair, of Philadelphia; W. S. Thompson, of Balti-
more; W. H. Gilman, of Washington; Wm. Heyser, Jr., of
Chambersburg, Pa.; A. E. Richards, of Plaquemine, La. ; James
Cooke, of Fredericksburg, Va.; R. H. Stabler, of Alexandria;
W. J. M. Gordon, of Cincinnati.
The revised Constitution, as previously considered and adopt-
ed in parts, and since engrossed by the Scretary, was now on
motion unanimously adopted as a whole. (See Appendix.)
The hour having arrived for the further reading of papers and
examination of specimens, Edward Parrish read an able paper
on "Pharmacy as a Business," which was directed to be published.
(See page 59.)
On motion it was Resolved, That the remarks on the plants of
Cherokee Georgia, by Robert Battey, presented by the Corres-
ponding Secretary, be referred to the Executive Committee for
publication. (See Page 68.)
On motion, Dr. Aiken, Prof. of Chemistry, in the University
of Maryland, and Examiner of Drugs, of the Port of Baltimore,
who was present, was invited to give to the Association such
information as he may possess relative to the inspection of drugs,
which was acceded to. (See page 38.)
Professor Aiken also exhibited a variety of specimens collected
during his professional duties, and directed attention specially
to samples of arrow root from Bermuda and St. Vincent respec-
tively, the former invoiced at 40 cents, the latter at 6 cents per
lb., paying an ad valorem duty. He was of the opinion that
this difference of over 500 per cent. in the duty charged was not
in proportion to their value, and thought it should be remedied
by marking up the latter.
On motion of C. B. Guthrie, a vote of thanks was tendered to
Professor Aiken for his paper, and a copy requested for publica-
tion in the Proceedings.
28
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
A paper on Beth-root (Trillium pendulum) and the peculiar
acrid principle of the Nat. Ord. Trilliacea, was read by Edward
S. Wayne. (See page 36.)
The same gentleman read a paper on Sanguinaria canadensis,
and on Sanguinarina and other products from that plant, which
which is published on pages 40 and 41. Both of these subjects
were well illustrated with specimens.
Frederick L. John, of Philadelphia, offered some verbal
remarks on a curious phenomenon that had recently occurred
in his laboratory. Having occasion to re-distil about fifty pounds
of colorless nitric acid, he placed it in his retort, and after the
operation was partially effected, he observed violet vapors in the
retort, and a sublimate of blackish granular crystals, which on
subsequent examination proved to be iodine. Mr. John believes
that the source of the iodine was the nitrate of soda used in
making the acid originally, but he was at a loss to determine in
what condition it existed in the colorless acid, and the cause of
its subsequent evolution during the process.
Then adjourned to 4 o'clock this afternoon.
Afternoon Session—Sept. 11th, 1856.
The meeting having been called to order by the President,
the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting was dispensed
with, in view of their general reading at the close of the meeting.
The following gentlemen, proposed as honorary members by
the Executive Committee, were elected by ballot, viz: Daniel
B. Smith, of Germantown, Pa., late President of the Philadel-
phia College of Pharmacy; Thomas Farrington, Esq., of Boston,
Massachusetts; Madison J. Bailey, M. D., Special Examiner of
Drugs at the port of New York.
The following gentlemen, being properly recommended, were
elected contributive members, viz: Silas Whitehead, of Lynch-
burg, Va.; D. S. Dyson, of Washington, D. C.; and Wm. F.
Henry, of New York.
The report of the Committee on standards of quality of
drugs for the use of Drug Examiners and others, &c., was called
up, and after some discussion the following resolution was
adopted, and the Committee discharged.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
29
Resolved, That the Executive Committee be instructed to take
all necessary measures that may be required to urge on the
attention of the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States,
the views of this Association relative to the qualifications neces-
sary for an Examiner of Drugs, should the entrance of a new
administration render such action necessary.
A paper was read by E. S. Wayne, on "A process for Elixir of
Opium,” which, with all the papers previously read, were referred
to the Executive Committee, with discretionary powers in refer-
ence to their publication. (See page 74.)
On motion, the minutes of the Proceedings during the several
sittings were now read, and after amendment were adopted.
Mr. Parrish, on behalf of the members, strangers in Baltimore,
offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That the thanks of this Association are hereby
tendered to the Maryland College of Pharmacy, and to the
druggists and pharmaceutists of Baltimore, generally, for their
hospitality during our visit to their beautiful city, and for their
liberal and cordial co-operation in the objects of the Association.
Then on motion adjourned to meet in Philadelphia on the
second Tuesday in September, 1857.
W. J. M. GORDON,
Recording Secretary.
:
SUPPLEMENTARY MINUTES,
CONTAINING SCIENTIFIC PAPERS, &c.
ACTION OF OIL OF SASSAFRAS UPON METALLIC VESSELS, PAR-
TICULARLY THOSE WHERE LEAD HAS BEEN USED AS A
SOLDER, AND AN OBSERVED COMPOUND RESULTING FROM
THESE CONTAINING LEAD.
By E. S. WAYne.
Having placed a quantity of oil of sassafras, which, at the time,
was of a light straw color, in a copper can, (such as the oils of
lemon and bergamont are imported in,) and a short time after,
having my attention called to a portion of oil taken from the
same, I was much astonished at the singular change which had
taken place in it. The oil had changed from a light straw to a
deep inky looking fluid. I at first suspected that something
which might have been in the bottle had caused the change, but
upon examining the oil in the can, I found it in the same con-
dition. Upon holding the bottle up to a strong light, the oil ap-
peared to be full of dark particles suspended through it. I was
at a loss to account for the change which had taken place, as there
was no foreign substance in the can which could have produced
it, as it had been thoroughly cleansed and dried before the oil
was placed in it, and consequently could form no other con-
jecture, save that the copper can had been the cause of the diffi-
culty.
I found that the black particles mentioned were easily sepa-
rated from the oil by filtration. The filtrate was not perceptibly
darker than the original oil. It was tested for the presence of
copper, but gave no indication of its presence.
The black mass separated by the filter was then removed, and
deprived of the remainder of the oil present by absorbents. I
could not rid it perfectly by this process. It was again placed
upon the filter and treated with ether (in which the black sub-
stance was insoluble,) as long as it took up a sensible trace of oil.
"
}
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
31
It was, after drying, of a light slate color, and possessed a
slight taste and smell of sassafras, and was insoluble in alcohol.
A portion of it was incinerated upon a platina foil; it produced
a voluminous smoke and left a small amount of cinder, which,
upon urging the heat by the blowpipe, consumed only partially.
Upon examining it with a lens, small metallic globules were visi-
ble, and when attempting to remove the residue from the foil, it
became evident that the globules were reduced lead, and that a
portion of them had become amalgamated with the foil.
A larger portion was then placed upon charcoal and ignited,
and the reduced metal dissolved in nitric acid, and tested for
copper, tin, and lead. Lead only was found.
Another portion was heated in a glass tube, and the fumes
condensed in the cool portion. It had a slight sassafras odor,
and was acid to test paper. It was evidently a pyro-product.
It is evident, from the above, that sassafras oil has the pro-
perty of forming a compound with lead. The question now arises,
from whence came it? Did it come from the apparatus that oil
was prepared in, or did it take it from the original tin can, (from
the solder)?
Upon examining the copper can, the joint near the top con-
tains a large portion of lead solder, exposed to the action of the
oil. In the tin can the solder is upon the outside; and, as the
oil was not colored in the tin can, the inferences are, that the
lead was obtained from the joint in the copper can, which com-
pound was insoluble in the oil itself, and was suspended in it,
causing the dark color.
The oil filtered from the precipitate I have not examined as
to whether any change had taken place in it, merely testing it
for the presence of copper.
REMARKS ON THE OIL OF COTTON SEED.
By E. S. WAYNE.
The manufacture of oil from cotton seed is not a novelty; a
small quantity has been made at the South for some years past;
lately, however, the demand for lubricators has turned the atten-
tion of many to cotton seed, (immense quantities of which are al-
lowed to rot, or used only as a manure upon the cotton fields of
32
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
the South,) as a material from which large quantities of oil might
be profitably obtained.
At New Orleans, I have been informed, that a quantity of this
oil has been of late produced, a sample of which I have seen. It
was a very bland, light colored oil, said to be made by steaming
the seeds and collecting the oil by skimming it from the surface.
of the water. I cannot vouch for the correctness of the above
process.
In Cincinnati some of the oil millers have made the attempt
of pressing cotton seed for the oil, but the experiments so far,
I believe, bave been very unsatisfactory, both in regard to the
quality of the oil obtained and the cost of it.
The oil, to be made profitably, should either be manufactured
in the vicinity of the cotton plantation, (as the seeds from the at-
tached fibre are bulky, and the cost of transportation an item,)
or the seed should be hulled at the spot and shipped to the place
where they are to be pressed in that condition, as it requires three
or four bushels of seed in the wool to produce one bushel of hulled
seed ready for the mill.
The oil as it runs from the press is of a very dark red color.
After standing some time it deposits a portion of the coloring
matter, also a portion of a semi-solid fat; and in cold weather
this is deposited to a large extent; and is only partially taken
up upon increase of temperature. The color of the oil obtained
by pressure is one great objection to its general use, and is very
difficult to remove; in bleaching it at least ten or fifteen per
cent. of the oil is lost, a portion of which may be recovered, and
used in the manufacture of soap, for which purpose cotton seed
oil is better adapted than for any other purpose. It is a drying
oil, consequently not fit for lubricating, and when burnt gives a
smoky flame, and forms rapidly a crust upon the wick. Others
say that it answers for both purposes; but all I have met with,
upon being used practically for lubricating or burning, gave very
unsatisfactory results.
A very good soap is made from it at New Orleans for com-
mon purposes; but I think that a soap in every respect equal to
the imported Castile could be cheaply made with it.
The dark color of the oil obtained by pressure is due to the
presence of a dark resinous substance, presenting itself in small
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
33
dots throughout the seed. These may readily be seen by exam-
ining a section of the seed with a lens, or even the naked eye.
The hull and attached fibre are useful for paper stock
the cake left after the extraction of the oil is nearly as valuable
a food for cattle as that of linseed.
and
REMARKS ON OIL OF PIG-NUT HICKORY.
By E. S. WAYne.
Mr. Wayne also called attention to a sample of the Oil of Pig-
nut Hickory, of which he gave the following account:
The Caraya porcina, commonly known as the pignut hickory,
is a forest tree of wide range in North America.
This tree pro-
duces a nut which contains a very oleaginous kernel, between
which and the shell, and the lobes of the kernel, a corky matter
of a very astringent taste is deposited. The nut in consequence
is not edible, but yields by crushing and pressure a light yellow
colored oil, possessing a bland, slightly astringent taste; the as-
tringent taste is due to the accidental presence of a trace of the
astringent matter mentioned, which might easily be removed,
and then it would be equal, for many purposes of the pharma-
ceutist, to the best olive oil.
This oil has been for several years past an article of commerce
in Ohio, the market value of which ranges from $1 to $1.25
per gallon, and the supply of late has not been equal to the de-
mand.
It is very rich in olein, and remains, consequently, fluid at a
much lower temperature than most fixed animal and vegetable
oils. During the extreme cold of last winter in Cincinnati,
where sperm and other oils were in a solid condition, this oil
thickened, but could be readily drawn from the vessel contain-
ing it.
As a lubricator it is said by those who have used it to be equal
to sperm oil, and for the purposes of illuminating not inferior.
The value and extensive demand at present for oils for lubri.-
cating and other purposes, should attract attention to the pro-
duction of oil from this nut, thousands of bushels of which are
allowed yearly to fall to the ground and rot, which if collected
and the oil extracted, would cut off the necessary importation of
3
34
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
a large amount of oils, such as the rape, olive, &c., and pay a
handsome remunerative profit to the maker. I have been in-
formed by those who make it in Ohio, that the yield per bushel
is one and a half gallons, and that they purchase the nuts,
through the country, of the store-keepers for 50 cents the bushel.
ON LEPTANDRA VIRGINICA.
By E. S. WAYNE.
Nat. Ord. Scrophulariaca. Sex. Syst. Diandria Monogynia.
Culver's Physic. Black Root.
The root of this plant, in its fresh state, is said to be too drastric
and uncertain for medicinal use, producing vomiting and bloody
stools, dizziness and vertigo, which properties are changed or
modified upon drying the root. In the dry state it is laxative,
cholagogue and tonic.
This root has acquired some celebrity amongst physicians of
the Eclectic school as a laxative and tonic, in small doses, and is
said to be valuable in dyspepsia, especially when connected with
an inactive condition of the liver, and torpid condition of the
bowels; it has also been found useful in dropsy, &c. &c. See
American Eclectic Dispensatory.
This root has been only partially examined as to its proximate
principles. Essential oil, bitter extractive, tannin, gum and resin
have been found, but no principle representing the medicinal
properties of the plant or root has been isolated in a pure con-
dition.
The root, in coarse powder, was treated with alcohol in a
percolator; a dark brown tincture was obtained; the alcohol was
distilled off, and water added as the spirit evaporated; upon
cooling, a dark colored resin was precipitated, (the Leptandrin
of Merrill;) this was separated from the watery portion by filtra-
tion. The filtrate was of a brown color, and of an exceedingly
nauseous, bitter taste; to this a solution of sub-acet. of lead was
added as long as a precipitate was formed, and the excess of
lead removed from the filtrate by sulph. hydrogen. The liquid
was of a pale amber color after the treatment. A portion of it
when allowed to evaporate spontaneously, left, upon evapora-
tion, a dark colored mass, exceedingly bitter, and presenting no
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
35
signs of crystallization. Another portion was treated with ether;
it left the same bitter substance upon evaporation; and to a third
portion ammonia was added; it caused the liquid to assume a
darker tint, but after standing several days, no other change was
observed to have taken place.
The resin obtained by evaporating the tincture, and the ad-
dition of water, had also a bitter taste, which was removed to a
great extent by malaxating it with water. The bitter princi-
ple is evidently the active medicinal substance of the root, and
all the medicinal value of the resin depends upon the accidental
presence of this, which is soluble in water.
Ascertaining, by the former experiment, that water was a sol-
vent of the only active principle of the root, another portion of
the root, in coarse powder, was treated with water in a perco-
lator, a dark colored infusion was obtained, having all the bitter
taste of the root. To this, sub-acet. of lead was added, the pre-
cipitate was separated by filtration, and the excess of lead was
removed by the addition of carb. of soda, and the carb. of lead
separated by the filter. The pale yellow liquid was then allowed
to filter through a column of purified animal charcoal. The liquid
that passed through was totally devoid of taste and color. The
coal was then washed with water until this commenced to have a
bitter taste; it was then dried and treated with boiling alcohol,
and the alcoholic solution allowed to evaporate spontaneously;
it dried to a dark green mass, no signs of crystallization being
observed during the time. This substance had, in a concentra-
ted degree, the same nauseous, bitter taste of the root, that both
the tincture and infusion of the root possess, and, upon powder-
ing it, gave a pale green powder.
This powder was again dissolved in water and treated with
ether, and allowed to evaporate; a number of needle-shaped crys-
tals were formed, and were floating in the mother liquor, which
was of a pale green color. They were separated upon a filter, and
the mother liquor placed in the same vessel, and left to evapo-
rate with hope of obtaining another crop of crystals. In this I
was disappointed, as it dried up to a transparent, light green
mass, in which no crystalline form was present. The crystals
and the substance had the same bitter taste. From the above
it may be inferred, that the active principle of this root resides.
36
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
in this bitter substance, which is crystallizable, and the presence
of coloring matter, &c., prevented the mass of it assuming a
crystalline form, and that the medicinal value of the so-called
Leptandrin of the Eclectics depends upon the accidental pre-
sence of this substance.
PECULIAR ACRID PRINCIPLE OF THE NAT. ORD. TRILLIACEÆ.
By E. S. WAyne.
The plants belonging to the order of Trilliaceæ, comprise an
extensive genus of N. American herbaceous perennial plants,
which are variously known by the names of wake robin, birth
root, Indian balm, lamb's quarter, ground lilly, &c. They have
a faint tanner's oil like odor, and when chewed impart an acrid
astringent impression in the mouth, causing a flow of saliva, and
a sensation of heat in the throat and fauces. Nearly all of the spe-
cies of this genus are said to be medicinal, and possess analogous
properties, the most common of which are T. erythrocarpum, T.
grandiflorum, T. sessile, T. erectum and T. nivale, which are con-
quently most frequently collected. The Trillium pendulum.
seems to be intended as the officinal plant in the A. E. Dispensa-
tory. But whether the root I have examined is the product of
this variety or not, I am not prepared to say. We receive a large
quantity of the root from the interior of Kentucky, and have
not been able to get any information from those that collect or
we receive it from, to enable me to form an opinion to which
particular member of the family it belongs. From the simi-
larity of the root, I should judge it to be obtained from one and
the same plant.
The root, as we receive it, is an oblong rhizome, with numer-
ous rootlets attached to it, and of a yellowish brown color. The
acridity of the root seems to reside in the rhizome, as the rootlets
have little or none of its acrimony. Upon removing the epidermis
of the rhizome with a knife, it presents a white, starchy appear-
ance, and tinct. of iodine added to the cut surface strikes a deep
blue color, indicating the presence of starch in abundance. This
root has been examined and found to contain volatile oil, gum
resin, extractive, tannic acid and starch.
Mr. Merrill has obtained a substance from the root which he
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
37
calls, I believe, trillin; the process for obtaining which he has
not made public, nor have I examined the product.
I was induced to examine this root from its exceedingly acrid
taste, resembling that of senega somewhat when chewed, with
the expectation of finding in it some principle analogous to
senegin.
The root, in coarse powder, was treated with alcohol in a dis-
placer and the tincture evaporated, and water added as the alco-
hol distilled away. Upon cooling, a very fluid oleo-resin was found
floating upon the top of the watery portion, of a light brown
color, possessing all the peculiar oil-like odor of the root, but
not the acrid taste. This was separated from the watery portion
by a separating funnel.
The watery portion was acrid to the taste; to it both acetate
and sub-acetate of lead was added as long as a precipitate was
produced, then filtered from the lead precipitate, and the excess
of lead removed by the careful addition of sulph. acid.
I was surprised to find, upon tasting the clear filtrate, that
its acrid taste had not been in the least diminished by the ad-
dition of the lead salts, and satisfying me that the acrid princi-
ple was a very different substance from that of senega. This
filtrate was then set aside until next day, for further examina-
tion. Upon looking at it next day, I observed that a gelatinous
precipitate had formed, and that the supernatant fluid had en-
tirely lost its previous acrid taste. The precipitate was collect-
ed upon a filter and washed with water; this was troublesome,
from the nature of the precipitate, and had to be very cautious-
ly done, as I found that it was again taken up by the wash water.
It was then allowed to become almost dry upon the filter, then
detached from it, re-dissolved in dilute alcohol and left to spon-
taneous evaporation. It dried to a white, amorphous mass,
easily powdered, and had all the acrid taste of the root in a con-
centrated degree. I subsequently tried its solubility in alcohol;
it dissolved completely, and was then evaporated to a certain ex-
tent, spread out with a brush on glass, which, upon drying, was
easily detached in glistening scales. This substance, like saponin
and senegin, has the peculiar property of forming with water
frothing soap-like mixtures. Half a grain of this to two ounces
38
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
of water, is sufficient to develope this peculiarity, and the foam
formed upon the water will remain unbroken for several days.
To ascertain whether this substance was the result of oxida-
tion of the oil obtained in the first treatment, it was submitted to
oxidizing operations. A portion of the oil assumed a changed
appearance by the treatment; became a white substance, which
was separated by the filter, which I have saved for further ex-
amination. The oxydized oil, however, gave no indication of
yielding a substance similar to the acrid principle mentioned.
REPORT ON THE OPERATION OF THE LAW FOR THE EXAMINA-
TION OF DRUGS AT THE PORT OF BALTIMORE.
By PROF. AIKen.
Having been honored with an invitation to attend the present.
Meeting of the Pharmaceutical Association, accompanied with
an intimation that it would be interesting to the members to learn
something of the operation of the law regulating the examina-
tion of drugs, as applied at this Port, I have accordingly pre-
pared a brief memorandum, giving the character and amount of
the articles rejected during my term of service, with the total
weight of all articles of the same classes imported; and lastly,
the aggregate of all drugs and medicines introduced during the
same time, showing the relative proportion between what has
been admitted and what has been rejected. From May, 1853,
to the present time, some three years and four months, I have
had occasion to reject 40,876 lbs. of various medicinal articles;
some directly adulterated; some deficient in active principles,
the result of want of judgment in collecting and preparing; some
injured by age and exposure; and some by moisture and rough
handling in transit. The aggregate amount will hardly seem
large if we take into account the long period required to accumu-
late it. The annual average, contrasted with the whole drug
business of our port, will furnish most favorable evidence of the
character of our drug market. Within the period named,
760,000 lbs. of Peruvian bark have been brought here, principally
from Callao and Arica, some little from Valparaiso, and generally
of very superior quality. I have been obliged to reject only
38,062 lbs., and it is but justice to our importers to add, that
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
39
every pound of rejected bark has been the property of merchants
in other places, who found it convenient to order their goods
through Baltimore. Within the same period 205,410 lbs. of
various roots and seeds have been imported, of which only 367
lbs. have been rejected, and this has been made up principally
of ipecacuanha, from Rio, and sarsaparilla from the West Indies,
injured by exposure to the water. Of herbs and flowers, 29,890
lbs. have been offered, and only 465 lbs., principally German
chamomile, found unfit for use, and that from age. The vola-
tile oils have been found adulterated to a much greater extent.
Out of 3,736 lbs. imported, 1,928 lbs., more than one-half, was
rejected as deviating too far from the requirements of the law.
The oils rejected were principally oil of lemon and oil of juniper,
both apparently adulterated with oil of turpentine. Oil of
absinth was found diluted with alcohol, and oil of fennel seed
with turpentine. If to the articles named we add 50 lbs. of
creasote, injured by spontaneous decomposition, and a few pounds
of elaterium and lactucarium, badly prepared, we will have the
sum total of all the drugs rejected.
Not having access to the records elsewhere, I am unable to
furnish any comparative statement in regard to the relative
quantity of inferior articles offered here and at other ports. To get
a fair statement of the relation between the drugs admitted and
those rejected, we need the aggregate amount of all that has been
brought into this port since May, 1853. Such statement, to be
exactly accurate, would involve more labor than the interest at-
tached to the question seems to warrant; but I can briefly say,
that the most important imports, not already enumerated, have
been cream of tartar, tartaric acid, carbonate and bi-carbonate
of soda, sulphate and carbonate of magnesia, sesqui-carbonate ef
ammonia, brimstone, borax, cape aloes, calcined magnesia, can-
tharides, argols and liquorice paste; and that the aggregate
weight of these and all other drugs and medicines, not included
in the classes already named, would be about 568,624 lbs.,
making the sum total imported 1,767,660 lbs., and the sum total
rejected, as before stated, 40,876 lbs.
There is apparently no room for doubt in regard to the neces-
sity for the Drug Law, and as little room for doubt as to its
value in its present form, if properly and uniformly and univer-
sally applied. Whether it can be made more efficient, or whether
40
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
any inconvenience now imposed by it on those engaged in the
drug business can be remedied, are legitimate subjects for dis-
cussion. Only one instance of apparently deliberate evasion of
the law has occurred within my knowledge. This was the work
of a merchant residing elsewhere, who accomplished his object
by sending his goods, after being rejected here, to a port in the
British Provinces, from whence they were returned to one of our
Southern ports, where government has no special Examiner, and
where the party called upon casually to do the duty of such Ex-
aminer admitted the invoice. This was subsequently identified
by a sample sent to me to determine its commercial value, pre-
liminary to adjusting the duties. In conclusion, I may be
allowed to add, that only one case of appeal from the decision
of the government Examiner has occurred here, and in that case
his decision was confirmed.
Total weight of Drugs and Medicines imported, and of the same rejected at
the Port of Baltimore, from May, 1853, to Sept., 1856.
Peruvian bark,
imported 760,000 lbs.
3,736
rejected 38,062 lbs.
Volatile oils,
1,928
(C
Herbs and flowers,
Roots and seeds,
(C
29,890
205,410 ..
(6
CC
465.
367 ..
All other articles,
568,624 ..
པ
Total
1,767,660 lbs.
54"
40,876 lbs.
WILLIAM E. A. AIKEN,
Special Examiner of Drugs, etc.
ON A NEW PROXIMATE PRINCIPLE FROM THE SANGUINARIA
CANADENSIS.
By EDWARD S. WAYNE.
The Sanguinaria Canadensis, it is well known, contains an
alkaloid, sanguinarina, identical, in its ultimate analysis, with
Chelerythrin, the alkaloid of the Chelidonium majus, and form-
ing like it red salts with acids, and possessing very acrid nar-
cotic properties.
The Chelidonium has been very accurately examined, as to
its proximate principles, but the Sanguinaria, I believe, has
been investigated no further than the obtaining of its alkaloid.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
41
I was led into some further investigation of this substance acci-
dentally. Having occasion to prepare a quantity of its basic
principle, I adopted the process for its extraction published by
Dr. Sheil, of St. Louis, in Silliman's Journal, also, in the
American Journal of Pharmacy, which is as follows: Treat
the coarse powdered root with dilute sulph. acid in a percolator,
and precipitate the obtained liquor with aqua ammonia, the
addition of which causes a voluminous precipitate of a deep
purple color, which is washed with water upon the filter, dried
and treated with ether, which dissolves out the Sanguinarina;
this solution is to be treated with animal coal, which removes
most of the accidental coloring matter, and the alkaloid is
obtained as a sulphate from this ethereal solution, by a solution
of sulphuric acid in ether, of a bright vermillion color, the
salts of Sanguinarina being insoluble in ether.
I observed, after having precipitated all the Sanguinarina,
that there was some other substance held in solution by the
ether; it was of much deeper color, and left a yellowish solid
deposit upon the sides of the vessel containing it..
The ether was left to evaporate spontaneously. A substance
having a dark red color, and without any distinct crystalline
form, was left. From its acrid taste it evidently contained a
portion of Sanguinarina; I tried a number of methods to rid it
of its presence without success. At last I dissolved the whole
of it in ether, and agitated it with dilute sulph. acid, which
removed the Sanguinarina completely. The ethereal portion
was separated from the acid and allowed to evaporate spontane-
ously; a dark red mass was left; translucent, but could distin-
guish no crystalline form. It was placed in a mortar, and upon
powdering it, gave a dull red powder, tasteless, insoluble in
water. Upon heating it with water it melted and formed a
dark, brittle, resinous mass.
This was dissolved in alcohol and treated with animal char-
coal; the color of the solution after this treatment was of a
pale yellow tint. It was treated a second time with the coal,
but no change in the color of the solution was perceptible;
this was evaporated spontaneously, and left a pale red mass.
This mass was dissolved in boiling alcohol, and to the solution
hydrochloric acid was added; the addition produced a deep red
42
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
color. This was set aside to cool, and deposited the excess of
the acid compound in beautiful needle-shaped crystals of a bright
red color.
With sulphuric acid it forms a confused warty mass of crystals,
which rub to a bright red powder. From its acid combinations
it is precipitated of a pale yellow color, which, dried, has a pale
red tint.
The quantity obtained from the ethereal solution from which
the sanguinarina had been obtained, being very little, the
original precipitate was treated with alcohol in a displacer-a
deep red tincture was obtained. To this water was added, which
caused a precipitate; this was collected on a filter, dried, and
found upon examination to be the substance sought. The quan-
tity of it existing in the root is but small, as I obtained from
fifteen pounds of the root operated upon, 130 grains of this
substance.
The dark substance left after extracting the Sanguinarina
and the last mentioned body, possesses strong tinctorial proper-
ties. It is soluble in acids, producing a dark red compound,
and is precipitated unaltered by the addition of an alkali. I
have not examined it further.
From the examination of this root it is evident that its acrid
and pungent taste is due entirely to a salt of Sanguinarina, pro-
bably a chelidonate, which acid (chelidonic) I have obtained
from this root, the other two substances mentioned having but
little taste, and this may be due to the accidental presence of a
trace of the alkaloid.
The red color of the root, and red color of its tincture and
other fluid preparations is not due entirely to the Sanguinarina,
as all the other products have strong tinctorial properties, and
forming with acids deep red solutions.
ON THE PREPARATION OF NARCOTIC EXTRACTS.
BY S. S. Garrigues.
In the following paper I propose to call the attention of the
members of the American Pharmaceutical Association to a more
constant method for the preparation of the Narcotic Extracts, a
subject which demands on the part of the Pharmaceutist a more se-
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
43
rious consideration. We are well aware, that at the present day
the great object of Pharmaceutical science is, to investigate and
discover the best methods for preparing or producing remedial
agents in as pure a form as possible, separating all inert or so-
called extractive matter, which tends to increase the bulk or
weaken the therapeutic actions of the said agent. To the in-
vestigators in this direction we owe many thanks; for through
their manipulations were brought to our use, morphia, quinine,
strychnine, and many others of equal power in the healing art.
The same remarks hold true in many other pharmaceutical pre-
parations, and could be extended to the extracts, more particu-
larly the narcotic, in the following list, viz.: ext. aconiti, bella-
donnæ, conii, digitalis, hyoscyami, and stramonii, all of which
perform an important part in medical science.
Now let us examine the formula in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia
for the preparation of extractum stramonii foliorum, which is
taken as a standard for the preparation of the other narcotic
extracts. It
It says:
"Take of stramonium leaves a pound; bruise them in a stone
mortar, sprinkling them with a little water; then express the
juice, and, having heated it to the boiling point, strain and eva-
porate to the proper consistence." Here is a formula which un-
der different circumstances would be very apt to give quite a dif-
ferent preparation; and I cannot use a better expression in re-
gard to it than the remarks of Messrs. Wood and Bache, who
say: "Like all the other inspissated narcotic juices, this is an
uncertain preparation, varying in strength according to the care
used in conducting the process, the season at which the leaves
are collected, and I may also say in the locality of growth and
the perfect development of the plant." Here I would ask, why
use preparations of so uncertain strength? Much better give us
a method which will always insure us a uniform character to our
extracts. You may say, that Messrs. Tilden & Co. or others
make the narcotic extracts in a scientific and pharmaceutical way
with the latest improvement, in the evaporation in a vacuo;
but many are so situated that they can prepare their own nar-
cotic extracts; then why not give them a formula by which they
can with proper care always prepare these extracts with uniform
strength? To use the language of Prof. W. Procter, Jr., "the
44
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
chief merits claimed by the manufacturers for these extracts are
such as arise from a proper selection of the crude material grown
in the extensive botanical gardens, and a careful preparation of
the extracts by means of apparatus for evaporation in vacuo.
We have here all the elements for their successful fabrication,
assuming that the plants are imbued with their natural medici-
nal force, and that the operators understand the principles of the
process. Here I respectfully beg leave to differ from our es-
teemed friend, if he means to infer that, with the means and
process above mentioned, the manufacturers have succeeded in
making a scientific preparation; for I consider, and will try to
prove it in another part of this paper, that important improve-
ments could be made in their productions. It may be said in
the later preparations an improvement was made, as they sepa-
rated part, if not most of the chlorophylle.
With the object of proposing an improvement in this class of
preparations, I would direct your attention to the following pro-
cess suggested by Dr. F. Mohr of Coblentz, and adopted by the
scientific body engaged in the revision of the sixth and last edi-
tion of the Prussian Pharmacopoeia; taking the formula for the
preparation of extractum aconiti as the standard for the rest
of the narcotic extracts.
Extractum Aconiti.
"Take ten pounds of fresh aconite herb; having cut it up,
bruise it in a stone mortar and then subject it to a strong pres-
sure. The mass is then removed from the press, mixed with
one and a half pounds of water, and again well pressed. The
two solutions thus obtained are mixed and strained, after which
they are brought on a steam bath and evaporated at a tempera-
ture of 120° to 130° F. until it is reduced to nearly two pounds,
the solution being constantly stirred during the process. The juice,
as thus reduced, is mixed with two pounds of alcohol 95 per cent.
and allowed to remain with occasional agitation for twenty-four
hours. The mixture is then brought upon a linen filter, and af-
ter most of the liquid portion has run off, the rest is strongly
pressed.
What remains in the press is again treated with half a pound
of 60 per cent. alcohol and then re-pressed. The solutions thus
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
45
obtained are mixed and filtered and then evaporated, under
constant agitation on the steam bath, at a temperature of 120° to
130° F., to the consistence of a thick extract. As thus ob-
tained, the extract is of a dark brown color, giving a cloudy so-
lution in water.
The principle of this method of preparation can be explained
in a few words. The extract shall only contain that which is
at the same time soluble in alcohol and water, the formula
being founded on the view, that the active ingredients of
the plant are soluble in both menstrua, the inert only in one.
The chlorophylle is only soluble in alcohol; the slime and gum
only in water. From plants which have a different locality or
climate, and therefore have their medicinal properties more or
less unequally developed, we obtain by this method an extract of
greater equality of character. In fact, the more imperfect the
development of the plant is, the more slime is separated, and
therefore a less quantity of extract is obtained, but still of equal
strength to that obtained from the finest specimens of the plant,
just as bad opium gives a smaller quantity but still a pure mor-
phia.
The process of the former or fifth edition of the Prussian
Pharmacopoeia gave an extract with much trouble and expense,
which contained an entirely useless substance, the chlorophylle,
which rendered the drying and the dispensation of the extract in
form of a powder almost impossible. It also contained most of
the ingredients soluble in water. The revising body discarded
it with right, as an imperfect formula.
The most important points which have been introduced in the
present edition of Prussian Pharmacopoeia are the following:
1st. The bruised plant, which has been twice pressed out,
water being added to the last pressing, is thrown away and not
again treated with alcohol.
2d. The evaporated juice is treated with alcohol to separate
the slimy constituents.
3d. The solution filtered from this gives the extract.
Dr. Mohr proposes to coagulate the albumen and then to eva-
porate the strained solutions to the consistence of a syrup. He
says: "The Pharmacopoeia does not direct it to be coagulated,
but to evaporate the juice to about two pounds. An early sepa-
"
46
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ration of the albumen, which carries with it a portion of the
chlorophylle, he believes to be useful, for we find that the nitro-
genous substances are more likely to undergo decomposition
from the influence of the atmosphere, which then extends to
some extent through the other ingredients of the solutions.
The evaporation of the juice to the certain weight of two
pounds is an advantage over the uncertain expression, to the
consistence of a syrup." The Prussian Pharmacopoeia directs
the juice to be evaporated at a temperature not exceeding 120°
to 130° F., but this is not the temperature at which albumen
coagulates, a complete separation of this substance only taking
place when the alcohol is added. A portion does, however,
separate at a lower temperature, on account of a warmer layer
of the solution near the bottom of the vessel mixing with other
portions of the colder solution. When the juice is evaporated
to two pounds, an equal volume of alcohol is a more economical
quantity than an equal weight, as directed in the Prussian Phar-
macopoeia. We must again make some remarks in regard to
the separation of the chlorophylle which applies to all the nar-
cotic extracts. On a former occasion a correctly observed fact
has received a wrong explanation.
For we find that by some experiments made with chlorophylle
obtained from the belladonna juice, the pupil of man and animal
was increased, on which account a medicinal power was ascribed
to it. Instead of saying that a portion of the extract was en-
closed mechanically, they have maintained that the entire mass
was something new, and have given it a medical power which it
does not possess. If the entire chlorophylle be added to the ex-
tract mass, the small quantity of enclosed juice will increase the
absolute quantity of the active ingredients, while on the contra-
ry the relative quantity will be diminished, and at the same
time a much larger proportion of inert-matter is added.
Jahn (Archiv. der Pharm. xxxiv. 5,) found that crude chlo-
rophylle obtained from hyoscyamus and belladonna, produced an
enlargement of the pupil. But when this chlorophylle was dis-
solved in alcohol, the solution filtered, and then precipitated
with water, the purified body thus obtained being dissolved
in oil of almonds and applied to the eye, did not produce the
least enlargement of the pupil. He says "After these inves-
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
47
tigations I fully agree with Dr. Mohr, that the chlorophylle is a
useless ingredient in the narcotic extracts.
In the same journal Dr. Meurer describes his so-called Ex-
tracta pneumatica, which are obtained by the evaporations of ex-
pressed juices in vacuo. They have a green color, strong nar-
cotic odor, and contain the entire quantity of dissolved and ex-
pressed albumen. In the course of his investigations he comes
to the conclusion that the strong odor of the narcotic extracts.
does not increase the activity, that the albumen is an entirely
unnecessary constituent, and that the extracts prepared under
the vacuo have no particular advantage over the common ex-
tract. These views coincide with those of Mohr, as advanced
in his article in the same journal, on the preparation of extracts.
The albumen of plants as obtained by the coagulation of the
juice, is identical with that obtained from all other plants. If
it is prepared quite pure, and then allowed to stand in a moist
condition, it passes over in the warm summer to a putrid fer-
mentation and is decomposed with the evolution of ammonia.
If this takes place in the extract itself, consequently the other
constituents are affected and the extract assumes a different ap-
pearance and action.
This is the reason why the extract with the fecula is not a
constant preparation, and on account of which the physician
cannot be certain of a similarity of action at all seasons of the
year. Those prepared according to the new formula, retain,
without doubt the full activity for a long time. The real
relation in regard to the fecula and the chlorophylle is
the following: If a finely bruised herb pulp is pressed,
a green juice runs off, which is cloudy. The green color
is not dissolved, only suspended. If this juice is allowed to
stand, or if it is filtered, we have a separation of the clear juice,
which is, before it is heated, of a light brown color. It still con-
tains much albumen in a state of solution. If the clear juice is
heated we have a separation of a white coagulated albumen. If
it is heated before the filtration a green precipitate is obtained,
which is the albumen which encloses and takes down with it a
portion of chlorophylle. The remainder, after passing it through
the filter, consists of chlorophylle and albumen. If this is heated
with alcohol the chlorophylle is dissolved, forming a green solu-
tion, and the albumen remains as a white mass behind.
48
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
The most simple method to precipitate these two substances to-
gether is to heat the expressed juice and then strain. It is un-
necessary that either of them should come in contact with the
alcohol, because they can impart nothing useful, and can be
better separated from the thin and fresh juice without enclosing
or carrying away as much of the active properties, as when
the juice is evaporated to the consistence of a syrup.
If these extracts are properly prepared, a diluted alcohol com-
posed of equal weights of water and alcohol of 90 per cent.
Tralles, should completely dissolve them, any important clou-
diness showing a departure from the mode of preparation. The
mixture contains too much alcohol to dissolve the gum or slime,
and too much water to dissolve chlorophylle.
Sixteen ounces of the fresh narcotic plants average about
half an ounce of this extract.
Extractum Hyoscyami.
This extract is prepared in the same manner as the extract
aconiti. Dr. Mohr obtained sixteen ounces extract from thirty-
eight and a half pounds of the fresh plant. As these extracts
are often prescribed in small quantities, he recommends a li-
quid form of the same.
Two parts of the extracts are dissolved in three parts of al-
cohol of 0.833 s. g. and three parts of water. This solu-
tion remains for a long time unchanged. Ffity drops of this
weighs twenty grains, and from this
1 drop nearly grain.
266
3 66
4
CD + LO co
5
66
66
6 66
7
8
9
66
66
66
We would dispense for 1 grain,
1
66
66
1 1/1/0
12 "
2
66
66
21 "
31 "
3
66
66
4
66
2 drops.
5
66
3 66
7 (6
4
(6
9 66
5
66
12
66
266
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
49
ON EFFERVESCING POWDERS.
By JNO. M. MAISCH, of Philadelphia.
Effervescing powders are used on account of the carbonic acid.
in gaseous state which is generated as soon as they are thrown
into water to dissolve. The carbonic acid is highly esteemed
for its agreeable refrigerance, or it is employed to mask.to a
certain extent the taste of other medicines. The generation of
carbonic acid is effected by the mutual decomposition of a car-
bonate with a vegetable acid or an acid salt. Of the carbonates
used, the preference is usually given to the bicarbonate of po-
tassa or soda, seldom only the officinal carbonate of magnesia or
monocarbonate of soda are employed; carbonate of potassa is
entirely unfit to enter into such a combination, owing to its
deliquescence.
Among the acids, recourse is had to the tartaric and citric,
they being the only two officinal acids suitable for such a prepa-
ration; sometimes they are replaced by bitartrate of potassa,
the object of which is to have the evolution of carbonic acid
going on in the stomach.
In the United States and England, the carbonate and the
acid are usually kept in two separate papers, distinguished by
their blue and white color, while on the continent of Europe, for
its greater convenience, a mixture of the two is habitually em-
ployed and is even officinal in most of the continental Pharma-
copœias.
one.
The U. S. Pharmacopoeia has no officinal formula for any of
these powders; however it is customary for the apothecary to
prepare two different kinds, one under the name of "soda pow--
ders" which shall contain for one dose 30 grains of bicarbonate
of soda in a blue paper, and 25 grains of tartaric acid in a white
The "Seidlitz powders," intended for a slight laxative,
require 2 drachms of tartrate of soda and potassa with 10 grains
of bicarbonate of soda in a blue, and 30 grains of tartaric acid
in a white paper. These powders became officinal in the Prussian
Pharmacopoeia under the name of English effervescing powders,
(Pulvis aërophorus Anglicus) and are put up in the greatest part
of Europe in accordance with this formula. It has been propo-
sed by Dr. Mohr to substitute tartrate of soda for Rochelle salt,
4
50
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
from which tartaric acid precipitates cream of tartar. Some-
times, especially in France, where such formula have originated
and were published, the Rochelle salt is partly or wholly re-
placed by sulphate of soda, and sulphate of magnesia, and the
powders thus prepared indiscriminately sold under the name of
"poudre de Sedlitz," from which they chiefly differ by their
bitter taste, the aperient properties being about alike. If these
powders are put up in an air-dry state, they keep admirably
well for any length of time. Of the British Pharmacopoeias, the
Edinburgh and Dublin give directions for similar preparations.
under the name of pulveres effervescentes, for which either bi-
carbonate of soda or potassa may be used. The Dublin Phar-
macopoeia also directs pulveres effervescentes citrati, which are
made of citric, instead of tartaric acid. Under the name of
simple effervescing or Seltzer powder, Dorvault directs 4 gram-
mes (61.7 grs.) of bicarbonate of soda in a blue, and the same
quantity of tartaric acid in a white paper, which, when dissolved
in a wine bottle full of water containing 1 or 2 oz. of syrup of
currants or lemon, form a very refreshing drink. There are
many similar formulæ for "effervescing lemonade," usually con-
sisting of bicarbonate of soda, which for its cheapness is pre-
ferred to the potassa salt, mixed, with a certain quantity of
sugar, flavored with oil of lemon in one paper, and of tartaric
or citric acid done up in another one. The chief object in ma-
king such powders is to obtain their refrigerant qualities, and
the acid is therefore taken somewhat in excess to assure of the
entire decomposition of the carbonate and to procure a quantity
of an acid salt, either bitartrate or bicitrate, which by its agree-
able acidulous taste adds much to the pleasant and refreshing
properties. Sometimes, however, the physician desires an ant-
acid effect at the same time with the refrigerant action of the
carbonic acid, and increases the quantity of the alkaline carbo-
nate sometimes far beyond the power of saturation of the acid
employed.
An effervescing powder is also occasionally made, consisting
of bicarbonate of ammonia, and of citric acid, and thus forms a
pleasant substitute for the solution of citrate of ammonia of the
London College, in as much as with each dose beside the am-
monia, a corresponding quantity of carbonic acid is administered
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
51
2
20 grains of the crystallized citric acid will saturate 18 grains
of the bicarbonate of ammonia, the quantity of which, however,
may be enlarged if a more decided action of the ammonia is
wanted.
Sometimes, though as yet not very often, if Seidlitz powders
are excepted, effervescing powders are used to cover the un-
pleasant taste of some medicines; in this view they are mostly
used in connection with Rochelle, Epsom, and Glauber's salt,
the bitterness of which salts is to a certain degree masked, par-
ticularly if taken in connection with lemon syrup. Meirieu has
proposed to administer sulphate of quinine in this manner, by
mixing 1 decigramme of it (1.5 grains) with 1 gramme of tar-
taric acid, and in another paper 1.2 grammes of bicarbonate of
soda and 8 grammes sugar; the quantity of the acid just suffi-
ces to convert the soda into the neutral tartrate, and to render
the quinine easily soluble, which is intended to be taken with its
bitterness masked by the sugar and the evolved carbonic acid.
A ferruginous effervescing powder has been proposed by Colom-
bat, and the formula for it published by Dorvault. The pow-
ders are made by mixing 2 grms. (grs. 30.87) sulphate of iron,
6 grms. (grs. 92.60) tartaric acid, and 12 grms. (3 drachms)
sugar, and dividing the mixture into 12 powders, which are done
up in white paper; each of the blue papers contains 5 grs. of
bicarbonate of soda and 15 grs. of sugar. A reaction at first
takes place between the iron and soda salt, resulting in some sul-
phate of soda and bicarbonate of the protoxide of iron, which is
decomposed together with the rest of the bicarbonate of soda by
the tartaric acid; the acid is just within the fraction of not
quite 2 grains for the 12 powders, sufficient to produce tartrate
of the protoxide of iron and bitartrate of soda. If the assertion
of many practitioners be correct, that iron exhibits the most
useful and reliable action in the animal body when administered
in the state of protoxide, the above prescription might perhaps
be found very beneficial and claim the attention of physicians.
Tartrate of protoxide of iron is but little soluble in water, and
it might perhaps be thought objectionable on that account; it
remains to be seen, however, whether bitartrate of soda or the
carbonic acid does not act as a solvent, or whether the digestive
liquids do not easily decompose it, so as to assimilate the iron
52
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
If the pure sulphate of the protoxide is mixed with tartaric
acid, the mixture keeps admirably well, so far at least as may
be judged from the color, and in making such an effervescing
draught, the iron will consequently reach the stomach before it
can be oxidized to sesquioxide by the influence of the atmos-
phere.
In the preceding I have taken a cursory view of the various
kinds of those effervescing powders, which are put up with the
acid and the carbonate in different parcels, and will now pro-
ceed to the principal object of this paper, that of drawing
attention to that very convenient form of the same kind of
powders, which differ from the former in containing all the ma-
terials necessary for the evolution of carbonic acid gas mixed into
one uniform powder. Of these effervescing powders, Wood and
Bache's Dispensatory has on page 54 the following short notice:
“Tartaric acid, dried by a gentle heat and then mixed in due
proportion with bicarbonate of soda, forms a good effervescing
powder, a teaspoonful of which, stirred into a tumbler of water
forms the dose. The mixture must be kept in well stopped vials."
Every body who has been making such powders, will have
experienced that such a mixture, no matter how closely stopped
it may be kept, will spoil and even become moist. Professor
Otto has made some experiments and discovered some interest-
ing facts with regard to this phenomenon, an account of which
he has published in the Annalen der Chemie and Pharmacie,
xvii, 378, of which I will give a short abstract. A mixture
of equal parts of bicarbonate of soda and tartaric acid becomes
moist when introduced into well stopped vials, and this change
takes place the quicker, the better the air is excluded; it keeps
better if the vials are simply covered with paper; but if the
powder is kept in ordinary paper boxes, he has never seen it to
spoil. Experiments of Bosse have shown that such a mixture
loses weight from the expulsion of carbonic acid, which loss is
greater, the better the powder is secured from contact with the
air. This decomposition is introduced by a portion of moisture
which the mixture contains, and which must evaporate on the
air, to keep the powder unaltered. But if both ingredients are
dried before mixing at a temperature between 120 and 145° F.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
53
the tartaric acid loses nothing, but the bicarbonate of soda 1½
per cent.; if the mixture is now made and introduced into a well
stopped vial, it has commenced to decompose after the lapse of
24 hours and the decomposition progresses rapidly. But if the
soda salt was dried at 167° F. (60° R.) the mixture was un-
altered after having been kept 12 days in a closed vial. It is
the water of combination, and not hygroscopic water that intro-
duces the change, though damp favors it; this water is set free
at the formation of tartrate of soda, and causes the moisture and
liquefaction, it must be allowed to evaporate; that takes place
easily from the fine powder at the tension of a low temperature,
and for this reason the alteration is so little that it is without
any consequence. Such a mixture which has been in contact
with the air for some time and is still unaltered, commences to
change as soon as it is introduced into a stopped vial. If the
powder is directed to be kept in a vial, it might be more advi-
sable not to dry the ingredients, but the finely powdered mix-
ture. In no case, however, not even with the greatest care could
the powder be kept for many years.
These remarks apply next to the effervescing powder of the
Prussian Pharmacopoeia, with which the experiments were made;
it is prepared of 4 parts of bicarbonate of soda, 3 parts of tar-
taric acid, and 7 parts of white sugar. Immediately on throw-
ing this powder into water, effervescence takes place violently.
Other preparations, however, generate the carbonic acid slowly,
even so slow, that the greater part of the reaction takes place
in the stomach. By this means quite a quantity of carbonic
acid can be introduced into the stomach at a single dose, and is
there mostly generated by degrees. Vogler gives the following
formula: Exsiccated carbonate of soda zij, bicarbonate of potassa
3ij, sugar 3ss. If three drachms of bicarbonate of soda are
substituted in this formula for the exsiccated soda, a larger
amount of carbonic acid will be evolved. But as bitartrate of
soda is a heavy salt and only slightly soluble in cold water, the
idea suggests itself of looking for a comparatively more soluble
salt, to take the place of the former in such a combination.
Such a salt we find in the bitartrate of soda, which is much
easier soluble in water than cream of tartar, but does not act so
violently on the carbonate as the free acid, especially not if cold
54
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
water is used for the menstruum. Bicarbonate and bitartrate
of soda must be used in the proportion of 9:20 to furnish a
neutral salt. If the ingredients are pulverized separately and
afterwards mixed with finely powdered sugar, the mixture will
keep very well in a paper box, with no other precaution except
to keep it away from dampness.
In a similar manner effervescing powders may be prepared
with bicarbonate of ammonia, of which 14 parts are necessary to
completely saturate 15 parts of tartaric acid, so as to form the
neutral tartrate of ammonia, or 30 parts of the acid are required
if the formation of bitartrate of ammonia is desired. 7 parts
of bicarbonate of ammonia will saturate 181 parts of bitartrate
of potassa, and 3 parts of the carbonate, 81 parts of bitartrate
of soda, in the first case forming the tartrate of ammonia and
potassa, in the latter tartrate of ammonia and soda. The same
results may be arrived at, if bitartrate of ammonia be used, and
it may suffice simply to state here the required proportions:
4
16 parts of it saturate 7 parts of bicarbonate of ammonia,
forming neutral tartrate of ammonia.
2 parts of it saturate 1 part of bicarbonate of soda, forming
tartrate of soda and ammonia.
4 parts of it saturate 2 parts of bicarbonate of potassa,
forming tartrate of potassa and ammonia.
3 parts of it saturate 1 part of dry carbonate of soda, forming
tartrate of soda and ammonia.
An effervescing powder containing magnesia was formerly
more extensively used in Europe than at present; it consisted
of carbonate of magnesia zij, tartaric acid 3ss, sugar zi, oil of
lemon gtt. iij. An effective and very pleasant cathartic may be
prepared from the following ingredients: carbonate of magnesia,
citric acid, sugar, aa zij to ziij, oil of lemon gtt. ij. The ingre-
dients are to be separately rubbed into a fine powder and then
mixed. Thus extemporaneously prepared and soon taken, it
makes a pleasant drink and is a good cathartic. The pow-
der is to be stirred into about half a pint of water, when chemical
reaction will instantly commence; when it has fairly set in, it
should be taken at once. I have omitted to make experiments.
with regard to its keeping. It remains to be seen, and experi-
ments ought to be made, whether it may be preserved unaltered
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
55
for some time according to the plan suggested by Professor
Otto. As citric acid contains much water of crystallization
(4 equiv.) it might probably in this case be advisable to first.
expel the same by exposure to heat, and after it has become
quite cool to mix it with the other ingredients previously finely
powdered. It might be of great service upon voyages in cases
where saving of space is of some account, and where bottles
cannot be well packed; it would combine smallness of bulk and
portability, and for these reasons would be preferable to the offi-
cinal solution. Its great advantage over the soluble citrate of
magnesia would be its cheapness and its far more refreshing
taste, produced by the carbonic acid set free and the citric acid
still in solution. The citric acid in the formula given may be
augmented, but as the reaction does not take place at once, and
as it is drank before the saturation is completed, there is no
reason for doing so; the solution will still hold a sufficiency of
free citric acid to cover the taste of the magnesia salt, and
render the draught quite a refreshing one; the chemical reaction
is completed in the stomach.
If the administration of an iron salt is intended, Colombat's
formula given above may be used, and all the ingredients mixed
into one powder; but it must be carried in mind that this re-
sults in a tartrate of the protoxide of iron. As it has always
been a desideratum how to administer a carbonate of the prot-
oxide of iron in an unaltered state, and as even Vallet's mass
becomes oxidized, the following mode of administration is sug-
gested. Sulphate of iron 3iss, tartaric acid ijss, dry carbon-
ate of soda Diijss, sugar ziij. The chalybeate waters contain
usually the carbonate of protoxide of iron, dissolved by an excess
of carbonic acid, besides some alkaline salts. Physicians value
these waters, because they are usually better adapted to the di;
gestive organs and are easier assimilated, consequently of a
quicker and more reliable action on the human frame than the
ordinary ferruginous preparations. These properties are doubt-
less due to the presence of that mild acid, the carbonic and
probably to the aperient salts, both of which combine their ac-
tion with that of the iron. In the formula given above sufficient
carbonic acid is generated to convert the iron salt into a carbonate
of the protoxide, and keep the same in solution. Thrown into
56
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
a bottle filled with water, a clear solution is obtained, from which
on exposure to the air sesquioxide of iron is separated. If a
brisker effervescence is desired, the acid and soda may be in-
creased in due proportion, or instead of the latter, 5 scruples
of bicarbonate of soda substituted, when the mixture will con-
tain double the amount of carbonic acid. A little sulphate of
soda, corresponding with the quantity of iron will be formed,
and the neutral tartrate of soda which does not decompose the
dissolved carbonate of protoxide of iron. The quantity of these
salts formed is but small, only large enough as is necessary for
obtaining a sufficiency of carbonic acid; thus an opportunity is
offered to combine with the powder such substances as may be
thought necessary to increase its effect or direct it to a certain
point; such substances of course must not interfere with the car-
bonate of iron. The teaspoonful of the above chalybeate effer-
vescing powder contains about 18 grs. of sulphate, equal to 7½
grs. of carbonate of protoxide of iron. With regard to the sul-
phate of iron I would here yet remark, that even not the finest
crystals ought to be used for such a preparation if stability is
desired. Without entering into details at present it may suffice
to say, that this salt keeps best, by itself and mixed with other
powders, if it has been precipitated from a concentrated solution
by strong alcohol, well washed with the same, and afterwards
well dried in the open air, spread out in thin layers on bibulous.
paper.
My investigation with reference to the administration of
quinine has not been completed yet, but the few experiments
made convince me that it is a very good mode to administer
quinine and cinchonine in an effervescing powder, made with
citric acid and sweetened with sugar, previously rubbed up with
the yellow skin of fresh orange peel. This corrects the taste
better than lemon, cloves, or any other aromatic that I have tried.
The bitterness seems to be less perceptible, when the efferves-
cing powder affords a nearly neutral mixture, and a sufficiency of
the orange skin has been added to impart a high and agreeable
flavor to the draught.
Administration of Ammonia.-Bicarbonate of ammonia is de-
void of the ammoniacal smell, and, although, having still a some-
what pungent taste, may be given in almost any form, even the
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
57
powder and solution hardly requiring more than a little sweeten-
ing to render it pleasant to take. If the full effects of ammonia
are quickly desired, we have no other preparation for such a pur-
pose, but the various preparations of caustic ammonia and the
officinal sesquicarbonate. This latter one only can be made into
pills, but is usually given in solution, like spiritus and aqua am-
moniæ; their taste and smell, however, are so very pungent and
penetrating that they cannot be covered or masked, either by
aromatics or mucilages. As they are valuable remedies in scarlet
fever, the small children, for whom they are prescribed, often
object to taking them. We have, I believe, a much more con-
venient and pleasant form to secure the effects of ammonia with-
out incurring its penetrativeness; we may arrive at this end in a
somewhat similar way as above, in trying to obtain the proper-
ties of carbonate of protoxide of iron. If a solution of the neu-
tral tartrate of ammonia is mixed with a solution of carbonate
of potassa, an ammoniacal smell will soon be perceived, and a
glass rod, moistened with muriatic acid, will evolve thick white
vapors if held above the surface of the liquid. An interchange
has taken place, a double decomposition, by which tartrate of
potassa and carbonate of ammonia, has been formed.
If bitartrate of ammonia is mixed with a solution of carbonate
of potassa, an effervescence will take place, and the formation
of a double tartrate of the two bases; a further addition of carbo-
nate of potassa will displace the ammonia from its combination,
which, with the carbonic acid of the potassa salt and that still
held back by the solution, combines to bicarbonate or sesqui-
carbonate of ammonia. But if, after the saturation of the bitar-
trate of ammonia with carbonate of potassa, the carbonic acid is
expelled by a moderate heat, or if the double tartrate of potassa
and ammonia be taken at once, the subsequent addition of carbo-
nate of potassa causes the formation of monocarbonate of am-
monia. Bicarbonate of potassa used in place of the carbonate, will,
in all cases, cause the same result, that is, the production of bi-
carbonate of ammonia. Consequently, if we want the formation
of monocarbonate of ammonia, we have to bring in contact
neutral tartrate of ammonia, or its double salt with tartrate of
potassa, and carbonate of potassa; as this latter, however, can-
not be dispensed in form of powder, and as it dissolves in water
58
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
too easily, and for this reason acts too quickly on the tartrate
so as to form carbonate of ammonia, it is not fit to answer the
purpose of having the reaction going on in the stomach so that
the powder may pass the organs of smell and taste without ex-
hibiting anything but a salinous taste; the dry carbonate of soda
then takes its place, on account of its similar action and its slower
solubility; even carbonate of lime might be used in some cases;
the powder should be mixed in syrup and given at once, but care
should be taken not to direct an excess of carbonate of soda,
which might develope its caustic properties in the stomach. Tar-
trate of ammonia, with which I have experimented a short time
ago, I believe to be a far more stable salt than is usually sup-
posed, but other salts such as the sulphate and muriate can be
used in lieu thereof; it should, however, never be left out of sight
that with these powders a double decomposition takes place, and
that, for instance, a mixture of carbonate of lime and sal am-
moniæ would be inadmissible, on account of the formation of
chloride of calcium. One part of exsiccated carbonate of soda
would suffice for one and three-quarter parts of the neutral tar-
trate, one and a quarter of sulphate and one part of muriate of
ammonia.
Whenever medicine is administered, it ought not only to be
prepared nicely, but appearance and taste ought to be made as
agreeable as possible, so as to please the eye, and, if possible, .
the palate of the invalid. Very often has the pharmaceutist
occasion to take notice of some behavior of medicines in this re-
gard, often he may be interested sufficiently to make some ex-
periments for the sake of information, and thus arrive at some
satisfactory results. We know sugar has been tried to mask the
taste of disagreeable medicines, aromatics and spirits have been
tried, but for some in vain. The effervescing powder seemed to
be one means that had not been sufficiently tried yet, and a de-
sire to find a more pleasant way for administering ammonia, has
also lead to the experiments with iron to discover a way to ad-·
minister it in the state in which it occurs in most of the chaly-
beate springs. These are the reasons for having undertaken
these investigations; if the result and the suggestions expressed
will inspire others to a trial of pushing forward in this direc-
tion, the results might probably be very satisfactory.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
59
PHARMACY AS A BUSINESS.
By EDWARD PARRISH.
Much is said and written about the science and the art of
Pharmacy, but in the present essay I propose to treat it as a busi-
ness, and to hint at some causes tending to its depreciation, and
some of the means within our reach by which to increase its im-
portance and respectability in a pecuniary point of view.
If we apply to the pharmaceutical profession the question by
which any pursuit is apt to be judged in this practical age and
among business men, How does it pay? we shall have to admit
that it compares unfavorably either with most kinds of mercan-
tile business or with the so-called learned professions.
It resembles a trade in some respects and a profession in
others. Considered as a trade, it is limited in the nature and
extent of its wares, which being mostly required only in small
quantities and in times of sickness, fail of that unsolicited, uni-
versal and constantly increasing demand, which, in the case of
articles of necessity and even of constant utility, gives an un-
limited scope to the operations of the dealer. It is thus almost
of necessity a comparatively small business.
As allied to the professions, Pharmacy is considered as occupy-
ing a subordinate position. The apothecary, although equal to
the physician in the responsibility incurred, is inferior in the
range of knowledge required and in the compensation awarded.
His knowledge, skill and integrity, however, constitute the larger
part of his capital, and these can only be exercised in a restricted
sphere, neither can they be exhibited on his sign, nor in his
windows, nor on his shelves, and, unfortunately, they are too
much overlooked by his customers.
The small capital and limited scientific education required,
makes ours a very easy business for persons of limited means to
enter, and hence its gains are greatly divided; there are many
proprietors of shops in our large cities, who scarcely make the
wages of a journeyman mechanic, though constant and zealous
in their devotion to business. In Philadelphia, which would fitly
support one hundred pharmaceutists, five times that number may
be counted.
Although the influence of monied capital is less marked in this
60
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
than in many more strictly mercantile pursuits, it is certainly an
important element of success, a costly establishment will insure
a higher grade of custom and larger gains than a plain and
economical one, due care being taken as to location. A large
and complete assortment is, indeed, generally quite essential to
the prosecution of the business with profit, and although a grow-
ing disposition has shown itself, of late, to branch out into articles
of trade scarcely compatible with the objects and aims of our
profession; yet, on the other hand, some have suffered from too
exclusive ideas of its true scope and limits. Within the materia
medica which it is the duty of the druggist and apothecary to
supply, are natural and artificial productions, in great variety,
drawn from all quarters of the globe, and many of them used
equally in general domestic economy and in the cure of disease.
The farinaceous products, gelatine in its various forms, the
nutritious mosses, the West India fruits, mustard and the
spices, are appropriately included in the stock of the druggist,
though almost taken out of his hands by dealers who are less
educated in the knowledge of their origin, properties and uses,
and less qualified to detect the important adulterations and
sophistications to which they are liable.
As dealers in aromatics and essential oils, and as manufac-
turers of some medicinal essences, spirits and soaps, pharmaceu-
tists are closely connected with perfumery, with articles of use
in the toilet and in promoting cleanliness and otherwise preserv-
ing health; and, indeed, the obvious relation of the art of the
perfumer to that of the apothecary have, from time immemorial,
thrown them into the same hands.
Confectionary, though it may be questioned whether it has not
quite as much agency in creating as in curing disease, is still
necessarily connected with pharmacy, and, among the class of
expectorants particularly, numerous saccharine preparations.
belonging equally to the confectioner, are found on the shelves of
the apothecary.
As chemists, we are looked to for numerous organic and inor-
ganic products, which, though not strictly medicines, have their
uses in the arts and in domestic economy; these, whether we
manufacture or simply deal in them, are among the legitimate.
objects of profitable commerce to the druggist and apothecary.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
61
Carbonic acid water is an officinal article necessarily kept on
hand, and by extending its use as a beverage, it may be made a
source of profit.
Spirituous liquors for their proper and judicious use as tonics.
in conditions of debility and relaxation are much prescribed by
physicians, and may be included in this enumeration of articles
of trade appropriate to the apothecary.
Surgical and obstetric instruments, lint, bandages, the various
forms of apparatus for injection, inhalation, and the nursing of
infants, should be kept on hand as far as circumstances render it
expedient.
It will be obvious, at a glance, that the increase of articles of
commerce so far as a market for them exists, is a certain means
of increased revenue, and the variety called for by the wants of
the public, and sanctioned by custom as appropriate to the busi-
ness of the apothecary, is sufficient to furnish considerable scope
for the investment of capital and the judicious direction of energy
and enterprize.
But the business of the apothecary has an important relation
to manufacturing, and it is in this that its principal profit con-
sists. Our largest profits are on articles of our own preparation,
and these may be few in number or many, at our own option.
By a careful record of sales in a retail store, with a good gen-
eral run of business, I found that in a given time, of every one
hundred sales, forty-eight were of articles manufactured or com-
pounded in the store, and in which labor is an important item of
cost.
In every establishment, it is necessary to keep a sufficient
number of apprentices or employees to attend to the business
of the counter at all times, and to relieve each other in cases of
sickness, accident, &c. With a view to profit, as well as for the
instruction of these, they should be kept busy, except during
hours allowed for study and recreation, and the manufacturing
department offers a fine field for their employment. It may,
indeed, be questioned how far we do justice to those placed under
our care as candidates for the profession, without giving them
thorough practical instruction in the manipulations of our art.
The manufacturing department of our business may be ex-
tended to very great profit. The apothecary, who is alive to his
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
own interests, should not fail to prepare every kind of medicine
for which there is a demand.
As far as the Pharmacopoeia goes it will be his guide; beyond
that, he must rely upon known or approved formulas, or publish
his own as experience may justify their adoption. Let him issue.
his remedies, appropriately labelled with a plain statement of
their composition, uses and adaptations, so that physicians may
prescribe them by their names, and the public, becoming ac-
quainted with their merits, may avail themselves of them without
medical advice. Let me not here be understood as countenancing
quackery; the course now recommended tends directly toward
the most practicable method of ridding ourselves and the public
of this terrible scourge.
There can be no quackery where there is honesty, candor,
publicity as regards formulas, and an enlightened and dignified
policy toward the public. I would aim to establish such a policy
as would be inimical to the professional empyric, as well as to the
outside, undisguised quack, who makes and sells secret nostrums;
for both classes beset the apothecary, and the former is yet more
dangerous to his integrity than the latter. The apothecary should
never, on his labels or in his advertisements, stoop to evasions
and subterfuges. Let him address candid and reasonable words to
intelligent people. Nothing so establishes a man in the favor of
the community as inflexible honesty, that kind of honesty which
extends to words, to manners, and even to the bottling and
labelling of a medicine. The reputation of an honest man is a
standing rebuke to the whole host of deceivers, who strive rather
to seem than to be, and who, whatever wealth they may gain, can
never be really respected by themselves, much less by those
around them.
It is a relic of the days of superstition, too prevalent among
physicians and pharmaceutists, to rely upon secrecy as an cle-
ment of power. The secret is the shield of the quack, but never
can aid the true servant of the healing art. The intelligence of
the age is not satisfied with pretences; it asks for light, it
demands outspoken truth; and the true exponent of the science of
the nineteenth century, wherever he goes, diffuses knowledge and
intelligence; what he knows, he is ready to communicate for
the good of humanity, and what is more to the purpose of this
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essay, it comes back to him a hundred fold, in the confidence and
the support of the community.
Intelligent people always appreciate knowledge and skill; they
would rather trust a man they know, whose claims are not beyond
his well-tried merits, who stands well with his fellows, and in the
estimate of those qualified to judge him, than a quack they never
saw, whose name is "tabood" among the educated and scientific,
and whose chief claim is the possession of a secret.
To suppose
otherwise, is to deny to our people the attribute of common sense,
and to ignore the experience of every one who has fairly tested
the public feeling on the subject.
I have, elsewhere, pointed out the natural antagonism between
the legitimate drug and apothecary business and that of the
quack, and, it is, perhaps, more apparent in this connection than
in any other. In vain do we acquire knowledge of the science
and art of pharmacy, and seek to exercise it as a profession, if
we are to yield to the quack the most important and the most
profitable department of it, that of catering to the popular want
for eligible medicinal combinations.
It is a poor restitution to the pharmaceutist that the nostrum
vender would bribe him into his favor, by offering him a share
in the profits of the disreputable traffic. We should remember
that it is our right, founded upon our education and devotion to
the public service, to supply all within our respective neighbor-
hoods with medicines, for the most part of our own manufacture.
Let us not, then, underrate our influence in the community, but
with a just estimate of our honorable calling, and of the respon-
sibilities it involves, aim to supply the well ascertained demand
for popular medicines, seeking the favor alike of the physician
and the public, and realizing that our interest is here in accordance
with high principle, with humanity and with duty.
There are many physicians who decry the demand for popular
medicines, and place in the same category with the quack every
druggist who ventures to put up medicines for sale with the
necessary directions to adapt them to popular use; the great
majority of medical men, however, freely admit the necessity for
popular medicines, and themselves prescribe them; some, unhap-
pily, patronize the quack, from the very absence of standard pre-
parations emanating from regular pharmaceutists.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
The high-toned physician does not covet continual applications
from his patients upon every trivial occasion, preferring to hold
his services in reserve for cases where the true dignity of his
calling can be shown by the exercise of skill in diagnosis and
treatment; these well know that it is vain to expect that people
will send for the doctor for every ache and pain, which their ex-
perience has shown them will be cured by a well-known plaster
or ointment, or that they will incur the expense of a physicians'
fee, every time they would be relieved of a catarrh or a diarrhoea.
The great body of our population are influenced by practical and
economical views, which many of them have learned in the
school of hard necessity.
If the question were raised as to whether the use of medicines
ought to be restricted to cases under care of physicians, it might
admit of discussion, but all experience goes to prove that the
amount actually dispensed without prescription, far exceeds that
prescribed by physicians; and the question is not, shall the use
of popular medicines be suppressed, but shall the pharmaceutical
profession supply the demand, by the manufacture of reliable
medicines of known composition and prepared according to estab-
lished scientific formulas, or shall they leave the whole field to
the quack, and themselves become the agents for disseminating
his falsehoods and adding to his gains.
If the medical and pharmaceutical professions could thus
unite in an effort to supercede, rather than to oppose the use and
sale of secret nostrums, they would be mutually strengthened
thereby, and a great public good would be accomplished.
We have every motive to sustain the legitimate profession of
medicine. Upon us, as an independant and conservative branch
of the medical profession, devolves a great share of the respon-
sibility of educating the public mind to a due appreciation of
scientific medicine, against the pretensions of the charlatan and
the empyric. This we should take all occasions to do by precept
and example; we should never fail to expose false pretence, and
to commend knowledge, skill and professional probity, not as
though interest or some concealed motive of self-aggrandizement
made us sustain the physician, but because we prefer education to
ignorant pretence, because we would protect the public from impos-
ture, and guide, under the wing of a liberal and beneficent profes-
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sion, those who might otherwise be the victims of the cupidity and
ignorance of the charlatan.
Returning from a digression, which the nature of the subject
seemed to demand, I may advert to other profitable opening in
the line of pharmaceutical manufacture, namely, the improvement
of the quality of pharmaceutical preparations, and the multipli-
cation of new remedies. A pharmaceutist can hardly fail to
improve his business by fostering among physicians who resort
to his shop a taste for the finer products of the pharmaceutical
art; these command a higher price than the old and more familiar
remedies, and whether really better for the purposes designed or
not, they gratify a taste for novelty and for elegance which we
can ill afford to disregard.
To this improvement and modernizing of the art, we may con-
fidently look as an important agency in counteracting the causes
tending to depreciate our profits, and render our profession less
desirable to persons of enterprise and business capacity.
Of these deteriorating causes, excessive competition is the
most important. "Competition is the life of business" as long
as it quickens the perceptions and heightens the zeal of competi-
tors, to improve the quality and increase the assortment of their
goods, and to attract public attention to them; but as soon as the
supply exceeds the demand and the maximum of business it at-
tained, then it becomes a serious evil to sellers and buyers.
In the struggle for business, prices fall, then quality is sacrificed,
then the business ceases to be remunerative, and, finally, the evil
cures itself, though not without a sacrifice of the interests of one
or more of the competitors.
The nature of the apothecary business, especially as conducted
in large cities, renders it peculiarly susceptible to the evils of
competition. As has been already said, the requisite capital is
very small, and many enter it with expectations which are ex-
tremely limited and without the ambition to make it profitable
beyond a bare support.
The profit upon the cost of articles sold is large, chiefly from
the smallness of the quantity required by the purchaser. The
cost of the dose of calomel, or of castor oil, or of salts is not the
basis on which its price is determined in dispensing; this must be
5
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
arbitrary, and is founded upon custom and upon the reasonable
requirements of the case.
us,
The ruinous policy has been adopted by some, of reducing the
price of these little things; a policy uncalled for by the public,
and indeed of very doubtful advantage even to the poor. The
old limit of the sixpence, which used to be so well known out of
doors that a fraction of that small coin was seldom offered
has
been too generally abandoned, so that we now have reduced
prices for nearly all the little items so continually demanded and
which, indeed, constitute a very large share of the business of
the retailer.
This cheapening of single doses of the common medicines is in
keeping with a reduction on the prices of more costly articles
and larger quantities, and it is now customary to sell these by
retail at from 20 to 33 per cent. less than they brought fifteen
years ago.
In this connection it is proper to notice the effect produced
upon the retail business in places where it exists independently
of the wholesale, by the practice of wholesale dealers of sup-
plying the public at wholesale prices with quantities falling
within the range of the retail trade. This kind of competition
is ruinous to the retailer, and constitutes a just cause of complaint
if not of retaliation.
There are articles of common necessity sold generally in con-
siderable quantities, which constitute exceptions to the usual
rule of retail prices, and which are equally called for at whole-
sale and retail stores.
In these cases the prices should be maintained so as to allow
a reasonable profit to the retailer, selling at the lowest price at
which the public is supplied; happily the remedy for any violation
of this obviously just rule is in the hands of the retailers them-
selves, who here have the whip handle if they have the spirit to
wield it.
The practice of compounding prescriptions in wholesale stores
is also one which seriously interferes with the legitimate province
of the apothecary, and on all accounts calls for his firm and de-
termined opposition.
There is no shadow of reason why charges for compounding
prescriptions should share in the downward tendency I have
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spoken of. The public does not demand a reduction, and would
not generally appreciate it, and yet, as if urged by a fatal in-
fatuation, some pharmaceutists are cheapening even this special
and most important part of their labor. In Philadelphia, (and
doubtless it is so elsewhere,) the price for compounding the same
prescription varies 25 or even 50 per cent., according to location,
and the views of the apothecary of his interest or duty. Such dis-
crepancies ought not to be, except when the varying circumstan-
ces of purchasers seem to call for discrimination.
The duty of the apothecary to the poor is closely involved in
the consideration of this subject. Frequently a considerable pro-
portion of our customers are of the class to whom it is a hardship
to pay the charges fixed by the physician and apothecary; sick-
ness and poverty combined constitute a claim to sympathy which
can seldom fail to receive the aid of those 'removed from the
pressure of want, and it is but justice to say that no class in pro-
portion to their means is more open to the calls of charity,
whether in the field which their profession opens before them, or
in the more general and enlarged spheres of benevolence open to
all, than those who, in the capacity of conservators of the public
health, come so closely in contact with the people. Yet while
we are touched with the difficulties of the poor, and to the extent
of our ability seek to lighten their burdens in sickness, let us not
allow ourselves to fall thereby into habits which must interfere
with our business interests and thereby restrict our means of
good.
It is indeed doubtful whether the cheapening of medicines is
of any advantage even to the poorer classes, who are perhaps too
commonly inclined to their injudicious use. It has been truly
said that "more injury is done by amateur dosing than by any
epidemic." Economy would lead persons of restricted means to
buy the best of medicines, but to buy them with judgment and
under competent advice.
The great incentive to the deterioration in the quality of
drugs which has brought the science of medicine into such disre-
pute, and given its enemies one of their strongest weapons against
it, has been and is the cheapening of medicines. Against this
let us bear a united testimony, and seek, by precept and in
practice, to maintain a reasonable and remunerative tariff of
charges.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
If the times call for any change in our prices, they indicate an
advance. Let any apothecary compare his invoice book of
twelve or fifteen years ago with his recent ones, and he will find
an advance in the cost of raw materials. In cinchona, rhubarb,
jalap, and even our indigenous spigelia, serpentaria, &c., we
have examples of frequent advances in cost which have re-
cently subjected the retailer to considerable inconvenience. Al-
cohol, which is so very important a menstruum in pharmaceutical
preparations, has undergone an advance, which, though accom-
panied by fluctuations, seems to be a permanent one.
On the whole, it is apparent that the profits of retailing medi-
cines have diminished by the increased cost to the retailer of
the raw materials and of the principal solvent he employs, while
the tendency under the spirit of competition, without the re-
straints of a just and wise conservatism, is to lower the prices
charged, and to bring the business down to the level of a trade,
and a poor one at the best. Meanwhile, the expenses of living
are advancing, the increased abundance of coin has produced of
recent time a proportional advance in the value of land, of com-
modities and of labor, and it becomes us to advance with them.
If we would see our profession rising in social standing and
influence, we must cease to compete in prices, join in holding
up the standard of remuneration to a just and reasonable point,
and by a liberal and fraternal policy toward each other, and a
dignified bearing toward the public, show that our profession merits
a higher consideration than pertains to the mere trader, and
that the pharmaceutist deserves to be remunerated for his know-
ledge and skill as well as for the wares he offers for sale.
REMARKS UPON THE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF CHEROKEE
GEORGIA.
By ROBERT BATTEY, of Rome, Georgia.
While this section of Georgia was occupied by the Cherokee
tribe of Indians, the collection and exportation of medicinal
plants and roots, together with slugs of silver, (obtained from a
source now unknown) skins and venison hams was their only means
of securing the requisite supplies of salt, whiskey, gunpowder,
calico, &c., consumed by them. One George Lavender, a white
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man, (who early attached himself to the Cherokees, and after-
wards married, I believe, the daughter of John Ridge, one of
their chiefs,) was the principal trader of the tribe. Establishing
himself at the point now known as Rome, he carried on a con-
siderable trade in the articles named, and is said to have had
engaged in his service numbers of wagons, transporting these
commodities to Augusta, a distance of two hundred and fifty
miles, and returning with goods for his store. In this way he
accumulated in some twenty years quite a large fortune. He
sent to market chiefly pink root, serpentaria, senega and gin-
sing. I can obtain no definite data as to the annual amount
thus sent off, or the relative quantities of each. Spigelia and
serpentaria doubtless predominated largely. I am informed that
he was in the habit of shipping spigelia with the top attached,
for which he exchanged salt, powder and dry goods, allowing the
Indian two cents the pound. During one season, having the
monopoly of salt, he is said to have exchanged an entire sack in
small lots, for slugs of native silver, weight for weight. Many
marvellous tales are told of him and his traffic.
For some years prior to the removal of the Cherokees west,
the supply of these plants greatly diminished, until the trade in
them almost entirely ceased, and the Indians devoted themselves
more to the culture of grain, which became so abundant as to be
almost worthless as an article of sale. During the space which
elapsed since their departure, the stock of medicinal plants has
gradually accumulated in our forests, until a profitable business.
could again be done in them, had we the Indians among us as
laborers. Our negroes cannot be depended upon for discretion
and industry, while white laborers regard it as entirely too
small business to engage their attention. It is scarcely proba-
ble that a business will ever again be done here in them, until
the prices shall so far advance as to cause the avarice of our
population to overcome their pride.
The fertility of our mountain lands, which chiefly distinguishes
this section of Georgia, peculiarly fits it for the spontaneous
growth and cultivation of medicinal plants. Our climate inter-
mediate between that of Pennsylvania and Florida, gives us many
of the native plants of each, and enables us to cultivate success-
fully a larger variety.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Capsicum annuum grows well here, but not to the perfection
of the middle and lower portions of our State.
Cassia Marylandica is found in considerable abundance, em-
ployed to some extent in domestic practice; not used by our
physicians.
Chenopodium anthelminticum grows very abundantly in fence
corners; old fields are often nearly covered with it; seldom found
in the forest; employed in infusion as an anthelmintic under the
name of Jerusalem tea. But for the expense of apparatus a good
business might be done in the distillation of the oil.
Chimaphila umbelata abounds in our forests, but not to the ex-
tent it does in portions of middle Georgia. It possesses a sandier
soil than ours; much use is made of it to cleanse the blood."
It is sometimes called prince's pine.
Cimicifuga racemosa is very abundant along the Chattahoochie
River, as also throughout the State; used by the profession in
private practice and freely by the "steamers"; known among
the farmers as "rattle weed."
Frasera Walteri is very abundant, and frequently offered to
druggists under the name Columbia root; used as a substitute for
colomba by the profession as well as in domestic practice.
Cornus Florida is a very common tree in our forests, of usually
a small size, and is very attractive to the eye when in bloom.
Dogwood bark is universally used as a tonic after fevers and in-
termittents.
Anthemis cotula is one of our greatest pests. May-weed,
stink-weed, dog-fennel, and wild chamomile are its vulgar names.
It completely covers waste lands and the commons around our
cities and towns. The bruised herb is said to blister as promptly
as cantharides. It is little if at all used here. The infusion
gives rise to abortion in females. During the hot summer months
it exhales a very offensive odor.
Eupatorium perfoliatum is very abundant, and much used in
domestic and steam practice.
Ficus. The fig grows well with us in some of its more hardy
varieties. Our cold winters occasionally cut them down. We
grow a fig which, although cut by the frost nearly every winter,
is still of so vigorous a habit as to spring up again and bear
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There are
two crops of very excellent fruit during the season.
many varieties cultivated in our State. During the past spring,
the writer was presented with a box of most delicious figs grown
and cured in the lower section of the State. More attention
should be devoted to them as an article of commerce. No attempt
is made to preserve them here, save in syrup and as pickles
for the table, in which forms they are much esteemed.
Gentiana an article is brought to us from the country, which
is not distinguishable in the root, from the officinal. The plant
I have not had an opportunity of examining; we use it in the pre-
paration of the officinal compound. It could probably be ob-
tained in quantities.
Punica granatum is much cultivated in the gardens for orna-
ment and use. While in bloom the beautiful bell-shaped flowers
are quite attractive. The fruit is generally esteemed, and its
rind as well as the bark of the root used medicinally.
Hedeoma pulegioides covers our hill sides in the open woods.
and old fields. It may be mown with the scythe and raked like
hay. With apparatus for distillation, the oil could be obtained
on a large scale.
Humulus lupulus grows finely with us. My garden supplies
my retail trade with a quality for which I realize double the
prices usually obtained for the commercial article. Little or no
attention is given to their cultivation by our farmers.
Linum. No attention is paid to the growth of flax except
upon a very small scale for the seed used medicinally. Oil is
not made at all.
Lobelia inflata, although not indigenous to our soil, has been
introduced in places among us, and we are occasionally offered
both herb and seed.
Maranta has never been tested in this section; a few plants
obtained by the writer some years ago died, and the experiment
has not since been repeated.
Mel. Much attention is given to the production of honey for
the home market, and small quantities of wax are sent abroad.
Wild bees are frequently found in our forests, where they deposit
honey in the hollow trees. They are marked, and in due season
the tree is felled, and the mangled comb extracted and brought to
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
market. A more than ordinary courage is required for success
in this undertaking. The honey is inferior in color and flavor
to that of the domesticated bee.
Mentha piperita and viridis are easily established in our soil,
and take the ground completely, producing abundant crops of
herb. This plant, in our hot climate, abounds I think more
largely in the essential oil than in the State of Michigan, where
I have observed it in cultivation. There seems every reason to
believe that the manufacture of the oil of peppermint would be
quite profitable here under judicious management.
Monarda is abundant in old fields and along the road sides.
No use is made of it.
Amygdaline communis. The almond, both sweet and bitter,
have been grown successfully in the middle portion of Georgia.
I know of no attempt having been made here.
Olea Europaea. Efforts have been made with success to in-
troduce the olive upon our seaboard. It has not been attempted
here.
Ricinus communis is found occasionally along our road
sides. No use is made of it. It is said to drive moles from the
gardens where it is grown.
Terebinthina. During a few years, the production of turpen-
tine, rosin, and spirits has made some progress in our State. In
my own immediate neighborhood the manufacture is as yet quite
limited; not more being produced than is consumed in the
counties immediately around us. The rosin accumulates on hand,
and no arrangements are yet made for shipping it. Our dis-
tance from the seaboard precludes the probability of shipping it
to advantage. Some experiments have been made in the dis-
tillation of the rosin-oil, and it is probable it may be advantage-
ously disposed of in this way. The spirits is distilled from large
cast iron pots upon which are luted tin or sheet iron caps, and
the vapor is condensed in the ordinary copper worm. No water
is introduced with the turpentine. The heat is badly applied,
so that a portion of the rosin is often decomposed, and the spirits
somewhat contaminated with rosin-oil. When brought to us
fresh from the still, the oil of turpentine is almost wholly free from
the odor and taste termed terebinthinate, which it acquires by
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exposure. The flavor of pine bark freshly stripped from the
tree, is scarcely, more acceptable than the recently distilled oil.
Podophyllum peltatum is very abundant in low, moist woods.
In many spots the roots may be obtained almost as rapidly as
potatoes from the cultivated field, so thickly do they grow. It
is much used in domestic and steam practice.
Prunus Virginiana is very abundant, and much used, both the
bark and berries.
Sanguinaria is found abundantly scattered all through our
forests. Much used under the name puccoon root.
Menispermum Canadensis is very abundant in low grounds
along our rivers and small streams; much used as a tonic and altera-
tive. It almost entirely replaces the Smilax officinalis with us.
Sassafras overruns our waste lands, and is usually considered
a never failing indication of the poverty of the soil upon which
it grows. Sassafras tea is a panacea with many; the pith is also
much used.
Senega is found easily for domestic use. Whether it could
be obtained in quantities sufficiently large to make it an article
of regular export, I am unable to say.
Serpentaria is much more abundant, and could I think be made
profitable. This is also much used. Two varieties are found
and used indiscriminately. The distinctions between the two
I have not examined with any care; they are probably contained
in the books.
Spigelia is very abundant. It is occasionally offered in small
lots for sale. It has gone much out of use with us.
Stillingia is indigenous, and used to some extent. I have not
found it very abundant.
Stramonium is our "jimson" weed-a great pest.
Taraxicum is never found indigenous in our soil.
Ulmus. Our elm does not yield so mucillaginous a bark as
that obtained from the Northern States.
Zingiber does not bear our climate well, unless it be protected
during the winter. Besides the plants named, we have many
which are used only in domestic and steam practice. With a
few exceptions, we are unable to obtain a home supply of medi-
cinal plants.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ELIXIR OF OPIUM.
By E. S. WAYNE.
In the July number, 1853, of the New York Journal of
Pharmacy, a formula was published of Dr. David Stewart of
Baltimore, for a preparation of opium, intended as a substitute
for laudanum, and also as a substitute for the nostrum known as
McMunn's Elixir of Opium.
The preparation of it was based upon the known fact, that
alkaline solutions dissolve morphia, and that codeia and narco-
tine are insoluble in the same.
The formula is as follows: Take 1000 grs. of opium, macerate
and levigate it with water, straining the solution from the dregs
and washing the same with repeated affusions of boiling water,
and boiling the resulting liquor with a milk of lime made with
half an ounce of lime and two ounces of water, for a few min-
utes; then filter and wash the mass upon the filter with lime
water, until the filtrate measures 10 ounces; separating 1 ounce
and adding to it 5 grains of muriate of ammonia, boiling and
separating the precipitated morphia after 12 hours standing;
and if it weighed 6 grains, add 9 ounces of alcohol, or a sufficient
quantity, so that each ounce of the preparation contains 3 grs.
of morphia.
I have made this preparation frequently, having had a demand
for it, and from my practical acquaintance must make several
objections to it. First, that the precipitate obtained by the
addition of muriate of ammonia to the lime water solution gives
no correct information, only an approximation as to the amount
of morphia in the solution, as the precipitated matter will be
found to contain a large percentage of lime. Second, that the
preparation after it has been made and filtered clear, will, upon
standing, deposit lime upon the sides and bottom of the vessel
containing it, carrying with it more or less of the morphia, and
that this deposit will continue to take place as long as there is
any lime held in solution. Third, that the preparation is
at best but a solution of impure morphia, which becomes weaker
upon standing, or until all the lime has been deposited, and con-
sequently of less value than when first made.
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Other formulas as have been published with the same view as
the above, i. e., a substitute for McMunn's Elixir. The only
one of which I now can call to mind, that of Eugene Dupuy.
It is very different from the one mentioned, and very little if
any from denarcotised laudanum,-a watery solution of opium,
evaporated down to a certain extent and treated with ether to
remove narcotine, thebaina, meconia and part of codeia, and
contains little, if any, of the volatile principle of the opium, which
Dr. Stewart is of the opinion has valuable therapeutic properties,
lost in great measure by the evaporation, and treatment with
ether. None of the formulas published seem to have been
brought into general use, either from want of trial, or of the efforts
of pharmaceutists to prepare them and bring them into notice;
satisfied that as long as the physician is willing to use a nos-
trum in place of, perhaps, a better preparation, to take no
trouble upon himself so long as the other pays him a profit and
saves him some trouble in the preparation of it.
I submit with this paper a formula which has suggested itself
to me, (and a specimen of the product,) differing in some re-
spects from those mentioned. From that of Dr. Stewart in the
morphia being in its natural combination as a meconate, and in
obtaining the volatile portion of opium by distillation. And
from that of Mr. Dupuy mainly in saving the volatile principle,
which is in great degree lost by the evaporation of the watery
infusion in his process.
Formula.-Opium 1000 grains. Cut it into small pieces and
macerate it for ten days in one pint of alcohol, U. S. P., with
occasional agitation. Then place it in a percolator, and when
all the liquid has passed through, add sufficient alcohol upon the
mass to make the filtrate measure 16 ounces.
Place the resulting tincture in a retort and distill over 8
ounces, which set aside. Remove now the contents of the re-
tort to an evaporating dish, and let it stand seven hours. A large
portion of resin is thus deposited, and is to be separated from
the solution by filtration. To the filtrate add its own volume of
ether and agitate it occasionally. Separate the watery from the
ethereal portion, and expose it to the air, to allow the dissolved
ether to evaporate. To this then add the alcoholic distillate,
76
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
and make up the original measure, 16 ounces, by means of
dilute alcohol.
This may be considered a difficult or troublesome preparation
to make. Such, however, will not be found to be the case, and it
requires actually no more time than either of the other pro-
cesses mentioned to make it. The only troublesome part of
the process is the distillation (which is the chief feature of the
process); this I consider not as troublesome as the evaporation
upon the water bath, or the treating the solution with milk of
lime and the tedious filtration.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
77
APPENDIX.
ABSTRACT OF THE REPORT OF THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
ON THE STATISTICS OF PHARMACY AND OF THE DRUG TRADE.
The facts collected were derived from S. M. Colcord, of Boston, Mass. ;
A. I. Matthews, of Buffalo, New York; Frederick Stearns, Detroit, Michi-
gan; A. E. Richards, Plaquemine, Louisiana; G. T. Chamberlain, St. Louis,
Missouri; and Robert Battey, Rome, Floyd Co., Georgia. In commenting
upon his correspondence generally, the Secretary says, "The undersigned
has been gratified with the increasing improvement in the tone of feeling
manifested by the writers, not only as regards the Association and its objects,
but in reference to the quality of shop practice. One of the greatest im-
pediments complained of, is the difficulty of obtaining efficient and reliable
clerks or assistants; which, in not a few instances, has prevented valuable
members from getting to this meeting; and it is believed that in no way
can the Association prove of more real service to the pharmaceutical pro-
fession than by measures directed to encourage apprentices and assistants
to feel a just pride in qualifying themselves, by personal home exertions,
to become skilful in the practical duties of their business, as well as in
gaining a respectable knowledge of its theory by earnest study."
In Boston, Pharmacy has undergone a marked improvement within the
last ten years, the wholesale trade have been more desirous to improve the
quality of drugs, and there has been an increasing demand for the finer
kinds. The retail stores have undergone considerable improvement in neat-
ness and convenience, there is more uniformity in prices, greater concert
of action, and a better tone of feeling among our professional fraternity
than formerly; the public have a more intelligent appreciation of pharma-
ceutical attainments. Extracts, powders and essential oils are specified as
showing great improvement in quality. The use of purer alcohol than
formerly, and the employment of the displacement process, are stated as
reasons for manifest improvement in the preparations of some establishments,
while many who have been foremost in pharmaceutical advancement are
reaping their reward. The credit for their improvements is due, in a great
degree to the influence of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. This
institution, though located in Boston, is extending its influence and its
membership to many of the New England towns, and with the promise of
advancing the interests of the profession to a corresponding extent.
In Buffalo, Pharmacy partakes of the character which belongs to it in-
78
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
towns of recent growth generally, though professional enterprize has intro
duced, to a considerable extent, the improvements common in older and
more densely populated cities; only a few practitioners of medicine com-
pound and dispense their own medicines, and the others, refusing to send
prescriptions to any but well educated pharmaceutists, the prescription
business is chiefly in the hands of the very few who are centrally located,
and who confine themselves to the legitimate business of pharmacy. The
neighboring towns have no pharmaceutists, physicians conducting all the
necessary pharmaceutical operations as far as their ability goes. There are
two prescription stores who refuse to sell nostrums. The business of in-
structing young men in pharmacy is carried on to a considerable extent by
the better class of pharmaceutists, whose main dependence for assistants is
in apprentices of their own training.
Detroit is not unlike Buffalo in some of its features. The stores may be
thus classified :-Dispensing stores not selling nostrums, one; drugs, exclu-
sively with nostrums, nine; drugs, groceries, patent medicines and paints,
ten; botanic, ("Eclectic") two; German, exclusive, six; groceries, with
common drugs, ten; "patent medicines," exclusively, two; total, forty.
Physicians almost universally write prescriptions. The science of phar-
macy is at a low ebb with most. Clerks are employed who have been edu-
cated in the eastern cities. There is a strong feeling of friendship for our
rising organization among the physicians of Detroit, and they would gladly
promote its interests among the members of the medical profession.
Plaquemine, La., reports that during the last ten years the business of
selling and preparing medicines has been gradually taken out of the hands
of country merchants and physicians and concentrated in the apothecary.
Through that section of the country, the profession of pharmacy is steadily
gaining in worth and importance. Good apothecaries are sustained in most
of the larger towns of the State, though in some sparsely settled parishes.
physic is still sold along with ploughs and calico, often to the detriment of
the patient. Cure-alls are little resorted to as compared with many localities.
The pharmacy partakes largely of the French element, and the Paris Codex
is often referred to. The University of Louisiana, after attendance on two
courses in chemistry and materia medica, and satisfactory examination,
grants a diploma in pharmacy, and some of the drug clerks avail themselves
of its privileges. There are few apprentices, however; the young men lacking
the energy to apply themselves to the thorough acquisition of the science
and the art of pharmacy; the assistants are mostly from the North or from
Europe.
St. Louis contains wholesale stores, ten; number of persons employed,
113;
retail stores, seventy-eight; number employed, 183. Botanic" Eclectic"
stores, two; drug mill and manufactory of Eclectic preparations, one; homœo-
pathic stores, three; stores for patent medicines, &c. &c., eight. Some six
or eight of the stores are owned in part by physicians. The correspondent
informs us that a wholesome spirit of emulation has given birth to much
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
79
improvement, and that it is fair to infer, that, as a class, the retail druggists.
of this city will compare favorably with those of any other city in the
Union. Hopes are entertained of an efficient organization growing up
among them, though at present none is in operation.
Rome, Georgia, is one of a large class of towns which only support one,
or, at most, two or three apothecaries; the business of dispensing medicines
is conducted by physicians in very small places, and, in part, by store
keepers, who sell a few common drugs, patent medicines, paints, &c. in the
larger towns. The few pharmaceutists practising throughout that section
do not take apprentices; "there is something in the name and nature of
the system very revolting to Southern youths." The finer pharmaceutical
preparations, when sold at all, are obtained from the North. Our corres-
pondent encourages the circulation of the Proceedings of the Association
and the Journal of Pharmacy through this section.
CONSTITUTION.
OF THE
American Pharmaceutical Association.
PREAMBLE.
Whereas, The advancement of pharmaceutical knowledge and the eleva-
tion of the professional character of apothecaries and druggists throughout
the United States are dear to us in common with all well disposed pharma-
ceutists; and whereas, a large portion of those in whose hands the prac-
tice of pharmacy now exists, are not properly qualified for the responsible
offices it involves, chiefly by reason of the many difficulties that impede the
acquirement of a correct knowledge of their business :-
Therefore, We the members of a Convention now met at Philadelphia, [Sep-
tember, 1852] composed of apothecaries and druggists from different sections
of the Union, and from all the Colleges and Societies therein existing, with
the object of deliberating on the condition of our profession, do hereby re-
solve and constitute ourselves into a permanent Association, to meet
annually, at such times and places as may hereafter be determined, for
more effectually accomplishing the objects for which we are now assembled,
and do now adopt the following
CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE I.
This Association shall be called the American Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion. Its aim shall be to unite the educated and reputable Pharmaceutists
and Druggists of the United States in the following objects:
1st. To improve and regulate the drug market by preventing the impor-
80
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
tation of inferior, adulterated or deteriorated drugs, and by detecting and
exposing home adulteration.
2nd. To establish the relations between druggists, pharmaceutists,
physicians and the people at large, upon just principles, which shall promote
the public welfare and tend to mutual strength and advantage.
3rd. To improve the science and the art of pharmacy by diffusing scien-
tific knowledge among apothecaries and druggists, fostering pharmaceuti-
cal literature, developing talent, stimulating discovery and invention, and
encouraging home production and manufacture in the several departments
of the drug business.
4th. To regulate the system of apprenticeship and employment so as to
prevent as far as practicable, the evils flowing from deficient training in
the responsible duties of preparing, dispensing and selling medicines.
5th. To suppress empyricism, and as much as possible to restrict the
dispensing and sale of medicines to regularly educated druggists and
apothecaries.
ARTICLE II. Of the Members.
Section 1. Every pharmaceutist or druggist of good moral and profes-
sional standing, whether in business on his own account, retired from
business or employed by another, who, after duly considering the objects of
the Association and the obligations of its Constitution is willing to sub-
scribe to them, is eligible to membership.
Section 2. The mode of admission to membership shall be as follows:
Any person eligible to membership may apply to any member of the Ex-
ecutive Committee, who shall report his application to the said Committee.
If after investigating his claims they shall approve his election, they shall
at the earliest time practicable report his name to the Association, and he
may be elected by two-thirds of the members present on ballot. Should
an application occur in the recess, the members of the Committee may
give their approval in writing, which, if unanimous, and endorsed by the
President, shall constitute him a member, and the fact be reported to the
Association at the next succeeding meeting.
Section 3. No person shall become a member of this Association until he
shall have signed this Constitution, and paid his annual contribution for the
current year. All persons who become members shall be considered as per-
manent members, but may be expelled for improper conduct by a vote
of two-thirds of the members present at any annual meeting.
Section 4. Every member shall pay into the hands of the Treasurer the
sum of two dollars as his yearly contribution, and is liable to lose his right
of membership by neglecting to pay said contribution for three successive
years. Members shall be entitled, on the payment of three dollars, to re-
ceive a certificate of membership signed by the President, Vice-Presidents
and Secretary, covenanting to return the same to the proper officer on
relinquishing their connection with the Association.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
81
Section 5. Every local Pharmaceutical Association shall be entitled to
five delegates in the annual meetings, who, if present, become members of
the Association, on signing the Constitution, without being ballotted for.
Section 6. Pharmaceutists, Chemists, and other scientific men who may
be thought worthy of the distinction, may be elected honorary members
upon the same conditions, and under the same rules as appertain to
active members. They shall not, however, be required to contribute to
the funds, nor shall they be eligible to hold office or to vote at the
meetings.
Section. 7. Members who have paid their annual contribution for ten
successive years shall be considered life members, and exempt from their
yearly payments and entitled to a certificate to that effect.
ARTICLE III. Of the Officers.
Section 1. The officers shall be, a President, two or more Vice Presidents,
a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary and a Treasurer, who
shall be elected annually, and shall hold office until an election of suc-
cessors.
Section 2. The President shall preside at the meetings and administer
the rules of order usual in deliberative assemblies. He shall nominate all
special committees, except a majority of the members present direct a re-
sort to balloting or other means.
He shall sigu the certificates of membership, approve all foreign corres-
pondence and countersign orders on the Treasurer.
He shall present at each annual meeting a report of the operations
of the Association during the year, with such information pertaining to
its condition and prospects and the objects it has in view, together with
such suggestions for its future management, as may seem to him proper.
Section 3. In case of the temporary absence or inability of the President,
his duties shall devolve on one of the Vice-Presidents in the order of their
names.
Section 4. The Recording Secretary shall keep fair and correct minutes
of the proceedings of the meetings, and carefully preserve on file all re-
ports, essays and papers of every description received by the Association,
copies or abstracts of which shall be furnished for publication as may be
required.
He shall furnish the chairman of every special committee with a list of
its members and a copy of the minute of its appointment, and shall notify
every member of the time and place of each annual meeting. He shall be
a member of the Executive Committee.
Section 5. The Corresponding Secretary shall conduct all correspondence
directed by the Association, and reply to all communications addressed to
it in its recess. He shall from time to time address local associations,
members and others possessed of information likely to be of interest to the
6
82
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Association, and report such correspondence to the Committee on the Pro-
gress of Pharmacy, of which he shall be a member.
Section 6. The Treasurer shall collect and take charge of the funds of
the Association, and shall also hold and issue the certificates of mem-
bership. He shall pay no monies unless by the order of the chairman of
one of the standing or of a special committee, authorized to appropriate
funds of the Association, such order to be countersigned by the President.
He shall present a statement of his accounts at each annual meeting
that they may be audited. He shall also report to the Executive Committee
previous to each annual meeting, the names of such members as have
failed to pay their annual contribution for three years, and also the names
of such as have failed to return their certificates of membership after
having been officially disconnected with the Association and duly notified
to do so.
ARTICLE IV. Of the Standing Committees.
Section 1. There shall be two standing committees elected annually-an
Executive Committee, and a Committee on the Progress of Pharmacy.
They shall each consist of five members, and shall elect their own Chair-
men.
Section 2. The Executive Committee, of which the Recording Secretary
shall be one of the members, shall have charge of the revision of the roll, the
inevestigation of applications for membership, the election of members in the
recess, and the publication of the proceedings. They shall report at each
meeting a revised roll of members, with appropriate notices of deceased
members, also the names of any who having become disconnected with
the Association, refuse to return their certificates of membership as pro-
vided by this Constitution.
The annual publication of Proceedings shall contain the corrected roll
of members, full minutes of the several sittings, the Reports of the Presi-
dent and of the Committees, together with such addresses, scientific papers,
discussions, notices of new processes and preparations as the Executive
Committee may deem worthy of insertion. At least one copy shall be
furnished each member of the Association.
Section 3. The Committee on the Progress of Pharmacy, of which the Cor-
responding Secretary shall be one of the members, shall report annually to the
Association on the improvements in Chemistry, Practical Pharmacy and the
collateral branches, on any new works bearing on these subjects published
in this country or in Europe, on the condition of the drug market and the
quality of drugs and manufactured articles, whether of foreign or domes-
tic production, found in commerce.
ARTICLE V. Of the Meetings.
Section 1. The meetings shall be held annually, or as the Association
may from time to time determine, provided that in case of failure of this
from any cause, the duty of calling the Association together shall devolve
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
83
upon
the President, or one of the Vice Presidents, with the advice and con-
sent of the Executive Committee.
Section 2. At the opening of each annual meeting, the President, or, in
case of his absence, one of the Vice-Presidents, shall call the meeting to
order and preside until after an election of officers; in case the President
and Vice Presidents are absent, this duty shall devolve on the chairman of
the Executive Committee, or in his absence on any member chosen by vote
of those present.
In the absence of the Recording Secretary the President shall appoint a
Secretary, pro tempore.
The order of business at the first session of each annual meeting shall
be as follows:
1st. The appointment by the President of a committee of three persons
to examine credentials, and report the names of those duly accredited.
2d. The Executive Committee shall report the names of new members
and of persons present recommended for membership, who shall be imme-
diately balloted for.
3d. The roll of those in attendance, as thus completed, shall be called by
the Secretary.
4th. The reports of the standing and special committees shall be read by
their titles, or in full, and laid on the table for future consideration.
5th. A committee to nominate officers for the ensuing year shall be
appointed, consisting of one nominated by each delegation in attendance
and three members appointed by the President, from among those not dele-
gated, to report at the opening of the next session.
The first session shall close with the reading of the President's annual
report and referring any portions requiring the action of Committees.
After the first session, the order of business shall be determined by the
nature of the subjects presented and by the consent of the majority.
Section 3. During periods fixed by vote for scientific discussion and the
exhibition of specimens and processes, the ordinary rules of parliamentary
bodies shall be suspended, but at other times shall be enforced by the presi-
ding officer, from whose decisions, however, appeals may be taken if required
by five members, and the meeting shall thereupon decide without debate.
A motion reduced to writing and seconded shall be open to discussion,
and while it is before the meeting, no motion shall be received unless
to amend, divide, commit, to lay on the table, postpone or to adjourn :
and a motion to adjourn shall be decided without debate.
On the call of any member, the yeas and nays shall be ordered, when
every member shall vote, unless excused by a majority of those present, and
the names and manner of voting shall be entered on the Minutes.
ARTICLE VI.
This Constitution may be altered or amended by a vote of three-fourths
of the members present at any regular meeting, and notice to alter or amend
the same shall be given at least one sitting before a vote thereupon.
84
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS
OF THE
American Pharmaceutical Association,
FOR 1856-'57.
PRESIDENT,
GEORGE W. ANDREWS, Baltimore, Md.
FREDERICK STearns,
JOHN L. KIDWELL,
H. G. KIERSTED,
•
VICE PRESIDENTS,
Washington, D. C.
Detroit, Mich.
New York City.
TREASURER,
JAMES S. ASPINWALL,
New York City.
RECORDING SECRETARY,
W. J. M. GORDON,
Cincinnati, Ohio.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY,
WILLIAM PROCTER, JR., .
Philadelphia, Pa.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE,
EDWARD PARRISH, Chairman, Philadelphia.
W. J. M. GORDON, Cincinnati.
C. B. GUTHRIE, New York.
CHARLES T. CARNEY, Boston.
I. J. GRAHAME, Baltimore.
COMMITTEE ON THE PROGRESS OF PHARMACY,
WILLIAM PROCTER, JR., Chairman, Philadelphia.
EUGENE DUPUY, N. York.
JAMES COOK, Fredericksburg.
E. S. WAYNE, Cincinnati.
FRANCIS S. WALSH, Washington.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
85
Roll of Members.
[Deceased Members in Italics.]
Henry T. Cummings, M. D., Portland,
Maine.
George L. Dearborn,
Great Falls,
Charles A. Tufts,
Dover,
S. P. Peck,
Bennington,
J. C. Bingham,
St. Johnsbury,
New Hampshire.
New Hampshire·
Vermont.
Vermont.
Henry F. Fish,
Waterbury,
Connecticut.
Joseph Bennett, .
Boston,
Massachusetts.
S. R. Philbrick, M. D.,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Samuel M. Colcord,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Daniel Henchman,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Thomas Restieaux,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Andrew Geyer,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Emery Souther,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
T. Larkin Turner,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Henry W. Lincoln,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
William A Brewer,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Thomas Hollis,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Ashel Boyden,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Henry D. Fowle,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
James S. Melvin,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
William W. Goodwin,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Peter J. Hazzard,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Robert R. Kent,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Alvah Littlefield,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Augustus P. Melzar,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Charles H. Atwood,
Boston,
Massachusetts.
Anthony S. Jones,
Newburyport,
Massachusetts.
Charles T. Carney,
Lowell,
Massachusetts.
James B. Lane,
Fitchburg,
Massachusetts.
David Scott,
Worcester,
Massachusetts.
John Buck,
Chelsea,
Massachusetts.
Llewellyn S. Haskell,
New York City,
New York.
George D. Coggeshall,
New York City,
New York.
John Meakim,
New York City,
New York.
Eugene Dupuy,
New York City,
New York.
C. B. Guthrie, M. D.,
New York City,
New York.
86
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Junius Gridley,
T. B. Merrick,
James S. Aspinwall,
Benjamin Canavan,
John Canavan,
John Milhau,
John P. Dodge,
F. A. Hageman,
New York City,
New York.
New York City,
New York.
New York City,
New York.
•
New York City,
New York.
New York City,
New York.
New York City,
New York.
New York City,
New York.
New York City,
New York.
Oliver Hull,
New York City,
New York.
James T. Maxwell,
New York City,
New York.
Isaac Coddington,
New York City,
New York.
Frederick Hall,
New York City,
New York.
Fred. Thompson,
J. W. Bowers,
J. W. Kiersted,
New York City,
New York.
New York City,
New York.
New York City,
New York.
Wm. F. Henry,
New York City,
New York.
A. I. Mathews,
Buffalo,
New York.
H. A. Blauw,
Rochester,
New York.
Henry C. Blair,
Frederick L. John,
William Thomas,
Charles Ellis,
William Procter, Jr.,
Alfred B. Taylor,
Edward Parrish,
Samuel S. Garrigues,
John H. Ecky,
John M. Maisch,
Thomas Weaver,
M. Henry Kollock,
Jersey City,
New Jersey.
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
•
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Charles Banyart
Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania.
William Heyser, Jr.,
Chambersburg,
Pennsylvania.
•
David Stewart, M. D.
Baltimore,
Maryland.
Geo. W. Andrews,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
A. P. Sharp,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
J. C. Rogers,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
James M. Bowers,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
Israel J. Grahame,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
L. Phillips,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
J. Jacob Smith,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
Charles Caspari,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
R. H. Dryden,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
John W. Barry,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
J. H. Lemmon,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
Joseph Roberts,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
E. J. F. Russel,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
J. F. Moore,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
87
Charles Wiseman,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
George J. Fetter,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
Edward C. Gilpin,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
Oscar Monsarrat,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
G. Davidge Woods,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
J. B. Baxley,.
Baltimore,
Maryland.
Samuel McPherson,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
James Balmer,
Wm. S. Thompson,
William Caspari,
T. W. Tomlinson,
J. J. Thomsen,
Thomas H. Hilsby,
Valentine Harbaugh,
H. H. McPherson,
W. H. Gilman,
F. S. Walsh,
Baltimore,
Maryland.
Baltimore,
Maryland.
•
Baltimore,
Maryland.
•
Baltimore,
Maryland.
Baltimore,
Maryland.
Baltimore,
Maryland.
Washington,
Dist. of Columbia.
Washington,
Dist. of Colombia.
Washington,
Dist. of Columbia.
Washington,
Dist. of Columbia.
D. S. Dyson,
Washington,
Dist. of Columbia.
John L. Kidwell,
Georgetown,
Dist. of Columbia.
Alexander Duval,
Richmond,
Virginia.
Joseph Laidley,
Richmond,
Virginia.
S. M. Zacchrisson,
Richmond,
Virginia.
T. Roberts Baker,
R. H. Stabler,
James Cooke, M. D.,
Silas Whitehead,
Frederick M. Wells,.
John Thomson,
H. J. Macdonald,
Robert Battey,
Felix Glackmeyer,
E. A. Richards,
Richmond,
Virginia.
Alexandria,
Virginia.
Fredericksburg,
Virginia.
Lynchburg,
Virginia.
Charlotte,
Virginia.
Sumpter,
South Carolina.
Barnwell C. H.
South Carolina.
Rome,
Georgia.
Montgomery,
Alabama.
Plaquemine,
Louisiana.
Joseph A. Lee,
Franklin,
Louisiana.
C. Augustus Smith,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Wm. B. Chapman, M.D.,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Wm. C. Arons,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Wm. H. Adderly,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Wm. S. Merrill,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
•
Edward S. Wayne,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
W. H. Coolidge,
A. M. Stevens,
Theodore Marsh,
W. J. M.Gordon,
Lewis Rehfuss,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
J. V. Whetstone,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
J. W. Hannaford,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Asbury Kent, .
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
John Scott,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
88
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
J. C. Parr,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Paul Reinlein,
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Hamilton Creighton,
Xenia,
Ohio.
W. R. Smith, .
Hillsborough,
Ohio.
J. W. Dietrich,
Dayton,
Ohio.
Frederick Stearns,
Guilford T. Chamberlain,
Detroit,
St. Louis,
Michigan.
Missouri.
Thomas H. Barr,
Terre Haute,
Indiana
John A. Child,
Madison,
Indiana.
Charles L. Bache,
San Francisco, .
California.
HONORARY MEMBERS.
Daniel B. Smith,
Thomas Farrington,
Madison J. Bailey, M. D.,
Philadelphia,
Boston,
New York,
Pennsylvania.
Massachusetts.
New York.
CORRESPONDENTS.
James Baker,
Wheeling,
Wm. L. Cleveland,
Charleston,
J. H. M. Morris,
Louisville,
J. H. Reed,
Chicago,.
James B. Campbell,
Portsmouth,
B. R. Strong,
Knoxville,
Morris Emanuel,
Vicksburg,
George B. Gates,
L. Wilcox, Jr., .
R. Browning,
Peter V. Coppuck,
Mobile,
Pittsburg,
Indianapolis,
'Mount Holly,
Virginia.
South Carolina.
Kentucky.
Illinois.
Virginia.
Tennessee.
Mississippi.
Alabama.
Pennsylvania.
Indiana.
New Jersey.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
89
SPECIAL COMMITTEES,
TO REPORT AT THE ANNUAL MEETING FOR 1857.
To report a Syllabus of a Course of Study appropriate to the Student
of Pharmacy—
WM. PROCTER, JR., Chairman,
EDWARD S. WAYNE,
CHARLES ELLIS,
EDWARD PARRISH.
To consider and report upon the subject of Weights and Measures-
C. B. GUTHRIE, Chairman,
C. T. CARNEY,
S. S. GARRIGUES.
To consider and report on the subject of the Sale of Poisons by
Pharmaceutists and others, and the legal means of restraining it.-
S. S. GARRIGUES, Chairman,
A. P. MELZAR,
F. STEARNS,
A. E. RICHARDS.
J. L. KIDWELL.
To consider and report upon the expediency of this Association par-
ticipating in the work of the next decennial Revision of the Pharma-
copoeia-
E. PARRISH, Chairman,
S. M. COLCORD,
J. MEAKIM,
G. W. ANDREWS,
W. B. CHAPMAN.
To report on Home Adulterations, and to bring forward any recom-
mendations in reference to the enactment of State laws controlling this
evil, which they may deem advisable—
C. B. GUTHRIE, No. 12 Gold street, New York, Chairman,
G. W. ANDREWS,
A. I. MATHEWS,
C. A. SMITH,
E. S. WAYNE.
To collect, compile and report Local Unofficinal Formulæ in use
by Physicians-
J. MEAKIM, New York, Chairman, D. HINCHMAN, BOSTON, MASS.
H. C. BLAIR, Philadelphia, W. S. THOMPSON, Baltimore, Md.,
W. H. GILMAN, Washington, D. C., W. KEYSER, jr., Chambersburg, Pa.
A. E. RICHARDS, Plaquemine, La., JAS. COOKE, Fredericksburg, Va.,
R. H. STABLER, Alexandria, Va., W. J. M. GORDON, Cincinnati, O.
1
:
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Minutes of the First Session,
President's Address,
Report of Treasurer,
Report of Executive Committee,
Report of Committee on Standards of Quality,
Report of Committee on Certificates of Membership,
Minutes of the Second Session,
Scientific Papers and Items,
Page 1 to 12
5
7
9
10
12 to 15
Minutes of the Third Session,
Committee on Text Books,
Report of Committee on Prizes,
Subjects Referred for Investigation,
Scientific Communications,
Minutes of the Fourth Session,
Report on Home Adulterations,
Scientific Papers and Verbal Communications,
•
Minutes of Fifth Session,
Supplementary Minutes, containing scientific papers,
Essay on the action of Oil of Sassafras on vessels containing
Lead, &c., by E. S. Wayne,
Remarks on Oil of Cotton Seed, by E. S. Wayne,
((
Essay on Leptandra Virginica,
Oil of Pignut Hickory,
66
by E. S. Wayne,
do.
do.
the peculiar principle of the Nat. Ord. Trilliaceæ,
Report on the operation of the Law for the Examination of
Drugs, at Baltimore, by Prof. Aiken, .
Essay on a new proximate principle from Sanguinaria Cana-
((
(6
densis,
on the Preparation of Narcotic Extracts, by S. 8. Gar-
rigues,
on Effervescing Powders, by John M. Maisch,
(( on Pharmacy as a Business, by Edward Parrish,
on the Medicinal Plants of Cherokee Georgia, by
Robert Battey,
on Elixir of Opium, by E. S. Wayne,
Appendix,
Abstract of Report on Statistics,
Constitution,
List of Officers, Members and Committees,
14
15 to 24
16
19
20
23
24 to 28
26
27
28, 29
30 to 76
30
31
33
34
36
39
40
42
49
59
68
71
77 to 83
77
79
84 to 89
ጎ
រ
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
American Pharmaceutical Association
AT THE
SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING
HELD IN PHILADELPHIA,
SEPTEMBER 1857,
WITH
THE CONSTITUTION AND LIST OF THE MEMBERS.
PHILADELPHIA:
MERRIHEW & THOMPSON, PRINTERS,
Lodge street, North side of Pennsylvania Bank.
1857.
OFFICERS
OF THE
American Pharmaceutical Association.
1857-'58.
PRESIDENT,
CHARLES ELLIS, Philadelphia, Penna.
VICE PRESIDENTS,
JAMES COOKE,
S. P. PECK,
Fredericksburg, Va.
Bennington, Vt.
A. E. RICHARDS,
Plaquemine, La.
TREASURER,
SAMUEL M. COLCORD,
Boston, Mass.
RECORDING SECRETARY,
W. J. M. GQRDON,
Cincinnati, Ohio.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY,
EDWARD PARRISH,
Philadelphia, Penna.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE,
SAMUEL S. GARRIGUES, Chairman, Philadelphia.
H. T. CUMMINGS, Portland, Me. JOSEPH ROBERTS, Baltimore, Md.
W. H. GILMAN, Washington, D.C. W. J. M. GORDON, Cincinnati, O.
COMMITTEE ON THE PROGRESS OF PHARMACY.
FREDERICK STEARNS, Chairman, Detroit.
I. J. GRAHAME, Baltimore.
R. H. STABLER, Alexandria, Va.
EUGENE DUPUY, New York.
EDWARD PARRISH, Philadelphia.
NOTE.
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
The Executive Committee, in preparing the accompanying report of
the Sixth Annual Meeting of the American Pharmaceutical Association,
have followed nearly the plan pursued in the former reports:
1st. The minutes of the meetings, containing the report of the Ex-
ecutive Committee and the Treasurer, and that of the Committee on the
revision of the Pharmacopoeia, which are so short as to be introduced in
the body of the Minutes without breaking the thread of the Proceedings.
The roll of members in attendance, reaching 75 in number, is separated
from the Minutes, and given entire at page 35.
2d. The reports of Committees on Weights and Measures, Sale of
Poisons, Progress of Pharmacy and Unofficinal Formulæ, and a Communi-
cation from Dr. M. J. Bailey, late Special Examiner of the port of New
York, under the head of "Reports of Committees," occupy from page
36 to 101.
3d. Under the head of "Scientific Reports and Essays," are included
a larger number of interesting papers, than have ever before been read
before the Association.
4th. The "Volunteer Papers," commencing on page 146, embrace
one by E. Parrish, two by F. Stearns, and one by J. M. Maisch, all of
which possess much interest to the Pharmaceutical profession, and de-
serve attention.
5th. It will be observed that the Appendix, as heretofore, contains
the Constitution, Roll of Members, and a list of the Special Committees
from whom reports are expected next year. To this, as well as to the
list of subjects referred to individual members, commencing on page 30,
the attention of all is especially directed. An Index will be found at
the end of the work.
A list of the Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Association, since
its organization has been introduced, as possessed of historical interest.
The edition of the Proceedings comprises 1200 copies. Each mem-
4
NOTE.
ber will be furnished with one copy by mail as soon as the work is
issued, and is entitled to two additional copies on application to the
undersigned, Chairman of the Executive Committee, by forwarding ac-
curate directions and nine cents for each copy, in U. S. postage stamps ;
this covers only the expense of forwarding.
The price of the work in paper is 24 cents per copy, which covers the
cost merely; the postage, as before stated, is nine cents. In order to
facilitate the permanent preservation of the important documents it con-
tains, we have had a considerable number of copies bound in boards.
The additional expense of these is fifteen cents each, and the postage on
each is fifteen cents, making an aggregate of 54 cents.
Members wishing bound copies mailed to them in preference to the
two in paper to which they are entitled, will forward to the undersigned
thirty cents for each, which will include binding and postage.
New members who receive a copy of these Proceedings, and find in
the Minutes a record of their election, will receive this as an official
announcement of the fact, and if not otherwise directed may obtain cer-
tificates of membership by mailing the fee to the undersigned, with proper
directions for forwarding the certificate.
The "Proceedings" of previous years, from 1852 to 1856, inclusive,
having been freely distributed at the time of their publication, are now
difficult to obtain, especially those of 1852. Members possessing du-
plicate copies are requested to mail them to the undersigned, as it is the
intention of the Executive Committee to collect as many complete sets
as possible, and have them bound in a permanent form for sale.
Members are especially urged to use the facilities afforded by the
publication of these Proceedings, which are certainly creditable to
the Association at so early a period of its history, to spread a know-
ledge of its objects and position among the members of our own and of
the medical profession, and to enlist the press in their respective locali-
ties in giving greater publicity to what is doing for the elevation and
progress of Pharmacy.
SAMUEL S. GARRIGUES,
Chairman of the Executive Committee,
No. 108 North Fifth street, Philadelphia.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
American Pharmaceutical Association.
MINUTES OF THE SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING.
The American Pharmaceutical Association commenced its
Sixth Annual Meeting at the Hall of the Philadelphia College
of Pharmacy, Sept. 8th, 1857, at 3 o'clock, P. M.
The President of the Association, GEORGE W. ANDREWS, of
Baltimore, being absent in Europe, and the first Vice President,
J. L. KIDWELL, being also absent, the meeting was called to
order by FREDERICK STEARNS, of Detroit, 2d Vice President;
W. J.M. GORDON, of Cincinnati, Secretary.
On motion of Edward Parrish, a Committee on Credentials,
was appointed by the Chair, consisting of S. M. Colcord, of
Boston, John Meakim, of New York, and William Procter, Jr.,
of Philadelphia, who after a recess reported the following list of
Delegates appointed to attend the meeting:
From the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy-Dillwyn Par-
rish, Ambrose Smith, William Procter, Jr., Charles Bullock and
T. S. Wiegand.
New York College of Pharmacy-John Meakim, Eugene
Dupuy, Geo. W. Berrian, Jr., John Canavan and George W.
De la Vergne.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy-William A. Brewer,
Charles A. Tufts, S. P. Peck, Charles T. Carney and Samuel
M. Colcord.
Cincinnati College of Pharmacy-W. J. M. Gordon, Charles A.
Smith, W. B. Chapman, Edward S. Wayne and A. M. Stevens.
Maryland College of Pharmacy-J. F. Moore, I. J. Grahame,
J. H. Lemmon, Joseph Roberts and J. Jacob Smith.
.1
6
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Pharmaceutical Association of Washington City-F. S. Walsh,
S. E. Tyson, Daniel B. Clarke, D. S. Dyson and James N. Callan.
The following gentlemen were reported by the Executive Com-
mittee as having been elected members of the Association during
the interim:
William Loeffler, Chambersburg, Pa.
Eugene L. Massot, St. Louis, Mo.
Crawford Blackwood, Columbus,
Miss.
C. K. Gallagher, Washington, N. C.
Wm. B. Little, San Francisco, Cal.
Peter V. Coppuck, Mt. Holly, N. J.
H. A. Hughes, Louisville, Ky.
Washington Laycock, Detroit, Mich.
Matthew F. Ash, Jackson, Miss.
John Jackson, Knoxville, Tenn.
Samuel K. Norgrave, Pittsburg, Pa.
The Chairman of the Executive Committee reported the fol-
lowing gentlemen for membership, who were balloted for and
duly elected, viz :
Samuel F. Troth,
Philada.
Louis M. Emanuel,
((
Samuel N. James,
((
Thomas P. James,
Samuel S. Bunting,
Edward H. Hance,
Philada.
66
((
George Cook,
((
William R. Warner,
((
Thomas Lancaster,
66
Evan T. Ellis,
Asher S. Leidy,
(6
Bradford Ritter,
(6
The Secretary then called the roll, and forty five members
were found to be present.*
The Report of the Executive Committee was read by the
Chairman, Edward Parrish, and on motion, was accepted, and
laid on the table for future action. It is as follows:
The Executive Committee present the following Report of
their proceedings for the past year:
The annual publication entitled "Proceedings of the Ameri
can Pharmaceutical Association," was issued early after the meet-
ing in Baltimore. It comprised ninety octavo pages, and we have
an evidence of the interest which it excited in the numerous ap-
plications for copies which reached the Committee by mail and
otherwise. One thousand copies were published at an expense
of $135 92.
The subject of collecting and placing in a safe repository the
manuscript and printed documents of the Association, was re-
ferred to us last year, by Resolution, and we have obtained the
*See roll of members in attendance.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
7
-]
use of cases in the Hall of the College of Pharmacy, Zane street,
Philadelphia, for the purpose. It is cause of regret that so small
a stock of the Proceedings of previous years is in our possession,
and we propose that the effort be made to procure back numbers
to be sent to the Chairman of the next Executive Committee, so
that complete sets may be made up for future use.
There have been, since the last annual meeting, sixteen appli-
cations for membership. Of these, one was, by the advice of
the Committee, withdrawn, eleven were approved by the separate
members in writing, and duly elected.
Copies of the Constitution, signed by these applicants re-
spectively, with the required vouchers of Physicians and Phar-
maceutists, the approval of the Committee, and the endorsement
of the President, accompany this report. They are designed to
be deposited with the papers of the Association.
The remaining four applicants, up to the time of writing this
report, are: George W. Sloan, Indianapolis, Ind.; John M.
Clark, Milledgeville, Ga.; William M. Guilford Lebanon, Pa.,
and P. C. Candidus, Aberdeen, Miss. These have not received
the necessary sanction of the President in consequence of his
absence from the country; their applications have been duly ap-
proved by the Committee, and they are recommended for election.
During the past year, which has been remarkable throughout
the country for the rare occurrence of acute disease, our Asso-
ciation has sustained no loss by death, except in one instance,
that of Benjamin Canavan, of New York, which will be appro-
priately noticed by a member of the New York delegation.
The following names have been erased from the roll, they
having voluntarily relinquished membership by failing to pay
their contributions for three successive years, exclusive of the
contributions for the current year.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Your Committee, through Professor Guthrie, propose to make
a separate report on the subject of the appointment of Special.
Examiners, referred to them last year.
EDW. PARRISH Chairman.
CHAS. T. CARNEY.
C. B. GUTHRIE.
W. J. M. GORDON.
I. J. GRAHAME.
8
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
The following Reports of Committees were read by their
titles, and laid on the table:
The Report on a Syllabus of a course of study appropriate to
the Student of Pharmacy.
The Report upon the subject of Weights and Measures.
The Report on the subject of the Sale of Poisons, &c.
The Report on the Progress of Pharmacy.
The Report on the expediency of the Association taking part
in the revision of the Pharmacopoeia, was read, accepted, and
laid on the table for future consideration.-(See page 21.)
The Committee appointed to collect, compile and report local
unofficinal formulæ in use by Physicians, presented a report.
which was received and laid on the table.
The following Committee of one from each local organization
represented, was selected by the delegations to nominate officers,
viz. :
Massachusetts College.-S. M. Colcord.
New York College.-Eugene Dupuy.
Philadelphia College.-Wm. Procter, Jr.
Cincinnati College.-W. J. M. Gordon.
Maryland College.-Joseph Roberts.
Washington Association.-D. S. Dyson.
From the members at large, Edward Parrish, of Philadelphia,
H. T. Cummings, of Portland, John Buck, of Chelsea, were ap-
pointed by the chair.
On motion, the selection of a room for the future sessions of
the Association, among those in the College building, was re-
ferred to the Local Committee.
The Treasurer's report was presented and laid on the table
for future action.
An invitation was received from the Academy of Natural
Sciences to visit their Museum, and from the Dean of the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania to visit their Anatomical Museum, which
were accepted and the thanks of the Association tendered.
On motion of Charles Ellis it was resolved that the professors
of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, not members of the
Association, be invited to attend the meeting.
The following gentlemen were proposed for membership by
the Executive Committee, balloted for and elected.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
Y
William Fiske, Cleveland, Ohio.
N. H. Jennings, Baltimore, Md.
Wm. H. Pratt, Philadelphia Pa
Edward Donnelly, do.
John Faber, New York.
do.
Henry N. Rittenhouse, Wilming
Delaware.
top,
Henry Haviland, New York.
Charles H. Eggert, Philadelphia.
James Gordon, Boston.
It was on motion resolved, that when we adjourn we adjourn
to 9 o'clock to-morrow morning.
Vice President Stearns then read the following Annual Address
to the Association.
Gentlemen of the American Pharmaceutical Association,—
In the absence of our worthy President, G. W. Andrews, of Baltimore,
and of our first Vice President, Mr. Kidwell, it has devolved upon me
to state to you the results accomplished by the several Committees ap-
pointed at our last meeting, and to invite your earnest attention to the
many subjects of importance and interest which will be presented for
your consideration and action.
Allow me in this connection to refer with feelings of pride to the pre-
sent condition of our Association, which, though young in years as an or-
ganization, has created for it—through its aims—an interest in the breasts
of all well disposed Pharmaceutists of our broad Union.
Allow me also to congratulate you upon the goodly number, who from
the West, the North, the South are here assembled to-day, and assembled
with one common object-the elevation and improvement of Phar-
maceutical Science. I trust we are all earnest and enthusiastic in our
work, and, gentlemen, let us hope that we may soon rank our Asso-
ciation among the most important, useful, and scientific of our coun-
try, in the influence it will exert in elevating us as professional men, and
in promoting the public welfare. The reports of the Standing Committees-
the first, Executive-will show you that our Association is in a most
desirable condition of prosperity; the 2d, upon the Progress of Pharmacy,
has a digest of numerous interesting facts to offer.
The reports of the special committees, from their completeness, will add
valuable matter to the archives of our institution.
We may expect full reports from those to whom the several questions
were proposed at our last meeting.
I am also led to believe that several unofficial reports and communi-
cations of an interesting and important character will be offered.
Your attention will be called particularly to the importance of appoint-
ing a general committee, whose duties shall be to suggest revision and
additions to our National Codex at the Pharmaceutical Convention in
1860. The importance of this matter will receive, it is hoped, its due con-
sideration at your hands.
It is suggested from the success attending the apportioning of ques-
10
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
tions to individual members, that this method of obtaining interesting
and important documents for the benefit of the Association be continued
during the coming year, by the suggestion of new subjects for investiga-
tion to individual members.
Much other business will doubtless require your thoughtful and im-
partial consideration.
In the actions and discussions of this body of workers, I trust to see
manifested enthusiasm, earnestness, that our meeting be conducted in a
spirit of harmony, consistent with our position and character, and that
your efforts will result in permanent good to our growing organization.
Before taking my seat among you, allow me to express my appreciation
of the honor with which you were pleased to endow me, as well as my thanks
for your present forbearance and courtesy.
On motion adjourned.
Second Day-Morning Session-Sept. 9th, 1857.
The Association was called to order at 9 o'clock A. M. by
Vice President Stearns.
The following gentlemen having been proposed for member-
ship by the Executive Committee, were ballotted for and elected:
Elisha H. Perkins, Baltimore, Md.
George W. Sloan, Indianapolis, Ind.
John M. Clark, Milledgeville, Geo.
William M. Guilford, M. D., Le-
banon, Pa.
P. C. Candidus, Aberdeen, Miss.
Charles A. Heinitsh, Lancaster, Pa.
Tristram W. Metcalfe, Brooklyn,
New York.
Wm. L. McCorkle, Columbia, Pa.
R. F. Lattimer, Jackson, Mich.
Geo. M. Snowden, Philada., Pa.
Abraham S. Wiley, Cambridge,
Massachusetts.
Eben Blatchford, Rockport, Mass.
Dexter D. Geyer, Gloucester, Mass.
Thos. Whitehorn, Brooklyn, N. Y.
George Syme, New York City.
Alexander Hudnut, Brooklyn, N. Y.
T. Morris Perot, Philada., Pa.
H. Steiner, Philadelphia, Pa.
John S. Pemberton, Columbus,
Georgia.
66
66
Edwin O. Gale, Chicago, Ill.
William H. Gale,
Chas. E. Heckman, "
(6
T. R. Spence, Detroit, Mich.
Wm. H. Peabody, Buffalo, N. Y.
John T. Fuller, Detroit, Mich.
Otto Leuschner, Detroit, Mich.
Alfred S. Lane, Rochester, N. Y.
James D. Paine, Chicago, Ill.
J. J. Wm. Bowling, Alexandria,
Virginia.
The Committee appointed to nominate officers made the fol-
lowing report, which was accepted.
The Committee to nominate officers for the ensuing year,
being embarrassed by former precedents and what may be con-
#
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
11
sidered an independent course, have deviated so far from the
usual practice as to offer for your suffrages three candidates for
the presidency instead of one. Our reason for so doing is be-
cause this is the first instance of our meeting twice in the same
city. By following former precedents we should select our
presiding officer from the place of our meeting, and if this course
is still pursued it is evident that a president cannot be selected
from the rural districts. Although the Association never has
and never should sacrifice merit to locality, yet the committee
deem the present time a suitable one to make a change in the
mode of nomination, and would offer three names, all well quali-
fied; one a resident of Philadelphia, one of a sister city, and a
third from a locality having no organized body of pharmaceutists.
NOMINATIONS.
For President-Charles Ellis, of Philadelphia, C. B. Guthrie,
of New York, Henry F. Fish, of Connecticut.
2d 66
3d 66
66
1st Vice President-James Cooke, Fredericksburg, Virginia.
S. P. Peck, Bennington, Vermont.
A. E. Richards, Plaquemine, Louisiana.
Recording Secretary-W. J. M. Gordon, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Corresponding Secretary-Edward Parrish, Philadelphia, Pa.
Treasurer-Samuel M. Colcord, Boston, Massachusetts.
Executive Committee-S. S. Garrigues, Philadelphia, H. T.
Cummings, Portland, Joseph Roberts, Baltimore, W. H. Gil-
man, Washington, W. J. M. Gordon, Recording Secretary,
ex-officio.
Committee on the Progress of Pharmacy-Frederick Stearns,
of Detroit, I. J. Grahame, of Baltimore, R. H. Stabler, of Alex-
andria, Eugene Dupuy, of New York, Edward Parrish, Corres-
ponding Secretary, ex-officio.
Respectfully submitted.
Signed,
S. M. COLCORD, and others.
The Chair having appointed John Meakim and S. S. Garrigues
tellers, the members proceeded to ballot for President, when
CHARLES ELLIS, of Philadelphia, was elected.
The President elect was then conducted to the chair by its
late occupant, and in a few pertinent remarks returned his thanks
12
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
to the Association for their expression of confidence, and pro-
mised his best efforts to facilitate the labors of the Association.
The balloting for officers being continued, the following gen-
tlemen were elected.
1st. JAMES COOKE,
2d. S. P. PECK,
3d. A. E. RICHARDS,
VICE PRESIDENTS,
Fredericksburg, Va.
Bennington, Vt.
Plaquemine, La.
TREASURER,
•
Boston, Mass.
RECORDING SECRETARY,
•
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Philadelphia, Pa.
SAMUEL M. COLcord,
W. J. M. GORDON,
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY,
Edward ParrISH,
The Executive Committee and Committee on the Progress of
Pharmacy were elected as proposed by the nominating Com-
mittee, and subsequently these Committees severally elected
S. S. Garrigues, of Phila., Chairman of the Executive Commit-
tee, and Frederick Stearns, of Detroit, Chairman of the Com-
mittee on the Progress of Pharmacy.
The Secretary was authorized by resolution to employ a Re-
porter to assist in embodying the discussions and extemporane-
ous communications for use in compiling the published proceed-
ings.
It was moved by Edward Parrish that the reports of standing
and special Committees as introduced, so far as convenient, be
printed for the use of the members previously to their being
acted upon.
This was objected to, as likely to occasion delay,
and was not adopted.
On motion of William A. Brewer, it was Resolved, That in the
future annual meetings of this Association, the nomination for
President be made from the members at large, without regard to
the precedent which has hitherto governed us in selecting that
officer from the members in the place where said meetings are
held.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
13
A communication was received from M. J. Bailey, M. D., late
Special Examiner of Drugs, at the port of New York, and post-
poned to a future sitting.
On motion of W. Procter, Jr., it was Resolved, That a Com-
mittee of two be appointed to report, to a future sitting, a
list of subjects for members to investigate and report on next
year.
W. Procter, Jr., and E. Parrish, were appointed by the chair.
It was moved that the Report of the Committee on the re-
vision of the Pharmacopoeia be printed for the use of the members
before being acted on," which was carried.
It was moved and carried that Reports of Committees be
taken up in their regular order."
The Report on "A Syllabus for Pharmaceutical Students,"
was taken up and portions were read, but as it had not been suf-
ficiently perfected for publication, on motion, the committee was
continued, and requested to report to the next annual meeting;
and they were authorized to have the Syllabus printed and dis-
tributed to members only, for private examination and sugges-
tions, prior to the said meeting.
The Report of the Committee on Weights and Measures being
next in order, the chairman, Prof. Guthrie, asked permission,
which was granted, that the first hour of the afternoon sitting be
allotted to the reading of his report.
The Report of the Committee on the sale of Poisons, and the
legal means of restraining it, was read by the Chairman, S. S.
Garrigues, accepted, and referred to the Executive Committee
for publication. (See Reports of Committees.)
The Chairman of the Committee on Home Adulterations, Prof.
Guthrie, made some verbal remarks, stating that he had made
no written report, owing to sickness, to the want of co-opera-
tion by other members of the Committee, and to the difficulties
to be overcome in reporting facts and names.
On motion, the Committee was discharged, and a new Commit-
tee nominated and elected, consisting of C. B. Guthrie, of New
York, Alfred B. Taylor, of Philadelphia, Chas. T. Carney, of
Boston, Alpheus P. Sharp, of Baltimore, and Wm. Fiske, of
Cleveland.
On motion, adjourned to meet at 3 o'clock, P. M.
يد الام
14
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Second Day-Afternoon Session.
The Association was called to order at 3 o'clock, P. M., by the
President, Charles Ellis.
The first business in order being the Report of the Committee
on Weights and Measures, Prof. Guthrie read the document, and
illustrated it with numerous tabular diagrams.*
On motion, the Committee was continued, William Procter,
Jr., and John Meakim were added to it, and it was authorized to
act with Committees from other bodies on the same subject.
The Report of the Committee on Unofficinal Formula was pre-
sented and read by its chairman, John Meakim. The report was
accepted and referred to the Executive Committee for publica-
tion, with discretionary power.
*
On motion, the Committee was discharged, and the following
Committee appointed, viz: John Meakim, New York, Alpheus
P. Sharp, Baltimore, Edward Parrish, Philadelphia, W. S.
Brewer, Boston, W. H. Peabody, Buffalo, H. A. Blauw, Roches-
ter, W. H. Gilman, Washington, Joseph Laidley, Richmond,
Wm. B. Chapman, Cincinnati, Wm. Fiske, Cleveland, James
Paine, Chicago, G. T. Chamberlain, St. Louis, T. R. Spence,
Detroit, J. S. Melvin, Boston.
The Communication introduced this morning from M. J.
Bailey, M. D., was now read and referred to the Executive Com-
mittee.
The Report of the Executive Committee of last year was again
read, and was adopted.
The Report of the Committee on the Progress of Pharmacy,
was now taken up, and various portions were read, so as to give the
meeting an idea of its contents.* Appended to this report was a
statement by the present Drug Examiner at New York, Dr. Mer-
kle, exhibiting the kinds and amount of drugs passed daily from
June 1st to August 31st, 1857, which was furnished at the re-
quest of a member of the Committee.
On motion of T. S. Wiegand, it was Resolved, That the Report
of the Committee on the Progress of Pharmacy be accepted, and
that the thanks of the Association be tendered to that committee
for their very able and interesting report, and that it be pub-
lished in the Proceedings in extenso.
* See Reports of Committees.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
15
The Report of the late Treasurer was read, as follows, and on
motion was referred to a committee of two to audit, consisting
of C. B. Guthrie and T. S. Wiegand.
American Pharmaceutical Association in account current with J. H.
ASPINWALL, Treasurer.
1856.
DR.
Sep.
((
Paid C. T. Carney for A. Geyer, see voucher No. 1.
Filling certificates in Philada.,
$50 00
(C
4 50
((
do.
N. York,
1 50
do.
Nov. 13,
1857.
Aug.
((
66
Wm. Procter's order,
Executive Com. distributing Proceedings,
do. Circulars and postage,
Advertisements,
Printing Proceedings, voucher No. 2,
Stamps, U. S.
Filling certificates in N. York, voucher No. 3,
Balance to Cr. in new account, viz:
due from Executive Com.
((
13 50
5 00
875
4.00
135 92
4 25
3. 00
39 00
do.
do.
12 00
Due from Treasurer in cash,
96 63
147 63
378 05
1856.
CR.
Sep. 8, By balance from old account,
Aug.
Sep.
Amount rec'd. by Mr. Guthrie, see voucher No. 1,
from 72 members for 1856,
،،
3
19
1855,
"certificates,
Received by Executive Committee for 16 members,
from Charles Ellis, for Certificates,
24 30
114 00
((
6.00
57 00
32.00
48 75
39.00
do.
12 00
45 00
378 05
JAS. S. ASPINWALL,
Treasurer.
by Executive Committee per E. Parrish,
by
do.
by Treasurer in New York, from 15 members,
see his cash account in book,
Errors excepted,
New York, September 7th, 1857.
Hennell Stevens, of Philadelphia, was proposed by the Exec-
utive Committee, and elected a member of the Association.
On motion, adjourned to meet at 9 o'clock to-morrow morning.
Third Day—Morning Session-Sept. 10th, 1857.
The Convention was called to order by the President. The
Secretary called the roll, and read the minutes of the preceding
meeting, which were adopted.
16
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
The attention of the Association was called by J. Meakim to
the decease of one of its members, Benjamin Canavan of New
York, in the following preamble and resolution, which were
adopted and directed to be embodied in the minutes:
Mr. President,-While we have cause for thankfulness that
during the past year the members of our Association generally
have enjoyed health; it becomes my mournful duty to announce
to you that death has removed from us since our last meeting
one of our most valued members. Benjamin Canavan, of New
York, died in October last from hemorrhage of the lungs.
Although attending to his duties until the day preceding his
death, he had been infirm for many months previous, which pre-
vented his active co-operation with us. He was a model pharma-
ceutist, and one of the noblest works of God, an honest man.
As a tribute of respect to his worth, permit me to offer the
following:
•
Resolved, That the members of this Association have heard
with regret that death has deprived them of their fellow member
Benjamin Canavan, of New York. In his death our science has
lost an ornament, and our Society a useful and respected associate.
An invitation was received by the Local Committee, inviting
the members to an excursion to Laurel Hill, Fairmount, and
other places, which was considered, and on motion it was resolved
to accept it, and that it take place to-morrow afternoon.
SCIENTIFIC
REPORTS.
The consideration of scientific subjects being now introduced,
the reports of special investigations referred last year were called
up seriatim, beginning with the following;
1. What are the actual sources of the light Cod-liver Oil of American
commerce, both as relates to the species of fish that yield it, and the
places where it is extracted? Is it adulterated with sperm or fish oil?
and if so, is it done by the producers or collectors, or after it enters com-
merce?
Robert R. Kent of Boston not being present, Charles T. Car-
ney of Boston made the following verbal statement :
In relation to Mr. Kent's paper on cod-liver oil, I would say
that he entered upon the investigations of this subject very soon
after our last meeting in Baltimore, and during several months
挣
​AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
17
of the last Fall and Winter he personally visited the fishing
ground, and prepared from cod-livers of his own obtaining some
very fine light oil, the most beautiful I ever saw. Mr. Kent
made some quite singular discoveries in relation to the yield of
this article from the livers; thus at one time the yield would be
exceedingly large; and in a month, the same amount by weight
of the livers apparently equally promising would yield scarcely
any.
After collecting much information on this subject and many
statistics, Mr. Kent was so unfortunate as to suffer the loss of
his shop by fire, and his specimens, papers, &c. on this subject
were destroyed. I would recommend the Association to allow
this question to remain simply unanswered, and will express the
hope that the ensuing year Mr. Kent may be able to re-collect
his memoranda, and at the next annual meeting favor us with
the result of his investigations.
The request of Mr. Carney was acceded to, and Mr. Kent
encouraged to pursue the course indicated.
2. The substance known in commerce as New England Isinglass, is
said to be made from the intestines of the codfish. Query-where, and
by whom, is the article of commerce prepared, what process does it
undergo, what portions of the fish yield it, and what amount is obtained
from a single fish?
This question was fully reported on by Charles T. Carney of
Boston, which was accepted, referred to the Executive Committee
for publication, and the Reporter requested to continue his in-
quiries and report next year in reference to the isinglass pro-
duced by the sturgeon and other fish in the great fresh waters
of northern North America. [See Scientific Reports and Essays.]
3. Has Iodine been manufactured in New England, from the Algaceous
plants of that coast? If so, by whom, and to what extent? and what is
the relative productive value of the Alga of our own coast and those of
Scotland?
H. T. Cummings, of Portland, to whom this subject was re-
ferred, said that last year, when about entering on the duty, he
was informed that Thomas B. Porteus, of Boston, had already
been engaged on that subject; that he saw Mr. Porteus, and
urged him to prepare a paper in answer to the question of the
Association, which he agreed to do, and he understood that the
paper was in the hands of one of the Boston Delegates.
18
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Mr. Colcord, of Boston, then made some remarks, showing
that but little had been done in this country, owing to the diffi-
culties of collecting the right species of sea weed-the iodine
plants being those growing in deep water, always submerged,
and only torn up from their native recesses by the violence of
periodical storms, whilst those of the shore rocks contain but
little iodine salts. He then read a long paper by Mr. Porteus,
on the actual history of the iodine manufacture of Europe, giving
all the details of manufacture, statistics, etc., wanted, to aid any
who may feel disposed to enter on the production in this country.
The paper of Mr. Porteus was referred to the Executive Com-
mittee, and the thanks of the Association directed to be
tendered to the author. [See Scientific Reports and Essays.]
An invitation was received from Peter Williamson, Esq., Grand
Master of Masons for Pennsylvania, to visit their Hall, which
was accepted for one o'clock this afternoon, with thanks for the
courtesy.
Also, an invitation from Dr. Joseph Parrish, Superintendent
of the Pennsylvania Training School for feeble-minded children,
was accepted, and similarly disposed of.
4. The manufacture of Castor Oil as a branch of American industry.
What is the estimated crop of beans for 1856, where grown, and what the
amount of oil extracted up to August 1st, 1857? To what uses besides
medicine is the oil put, and how far short of the domestic consumption is
the production?
No communication having been received from Mr. Chamber-
lain, of St. Louis, to whom it was referred without permission.
the subject was dismissed from the list.
5. It is said that Hyoscyamus niger has become naturalized in some
parts of Michigan, in the neighborhood of Detroit. How does the medici-
nal power of this native grown plant compare with that of the best Euro-
pean grown drug?
This was reported on by F. Stearns, of Detroit, who read the
report, and illustrated it with specimens of the plant, and several
pharmaceutical preparations from it and the foreign leaves.
The paper was referred to the Executive Committee for pub-
lication. [See Scientific Reports and Essays.]
6. What is the actual state of the production of volatile oils in the
United States, and more especially in Ohio, New York, and New Jersey,
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
19
as regards quantity, quality, and locality, together with remarks on the
trade in volatile oils generally; their adulterations and tests.
This subject was accepted by E. S. Wayne, of Cincinnati, but
no report being received, it was dismissed from the list.*
7. What measures, if any, have been taken to introduce the culture of
liquorice root into the United States, and to what extent have they suc-
ceeded?
This paper was referred without permission to Mr. Laidley, of
Richmond, from whom no report having been received it was
discontinued.
8. Prof. Calvert, of Manchester, England, has asserted that the article
known as "American lard," in the English market, is sometimes found
adulterated to a considerable extent with the pulp of potatoes, or other
starchy matter. Query-has this adulteration been noticed in the com-
merce of this country? If so, how is it most easily detected by chemical
or other means?
This question was reported on by Prof. Grahame, to whom it
was referred, and the report was referred for publication. [See
Scientific Reports and Essays.]
9. Arnica flowers are largely used in the United States. Has any at-
tempt been made to cultivate the plant in New York, New England, or
other parts of this country, by the Shakers or others?
W. J. M. Gordon, of Cincinnati, reported on this subject and
his report was referred to the Executive Committee for publica-
tion. [See Scientific Reports and Essays.]
10. The medicinal power of Cimicifuga is generally admitted, its use is
increasing, it belongs to a natural family (Ranunculacea), embracing
many active plants containing alkaloids, and yet the attempts hitherto
made have not educed any distinct active principle. Query-to what dis-
tinct principle, if any, is the medicinal power to be attributed?
11. It has become proverbial that Digitalis of American growth has not
the same amount of sedative power as the European leaf.
Query-does
American Digitalis yield a less proportion of digitalin than the imported.
and is such digitalin equally active with that from the foreign plant.
These two questions were accepted by E. S. Wayne, of Cin-
cinnati, from whom no response has been received. As Mr.
Wayne had taken steps to produce these papers, and intended
* See Scientific Reports and Essays, this paper having been handed the
Executive Committee since the adjournment.
20
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
to have been at this meeting, these queries were continued over
to another year in his charge.
12. The Elaterium plant grows readily in Philadelphia. Can it be
availably cultivated with a view to the extraction of its peculiar product;
and does the Elaterium it yields compare favorably with the English
drug?
Edward Parrish read the answer to this query, which was re-
ferred to the Executive Committee. [See Scientific Reports and
Essays.]
13. According to the most recent researches on Ergot by Winckler, that
chemist obtained an alkaloid from it, which he believes to be analogous, if
not identical, with propylamin, the odorous principle of herring pickle. It
is desired that the questions be determined, 1st, whether the volatile
alkaloid of Ergot possesses the utero-stimulant power of the drug itself?
2d, Whether propylamin as obtained from herring pickle and from nar-
cotin, possesses the same power as secalin? and 3d, in view of the result,
what is the best formula for preparing a permanent fluid preparation of
Ergot that will fully represent the drug?
W. Procter, Jr., made the report on this query, and exhibited
specimens of muriate of secalin and fluid extract of Ergot. The
paper was referred for publication to the Executive Committee,
and the author requested to continue his attention to the subject,
and report next year on those points not reached in the paper.
14. What is the correct history of the production of hemlock or Canada
pitch, U. S. P., where chiefly produced, how extracted, and is it obtained
by incision; also, where is the commercial oil of hemlock produced; is it
the oil of the leaves; and what is the proportion yielded?
Charles T. Carney, reported verbally on this subject, that the
information he was able to obtain was so unsatisfactory as not to
justify him in making a written report. The oil of hemlock is
obtained by distillation with water from the young boughs of
Abies canadensis, but whence commerce is supplied or what is the
yield of the leaves, he was not able to determine.
BUSINESS RESUMED.
It was on motion carried to suspend the further reading of
scientific papers till the afternoon session, and proceed to the
regular business.
The report of the Committee on the next decennial revision of
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
21
the Pharmacopoeia, being in order, it was on motion considered
by paragraph, as follows:
The Committee appointed in 1856 "To consider and report
upon the expediency of the Association participating in the
work of the next decennial revision of the Pharmacopoeia," have
given attention to the subject, and corresponded in relation to it
during some months past, and, with the exception of the re-
spected President of the Association whose sojourn in Europe
has prevented our having the benefit of his counsels, we have
agreed upon the following Report:
That we should have a part in the decennial revision of the
Pharmacopoeia is pre-supposed by the resolution under which we
stand appointed, and is in fact generally conceded, but how the
cumbrous machinery of a national organization can be adapted
to a work requiring such constant comparison of views and so
many precautions and experimental researches, claims, and has
received, our deliberate consideration. As a result of this we
are prepared to recommend the following propositions:
1st. That a Committee of ten (10) members, shall be ap-
pointed at the present meeting to represent the pharmaceutical
knowledge and skill of the Northern, Southern, Eastern and
Western States in a preliminary revision of the Pharmacopoeia.
2d. The members of this Committee shall transmit to its Chair-
man, at least two months before the assembling of the Associa-
tion, in 1858, such additions, modifications and omissions as a
careful study of the Pharmacopoeia, and their knowledge of the
wants of their several localities, and of the profession at large,
may suggest. From these the Chairman shall compile a report..
3d. At the meeting, in 1858, the report of the Committee of
ten shall be received, but not acted on finally; it shall be referred
to a Committee of three, elected by the Association, who shall
thoroughly revise it, and subject each item to criticism and the
test of experiment. They shall, at their discretion, omit or
modify any of its parts, and make report at the meeting in 1859,
when their proposed modification of the Pharmacopoeia shall be
finally acted on by the Association, and if adopted, directed to
be forwarded to the Convention for revising the Pharmacopoeia,
to meet in Washington, in May, 1860.
4th. The Association not being included in the classes specified
2
22
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
as entitled to representation in the Pharmacopoeial Convention,
it is recommended that the report or the revision, after being
adopted by it, shall be placed in the hands of the delegates from
one of the Incorporated Colleges of Pharmacy, to be by them
offered to the acceptance of the Convention.
Your Committee believe that whatever might be the fate of
the modifications suggested in this way to the Convention and its
Committee, good would undoubtedly result from a plan adapted
to draw out so free an expression from the widely separated
localities represented, and to subject these to a rigid examina-
tion in the hands of a competent Committee of revision.
Believing that this Association, representing, as it does, a
large body of those for whom the Pharmacopoeia is ordained,
and who have no other channel through which to be represented
in its revision, will naturally be looked to, in the future, to co-
operate in giving authority to our National Code; and that the
important interests it has in charge, generally, will be promoted
by giving to its organization the sanction of law and such a
permanence of location as will not entirely interfere with its
migratory character; it is suggested that a charter should be
obtained from Congress and a permanent depository established
in Washington, D. C., at which Capital the meetings should be
held at intervals of perhaps five years, the intermediate meetings
being changed annually as at present.
These suggestions, though not strictly within the scope of this
report, are induced by the prospect of a representation in the
Pharmacopoeial Convention, and are submitted for the considera-
tion of the Association, by
EDWARD PARRISH, Chairman.
W. B. CHAPMAN,
SAML. M. Colcord,
JOHN MEAKIM.
On motion the propositions numbered first and second were
taken up, fully discussed, and adopted.
On motion, it was ordered that a committee to nominate ten
members for a Pharmacopoeia Committee, and report at a future
sitting, be appointed by the Chair. This duty was entrusted to
Frederick Stearns, W. Procter, Jr., and S. M. Colcord.
The propositions numbered third and fourth were, after con-
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
23
siderable discussion, laid on the table until the next annual
meeting.
The Executive Committee now made the following Special Re-
port in obedience to a duty referred to them last year:
At the last meeting of the Association, the Executive Com-
mittee were instructed to take such steps as seemed desirable to
bring the subject of the appointment of Drug Examiners to the
notice of the Secretary of the Treasury, at the incoming of the
administration. In accordance with such instructions, the Com-
mittee addressed the following petition to the Hon. Secretary of
the Treasury.
To the Hổn. HOWELL COBB, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington:
SIR,-By resolution of the American Pharmaceutical Associ-
ation at their last annual meeting, held in Baltimore, Sept. 9,
1856, the Executive Committee were directed to call the atten-
tion of the Hon. Secretary of the Treasury to the importance of
the appointments under the Drug Law, of Special Examiner, at
different ports.
We therefore beg to represent to the Hon. Secretary, that
the Law (in our estimation of great importance) depends
almost wholly for its beneficial results upon the officers who
administer it at the several ports where drugs and medicines are
offered for entry, and in the hands of such Examiners may be
made efficacious or not, as shall be the ability and integrity of
the incumbents.
These appointments being entirely of a scientific character,
can have no connection with political matters, strictly speaking,
and, therefore, when such posts are held by reliable persons,
having the confidence of the Colleges of Pharmacy and apothe-
caries, who are clearly the most competent judges of such fitness
and capacity, we trust they will not be removed to make room.
for new and untried applicants.
On the other hand, when, as may be the case, these posts are
found to be held by such as do not enjoy the confidence of
these natural guardians of the law, we trust removals may be
made, and such appointments made as will place this important
office in the hands of thoroughly practical men, whose qualifica-
tions may be certified to by these bodies, especially by the Col-
leges of Pharmacy.
April 14, 1857.
- [SIGNED.]
24
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
A similar petition was forwarded from the Massachusetts.
College of Pharmacy, backed by all the Medical Associations of
the State, and also from Philadelphia.
We regret to say that these representations of the wishes of
the apothecaries have not been heeded or noticed, and that, at
least in the appointment at New York, a total disregard was had
to all such requirements in the filling of that very important office.
There, a most efficient officer of long experience has been dis-
placed, and the post filled by one totally unknown to the College
of Pharmacy, apothecaries, or importers of the city, and who
claimed the appointment solely upon the score of his political
services and qualifications. The Committee feel constrained to
protest in their own name, and in the name of the Association
and the interests of humanity, against the prostitution of this
wise and salutary measure to the mere purposes of political par-
tizanship, and therefore recommend that the Association take
such action as shall bring this matter before the next session of
Congress for the purpose of so amending the law that it shall
be protected from such management as nullifies its provisions.
On motion it was
C. B. GUTHRIE,
EDWARD PARRISH,
ISRAEL J. GRAHAME,
CHAS. T. CARNEY,
W. J. M. GORDON,
Executive Committee.
"Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to memorialize
the next Congress in the name of this Association, for such amend-
ments to the drug law as shall place it upon a better basis, and
make it a more effectual protection to the community and the in-
terests of the apothecaries."
Then adjourned to 3 o'clock, P. M.
Afternoon Session.
The Association was called to order by the President at 3
o'clock.
On motion, a committee consisting of S. M. Colcord, W.
Procter, Jr., and J. Meakim, was appointed, to examine and
report on the various specimens and apparatus on exhibition
in the Hall.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
25
O. S. Hubbell, of Philadelphia, was proposed, balloted for, and
elected a member of the Association.
A resolution offered by H. T. Cummings to provide for the
better preservation of the documents of the Association was, on
motion, laid on the table.
The Appeal to Druggists and Pharmaceutists in the United
States in regard to the sale of Poisons, brought forward by the
Committee on Poisons, was again read, adopted, and directed
to be published in the proceedings,* and in the Medical and
Pharmaceutical Journals as far as expedient.
The committee appointed to nominate ten persons to act as a
Committee on the revision of the Pharmacopoeia, as suggested
in the report already adopted, reported the following, viz:
For the New England States-Charles T. Carney, of Boston;
James Melvin, of Boston; and Henry F. Fish, of Waterbury,
Connecticut.
For the Middle States-John Meakim, of New York; Edward
Parrish, of Philadelphia; I. J. Grahame, of Baltimore.
West and North West-F. Stearns, of Detroit; W. J. M.
Gordon, of Cincinnati.
Southern States-A. E. Richards, of Plaquemine, La. ; Robert
Battey, M. D., Rome, Georgia.
Who were accordingly appointed.
Samuel Chapman, of Philadelphia, was proposed and elected
a member of the Association.
It was on motion Resolved, That the suggestion of the Execu-
tive Committee of the past year in regard to an act of incorpo-
ration from Congress for the Association, be referred to the
Executive Committee.
D. L. Dyson, of Washington, presented a blank copy of the
certificate of membership of the Pharmaceutical Association of
the District of Columbia to the Association, on behalf of the body
he represented, which was accepted.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS.
The reading of scientific papers being in order, R. H. Stabler,
of Alexandria, read an answer to the following question.
15. On what proximate principle does the anthelmintic power of Spigelia.
depend; is it volatile, and is the odor of the drug a good criterion of its
*See Reports of Committees.
26
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
quality; is said principle soluble in water; and what effect have the car-
bonated alkalies upon it?
The paper was referred to the Executive Committee for pub-
lication. [See Scientific Reports and Essays.]
16. Dr. Wright, of Kentucky, has recently recommended the bark of
Liquidamber Styraciflua, as a remedy in diarrhoea and dysentery, made
into a syrup with cold water. He likewise states that the resinous exu-
dation which this tree produces at the South, is obtainable by incision
from the tree in the States bordering on the Ohio river, and that the
Kentucky product contains benzoic acid and Styracin. It is desirable to
have the latter statement corroborated; and if verified, the per centage
of benzoic acid it will yield, and the practicability of obtaining it as an ar-
ticle of commerce.
Valentine Harbaugh, of Washington, not having reported on
this subject, Prof. Procter made a verbal statement that Daniel
Hanbury, of London, had answered the question so far as to de-
termine that the acid in this resin of liquidamber is not benzoic
but cinnamic acid.
17. To what extent is the fecula of the Maranta arundinacea produced
in the States of Georgia and Florida, and what impediments prevent its
being made to rival that of Bermuda, in beauty and excellence?
This subject last year was referred, without permission, to
Robert Battey, of Georgia, but no report has been received.
18. What are the most approved methods of rendering medicines pal-
atable to the taste and pleasing to the eye?
Frederick Stearns, of Detroit, read a long and interesting re-
port on this subject, illustrated by various specimens of glycer-
oles or syrups in which glycerin takes the place of sugar-re-
markable for transparency and beauty.
This paper elicited many remarks, and was directed to be pub-
lished in the proceedings. [See Scientific Reports and Essays.]
19. What are the present sources of Senega, Serpentaria, Spigelia and
other prominent American roots, etc., as supplied in commerce ?
C. B. Guthrie, to whom this subject was referred, not being ready
to report, it was continued to him till the next annual meeting.
The Committee appointed to prepare a list of subjects for in-
vestigation, reported progress, and were requested to report in
full in the morning.
On motion of Wm. A. Brewer, of Boston, it was ordered that a
copy of the proceedings of this Association be addressed to each
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
27
of the Boards of Trade in our principal cities, to the several
medical and scientific societies in the several States, and to the
Smithsonian Institution at Washington, together with such edu-
cational institutions as the Executive Committee, who shall have
charge of this matter, may direct.
Then adjourned to 8 o'clock this evening.
Evening Session.
The Association was called to order by the President at 83
o'clock, who stated that the object of the meeting was chiefly for
hearing extemporaneous and other communications.
Charles A. Heinitsh, of Lancaster, presented the notes of a
case of strychnia poisoning, which were read, and after calling
forth some remarks, were laid on the table.
On motion it was voted,-That the thanks of this Association
be tendered to James T. Maxwell, of New York, for a handsome
specimen of Myristica-nutmeg and mace-preserved in alcohol.
A paper was read by Edward Parrish, on "Ethical Analysis,"
which was accepted and referred to the Executive Committee.
[See Scientific Reports and Essays.]
This paper elicited considerable discussion, and on motion it
was Resolved, That the author be requested to answer the ques-,
tions contained in it, and that other members be requested also
to produce written answers at the next annual meeting.
It was moved and carried that the discussions for the remain-
der of this session be limited to ten minutes for each member.
Frederick Stearns read a paper on Citrate of Magnesia; also
a paper on the production of leeches in Michigan; the latter
illustrated by living specimens of two species of indigenous
leeches, exhibiting the mode in which the young are developed.
on the abdomen of the parent.
These papers were accepted and referred for publication. [See
Scientific Reports and Essays.]
The Chair appointed the following gentlemen as a Committee
to memorialize Congress to amend the Drug Law, as determined
yesterday: C. B. Guthrie of New York, Wm. A. Brewer of
Boston, and Richard H. Stabler of Alexandria.
Wilson H. Pile, M. D., of Philadelphia, was proposed by the
Executive Committee and elected a member.
On motion adjourned to meet at 9 o'clock to-morrow morning
28
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Fourth Day-Morning Session-Sept. 11th.
The Association was called to order by the President.
This being the last session, it was moved and carried, that
calling the roll and reading the minutes be dispensed with.
On motion of Edward Parrish it was Resolved, That a hand-
somely bound copy of Dorvault's l'Officine" be voted to Fred-
erick Stearns of Detroit, for his able paper " On Eligible Modes
of rendering medicines palatable and pleasing," which was
unanimously carried.
Elias Durand, of Philadelphia, was proposed by Charles Ellis,
Wm. Procter, Jr., and Dillwyn Parrish for honorary member-
ship. A ballot was held, which resulted in an unanimous elec.
tion.
The Committee appointed to examine the various articles on
exhibition to the Association, made the following report:
To the American Pharmaceutical Association :—
The Committee appointed in reference to the articles on exhibition to
the Association, report, that they find a variety of chemical preparations,
and chemical and pharmaceutical apparatus, together with numerous
specimens of minor interest, arranged on the tables. The Chemicals from
Messrs. Rosengarten & Sons include forty-one varieties, among which
we would particularly notice Sulphate of Quinia, Nitrate of Morphia,
Nitrate and Acetate of Strychnia, Valerianate of Morphia, Piperin, &c.
Those from Powers & Weightman are particularly rich in alkaloids and
their salts, among which are pint bottles of Codeia, Morphia, Cinchonia,
Strychnia in crystals, Sulphate of Quinia, Morphia and Quinidia, in
gallon and two gallon bottles, Caustic Potassa, Iodide of Arsenic, and
beautifully crystallized Iodides of Lead and Mercury. Messrs. Garrigues,
Magee & Mayer, exhibit Pyrogallic Acid, Bromide and Iodide of Cad-
mium, Bromide and Iodide of Ammonium, and Nitrate of Magnesia.
Messrs. Bullock & Crenshaw's collection includes several of interest, as
Bi-sulphuret of Tin, Oxides of Chromium and of Nickel, Sulphate and
Carbonate of Nickel; Nitro-prusside of Sodium, and Molybdate of Am-
monia. Hennel Stevens' group, though not numerous, is particularly
recherché, consisting of Valerianic Acid, Valerianate of Ammonia, Amy-
lene, Iodide of Ethyl and Iodoform. Dr. W. H. Piles' collection of
Hydrometers and Specific Gravity Bottles attracted considerable atten-
tion. S. P. Peck, of Bennington, Vermont, exhibited specimens of
Porcelain and Wedgewood Mortars and Funnels, of Vermont manufac-
ture. Among the other objects of interest we observed a small Beindorf
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
29
apparatus; a Nichols' patent improved Combination Fountain, with
draught apparatus and coolers, deposited by T. M. Perot & Co.; a beau-
tiful block tin Still and Condenser, Gas-burners, Lamp stands, Lamps,
&c., from Garrigues, Magee & Mayer, of Philada. ; and a variety of Syrups,
for mineral water, by E. H. Hance, of Philadelphia. The quality and
beauty of a great proportion of the Chemicals exhibited demands our
unqualified approval, and speaks well for this branch of American manu-
factures.
SAML. M. COLCORD,
W. PROCTER, Jr..
JOHN MEAKIM.
On motion, the report was adopted and referred to the Exe-
cutive Committee for publication.
The following resolution, offered by John Buck of Massa-
chusetts, was carried without dissent.
Resolved, That the thanks of the American Pharmaceutical
Association be respectfully tendered to the Philadelphia College
of Pharmacy, for the ample accommodations with which we have
been provided, and the very agreeable manner in which we have
been entertained.
The following was offered by Prof. Procter:
Whereas, the dispensing of medicines on the extemporaneous
prescription of physicians is the most important of the duties of
the pharmaceutist, involving a large amount of ready knowledge
and skill, and as the demand for this knowledge is very fre-
quently required at a moment's notice, when delay might seri-
ously retard the recovery of the patient and impair the useful-
ness of the physician, and as the feeling of responsibility, at all
times great, becomes often oppressively burdensome through the
careless manner in which prescriptions are frequently written,
and their quantities symbolized, it is hereby
Resolved, That this Association, speaking for the pharmaceu-
tical profession of the United States, do most respectfully and
earnestly desire that the grave importance of this deficiency,
and the many evils which arise out of it in the dispensing of
medicines, will claim anew the action of the Medical Societies
of the United States, with a view to influencing those of their
members to whom the charge applies; and while fully aware of
the numerous imperfections which appertain to our own practices
and practitioners, and which we are striving to overcome, we be-
30
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
lieve that the co-operation of physicians in the manner suggested
will greatly aid our endeavors.
The resolution, after a spirited discussion, was adopted.
A paper on indigenous plants, by J. M. Maisch, of Philadel-
phia, was read, accepted and referred to the Executive Com-
mittee. [See Scientific Reports and Essays.]
Dr. Geo. B. Wood and Dr. Franklin Bache were proposed by
S. P. Peck, W. J. M. Gordon and Chas. Ellis, for honorary mem-
bership, and unanimously elected.
The following resolution was offered by James Gordon:
Resolved, That the thanks of this Association are due, and
are respectfully tendered to the President, for the efficient and
impartial manner in which he has presided over our delibera-
tions, to the Secretary for the able manner in which he has per-
formed the arduous duties of his office, and to the late second
Vice President for his attention to the duties of the chair during
the organization of the meeting.
The resolution was adopted.
An invitation having been extended by S. E. Tyson of the
Washington Delegation, to the Association, to meet next in that
city, on motion of Prof. Guthrie, the following resolution was
adopted:
Resolved, That the next meeting of this Association be held
in the city of Washington, on the second Tuesday of September,
1858, at 3 o'clock, P. M.
The list of subjects for investigation during the ensuing year
being now ready, they were read, with the names of the accep-
tors or referees, and adopted by the Association.
The Report is as follows:--
The Committee appointed to bring forward subjects for inves-
tigation during the ensuing year offer the following, viz:
1. The medical plants of Michigan.
Accepted by Frederick Stearns, of Detroit.
2. The process of displacement or percolation; what are the condi-
tions and precautions which will give it the greatest simplicity and effi-
ciency as a means of extraction in practical pharmacy?
Accepted by Prof. I. J. Grahame, of Baltimore.
3. What are the best means of keeping the vegetable extracts, and
especially those from narcotic plants, in the dispensing shop, so as to
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
31
avoid to the fullest possible extent the inspissation and alterations to
which they are subject by unavoidable exposure in dispensing?
Accepted by Prof. I. J. Grahame, of Baltimore.
4. Liebig (Agricultural Chemistry, American edition, page 184,) says
that the nicotina of commercial tobacco does not pre-exist in the growing
plant, but is the result of the fermentation set up during the curing pro-
cess. Question,-If this be true, what is the active principle of green
tobacco, and what relation does it bear to nicotina?
Accepted by Wm. Procter, jr., of Philad.
5. Wine of Ipecacuanha. What is the cause of its tendency to deposit
a sediment has that sediment any medical value-and can the deposition
he avoided by substituting another menstruum of the strength of wine?
Accepted by Joseph Roberts, of Baltimore.
6. Blue pill mass is coming into use in the form of powder. Question,—
Does the condition of the mercury undergo any change by the ordinary
exposure in the shop, as regards oxidation-does this powder, after being
prepared a year, contain any red oxide of mercury-and what is the best
process for its preparation?
Accepted by Charles Bullock, of Philadelphia.
7. The subject of coating pills with sugar, mucilage, gelatin and other
soluble substances, so as to mask their taste, is becoming of some impor-
tance in practical pharmacy. Question,-What are the best materials
for this purpose; and what the best and most practicable process for effect-
ing it, both on a large scale, and extemporaneously in the course of dis-
pensing?
Accepted by John Canavan, of New York.
8. The preparation of Saccharides, or sugar in the form of powder and
granules, impregnated with medicinal substances, so as to facilitate their
administration. What is the best process or processes applicable to this
object; and what is the best proportion of sugar to include a dose of
the respective drugs or preparations?
Accepted by Eugene Dupuy, of New York.
9. Mustard. What is the best formula for a permanent liquid prepar-
ation of white or black mustard seeds that may be used as a substitute
for mustard plasters?
Accepted by Edward Parrish, of Philadelphia.
10. Podophyllin is alleged to be analogous to Jalapin in its medical
and some of its chemical relations. Question.-What is the correct
chemical history of Podophyllin, as regards its solubility in menstrua,
its relations to the alkalies, and other agents, &c., and why may it not be
advantageously substituted for extract of jalap in the compound cathar-
tic pill, and for scammony in the compound extract of colocynth?
Accepted by R. H. Stabler, M. D., of Alexandria.
11. Dr. Stenhouse has investigated the volatile oil and stearoptine of
32
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Xanthoxylum piperitum or Japanese pepper. (See Am. Jour. Pharm.
Sept., 1857.) Question,-1. What is the true botanical source of what
is called "Southern Prickly Ash bark ?" 2. Does the pungency of that
bark and the bark and fruit of Xanthoxylum fraxineum of our Pharma-
copoeia depend on the same principles?
Referred to Edward S. Wayne, of Cincinnati.
12. What influence is exerted in the normal solvent power of officinal
water, alcohol and ether, by their admixture with each other as pharma-
ceutical menstrua, in regard to the solution of various vegetable prin-
ciples, (like gum, sugar, starch, albumen, resins, volatile oils, etc.,) desir-
able or to be avoided in making preparations?
Accepted by Wilson H. Pile, M. D., of Philadelphia.
13. A monograph on the Cerasus serotina, or wild cherry bark, tree and
its products useful in medicine.
Accepted by Wm. Procter, Jr., of Philadelphia.
14. The Brazil nut of South America yields a fixed oil in abundance.
Question, How and to what extent is it manufactured in Brazil, to what
uses put; and whether, is it applicable or not to the uses of olive oil in
Pharmacy?
Accepted by Edward Donnelly, of Philadelphia.
15. Are the barks of Cornus florida and other species of this genus, due
to a crystalline substance? Is this principle alkaline, acid or neutral? Will
it answer as a substitute for Quinine? and can it be advantageously ma-
nufactured at a low price?
Accepted by John M. Maisch, of Philadelphia.
16. There being great diversity in practice as regards the powder to be
employed in rolling pills :-Question, What is the best powder or com-
pound of powders, uniformly to be used in rolling pills, not required to be
masked or coated with sugar, gelatin, or other substance?
Accepted by William. A. Brewer, of Boston.
17. The refraction of light by the English Essential Oil of Bitter
Almonds being often regarded as an important proof of its purity:-Ques-
tion, What is the value of this phenomenon of iridescence of Essential
Oil of Bitter Almonds as a test of its purity?
Referred to John T. Fuller, of Detroit.
18. What is the correct history of the production and sources of sup-
ply of Hemlock or Canada pitch, of Balsam of Fir, and of Oil of Hemlock;
and to what extent are they produced in the New England States and
Canada?
Accepted by S. P. Peck, of Vermont.
19. The Elaterium plant grows readily in the neighborhood of Boston.
Can it be availably cultivated with a view to the extraction of its pecu-
liar product, and does the Elaterium it yields compare favorably with the
English drug in medicinal power.
Accepted by John Buck, Chelsea, Massachusetts.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
33
20. To what extent is the fecula of Maranta arundinacea produced in
Georgia, Florida, and other Southern States, and what impediments pre-
vent its being made to rival that of Bermuda in excellence and beauty.
Continued to Robert Battey, M. D., of Rome, Georgia.
21. What is the extent of the culture and production of sugar from
the Sorghum saccharatum within the U. S. in the present year; what in-
ference may be drawn therefrom of its value as a source of this important
article; and what is the composition, and saccharine per centage of the
juice compared with that of the sugar cane.
Referred to Robert Battey, M. D., of Rome, Georgia.
22. What are the present sources of Senega, Spigelia and other prom-
inent American roots, etc. as supplied by commerce ?
Continued to Prof. C. B. Guthrie, of New York.
23. What is the actual state of the production of volatile oils in the
United States, and more especially in Ohio, New York, and New Jersey,
as regards quantity, quality and locality; together with remarks on the
trade in volatile oils generally?
Referred to Edward S. Wayne, of Cincinnati.
24. What is the practical value of nitro-prusside of copper, iodine and
other tests which have been proposed for detecting the adulterations of
volatile oils ?
Accepted by John M. Maisch, of Philadelphia.
25. Can arnica flowers be profitably cultivated in the United States?
Suggested by resolution of the Association to Henry A. Tilden, Esq., of New
Lebanon, New York.
26. The Silphium laciniatum or resin weed of our western prairies yields
a resinous exudation in appearance like mastic. What is the character
of this resinous product, can it be substituted for mastic, and to what ex-
tent may it be collected as an article of commerce?
Accepted by Edwin (). Gale, of Chicago, Illinois.
27. What are the present sources of American Castor and the method
of preparing it for commerce? Accepted by T. R. Spence, of Detroit.
28. The subject of the professional intercourse between physicians and
pharmaceutists.
Accepted by Samuel M. Colcord, of Boston.
29. What are the actual sources of the light Cod-liver Oil of American
commerce, both as relates to the species of fish that yield it, and the
places where it is extracted? Is it adulterated with fish or sperm oil? and
if so, is it done by the producers or collectors, or after it enters commerce?
Continued to Robert R. Kent, of Boston. (See page 492.)
30. What are the impediments, if any, to the extensive culture of the
liquorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) in this country; and what essays have
been made towards its introduction?
Referred to Thomas P. James, of Philadelphia.
34
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
31. It is well known that many pharmacuetial preparations deteriorate
by keeping: what are the most prominent instances of this kind of change;
what are the best means of preventing or moderating them; and in cases
of partial deterioration of valuable medicines, what is the best disposition
to be made of them to avoid loss?
Accepted by Edward Parrish, of Philadelphia.
32. Are any of our native wines applicable for use in pharmacy as a
menstruum; are these wines the subject of adulteration; and can the
brandy derived from our native wine growers be properly substituted for
the Spiritus Vini Gallici of the Pharmacopoeia ?
Accepted by Frederick Stearns, of Detroit.
The Committee recommend that the Executive Committee be
empowered to add to the above list of subjects in case they can
get them accepted for investigation.
WILLIAM PROCTER, Jr.
EDWARD PARRISH.
On motion it was Resolved, That the Chairman of the Com-
mittees On the Preliminary Revision of the Pharmacopoeia,
and on "Home Adulterations," shall have power to draw on the
Treasurer for the expenses incident to their labors.
Oliver F. Gordon, of Cincinnati, was proposed and elected a
member of the Association.
Henry F. Fish, of Connecticut, having been obliged to return
home from indisposition, before he had communicated to the
Association some remarks relative to lacs and varnishes; on
motion, it was voted that he be authorized, if disposed, to send
his communication to the Executive Committee for publication.
Theodore Metcalf, of Boston, proposed by the Boston delega-
tion, and recommended by the Executive Committee, was bal-
loted for and elected to membership.
On motion of Edward Parrish, it was
Resolved, That the Executive Committee be authorized, after
furnishing at least three copies of the Proceedings to each mem-
ber, and distributing such number as they may deem best, to
scientific Institutions, Editors, Libraries, &c., to hold the balance
for sale at such price as shall cover the cost of publication and
postage.
The Minutes were now read, and by vote adopted, the Roll
was called, and, on motion, the Association adjourned to meet
next year in accordance with previous resolution.
W. J. M. GORDON, Secretary.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
35
ROLL OF MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE AT THE SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING.
Henry T. Cummings, of Portland,
Charles A. Tufts, Dover, N. H,
S. P. Peck, Bennington, Vt.
Henry F. Fish, Waterbury, Con.
Samuel M. Colcord, Boston, Mass.
Charles T. Carney, Boston, Mass.
William A. Brewer,
James Gordon,
66
(C
((
(6
(6
(6
Bradford Ritter, Philada.
William H. Pratt,
Charles H. Eggert,
Edward Donnelly,
T. Morris Perot,
H. Steiner,
Hennell Stevens,
O. S. Hubbell,
Anthony S. Jones, Newburyport, Samuel Chapman, .
Mass.
(6
((
Wilson H. Pyle,
((
John Buck, Chelsea, Mass.
John M. Maisch,
((
John Meakim,
New York city, George Cooke,
((
Eugene Dupuy,
66
Thomas Lancaster,
<<
John Canavan,
((
Asher S. Leidy,
66
Frederick Hale,
(6
Edward H. Hance,
H. T. Kiersted,
(C
C. B. Guthrie,
Henry Haviland,
John Faber,
((
George W. Berrian, Jr., "
((
George W. De la Vergne,
H. A. Blauw, Rochester, N. Y.
Peter V. Coppuck, Mt. Holly, N.J.
Charles Ellis,
Philada.
William R. Warner, "
William Heyser, Jr., Chambers-
burg, Pa.
Charles A. Heinitsh, Lancaster, Pa.
Henry N. Rittenhouse, Wilming.
ton, Del.
Israel J. Grahame, Baltimore,
J. Jacob Smith,
J. H. Lemmon,
(C
Samuel F. Troth,
(C
Joseph Roberts,
،،
Dillwyn Parrish,
((
J. F. Moore,
Ambrose Smith,
(C
James Balmer,
William Procter, Jr.,
((
N. H. Jennings,
(6
Alfred B. Taylor,
Edward Parrish,
James N. Callan, Washington city.
S. E. Tyson,
66
Samuel S. Garrigues,
6
Daniel B. Clarke,
Frederick L. John,
((
D. S. Dyson,
Louis M. Emanuel,
((
Thomas P. James,
66
Samuel S. Bunting,
(C
Charles Bullock,
"C
Thomas S. Weigand,
(C
Samuel N. James,
66
Evan T. Ellis,
((
((
R. H. Stabler, Alexandria, Va.
A. E. Richards, Plaquemine, La.
W. J. M. Gordon, Cincinnati, O.
J. W. Dietrich, Dayton, Ohio.
William Fiske, Cleaveland, O.
Frederick Stearns, Detroit, Mich.
Washington Laycock,
36
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
REPORT ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
A history of the origin of our system of weights and measures
would be curiously interesting, and no doubt a pleasant paper to
read before this Association, had one the time to prepare such
an article, and the ability to do it justice. The Hon. John Q
Adams, when Secretary of State, wrote such a paper, and it is
said to have cost him four years' labor; and as long as that paper
can be had by such as are interested in the subject given the com-
mittee they will not bring their puny labors in view by any attempt
to discuss that part of the subject; though in the range which
they have given to the resolution under which this report is offered,
it would be both legitimate and proper.
It is not our intention, therefore, neither is it in accordance
with the aim of this report, to go into a discussion of this subject.
A glance at some of the most prominent points may, however,
not only interest us, but possibly cast some light upon the path
of any who may shrink from the sacrilegious work proposed by
us of destroying present usages and setting up new ones, as
showing that this subject has not escaped the notice of scientific
men in all ages, and shrewd law-givers in all countries, who have
endeavored to improve it from time to time. This fact marks it
as one of great importance, and having its ramifications through
all branches of trade and commerce, wherever man has a home, or
traffic an existence. "A just balance, just weights, a just ephah
and a just line shall ye have," said the law as given from Sinai.
Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a
small; thou shalt not have in thy house divers measures, a great
and a small," and a standard for these weights and measures was
kept in the ark of the covenant, to which the people were obliged
to conform in their dealings with each other. Josephus relates
the fact that Cain the tiller of the land made weights and mea-
sures, though it is not mentioned in Scripture. The Greeks and
Romans had their system of weights and measures, and though
differing from each other, they had this similarity of being of two
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
37
kinds; one, that for wine and oil, being determined by weight, and
another for dry substances by measure.
Various and peculiar methods were at different times adopted
to arrive at fixed standards or units, some of them curious and
more to be remarked for their ingenuity than accuracy.
Coming down more within reach of what has probably affected
our own times, we find the English monarchs setting forth cer-
tain weights as standards, and an ordinance of Henry III. in
1225, ordained that there should be uniformity," as the want
of this seemed at that period to be a source of great complaint.
The weight of money, silver at least, was at this period deter-
mined in what would seem to be a primitive style. Thus in 1266
the English penny was "ordained to weigh thirty-two wheat
corns in the midst of the ear." The importance of settling the
weight of the penny, was the greater from the fact that it was a
unit of weight as well as value.
The various enactments do not, however, seem to have pro-
duced that desirable result, uniformity, and we find in the
"Magna Charta," England's declaration of independence, this
sentence, there shall be one weight, one measure, and one coin
in the realm."
In 1790, France took up the subject and made a vigorous
effort, inviting the co-operation of various neighboring countries
to establish a " uniform system of weights and measures." Un-
fortunately, England did not respond, or we might have had dif-
ferent results from such great efforts and so much labor.
The differences between the weights and measures in use led
England again, in 1816, to another attempt to fix upon some
standard, and Parliament ordained, the gallon for liquid and
dry measure should contain ten pounds of pure water at the
temperature of 56° Fahrenheit's thermometer, and be of the
measure of 276.48 cubic inches."
Other States have fixed the measure of the gallon thus, Penn-
sylvania has the wine gallon of 231 cubic inches, and her bushel
is to hold 78 pounds 12 oz. avoirdupois, of Schuylkill water.
In New York the bushel is to contain 80 lbs. of distilled water,
and the measure of bushel and gallon differs as to weight in
almost every State, especially in dry measure, each following
their own arbitrary rule.
When a resolution for a report upon the subject of weights and
3
38
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
measures was offered at the last sitting of this Association, the
object chiefly aimed at was to elicit information upon the subject
of the condition of the weights and measures in daily use by the
apothecaries in the United States.
It required but a very superficial examination of the subject
to satisfy your Committee that there existed great inaccuracy
and want of uniformity in the weights and measures in use by
our dispensing apothecaries; and even where government has
undertaken the preparation of their own chemicals, they have
not been able to furnish their employees with a standard set of
weights and measures for their use, for we believe we have none,
or at least not such as are available for chemical uses.
Having no government standard to which our own manufac-
tures can be brought for a test, and most of the scales and weights
in use in this country being of foreign manufacture, this want of
correctness and uniformity is an evil, however great, not easily
reachable by any means within our individual scope or power.
This investigation resulted, early in our labors, in the conclusion
that the question most important to be by us determined or con-
sidered, was not the why, but the how this reformation in weights
and measures is to be accomplished; for it will not fail to strike
any one at once as an impossibility to expect, much less to attain,
that accuracy and uniformity that our profession as dispensing
pharmaceutists absolutely demands, so long as we import from
the coarse manufacturers of Germany, and the careless ones of
France, scales, weights and measures, all of them differing the
one from the other, as much as they differ in fashion and price.
Our medical brethren, who also rely upon their apothecaries'
weights, have the same reason to complain, for the weights are
almost universally incorrect; and to such of them as are obliged
from their locations to be their own apothecaries, the evil is a
very great one.
Inasmuch, therefore, as we have a necessity before us to do
something to reform this part of our business, it affords us a rare
and most excellent opportunity to go a step further, and introduce
some new features in weights and measures, more in accordance
with the genius of this country and that march of progress that
is the spirit of the age in which we live.
We all understand that two sets of weights are used by the
apothecary in his daily transactions-the avoirdupois by which.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
39
he buys and sells all quantities bought and sold by the pound
or ounce; the other, the apothecaries' weight, as it is called, by
which he dispenses or portions out medicines for purposes of
compounding them or dispensing them as remedies. Why this
division was ever made, it is not our purpose to stop here to
enquire. Upon this scale of weights, sometimes called Troy, all
our Pharmacopoeias are based in their designation of quantities,
(a fact not yet known or at least acted upon in practice at all
times, for we have known those who called themselves respectable
apothecaries, who used the avoirdupois pound and ounce to com-
pound preparations; and there are medical men holding diplomas
from respectable schools, who cannot give you the difference
between the avoirdupois and apothecaries' ounce or pound.)
The avoirdupois pound consists of 16 oz. of 437.5 grains each,
or 7000 to the pound, while the apothecaries' has 12 oz. to the
pound of 480 grains each, or 5,760 gr. to the pound. Not only
do we find this difference between two weights in daily and hourly
use, but they both differ again from the officinal measure, which
in turn again differs from other measures in common use;
thus confusing and confounding all new beginners, and often-
times sadly perplexing the experienced in their attempts to har-
monize the differences so often occurring in business.
Your Committee propose for the consideration of the Associ-
ation the substitution of a decimal system of weights and mea-
sures, in place of the various systems known as apothecaries',
avoirdupois, &c.
This decimal system is, to our minds, so great an improvement,
that though fully aware of the immense labor necessary to substi-
tute it for the others now in use, yet we deem it fully worthy of the
trial. The labor saved in all the various operations in the labora-
tory will be almost incalculable, and the immense saving in com-
putations of all kinds in commercial transactions cannot be
counted.
For the main features of this system we are indebted to M.
Lefferts, Esq., whose able report, as chairman of the Committee
of the New York Chamber of Commerce, we have used, as well
as the tables for illustrating our position.
We take, first, weights. We find, as before remarked, three
systems in daily use-the Troy, Apothecaries' and Avoirdupois,
40
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
no one of them having any thing in common with our system of
currency, or indeed with any thing recognized as American-but
being a mere list of equations composed of odd numbers, and en-
cumbered with fractions.
7000 (6
(6
(C
"The Troy and Apothecaries' pound has 5760 grains to the pound.
The pound Avoirdupois,
We propose to supersede these three orders of weight, by the
establishment of one; the unit of which is the standard pound
avoirdupois. The scale of weights is as follows:
10 grains
10 scruples
10 drams
10 ounces
10 pounds
10 stones
10 hundred weights
•
1 scruple.
1 dram.
1 ounce.
1 pound.
1 stone.
1 hund. wt.
1 ton."
In this scale the avoirdupois pound and the one hundred
pounds are retained, being the same as in our present system.
The pound avoirdupois being the unit, and the subdivisions being
made only in lesser quantities.
Thus the grain is the 10,000th part of a pound, instead of the
7000th. The ton, though, is changed and definitely fixed at
1,000 lbs., instead of the indifferent number ranging from 2000 to
2,240 pounds as now, which all must agree to be an improve-
ment in uniformity if in nothing else.
We take next measure of capacity.
We have now in com-
mon use, four, viz: Wine, Beer, Troy and Apothecaries' measure.
We not only have the difference in these different measures,
but the measures themselves differ, some of them at least, in dif-
ferent countries.
In the decimal system they are all brought into one, the gal-
lon being the unit, and serving not only for a standard in mea-
ure of capacity, but also in weight.
We offer the standard taken from the report before referred
to, only altering the name of one aliquot part, that of the gill.
Here we prefer the term ounce.
The standards now established by law will remain unchanged
in all cases except one-that is the gallon; we require that this
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
41
measure shall contain exactly 10 pounds avoirdupois of distilled
water.
Thus we have
10 grains
10 scruples
10 drams
10 ounces
10 pints
10 gallons
•
·
1 scruple.
1 dram.
1 ounce.
1 pint.
1 gallon.
1 anker.
10 ankers
1 ton.
Here the gallon is the standard unit; it corresponds with the
gallon dry measure of the State of New York, and differs but
little from the ale gallon now used. The pint on this scale is
as nearly as possible equal to the pint wine measure.
We have here a standard, the gallon consisting of 10 lbs. dis-
tilled water, which we make the unit for measure as we make
the pound avoirdupois the unit for weights; and though many
have supposed that some more scientific method should be adopted
to obtain a standard as a starting point, and France has ex-
pended a vast amount of time and means for that purpose, we
have authority as old as the Romans for adopting the gallon of
10 lbs. and the bushel of 80 lbs., as that was the Roman am-
phora, though their liquid measure was 10 metrical pounds of wine.
Other measures or methods were adopted, such as cubing the
foot, or taking aliquot portions of certain measurements of ships.
And again, the gallon measure was ascertained by the number of
grains of wheat it held, and the measure of capacity for wheat
was determined by that of weight for wine, and vice versa. We
see no objection in weights to the unit of the pound avoirdupois
for a standard of weights and of the gallon for measure, and
uniting the two, from them deduce all our divisions and therefore
adopt them.
We have then this beautiful uniformity of weights and mea-
sures, thus:
1 grain in weight.
1 scruple
1 dram
CC
1 grain in measure.
•
1 scruple
(C
1 dram
((
1 ounce
(6
1 ounce
•
1 pound
1 stone
1 hundred weight.
1 ton
((
(6
1 pint
te
(C
1 gallon
(C
1 anker
1 ton
66
42
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
This result is one important step towards the attainment of
uniformity where one scale of weight, of which the pound is the
standard, answers for all purposes of weight; and one scale of
capacity measure, where the gallon is the standard, answers all
purposes of measure.
The balance of the tables naturally offering themselves, such
as Linear, Land Scale, Numeral, not coming strictly within our
aim, we shall pass by, only saying they harmonize equally
well.
The difference then between our present system, if system it
can be called and the decimal system, may be thus con-
trasted.
>
Old.
20 gr.
91 or 20
gr.
10 gr.
39
31 or 60
gr.
109
New.
10 or 10
13 or 100
gr.
83
31 or 480
gr.
103
123
1 or 5760 gr.
103
13 or 1,000
(6
1 or 10,000 “
The same number of multiples, but how much more sim-
ple and easily comprehended, and how obviously more easily
remembered and brought into practice. How beautifully, more-
over, does it correspond with our currency.
Applying the same comparison to our avoirdupois weight,
how striking the contrast.
437.5 gr.
1 oz. or 437.5 gr. | 1000 gr.
16 oz. 1 or 7000 gr. | 10 oz.
1 oz. or 100
gr.
1 H or 10,000 “
When we shall have established this system, we shall no
longer have a necessity to teach the difference between the two
weights put into the hands of the beginner, instructing him that
the officinal ounce contains 421 grains more than the avoirdu-
pois, while the officinal pound has 1240 grains less, and all those
other mere arbitrary rules and divisions.
The drop as a unit, and the minim are left out entirely, as
the extreme uncertainty in the use of either renders them use-
less.
In liquid measure then, as compared with what is now known
as officinal measure, we have the following difference:
f.zi. or 60 min. equal to 56.9
60 min.
83
16 oz.
Oviii.
gr. by weight.
f.zi. or 480
(6
455.6
(6
f.Oi. or 7680
(6
66
1 gal. or 61.440 “
(6
7291.1 66
58328.8"
66
((
AMERICAN PHARMACLUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
43
In the decimal scale:
10 grains
1 scruple,
or
10
grains.
10 scruple
1 dram,
ΟΙ
100
(C
10 drams
1 ounce,
or
1,000
((
1 pint,
1 gallon,
or
10,000
or
100,000
66
10 ounces
10 pints
We need not pursue the comparison in imperial measure, as
this is sufficient to illustrate our purpose and make sufficiently
clear the difference between the two systems; the one the mere
rule of arbitrary divisions, the other running in measure and
harmony with our unequalled currency.
The ease of computing prices when we come to have the de-
nominations of ounces and their subdivisions to correspond with
the currency, we need but call to your mind.
The immense amount of time spent in puzzling over vulgar
fractions, and all other similar numbers incident to our commer-
cial system, needs also only to be mentioned to make apparent
the great gain in adopting a decimal system.
That this plan is open to objections, and those of a character
not readily overcome, we do not deny; but they exist in the already
formed habits of our people, and their adherence to common
usages in preference to new ways, rather than in the system it-
self, which in its very simplicity is unequalled.
The great difficulty will be, not in our commercial transactions,
but in bringing about the change in the compounding and pre-
scribing of medicines.
Our medical brethren are the ones upon whom we shall be
obliged to call for co-operation and aid to insure success.
The system met in France with almost its only success with
the medical men and apothecaries, and a great many of the
former in New Orleans write their prescriptions entirely in that
form even now, and we can not but believe they will respond
cheerfully to the call among us.
Much has been said of the French system, and as it is not well
understood, we think, in this country, a partial synopsis of it may
be interesting, and the two will the more easily be compared.
Their system was as follows:
1st. All weights and measures should be reduced to one uni-
form standard of linear measure.
44
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
2d. This standard should be an aliquot part of the circum-
ference of the globe. In determining this, three natural stand-
ards were taken by the Scientific Committee, viz.: the pendulum
beating seconds, a quarter of the equator, and a quarter of the
meridian. They finally chose the last, a quarter of the meri-
dian, and proposed that its ten millionth part be taken as the
standard unit of linear measure. The pendulum beating
seconds on the 45° latitude was assumed as a standard of com-
parison with it, and that the weight of distilled water at the
point of congelation measured in a cubical vessel in decimal pro-
portion to the linear standard, should determine both the stand-
ard of weight and the vessels of capacity. More than seven
years were spent in the different operations to determine these
points; other points were also set forth.
3d. That the unit of linear measure applied to matter in its
three modes of extension, length, breadth, and thickness, should
be the standard of all measures of length, surface and solidity.
4th. That the cubic contents of the linear measure in dis-
tilled water, at the temperature of its greatest contraction, should
furnish at once the standard weight and measure of capacity.
5th. That for every thing susceptible of being measured or
weighed there should be only one measure of length, one of
weight, and one measure of contents with their multiples and
subdivisions exclusively in decimal proportions.
This decimal division to be applied to every thing in currency
and commerce, geography, astronomy, the log line, thermometers,
in short every thing in human existence, that the whole system
should be equally suitable to the use of all mankind.
It was a grandly conceived project, and had its failure in the
ignorance of the people to whom it was addressed, and the in-
congruities incorporated in it by too much science, and an effort
to engraft a sprout of infidelity upon the whole in substituting a
new division of time; and though they retain the twelve months,
they made each to consist of thirty days each, or three times ten.
After various contests with the prejudices and obstinacy of the
people, in 1812 an imperial decree was issued, which, while it
retained the units of the new weights and measures, allowed of
their division in other than decimals, and thus it now stands.
Those who think our people more likely to accept the French
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
45
system than the simple decimal proposed, will alter that opinion
when they contrast the nomenclature of the French with the one
proposed. The French is very beautiful in theory and sound,
and calculated to charm a classical man, but there are few such
in trade or engaged in commerce. We give the theoretical di-
visions as follows:
To express the weights and measures growing out of these.
units as multiplied, the Greek words signifying 10, 100, 1,000,
10,000, were prefixed, while their division into like numbers as
10, 100, &c., was expressed by similar Latin syllables. Thus :
Millimetre, 0,001; Centimetre, 0,01; Decimetre, 0,1; Me-
tre, 1; Decametre, 10; Hectometre, 100; Kilometre, 1,000;
Myriametre, 10,000.
Any one will perceive at once that this could never be reduced
to practice in our country, while the retention of the old names
to which we are accustomed would meet with but little opposi-
tion.
But we will not pursue the subject further, and submit this
paper to the Association with the hope that the subject will re-
ceive at your hands that attention and consideration due alike to
the intelligence and character of the body itself, and to the great
importance of the subject of which we have treated.
The reform will not be the work of to-day, perchance not of
our day, but it will be made in due time, for it will be a demand
of the age; and generations to come will bless the labors of such
as shall be instrumental in conferring so great a boon upon their
youth.
C. B. GUTHRIE, M. D., Chairman.
CHARLES T. CARNEY,
SAMUEL S. GARRIGUES.
REPORT ON THE SALE OF POISONS.
The Committee appointed to Report on the "Subject of the
sale of Poisons by pharmaceutists and others, and the legal
means of restraining it," respectfully beg leave to submit the
following Report.
In making this Report they feel that much caution is required
in approaching a subject on which the opinions of the pharma-
ceutical profession so widely differ, as to which is the most pro-
46
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
per means to be adopted in regard to the regulations for the
sale of poisons by pharmaceutists and others.
The interest connected with this subject has been much in-
creased, within the last year or so, from the very numerous
cases of criminal and accidental poisoning which have occurred
in this country and England, and we now find that the public
mind, generally, has been directed by the medical journals and
the general newspapers to some regulations which will require a
more guarded attention to the sale of poisons.
One who has examined the subject says: "That it is desirable
to plan some check upon the facilities for obtaining dangerous.
substances, and to adopt the most effectual precautions that can
be devised against accident in the use of domestic medicines, is
a proposition which admits of no dispute; and it should be the
primary object of any measures which may be introduced for
the purpose, to increase the difficulty of criminal poisoning
without needless interference with the prerogative of the medi-
cal profession, the requirements of art and science, and the
general convenience of the public."
As regards any direct legislation upon the sale of poison, as
we before mentioned, there appears to be a diversity of opinion.
It is maintained by some, that by thus making restrictions
upon the sale of a certain series of poisonous drugs or prepara-
tions, the attention of the public is called to the various sub-
stances placed under the restrictions; thus making them ac-
quainted with their poisonous qualifications, and giving those so
disposed an opportunity of using the means thus pointed out to
them. There appears to be some force in the argument; the
point of it, however, is turned aside by framing a law which
should generalize poisons, not particularize them. In this way
it has been proposed that those substances, solid or liquid, which
are fatal to life, in doses of 60 grains by weight, or of one fluid
drachm by measure, should be considered in the eyes of the law
and of the pharmaceutist as poisons. This would generalize
them; they in this way are not mentioned by name, and yet the
intelligent pharmaceutist has a safe guide to follow in his dis-
pensing of poisonous substances.
It has been urged on the other side, that, by the passage of
a law restricting the sale of poisons, greater difficulties would be
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
47
?
thrown in the way of the poisoner, and opening a way to his
more ready conviction.
As far as the knowledge of the Committee goes, it appears
that since the last report made to the Association, no State legis-
lation has taken place, in regard to any restrictions in the sale
of poisons. The Committee are under the impression that if
there appeared a necessity for a "poison law," it could best be
promoted by a memorial, addressed to the Legislatures of the
several States, to be presented by the prominent pharmaceutists
of each State, such a memorial to contain a draft of such a
law as the Committee, or the American Pharmaceutical Associ-
ation, deem most suitable to the wants of the American people.
The Committee are of the opinion that the method of keeping
certain series of poisons, many of which are of constant use,
under lock and key, is one that would interfere much with
the convenience of the pharmaceutist, and would not ensure
that safety which is proposed to be gained by the arrangement.
From the few facts that have been previously mentioned, it
would seem that legislation on this subject has always been
looked on, by practical men, as a difficulty, never having aimed
at superseding the judicious use of the senses, by legislation,
or precautions no less complicated than ingenious.
In examining the various cases of accidental poisoning which
have occurred, from time to time, it will be observed that, in
a large proportion of the cases, the accident may be attributed
to the sale of poisons by incompetent persons, or the neglect of
some ordinary precaution, such as labelling the bottle or giving
proper instructions as to the dose.
The following extract from the Times, of May 22d, is also
quite applicable to our case, drawing our attention to the most.
important and practical aspect of the question:
"We place much reliance upon the gradual extension of scien-
tific and general intelligence among the druggists as a class, and
regret that the trade cannot be brought under more stringent
regulations; for no restraint of police or statutory check would
be so efficient as that check and that restraint which educated
druggists would themselves supply. It is not absolutely neces-
sary for the public convenience that deadly substances and drugs
should be sold at every village shop, and we think some pro-
48
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
vision for confining the sale of such articles to properly ac-
credited establishments might be introduced with advantage.
With this, the Committee close their report, being under the
impression that the accompanying appeal is the most appropri-
ate to recommend at this time.
SAMUEL S. GARRIGUES, Chairman,
FRED. STEARNS,
A. E. RICHARDS.
A. P. MELZAR,
J. L. KIDWELL,
On behalf of the Committee.
APPEAL TO DRUGGISTS AND PHARMACEUTISTS IN THE UNITED
STATES IN REGARD TO THE SALE OF POISONS.
The American Pharmaceutical Association, at the suggestion of a com-
mittee appointed by it to report upon "the subject of the Sale of Poisons,”
does respectfully submit to the Pharmaceutists and Druggists of the
United States the following suggestions:
From the diversity of opinion among Pharmaceutists in relation to the
value and force of direct legislative action in restricting the sale of poi-
sonous substances, the Association does not deem it desirable to attempt
at present the passage of laws in the different States bearing upon the
subject; but in place, offers to the Pharmaceutist such suggestions as are
deemed expedient under existing circumstances.
The Association suggests, That the Pharmaceutist should adopt rules
in dispensing of poisons, by which he may remove from himself the re-
sponsibility of selling poisons for disreputable purposes, and protect the
public, both from mistakes occurring in his own premises, and from the use
of poisons for unlawful and criminal purposes.
The Association therefore offer the following suggestions:
That, in selling any substance which would prove fatal in a dose of 60
grains by weight, or a fluid drachm by measure, you consider it poisonous,
and mark the word "poison" in a distinct and unmistakeable manner upon
the label or package.
That you consider the poisonous alkaloids and the like powerful sub-
stances deadly poisonous, and so mark each package or label.
That you make it an invariable rule, to have every package of medicine
dispensed at your counter plainly marked, whether it be an innocent or
poisonous one.
That you, for the purpose of distinguishing by the aid of color as well
as words, have the labels of the furniture of your establishment which con-
tains poisonous substances, (as designated in this paper,) of a peculiar
color, one distinct from that of the rest of your labels. That you keep
such furniture by itself, in order that it may not cause remark by cus-
1
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
49
tomers; or, that in place of this suggestion, you adopt the practice of
placing upon each bottle, or drawer, or package, of such poisonous sub-
stances, some symbol, such as a bright red piece of paper, a triangle, or
Greek cross, or of other suitable form, thus giving the eye an additional
means of cautioning you when handling such substances.
That you print your dispensing labels for poisons upon a paper of an
entirely distinct color from that upon which your ordinary ones are printed.
That in dispensing prescriptions containing poisonous substances, while
you cannot mark such "poisonous" unless so directed to do by the writer
of the recipe, yet by marking a symbol in red ink upon the label of the
medicine, you may avoid any mistake in its repreparation, in putting up a
poisonous for an innocent one.
That, as an additional precaution, you adopt the practice of placing
bands of rubber around the necks and over the stoppers of bottles con-
taining poisonous medicines in frequent use, or in some other manner delay
slightly the opening of the bottle, so as to form an additional security
and caution against mistake.
That in preparing prescriptions you adopt this course: first, carefully
and understandingly read the recipe; then prepare it; then copy the recipe
into a book provided for the purpose, with its date; name of prescriber
and name of patient and directions; finally, place the number correspond-
ing to the one on record upon the original recipe and the label, before de-
livering the medicine. In this way any possible error in first reading the
recipe may be discovered in recording it; and secondly, you have a guide
in the patient's name, by which you may avert evil consequences, should
an error be discovered after the medicine has left the store.
That you provide yourself with a book, in which to record every sale of
poison, stating in each entry the date of sale; to whom sold; for what pur-
pose desired; the quantity sold, and price received. This can be used as
evidence in case of any blame being attached to you in case of accident
resulting from articles purchased of you.
That you consider yourself morally responsible to the community in
which you live, when there may be no legislative control to the sale of
poisons, and that you be particular when furnishing poisons to applicants
for such, to assure yourself by the appearance of the customer and by pro-
per enquiry of them, that no disreputable, illegal or criminal purpose is
intended.
That you require a written order from a physician or other responsible
party to accompany any application for a poisonous substance presented
by a person under fifteen years of age.
That in all cases in dealing out poisons in your business to applicants
in person, you be particular to caution them in regard to the properties
and proper methods of employment of the substance which they are to
receive.
That you entirely refuse to dispense oils of savine and tansy, of ergot,
50
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
and of substances of similar effect upon the economy, unless upon the
written prescription of a physician.
The Association is led to believe that no legislation upon this subject,
however strict, will completely protect the public against the acts of the
evil-doer, in employing poisons to attain his purpose. Yet it trusts
that this appeal to pharmaceutists, many of whom may not yet have
felt the force and weight of the responsibility resting upon them, will
awaken them to a sense of their accountability, morally and otherwise,
and be conducive to individual safety and public welfare.
REPORT ON THE PROGRESS OF PHARMACY,
The Committee on the Progress of Pharmacy, in accordance
with the line of duty pointed out for their guidance by the Con-
stitution, present the following as their Report, though sensible
that it falls quite short of the comprehensiveness that such a
paper should possess.
Section 3d of article IV directs that this Committee shall
report annually to the Association on the improvements in chem-
istry, practical pharmacy and the collateral branches, on any
new works bearing on these subjects, published in this country
or in Europe, and on the condition of the drug market and the
quality of drugs and manufactured articles, whether of foreign
or domestic production, found in commerce."
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY.
Aluminium.—In a paper by Mr. W. J. Taylor, of Philadel-
phia (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philada., Jan., 1857, and Amer.
Jour. Pharm., March, 1857,) Mr. Alfred Monier, of Camden,
N. J., has successfully manufactured this metal; and by the
economical production of sodium, his process, on a large scale,
will yield aluminium at one dollar per pound, the cost of the
sodium being but 14 cents per pound, and capable of being pro-
duced on as large a scale as zinc.
M. Tessier (Comp. Rend., Feb. 16, 1857,) has pointed out
many anomalies presented by aluminium, especially in reference
to other metals in the electro-chemical series.
Iron. Mr. Bessamer has published a process for converting
crude into malleable iron, founded on the fact that the carbon of
A
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
51
1
cast iron cannot resist the oxidizing action of air at a white heat,
and the process consists in forcing currents of heated air through
highly heated crude iron. Subsequent experiments have not
given favorable results, as to the quality of this iron for many
important purposes.-(Pharm. Jour., Sept., 1856, p. 182, and
Jour. Frank. Inst.)
Ferrocyanide of Potassium.-The difficulties in the present.
processes for producing the cyanogen compounds are ably dis-
cussed by H. Brunnquell, of Prussia, (see Pharm. Jour., Oct. 1,
1856, p. 218) in which he shows that the great loss of nitrogen
is to be expected on theoretical grounds. He also gives a new
process by which cyanogen is first obtained as cyanide of am-
monium, and afterwards converted into ferrocyanide of potassium
in the wet way.
Boron-Messrs. Wohler and Deville have shown that boron,
like carbon, exists in three distinct states:-1st. Crystallized, in
transparent crystals like the precious stones, more or less colored,
but probably colorless when pure.
It is so hard as to scratch
hardest of known bodies.
graphite; and 3d, Amor-
the diamond, and is possibly the
2d. Graphitoid boron, analogous to
phous boron, or that of Gay Lussac and Thenard.-(Comptes
Rendus, Dec. 8, 1856, and Am. Jour. Pharm., July, 1857.)
Magnesium.—MM. Deville and Caron, in recent investiga-
tions with magnesium, have shown that it is analogous to zinc,
in many of its relations. It is volatile like zinc, and may be dis-
tilled; its fusing point is nearly the same, density much less-
1.75-burnishes easily, resists oxidation as well as zinc, and when
burnt in oxygen the flame is tinged indigo blue. (Comp. Rend.,
Feb., 1857, and Am. Jour. Pharm., July, 1857.)
Sulphur.-This body has been closely studied as regards its
existence in various states or conditions effecting its chemical
relations as to solubility, insolubility, color, indifference and
activity, etc.-(Jour. de Pharm., Mars, 1857, and Chemist,
April, 1857.)
Phosphorus-Some details in the manufacture of this body
may be found at page 168 of the Chemist, Dec., 1856.
Charcoal, Animal.-Dr. Stenhouse (Pharm. Jour., Jan., 1857,
p. 362,) has made some valuable observations on the decoloriz
52
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ing charcoals. He finds that common vegetable charcoal, satu-
rated with sulphate of alumina solution, then dried and ignited
in close essels, affords a product more efficient than purified
animal charcoal. Hydrate of lime is intimately mixed with
asphaltum and coal tar, dried and ignited in close vessels, and
the lime afterwards dissolved out; the resulting charcoal is four
times more powerful than the best purified animal charcoal.
Potash from Felspar.-Dr. Meyer, of Berlin, by igniting an
intimate mixture of felspar and lime and digesting the mass in
water, under a pressure of seven or eight atmospheres, has ex-
tracted from 9 to 11 per cent. of potash from the mixture.—
(Pharm. Jour., vol. xvi., 607.)
Crystallized Hydrate of Baryta.-F. Mohr, of Coblentz,
(Pharm. Jour., Dec. 1856, p. 309,) has published a process for
obtaining baryta in a crystallized state.
New Oxide and Chloride of Silicium.-Wohler (Chem. Gaz.,
May 15, 1857, p. 186,) describes a new oxide of silicium and a
new chloride of the same element.
Soluble Glass-Silicate of Potash.-Von Fuchs, the dis-
coverer of this compound has recently (Chem. Gaz., April 1,
1857, page 130,) given a full paper on its application in the
arts.
Ter-iodide of Bismuth.-Schneider gives a process for making
this compound in the dry way by heating 1 eq. ter-sulphuret of
bismuth and 3 eqs. of iodine, intimately mixed, in a loosely
covered flask. The iodide of bismuth sublimes and the sulphur
passes off chiefly as sulphurous acid.-(Chem. Gaz., March 16,
1857, p. 109.)
Proto-sulphuret of Carbon.-M. E. Baudrimont has discovered.
this hitherto unknown compound of sulphur and carbon. It is
a gaseous body, colorless, odor resembling CS2, and is power-
fully anaesthetic. Its gaseous condition is the cause of its
having escaped detection before. It is easily prepared, and is
an interesting substance to the chemist. (See Chemist, July,
1857, p. 601; and Am. Jour. Pharm., May, 1857.)
Iodide of Antimony.—Mr. Copney has recently published a
a formula for this iodide (Pharm. Jour., Feb., 1857, and Amer.
Jour. Pharm., May, 1857,) which is made by fusing 1 eq. metal-
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
53
lic antimony and 3 eq. of iodine, intimately mixed, as in making
iodide of arsenic.
Apparatus for the production of high heats.-M. Deville has
devised an apparatus which he calls a lamp forge, (figured and
described in Pharm. Jour., Oct., 1856, p. 215.) He also there
describes the material and manner of making the crucibles for
use with it, which require to be of the most refractory kind.
A newly arranged apparatus for carbon and hydrogen deter-
minations in ultimate analysis has been described by Dr. Squibb.
-(Am. Jour. Pharm., Sept., 1856.)
New properties of Charcoal.-M. Moride has shown that
recently prepared wood charcoal has the power of precipitating
some metals from their saline solutions, and of causing the
formation of ether in diluted alcoholic acids. (See Comptes
Rendus, Oct., 1856, and Am. Jour. Pharm., Jan., 1857.)
Action of Water on Glass.-M. J. Pelouze has recently
shown (Comptes Rendus, July, 1856, and Amer. Jour. Pharm.,
Jan., 1857,) that powdered glass is much more soluble in water
than has been supposed, and exhibits the necessity of using cau-
tion in experiments to avoid contamination.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY.
Strychnia. Within the past year, owing chiefly to the inter-
est excited by Palmer's trial, the attention of chemists has been
turned to investigate the characteristics of this alkaloid most
thoroughly. We will here only give reference to them. 1st.
A Lecture on Strychnine, by Stevenson Macadam, F. R. S. E.
(Pharm. Jour., Aug., 1856, p. 120.) This paper covers the
chemical, physiological and toxicological points of view. 2nd.
A paper by John Horsely, of Cheltenham, on testing for strych-
nia and brucia, who brings forward chromic acid as a test of
great value. He also gives some physiological and post mortem
researches in separate papers annexed. (See Pharm. Jour.
Sept. 1856, pp. 177, 182.) 3d. Messrs De Vry and Van-der-
Burg, of Rotterdam, being required by the authorities to inves-
tigate a case of poisoning, have entered quite fully into the sub-
ject, chemically and physiologically, and they aver, in their con-
conclusions, that of a grain could be detected, however
1
60000
4
54
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
combined in the system, that that portion of strychnia causing
death is decomposed and cannot be found in the remains, but
the minutest quantity beyond that can be easily detected.
(Pharm. Journ., March, 1856, p. 448.) These last assertions
being called in question, Messrs. Rodgers & Girwood, of Lon-
don, in a paper published in the same journal (April, 1857, p.
497,) arrive at the distinct conclusion in opposition to the above
that strychnia can always be detected when it has been taken in
sufficient quantity to cause death, and its very stable qualities
render its detection more certain than any other poison.-(See
also Amer. Jour. Pharm., July, 1857, p. 355.)
Aloin.-T. B. Groves, of Weymouth, England, (Pharm. Jour.,
Aug., 1856, p. 120,) has given a practical process for isolating
this principle both from Barbadoes and socotrine aloes. The
point of the process is in the employment of muriatic acid to
precipitate the resino-extractive matter before evaporation, and
thus facilitate crystallization.
Caffein. Dr. Stenhouse has determined that guarana con-
tains 5.07 per cent. of caffein, and that it is the richest source
of that principle; good black tea having 2.13 per cent. and
coffee about 1 per cent. Dr. Stenhouse, in connection with
Prof. Graham and Mr. Campbell, has made a very elaborate
report to the British Government on the adulterations of coffee
and the modes of detecting them, which will be found at page
228, Pharm. Jour. for October, 1856, and continued at page
521 for April, 1857, the latter portion being republished in the
Amer. Jour. Pharm., July, 1857.
Phaseo-Mannite.-H. Vohl has discovered this new kind of
sugar in the unripe kidney bean. Its composition is C21 H21
020.—(Leibig's Ann. and Am. Jour. Pharm., Jan., 1857.)
Cinchonidin.-M. Wittstein has recently examined a bark
analogous to calisaya in appearance, and which contains an alka-
loid which he calls cinchonidin. It is not colored by chlorine
water, crystallizes in brilliant crystals, and is probably different
from the cinchonidin of Pasteur and de Vry.-(Amer. Jour.
Pharm., March, 1857, p. 115.)
Veratrum Viride.-Jos. H. Richardson, of Philadelphia,
has conclusively demonstrated the presence of veratria in this
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
55
plant, as previously alleged by H. W. Worthington.-(See Am.
Jour. Pharm., May, 1857, p. 204.)
Malambo bark.-F. B. Dancy, of Mississippi, has examined
this bark proximately, and found it to contain more than three
per cent. of aromatic volatile oil, and gum, starch, albumen,
resin, fixed oil, wax and salts.-(See Am. Jour. Pharm., May,
1857, p. 212.)
Colchicein.-M. Oberlin has recently (Comptes Rendus, Dec.
6, 1856,) re-examined colchicum seeds, and was unable to find
the principle described by Geiger and Hess called by them col-
chicin on repeating their process, but by acting on that sub-
stance with dilute SOS or HCl he obtained a crystallizable sub-
stance which he calls colchicin, and which he has proved to
pre-exist as such in the seed. It contains nitrogen, is a neutral
body, and 5 centigrammes killed a rabbit in a few minutes.-
(Am. Jour. Pharm., May, 1857, p. 235.)
Optical characters of the cinchona alkaloids.-Dr. W. Bird
Herapath, of Bristol, Eng., (Am. Jour. Pharm., May, 1857) has
extended his researches in reference to quinidia and cinchonidia
as regards the effects of their solution on polarized light and
the phenomenon of fluorescence," or epipolic dispersion, and
has satisfactorily shown that, whilst quinia and quinidia pos-
sess this power so as perceptibly to affect the appearance of
700,000 parts of water, cinchonia and cinchonidia possess none
of this power. The iodo-sulphate of cinchonidin, like the iodo-
sulphate of quinia, assumes a crystalline form of great beauty,
but affects light differently, the body color being indigo blue
instead of ruby red.
Analysis of Strychnos Ignatia.-James M. Caldwell has made.
an analysis of the seeds of this plant, chiefly with the view of
ascertaining its percentage of strychnia and igasuric acid. Of
strychnia he obtained 15 grs. from 2,000 of the seeds, and of
the acid about one per cent. It is probable that this amount of
strychnia is too small, as a waste must have occurred in the-
purifying process to which the crystals were subjected.-(Am.
Jour. Pharm., July, 1857, p. 294.)
Capsicin.—Horace B. Taylor (Am. Jour. Pharm., July, 1857,
p. 303,) has isolated this principle in the form of acicular,
56
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
i
colorless crystals, neutral, soluble in ether, alcohol, chloroform,
oil of turpentine and caustic potassa, fuses when heated, and by
increased heat vaporizes in dense suffocating vapors and its taste.
fiery and caustic.
Conhydrin.-Prof. F. Wertheim has obtained a new alkaloid
from the fresh flowers of Conium maculatum by distilling a con-
centrated acidulated infusion with lime. The distillate contains
ammonia, conia and conhydrin. Its formula is conia plus 2 eqs.
water, and by distillation with anhydrous phosphoric acid yields
that alkaloid. Conhydrin crystallizes in colorless, nacreous,
iridescent crystals, with a conia-like odor.-(Am. Pharm. Jour.,
July, 1857, p. 321 from Chem. Gaz.)
Detection of Oil of Turpentine in Essential oils.-G. S. Heppe
has applied the nitro-prusside of copper as a test for the tere-
binthinate adulteration; but the test has several exceptions
which impair its value. When a fragment of this salt is heated
with oil of turpentine in a test tube till the oil begins to boil
and allowed to settle, a fine green deposit is formed, and the
same occurs in any oxygenous volatile oil to which this oil has
been added, whilst in such an oil without the turpentine, the de-
posit is brown or gray. The exceptions to this test are the
hydrocarbon oils-lemon, juniper, orange, &c.—(Amer. Journ.
Pharm., July, 1857, p. 325.)
Solanin.-M. Moitessier has extended the history of solanin
to its ethyl and amyl compounds, parallel with the similar com-
pounds of morphia, conia, nicotina, &c.-(Am. Jour. Pharm.,
July, 1857, 328.)
Scillitin.-M. Marais, in an inaugural essay (Jour. de Pharm.,
Feb., 1857, and an extract in Amer. Jour. Pharm., July, 1857)
on squills has at last given the history of the bitter principle of
squill. It exists as an amorphous, pale yellow substance, nearly
insoluble in water, very soluble in alcohol and ether, an intensely
bitter taste, colored violet by SO3, bright red by NO. It has
an alkaline reaction, yields ammonia with potassa, is precipitated
by tannin, bi-chlor. platinum and per-chloride of iron; one-
twenty-fifth of a grain, introduced into the circulation, killed a
dog in 22 minutes.
Transformation of soluble into insoluble gum.-M. Gelis
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
57
(Comptes Rendus, Jan. 26, 1857) has discovered that gum arabic
(arabin) heated carefully to 302° F. by an oil bath, is rendered
insoluble in water and analogous to bassorin. This change
consists in the loss of water-arabin C12 H11 011 becoming =
C12 H10 Olo. This insoluble gum, by boiling with water, again
becomes soluble. The most singular point is, that heat which
converts starch into soluble dextrine, changes soluble gum into
an artificial bassorin!(Amer. Jour. Pharm., 564, July, 1857).
Artificial Glycerin.-M. A. Wurtz has succeeded in the
synthesis of glycerin by operating on triacetine with baryta.
The resulting substance has the composition and properties of
glycerin, and, like that body, yields iodized propylene when
treated with iodide of phosphorus.-(See Amer. Jour. Pharm.,
Sept. 1857, and Compt. Rendus, April, 1857.)
Mannite and Glycerin convertible into Sugar.-M. Berthelot
has succeeded in converting these bodies into fermentable sugar
by acting on a solution of them with certain animal tissues.-
(Amer. Jour. Pharm., Sept. 1857.)
Amygdalin.—Messrs. Kolliker and Müller have proved that
amygdalin and emulsin meet in the circulation, when amygdalin
is taken by the stomach, and emulsin injected into a vein, pro-
ducing prussic acid, and consequent poisoning; but when the
emulsin is ingested and the amygdalin injected, no reaction fol-
lows, as the former undergoes digestion and does not reach the
circulation.—(Amer. Jour. Pharm., Sept. 1857, and Brit. and
For. Rev.)
Cinnamic Acid in resin of Liquidambar styraciflua.—Mr.
Daniel Hanbury, of London, has ascertained that the acid in
this resin is the cinnamic, and not the benzoic, as heretofore
supposed, (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 478, Sept. 1857) and gives a
process for distinguishing these acids readily.
Ursone.-A proximate principle obtained from uva ursi by
Trommsdorf has been ascertained by Hlasiwetz to have the
composition C20 H17 02.-(Chemist, 149, October, 1856.)
Alcoholic fermentation.-M. Berthelot has presented some
interesting views in regard to this process, and the substances
capable of modification by it, to the French Academy. He
groups all such substances together; which, commencing at glu-
58
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
cose, become less and less readily fermentible till glycerin is
reached. (See Chemist, July, 1857, from Comptes Rendus,
April 6, 1857.)
Cyclamin.-M. S. De Luca has investigated the tubers of
Cyclamen Europæum, and found a proximate principle to which
he has given the name of cyclamin. It is a white, amorphous,
odorless, friable, neutral substance. It dissolves in water by
moderate heat, froths when agitated, and is coagulated by boil-
ing. It is poisonous.
Quinidin.—M. De Vry, of Rotterdam, (Pharm. Jour. Feb.
1857, 401) gives some remarks on commercial quinidin, showing
it to be a mixture of cinchonidin and quinidin, and points out
a test for quinidin in the great insolubility of its hydriodate.
Amylene.-Dr. Snow, of London, (Pharm. Jour. of Feb. 1857)
read a paper on the anesthetic powers of Amylene-C¹º H¹0—
a product of the action of chloride of zinc on fusel oil or amylic
alcohol. Owing to the great impurity of some of the commercial
amylene, it has caused death, and gotten into disrepute. The
causes of this impurity are pointed out in a paper by M. Duray,
of Paris, (see Amer. Jour. Pharm. Sept. 1857).
10
Hydride of Amyle, or hydruret of amyle, was discovered by
Prof. Frankland. But its anaesthetic quality was but recently de-
tected by Prof. Simpson, of Edinburg. Its formula is C₁0 H11 + H
It is a colorless mobile liquid, sp. grav. .638 at 57° Fahr., is
the lightest liquid known, is very inflammable, insoluble in water,
and is very stable. Messrs. T. & H. Smith, of Edinburg, have
written an elaborate paper (Pharm. Jour. June, 1857, and Amer.
Jour. Pharm. Sept. 1857) on this substance, and the mode of
preparing it.
Xanthoxylin and oil of xanthoxylum piperitum berries have
been recently (Pharm. Jour. July, 1857) examined by Dr. Sten-
house, in which he corrects his former analysis. The oil is a
hydrocarbon.
Ilex Opaca, American Holly.—The leaves and berries of this
plant have been examined by D. P. Pancoast, of Philadelphia,
who found in them a crystalline bitter principle (ilicin), tannin,
albumen, pectin, etc.-(See Amer. Journ. of Pharm. July, 1856,
page 312.)
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
59
Aloetin.-M. E. Robiquet, of Paris, has re-examined aloes,
and admits the correctness of T. & H. Smith's observations on
this principle; but says, that it is only oxidized aloein, that it is
purgative, and that the amorphous aloetin which he first isolated
possesses this power.
power. (See Amer. Jour. Pharm. 543, Nov. 1856.)
Valerianate of Ammonia.-W. Procter, Jr., (Amer. Jour.
Pharm, Jan. 1857, p. 27,) has published a process for making
this salt in a crystalline form. M. E. Robiquet has also proposed
an analogous process.-(Jour. de Pharm. Jan. 1857.)
Valerianic Acid.-M. Pierlot has ascertained that valerianic
acid pre-exists in the juice of the valerian root, and may be
ebtained without chemical aid by simple distillation with water.
Carbonic acid from vegetable decomposition.-M. Correnwinder
(Chem. Gaz. Jan. 15, 1857,) has ascertained by careful experi-
ments, that the quantity of carbonic acid produced at the sur-
face of the earth by the decay of plants, and thus presented to
growing plants, is far greater than that from volcanic fires,
animal respiration, and all other sources together.
Detection of Alkaloids.-Prof. F. A. Otto has published a
paper (in Liebig's Annalen, Oct. 1856) on this subject, in which
the process of Stass is commended in most cases; a modification
of this for morphia is suggested.-(See Chem. Gaz. Jan. 15, 1857,
page 34.)
Monarda didyma.-The fine color of the flowers of this plant
is stated, by M. Belhomme, to be identical with that of the nopal
and cochineal, and may be employed to make carmine. -(Chem.
Gaz. Jan. 1, 1857.)
Alizarine.-Pure red coloring principle of madder may be
separated from resinous matter in the extract, according to E.
Schwartz, by spreading the alcoholic extract of madder on a
paper, and this laid on a sheet iron, so that it can be exposed
regularly to heat over a charcoal fire. The heat must be so
regulated as not to burn the paper. By the agency of the heat
the paper absorbs the liquid resin, whilst the alizarine crystallizes
on the surface of the paper, the heat not being sufficient to
sublime it. When cold, it may be scraped off, and sublimed if
desirable.-(Chem. Gaz. Feb. 1, 1857.)
Codeia.-E. Robiquet (Jour. de Pharmacie, Jan. 1857), in a
60
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
1
paper read before the Academy in November, 1856, has examined
codeia optically and therapeutically. Optically, in reference to
the strength of the syrup used considerably in France, and
therapeutically, as regards its capability of being substituted
for morphia in certain cases. His conclusion is unfavorable to
codein, as when given in quantity sufficient to produce the nar-
cotism required, it exhibits a stupefying effect on the brain not
at all desirable. Its province appears to be its influence over
the nerves which are independent of the will.
7
Palm Sugar.-M. Leon Soubeiran (Jour. de Pharmacie, Jan.
1857) gives some observations on palm sugar as produced in the
East Indies, and called jaggery, which is made from the Cocos
nucifera, Borassus flabelliformis, Phoenix dactylifera, Sagus
rumphii, and other palmaceæ.
*
Elastic Gelatin.-M. Lallement states that gelatin is rendered
and maintained elastic by mixture with glycerin, and at the
same time becomes imputrecible. It is prepared by dissolving
gelatin in a water bath, evaporating till it becomes quite thick,
and then adding an amount by weight of thick glycerin equal
to that of the dry gelatin used. It may be used for printers'
rollers, and for taking impressions of figures.
The active principle in Indian Hemp Resin.-The Society
of Pharmacy of Paris having for two years offered a prize of
1000 francs for the best analysis of this substance, the prize
was last winter adjudged to M. Personne, of Paris, whose essay
was reported on by M. Robiquet, in the Journal de Pharmacie,
Jan. 1857. Abandoning the idea, heretofore adopted, that the
active principle was a resin, as pointed out by T. & H. Smith,
of Edinburg, (cannabin, haschishin,) from the fact that when
smoked, its peculiar effects were strongly manifested, he sought
for a volatile principle, and by distilling the dried Indian hemp
with water, obtained a volatile oil with an alkaline distilled
water. The alkali proved to be ammonia. The volatile oil was
lighter than water, had an amber color and the characteristic.
odor of the hemp. Exposed to cold it crystallized, and by
fractional distillation yielded two distinct hydrocarbons; one,
cannabein liquid, is C36 H20; the other, in crystalline scales, is
C12 H14.
Cannabein exhibits the physiological effects of hemp
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
61
resin, but its effects are less lasting. (The notice of M. Ro-
biquet is in Jour. de Pharm. Jan. 1857.)
Hydrocyanic Acid, and its compounds.—Messrs. O. Henry
and E. Humbert have published a paper (Jour. de Pharm. Feb.
1857) on this acid, more especially in reference to its medico-
legal relations, and pointing out in detail the means of analysing
various preparations containing it. This process will enable the
chemist to isolate half a milligramme, 1th of a grain of cyanide
of silver, and consequently, one fourth of this amount of the
acid. (See Jour. de Pharm. March, 1857).
MATERIA MEDICA.
Rhatany.-Dr. Schuchardt (Pharm. Jour. July, 1856, 29)
has given an elaborate paper on the Peruvian and Colombian or
savanilla rhatanys, illustrated with sectional figures of their
roots. Dr. S. thinks the savanilla rhatany is medicinally equal to
the Peruvian.
English Oak Galls.—In a recent investigation of these galls,
Dr. Vinen found them to contain 17 per cent. of tannin and
gallic acid. These galls are used in Devonshire for making ink.-
(Pharm. Jour., August, 1856.)
Carbazotic Acid.—Messrs. Grace Calvert and Dr. Moffat have
tried this intense bitter, both free and combined with ammonia,
iron, nickel and zinc in several forms of disease, in doses of 4
of a grain to 13 grains per day, with some success. The most
remarkable feature in connection with its use, is the deep yellow
coloration which it causes in the patients who take it, who ap-
pear as if jaundiced. On ceasing its use the color passes off in
two or three days.-(Pharm. Jour., Sept. 1856.)
The Red Bark Tree.-Mr. John Elliot Howard, the eminent
quinologist, has taken considerable pains to ascertain the source
of red bark, and has partially succeeded, having obtained all
parts of the tree but the flowers, which were not on when col-
lected; but he hopes to get them by another opportunity; the
leaves are figured and the specimens described in the Pharm.
Journal for October, (and transferred to the Amer. Jour.
Pharm. for 1856.)
Penghawar Djambi.—Mr. Daniel Hanbury has investigated
+
62
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
the history of this curious drug (Pharm. Jour., November, 1856),
which instead of being a lichen, is the hirsute appendage to the
stipe of a species of fern-the cibotium-analogous to the male
fern of this country. It comes from Sumatra, and is used as a
styptic to stop hæmorrhages.
Aconitum Heterophyllum.-Dr. Thomson, of the Botanic
Gardens at Calcutta, says that the root of this plant is used in
India as a febrifuge and anti-periodic, and does not appear to
possess poisonous properties. (See Pharm. Jour., page 312, Dec.
1856.)
Wood Oil.-The oleo-resinous body obtained by incision from
Dipterocarpus turbinatus, by a process similar to that used in
Central America to get balsam of Peru, is noticed by Guibourt.
-(Jour. de Pharm. Sept. 1856.)
Egusé Oil, from Africa.-Dr. Daniell, of Sierra Leone, has
described this oil (Pharm. Jour. Dec. 1856) as the product of
the seed of two cucurbitaceous plants growing in the interior.
The oil is used like olive oil and palm oil, and Dr. Wilson thinks
well of it for lubricating purposes.
Copals of Western Africa.--Dr. Daniell has published an
elaborate paper on the sources of these copals, and has presented
(Pharm. Jour., Jan. 1857) a figure of the Guibourtia copallifera
which yields the copal of Sierra Leone.
Berberin tree of Soudan.-Dr. Daniell has also written a
paper (Pharm. Jour., Feb. 1857) on the yellow dye tree of
Western Africa, the Calocline polycarpa, which is used as a dye,
and is celebrated in Sierra Leone as a remedy for ulcers, to
which it is applied externally. Its virtues are attributed to the
large amount of berberin it contains.
Storax.-Mr. Daniel Hanbury has published a valuable paper
on this subject (Pharm. Jour., Feb. and March, 1857, and Amer.
Jour. Pharm., 1857) in which he has succeeded in satisfactorily
determining the source of storax to be the Liquidambar orientale
of Asia Minor, and not the Styrax officinale to which it is usually
attributed. A figure accompanying the paper shows the close
analogy of this tree with the L. styraciflua of this country.
Radix Uncomo como has lately been brought into notice in
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
63
Europe as a Caffrarian remedy for tape worm.
It is the root of
a species of fern, Aspidium athamanticum of Kunze.
Amoma of Western Africa.-Dr. W. F. Daniell has published
a continuation of his former paper on this subject, in the March
and April numbers of the Pharm. Journal, with excellent figures
of the fruits.
Urari, or Arrow poison of Guiana.-Sir Robert H. Schom-
burgh has published a paper on this subject in the Pharm. Jour.
of April, 1857, in which he enters minutely into its history,
preparation and uses.
Xanthoxylum piperitum, of Decandolle, yields the Japanese
pepper, and, as has been stated, the berries yield a volatile oil
and stearoptene, the latter called xanthoxylin, and no doubt
similar to the xanthoxylin found in the xanthoxylum of this
country by Dr. Staples.
Culture of Cinchona in Java.-At the suggestion of Prof.
Miquel, the Dutch Government has introduced the culture of
cinchona into the mountainous region of Java. M. Hasskarl,
who was sent to the western coast of South America, obtained
living plants and seeds of various species. Most of the plants
died during the voyage across the Pacific, but Cinchona conda-
minea, and some other species remained in a growing condi-
tion. Prof. Miquel has sanguine hopes of ultimate success.
Bark of Liquidamber styraciflua.-Dr. Charles W. Wright,
of Kentucky, has introduced this bark to notice as a remedy in
the dysentery and diarrhoea of children in the summer months.
He recommends it to be used in the form of a syrup made like
wild cherry bark syrup.
Malambo Bark.-Edward S. Wayne (Amer. Jour. Pharm.,
Jan. 1857) has discussed the relation of this to certain other.
bitter barks, one of which, under the name of Winter's bark,
has entered the commerce of this country. His judgment in
regard to the identity of the latter bark with the malambo has
been confirmed by a specimen of the malambo sent out from
London by Mr. Hanbury.
Quassia Bark.-Edward Parrish describes a bark under this
name (Amer. Jour. Pharm., March, 1857) which was sold for
soap bark-Quillaia saponaria-but from which it differs in toto.
64
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
It has the appearance of the bark on commercial quassia, and
its structure and taste, hence has been referred to that source.
¡
Wild Senna.-Dr. Carl Martius has drawn the attention of
pharmacologists to this drug, which is derived from Globularia
alypum, of Linnæus, and occurs in Europe along the Mediter-
ranean. It appears to have been known in the middle ages as a
purgative. The plant is a low shrub. (Am. Jour. Pharm. May '57.)
Coconut Oil.-M. Pettenkoffer brings this oil forward as a
substitute for lard in ointments, as being less liable to rancify.
This is based on the statement that iodide of potassium ointment
made with coco oil keeps two months without decomposition.
Bytteria febrifuga.-M. Gerardias has written a paper on
the bitter ash wood of the West Indies, and ascertained it to be
the product of the Bytteria febrifuga, a plant not hitherto de-
scribed, to which M. Belanger, of the Jardin des Plantes, of St.
Pierre, has given the name. The bytteria is a large tree of 50
to 60 feet high, and evidently is allied to quassia. It is found in
Martinique. (Jour. de Pharm., Feb. 1857, and Amer. Jour.
Pharm., July, 1857.)
Rottlera Tinctoria.-Dr. Thomas Anderson, of the British
Army, in India, states that a substance called kamila, obtained
by brushing from the capsules of this plant, is used in India as
a vermifuge for tapeworm. It acts as a purgative, and some-
times is emetic, in doses of zij to 3ss.-(Amer. Jour. Med.
Science, July, 1857, from Indian Annals, &c.
Tragacanth.-M. Hugo Von Mohl, (Botanische Zeitung, 16th
Jan., 1857,) has given his views in reference to the mode of
production of this gum. By microscopic examination of the
tragacanth, in plates, swollen out by maceration in water, and
afterwards touched with a solution of chloride of zinc with iodine,
he has determined it to have an organized cellular structure, in
which the sides of the cells are coated with an amylaceous mat-
ter acted on by iodine, whilst each cell contains a minute starch
granule. The surrounding matter is a gelatinous gum, without
color, and transparent. The author does not view gum as a
secreted juice indurated by inspissation, nor as of cryptogamic
origin; but considers it to be a transformation of the cellules of
the pith and medullary rays into the gelatinous substance of
tragacanth.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
65
PRACTICAL PHARMACY.
Distilled Waters.-M. Haselden, of London, gives his experi-
ence in reference to this class of preparations. (Pharm. Journal,
July, 1856.) He thinks the waters of the aromatic seeds-
cinnamon, pimenta, &c., as best, when made by distillation; that
those of the labiate plants-mint, pennyroyal, &c., when the
best oils can be obtained, are properly made by solution with
the aid of magnesia or silica; and lastly, rose water, elder
water, orange flower water, are best distilled from the pickled
flowers, the latter being put down in the proportion of 1 lb.
of salt to 3 lbs. of flowers. He considers stone jars better
than glass for the preservation of distilled waters.
Strychnia.-Mr. J. Horsley recommends chromate of potassa
as a precipitant in the manufacture of strychnia, by which
means it is separated from brucia.-(Pharm. Journal, Septem-
ber, 1856, 179.)
Extract of Liquorice.-The question as to whether the firm
consistence of Calabria liquorice is due to added matter, foreign
to the root, or to a peculiar mode of preparation, has often been
discussed. M. Delondre (Jour. de Pharm., Dec., 1856) has
given a process by which the root is exhausted by pressure-
steam, and thus, much matter, insoluble in cold water, is
removed, which appears to act as a skeleton, or frame work,
to retain the soluble extractive matter in shape when made into
rolls. (Amer. Jour. Pharm. March, 1857.)
Artificial Production of Ice.-An apparatus for forming ice
by the cold occasioned by the evaporation of ether in vacuo, is
figured in the March number of the (London) Pharmaceutical
Journal, page 477.
Coating Pills with Tolu.-The usual method of doing this is
to put the pills in a hemispherical vessel, with a small quantity
of strong ethereal solution of tolu, and after agitating them till
covered, to put them on a slab to dry. Mr. Baildon, of Edin-
burg, (Pharm. Jour., May, 1857,) recommends in preference,
solution of tolu in chloroform, because it evaporates more
rapidly than ether. A Brighton chemist announces that he
holds a patent for coating pills with "resinous gum," and cau-
tions all pharmaceutists against infringing his patent. The
66
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
T
author of this patent cannot be an advocate for general improve-
ment. His patent is worthless.
Cod-Liver Oil with Quinia and other Substances.-It has
become quite common in England to vend solutions of quinia,
iodide of arsenic, and other substances in cod-liver oil, and a
series of processes, not very lucid, are published (as patented) in
the Pharmaceutical Journal for July.
Scammony Resin.-Prof. Williamson has patented a process.
for extracting the root of Convolvulus scammonia with alcohol,
and evaporating to get a syrupy liquid, from which the resin is
precipitated with water.-(Pharm. Journ., July, 1857, 37.)
Preparation of Ether by Steam Heat.-Dr. E. R. Squibb, U.
S. Naval Laboratory, has published a process, with figures of
apparatus used in making ether at the U. S. Naval Laboratory.
The peculiarity of the apparatus is in analyzing the vapor from
the still, so as to extract its alcohol, and thus get the ether of
a higher specific gravity, say .728.-(See American Journal of
Pharmacy, September, 1856.)
Compound Syrup of Squill.-Dr. H. T. Cummings has sug-
gested diluted acetic acid to exhaust the squill in making this
preparation, using diluted alcohol for the seneka. The object
is to preserve the preparation from fermentation.--(Amer. Jour.
Pharm., September, 1856.)
Bi-Sulphuret of Carbon as a Solvent has been proposed by
E. Deiss, to be used to extract the fat from bones in lieu of
boiling them in water. From 10 to 12 per cent. of fat can thus
be obtained when the bi-sulphuret is distilled off. This idea has
been applied in pharmacy, by M. Lepage, to the preparation of
croton and laurel oils, and oil of nutmegs.-(See Amer. Jour.
Pharmacy, July, 1856, and Sept. 1856.) The great volatility
and extraordinary solvent power of this sulphuret, renders it,
when pure, a valuable agent in the hands of the practical phar-
maceutist since its great reduction in price.
Protiodide of Mercury.--Charles Bullock, in employing the
process of Boutigny for making this compound, observed a
formation of biniodide and metallic mercury, and considers the
process ineligible when the quantities used are great.-(Amer.
Jour. of Pharm., November, 1856.)
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
67
Fluid Extract of Ergot.-W. J. Watson has proposed a
formula for fluid extract of ergot, of the strength of a scruple to
a fluid drachm, which is made by evaporating a tincture of ergot
in alcohol of the strength of wine, and evaporating till of twice
the strength indicated, and then adding an equal bulk of alco-
hol.-(Amer. Jour. Pharm., Nov., 526.)
Iodized Oil.-M. Hugouneng proposes a formula for making
a solution of iodine in oil of almonds as a substitute for cod-
liver oil.—(Amer. Jour. Pharm., Nov., 526.)
Boutigny's Method for Protiodide of Mercury.-This process
has been criticized by J. Canavan, and by J. M. Maisch.—(See
Amer. Jour. Pharm., Jan. 1857, pp. 9 and 11.) The latter
believes it is impossible to make pure protiodide by this method,
whatever precautions may be taken.
Grain Weights.-Dr. E. R. Squibb has called attention to
the great imperfection of these weights as furnished in com-
merce.--(Ibid, 16.)
Fluid Extract of Lupulin.-W. Procter, Jr., has published a
formula for this preparation, of the strength of a grain to each
minim., with ether as the extracting agent followed by alcohol.—
(Amer. Jour. Pharm., Jan., 1857.)
Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum. Dr. E. R. Squibb
has published a process for making this valuable extract which
differs from that of the Pharmacopoeia, but arrives at the same
result, except that the product is in powder. The colocynth is
used in the form of the powdered simple extract, each ingredi-
ent is proportioned to the quantity in a dry state existing in the
officinal recipe, and the whole intimately mixed, using the best
aloes and scammony.-(See Amer. Jour. Pharm., 102, 1857.)
Aqueous Fluid Extract of Senna.-Dr. Thayer has intro-
duced into use a fluid extract of senna, of the strength of the
officinal, but made by cold water by displacement and evapora-
tion in vacuo. It has been found by trial to be a good
preparation. (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 102, March, 1857.)
Collodion.-W. Procter, Jr., states (Amer. Jour. Pharm.,
March, 1857,) that, in his experience, long maceration (3 days)
in nitric acid, 1.42-1.45, with SO³, yielded a more soluble cotton
than when a shorter period was allowed.
68
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Extractum Jalapa Fluidum.-W. Procter, Jr., (Amer. Jour.
Pharm., March, 1857,) gives a formula for this preparation.
It is alkaline, contains a grain to each minim, and fairly repre-
sents the drug. Sugar and alcohol are the preservative agents.
Chlorine Water.-Dr. Steiren, of Tarentum, Pa., criticises.
the Edinburgh formula for chlorine water, and thinks it should
be discontinued. (Amer. Jour. Pharm., May, 1857.)
Gold Sponge for Dentists.-Dr. Forbes gives a process for
obtaining gold in a porous, spongy condition, for use by dentists,
by adding oxalic acid to the dissolved chloride, heating, washing
the golden deposit with hot water, drying on filtering paper, and
then heating below redness till the particles cohere slightly.-
(Amer. Jour. Pharm., May, 1857.)
Tinctura Ferri Chloridi.-Dr. E. R. Squibb, U. S. N., has
proposed a new formula for this preparation, which obviates all
difficulty in reference to its strength and preservation. Proto-
chloride of iron is formed, with two-thirds of the prescribed
quantity of muriatic acid, and q. s. NO5 to peroxidize the protox-
ide. This solution does not change or deposit.-(Amer. Jour.
Pharm., July, 1857.)
William S. Thompson, of Baltimore, has also (Ibid, p. 299)
proposed a new formula for this tincture, in which ignited sub-
carbonate of iron is used in place of the officinal hydrated
sub-carbonate. He also proposes to prepare it from hydrated
sesquioxide; but these formulæ are not as convenient as that
of Dr. Squibb just noticed.
Fluid Extract of Arnica.-J. M. Maisch proposes a fluid
extract of arnica, made by exhausting 16 oz. Troy of arnica with
diluted alcohol, evaporating to Oss. and adding Oiss. of alcohol
95 per cent. to make Oij.-(Amer. Jour. Pharm., July 1857.)
Fluid Extract of Uva Ursi.-J. M. Maisch also proposes a
formula for this fluid extract, 16 oz. to Oj. using diluted alcohol
as the menstruum, and 12 oz. of sugar as the preservative agent.
This fluid extract has been made for several years before this
published notice.
Liquor Ferri Nitratis; a New Process.-W. Procter, Jr., has
proposed a new process for this officinal solution, which renders
it as permanent as the tincture of the chloride. It consists in
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
69
making a proto-nitrate by saturating diluted muriatic acid with
iron filings or tacks, (in large excess,) filtering and adding the
requisite proportion of NO to convert the proto-salt into sesqui-
nitrate. The solution has a light wine color, and has no ten-
dency to change by keeping.--(Amer. Jour. Pharm., July,
1857.)
Tinctura Ignatice Amaræ.-A formula for this tincture, ziv. to
Oj., is given by the same.-(See Ibid. 109.)
Extractum Anthemidis Fluidum.-This fluid extract made
lb. ss. to Oj. See same authority, page 111, March, 1847.
Lapis Calaminaris.--Ferris Bringhurst, of Wilmington, has
corroborated the previously alleged impurity of commercial
calamine, in six analyses.-(Amer. Jour. Pharm., July, 1857.)
Benzinated Solution of Alumina.-M. Mental has suggested
this preparation as a styptic in hemorrhages. It is a solution
of pure sulphate of alumina, saturated with gelatinous hydrate
of alumina, and afterwards heated with an excess of benzoin,
during six hours, at 176° F. and filtered. It is highly spoken
of as a styptic.-(Amer. Jour. Pharm, March 1857, p. 128.)
Iodized Glycerin.-Dr. Richter, of Vienna, proposes a solu-
tion of 1 part of iodide of potassium in 2 parts of glycerin, and
then dissolving in this 1 part of iodine, as an external iodine
caustic. (Amer. Jour. Pharm., March, 1857.)
Process for Drying and Pressing Plants in their Natural
Form and Colors.-Prof. Reveil, of the School of Pharmacy of
Paris, has published a process for drying plants to be used as
specimens for illustration. Washed fine sand is dried at
302° F., and whilst at that temperature, five drachms each
of stearic acid and spermaceti are added to fifty pounds of
sand, which is then stirred thoroughly until every grain gets a
coating of the fatty mixture. In a box with a trap bottom, the
plant to be dried is placed, and cautiously surrounded with the
prepared sand, supporting each leaf and petal as the sand is
filled in, observing to use merely enough to cover every part.
The box is then put in a drying closet, at the temperature of
113° F., till completely desiccated, when the sand is carefully
5
70
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
drawn off beneath, and the few granules adhering removed by
a camel's hair brush.-(Amer. Jour. Pharm., March, 1857,
p. 163.)
Preparation of Drying Oil.-Prof. R. Wagner gives a process
for preparing a drying oil for painters' use. (Amer. Jour.
Pharm., March 1857, p. 168.)
Oleum Æthereum and Spiritus Etheris Compositus, U. S. P.—
Dr. Edward R. Squibb, U. S. N., has given the result of his
experience in making these preparations, and criticises the
present course of manufacturers, in preparing Hoffman's ano-
dyne with but a fraction of the proper quantity of oil of wine in
it. (See Amer. Jour. Pharm., May, 1853, p. 193.)
Solubility of other Iodides in Syrup of Iodide of Iron.-J.
M. Maisch, (Amer. Jour. Pharm., May, 1857,) has ascertained
that the iodides of copper, lead and mercury are soluble in the
officinal syrup of iodide of iron, and points out the necessity of
care in avoiding contact with these metals in making this syrup.
Gallic Acid.-F. Steer gives a process for isolating this acid
from nutgalls, which is analogous to the old process of Scheele.
He gets 24 lbs. of acid from 100 lbs. of galls.-(See Amer.
Jour. Pharm., July, 1857.)
Pyrogallic Acid.-Prof. Liebig has given a process for pre-
paring pyrogallic acid, which essentially consists in heating
gallic acid in an apparatus, arranged so that a current of
carbonic acid will be constantly passing through it during the
sublimation of the acid; and, though a sand bath is directed,
he considers that greater success attends the process when a
bath of constant temperature (chlor. zinc, or fusible metal,) is
employed. He obtains 31 to 32 per cent. of product—a large
yield, as 39 per cent. is the full theoretical product.-(See Amer.
Jour. Pharm., July, p. 338.)
Valerianate of Ammonia.-Pierlot's formula for the original
solution of this salt, prescribed by Dèclat, is distilled water f. iv,
valerianic acid a drachm, carb. ammonia q. s., neutralize and add
ij. alcoholic extract of valerian.-(See Amer. Jour. Pharm., p.
367, July, 1857.)
Santonin.-G. G. Perry, of Droxford, highly recommends
santonin as an anthelmintic for children-dose, 3 grains for two
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
71
years of age, followed in a few hours by a purge of calomel and
jalap, or other preparation.—(Amer. Jour. Pharm., July, 1857.)
Hydrargyrum cum Creta, and Pilulæ Hydrargyri, U. S. P.—
Dr. E. R. Squibb, U. S. N., gives some valuable critical
remarks on these preparations, and a number of analyses of
each preparation, as found in the best stores of New York
city.—(Amer. Jour. Pharm., p. 385, Sept., 1857.)
Action of Alkaline Chlorides on Calomel.-Dr. Andrew Flem-
ing, of Pittsburg, Pa., has carefully investigated this subject,
and corroborates the views of Mialhe in reference to it, viz.:
that they do form corrosive sublimate by contact in presence of
water; and he has ascertained that the amount of bichloride of
mercury found, is proportional to that of the alkaline chloride
present.
Syrup of Pyrophosphate of Iron.—M. E. Robiquet has pre-
sented a communication to the French Academy of Medicine
on this preparation, (see Amer. Jour. Med. Sci., July, 1857,)
and its therapeutical use. A synopsis of this paper will be
found in the September number of the American Journal of
Pharmacy, at page 401, and a process for the same syrup,
at page 404, following.
Subcarbonate of Bismuth.-Dr. Hannon, of Brussels, proposes
this salt as an improvement on the subnitrate, on the ground of
its greater solubility and efficiency.—(Amer. Jour. Pharm. page
403, Sept.)
Artificial Vichy water.-W. Procter, Jr., has published a note
on this preparation, based on Soubeiran's formula.-(See Amer.
Jour. Pharm., Sept., 1857.)
Lactate of Zinc.-Dr. Herpin has published a paper on lactate
of zinc, in which he gives two processes for obtaining it.-(See
Amer. Jour. Pharm., page 426, Sept. 1857, and Chemist, June,
1857.)
Chloroform.-Dr. Edward R. Squibb, U. S. N., in a paper
read before the New York Academy of Medicine, on the "Manu-
facture, impurities and tests for Chloroform," has given much
valuable practical information, and has pointed out some pecu-
liarities of this substance. The most prominent fact he brings
forward is that absolutely pure chloroform does not keep well,
72
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
but when it contains a small percentage of alcohol so as to reduce
its specific gravity from 1.498 to 1.490 it is permanent. He at-
tributes the decomposition which occurs in chloroform purified by
Gregory's process to the removal of these last traces of alcohol
by the sulphuric acid.-(See Amer. Jour. Pharm., Sept., 1857,
from Amer. Med. Monthly, July, 1857.)
Bestucheff's Tincture.-A. Cushman, (Amer. Med. Gazette,
Aug, 1857,) has published a process for this tincture analogous
to Dr. Squibb's for tr. sesqui-chloride of iron.
Powdered Blue Mass.-A formula for this preparation is pro-
posed by Messrs. Grahame and Sharp, in a report to the Mary-
land College of Pharmacy.-(See Minutes in Amer. Jour. Pharm.,
Sept., 1857, page 473.)
The subject of the sale of poisons, and the unusual number of
cases of designed and accidental poisoning occurring in England,
has attracted the attention of Parliament, and for some time a
bill has been pending, intended to regulate the sale of poisons
generally, whether for use in medicine or the arts, which contains
so many stringent provisions, as, should it become a law, would
prove of great annoyance to regular pharmaceutists. The Phar-
maceutical Society, foreseeing the probable tendency of the bill,
have for some time past been taking measures to bring before
the parliamentary Committee correct views of the subject, show-
ing that the evil arises from the unrestrained sale of poisons by
grocers and petty medicine dealers, and not by regular pharma-
ceutical chemists, and that the passage of such a law as proposed
would prove of the most serious inconvenience to the physician
and apothecary. They take the ground that the only true
remedy against the evil is to promote the efficiency of the corps
pharmaceutique, by regulations requiring higher qualifications,
and restraining the pretender from engaging, without limit, in
the vending of the most powerful medicines and poisons.
Within a year past the Dublin College of Physicians, (which
possesses great legal powers in matters pertaining to medicine,)
has issued a supplement to their Pharmacopoeia, requiring that
all medicines for external use be dispensed only in angular bottles,
that all medicines for internal use be dispensed only in round
bottles. The same rule was extended to the receptacles in the
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
73
shop, all dangerous substances to be kept in angular bottles.
This most absurd measure has received the full expression of
opinion it deserves. The pharmaceutists of England and Ire-
land have exposed the mischievous tendency of the law and its
extreme annoyance in practice. Until the habits of order on
the average natural to mankind be changed for the better, such
laws will prove of no use, but full of mischief. A copy of the
Parliamentary bill will be found in the June (1857) number of
the Pharmaceutical Journal, pages 616-619, and in the following
number the discussion of the matter before the Society, and the
results of an interview of its Committee with Lord Granville.
The progress of these measures in England, especially the at-
tempts at legal remedies, deserve the careful study of American
pharmaceutistз and physicians, as from the analogy of our laws
and customs they are more or less applicable here, should similar
attempts be made by our State Legislatures to remedy existing
evils.
At
Since last meeting the Committee have not learned of any new
organization of pharmaceutists within the United States, although
of several instances where they seem ripe for such union.
Victoria, in Australia, the pharmaceutical chemists united, on
the 6th of March last, to form "The Pharmaceutical Society of
Victoria," having for its object the advancement of Pharmacy,
by furnishing a uniform system of education, as shall secure to
the profession and the public the safest and most efficient ad-
ministration of medicine," &c.
"
Of the Schools of Pharmacy in operation in this country we
may state, the Baltimore College re-opened their school last
winter with three professorships, and graduated a class of three,
notwithstanding it being the first course, which arose from the
unusual proficiency of the applicants. The character of the
teachers of that school argues favorably for its future success.
The Philadelphia College continued, with increased numbers,
the last session in its School of Pharmacy having graduated 28
applicants from a class of 116 students.
The New York College continued their
course on Chemistry by Prof. Doremus.
school so far as the
For two years past
there have been no lectures on Materia Medica or Practical
Pharmacy, a re-organization of the school having been intended,
though not as yet carried into effect.
74
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
The Cincinnati College have had no tuition extended under
their auspices during the past year, and, the Committee are in-
formed, have no present intention of moving in that branch of
their functions.
"
The Massachusetts College, though not a teaching institution,
in the collegiate sense, seem to be infused with quite as much
vitality as any of her sister institutions, and in some regards is an
example to all. In a pamphlet published by that College, em-
bracing reports of Committees on « Inspection," on the State
of Pharmacy," on "Reference," on «Room," and the Code of
Ethics of this Association adopted by that College, we see
gratifying evidence of progress, onward and upward, improve-
ment in pharmacy and in pharmaceutists. The report on
"Reference" is particularly indicative of a growing feeling of
brotherhood, of harmony in action and feeling for mutual and
general good, which should be encouraged in all similar institu-
tions. It is the petty jealousy, arising chiefly from a low view
of business competition, that in most cases prevents pharma-
ceutists from associating themselves together for mutual good;
they do not understand each other, because this jealousy pre-
vents that associating together that leads to mutual esteem,
and willingness to sacrifice a little for each other. In Boston a
social-scientific union has manifested itself more decidedly than
elsewhere, and is bearing its goodly fruits of good feeling. The
Associations in Richmond and St. Louis appear to have sub-
sided into the sleep of indifference, so far as we can learn. This
is the more to be regretted as in both of those cities many ex-
cellent pharmaceutists exist, who, if disposed, might spread the
seed of pharmaceutical advancement to ultimate fruition.
It is part of the business of this Committee to report on the
works which may have been published during the past year on
the subjects of Chemistry, Materia Medica, Pharmacy and the
collateral branches. No new works on practical pharmacy have
been published, but in New York city a monthly Journal called
the "American Druggist's Circular and Chemical Gazette,"
was commenced on the 1st of January last, and yet continues to
be issued by Messrs. Bridgeman & Co., Druggists of New York.
This periodical partakes of the nature of the newspaper as well as
of the scientific journal, and aims to be "a practical journal of
:
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
75
chemistry as applied to pharmacy, arts and sciences, and general
business organ for druggists, chemists and apothecaries." It
appears to be the object of the publishers, who are wholly inde-
pendent of the New York College, to address themselves more
especially to business matters, and, as a consequence, advertise-
ments enter largely into the composition of its pages, yet mixed
with much of the current matter of the Journals. Its low price
and small postage have caused a large circulation, and if con-
ducted in the right spirit, it may prove highly useful in giving
extensive currency to valuable information, and correct views in
regard to the ethics and practice of pharmacy. Late numbers
have lead some to fear that the publishers are not sufficiently
careful in excluding advertisements incompatible with their as-
sumed standard of action; and however praiseworthy in other
respects, the extensive circulation of quack advertisements is a
blot on any Journal claiming the patronage of the pharmaceuti-
cal profession.
As regards the state of the drug market, the Committee have
not been able to obtain such data as will enable them to report
on the general condition of the market at this time. To do this
correctly, they should have access to the books of the inspectors
of drugs, and be assisted by the large druggists and manufac-
turers, sources of information as yet but partially accessible, as
business men have a strong dislike to giving statements on
paper in reference to the drug trade.
The Examiner of Drugs at the port of New York, Dr. Merkle,
at the solicitation of Mr. Dupuy, was so obliging as to present
the Committee with a complete copy of the items of drugs passed
from day to day, from June 1st to August 31st, inclusive, a
document of 25 pages foolscap. We have carefully condensed
this list so that each drug or preparation constitutes but one
item; and all the quantities of each kind, after being reduced as
far as practicable to the same standard of weight, have been
added together. In this way we are able to present at one view
the entire drug importation at the port of New York (which
embraces two-thirds of the entire amount brought into the coun-
try) during the period mentioned. We believe this catalogue,
if kept up, will be a valuable appendage to the annual Report
on the Progress of Pharmacy. It is as follows:
76
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
14,413
249 (C
[[
(
(C
5500 (C
...5816 CC
...
Ammoniæ Carbonas.
Ammonia Murias...
Oleum Ricini.
Barytæ Sulphas..
Rad. Salep
Ext. Glycyrrhiza.
26,996 oz.
.13,107 lbs.
.28,599
Quantities of the various Drugs and Medicines that passed the Custom
House at New York, during the Quarter ending August 1st, 1857.
Gum Arabic........
Gum Galbanum...
Rad. Ipecacuanha
Secale Cornutum
Peruvian Bark..
..
Flor. Cassiæ................. 975 lbs.
Acid. Sulphuric, Nordhausen 135
Tragacanth...
Manna (small flake)…………….120,446
.63,419 lbs.
1556 (C
3640
.2028
(
(
Buchu.
..125,457
((
Cream of Tartar (crys.). 421,304
CC
Sem. Agni Casti....
Opium......
..26,620 CC
Colocynth.....
Sulphate of Potassa.
Iodide of Potassium.
Sugar of Milk…………….
1297
1476 ((
6220 (C
....620
((
2333"
..278 ((
Bermuda Arrow Root......18,883
Pulv. Rhei Borussici.....
Ol. Anisi vulgaris...
Flores Sulphuris...
Verdigris........
Rad. Gentianæ..
22,304
((
239 ((
1186 .6
Cap. Papaveris..........
Ol. Crotonis......
Sulphate of Magnesia......53,420
Supercarb. of Soda......1,707,100
Brown's Cantharidin Tissue 190 doz.
Murray's Magnesia..............GO
Acid Tartaric, cryst...... 37,241 lbs.
Sal Sodæ......
Potassæ Chloras.
Sulphate of Quinine.
Senna, E. India...
...
Ext. Hyoscyami...
Ext. Belladonna
Creta Præcipitata......
Vin. Rad. Colchici....
Pulvis Antimonialis.
Syrup Rhamni Cath..
Gum Benzoin……….
Bals. Copaiba.....
Cornu Cervi Rasp.....
Rad. Scillæ...
}!
...4483
4595
•
·
14
15,706
118
{t
•
66
(i
1200 24
50
(
(
•
50
356
4183
{
168 Canadas.
5567 lbs.
..681
2769 lbs.
3
Ol. Angelicæ.....
16
•
Ol. Cardamomi.
3
Rad. Sarsaparillæ....
119,538
{{
Cantharides
6455
Sem. Cina Levant............0416
((
Rad. Jalap.........
10.449
(C
}
Rad. Alcannæ.
Rad. Althææ.
·
((
73,000
38,639
((
((
Ol. Rosarum.
.775
.61,207
เ
Ol. Millefolii, Ess...
Acid Citricum..
Fol. Senna Alex..
Seidlitz Powders..
Hooper's Pills......
Crude Camphor
Rad. Rhei Chinensis
Rad. Valerian.....
Rad. Taraxaci.
Santonin.....
Acid Gallic....
Fol. Rosmarini.
01. Succini Rec...
Ext. Cannab. Ind.
Pil Hydrargyri………….
Cubebæ....
Gambogia....
Sem. Anethi.
Ol. Sinapis....
Ol. Carui...
Ol. Chamomile Rom..
Ol. Coriandri.........
Rad. Pareira Bravæ.......………….
491
7001
5082 (C
12 doz.
84 doz.
22,675 lbs.
Rad. Calami..
Ol. Lauro Cerasi..
Ol. Mentha Pip.........
01. Amygdala Amaræ.
Ol. Absinthii.....
200
1153 (
1625
....
4
(C
4 "
1198 "
(C Dr. Keeson's Ess. of Life………………..$ doz.
Ol. Succini Crude..
Rad. Iridis Florent.... .....16,581
Zinci Sulphas………………….
Kousso
{{
•
403 oz.
5 lbs.
1
667 lbs.
•
3860
28 46
59.745 ((
Lapides Cancrorum.
C
{{
3835
857
1018 "
(C
Alcohol Ferri..
10
(C
Bismuthi.....
21
Canada Balsam.
4744
{
125
((
Ferri Carb. Præcipitat..
232
1264
((
Vin. Sem. Colchici..
25
..600
[[
Soda acetas...
1150
"
....
112 «
"
Flor. Malvæ arb.
2
64
{{
225
3400
(C
Rad. Aconiti..
1390
((
Rad. Anglicæ......
150 CC
2480 (( Bals. Tolu......
1137
...
50
{{
Rad. Galangæ
12
"(
175
•
3
!!
158
((
"
1648
Rad. Turpethi…………….
Agaricus.....
Acid Acetic Crystal.,.....
Flor. Rosari Rubri..
Ol. Cacao Express......
24
(6
289
(C
26 (
12
•
•
48
亲属
​AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
77
20 lbs:
Gum Anime.......
22
Sem. Staphidis Agriæ..
50
(
Rad. Guaco....
6
((
1. Petræ Alb..
..165
เ
Tamarinds.........
329
(6
Strontiæ Nitras....
380
"
Gum Euphorbium....
Aloes....
Manna (large flake)…………..
Lycopodium.....
..400
Lapis Calaminaris.........
Chinoidin.....
1211 lbs.
944
704
5200 oz.
6000 lbs.
141 oz.
20 lbs.
104
(
Sem. Cumini.......
Sem. Anisi.…………….
Sem. Cardamomi..
Sem. Coriandri...
Acid Valerianic....
Cadmium Met......
3212
((
2542 Rottoli
..141 lbs.
Ext. Conii…………….
Howard's Calomel.
Emp. Adhesive……………….
Pulv. Rhei Russici.....
25
20
6
.5
(C
Ext. Colocynth. Comp..
Ext. Lactuca Viros..
41
(
23 «
Cadmii Sulphuretum..
Valerianate of Ammonia..
Bromide of Ammonium.
Elaterium..
Ol. Lavand. Angl
Ol. Copaiba......
Lignum Guaiaci..
Ol. Animalis Foetid..
Ül. Animal Ether..
Ext. Marrub. Alb………….
Ext. Krameriæ.
Rad. Zedoariæ......
Ext. Digitalis....
3}
((
Ext. Aconiti......
.10
((
Confec. Sennæ....
25
Confec. Rosæ Gallicæ..
25
Fol. Digitalis Elect...
247 lbs.
Sem. Cydoniæ...
Fol. Conii Elect....
25
(
Sem. Phellandriæ....
Fol. Belladonnæ..
235
Ül. Amygdal. Dulcis.....
2004
Potassæ Acetas...
..300
((
Ol. Cajuputi...………………….
Bismuth. Metal
820
Dalby's Carminative...
Ext. Rhei....
..30 oz.
.....114
30 lbs.
10 oz.
2 lbs.
10
261
•
20
1
เ
9
5
20
{{
4
(
10
25
1140 [[
.1563
20
Canella Alba.......
Flor. Cham. Vulg....
Pill Ferri Iodid.....
Cigarettes d'Espie.....
Flor. Chamomil Vulg.
Flora Arnica
Kreasote....
Cetraria Island..
Balsam Peru...
Fol. Hyoscyami…..
Fol. Centaur. minor.
Aloes (Capensis)....
Acid Acetic..
Calomel......
Ext. Taraxach..
Ext. Rad. Aconiti..
Uva Ursi....
Flor. Tiliæ....
......3 doz.
.3357 lbs.
279
...6 gross.
106 scatul.
162 lbs.
417 ((
510 ((
•
944 ((
493 (
..687
1200
4084 (C
3829
(C
•
450
240
5
1606
>>
Sem. Papaveris Alb......
Cortex China Fusca.......... 6467
01. Baccæ Juniperi..
Amylene......
Zinci Valerianas..
Ferri Valerianas..
Quinia Valerianas...
Ferri Lactas......
Protiodide of Mercury.
Oil of Ergot....
Ferri Ammonio Citras..
Aconitia....
Ferri et Quinia citras..
Iodine resublimed.....
Rad. Rhei Moscowensis.
Chirayta.....
.170 oz.
5
**
(
35
1
104
?
A
203
....3 lbs.
132 grms.
...24 oz.
.991 lbs.
9013
74
(4
Glycerin.....
716
Nux Vomica.
10,800
(2
({
Flores Sambuci....
521
(:
212
•
391
((
328
,
Cortex Curacoæ............
323
105
105
((
Labdanum..
.36 gross.
Sagapenum
1 lb.
Tacamaca..
.3
' ;
6
25
13
25
31/
Ext. Sarsap. Com...
(C Ext. Colchici acet.
45 oz. Ol. Cumini vol..
Magnes. Citras Efferves....... 161 doz.
2
E
1
20
Fol. Aconiti....
Raq. Glycyrrhiza...
1. Origani.......
Ol. Sabinæ......
Henry's Magnesia..
Crocus Orientalis.
Resina Jalapæ....
Ol. Calami
Moschus Touquin……………..
Magnesia Calcinat.
130 **
4261 lbs.
23533"
943
Thymus Vulg.,
Rad. Saponaria
Flor. Papaveris………………
Flor. Viola....
Magnesia Carbonat...
7525 lbs.
61,566
Nitrate of Soda.......
01. Melissa.....
11
"
Acid Boracic........
Ol. Valerianæ.
Assafetida..
*
10
.7270
(C
(C
Codeia.......
Manganesii Sulphas.........
102,700 lbs.
•
95,455
.4 dr.
12 lbs.
78
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Acid Phosphoric Glac..
Plumbi Acet. Pur...
Sal Rochelle.......
Fol. Salviæ......
Rad. Hellebori..
Rad. Colombe..
46 แ
10 lbs.
1950 "
708 แ
Manganesii Hydriodas...
Manganesii Citras.....
15 oz.
2 oz.
15 ((
Zinci Chlorid. Sicc..
100 "C
Dipple's Animal Oil....
Pepsin.........
12 lbs.
•
4 02.
Sulphate of Cadmium……………………….. 15
Iodide of Cadmium...
20
((
Bromide of Cadmium.
10
((
Caffein..........
12
Iodide of Ammonium
25 ((
Hippuric Acid…………..
Digitalin...
Salicin.......
Bacc. Juniperi.
Rosa Gallica...
Coal Naptha...…………….
Beeberin...
4
4
112 lbs.
97 (4
3
50
(C
1 oz.
227 lbs.
150 oz.
"
66
Conia........
Gauza...
492 (C
Ol. Sabina Vera....
Oxide of Copper
50 lbs.
...
•
10,300
((
Oxide of Uranium..
25
((
Acid Benzoic
200
te
Gum Olibanum......
1200
(C
Storax.....
Lactucarium (German)……………………….8
520
(C
Ext. Valerian Rad.....
2
(
83 11
Pulv. Rad. Scillæ.
5
((
Morphia Sulphas........
122
(C
Price's Glycerin..
200
Strychnia Cryst. Pur.
221
"L
50
(C
Chloroform....
81
"
25 แ
Ergotin.......
.1
66
431
((
Cowhage......
21 ((
5200 (C
Alcohol Absolute........
561
แ
50 ((
Bi-carb. Potassæ......
Zinci Oxidum Purum.
Baryta Nitras....
Rad. Zing. Jam.....
Ol. Geranii...…………….
List of Drugs, etc., rejected by the Examiner at N. Y., during the same
Lac Sulphuris.....
Flores Sulphuris (contained
Arsenic)..
Gum Arabic...
...
period.
...5 casks. Carbonate & Calcined Mag-
nesia......
84 (
East India Rhubarb
4 cases. Peruvian Bark.........
Ipecacuanha
แ
16 cases.
53
5 seroons
•
1 bale.
In the report to the Massachusetts College, before referred
to, the Committee remark in relation to the state of the drug
trade, changes in quality, price, scarcity, and supply, that in
their judgment the drug trade has assumed a much better con-
dition during the past few years, than before the matter of quality
of drugs was agitated so much by the different Colleges of Phar-
macy." This remark we believe to be generally applicable to
other cities. Not only is the general mass of imported drugs better
than formerly, but much more attention is given by pharmaceu-
tists to quality, than at a period ten years since, a fact attribu-
table to the inspection law-to the Colleges of Pharmacy-to
the action of medical bodies-and to the improved condition of
the practice of pharmacy and its votaries, within the period
mentioned, when viewed as a whole. Yet, all over our land, in
our oldest cities, and under the very shadows of our most venera-
ble Colleges of Pharmacy, not a few instances exist of a condi-
tion of things far different-where not only the often drawn
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
79
picture of "a beggarly account of empty boxes," etc., may be
found, but what is far more, empty heads and unskilled hands to
manage them. A member of this Committee writes to the Chair-
man, “I am acquainted with one (of the class mentioned) doing
a considerable business, who had only to aid him an old London
Dispensatory of 1796, and within the last six years he asked me
seriously "what Dispensatory I would advise him to purchase,'
as he found that so many new articles were introduced which
he could not find in the old one it was necessary to get another!"
>>
Whilst the drug law has so evidently exerted an influ-
ence for good, there exists a class infinitely more hurtful in
its character than the "apothecary," empty headed though he
be, in the form of the wholesale adulterator of drugs brought
to our shores in a comparatively pure condition. It is hoped
that the Committee on Home Adulterations, to which this class
has been referred, will be able to give us a fair account of them
and their doings.
In conclusion, the Committee would remark that the indefinite-
ness of the duty assigned to them has been a cause of difficulty
in getting up this Report, and they hope, for the guidance of fu-
ture similar Committees, that the Association will freely express
its views in relation to the form and arrangement which these
Reports should assume.
WILLAM PROCTER, JR.
EUGENE DUPUY,
JAMES COOKE,
On behalf of the Committee.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON LOCAL UNOFFICINAL
FORMULÆ, &c.
The Committee appointed at the last meeting of the Associa-
tion, to collect and arrange the Formulæ for the unofficinal prep-
arations in use by the Physicians in different parts of our Union,
respectfully report, that they have devoted much attention to the
duty assigned them. They are aware that it is not the purpose
of the Association to encourage the accumulation of unofficinal
formulæ, over the more explicit prescription of the physician,
>
80
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
and as evidence of the concurrent views of the medical profession
on this point, your Committee would refer to the limited number
of such formulæ in use, as compared with the number of medical
practitioners. Yet, the necessity for time and labor in the com-
bination of many pharmaceutical products, the importance of
expedition in dispensing, and the advantage of brevity in expres-
sing them, unite to suggest for each the propriety of a formulæ,
and a name by which it may be designated. These names are in-
capable of that order of nomenclature which so simplifies our
chemical system, in expressing not only the constituent parts of
a compound, but their exact proportions. Hence, the names
affixed to pharmaceutical compounds must be comparatively arbi-
trary, and your Committee hope to diffuse a knowledge of those
in use, that will produce concerted action among the members.
of our art throughout the Union, by enabling them uniformly
to compound any such preparations, however remote from the
physician prescribing the same.
While expressing their regret that sickness had deprived them
of the counsel of their Philadelphia member, your Committee
acknowledge their indebtedness to a fellow member of the same
city, who, anticipating their labors in that quarter, has so meth-
odically arranged such formula in his valuable Text-book on
Practical Pharmacy, that your Committee have not deemed it
necessary to transcribe them.
With the suggestion, offered for the consideration of the Asso-
ciation, that the approved portion of the annexed Formulæ,
together with selections from Parrish's Practical Pharmacy, be
printed in a form that may be appended to the Pharmacopo ia fo
convenient reference. Your Committee respectfully submi
herewith the omnium gatherum result of their labors.
:
JOHN MEAKIM.
R. H. STABLEK.
A. E. RICHARDS.
W. J. M. GORDON.
On behalf of the Committee.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
81
UNOFFICINAL FORMULE.
PRESENTED BY JOHN MEAKIM, OF NEW YORK.
Triplex Pills.
Take of Powdered Socot. Aloes...
Powdered Scammony..
Blue pill mass......
Oil of Caraway...
2 oz.
1 oz.
...
2 oz.
..3 drs.
Make a mass with syrup and form into pills of five grains each.
Dr. Marshall Hall's Dinner Pills.
Take of Powdered Barbadoes Aloes….....
Soap.........
Powdered Ext. Liquorice........
Molasses.............
Make a mass and form into pills of four grains each.
equal
parts.
..sufficient quantity.
White's Gout Pills.
of each
1 dram.
Take of Calomel......
Powdered Aloes Socot.....
(C Ipecac........
Acet. Ext. Colch.......
Make a mass with syrup, and form into 60 pills.
Dr. Abernethy's Pills.
.48 grs.
Take of Powdered Socot. Aloes.....
20 grs.
((
Ipecac.......
48 grs.
Ext. Henbane.......
24 grs.
Blue Pill mass
Make a mass with water, and form into 24 pills.
Eccoprotic Powder.
Take of Powdered Rhubarb......
of each
Calcined Magnesia......
1 oz.
Mix.
82
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Ricord's Aromatic Wine.
Leaves, Thyme and Elder Flowers....
Take of Rue, Sage, Hyssop, Rosemary, Lavender, Absinth, Rose
Bordeaux Wine
of each
4.02.
9 pts.
Digest for two weeks, strain with expression and filter, then add wine to make
9 pints. Then add
Mix.
Tannic Acid....
Alum.......
Wine of Opium………………….
of each
9.0%.
Sweet Wine of Iron.
Take of Tart. Iron and Potas...
..3 drs.
Water of Ammonia..
Sweet Malaga Wine..
1 dr.
1 pint.
Dissolve by trituration.
Brodie's Liniment.
Take of Sulph. Acid.....
1 dr.
Olive Oil......
1 oz.
1 oz.
Oil of Turpentine.....
Add the acid gradually to the Olive Oil, stirring it in a mortar; when cool
add the Oil of Turpentine and mix.
Canada Liniment.
Take of Water of Ammonia...
1 oz.
1 oz.
Olive Oil.........
Oil of Turpentine.......
.1 oz.
1 0%.
Alcohol........
Oil of Peppermint…………
202.
Mix.
Bell's Gargle.
2 drs.
Take of Borate of Soda.......
Mix.
Yeast
Honey, of each.........
Boiling Water....
j oz.
7 02.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
83
Gregory's Powder.
Take of Calc. Magnes....
Powdered Rhubarb...........
Powdered Ginger.......
Mix.
...6 drs.
.3 drs.
....1 dr.
Take of Bals. Copaiva..
Chapman's Mixture.
Spirits of Nitre.........
Gum Acacia......
Water.........
..13 oz.
1 oz.
..6 dr.
Syrup....
Tinct. of Opium…………….
Comp. Sp. Lavend...
Mix.
Hope's Mixture for Dysentery.*
Take of Nitric Acid........
Tinct. of Opium..
Camphor Water....
Mix. Dose-a tablespoonful.
4 OZ..
1 oz.
1 dr.
4 dr.
..s drops.
.40 drops.
.8 oz.
PRESENTED BY MR. J. CANAVAN, OF NEW YORK.
Troch. Sanguin. Canad.
R. Pulv. Sang. Canad......
Pulv. Ext. Glycyrrh......
Tinct. Tolutan.......
Syr. Tolutan.……………….
Mix, and make into 480 Troches.
Ung. Sedativ. (Dalley's Subst.)
R. Acet. Morph.......
Plumb. Carb………………………
Plumb. Acet.......
Ung. Simplic.....
Mix. Ft. Ung.
es.
..viij.
·31.
q. s.
gr. ij.
gr. v.
gr. IV.
·3j.
*For the original Recipe, as published by Dr. Hope, which differs from the above, (See Parrish's
Pharmacy, 1st edition, p. 461.)
84
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Troch. Ferri Carb. Præc.
R. Ferri Carb. Præc.........
Chocolat. q. s. ad ft.......
Mix.
Ft. in Troch. aa gr. xv.
3xij.
..lb. vj.
PRESENTED BY CHARLES T. CARNEY, OF BOSTON.
Liniment. Brodii.
R. O1. Olivæ.......
Ol. Terebinthinæ..
Mix.
}
aa Oj.
.Zij
Acid Sulph..........
Care must be used to prevent too great an evolution of heat.
Liniment of St. John Long.
R. White and Yolk of one egg.
Mix.
Oil of Turpentine.....
Acetic Acid…………….
Oil of Lemon
Rose Water....
..vi.
.zi.
gtt. xij.
3T.
R. Sub. Mur. Hydrarg.,...
Pulv. Gambogiæ…………………….
Pulv. Aloe. Socot.....
Mix. Fiat pil., 5 grs. each.
R. Ferri Carb
(6
Sluggs."
aa Zii.
Grave's Pills--for Amenorrhæɑ.
Myrrhæ Pulv.......
Cubeba Pulv....
:}
aa zi.
NO
ss.
Capsici Pulv....
Ext. Gentian....
Ziv.
.3ss.
Mix.
Make pills 4 grs. each.
"Hunter's Red Drop."
R. Spirit. Lavand. Comp......
...i.
Hydr. Chlor. Corrosiv..........
Acid. Hydrochloric……………………………….
Misce. Signa, "Gtts. v. ter in die."
..grs. x.
•
grs. x.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
85
R. Soda Sulph………………………..
Fol. Sennæ...
Sem. Coriand.....
"L
Foeniculi.....
Infusum Guthriï.”
Mix. Steep in one pint water. Dose-fi.
Miller's Pills-(Pil. Gambogia Co.)
R. Pulv. Scammonii...
(
Aloes Socot.......
Gambogiæ
(( Sub. Mur. Hyd……………..
(1
Potassæ Sup. Tart.....
Mix. Make pills 5 grs. each.
Ziv.
.3ss.
}aa zi.
Jaa Ziiss.
PRESENTED BY C. H. ATWOOD, OF BOSTON.
Tinct. Croci Sativ. Comp. (Dr. Palmer.)
R. Fol. Sennæ...
Mannæ Opt...........
Colocynth
Croc. Sativ........
Pulv. Opii......
Aquæ Bullient.......
Infuse until cold, and add
Tr. Aloes et Myrrh.........
M. Makes Oj.
Syrup. Taraxace Comp.
R. Eupatorii Perf..........
Rad. Zingib……………..
Caryophylli..
}
aa Zi.
Zss.
.zij.
.Ass.
3xii.
...viij.
zij.
NO NO
..ss.
.3ss.
Aquæ........
Simmer away one-third, strain and add
Sacchari albi.....
Ext. Taraxaci.......
...Oiss.
Zvi.
Ziv.
Spir. Vini Gall. Opt............
..........Zviij.
M.
6
86
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Tinct. Arnica Concentrata. (C. H. Atwood.)
R. Flors. Arnicæ..........
Alcohol 80°.......
CAN CAN
.Zij.
.3x.
..Zvi.
Aquæ bull...
Add the water first and soak, then displace with the alcohol.
Syp. Scillo Aquosus.
R. Rad. Scillæ..
Aquæ.....
Digest 7 days and filter, then add
..ziv.
.Oij.
....lbs.iij.
Sacch. albi..………………
Boil slightly and strain.
Tr. Belladonna Ext.
R. Ext. Belladonnæ........
Alcohol. Dilut..........
grs. iij.
Zi.
M.
Dose for a child 1 year old 1 drop, twice a day.
แ
# 8
10 66
(6
PRESENTED BY DANIEL HENCHMAN OF BOSTON.
R. Chloroformi…………………….
Tinct. Opii……..………………..
Tinct. Camphora..
Tinct. Chloroformi.
Spt. Ammoniæ Arom….........
Ol. Cinnam........
aa ziii.
Spt. Vin. Galli………..
M.
R. Cort. Cinnam......
....
Inf. Cinnam. Comp.
Rad. Rhei.........
Sodæ bi-carb………………………..
Aquæ Bullient........
.gtts. vi.
Ziv.
aa vi.
Spt. Vini Galli.………………….
Fol. Menth. P......
Tinct. Menth. P........
M.
..xxx.
Ziii.
.......... vi.
...Ziss.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
87
M.
Tinct. Cinchona Ferrata.
R. Tinct. Cinchon. Comp........
Sesqui ox. Ferri......
Digest and filter, heat up to 130° and add
Ammonia Cit. Ferri......
...
.1 gall.
..Zi.
grs. xvi.
Ung. Althœœ.
R. Rad. Althææ.
Sem. Fœnug..
aa Zii.
Sem. Lini......
Adipis......
………………………...Zlx.
Simmer over a slow fire for 3 or 4 hours, strain, and add
Ceræ Flavæ....
Terebinth....
Resinæ......
Pulv. Curcumæ....
M.
...Zvi.
ii.
.Ziii.
..Ziij.
Tinct. Cinchon. et Caryoph.
R. Cort. Cinchon. Rub.....………………
Cort. Cinnam. vere..
Caryoph..........
Spt. Vini Rect.......
M. Digest and strain.
Tinct. Aralia Spinosa.
R. Aralia Spinosa......
Rad. Rhei...........
Spt. Vini Galli...........
M. and digest.
.......i.
...ss.
....zii.
....Oi.
}
aa Zii.
2 lbs.
Ung. Croci.
R. Croci...
.zi.
Aquæ........
Zviii.
Boil to 4 oz. or less, then add
Adipis..........
......Zviii.
Boil to proper consistence and strain.
88
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
}
Syr. Sanguin. Canad. Comp.
R. Rad. Sanguin. canad...
Lycopi...........
Aquæ.........
Sacch. alb........
Boil to one-half, strain and add sugar.
Inf. Sennæ Comp. Hospital.
R. Fol. Sennæ........
Mannæ.......
Rad. Jalapæ………………………
Potassæ Sup. Tart........
Sem. Carui..……………、
Aquæ Bullient.......
Zi.
.zi.
3xvi.
..3xvi.
}
aa zi.
}
aa zij.
........Oi.
Infuse 12 hours and strain, then add
Tinct. Sennæ Comp.......
..............zvi.
Syr. Quassic Comp.
R. Rad. Sanguin. canad.......
((
Senegæ......
((
Rhei..
aa zi.
แ
Glyc..........
" Ligni…………………………
Quassiæ......
Aquæ.........
Boil and strain, add
Sacchari albi.........
And form syrup.
....Oij.
..3xvi.
Emp. Flor. Ung.
R. Cera Flav....
......2 lbs.
Resin........
.3 lbs.
Sevi ovilli.....
Terenbinth. Ven.........
Melt and add
Camphora.......
Dissolved in Ol. Olivæ q. s.
..2 lbs.
....Ziv.
..ii.
Tinct. Gum Flav.
R. Gum Acroides Resin..
Spts. Vini Rect........
Digest with a gentle heat two days, and strain.
!
......
..Ziv.
.2 lbs
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
89
Tinct. Lytto. vittatœ.
R. Lyttæ vittatæ...
Spts. Vini Rect...........
M.
R. Rhûs Vernic...
Spir. Vini gall.………….
M.
Tinct. Rhûs Vernicis.
..Zx.
1 lb.
.Zii.
3xvi.
PRESENTED BY T. LARKIN TURNER, OF BOSTON.
Mist. Alkalina of John Stevens, M. D.
R. Aq. Menth. Sativ...
Carb. Potass..
...zvi.
...
.3ss.
Tinct. Opii..........
Tinct. Cinnam.....
M. and filter.
Syrup. Taraxaci. (J. Stevens, M.D.)
R. Thoroughwort (Eup. Perfol.)…………………
Ginger and Cloves, aa.......
Ext. Tarax……...
Water.
M. Boil to one-third, strain and add
Sugar........
Brandy....
Pil. Asthmatic. (J. Stevens, M.D.)
R. Gum. Ammoniac.......
Sapon. Castil…………………….
Pulv. Scillæ.......
Pulv. Opii....
..gtts. xxx.
..zij.
Zij.
3ss.
.Živ.
Oiss.
lb.iss.
.Oss.
.gr. xv.
gr. xxx.
.gr. xii.
.gr. ij.
M. Divide in pil. No. xii.
Emp. Sedativum. (J. Stevens, M. D.)
R. Emp. Olivari.
To be spread and sprinkled with powdered Camphor and Opium.
90
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Dr. (John N. D. V.) Prouk's* Emp. Hyd. Comp.
R. Emp. Hyd........
.4 parts.
Gum Galbani...
Resina Pini.…………………
}
aa 1 part.
M.
S. A.
Syr. Ferri oxidi Rub. (Asa B. Snow, M. D.)
R. Ferri oxidi Rub...
3v.
Ext. Conii.......
Sp. Vini Retif……………………
Ol. Cit. Med....
Syr. Tolu....
Aquæ
Sp. Vini Gallic.......
Sacch. Albi....……………….
...
Zijss.
..zi.
..gtt. vi.
Ziii.
..Zviij.
Zij.
..
lb.ss.
M. Ft. Syrup. S. A. Dose:-Table spoonful 3 times a day.
Tinct. Alkali Comp. (Asa B. Snow, M. D.)
R. Hard-wood ashes.......
.Oij.
Common Soot.....
Aquæ........
M. Digest, settle and filter, and sometimes add
Opii Tinct........
to Ziv. of the mixture.
Dose-Table spoonful 3 times each day.
PRESENTED BY JAS. C. LEAMY.
Glycerin with Iod. of Iron.
..wine glass i.
..Ovi.
zij.
R. Resublimed Iodine....
Iron wire..........
Glycerin (Price's)............
Dist. Water........
3j.
q. s.
.3x.
.3j. or q. s.
Mix the iodine with the water in a porcelain capsule, and gradually add the
iron wire, stirring constantly. Heat the mixture until it acquires a light green-
ish color, then filter the solution into a capsule containing five ounces of the
glycerin, taking care to keep the end of the funnel under the surface of the gly-
cerin; then place the vessel containing the solution and glycerin on a water
*He was a German physician of considerable celebrity and practice in Boston, as late as 1839.
4:
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
91
bath, and evaporate until it measures five ounces. Add this to the remaining
five ounces of glycerin, previously placed in a 12 ounce bottle, and shake well
together. This preparation is of a pale straw color, ferrugineous, but not un-
pleasant taste, entirely free from sediment, and will keep any length of time.
It is of about the same strength as the officinal syrup; the dose, therefore, would
be the same.
PRESENTED BY WM. HEYSER, JR., CHAMBERSBURG, PA.
R Tinct. Opii..........
Cretæ ppt.....
Sacch. alb...
Ol. Anisi.....
Aquæ.........
.fzviij.
Zi.
Zij.
fzss.
..... Oiss.
J. L. Suesserott.
This formula is a modification of the "Mixtura Creta " of the U. S. P., and is
known here as " Anodyne Chalk Mixture." It is much used for children in cases
of Colic, Cramp, Flatulence, Diarrhoea and Summer Complaint, in doses vary-
ing from 5 to 30 gtt., according to age.
PRESENTED BY W. S. THOMPSON, OF BALTIMORE, Md.
Syrup. Asari Canad. Comp.
R. Rad. Asari Canadensis..
Alcohol, 80 per c........
Aquæ puræ.
Cocci Cacti...
Potass. Carb....
Vin. Ipecac...........
Sacch. alb.....
Zij.
fzvj.
fzxij.
Di.
Dij.
....f.zj
...
.3xxiv.
Make a tincture of the root with the alcohol and water; filter and add the
sugar and other ingredients.
Formula of Dr. J. C. S. Monken.
Nutritive Ointment.
R. Litharge in fine powder.....
3v.
Vinegar......
.fziij.
Olive Oil....……………….
Rub well together in a mortar.
.fzxiij.
92
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Syrup. Sennæ Aromat. Comp.
R. Sennæ Alex......
Rad. Jalap.....…………….
Rad. Rhei....………….
Cinnamomi......
Caryophylli........
Myristica.......
Ol. Lemon......
Sacch. Alb......
Alcohol dilut.........
Ziv.
Ziss.
...
Zss.
zi.
zi.
..3ss.
m. xx.
.3xxiv.
.q. s.
Reduce the roots, leaves and spices to a moderately fine powder, and treat
with the diluted alcohol, by percolation, to exhaustion; when about one quart
has passed, evaporate by means of a water bath to 18 fluid ounces, and filter if
necessary; then add the sugar and dissolve by water bath; when cold add the
Ol. Lemon. It should measure 32 fluid ounces.
Essence or Concentrated Tincture of Columbo.
Columbo Root........
Alcohol, 80 per cent..
place 32 fluid ounces.
Zxvj.
q. s., to dis-
The root should be reduced to a coarse powder.
Essence or Concentrated Tincture of Cascarilla.
Made in the same manner as Essence of Columbo, and in the same propor-
tions.
Tinct. Rad. Phytolac. Decand.
R. Rad. Phytolac. dec......
Sem. Cardamom......
Alcohol. dilut........
M. Ft. tinct.
Wallace's Pills.
....
..Zvj.
..zij.
..Ojj.
R. Pulv. Aloes Socot..
((
Scammon..
"Saponis.........
Mass. Hydrarg.....
..Dj.
....
Dj.
Bj.
·Dj.
Ext. Col. Comp....
..Dj.
M. Ft. mass. Div. in pil. xx.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
93
Pulv. Carb. Ligni Comp.
B. Sodæ et Potass. Tart.......
Magnesiæ.......
Carb. Ligni….……………………….
M. Ft. pulvis.
St. John Long's Liniment.
R. Ol. Terebinth....
Aquæ Rosæ......
Acid. Acetic (No. 8)…………………….
M. Ft. liniment.
B. Cera Flavæ.....
Ol. Lini.......
Camphor....
Ung. Camphor. Comp.
Pulv. Opii…………………....
M. Ft. ungt.
This ointment is known by the name of "Scattering Plaster."
Ung. Galban. Comp.
..zxlv.
.3xj.
zviij.
.fzxxxvj
fzxxx.
.fzvj.
Zx.
..3xxiv.
Zij.
Zi.
R. Cera Flavæ......
01. Olivæ.........
Ol. Lini......
Galbani......
.3xvj.
3xxiv.
3xxiv.
Zxvj.
Melt together and strain. Ft. ungt. This ointment is known by the name
of "Breast Plaster."
White Caustic Lotion.
B. Argent. Nit.......
Hyd. Chlor. Corros.....
Plumbi Acetatis......
Zinci Sulphatis........
Aquæ puræ....
M. Ft. Lotion.
gr. x.
..gr. v.
..giss.
...Ziss.
....f.Zvj.
94
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
PRESENTED BY WM. H. GILMAN, WASHINGTON, D. C.
Pulv. Anisi Comp.
(ANISE POWDER.)
R. Magnesiæ Calcinatæ....
Rhei pulv..........
Olei Anisi.………….
Tinct. Rhei q. s. to color pink.
M. and triturate thoroughly.
Tinct. Ferri Nitro-Sulph.
R. Ferri Sulph. exsiccat..
Acid. Nitric.........
Macerate on a sand bath for 24 hours and add
Alcohol. dilut.......
Dose, 5 to 20 drops.
Syrup. Actœœ Comp.
R. Actææ Racemosæ contus....
Cort. Prun. Virg.....
Rad. Senegæ.....
Rad. Glycyrrhizæ……………..
Rad. Ipecac.......
Alcohol dilute........
3j.
..gut. XX.
}
aa lb.j.
...... Oj.
}
aa Zij.
.3j.
:}
aa 3ss.
.......Oij.
Saturate all the articles (mixed) except the cherry bark, thoroughly with
q. s. of the dilute alcohol for 24 hours, then transfer to a percolator and run
through two pints; evaporate the excess of alcohol by a water bath, and con-
vert into a syrup with sufficient quantity of sugar; lastly, treat the cherry
bark with half pint of cold water, which add to the syrup previously cooled.
Syrup Picis Liquida.
(SYRUP OF TAR.)
R. Picis Liquidæ........
Ziij.
Carb. Magnesiæ.......
.gr. lxxv.
Aq. Bullient.....
Boil and agitate for one or two minutes, filter and add
Acetic Acid.........
Make a syrup with twice its weight of sugar.
Oj.
··3j.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
95
Syrup. Carrageen Comp.
R. Rad. Senegæ contus.....
Rad. Scillæ contus..
Rad. Ipecac. contus...
Carrageen.....
}
aa Zij.
zi.
..zi.
Sacch. Alb......
Aquæ Bullient…………..
...lb. vij.
q. s.
Pour the boiling water upon the ingredients, excepting the sugar and moss.
Set aside until cool, displace Oiiiss of the infusion, add the moss and sugar,
boil for a short time and strain. To every pint of the syrup add
Tinct. Opii Camph………………...
A dessert spoonful occasionally.
Tinct. Rubi Trivialis Co.
(COMP. TINCT. DEWBERRY.)
R. Rad. Rubi Trivial......
Pulv. Gallæ alep…………………….
Pulv. Cinnam..
Pulv. Capsici..………………….
Pulv. Caryophyll........
Gum Kino.........
Tinct. Opii…………………..
Ess. Menth. pip………………….
Spir. Vin. Gall. Opt.......
.ziv.
..Ziv.
..ss.
Ziij.
gr. x.
...zi.
..ss.
..zi.
.zi.
.Oij.
.Oj.
Sacch. alb.....
Digest for 14 days, filter, and add the sugar, Tr. Opii and Ess. Menth. pip.
Teaspoonful for an adult.
1
Belville Ointment.
R. Hydrarg. Precip. Rub........
Hydrarg. Chlor. Mit......
Plumbi Acetatis......
M. Reduce to a very fine powder and add
Cera Alb......
Olei Olivari.......
M. S. A. et ft. unguent.
NO
.3ss.
Zij.
..3j.
...ziv.
........ 3j.
:
96
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
PRESENTED BY R. H. STABLER, ALEXANDRIA, VA.
Syrupus Cinchonœ.
R. Cinchon. Rub. Contus...
Alcohol, Diluti…………………….
.3lxiv.
Cong. iv.
Macerate the bark, with just sufficient dilute alcohol to cover it, for 6 hours,
express thoroughly. Repeat the process with the bark and alcohol until all
the latter is used. Mix the tinctures and evaporate over a steam bath to seven
pints, strain to separate resin and add
Sacchar. Alb. Pulv..........
..............3clxviii.
Dissolve with the heat of a water bath. Let it cool and add
Quiniæ Sulph......
Alcoholis...…….
zxlii. grs. viij.
...Oj.
3ss.
Acid. Sulph..………………..
The quinine previously dissolved in the alcohol and acid. Make it measure
2 gallons with hot water. Dose.-A teaspoonful; about equivalent to 2 grs.
quinine.
The above is a modification of M. Donovan's process, published in vol. xvii.
page 48, also the vol. for 1851, page 218, of the American Journal of Pharmacy.
Aqua Terebinthinæ.
B. O1. Terebinth....
Magnes. Carb…………………….
Aquæ........
......f.zj.
zij.
Oij.
Rub the oil of turpentine with the carbonate of magnesia, then with the
water, gradually added, and filter.
Intended as a vehicle for other remedies; also as a good form of administer-
ing oil of turpentine in meteorism of typhoid fever, &c.
R. Tr. Valerianæ...
Dr. Murphy's Carminative.
Tr. Opii Acetat...
Pulv. Camphora..
Potass. Carb.......
Magnes. Carb……………….
Ol. Anisi.......
Ol. Menthæ....
Aquæ........
M. Secund. Artem.
Sig. Dose for an infant 20 to 25 drops.
An improvement on Dr. Dewees' Carminative.
:}
Oss.
.....f.zx.
.grs.cxxviii.
..ziv et grs.viii.
Zij.
ɑɑ m. xl.
Oiss.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
97
Pulvis Morphic Attenuatus.
R. Morphiæ Sulphatis.....
Misce.
Sacch. Lactis.......
.gr.j.
grs. v.
One grain is equivalent to one grain of opium. Intended as a convenient
form of administering small doses of morphia in prescription to children.
R. Pulv. Ipecac....
Pulv. Opii........
Tinctura Doveri.
}
aa grs.viii.
f.3j.
Alcoholis diluti......
Macerate for 14 days and filter; or macerate 6 hours and displace a fluid
ounce with dilute alcohol. f.zj. equivalent to 10 grs. Dover's Powder. Used in
combination with Sp. Mindereri, Effervescing draught and other antifebril
remedies in liquid form.
Extractum Ipecacuanhe Fluidum.
R. Pulv. Ipecac......
Alcoholis diluti.....
3iiss.
q. s.
Macerate the ipecacuanha in eight fluid ounces of dilute alcohol for twelve
hours and displace one pint of tincture with the same menstruum, evaporate
by a steam bath to seven and a half fluid ounces; filter.
m. iij. equivalent to gr. j. of ipecac.
PRESENTED BY JAMES COOK, FREDERICKSBURG, VA.
R. Pulv. Opii.……………………..
Pulv. Kino.........
Pulv. Camphor……………….
Pulv. Nuc. Moschat..
Sp. Ammon. Arom....
Guttæ Vitæ.
Coccinellæ..………….
Spt. Rectificat...
Digest for 14 days and filter. Dose same as laudanum.
R. Calomel.........
Pulv. Opii......………..
Sacchar. Alb....
M. S. "Pulv. Millar."
Millar's Powders.
...
.3j.
..zij.
..ziij.
...zvi.
Zij.
.zij.
..Oij.
.3ij.
...3j.
.gix.
98
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Mode of administration for Cholera Infantum.
R. Pulv. Millar....
Pulv. Cinnamomi..............
Pulv. Cancr. Lapile................
gr.viij.
...gr.xvi.
gr.xxiv.
M. Divide in Chartulæ xxiv. S. For a child of six months old or under
one powder to be given every two or three hours, until a decided improve-
ment is perceived in the evacuations.
Retaining the quantity of Pulv. Cinnamon and Crab's eyes in the above, we
prepare the powder for children of twelve months and under, by increasing the
quantity of Pulv. Millar. to 12 grains; for eighteen months, to 18 grains; and
for two years to 24 grains, &c.
Ceratum de Lapide Calaminari.
[Turner's Treatise on Diseases, London, 1712.]
R. Butyr. recent, Mense Maii collect. Sine Sale præpar. Ceræ
Citr. optime defœcat. aa........
Olei Olivari, rect. and purif..................
........lb.iijss.
...lb.iv.
Lapid. Calamin. Select. Subtilissime trite et cribati......lb.ij. et 3x.
Liquescant Cera et Butyrum in vasculo propria, super ignemlentum una
cum Oleo, et Liquefacta colentur per pannum cannabinum in Vas alterum
sitimque insperge Pulverem gradatim, continuo agitando mix in fundo Vasis,
donce, frigescere incipiat et Pulvis præpondera sue, non amplius subsidere
possit.
PRESENTED BY A. E. RICHARDS, PLAQUEMINE, La.
Compound Mixture of Senna.
Take of Senna leaves, bruised......
Cloves, bruised......
Ext. Liquorice, cut in thin slices...
Water
....
..Zij.
Zij.
Ziijss.
Oij.
Macerate in a covered vessel for 12 hours, occasionally stirring the mixture
in the meantime: then strain and add
Sulphate of Magnesia...
Syrup Buckthorn...
Spts. Ammon. Comp..............
Tr. Senna Comp..........
NO NO
zx.
3j.
.3ss.
..Zij.
This draught is given as a purgative, in doses of 1 to 2 oz. usually.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
99
Another useful purgative is prescribed by a physieian here as follows:
Take of Best Aloes........
Bi-Carb. Soda...........
Tr. Lavender Comp..........
Zj. et zij.
Zij
.3j.
.Oij
Water.........
Mix and macerate 14 days, stirring the mixture occasioually, then strain.
The dose, as an active purge, is 12 to 2 oz.
• The following Chalk Mixture is prescribed frequently by a physician here:
Take of Prepared Chalk......
Oil Anise.........
White Sugar..……………….
Rub these together, then add
Tinct. Opii Camph......
Tinct. Catechu..
Water.......
.Zii.
.gtt.xxxij.
....
3j.
Zij.
··
.Zij.
3xvj.
This is given in repeated doses every quarter or half hour, according to age
and circumstances, till relief is obtained. The mixture to be shaken before use.
100
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMUNICATION FROM DR. M. J. BAILEY.
[Appended to the Special Report of the Executive Committee.]
New York, September 7th, 1857.
To the American Pharmaceutical Association:
M
It was my intention, prior to my removal from the office
of Special Examiner of Drugs, &c., in April last, to place
before your valuable and highly important Association, at its
present annual meeting, a lengthy report in detail, touching
the historical data and practical operation of the law to prevent.
the importation of adulterated and improper drugs and medicines,
from its inception to the present time. It was my intention to
give not only a list of the various articles rejected by me from
time to time, with the quantities specified, but also a similar list
of the articles passed by me during the same period, that all
who feel an interest in that measure, for the success of which I
have toiled through some ten of the best years of my life, might
be enabled to observe the relative proportion of inferior and
worthless drugs, &c., presented for entry at the port of New
York; but the fact of my unexpectedly retiring from office, and
the official records passing into the hands of one with whom I
could not, with a proper degree of self-respect, hold any inter-
course, and that too before I had perfected the necessary memo-
randa, must be my apology for not performing that duty on
this interesting occasion, which under other circumstances would
have been so agreeable and gratifying to me. I must, therefore,
crave your indulgence, and confine myself to such generalities
as the present condition and the requirements of the law im-
peratively demands; assuring you, however, that I shall take
such measures as will, I hope, at no distant day, enable me to
give a full and complete report of the working of the law at this
port, as well as a minute and truthful account of my stewardship
in connexion with this wise national sanitary measure, not only
under all the disadvantages, perplexities, denunciation and mis-
representations to which I was for the first two or three years
subjected, but through a series of years, until most of the early
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
101
disaffected had become converts, and I had apparently lived
down all opposition.
The law went into operation at this port on the eleventh day
of July, 1848, and during my administration of it I shut out
from consumption, or, in other words, rejected over nine hundred
thousand pounds of unsafe, adulterated, and improper drugs and
medicines; what was effected at the other ports during the same.
period where Special Examiners are stationed, I have no means
of knowing. My efforts to obtain the desired information, not
only for my own satisfaction, but for the purpose of embodying
it in a forthcoming sanitary report in extenso, (not only upon
the subject of adulterated medicines, but food and drinks,) un-
fortunately met with only a vague and very indefinite response.
This is to be regretted, for the reason that the measure is truly
a national one, and it is but right that its friends and even its
enemies everywhere should know the extent of its action.
I fear that in too many instances the Special Examiner, feel-
ing doubtful of his own ability to decide understandingly and
correctly, is governed in his examination by the advice of that
class of wholesale dealers who desire to keep on hand such an
assorted stock as will meet the views of their customers in price
as well as quality; and the consequence is that the list of his
rejected articles under such influences and misguided action is
necessarily so small that he hesitates in placing it before the
public, a condition of things greatly to be deplored, and one
directly calculated to render the law at ports thus protected
worse than a nullity, and its administration a farce. These facts
admitted, all must see the necessity of a speedy and radical re-
form, a reform that in my opinion can only be permanently
effected by several important amendments to the law as it now
stands upon the record.
On the passage of the bill through Congress, without a single
negative voice, it was believed by me that it had been framed
with all the care that the circumstances of the case and
the then lights before its friends would admit; but almost im-
mediately on its going into practical operation I discovered that
several important points had been inadvertently overlooked. For
instance, no provision was made in the bill securing to the
Special Examiners under the act such ample and appropriate
7
102
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
accommodations, with the requisite apparatus, tests, reagents,
&c., at government expense, as would enable the competent
officer to perform the duties of his post promptly and efficiently
without drawing upon his private means for the purchase of
these indispensable requisites. Again, in case of an appeal from
the Examiner's return condemning the articles under examina-
tion, the law very properly requires that the Collector shall
procure some competent analytical chemist, possessing the con-
fidence of the medical profession as well as the Colleges of Medi-
cine and Pharmacy, if any such institutions exist in the State in
which the collection district is situated, who shall make a care-
ful analysis," &c.; but unfortunately the existing law does not.
make it imperative on the part of the appointing power to govern
himself by the same rule in filling the offices under the act. This
oversight in framing the measure has proved an evil of no trifling
magnitude; indeed, for the want of that perfectly consistent
check upon the appointing power, the law is at present, and has
been for years past, principally in the hands of those who have
the confidence of no one except political demagogues.
The wording of the law can be, and should be so amended as
not only to permanently remedy this important defect, but to
secure it hereafter from the palsied and poisonous effects of
political influences, from the palsied and poisonous touch of
political vampires whose embrace is death. Let this be done,
and let the salaries be increased to an amount that will secure
competent men to fill the office at every port, give them the
proper office facilities, and the wise sanitary measure in the entire
success of which we have all taken, and still take, such a deep
interest, although at present almost stranded on political quick-
sands, will at once become part and parcel of our revenue sys-
tem, and prove what its friends at first intended, and what they
still have a right to expect.
The law, imperfect though it be, has not had a fair trial,
neither can it have as at present controlled and administered.
Look at the condition of things at this port, where the office has
been surrendered as a coveted, yea, a demanded recompense for
political services rendered, while the merits, the importance and
the requirements necessary to secure a faithful and efficient ad-
ministration of the law seem, judging from the reported antece-
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
103
dents of my successor, not to have been taken into considera-
tion at all, and this too at a port where full two-thirds of all the
drugs and medicines imported into the country are entered. The
man to whom is entrusted so great a responsibility, was at the
time of his appointment, unknown to the trade, the importers,
the medical profession, or the College of Pharmacy here, and if
I am correctly informed, he did not present to the appointing
power a single recommendation from these parties.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Such being the facts of the case, all must admit, I think, that
the day has arrived when some definite action should be taken,
calculated to wrest the law from its downward tendency, and
place it on a firm and enduring basis. Allow me to respectfully
suggest to the Association the propriety of appointing a com-
mittee to take the subject into consideration, with power to con-
fer with the medical profession for the purpose of securing a
united effort, a united determination to effect at the next session
of Congress such amendments to the law, and such reform in its
administration as are imperatively demanded. Pharmaceutists
took the initiative in effecting the passage of the law, and they
were promptly followed by the medical profession, and so it will
be in this instance if deemed desirable. In fact, I am informed
that the Academy of Medicine, at its last meeting, a few even-
ings since, appointed a committee to take into consideration this
very subject; and it is but a few days since, my friend, the
venerable President, Valentine Mott, M. D., particularly de-
sired me to request the Colleges of Pharmacy to confer with
them, and promised their prompt and cordial co-operation. You
will, I hope, pardon my zeal in this matter, for circumstances
having connected my name so intimately with the inception,
passage and progress of this measure, -a measure that has been
approvingly and repeatedly quoted and commented on, by sani-
tary commissions, pharmaceutical and medical societies in
Europe, as well as in this country,-it is but natural that I should
feel a deep interest in its success, if such a consummation be
possible; and notwithstanding I feel that great injustice has
been done me, my energies have not in consequence become.
torpid, but will, as heretofore, be exerted in the good cause,
until the law is perfected, has a fair trial, and is efficiently ad-
104
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ministered at every port, or until it is abolished, and, to the
disgrace of our government and our country, suffered to die of
political strangulation.
Regretting my inability to be with you at your present meeting,
I beg to tender to the Association my sincere thanks for the un-
expected and deeply appreciated honor conferred upon me at the
annual meeting of last year, while I remain,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. J. BAILY, M. D.
Late Special Examiner of Drugs and Medicines at the port of New York.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
105
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS AND ESSAYS.
REPORT ON NEW ENGLAND ISINGLASS.
BY CHARLES T. CARNEY, of Boston, Mass.
At the last meeting of this Association, in Baltimore, was
committed to me for investigation the substance known in
commerce as New England Isinglass, with a view of ascertaining
where and by whom the article is prepared and its mode of
manufacture.
I have the honor to submit herewith such information as I
have been able to gather upon this subject, and, in addition, I
venture some remarks upon other kinds of fish isinglass, and
modes of manufacturing the same, believing it a subject worthy
attention.
Ichthyocolla, from two Greek words, meaning fish and glue,
is mentioned by both Dioscorides and Pliny; the latter of these
writers ascribes its invention to Dædalus. It is obtained from
various fishes, some only of which have been hitherto ascertained.
The finest kinds are obtained from various species of the Acipen-*
ser, but fish from other genera, viz., Gadus, Morrhua and others,
also yield it.
The organ from which the isinglass is usually procured is the
air bag or swimming bladder, sometimes termed the "sound."
This is a membranous sac filled with air, (containing from 69
to 87 per cent. of oxygen) placed under the spine in the middle
of the back, above the centre of gravity. In most fish this sack
communicates with the oesophagus or stomach by the ductus
pneumaticus;" in others it is an imperforate sac, and occasionally
there are two sacs which communicate with each other.
As long ago as the year 1772 the manufacture of isinglass
from fish was considered of enough importance, by Mr. Humphrey
Jackson, of England, to become the subject of careful study;
failing in his endeavors to ascertain in England the process fol-
106
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
lowed, he took a journey into Russia for the purpose of arriving
at the true mode of manufacture.
says
In his paper, published in vol. lxiii. of Phil. Transactions, he
all authors who have hitherto described processes for mak-
ing ichthyocolla, have greatly mistaken both its constituent
matters and preparation, and cites in support of this assertion
the remarks of M. Pomet upon this subject.
The latter author says, as to the manner of making the isin-
glass: The sinewy parts of the fish are boiled in water until
all dissolve that will; the gluey liquor is strained and cooled 1;
after cooling, the fatty portion is removed carefully from the
surface, the liquor itself boiled down to a proper consistency and
cooled, cut in pieces, twisted into crescent shape and carefully
dried upon sticks.
From this we could reasonably infer that all fish containing
gelatinous matter could be used with advantage for the manufac-
ture of this article, but the inference would be an erroneous
one.
The sounds or bladders of fresh water fish in general are pre-
ferred for making the best and most delicate isinglass, but the
article known in commerce as "American" is made from the air
vessels of salt water fish.
It is a matter worthy consideration whether we cannot furnish
from the sturgeon of our own rivers, isinglass that will equal that
of Russia, which is derived from the sturgeon taken in the Cas-
pian sea and rivers emptying into its basin.
The sounds or air vessels of the cod and hake bear great
analogy with those of the Acipenser genus of Linnæus, and are
in general so well known as to require no particular description.
Ichthyocolla is prepared in considerable quantities by the
Newfoundland and Iceland fishermen. Their process is as fol-
lows: As soon as the fish is taken, they are split open, and the
backbones, with the sounds attached, are thrown together in a
heap; but previous to incipient putrefaction the sounds are re-
moved from the bone and salted for preservation. If the sounds
are cut out from the back-bone, the intercostal parts are left
behind; these parts are the most valuable, and the Iceland fish-
ermen are so sensible of this that they beat the bones upon
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
107
blocks until the "pockets," as they term them, come out easily,
thus preserving the sounds entire.
66
If the bladers are preserved with salt this must all be removed
by freshening" in water before they are prepared as isinglass.
After being thoroughly freshened, they are scraped free from all
adhering mucous, slit open, washed with lime water to remove
all oleaginous matter, then rinsed in clean water, and dried upon
nets in the sun.
I am indebted to the kindness of Jabez R. Gott, Esq., of
Rockport, Mass., for most of the information and statistics
relating to the manufacture of the article known as New Eng-
land isinglass. Mr. Gott is the oldest, and, in fact, the only
manufacturer of this article known to me.
As early as the year 1822, or thereabouts, his process was
the subject of a patent in this country; since that time experi-
ence has done much to simplify and improve the mode of manu-
facture.
I learn from him that the sounds or air vessels of the hake
Gadus mertuccius) are generally used, those of the cod having
the disadvantage alluded to in speaking of the Iceland fishery
process.
The sounds are collected by parties residing upon the sea-
coast of Cape Ann, and brought to Rockport for sale.
They are preserved by drying simply. After being taken
from the fish, they are split open, cleansed from all membranous
matter and dried upon cords or nets. It is preferable to dry
them in this way rather than upon boards or sticks, as while the
sounds are soft and wet, much of the gelatinous matter is ab-
sorbed by the latter substances, which decreases materially the
value of the article for manufacturing.
After being again soaked in water until of a proper softness
they are passed through rollers which knead them into a uniform
pasty mass, resembling very much in appearance the dough of
rye or Indian bread, and assume the form of a large, thick,
homogeneous sheet.
This sheet is divided into strips, which are run through rollers
again and again until reduced to the required thinness. These
ribbon-like strips, after becoming thoroughly dry, are folded
into bundles without much regard to the weight of each, and
108
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
constitute the article, familiar to all in the trade, known as
American Isinglass or Fish Glue.
The amount annually made is about 6,000 pounds, which is
manufactured in the winter season, labor being at that time more
available than in summer.
The amount yielded by each fish will average about two ounces,
and this fact will suggest the number of fish laid under contribu-
tion for this article. The sounds are preserved during the warm
weather simply by being thoroughly dried, and assume the hard,
horny appearance of those herewith submitted, 1, 2, and 3,
which are the sounds of the hake fish. I also submit specimens
of the manufactured article. New England isinglass finds its
way into commerce chiefly through the New York market.
In this connection I would remark that Mr. Gott has also
prepared an article of isinglass from the air vessels of sturgeons
captured in our southern rivers, but that it was not considered
superior, by those who used it, to that made from the hake
sounds. This may have depended upon the fact that the stur-
geons were taken from warmer waters than those furnishing the
Russian isinglass, and as, from my investigations, I am led to the
conclusion, that the process of manufacture does not materially
add to the quality of the product, but that the superior quality
of the Russian isinglass pre-exists in the fish yielding it, if such
an expression is proper, I would again suggest the value of ex-
perimenting with the air vessels of sturgeon taken from some.
colder rivers of our country, with a view of equalling the pro-
duct of Russia.
I was surprised to learn that the demand for New England
isinglass was very limited, and unless some large increase in
its consumption should occur, there appears to be no induce-
ment for others to engage in its manufacture.
We find the preparation of this article, then, to be a very sim-
ple process; nothing more than certain membranous parts of
fishes, divested of adhering mucus and dried in the air. The
peculiar arrangement of the fibres of the article has doubtless
attracted your attention, and this elongation is readily explained
when the process of its manufacture is understood.
In speaking of the yield of isinglass from the sturgeon of
Russia, the Acipenser huso" of Linnæus, Mr. Jackson says,
"
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
109
(in apparent opposition to the general impression, which is, that
the sturgeon on account of its cartilaginous nature would yield
great quantities of isinglass,) that no part of the fish except the
inner coat of the sound, or air vessel, promised the least suc-
cess; this being so full of "ruge," adheres so firmly to the
external membrane, which is useless, that the labor of separat-
ing supersedes the advantage.
The intestines, however, which in larger fish are several yards
in length, being cleansed from their adhering mucus and dried,
are found surprisingly strong and elastic, resembling cords
made from the intestines of animals known as "cat gut," and
promised to be of some practical utility.
The characteristics need scarcely be noticed here. The best
is a whitish, dry, tough, semi-transparent substance, unchange-
able in the air, of a leathery aspect and a mawkish taste, nearly
insipid. When steeped in cold water it swells, softens and
separates in membranous laminæ. At the boiling point it dis-
solves in water, forming when cooled a white jelly, which is
semi-transparent, soluble in weak acids, but precipitated from
its solution by alkalies. It is gelatin nearly pure, and if not
brittle, like other glue, it is because of its elastic texture.
The uses of isinglass are various and important. The princi-
pal consumption is for "fining" liquors, beer, wine, &c.; and
it is noticed that during the conversion of isinglass into fining,
the acidity of the menstruum seems greatly diminished, at least
in taste; probably not on account of any alkaline property of
the isinglass, but by its enveloping the acid particles.
As an article of food in the preparation of creams and jellies
it is in great request. Four parts of it convert one hundred of
water into a tremulous jelly.
It is used with gum as a dressing for silks and ribbons.
The makers of artificial pearls employ it to fix the "Essence
d'Orient" on the glass globules which form those pearls.
It is used, also, dissolved with gum ammoniac, as a cement,
for joining broken china, &c. By spreading its solution upon
silk the well known court plaster is made. Sheets of wire gauze,
set in window or lamp frames and dipped several times in a
solution of isinglass, answer instead of glass for some purposes.
The outer surface should be varnished to protect it from damp
110
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
air. This application was made by M. Rochen, of France, and
these panes of gelatin are now much used for lamps instead
of the horn, in maritime arsenals of France.
ON THE MANUFACTURE OF IODINE FROM THE
ASHES OF SEA-WEEDS.
By Thomas B. PORTEUS, of Boston.
As this paper is submitted with the essentially practical purpose
of assisting those who may at some future time attempt the
manufacture of Iodine in the United States, and of putting them
in full possession of all the details necessary to a successful re-
sult, the author deems it proper to take a passing glance at
the present state of the trade in Europe, so as to place before
the reader a correct idea of the extent and sources of the pro-
duction of this important article of the Pharmacopoeia.
The principal seat of the manufacture is the city of Glasgow,
Scotland, in which city and neighborhood there were engaged
in the manufacture, in 1854, nine separate establishments, con-
suming on the average from 800 to 2000 tons of kelp annually.
Beside these, there were two in Ireland, located at the head of
Loch Swilly, as being conveniently situated in the centre of the
kelp district. There are also two establishments in France, both
carried on by Mons. Corneille; one at Brest, the other at Cher-
burg; so that in Europe there are about thirteen houses in all,
exclusively engaged in supplying the world with the article of
Iodine.
It is scarcely necessary to say that the only known source of
iodine, commercially speaking, is the marine plants which grow
spontaneously along all the northern coasts of Europe. Of the
modes adopted in converting these into kelp, as the incinerated
plants are called, we will have occasion to speak more fully in
another part.
Our present object is to give a correct estimate
of the amount of kelp consumed annually, and the quantity of
resulting products.
The quantity of kelp imported into Glasgow is generally about
6000 tons annually; it has, however, in some years amounted to
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
111
between ten and twelve thousand; the sum first mentioned being
a fair average. The quantities used in the manufacture in Scot-
land and Ireland may be safely set down as follows:
Glasgow,
Borrowstoness,
Scotland,
Ireland,
Total
6000 tons.
2000 66
1000 66
9000 66
Of this amount, 7000 tons are produced in Ireland, and the
rest in Scotland; the price on the average, at the various places
of collection, is $20 per ton; the cost to the manufacturer of
iodine, including freight and commission to the local buyers, is
$25; these are the average; some kelps bringing as high as
$40, this of course depending on quality. We have, then, say
9000 tons of kelp at $25, amounting to $225,000 yearly, expended
in the purchase of this product of the ocean, which, but for the
iodine manufacture, would assuredly go to waste, as in addition
to what is made into kelp, they also get what they require for
manure. Of this sum of $225,000, $175,000 is distributed
along a coast in Ireland not exceeding two hundred miles in ex-
tent; and mostly indeed within the limits of one county, viz.:
Donegal. Are these facts not worthy the attention of the sea-
board inhabitants of Maine and Nova Scotia? Undoubtedly the
time must come when the manufacture of kelp for chemical pur-
poses will be one of the branches of trade on the American Con-
tinent; when it may be we cannot presume to say, but the initia-
tive must be taken by the coast people, and we have no fear, if
they produce a good article, but that the enterprise of Boston
merchants would soon find means of turning it to profitable
account.
The amount of iodine procurable from kelp has been variously
stated, but is generally set down at about 10 lbs. to the ton. This
amount would be too high an average for the article imported
into Glasgow, as the adulteration of it, especially on the Irish
coast, is carried on to an enormous extent, as much as thirty per
cent. of stones and gravel being generally introduced during the
process of burning; on the other hand, the writer of this has
known kelp from some particular districts to yield 15 lbs. per
ton for a series of years, and some as high as 20 lbs. to the ton.
112
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
If we take them at an average of 9 lbs. of iodine per ton, we
will be pretty near the real amount.
But iodine is not the only valuable product of the manufac-
ture; if it were so, it would never pay.
The salts of potash" form a very important item in the
manufacturer's calculation of profits; and in the properly separat-
ing these from their mixed solution in the kelp ley, consists the
whole nicety of the process. The proper mode of doing this has
been completely omitted in all works treating on this manufac-
ture which we have seen, so that any person attempting the manu-
facture of iodine, trusting to the loose and careless phraseology
of the books, would be groping in the dark; the result being
inevitable failure. To obviate this, and place everything plainly
before him, as briefly and with as few technicalities as possible,
is the object of this paper.
To resume our estimate of products, the following tabular
view will render it more clearly:
9000 ton
kelp
yielding,
9 lbs. iodine per ton,
81,000 pounds.
4,500,000
66
(6
500 lbs. chl. of pot. per ton,
150 lbs. sulph. of potash per ton, 1,250,000
300 lbs. mixed carbonate, muri-
ate and sulphate of soda, called 2,700,000
by the trade kelp salt,
6.6
This shows upwards of 2,600 tons of salts of potash introduced
into the British market annually, incident to the manufacture of
iodine. These are almost wholly consumed by the alum makers,
and sell generally at about $50 per ton. From the cheapness
of soda in Britain, the mixed carbonate and sulphate of that salt
are difficult of sale, seldom bringing more than $6 per ton; but
in the United States they might be wholly used up to advantage
in the soap manufacture, all the soda salts used for that purpose
being imported.
The insoluble residuum which remains after the exhaustion of
the soluble contents of the kelp, and which amounts to about
one half the original weight, when mixed with sand, is the uni-
versal flux used by the glass bottle makers in Scotland. The
price generally paid is $1 per ton; the trade name for this re-
siduum, which is a mixed silicate of soda and potash with various
impurities, is kelp waste.
*
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
113
This then exhausts the number and quantities of the products:
incident to the manufacture of iodine from the incinerated
ashes of sea weed, so that if we calculate the two French estab-
lishments to be equal to two medium Scotch in their consumption
and product, the following table will be a very near approxi-
mation to the annual products and money value of the trade:
Products of Iodine.
Scotland and Ireland, 81,000 lbs.
France,
19,000 lbs. 100,000 lbs. $3.00
$300,000
Chloride and Sulphate of Potash.
Scotland and Ireland,
France,
2,600 tons.
500
(6
3,100 tons. $50 per ton. 155,000
Soda Salts.
Scotland and Ireland,
France,
1,350 tons.
300
1,650 tons. $6.00 per ton. 9,900
perton.
Kelp Waste.
Scotland and Ireland;
France,
4,000 tons.
1,000 "
5000 tons. $1.00 per ton. 5,000
$469,900
Four hundred sixty nine thousand nine hundred dollars. And
this large sum, the result of a trade in an article discovered only
in 1812, and not yet in anything like general use as a remedial
agent more than a single generation; one of the many inestima-
ble boons presented to suffering humanity in the progress of
chemical science.
We now proceed to consider the modes adopted for the manu-
facture of iodine from kelp; and first in order as being the most
important in view of the object of this paper, is
The preparation of the Raw Material or Kelp.
All the deep sea plants are more or less rich in iodine in con-
tradistinction to those which grow above low-water mark; as a
general rule those sea plants which are fully exposed to the
action of the sun and air by recession of the tide, are unfit for
the preparation of kelp for iodine making; they are charac-
terized by being possessed, in a greater degree, of salts of soda
than those which draw their sustenance entirely from the ocean,
114
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
про
these latter being extremely rich in potash salts and iodine as
compared with the former, but varying in this respect consider-
ably from each other. To those, then, who may essay the pro-
duction of the most profitable kelp for the iodine manufacture,
we would say, in a word, reject all those plants which may be pro-
cured by cutting them from the rocks at low water, as not worth
the trouble and expense of preparing, and trust to the mixed
kinds of deep sea plants which are abundantly thrown up on the
beaches, after the storms have torn them from the submerged
rocks. The best kind of sea plant for the purpose is the tangle,
or Palmata digitata, or lieach, as the Irish call it. This is a
plant growing from one long thick stalk, with branches about
three inches in breadth, with a smooth and leather-like appear-
ance, very greasy and slimy to the touch; when cast ashore in
heaps it has a greenish yellow tinge.
a rich kelp is easily prepared.
Wherever this is plentiful,
Of course it is not to be supposed that anything like picking
the kinds of kelp to be burned is practicable; the only object of
these remarks is to indicate the general quality of the weed, so
that beaches where these are not abundantly thrown up may be
avoided, and districts where they are plentiful searched for and
preferred. The quantity of weed required to make one ton of
kelp may be safely set down at from twenty-five to thirty tons
in its wet state, so that all kinds which may be cast ashore are
of course indiscriminately mixed up in collecting; the quality of
the article being determined by the general abundance of the
said long tailed weeds.
Upon the weed being cast ashore by the surf, it is to be carted
on to the most convenient spread field, which may be either the
stony beach or rocks, or green sward. There it is to be spread
out by means of pitch-forks in a moderately thin layer, and if
the weather is warm and drying, it may be turned once or twice
somewhat as hay is prepared, during drying, which will take four
to five days, according to the weather; it shrinks considerably.
When dry enough for burning, it is crisp and easily crushed in the
hand. It is now to be collected into one or two large heaps in
a convenient place for burning, which is done in a rudely made
kiln, formed by the stones on the beach; the kiln should be about
eight feet long by two and a half feet wide, and two feet deep.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
115
A flat rock is generally chosen for the bottom, or a shallow hole,
dry, lined with stones on the bottom, and the sides made with
loose stones, built like a dry well, and turf laid outside with air
holes to regulate the draft. A fire of wood is now kindled in
the kiln and the dried weed gradually put on until the fire is
fairly set agoing; the weed is now assiduously added all over the
kiln, wherever the flame burns out, and this is continued until
the whole weed is burned, or as long as the workman thinks
necessary to continue. When about to stop, the fire is allowed to
slack down, and the red mass of ashes are to be diligently stirred
by two men, one at each end of the kiln, with an iron rake, until
the mass becomes pasty, when the process is finished. If there
is room, more weed may be burned in the same kiln by kindling
a fire on top of the kelp and proceeding as before. The kelp,
when cold, is to be taken up and housed for market.
The separation of the soluble contents of the Kelp.
The kelp is to be broken up by hammers into pieces of the
size of egg coal; these are introduced into the steeps, which are
square cast iron tanks about six feet long, four wide and four
deep, with a faucet in the side at the bottom, to run off the ley;
a rude filter of straw and cinders is placed over the aperture on
the inside to prevent the fine dust from coming through with the
ley. The steeps having been filled with the broken kelp, cold
water is run on a few of them, the number depending on the size
of the establishment, the rest are not watered; after standing
eight or ten hours the water is strongly enough charged, the
faucets are opened and the clear ley run into a cistern below;
from this cistern it is pumped into the large cast iron evaporat-
ing vessels. Of its concentration there we will have occasion to
speak hereafter. In the mean time the vessels which have been
emptied are again filled, but this time hot water is used to ex-
pedite the solution; this after standing a night is to be run off
and pumped into those steeps which had been left unwatered, there
to take up from the fresh kelp a sufficiency of salts to make the
ley strong enough to be pumped into the evaporating pans, thus
saving fuel. In this way in a well regulated work the liquor of
the steeps No. 1 are run on to No. 2, and these as they become
spent are run on to No. 3, thus keeping up the supply of strong
116
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
1
ley for the boilers; this is a most important point in the economy
of an iodine work. No. 1 being exhausted, is again to be filled
and covered with weak ley from the others, and so on in rota-
tion.
Of the Boiling.
And first of the Hydrometers. The Hydrometers used are
those known as Twaddle's, and are three in number. No. 1 is
graduated on the scale of water, as 0° at the top in degrees, and
numbered at every second degree, as 2, 4, 6, 8 and so on to 24°.
The use of No. 1 is to show the strength of the ley in the steeps
when getting weak, and when the glass sinks to 2° the steep
may be emptied. These are useful and simple instruments, and
very easily understood by the workman. The ley from the
steeps should, if possible, never be put into the boilers at less
than 36° or 40º, if attainable, as this will obviate the necessity
of evaporating a large quantity of useless water, and consequently
save expense.
In regard to the separation of the mixed salts. They are
taken out in the order of their insolubility, sulphate of potash
being the first parted with by the ley, as it contracts in the
evaporation. There are two methods of obtaining this salt;
that which is adopted depending upon whether the operator wishes
to crystallize out the salt, or merely to deposit it during the boil-
ing; if the crystals are wanted, the ley from the steeps should not
exceed 30° on the hydrometer, and should be boiled until it
shows a pellicle on the surface, when a little should be taken out
and blown upon by breath; this will occur when it marks on the
hydrometer 42° to 44°. The fire should now be drawn out,
and the hot ley ladled into the crystallizing pans, which are best
made of cast iron; when cold, a layer of the salt will be found
adhering to the sides of the vessel; this should be allowed to
remain after the liquor is removed, and five or six different panfuls
allowed to crystallize, one after the other, when the salt may be
removed to make room for another quantity. This plan is,
however, now seldom' adopted, as it entails a loss of time in the.
cooling, and takes up too many vessels.
The other plan is this: the ley at 36° or 40° is evaporated
up to 62° or 64° at one boiling. When it reaches 44° it then
A
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
117
begins to part with the sulphate of potash, which falls down to
the bottom of the pan, in small scaly crystals, of a grey color; as
these are apt to adhere to the sides of the pan, a scraper of iron,
tipped with steel, is used to keep the sides free, and prevent
caking, as this would endanger the safety of the vessel. The
scraper is an iron rod about 6 feet in length, with the lower end
broadened out to about 3 inches in width, and kept sharp. The
salt, as it is scraped down and deposited, is scooped out with a
long wooden-handled iron shovel, perforated with small holes to
allow the water to drain off; a half cask with a few holes for
drainage is placed with its edge over the side of the pan to receive
the wet salt; this allows the liquor to drain back into the boiler.
After the boiling has continued until a strong pellicle is formed
on the ley, which will occur at 620 or 64°, the fire should be
withdrawn, and after standing 20 minutes or so, the contents
ladled into the coolers. A further deposit of sulphate will be
found in the boilers; this is, of course, added to the rest in the
cask and allowed to drain.
The liquor being now deprived of its sulphate of potash, will,
upon cooling, deposit a plentiful crop of white crystals of chlo-
ride of potassium all round the sides and bottom. This liquor,
when cold, must now be ladled into the boilers again for further
evaporation; the bottom of the cooler, from which it has been
taken, cleaned out and put into tubs with small holes in the
bottom to drain the salt, the liquor being preserved and added
to that in the boiler; the crystals on the sides will drain down
to the bottom in a few hours, and then may be removed, mixed
with the dried bottoms and sent to market.
The liquor from which these crystals were obtained, and which
was returned again to the boilers, is now to be evaporated as
before; this time the boiling is to continue until the hydrometer
marks 66° or 68°; and during this boiling the soda salts begin
to be deposited in the same manner as the sulphate was in the
first. The pan must be diligently scraped and the salt put into a
tub, and set to drain over the edge of the pan as before, keeping
this deposit and the sulphate separate. When a pellicle is
formed as before, which will be at 66° or 68°, the same mode of
procedure is to be adopted as in the first case, and a further
deposit of crystals obtained. When the liquor is cold, it is
8
118
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
again to be boiled, and the same process followed exactly as in
the former cases. The deposit at this third boil being still soda
salts, may be mixed with the salt from the second boil; the
liquor should be brought to mark 72°, and again set aside to cool.
Some manufacturers now stop the further concentration, but the
majority prefer boiling a fourth time, proceeding exactly as
directed for the three previous boils; all the deposited salt which
falls during the last three boils, being soda salts, are stirred to-
gether. The first, or sulphate of potash, stored by itself, and
the contents of the crystallizing vessels, or chloride of potassium,
also kept separate. The liquor at the last boil should mark 74°.
The pans in which the evaporation is conducted are generally
made about 7 feet across the mouth, with a depth of 3 feet.
They should be set so that the flame may not strike the bottom
of the pan, but play round the sides; this is done by setting the
bottom solid on clay, and building a small arch in front, so the
flame strikes the front of the pan, and dividing there, circles
round the sides and escapes into the chimney on the back. This
arrangement allows the salts deposited to collect at the bottom,
whence they are easily ladled out.
The Extraction of the Iodine.
The quantity of liquid by these series of boilings has now been
reduced to one-sixteenth of its original bulk. Or to make it still
clearer, allow that 16 pansful had been boiled at first, and now
off the steeps; these by evaporation, and parting with a certain
quantity of their soluble contents, are reduced to eight pansful,
which again make four, and these two, until at the fourth boil one
pan from the sixteen remains; this, as may be supposed, is
highly concentrated, and holds in solution the iodine, in the
form of an iodide or iodate of soda and potassa. After this
liquor has become completely cold, it is ladled into an iron pan,
(if lined with lead so much the better,) and is there subjected to
the action of sulphuric acid; unconcentrated acid is best for this
purpose; and to a quantity of liquor remaining after the process
described as being the product of pans of the size indicated, from
8 to 10 carboys of acid will be required fully to saturate the free
salts contained. The acid should be added gradually, as by
setting two carboys over the neutralizing pan, and allowing it
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
ICA
119
1
to enter the liquid by means of small leaden syphons, very copi-
ous evolutions of gas are liberated during this process, and as
the mixture must be diligently stirred, it is better to have the
operation conducted near the chimney, into which a hole has
been made, closed, when not in use, by a damper; the draft
carries off the noxious vapors, and is a great convenience to the
workman. The acid should be added in till the liquor is very
sour, and a few drops of acid added to a small quantity evolves
fumes of iodine readily. The liquid will now have a creamy
yellow appearance, and should be kept undisturbed (except skim-
ming the sulphur from the top,) until next morning, when it is to
be transferred to the stile for sublimation, The stile should
hold the above mentioned quantity of liquid twice; its size
should be about 4 feet in diameter, and 2 feet deep; the bot-
tom cast to two inches thick, and set as a common boiler in brick-
work; a leaden dome should fit into a flange round the rim, and
be luted with fine clay; in the centre of this dome a circular
hole should be left about 18 inches diameter, with a flange round
its edge, into which a small dome should fit, and be luted; this,
as well as the larger, should have handles soldered on, so that
they could be easily lifted off when required; in the smaller
dome two flanged holes are made to receive the bent ends of the
leaden arms, which are to convey the fumes of the iodine into
the receivers or condensers. These arms are made of moderately
thin lead soldered in the form of a tube; they should be about
34 inches in diameter, and their bent elbow luted into the flanged
holes in the small dome. They should also at the top of the
elbow have a small leaden plug like the stopper of a vial, which
can be taken out occasionally by the operator to judge of the
process of sublimation. The arms should be long enough to clear
the edge of the stile about six or eight inches, their ends being there
introduced into the receivers. These latter are large earthen-
ware carboys laid on their sides, and having a neck and hole in
the bottom. The end of the leaden arm is connected with the
first receiver by having its end thrust about two inches clear into
the hole in the bottom; the neck of this receiver is fitted into
the bottom of the next, and so on through the series, which
should consist of eight or ten placed in two rows, side by side, on
a wooden frame; the two arms from the stile leading the iodine
120
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
as it sublimes into them, where it condenses. All the places
where the joinings are should be carefully luted with fire clay.
Having thus described the stile and its accessories, let us see
how it is to be wrought.
The stile should be filled with the neutralized ley up to within
six inches of the brim; the larger dome not being moved for this
purpose, the hole for the smaller dome being large enough for
filling. A fire is now kindled in the small furnace of the boiler,
and the liquid heated up until the leaden dome feels pretty hot.
Never having used a thermometer to determine the heat, I can-
not indicate the temperature nearer; it must not, however, at
this point reach a boiling heat. The smaller dome is now to be
luted on, the arms are luted into their respective places in this
dome, and into the ends of the receiver, and the oxide of man-
ganese is now to be added. The quantity for a stileful, the size
indicated, is from 60 to 80 lbs. finely ground; it is introduced
through a hole left in the top of the larger dome, near the side:
this hole is about 2 inches in diameter, and a wide funnel, such
as grocers use, is inserted so as to facilitate the introduction of
the manganese. When this is fairly introduced, it is rapidly
stirred for a minute with a stick through the hole. The hole is
then stopped with a wooden plug cased with thin lead, and the
heat is gently kept up, until, on withdrawing the small stopper
in the arms, the fumes of iodine are scarcely observable; this,
according to the quantity of ley, will be from three to six hours. The
process completed, the fire is withdrawn, the arms removed from
the end receiver, and the hole plugged with old cloth of any
kind to prevent escape. The receivers are allowed to stand so until
cool, when they are disconnected, and tilted gently to remove
the condensed steam; they may then be replaced and used three or
four times before the iodine is removed. The liquor in the stile is
then run off with a syphon, a stream of cold water being con-
veyed into it at the same time. As the acid liquor attacks the
iron very readily, it is good economy not to neglect the empty-
ing of the stile, but have it done immediately after the process
is finished.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
121
ON HENBANE OF AMERICAN GROWTH.
By FREDERICK STEARNS, of Detroit.
Having been appointed by the American Pharmaceutical Asso-
ciation, at its meeting in September last, to report upon the natu-
ral growth of Henbane in Michigan., I would respectfully
submit the following:
From obvious reasons I was unable to proceed to any exami-
nation of this plant last season, and my observations have been
confined to the months of May and June last.
The preparations of this plant, specimens of which are herewith
submitted, were prepared in form and immediately submitted,
with corresponding ones from the European grown plant, pre-
pared partly by myself, the rest imported, to test, in the hands
of several physicians of Detroit, and also given to the physicians
of St. Mary's Hospital for the same purpose.
The short time which has intervened has not allowed of as
sufficient a test of the comparative merits of our Michigan Hen-
bane with the foreign plant, as would appear conclusive in the
experience of those employing it, or be considered of sufficient
importance to be placed before the Association. It is only after
using the various prepared extracts of this plant for a considera-
ble length of time, that the practitioner would be justified in
forming and promulgating an opinion concerning it.
The Hyoscyamus niger is found growing in considerable abun-
dance in the State, particularly on the banks of the Detroit and
St. Clair rivers, rarely in the upper Peninsula, and it also abun-
dant in the Western Canada Province. Of its early history and
introduction nothing is known, and the impression among some
of our botanists is, that it is an indigenous, and not a natural-
ized plant. But it may with safety be presumed, that its intro-
duction is due to the French, by whom this State and the sur-
rounding country was first settled in the early part of the last
century. It is found most abundantly near Detroit, and other
places first settled by the Jesuits. I learned that there was a
mass found quite abundantly in the upper Peninsula, which is
found nowhere else on the continent, but is grown plentifully in
Europe; this was probably introduced in the same way.
122
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
I have found it most plentiful on the high sandy banks of the
rivers, near fences by the roadside, and near the remains of old
barns and houses.
The botanical characteristics of the naturalized plant are iden-
tical with those of the European plant; it flowers in June.
I collected the leaves only of the biennial plant while it was in
full inflorescence, and while the seed vessels were still soft and
juicy, this being the time, according to competent authority, that
the plant exhibits the greatest activity. I observed abundant
evidence that it was eaten by cattle, also that it was the food of
a variety of insects.
The leaves collected in a dry, moderately warm day, yield by
average one seventh of their weight of dry herb.
The naturalized herb yields by average one hundred and
forty grains of inspissated juice, U. S. P., to every pound (troy)
of fresh leaves, or two and seven-sixteenths pounds (avoir.) to
every hundred pounds (avoir.), about one fortieth. Pereira
states in his work on Materia Medica, that the yield from English
plants is between four and five pounds from the fresh leaves and
tops, to every hundred weight, or one hundred and twelve pounds,
about one twenty-fifth.
The yield of hydro-alcoholic extract from the dried leaves of
the naturalized plant, is, upon an average, eighteen hundred
grains to one pound, (troy) equivalent to twenty-five and three-
fourths pounds to every one hundred pounds, (avoir.) a fraction
over one-fourth.
I found that the yield of extract, (hyd. alc.) from the best
selected foreign dried leaves would average sixteen hundred and
eighty grains to the pound, troy, or twenty-four pounds to one
hundred, avoir., a fraction under one-fourth.
The extracts produced in conducting these experiments were
prepared with care after the methods directed in our Pharmaco-
poeia.
I also prepared Extract Hyoscyamus after the Prussian Phar-
macopoeia. This method was discussed in a paper presented to
this Association by S. S. Garrigues, at its last meeting. It consists
of employing alcohol and water for the extraction of the active
principles of the plant, but employed separately; the water first
which extracts the extractive matter with the slime and gum,
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
123
but leaves the chlorophylle. Then the watery solution is mixed
with alcohol, which precipitates the gum and slime. After expres-
sion and filtration, it is evaporated to the proper consistence on
a water bath.
By this process I found the yield from fresh leaves to be one
hundred and eighty grains to the pound, troy, equivalent to three
and one eighth pounds to one hundred, avoir., or one thirtieth,
which is a little more than Dr. Mohr obtained, his averaging
one twenty-ninth.
The process of the Prussian Pharmacopoeia suggested its em-
ployment in preparing a fluid extract of Hyoscyamus as follows:
I cut up and thoroughly bruised in a stone mortar two pounds
(troy) of the fresh leaves, and subjected the mass to powerful
pressure; the mass removed from the pulp was treated with four
fluid ounces of water, and again well pressed; the two solutions
obtained in this way were mixed and strained, and brought in a
water bath down to five fluid ounces. Thus reduced, it was mixed
with five fluid ounces of 95 per cent. alcohol, and allowed to rest,
with occasional agitation twenty-four hours, then placed upon a
linen filter; and after the most liquid portion passed, the balance
slightly pressed; that remaining in the filter was again treated
with two fluid ounces of alcohol at 60 per cent. and then pressed
again. The solutions mixed and filtered, eight ounces, troy, of
refined sugar being added, was dissolved by means of a water
bath, and the whole evaporated until it measured sixteen fluid
ounces.
It forms a clear, fine looking fluid extract, permanent and
agreeable to the taste; twenty minims of it being equivalent to
one grain of the hyd. alc. extract of the Prussian Pharmaco-
poeia.
The Extracts submitted to the Medical Profession for the pur-
pose of test were as follows:
Inspissated juice, U. S. P., from American plant, made by myself.
Inspissated juice, L. P., from English plant, made by Herring & Co., London.
Hydro-Alcoholic Extract, U. S. P., from English dried plant, made by myself.
Hydro-Alcoholic Extract, U. S. P., from American dried plant,
Hydro-Alcoholic Extract, P. P., from American fresh plant,
Fluid Extract, (Empirical,) from American fresh plant,
(C
((
(C
(L
((
The result of these experiments shows the yield from the natu
124
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ralized plant in inspissated juice to average less than that ob-
tained in England from the plant grown there, though the differ-
ence may be due to the fact that the plant collected by me ne-
cessarily became somewhat wilted before being crushed and
pressed, and in this way the full amount of extractive matter on
the plant was not obtained in the Extracts prepared from the
dried leaves; the naturalized plant averaged the greatest pro-
duct in both processes, though the difference is but slight.
It remains to show, whether in the hands of the practitioner
the Extract of Henbane from plant of American growth is inferior
or superior to that from the foreign one.
ON AMERICAN LARD.
By I. J. GRAHAME.
In proposing at the last meeting of the Association to enter
into an investigation of the subject of the adulteration of Ameri-
can lard, as asserted by Prof. Calvert of England, it was with
the full intention of instituting such inquiries as would lead in
the first place to the discovery, if any, of the manufacturers of
such adulterated lard; and secondly, in accordance with the
tenor of the query, to present to this meeting samples of the
adulteration, and a statement of the most available means for its
detection and preventage.
With this view, early after the adjournment of the Association
last year, I made enquiry of a gentleman, (himself a foreigner,)
largely engaged in the trade of pork packing and lard rendering,
from whom I elicited the information that adulterated lard had
been manufactured in this country to a considerable extent, but
that in all instances it was carried on by agents sent here by
English manufacturers, or by others from the same quarter, on
their own account; and that it was intended exclusively for the
English market, none of it, to the best of his knowledge, finding
its
way into our own market. I could not learn that the manu-
facture of such lard was then being carried on, nor could I
procure specimens of the article for examination.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
125
Subsequent to this period, various duties devolving on me,
the special consideration of the subject was in a measure dis-
placed from my mind.
The information I had previously received was, however, fully
confirmed by another individual, who has been extensively engaged
in the trade, and with whom I had conversation relative to the
subject; and from him I further learned that such establishments
are in operation in the city of New York; and although ostensi-
bly designed for the English and West India markets, the
spurious trash is palmed upon the ignorant and unwary of our
own country.
From a recent publication of Dr. Hassall's work on the
"Adulteration of Food and Medicine," I quote the following:
"It should be understood that American lard, as brought to
this country, is not in general adulterated. The adulteration
usually takes place subsequent to its arrival, and is the work of
some of our own manufacturers. The reason why American
lard is so frequently selected for adulteration is, that it is of
inferior quality and value, and so soft as to be almost fluid, some
process of consolidation being indispensable before it can be
employed as lard." Added to this it may be stated, that in the
published observations of Prof. Calvert, in giving the process of
adulteration, he describes the fatty matters such as they arrive
from America being treated thus, and so implying that the adul-
teration is wholly the work of English manufacturers. I state
these things in order to render it probable that the adulterated
samples referred to by Prof. Calvert were of English make, not-
withstanding the facts may be established by which we of this
country may have been victimized to a greater extent than we
are yet aware of.
With this view of the subject it is my intention to still farther
prosecute it, in the hope of being able, in the course of another
year, to present to the Asssociation something tangible in rela-
tion thereto. I would therefore ask the favor of the Association
to indulge me in the further consideration of the subject.
126
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ON ELATERIUM.
By EDWARD PARRISH.
The undersigned, to whom was referred the question, “Can
the Elaterium plant be availably cultivated in this country, with a
view to the extraction of its peculiar product, and does the
elaterium it yields compare favorably with the English drug ?"
respectfully reports, That through the kindness of Professor
Thomas, of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, he obtained
seeds of the Momordica elaterium, which, with a view to ripening
fruit in time for the necessary experiments for this report, were
planted as early in the spring as was deemed safe, but unfortu-
nately decayed in the ground, owing it is believed to the unusu
ally cold and wet weather of the last spring. As a consequence
of this I am unable to throw any light upon the subject referred
to me, except such as is furnished by the experiments of others.
The plant is a native of the South of Europe, and is culti-
vated in Great Britain, where, as with us, it dies down in the
winter. Several years since, Prof. Thomas raised a very con-
siderable crop of the fruit, from seed planted in his garden in
this city. The plant grew with great luxuriance, branching and
trailing over the surrounding space, and displaying when ripe the
curious squirting phenomena which has given it its name.
Some of this crop of the cucumbers was submitted by a phar-
maceutist of this city to the process given in the books for the
preparation of elaterium; a product was obtained less dry and
of a darker color than that imported from England. I am
not aware that any experiments were made to test its efficacy as
compared with the imported.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
127
ON ARNICA.
By W. J. M. GORDON.
In answer to the query, "Has any attempt been made to
cultivate the Arnica plant in New York, New England, or other
parts of this country by the Shakers or others?" I will state,
that in answer to an enquiry I addressed to H. A. Tilden, Esq.,
New Lebanon, N. Y., he says he has never attempted the
cultivation of arnica, neither have the Shakers, but he has re-
quested Mr. Bull, in London, to procure him some fresh plants.
The society of Shakers at Lebanon, Ohio, say it is not cultivated
there, and not by the other societies that they are aware of. I
have made enquiries from various other sources, and am satis-
fied that it is not cultivated in this country.
REMARKS ON ERGOT.
By WILLIAM PROCTER, Jr.
At the last meeting of the Association, (1856,) among the
questions proposed for solution, during the interval till the next
meeting, was the following, which was accepted by the writer:
6
"Does Secalin, the volatile alkaloid of Ergot, possess the
utero-stimulant power of the drug itself? Does Propylamin,
as obtainable from herring pickle,' and from Narcotin,'
possess the same power as Secalin? In view of the result, what
is the best formula for preparing a permanent fluid preparation
of Ergot?"
It will be seen by the sequel, that only a part of this query
has been answered, but it has been deemed best to report the
following:
Ten thousand grains of powdered ergot was exhausted,
nearly, with commercial ether in a percolator, and the residue
spread on paper until the adhering ether had passed off. The
ethereal tincture, exposed to spontaneous evaporation, yielded an
oily residue of 2840 grains, which included a small portion
of matter soluble in water and diluted alcohol, taken up by the
ether, and deposited with the oil.
128
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
The dried residue of the ergot was mixed with water (contain-
ing six per cent. of alcohol, to retard fermentation,) macerated
until each particle was saturated, introduced into a percolator
and the same menstruum added gradually, until the passing
liquid possessed but little taste or color. The liquid thus ob-
tained was carefully evaporated to a syrupy consistence, then
thrown into it five times its bulk of rectified alcohol, and the
liquid filtered from the gummy albuminous precipitate. The
alcoholic filtrate was then evaporated to six fluid ounces, poured
into a tall glass alembic, and four ounces of liquid hydrate of
lime (containing half an ounce of quick lime) added and mixed.
A receiver containing a fluid ounce of water and ten minims of sul-
phuric acid, was accurately adapted and well refrigerated. The
acidulated water was intended to fix the first vapors of secalin,
which otherwise cause considerable tension in the atmosphere of
the apparatus. The elimination of secalin was so rapid at first
as to cause the contents of the alembic to boil over, and the
receiver had to be changed, with some considerable loss from
the escape of vapors, the room being strongly charged with the
ergot odor of the secalin. On again distilling, with the receiver.
arranged as before, the process was pushed until the distillate
amounted to six fluid ounces. This liquid had an alkaline re-
action, all the acid having become saturated by the alkali:
sufficient acid was then added to give an acid reaction, and one
third of it set aside for therapeutical experiments. If a drop of
this liquid is placed in a watch glass, and a drop of liquor potassa
added, the odor of ergot is instantly produced, and if then a glass
rod, moistened with hydrochloric acid, is held over it, abundant
visible vapors of muriate of secalin will be observed. The resi
due of the acidulated distillate was placed in an evaporating dish
and suffered to evaporate spontaneously until reduced to one
eighth, and then finished at a temperature of 130° Fahr., (owing
to a slight empyreuma having occurred near the close of the dis-
tillation, the evaporated distillate was colored brownish ;) a crys-
talline mass of hydrochlorate of secalin remained, which had
little if any odor of secalin.
The fixed oil was now examined. On washing it with a little
acidulated water, the latter acquired color, and when mixed with
potassa, the vapor of secalin was manifested by its odor, and when
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
129
brought near hydrochloric acid. This shows that commercial
ether removes a portion of the secalin, and points to the neces-
sity of washing the oil with acidulated water when it is rejected
from a preparation of ergot.
Two vials of the distillate, of an ounce each, were placed in
the hands of two medical gentlemen, for trial, in the hope that
they would be able to report in time for the meeting of the Asso-
ciation, but as yet no return has been made.
It was not deemed necessary to isolate propylamin (secalin)
from herring pickle, until the secalin of Winckler was satisfac-
torily shewn to be the active principle of ergot, as the interest
centering in the determination of that point was presumed to
be common to both.
It remained, therefore, to prepare a formula for a fluid prepa-
ration of ergot which should fully represent its activity.
1. Mr. T. R. Baker and others have shown that oil of ergot, freed
from adhering substances, is bland, and has the composition of
castor oil, or at least that the fatty acid (ergotoleic acid) of oil
of ergot has a similar constitution with ricinoleic acid.
2. The experiments above show that commercial ether does
remove some secalin with the oil. This probably arises from
the alcohol present in small quantities, and points to the
propriety of using purer non-alcoholic ether.
3. Powdered ergot moistened with water exhibits an acid re-
action with blue litmus, and Winckler asserts that secalin exists
in ergot, combined with ergotic acid (of Wiggers.) On inserting
a glass rod moistened with HCl into the atmosphere of a
bottle containing powdered ergot, but little if any visible vapors
are observed, yet there is a distinct well marked ergot odor.
4. Does the normal odor of ergot arise from a gradual disen-
gagement of secalin, or is it independent of that principle? To-
answer this question, it is necessary to compare the odor of ergot
and secalin. They are different-as different as valerian and
valerianic acid-yet the odor of valerian is largely influenced by
the acid it contains. Further; the odor of recently dried conium
is not that of conia, but of a peculiar volatile oil. But if conium
is allowed to get old, the coniate of conia is gradually decom-
posed, the mouse odor of the alkaloid is given off, and the origi-
nal conium odor greatly modified. Now the question arises,
130
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
does there occur a gradual atmospheric decomposition of the
natural salt in ergot, as of that in conium? Water distilled
from ergot does not possess its peculiar odor; on the contrary,
the decoction in the still retains the ergot smell, which is en-
hanced and modified by the addition of liquor potassæ. On the
contrary, a few drops of diluted sulphuric or muriatic acid en-
tirely destroys the ergot odor of the decoction. May we not
plausibly infer from this that the natural odor of the ergot is
due to secalin loosely held by the organic acid of ergot, modified
by associated matters? and as a consequence of this inference,
does it not follow that an acidulated menstruum should be used
in treating ergot, when its solution is to be evaporated? It may
be asked, will the replacement of ergotic acid by a stronger
acid affect the therapeutic or physiological action of ergot? It
is thought not, because in all cases of alkaloids the salts are
more active, because more soluble; yet this point is easily settled
by trial, which want of time alone prevents. In view of these
several points, the following formula for fluid extract of ergot is
offered:
Fluid Extract of Ergot.
Take of Ergot, in powder,
Ether,
Alcohol,
Water,
Diluted Acetic Acid,
eight ounces (Troy.)
of each a sufficient quantity.
Pack the ergot moderately in a suitable percolator, and pour
on ether slowly, until a pint and a half of tincture has passed,
and having spread the residue of the ergot on paper, suffer the
adhering ether to pass off by evaporation. Meanwhile agitate
well the ethereal tincture with two fluid ounces of diluted acetic
acid, and in a proper distillatory arrangement recover the ether by
aid of a water bath heat. Add two fluid ounces of water to the
oily residue, agitate, and when subsided decant the oil from the
watery fluid, and set them separately aside.
Prepare a menstruum of two pints of water, half a pint of
alcohol, and two fluid ounces of diluted acetic acid, and having
moistened the ergot residue with a pint of it, allow it to macerate
two hours, introduce it into a percolator and displace with the
remainder of the menstruum, slowly, till exhausted. Mix this
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
131
liquid with the acetic washings of the oil, and evaporate by
means of a gentle heat, (say 150° F.) till reduced to four fluid
ounces. To this when cold, add four fluid ounces of alcohol,
separate the gummy precipitate by filtering, and wash the filter
with sufficient diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract of ergot
measure eight fluid ounces.
Fluid extract of ergot, thus prepared, is a laudanum colored
fluid, thin consistence, a mild ergot odor and taste. A fluid
drachm represents sixty grains of ergot, and the dose is from
20 minims to half a tea-poonful, or by adding a tea-spoonful to
a table-spoonful of sweetened water, a tea-spoonful of the mix-
ture will equal ten or twelve grains of ergot.
Some may question the necessity of complicating the process
by the preliminary ethereal treatment. The reason urged for
its propriety is that ergot contains nearly, if not quite, a third
of its weight in fixed oil, which shields the particles from the
action of the watery menstruum, and obstructs its thorough
action. If omitted, more care will be required in the exhaustion
of the ergot, with the menstruum directed.
132
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ON SPIGELIA.
By R. H. STABLER, M. D.
The subject entrusted to me at the meeting of last year being
strictly an experimental one, I shall confine my remarks to a
detail of the methods pursued in the investigation and the con-
clusions drawn from them.
Twelve ounces of spigelia root was macerated in two gallons
of water for twenty-four hours and seven pints distilled off into
a narrow necked receiver; numerous white flakes rose to the
top and were carefully collected in the narrow portion of the
neck, and separated from the remainder of the liquid for ex-
amination.
It had a pungent odor and taste, unctuous feel, was soluble in
alcohol and ether; to water it communicates its sensible proper-
ties, but is only soluble in small quantities in that menstruum;
has a granular appearance under the microscope; carbonate of
potassa renders it soluble in water, but destroys its taste and
odor. The decoction remaining in the still was separated by
expression from the root, treated with solution of sub-acetate of
lead to excess, filtered, and the excess of lead separated by care-
fully adding dilute sulphuric acid until it ceased to cause a pre-
cipitate; again filtered, the filtrate evaporated over a steam bath
to the consistence of a soft extract. Ninety-five per cent. alco-
hol was made to dissolve all this residuum soluble in it, which
left a tasteless brown extractive. The tincture was filtered off,
passed through a bed of animal charcoal to decolorize it, evapor-
ated over a steam bath and treated with ether, which did not
dissolve any portion of it. This substance has a reddish brown
color, is uncrystallizable, neutral to test papers, deliquescent,
and hence difficult to retain in the solid form, soluble in water
and alcohol, insoluble in ether, and like the products of other
members of the order Loganiaceæ, has an intensely bitter taste.
Carbonate of potassa or soda do not affect its sensible pro-
perties; solution of per-chloride of iron or sub-acetate of lead
do not precipitate it from solution; infusion of galls appears
to be incompatible with it, causing a precipitate when added.
When heated with liquor potassa and tested by muriatic acid,
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
133
vapor evidence of the presence of nitrogen was afforded. It
froths with water when shaken with it, and when taken internally
causes vertigo and headache. Whether the vermifuge properties
of the root reside exclusively in this principle, experiment only
can determine, which has not yet been done for want of oppor-
tunity; that it has the active principle of the root in an eminent
degree I am convinced by the experiments on my own person,
producing the narcotic effects attributed to the plant.
Another portion of root in coarse powder was exhausted with
hot water, the infusion expressed from the marc, the latter then
treated by maceration in eighty per cent. alcohol and displaced
with more of the same menstruum, until it passed without color;
the alcohol was evaporated by a gentle heat, when a brown resin
separated having neither taste or smell if purified from the
bitter principle above mentioned, and is, I believe, inert.
A third portion of root, in coarse powder, was treated with
ether by displacement until it ceased to extract color from it;
this was exposed in a shallow dish and allowed to evaporate
spontaneously; the extract left was exhausted with boiling water,
filtered, and solution of per-chloride of iron added, which gave a
bluish black precipitate. The portion not soluble in hot water
was a soft wax which gave out a pungent odor when heated,
owing to its being impregnated with the volatile oil of the root.
The constituents of the root according to this analysis are
1. A bitter, uncrystallizable, proximate principle.
2. A volatile oil.
3. Tannin.
4. Inert extractive.
5. Wax.
6. Inert resin.
7. Salts of soda, potassa and lime.
8. Lignin.
In answer to the questions proposed at the last meeting of
the Association, in 1856, I would submit the following, as war-
ranted by the above data.
1st. The activity of Spigelia Marilandica resides in an acrid,
bitter, proximate principle, soluble in water and alcohol, insolu-
ble in ether; it is not volatile, is uncrystallizable, neutral and
deliquescent.
&
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
2nd. The volatile oil, to which the feeble odor of the root is
believed to be due, exists in small quantity only, and does not
appear to contribute essentially to its activity; this odor is
strongest in the fresh root, and as all vegetable remedies de-
teriorate by exposure and age, the odor of the root is an indica-
tion of its freshness only, and as such valuable, but cannot be
regarded as an invariable criterion of activity.
3rd. Water and alcohol are equally good solvents of the
active principle.
4th. The carbonated alkalies do not diminish its activity.
UPON IMPROVEMENTS IN METHODS OF RENDERING MEDI-
CINAL PREPARATIONS PLEASING TO THE EYE AND TO THE
TASTE, AND AGREEABLE TO USE.
By FREDERICK STEARNS, of Detroit, Mich.
Next to efforts in the advancement of pharmaceutical skill
and science, which secure increased efficiency to medical agents,
there are none which meet the more ready appreciation of the
physician, or insure the grateful remembrance of the suffering
invalid, like those which tend to relieve the remedies employed
of all repulsiveness in form, appearance, or taste.
While I am unable, from my own knowledge, to offer as much
of value to the Association as could older and more experienced
members, yet I submit the following random notes, and express
the hope that some more skilful pharmaceutist will be appointed
to report upon the same subject at our next meeting.
The administration of the officinal vinegars and dilute mineral
acids, is rendered more agreeable by the addition of small por-
tions of alcoholic solutions of any of the flavoring essential oils,
lemon, wintergreen, pimento, Ceylon cinnamon, etc., or of
spices; sugar, when not contra-indicated, is also an allowable
adjuvant.
The popularity of the elixir of vitriol over the dilute acid is
owing to its agreeability to the taste; dilute phosphoric acid
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
135
should have added to it a solution of the essential oil of the sweet
orange.
Comp. tinct. cardamom, concent. infus. of rose, are excel-
lent additions to medicated acids or vinegar, covering a portion
of their taste, and imparting an agreeable color.
Prussic acid is best given in syrup of marshmallow. Lactic
acid, which is now coming into use as a remedy for dyspepsia,
indigestion, etc., is made into an agreeable drink with water,
sugar and essence of lemon; it is also eligibly exhibited in the
form of a pastill, in which form, also, the oxalic, tartaric, tannic
and citric acids are most available.
Inert powders, or those which are comparatively so, it is said,
can be made to produce a medicinal effect much quicker by long
trituration with sugar of milk; in the case of ipecacuanha or
of opium, this effect is rendered much greater; long trituration
of calomel with the same substance, renders minute doses of it
equal, in rapid and permanent effect, to quite large ones of the
drug administered in the ordinary way.
Tasteless powders should be administered with aromatics, the
milder spices, Ceylon cinnamon and the like; astringent powders
can in this way be rendered less unpleasant.
Cane sugar, well dried and reduced to the finest possible state-
of division, by long trituration in a mortar, is an elegant vehicle
in which to administer the alkaloids, and their salts, quinia,
morphia, etc.; the modus operandi is as follows: instead of
triturating the medicine and sugar together, mix the dose in its
crystalline state, (without breaking it up,) by means of a spatula
on a piece of paper, with a sufficient portion of the sugar pre-
viously powdered. In this way each crystal becomes enveloped
with a dust of saccharine powder, and when placed upon the
tongue and washed down with a draught of water, leaves nothing
upon it but the sweet impression of the quickly dissolved sugar..
Mr. Maisch recommends the administration of the saline pow-
ders, ammonia salts, iron salts, potassa salts, etc., in effervescing
draughts, by which their bitterness or pungency is in a great
measure overcome. Those pharmaceutists who furnish "min-
eral" or carbonic acid water, possess the means of administer-
ing many similar substances, in an agreeable manner; a "Seid-
136
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
litz" is in this way administered without the necessity of giving
an extra dose of tartrate of soda.
By an improvement in the processes of capsulation, the most
volatile substances, ether, chloroform, turpentine, are now best
administered in capsules of gluten; these are imported from
France, and the "Perles d'Ether" of M. Clertan are certainly
among the most beautiful and finished of the pharmaceutical
productions of our accomplished co-workers, the French pharma-
ciens. Each capsule contains about five minims of ether, the
empty capsule weighing but about two grains.
There is no reason why our list of officinal syrups should not
be greatly extended, from the fact that sugar is an excellent
preservative of the medicinal virtue of plants, proper regard
being paid to the separation of the inert maters which excite
fermentation; its agreeability as an excipient renders it grate-
ful to the invalid; the cloying effect of syrups can be counter-
acted by the addition, at the time of using them, of some pleasant
vegetable acid or acid syrup.
Many of the non-officinal fluid extracts, now so popular, could
be converted into concentrated syrups by replacing part of the
hydro-alcoholic menstruum with sugar.
I have in this way prepared, successfully, syrups of black-
berry root, ergot, buchu, blood root, black cohosh, capsicum,
cranesbill, dandelion, golden seal, hyoscyamus, horehound, lobelia,
sculcap, yellow dock, etc.
Unless alcohol is desirable in fluid extracts, from a therapeuti-
cal point of view, it seems to me obvious that sugar could with
advantage replace alcohol in nearly all the non-officinal fluid ex-
tracts, concentrated tinctures, etc., intended for internal use. A
syrup of lime has been introduced as a substitute for lime water,
it being a much more concentrated form of lime solution.
The phosphates are most eligibly exhibited in the form of
syrups, particularly the phosphate of lime; a syrup composed of
a solution in phosphoric and muriatic acids of the phosphates of
soda, potassa, lime and iron with sugar, and pleasant flavoring,
has come into general use, I believe, in some of the Eastern cities,
particularly Philadelphia; it is used in consumption and dyspep-
sia, and from its elegant appearance and pleasant taste seems to
be an eligible preparation.
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A tincture formed by macerating the bark of Prunus virgini-
ana in rum, is an agreeable addition in the way of flavor to our
officinal concentrated syrup of sarsaparilla. The U. S. syrup of
Prunus virginiana I have found to be one of the most de-
lightful of adjuvants to cough mixtures; it is also an elegant
vehicle for the administration of the most powerful anodynes,
etc., used in pulmonary complaints; prussic acid only serves
to give increased flavor of the cherry to this syrup when given
in it.
I have found a syrup of roasted coffee excellent in covering
the taste of quinia, morphia, etc. An infusion of roasted coffee.
is valuable in covering the taste of Epsom salts, senna, and of
many bitter infusions.
In many extemporaneous mixtures, a syrup prepared from the
essential oil and peel of the sweet orange, is agreeable as an
adjuvant.
If pharmaceutists would generally prepare their syrup of
ginger and tolu after the method of Mr. Finley, as published
in the 23d vol. of the American Journal of Pharmacy, I think they
would not have cause to regret the change from the turbid, inele-
gant ones of the U. S. P., to the beautifully transparent and
strong ones prepared by his method.
Strong fruit syrups, prepared by dissolving with as little heat as
possible, 2 lbs. troy of refined sugar in the expressed juice of any
fruit or berry, make delightful adjuvants to numberless ex-
temporaneous prescriptions of the physician; they are agreeable
additions to effervescent draughts, and are best for flavoring
mineral water syrups.
Syrups of Iceland moss, Irish moss, marsh-mallow, hore-
hound, acacia, liquorice, liverwort, etc., are favorites in certain
localities as cough remedies; infusions of the same with gum and
sugar are formed into pastes, similar to jujube, and meet with
ready sale.
Confections, though considered in their ordinary forms as
agreeable methods by which to administer medicines, are im-
proved by introducing the proper dose of any one of them into.
figs or dates, and prunes freed from their stones.
Jellies of raspberry, current, quince, blackberry, etc., are nice
for disguising the taste of powders when given to children. A
138
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
little jam or jelly very nicely covers a bitter pill, for those
who have a peculiar aversion to swallowing them.
Among the multitude of purposes for which pure glycerin is
becoming available, its use as a solvent and preservative in
pharmaceutical manipulations is most important; there seems to
be scarcely a fraction as yet developed of the uses to which
this wonderful substance can be applied in pharmacy.
Its solvent power, in most cases, equals that of alcohol or
water, being sometimes even greater.
By mixing it with alcoholic or aqueous solutions, which are
liable to change, they are thereby rendered permanent. Solutions
of vegetable matter in it do not change or ferment.
It does not itself become rancid, and from its viscidity it can
be used instead of cerate or oil as a vehicle for many substances
used in embrocations.
The disagreeable sulphurets are soluble in it, and their solu-
tions are among the most available methods of administering
them; iodine and its salts, are dissolved by it.
Liq. iod. iron, syr. iod. iron and manganese, syr. iod. zinc,
prepared with glycerin are recommended as elegant and eligible.
Escharotics of the deliquescent kinds are rendered particu-
larly available in solution in glycerin, their action is much
more controllable, and as the glycerin does not dry, their
action is more persistent. The terchloride of antimony (cryst.)
iodide and chloride of zinc, nitrate of mercury, chromic acid, etc.,
are among those suitable to use in glycerin. It forms solutions.
of the deliquescent salts, of the sulphate of potassa and soda, of
the alkaline chlorides, and even of oxide of lead.
The salts of the vegetable alkaloids can be exhibited, dissolved
in this substance, as embrocations or otherwise. It will dissolve
bin-iodide of mercury in sufficient quantity, so that teaspoonful
will contain a sufficient dose. It is useful in emulsions, of
copaiba and of oils; it aids in covering the taste of the nauseous
ingredients.
It is suggested to use glycerin on account of its superior sol-
vent power over fat or oil in the extraction of the active matters
of the leaves of savin, stramonium, cicuta, dulcamara, elder, to-
bacco, etc., in place of the cerates as now prepared from these
plants. It is superior to oil in imparting flexibility to collodion.
Its preservative power is available for the preservation of
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
139
vaccine lymph, the recent dry scales of which can be dissolved
in it and kept unchanged for a length of time.
It is proposed that it be substituted for sugar in some of those
medicinal syrups which are so liable to ferment. The properties
attributed to it as a fattener would give additional value to it as
a vehicle for ague remedies, as in syr. ipecac., syr. scillæ comp.
Its bland and soothing properties when applied to the skin in
an irritated or inflamed state, have caused it to be much used
therefor. And I have seen numerous creams, balsams, lotions,
etc., prepared from it by various pharmaceutists, many of which
exhibit skill and taste.
The lozenge or pastill has become so common a form in which
to exhibit medicinal substances, powders, extracts, juices, essential
oils, etc., that I shall notice herein only the following: the effi-
ciency of santonin as an anthelmintic has given rise to its ex-
tensive employment in the form of a bonbon or lozenge, deli-
cately flavored, and rose colored; it forms in this shape by far
the best and most eligible "worm lozenge" extant.
The preparations termed "Lactinates" find some favor among
medical men; they are simply saturated tinctures of any medical
plant, inspissated upon cane sugar, or sugar of milk. The appli-
cability of this process depends upon the active principle of the
plant not being decomposed by the necessary heat employed in
preparing them. I have prepared lactinates of sanguinaria, ipe-
cacuanha, hyoscyamus, digitalis, which possessed perfectly the
characteristic odors and properties of those medicines.
Homœopathic globules are made of flour and cane sugar, not of
milk sugar, and why can we not learn from the infinitesimal dose-
givers something? These pellets (the largest of those they use
weighs of a grain) could be made of any size, and when medi-
cated by means of concentrated alcoholic solutions of the more
powerful alkaloids, would prove a very agreeable method of ad-
ministering them.
The usual methods of rendering pills less repulsive by means
of coating them with gelatin, gold or silver foil, dried mucilage
of linseed, seems to be far superseded by the new and elegant
method introduced by French pharmaceutists, by which they are
covered with gluten and sugar. Odor and taste are destroyed by
converting them into bonbons. By this new method the odor of
140
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
:
assafetida is entirely covered, and the most bitter dose render-
ed palatable. Extracts, all of the officinal pills and others, sev-
eral decomposable salts, many of the alkaloids, cubebs, copaiba,
astringents, etc. etc., are prepared in this form. Those I have
seen are from the house of Garner, Lamoreaux & Co., Paris, and
are striking evidences of the superior skill of the French phar-
maciens.
The preparation of an unalterable pill of iodide of iron after
the formula of Blanchard, pharmacien of Paris, has attracted
considerable attention. I have prepared these pills for nearly
two years, and they have become very popular among my medi-
cal friends. I now substitute an ethereal solution of mastic for
one of tolu, with advantage in coating the pills as it dries quicker;
the varnished pills are not apt to adhere, and the medicinal
effect of the mastic aids that of the iron.
A pill or bonbon of oxidized balsam copaiva, under the title
of "Copahine Mege," has found much favor lately with physicians.
They have the appearance and taste of sugar plums, and consist
of copaiba (which has been heated in contact with nitric acid)
covered with sugar, colored and flavored. They agree well with
the stomach, and seem to produce the curative effects of the
copaiba quicker than when it is given by the ordinary methods.
Lycopodium, which costs but a very little more than the best
powdered liquorice root, is to my mind much more elegant to
use for keeping pills from adhering to each other, than any other
powder. Powdered althea root is also used for this purpose.
French pharmaciens who exhibit the greatest skill and improve-
ments in that department of pharmacy of which this paper
treats, have brought the process of capsulation almost to per-
fection, as exampled by the manufactures of Raquin, Clertan and
Mathey Caylus, in which copaiba alone, or its various com-
pounds with cubebs, with astringents, etc., the turpentines,
ether, essential oils, and numerous other substances, are en-
veloped in a thin, tasteless and inodorous covering of the gluten
of rye flour, of a size favorable to easy deglutition, and yet con-
taining a sufficient dose of each. The filling of them is so perfect
that they contain no air bubbles, and the empty capsules weigh
only from 1 to 2 grains, whereas the gelatin capsule weighs
nearer 10 grains.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
141
The empty capsule, another French idea, although now made
largely in this country, consists of two short, thin cylinders of
gelatin, closed at one end, and sliding one over the other at
their open ends. These are made of several sizes, and all that is
required in order to use them is to fill the smaller cylinder with
the medicine, whether solid or liquid, place the other over it, and
having allowed it to soften in the saliva, it is as easily swallowed
as a morsel of bread.
The tasteless French wafer is another method of taking
powders; they are made white and tasteless, diameter about 31
inches, and are used by moistening the edges of the wafer with
saliva, placing the powder in the center; and folding the edges
over the center thus enveloped, the medicine is taken without
being tasted.
Numberless methods are proposed for covering the taste of
cod liver oil, none of which are so simple and free from ob-
jections as that of chewing some bitter substance, as orange
peel, previous to taking the dose. Emulsions of cod liver oil
are elegantly prepared by means of carbonate of potassa, orange
flower water and syrup. Many physicians prescribe cod liver
oil in brandy, which tends to cover its taste and aids its medi-
cinal action.
Castor oil is not improved in medicinal action by most of the
methods used to disguise it, and the method of giving it float-
ing between spirit and water is doubtless the best, which is as
follows: in a proper cup place an ounce or two of mint water,
milk or cold infusion of coffee, and having thoroughly wet the
sides of the cup with it, pour the dose of oil carefully into the
center of it, pour upon this a little brandy or any agreeable
alcoholic tincture; the oil thus prepared can be swallowed with-
out its touching the mouth at all, being completely enveloped by
its aqueous and alcoholic vehicle. The essential oil of spear-
mint possesses the power of covering the taste of copaiba, in
emulsions of that substance, in a remarkable degree.
Since fluid extracts were made officinal by the last revision of
the United States Pharmacopoeia, the number of plants which
have been found eligible when used in that form has greatly in-
creased. Messrs. Tilden & Co. now prepare over one hundred
varieties of fluid extracts; they have the advantage of being con-
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
centrated fluid representations of plants with but little alcohol;
and in very many of those now preserved by means of alcohol,
sugar might with advantage be substituted for that purpose.
Among the non-officinal fluid extracts, those of arnica, black-
berry, cranesbill, ginger, buchu, dandelion, dandelion and senna,
hyoscyamus, and sarsaparilla compound, I consider especially
eligible, and there is no doubt but that there are many other
plants which experience will prove to be most valuable in the
form of fluid extract.
I have had occasion to prepare, during the past year, several
saturated tinctures, as some physicians think them less variable,
and require much smaller doses. In preparing them I have
used a considerable excess of the dried material over and above
the amount calculated that the menstruum can exhaust. This
method is wasteful, and is only applicable to local prescribing, and
when the effects of such preparation can be closely watched.
I have prepared as above, saturated tinctures of bloodroot,
belladonna, henbane, lobelia, digitalis, conium, etc.
The compound tincture of cardamom is one of the most ele-
gant of adjuvants to mixtures of tinctures, etc., known.
Most pharmaceutists color their essences or alcoholic solu-
tions of the essential oils of peppermint, spearmint, pennyroyal,
and the like, by means of curcuma. Now by placing a small
portion of the dried plant, from which the essential oil is obtained,
into the solution of oil previous to filtration, a color is obtained
which is much more natural. A few red rose leaves impart to
essence of winter-green a more delicate color than saunders or
cochineal.
The infusion of rose leaves forms a judicious addition to many
extemporaneous mixtures, owing to its power of disguising taste,
and to its beautiful color.
The modern idea of preparing extemporaneously, and taking
infusion of quassia, by drinking water from goblets made of
quassia wood, has already become obsolete.
In the preparation of cinnamon water, the essential oil of the
true or Ceylon cinnamon should always be used, as it produces a
medicated water of delightful flavor and agreeable odor.
Of late years the ligneous portion of slippery elm bark, which
is separated when this bark is ground from the mucilaginous
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
143
portion by bolting, has been used much for cataplasms in place
of linseed meal, bread, etc.; it is cleanly and sweet. There is an
article call spongio piline, imported from England, made of a
mixture of wool and sponge attached to a thin, but strong sheet
of rubber. It is used by simply wetting a piece, cut to the size
wanted, with water (warm or cold); the impervious rubber keeps
the moisture from evaporating. Infusion of tobacco, belladonna,
or any anodyne or narcotic, can by means of this substance
be eligibly applied externally.
Ointments when prepared extemporaneously upon prescrip-
tions, should have used in them as a vehicle for the action of
remedies, only the sweetest of lard or suet, or else use perfumes
to cover any disagreeable odor it may possess. A cerate of wax
and oil, the unguentum aqua rose and glycerin cerate, are eligi-
ble vehicles for powerful substances exhibited in ointment. These
should be prepared of various degrees of hardness, so as to cor-
respond with the prepared lard, spermaceti and simple cerate
of the United States Pharmacopoeia.
Cantharidin tissue, blistering taffeta, cantharidal collodion,
solution of canthardin in oil, solution of cantharidin and pure
gutta percha in chloroform-all these form new and popular sub-
stitutes for the ordinary blistering cerate.
*
I have been in the habit of preparing for some medical friends
an embrocation which is used for piles in place of the nutgall
ointment of the Pharmacopoeia, prepared by dissolving one half
drachm of hyd. alc. extract of tobacco and one half drachm
of tannin in two fluid ounces of glycerin.
Hat Case-a sort of oil cloth-forms a useful article in
spreading plasters; it is very flexible, accommodating itself to any
inequalities of surface, and does not allow the material spread
upon it to penetrate its substance so as to show upon the reverse
side.
It seems singular that Vallet's mass of proto-carb. iron should
not be more generally employed in place of many other more.
expensive and less eligible forms in which iron is exhibited; its
pleasant taste, ready acceptability to the stomach, and efficiency
even in small doses, its easy preparation, all render it valuable
to the physician and profitable to the pharmaceutist, and yet
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
there are but comparatively few pharmaceutists who prepare
it at all.
form.
Lactate of iron is, perhaps, best exhibited in the lozenge
I have noticed an elegant pastill of lactate of iron of
French make, which are sold by importers.
The oil or butter of the cocoa nut is an elegant vehicle for
the preparation of ointments, on account of its snow white color
and agreable odor. It is less liable to become rancid.
The butter of cacao, or the chocolate nut, is used sometimes
for enveloping pills; also for making suppositories.
Although there seems to be much difference of opinion among
English pharmaceutists concerning the value of concentrated
infusions, as compared with those prepared by the officinal
methods, there is one thing certain, that from the ease with
which the concentrated ones are kept, in spite of their not
becoming officinal, they will be thus prepared and kept by most
pharmaceutists.
Of all saline aperients and cathartics the solution of citrate
of magnesia seems to have reached the popularity due to it as
the most agreeable ever invented. Its use is yet somewhat con-
fined to the larger towns and cities. Though from the improve-
ments made in its preparation, so that it is permanent, it can
be kept any length of time and easily transported to any part
of the country.
A dry and soluble citrate of magnesia prepared after the
method of Robiquet and mixed with flavored sugar, bi-carb.
soda and citric acid, forms a portable and exceedingly pleasant
aperient salt for travellers to carry.
The French put the soluble citrate of magnesia up into pas-
tills, each of which contains one gramme of the salt.
The fluid magnesia of Sir James Murray is easily prepared by
any pharmaceutist possessed of an apparatus for making mineral
water. This bi-carbonate is an eligible ant-acid, much used by
the English; it is aperient in large doses, its cathartic effect
being enhanced by drinking it with a portion of syrup of citric
acid, by which a portion of the bi-carbonate is converted into
citrate of magnesia with the escape of abundance of carbonic
acid gas; it is drank while effervescing. The fluid magnesia
is recommended as a vehicle for bitter infusions, covering their
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
145
taste, etc. It forms an elegant ant-acid and stomachic cordial
for infants-used to prevent their food from turning sour upon
their stomachs, and as a gentle carminative in place of solutions
of opium-when prepared by adding to it a small proportion of
the essential oil of anise, caraway and fennel dissolved in alco-
hol, water and sugar.
The French administer sulphur internally in the form of a
pastill, each of which contains 10 grains of sublimed sulphur.
As phosphorus readily dissolves in glycerin, this solvent is
recommended as a fit substance in which to exhibit it.
The principle objection to the valerianates—their odor-may
be overcome by using with them almost any highly flavored
essential oil. Oil of gaultheria succeeds well among others.
Numerous other ideas suggest themselves to me illustrative of
the subject matter of this article, but the amount written warns
me to close; and, in conclusion, I would remark, that every
pharmaceutist possesses within himself the ability to add a mite
or more to the general knowledge of our profession, and that it
is his duty to impart that knowledge for the benefit of the whole;
and while it seems evident that but a small portion of the inher-
ent skill and taste of the American is exhibited in perfecting the
agreeability of our pharmaceutical preparations, yet, as progress
in this department of our art is daily being made, we may rea-
sonably hope, at no distant day, to successfully rival the pro-
ductions of other arts and professions in beauty and attractiveness.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
VOLUNTEER PAPERS.
ETHICAL ANALYSIS.
By EDWARD Parrish.
It is by the analysis of material things that we are enabled
to classify them according to their composition and uses,
and it is only by the proper application of ethical analysis to
individuals and to institutions, that their true position in the
moral scale can be determined.
Applied to society at large or to its proximate constituents-
its industrial, political, reformatory or religious institutions-
ethical analysis is the most complex and difficult of studies, and
is only within the reach of the experienced and profound, and
yet its applications to the individual, and especially to the single
incidents of his life, are within the capacity of all who are dis-
posed to use them.
Nothing is more common than criticisms on the public and
private course of individuals; this, indeed, constitutes the staple
of conversation in what is called society, though the glare of
prejudice and the jaundiced eye of envy obscuring the clear light
of reason and conscience too often render this ordeal most un-
just and injurious. All are ready to pass opinions upon
others, but how few seek by a close ethical analysis applied to
themselves, to discover their own secret springs of action, and
the bearing of their daily pursuits upon the welfare of those
around them and of society of large.
Ethical analysis, like physical analysis, is a close and accurate
study, and is especially occupied with details. No vague and un-
certain estimates will satisfy its demands; it dissects with un-
sparing scrutiny the daily and hourly incidents of life, and tearing
away the crust of self-complacency, exposes the naked elements
of character in their actual proportions to each other.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
147
As atoms constitute the aggregate in physical existence, so do
daily thoughts and deeds make up the sum of life and character;
and as the forces inherent in material atoms group them into
distinctive compounds, having each its peculiar properties and
uses, so do a man's motives and aims in life constitute him what
he is with all his capacities for good or evil.
A knowledge of the atomic constitution of a body derived from
its analysis opens to us its chemical nature, its uses and the
modifications of which its elements are capable; so a man's
knowledge of his daily motives and springs of action, derived
from a careful ethical analysis, gives him that sense of his own
capacities and power of directing them which must be the founda.
tion of every well developed character.
Viewed in this light the practice of ethical analysis becomes
an important individual duty, involving first the substantial in-
terests of the individual, and, as a necessary result, the propor-
tionate elevation of the profession to which he belongs and of
society at large.
It becomes a duty as much above the mere dissection of a
plant or a mineral as is mind above matter, a duty which presses
itself upon those who have no time or means to devote to scien-
tific research, equally with the chemist and the man of science;
for, unlike chemical investigations, it consumes no time which
could otherwise be devoted to labor, and calls for no outlay in
the purchase of expensive apparatus or materials.
The tests to be applied are within the reach of all; and when
the moral nature is kept alive to their influence they are even
quicker in their operation than any of the dynamic or chemical
forces, and their application, unlike that of chemical reagents, is
so obvious and plain, that "the way-faring man though a fool
cannot err therein."
Without intending to go into detail in relation to the tests
and reagents employed in ethical analysis, we may hint at
one or two of the most familiar, before referring to some of the
practices of druggists and apothecaries, especially inviting their
application.
There is one remarkably comprehensive test given in the great
text book of our system of morals which is known to all as the
golden rule.
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The analyst who would apply this test to many of the common
practices of the trade, would perhaps be obliged to condemn as
spurious much that passes current in respectable business circles,
and would get no more thanks for his pains than a chemist who
should rummage our shelves and expose all the adulterations and
sophistications that are so willingly concealed. Yet this rule
applies so admirably to each individual case of self-examination
as to be ever one of the most reliable within our reach.
An efficient instrument, a sort of moral hydrometer, capable
of penetrating deeply into an action, and indicating with con-
siderable precision its moral strength, or specific gravity, as it
were, is one of the very best appliances for ethical analysis. A
well educated and sensitive conscience is such an apparatus,
but unfortunately this most important instrument is, by a false
or careless adjustment and graduation, too often rather a mea-
sure of the external pressure, the influence of fashion, or of a
misguided public sentiment, than a true measure of moral recti-
tude and high principle.
One of the most useful methods of physical analysis is that
which indicates the nature of a substance by studying its effects
upon other substances, called reagents, and the modifications.
to which it is subject by contact with these. This method
applied to ethical inquiries, though difficult, is one of the most
instructive. Actions in themselves right are never incompatible
with each other; they have always a favorable effect upon the
integrity of the individual; they improve and elevate his in-
stincts and affections, and put him in harmony with the good and
the true, and thus strengthen him for an upward and onward
course through life. On the other hand, wrong-doing is at war
with the best interests and highest enjoyments of life, and is de-
grading and weakening in its effect upon character.
These facts, so obvious in regard to clear instances of virtue
and vice, are too little applied to those complex and remote
effects of human actions which grow into established abuses and
sometimes into legalized crimes.
The profession of pharmacy, in common with all others, abounds
with illustrations of this remark.
As far as it lays claim to rank among liberal professions, it
must possess higher principles of action than pertain to most of
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149
the mercantile and industrial pursuits. Although like all in-
dustrial occupations it has for its active principle the potent
element of acquisitiveness, yet this must be materially modified
in its characteristics by benevolence and conscientiousness, by
the love of knowledge for its elevating and humanitarian uses,
by an honest desire for reputation and for fame—motives which
it is well to keep before men in all departments of labor, but
which especially belong to the professions connected with the
cure of disease and with the preservation of the public health.
How far we are individually or in a collective capacity sus-
taining the position thus claimed, is a legitimate subject for
ethical analysis; and without assuming any censorship over my
fellows, I propose to the tyro a few questions bearing on this
general enquiry.
1st. Has a druggist or apothecary, who makes profession of
being a practical pharmaceutist, and offers his services to the
public as such, a moral right to neglect the opportunities of
scientific and practical improvement within his reach?
2d. Has a pharmaceutist who has discovered an improvement
in pharmacy, calculated to affect the health and consequent wel-
fare of the community and the advancement of the science or
art of pharmacy, a moral right to keep it a secret for his own
private advantage?
露
​3d. Has a pharmaceutist who receives a lad into his shop as
an eléve or apprentice, a right to neglect his thorough education
in the practice of the art, and as far as in his power in the
sciences pertaining to it?
4th. Is it morally right for a pharmaceutist who has the con-
fidence of the poor and ignorant of his neighborhood, to take
indiscriminately their hard earnings in exchange for the costly
and often worse than useless medicines, which, through the public
press are plausibly and insidiously recommended to them? Does
not such an one participate in the moral obloquy which among
enlightened and conscientious people attaches to the charlatan
and quack?
5th. How far is it the duty of the pharmaceutist, in the sale
of stimulant and narcotic agents, to interfere for the prevention
of their intemperate use?
6th. What are the true ethical limitations to the rule of trade,
10
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
"to buy cheap and sell dear;" and how far are pharmaceutists
justifiable in following this maxim in the purchase and sale of
the peculiar and highly important articles of their commerce?
7th. To what extent is competition allowable in conducting
the drug business, and what are the duties of pharmaceutists to
each other and to the public in regulating and modifying the
retail prices of medicines?
THE PRODUCTION OF LEECHES IN MICHIGAN.
By FREDERICK STEARNS.
The great cost of imported leeches, and their liability to accident
and disease, have proved a serious drawback to their general use
in this country, more especially in interior towns and cities,
where the delay incident to transportation is another objection
to the purchase and sale of them by the pharmaceutist.
I believe that large dealers in leeches in the country confine
themselves solely to the importation of those of foreign collec-
tion, and that our indigenous varieties, some of them valuable,
are entirely neglected.
I desire to call the attention of the Association to the fact,
one proved by an experience of twenty years that by means and
appliances so simple as to commend them to pharmaceutists in
every part of our Union, we may insure to ourselves an abundant
and cheap supply of these invaluable animals.
The foreign varieties of leeches can be easily naturalized, and
the supplies of those indigenous varieties found valuable, can
be indefinitely increased.
The idea of growing leeches in the State of Michigan was first
carried out by a member of the medical profession, who moved
there from New York city some twenty years ago, while that
portion of his adopted State was yet a wilderness. Feeling the
want of leeches which he had freely used in his eastern practice,
he was led to experiment with those found in the neighboring
marshes, with indifferent results. He finally procured in New
York a lot of Spanish leeches, and, building a tank for them,
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151
had the satisfaction of seeing them thrive admirably, and to this
time has produced them in larger quantities, sufficient to supply
the practitioners of his portion of the State. The "Hirudo
decora," a leech found abundantly in some parts of Pennsylvania,
was in this way introduced, and is now largely used in some
counties of the State.
The "aquaria" required consists of a wooden tank eight feet
long, six feet wide and four feet deep; this is set into the ground
near a running stream of water, a portion of which is conducted
into and through the tank, its entrance and exit being made
through wire cloth to prevent the escape of leeches. The bottom
of the tank, to the depth of eighteen inches, is covered with
cobble stones, in order to afford a refuge for the leeches. The
water exit is placed about ten inches below the top edge of the
tank, which edge has a rim of boards projecting inwards, all the
way around nailed to it. This is all the apparatus required, and
they need but very little attention. A few frogs thrown in once
a week will supply five thousand of them with food sufficient. In
winter they become torpid, and the tank is allowed to freeze over
and so remain till spring.
They produce their eggs during the months of June and July,
and the leech is matured in about two years. Their age when
subject to ordinary care is about fifteen years.
When applied they bite readily, and draw about two drachms
of blood, the flow of which, however, is to be excited in the usual
ways.
Those parts to which leeches are to be applied should be well
cleansed from smell or perspiration, and they are best used by
putting the requisite number into a suitable sized cupping glass
partly filled with water, and applying the edges of the cup closely
to the part to be leeched; after they have taken hold the cup may.
then be gently removed.
The naturalized leech is hardy, rather small, (from one to two
and a half inches long,) and very active; those produced from
the variety brought from Pennsylvania (a specimen of which is
herewith submitted) are of a velvety olive green color upon the
dorsal surface, with three longitudinal rows of spots; the centre
one orange colored, the others black; the belly is of a rusty
orange spotted with black.
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The grey leech of Michigan, the best of those indigenous to
the State, is of a uniform grey color, extremely thin or flat,
peculiar in its motions, is with difficulty induced to draw, though
its bite is unaccompanied with any pain; the eggs of the leech,
instead of being left to take care of themselves, as in the case of
the other leeches, are attached to the belly, as are the young
leeches for some time after their development.
The low price at which these leeches can be produced renders
their aid available to the poorest; and while by cheapening
them, they are, by increased demand, rendered a greater source
of pecuniary profit, they will cost the producer nothing but a little
time and patience.
4
A NEW METHOD OF PREPARING SOLUTION OF CITRATE
OF MAGNESIA.
BY FREDERICK STEARNS.
In this method a freshly prepared solution of bi-carbonate
magnesia, of known strength is employed, which is converted.
into the citrate by the addition of the requisite amount of citric
acid, and at the moment of corking that the large amount of
carbonic acid gas then liberated may be preserved. It is as fol-
lows:-Precipitate magnesia from a hot solution of sulphate of
magnesia by adding to it a hot solution of carbonate of soda; it
requires 10 pounds (troy) of sulphate of magnesia to 12 pounds
(troy) of carb. soda.
4
Wash the precipitated magnesia, well upon a linen filter,
drain, and having ascertained the amount of water contained in
a sample of known weight, by drying and calcining, introduce
the moist hydrate into a suitable apparatus; and to every 1,280
grains of anhydrous magnesia the moist hydrate contains, add one
gallon of clean soft water, (allowing, of course, for the water
already mechanically combined with the hydrate,) then subject
the whole to the action of carbonic acid gas under a pressure of
ten atmospheres for twenty-four hours, or until the magnesia is
dissolved. Having drawn it off, filter and prepare the solution
of the citrate as follows:-Introduce into twelve ounce strong
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bottles ten and one half fluid ounces of the solution and one and
a half ounces of lemon syrup, not acidulated; and having the
corks ready and softened, introduce into each three hundred and
sixty-six grains of citric acid in crystals; cork and wire immedi-
ately.
The large excess of carbonic acid which this solution contains
renders its use more agreeable than when prepared after the
officinal or usual methods. I have not found it to deposit the
insoluble citrate.
ON THE USE OF OUR INDIGENOUS PLANTS.
BY JNO. M. MAISCH.
The materia medica of our Pharmacopoeia embraces a number
of indigenous plants, particularly in the secondary list, most of
which are habitually employed as domestic medicines in various
parts of the United States, and but rarely used by the practi-
tioner. Very naturally the questions suggest themselves: Why
are these plants not more employed by medical men? Are they
inert? and if so, why are they retained in our medical catalogue?
Reliable information in regard to the medicinal value of these
indigenous plants, so far as they have been the subject of study
and experiments of physicians, may be obtained by a perusal of
that valuable work, the U. S. Dispensatory, by Drs. Wood and
Bache; and it would appear from the statements made there, that
we have an abundance of medicinal herbs indigenous to our soil,
and that all that was required to bring them into credit with the
profession was a fair trial. The claims of some have undergone
a thorough investigation, and their merits attained a high repu-
tation; as, for instance, wild cherry bark, senega, spigelia, ser-
pentaria, &c. Others are comparatively untried and unused.
Of calamus it is said that "the medicine is at present much
neglected, though well calculated to answer as a substitute for
more costly aromatics." In relation to the well known merits.
of Erigeron Philadelphicum, it is stated, "when the obstinate
character and long continuance of certain dropsical affections is
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
considered, (and this may also be appropriately applied to various
other diseases,) the advantage must appear obvious, of having
numerous remedies calculated to mitigate the symptoms without
exhausting the strength of the patient, so that when one has
lost its powers from repetition, we may appeal to another with
some prospect of benefit." In other instances, however, we meet
with the assertion, as in the case of Asclepias incarnata, that its
properties have not been fully tested."
Many of these plants, especially those of the secondary list
of our Pharmacopoeia, have not been subjected to chemical analy-
sis, or, to the utmost, were not sufficiently investigated to judge
from their constituents of the probable medicinal value. A large
majority are merely mentioned in our catalogue, without offering
to the physician a preparation that he might use instead of the
crude plant. Some manufacturers have endeavored to supply
that want by preparing for the physician's use, extracts, fluid
extracts, syrups and tinctures of such plants; but the fact of the
mode of their preparing them being kept secret, does not appear
to win the favor of the medical profession generally, notwith-
standing the assertion of their containing the virtues of the
plants from which they are made. The physician, it is true,
might have resorted to those time-honored processes of decoction
and infusion, but we must consider how unsightly often the ap-
pearance of such preparations is, how disagreeable their taste,
but most of all how objectionable the process of decoction, and
how tedious that of infusion in many instances. In the former
case, the menstruum is to be boiled down, sometimes to less than
one half the original measure, thereby driving off volatile prin-
ciples, and from well acknowledged experience in a number of
cases leading us to suspect that the active constituents might be
injured or entirely spoiled by a continued application of so high
a temperature; we need refer.only to saraparilla, senega, taraxa-
cum, &c., to strengthen our suspicion, à priori, against the process
of decoction, as a mode of extracting the virtues of vegetable
products, unless actual experiments have proved to the contrary.
In view of that fact, all the different Pharmacopoeias that have
lately been revised have abandoned the mode of preparing the
extracts by exhausting the crude drugs at the boiling point, pre-
ferring to extract their virtues at a lower temperature and to
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evaporate at a more moderate heat, if possible even with the
exclusion of the atmospheric air. This is an advancement of
pharmacy with the discoveries in chemistry.
The process of infusion is often objected to on account of the
time necessary for properly completing the operation; from one
to twelve, sometimes even twenty-four hours being required.
Infusions, therefore, are comparatively seldom employed when
the medicine is intended to be used for any considerable time.
Besides that, by the process of decoction and infusion, so much
gum and inert matter is usually dissolved as to render them often
objectionable on that ground, and impart to them a tendency to
ferment with facility during the warm weather of our summers.
Water itself does not act as a preservative; on the contrary, the
influence of water is requisite for organic matter to undergo
those changes to which we respectively apply the terms of fermen-
tation, moulding and putrefaction. By evaporating the infusions
or decoctions to dryness, we may reasonably expect to obtain the
useful principles in a concentrated state, so far as they have not
been dissipated or altered by heat, and formed that mysterious
body, extractive matter, with which we constantly meet on
analyzing any of the vegetable products; or at the desire of the
physician, we might prepare an extract in a more scientific
manner. However, in a majority of cases, the physician will,
from some cause or other, forego the trial of a preparation that
he does not find ready for use when wanted, and, finally, proba-
bly abandon the idea altogether to employ the plant, the virtues
of which he intended to study.
It then becomes the province of the pharmaceutist to endea-
vor to offer such crude material to the physician in a form con-
venient for use, representing the medicinal virtues, and capable
of being kept for some length of time without any material
change. Such a preparation would be the more valuable, if it
was either itself in the liquid state, or would at least allow to
exhibit it readily in the form of mixture. Our Pharmacopoeia
recognizes such a class of pharmaceutical preparations; the fluid
extracts, and the constant use of many of them show, the favor
in which they are held by the medical practitioner, and the popu-
larity of some as domestic medicines; and from precedent
instances we have every reason to expect many a valuable addi-
156
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
tion to the medical codex of our country from its invaluable
botanical treasure, but partly explored by botanists, and, let us
confess it, very insufficiently tried and experimented with by
physicians and pharmaceutists. Some of our indigenous herbs,
however, have been the subject of much study, and as far as
their pharmaceutical relations go, we are indebted to nobody in
a higher degree than to our esteemed fellow-member, Professor
Wm. Procter, jr. I need hardly recall to your memory that to
his researches, in connection with Mr. Turnpenny, we owe our
present Syrupus Pruni Virginianæ, which he has, I might say,
superseded with his fluid extract of Wild Cherry bark, a most
elegant and scientific pharmaceutical preparation, which we may
expect will grace the pages of our next Pharmacopoeia. We owe
to his untiring exertions formulæ for fluid extracts of taraxacum,
lobelia, cimicifuga, lupulin; and for syrups, of chimaphila, uva
ursi, dulcamara, &c. Besides these, but few preparations of
indigenous plants have been made. Mr. E. Parrish has prepared
a fluid extract of Hydrangea arborescens, and syrups of Cistus
canadensis and Gillenia trifoliata, the latter intended as a sub-
stitute for syrup of ipecacuanha. Messrs. Savery and A. B.
Taylor have given us directions for fluid extract of serpentaria,
and Dr. B. O. Jones, of Georgia, has lately proposed a com-
pound fluid extract of Thephrosia virginiana and Rumex acutus.
Excepting the above, the Eclectic Dispensatory furnishes for-
mulæ for some 10 or 12 fluid extracts of indigenous plants, a
peculiar feature of which, is the direction for exhausting with
alcohol and then with boiling water; or, as had been suggested
by Mr. Merrell, by driving the steam of alcohol and of water
through the powdered plant in a displacing apparatus. The idea,
I suppose, is to present all soluble matter in a liquid state, a
principle upon which a druggist of this city seeks to improve the
officinal compound syrup of sarsaparilla. After having the ma-
terials exhausted by diluted alcohol, he treats them first with
cold water and afterwards with boiling water, thinking this pro-
cedure the only rational one; but unfortunately, not minding the
large amount of inert matter which must impair the quality and
stability of such a syrup, and the changeable nature of the
active principle of sarsaparilla, which is so readily altered by a
continued application of heat.
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In making a preparation, all we wish is to present the medi-
cinal virtue of the crude article, but by no means to extract all
that can be dissolved by the different menstrua. We do not, ù
priori, expect to find the active principles of a plant in the pre-
cipitate produced by water in its alcoholic tincture, and we
regard with almost suspicion what we obtain by a treatment with
boiling water. While on the one hand, we know that water, es-
pecially at the boiling temperature, is a solvent for starch, gum.,
mucilage, glutinous and other more or less inert vegetable matter,
we also bear in mind, that, on the other hand, resinous substances,
chlorophyl, fixed oils, &c., are dissolved by alcohol; still we do
not conclude that the really valuable, the active constituents of
all plants should be soluble in both alcohol and water, as Dr.
Mohr has shown to be the case with a number of the strictly
narcotic plants. First of all, we inquire into the best solvents.
for the active matter they contain, and with their aid obtain our
extracts and other preparations, taking care at the same time to
separate again as much as possible such inert matter as has
been extracted along with that of medicinal value. To adhere
strictly to such a rule usually becomes still more imperative
when we intend to keep the preparation in a liquid state. Such
a spirit of improvement is exhibited in the formulæ for a number
of syrups, in the last edition of our Pharmacopoeia, and it would
ill become us to take a step back towards the old error with
those preparations to which we apply the generic name of fluid
extracts; which, if prepared with due regard to their medicinal
and chemical properties, and to nicety in appearance and taste,
may be destined to take the place of infusions and decoctions
of many tinctures and syrups, and thus become a most important
class of remedies.
I was guided by such reflections when application was made
to me for preparations containing the medicinal virtues of scull-
cap, horehound and uva ursi in a concentrated state. Of the
latter, report was made in the American Journal of Pharmacy
for July; of the former two, made in accordance with the wish
of two country physicians, I have not obtained any information
regarding their application; they were made in the following
way:
Scutellaria laterifolia is considered inert by the authors of
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
the Dispensatory; but from the effects obtained by Dr. Joseph
Bates with Tilden's fluid extract of this herb (Boston Med. and
Surg. Journ., Amer. Journ. Pharm. 1856, p. 87,) it would appear
to possess really valuable virtues. The way Messrs. Tilden make
their pharmaceutical preparations I believe is kept secret, and
not finding any analysis of the herb, I was at first at a loss how
to prepare the extract most efficiently. Scullcap is freely
given in the form of infusion and yields, it would seem, its virtues
to water. On experiment, the quantity taken up was but small,
and part of it of the nature of gum. Alcohol dissolved chlorophyl
and probably other resinous matter; but to the taste, little medi-
cinal virtue was made apparent by either operation. I therefore
came to the conclusion to operate in such a manner as to leave
the chlorophyl and gummy matter behind.
Horehound is tonic, with a tendency to augment the secretions
of the mucuous membranes; but it exerts no specific influence
over any disease, and has now almost entirely passed from the
hands of physicians into domestic use." (Dispensatory.) Besides
a minute quantity of volatile oil, the activity of horehound is
due chiefly to a bitter extractive and tannic acid, both soluble
in water and diluted alcohol, which would leave chlorophyl be-
hind. The fluid extracts of scullcap and horehound I therefore
prepared in like manner, by macerating sixteen ounces (troy) of
the powdered herb with a pint of diluted alcohol for twenty-four
hours, and then displacing with a mixture of four parts of water
to one of alcohol until the herb was exhausted. The different
menstrua mix well without precipitating one another; they are
evaporated by means of a water bath to about a pint, and after
dissolving one pound (troy) of white sugar, the whole is evaporated
to sixteen fluid ounces, strained and bottled. Each fluid ounce
contains the virtues of an ounce of the herb; the fluid extract
of scullcap has as much taste as the plant; that of horehound
possesses the bitter and astringent properties in a marked de-
gree, and might, perhaps, be found useful in aiding by its gently
tonic powers other medicines of more apparent efficacy.
The bark of the dogwood has been used, and in domestic
practice is still employed as an astringent tonic similar in its
virtues to Peruvian bark; no preparation has been offered to the
physician. Its active constituents are tannic and gallic acids
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and bitter extractive. The existence of cornine, the bitter
alkaloid principle of Mr. Carpenter, is denied by Geiger, who
nevertheless isolated a crystalline substance of acid properties,
to which he gave the name of cornic acid, and who found the
tannin of that variety which turns a blue color with the salts of
iron. (Ann. d. Pharm. xiv. 206.) Besides these it contains
starch, gum, oxalate of lime and other salts. I have prepared
a fluid extract by exhausting sixteen ounces of the powdered
bark with diluted alcohol, evaporating to about a pint, dissolving
twelve ounces (troy) of white sugar, and completing the process
by evaporating to sixteen fluid ounces and straining. The re-
sulting fluid extract possesses the astringency and bitterness of
dogwood bark, and as a teaspoonful of it represents one drachm
of the bark, the dose would not be inconveniently large; the
bitterness is not unpleasant, and could be made more agreeable
by the addition of some of the exterior skin of fresh orange
peel.
Solanum dulcamara is one of those plants that are in great
favor with some physicians, without being able to win the good
opinion of the whole medical profession; even our officinal ex-
tractum dulcamara is but little used. The herb belongs to the
natural order of Solanaceae, which comprises some of our most
active and narcotic plants: atropa, belladonna, hyoscyamus,
nicotiana, strammonium and capsicum belonging to it. Dulca-
mara and other species of the genus Solanum, contain an active
narcotic principle, solanine, discovered by Desfosses, on which
the activity partly depends; but Pfaff already obtained a sub-
stance having that peculiar bitter-sweet taste, and soluble in
water, acetic ether and alcohol; he named it Pikroglycion. It
was afterwards prepared free from solanine, in a crystalline
state, by Blitz, and Desfosses' dulcarine is most probably identi-
cal with it. Solanine is not soluble in cold water, but sparingly
so in boiling water; in alcohol, however, and when combined
with an acid also in water, it dissolves quite readily. I have
contrived to prepare a fluid extract of dulcamara which, in
accordance with the above statements, should contain all the active
matter. Sixteen ounces troy of bittersweet stalks were macerated
with a mixture of two parts of alcohol and one of water, and
afterwards exhausted in a percolator, the resulting tincture was
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
evaporated by means of a water-bath, to about one half, then
mixed with two drachms of acetic acid, the evaporation con-
tinued until all the alcohol had been driven off, when eight ounces
of sugar were dissolved in it and the evaporation was discontinued,
when the liquid measured twelve fluid ounces; it was strained
through close flannel to get rid of chlorophyl and a little resin,
and while still warm was mixed with four fluid ounces of alcohol,
sufficient to make the whole measure one pint. The stalks are
the officinal part of solanum dulcamara, but it has been asserted
that the leaves contain a larger amount of solanine than the
stalks, and this assertion merits attention to induce a compara-
tive analysis of the two parts of the plant.
Calamus owes its medicinal virtues chiefly to a volatile oil,
and also to a bitter extractive, which are both readily taken up
by alcohol. The Prussian Pharmacopoeia directs a tinctura
calami prepared by macerating two ounces of calamus in twelve
ounces of rectified spirit of 0.897 spec. grav., or about two and
a half ounces to one pint. By carefully extracting the calamus
root in a percolator, we are able to charge a pint of liquid with
the virtues of four ounces of the root. For this purpose we
reduce the calamus to powder, macerate it for twelve hours, with
a mixture of two parts of alcohol of 0.835 and one of water,
thus bringing it down to the strength of about 58 per cent., and
finally displace it slowly with the same spirit until one pint of
tinture is obtained. Each fluid drachm of this tincture contains
all the tonic and stimulating properties of fifteen grains of the
If the calamus was sufficiently fine and the operation.
conducted with the requisite care, the residue will be found
almost tasteless.
root.
In the foregoing I have tried to point out the way we shall
have to follow if we wish to see our plants fairly tried by the
physician. It remains with the pharmaceutist to offer them to
him in a state ready for convenient use; if they then do not
undergo a scientific trial for the purpose of establishing their
therapeutical value, we shall have performed our duty as pharma-
ceutists. The few formulæ I have given are for preparations of
plants which, I am fully aware, do not promise to be the most
valuable ones, after our vast botanical resources will have been
more fully explored for the benefit of the healing art. In fol-
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161
载
​lowing such a course we shall often find it necessary to subject
the herbs to a thorough chemical examination, and we may
reasonably expect to arrive also at many interesting facts in
chemistry. The time we have to spare from our close confinement
to business, will not allow us to execute such a work in a short
space of time; but by harmoniously working together in a cer-
tain direction that we know will be productive of good, the
results will be quite apparent in a few years. We also have to
direct our attention to such foreign herbs that either have
become entirely naturalized to our soil, or else are or may
be advantageously cultivated. Among those naturalized or
extensively cultivated plants, we find a considerable number of
high importance in medicine. Of those officinal in our own
Pharmacopoeia, we need only mention Artemisia absinthium,
Capsicum annuum, Hyoscyamus niger, Inula helenium, Lavan-
dula vera, Marrubium vulgare, Melissa officinalis, Mentha
piperita and viridis, Ricinus communis, Tanacetum vulgare and
others. Many of these grow with us so readily and to such an
extent, and are so popularly, known as now to fairly belong to
us, and doubtless we may still more enrich the botanical opu-
lence of our country; but we can just as little doubt but that
what we already possess embraces an immeasurable amount of
undeveloped wealth. Let us do our part to develope the same.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
APPENDIX.
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
American Pharmaceutical Association.
PREAMBLE.
Whereas, The advancement of pharmaceutical knowledge and the eleva-
tion of the professional character of Apothecaries and Druggists throughout
the United States are dear to us in common with all well disposed pharma-
ceutists; and whereas, a large portion of those in whose hands the prac-
tice of pharmacy now exists, are not properly qualified for the responsible.
offices it involves, chiefly by reason of the many difficulties that impede the
acquirement of a correct knowledge of their business:
Therefore, We the members of a Convention now met at Philadelphia,
[September 1852,] composed of Apothecaries and Druggists from different
sections of the Union, and from all the Colleges and Societies therein exist-
ing, with the object of deliberating on the condition of our profession, do
hereby resolve and constitute ourselves into a permanent Association, to
meet annually, at such times and places as may hereafter be determined,
for more effectually accomplishing the objects for which we are now assem-
bled, and do now adopt the following
CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE I.
This Association shall be called the American Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion. Its aim shall be to unite the educated and reputable Pharmaceutists
and Druggists of the United States in the following objects :
1st. To improve and regulate the drug market, by preventing the impor-
tation of inferior, adulterated or deteriorated drugs, and by detecting and
exposing home adulteration.
2nd. To establish the relations between druggists, pharmaceutists, physi-
cians and the people at large, upon just principles, which shall promote
the public welfare and tend to mutual strength and advantage.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
163
3rd. To improve the science and the art of pharmacy by diffusing scien-
tific knowledge among apothecaries and druggists, fostering pharmaceutical
literature, developing talent, stimulating discovery and invention, and
encouraging home production and manufacture in the several departments
of the drug business.
4th. To regulate the system of apprenticeship and employment so as to
prevent as far as practicable, the evils flowing from deficient training in
the responsible duties of preparing, dispensing and selling medicines.
5th. To suppress empyricism, and as much as possible to restrict the
dispensing and sale of medicines to regularly educated druggists and
apothecaries.
ARTICLE II. Of the Members.
Section 1. Every pharmaceutist or druggist of good moral and profes-
sional standing, whether in business on his own account, retired from
business or employed by another, who, after duly considering the objects of
the Association and the obligations of its Constitution, is willing to sub-
scribe to them, is eligible to membership.
Section 2. The mode of admission to membership shall be as follows:
Any person eligible to membership may apply to any member of the Ex-
ecutive Committee, who shall report his application to the said Committee.
If after investigating his claims they shall approve his election, they shall
at the earliest time practicable report his name to the Association, and he
may be elected by two-thirds of the members present on ballot. Should
an application occur in the recess, the members of the Committee may
give their approval in writing, which, if unanimous, and endorsed by the
President, shall constitute him a member, and the fact be reported to the
Association at the next succeeding meeting.
Section 3. No person shall become a member of this Association until he
shall have signed this Constitution, and paid his annual contribution for the
current year. All persons who become members shall be considered as per-
manent members, but may be expelled for improper conduct by a vote of
two-thirds of the members present at any annual meeting.
Section 4. Every member shall pay into the hands of the Treasurer the
sum of two dollars as his yearly contribution, and is liable to lose his right
of membership by neglecting to pay said contribution for three successive
years. Members shall be entitled, on the payment of three dollars, to re-
ceive a certificate of membership signed by the President, Vice-Presidents
and Secretary, covenanting to return the same to the proper officer on
relinquishing their connection with the Association.
Section 5. Every local Pharmaceutical Association shall be entitled to
five delegates in the annual meetings, who, if present, become members of
the Association, on signing the Constitution, without being ballotted for.
Section 6. Pharmaceutists, Chemists, and other scientific men who may
164
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
be thought worthy of the distinction, may be elected honorary members
upon the same conditions and under the same rules as appertain to active
members. They shall not, however, be required to contribute to the funds,
nor shall they be eligible to hold office or to vote at the meetings.
Section 7. Members who have paid their annual contribution for ten
successive years shall be considered life members, and exempt from their
yearly payments and entitled to a certificate to that effect.
ARTICLE III. Of the Officers.
Section 1. The officers shall be, a President, two or more Vice-Presidents,
a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary and a Treasurer, who
shall be elected annually, and shall hold office until an election of suc-
cessors.
Section 2. The President shall preside at the meetings and administer
the rules of order usual in deliberative assemblies. He shall nominate all
special committees, except a majority of the members present direct a re-
sort to ballotting or other means.
He shall sign the certificates of membership, approve all foreign corres-
pondence and countersign orders on the Treasurer.
He shall present at each annual meeting a report of the operations of
the Association during the year, with such information pertaining to its
condition and prospects and the objects it has in view, together with such
suggestions for its future management as may seem to him proper.
Section 3. In case of the temporary absence or inability of the President,
his duties shall devolve on one of the Vice-Presidents in the order of their
names.
Section 4. The Recording Secretary shall keep fair and correct minutes
of the proceedings of the meetings, and carefully preserve on file all re-
ports, essays and papers of every description received by the Association,
copies or abstracts of which shall be furnished for publication as may be
required.
He shall furnish the chairman of every special committee with a list of
its members and a copy of the minute of its appointment, and shall notify
every member of the time and place of each annual meeting. IIe shall be
a member of the Executive Committee.
Section 5. The Corresponding Secretary shall conduct all correspondence
directed by the Association, and reply to all communications addressed to
it in its recess. He shall from time to time address local Associations,
members and others possessed of information likely to be of interest to the
Association, and report such correspondence to the Committee on the Pro-
gress of Pharmacy, of which he shall be a member.
Section 6. The Treasurer shall collect and take charge of the funds of
the Association, and shall also hold and issue the certificates of member-
ship. He shall pay no monies unless by the order of the chairman of one
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
165
of the standing or of a special committee, authorized to appropriate funds
of the Association, such order to be countersigned by the President.
He shall present a statement of his accounts at each annual meeting
that they may be audited. He shall also report to the Executive Committee,
previous to each annual meeting, the names of such members as have
failed to pay their annual contribution for three years, and also the names
of such as have failed to return their certificates of membership after
having been officially disconnected with the Association, and duly notified
to do so.
ARTICLE IV.— Of the Standing Committees.
Section 1. There shall be two standing committees elected annually-an
Executive Committee, and a Committee on the Progress of Pharmacy.
They shall each consist of five members, and shall elect their own Chair-
men.
Section 2. The Executive Committee, of which the Recording Secretary
shall be one of the members, shall have charge of the revision of the roll,
the investigation of applications for membership, the election of members in
the recess, and the publication of the Proceedings. They shall report at
each meeting a revised roll of members, with appropriate notices of deceased
members, also the names of any who, having become disconnected with the
Association, refuse to return their certificates of membership as provided
by this Constitution.
The annual publication of the Proceedings shall contain the corrected roll
of members, full minutes of the several sittings, the Reports of the President
and of the Committees, together with such addresses, scientific papers,
discussions, notices of new processes and preparations as the Executive
Committee may deem worthy of insertion. At least one copy shall be
furnished each member of the Association.
Section 3. The Committee on the Progress of Pharmacy, of which the Cor-
responding Secretary shall be one of the members, shall report annually to
the Association on the improvements in Chemistry, Practical Pharmacy and
the collateral branches, on any new works bearing on these subjects pub-
lished in this country or in Europe, on the condition of the drug market
and the quality of drugs and manufactured articles, whether of foreign or
domestic production, found in commerce.
ARTICLE V.—Of the Meetings.
Section 1. The meetings shall be held annually, or as the Association
may from time to time determine; provided, that in case of failure of this
from any cause, the duty of calling the Association together shall devolve
upon the President, or one of the Vice-Presidents, with the advice and con-
sent of the Executive Committee.
Section 2. At the opening of each annual meeting, the President, or, in
case of his absence, one of the Vice-Presidents, shall call the meeting to
.
1
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
166 ܐ order and preside until after an election of officers; in case the President
and Vice-Presidents are absent, this duty shall devolve on the chairman of
the Executive Committee, or in his absence on any member chosen by vote
of those present.
In the absence of the Recording Secretary the President shall appoint a
Secretary, pro tempore.
The order of business at the first session of each annual meeting shall be
as follows:
1st. The appointment by the President of a committee of three persons to
examine credentials, and report the names of those duly accredited.
2d. The Executive Committee shall report the names of new members
and of persons present recommended for membership, who shall be imme-
diately balloted for.
3d. The roll of those in attendance, as thus completed, shall be called by
the Secretary.
4th. The reports of the Standing and Special Committees shall be read by
their titles, or in full, and laid on the table for future consideration.
5th. A committee to nominate officers for the ensuing year shall be
appointed, consisting of one nominated by each delegation in attendance,
and three members appointed by the President, from among those not dele-
gated, to report at the opening of the next session.
The first session shall close with the reading of the President's annual
report and referring any portions requiring the action of Committees.
After the first session, the order of business shall be determined by the
nature of the subjects presented and by the consent of the majority.
Section 3. During periods fixed by vote for scientific discussion and the
exhibition of specimens and processes, the ordinary rules of parliamentary
bodies shall be suspended, but at other times shall be enforced by the pre-
siding officer, from whose decisions, however, appeals may be taken if re-
quired by five members, and the meeting shall thereupon decide without
debate.
A motion reduced to writing and seconded shall be open to discussion,
and while it is before the meeting, no motion shall be received unless to
amend, divide, commit, to lay on the table, postpone or to adjourn; and a
motion to adjourn shall be decided without debate.
On the call of any member, the yeas and nays shall be ordered, when
every member shall vote, unless excused by a majority of those present, and
the names and manner of voting shall be entered on the Minutes.
ARTICLE VI.
This Constitution may be altered or amended by a vote of three-fourths
of the members present at any regular meeting, and notice to alter or amend
the same shall be given at least one sitting before a vote thereupon.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
167
ROLL OF MEMBERS.
[Deceased Members in Italics.]
Henry T. Cummings, M.D., Portland,
Maine,
1853
George L. Dearborn,
Great Falls,
New Hampshire, 1853
Charles A. Tufts,
Dover,
New Hampshire,
1856
S. P. Peck,
Bennington,
Vermont,
1853
J. C. Bingham,
St. Johnsbury,
Vermont,
1853
Henry F. Fish,
Waterbury,
Connecticut,
1852
Joseph Burnett,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1852
S. R. Philbrick, M. D.,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1852
Samuel M. Colcord,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1852
Daniel Henchman,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1853
Thomas Restieaux,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1853
Andrew Geyer,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1853
Emery Souther,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1853
T. Larkin Turner,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1853
Henry W. Lincoln,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1853
William A. Brewer,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1853
Thomas Hollis,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1853
Ashel Boyden,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1853
Henry D. Fowle,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1853
James S. Melvin,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1853
William W. Goodwin,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1853
Peter J. Hazzard,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1853
Charles T. Carney,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1853
Robert R. Kent,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1855
Abijah Littlefield,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1856
Augustus P. Melzar,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1856
Charles H. Atwood,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1856
168
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
James Gordon,
Boston,
Massachusetts,
1857
Theodore Metcalfe,
Boston,
Massachusetts, 1857
Abraham S. Wiley,
Cambridge,
Massachusetts, 1857
Anthony S. Jones,
Newburyport,
Massachusetts, 1853
David Scott,
Worcester,
Massachusetts, 1855
John Buck,
Chelsea,
Massachusetts, 1855
Dexter D. Geyer,
Gloucester,
Massachusetts,
1857
Eben Blatchford,
Rockport,
Massachusetts,
1857
Llewellyn S. Haskell,
New York City,
New York,
1852
George D. Coggeshall,
New York City, New York,
1852
John Meakim,
New York City, New York,
1852
Eugene Dupuy,
New York City,
New York,
1852
C. B. Guthrie, M. D.,
New York City,
New York,
1852
Junius Gridley,
New York City,
New York,
•
1853
James S. Aspinwall,
New York City,
New York,
1855
Benjamin Canavan,
New York City,
New York,
1855
John Canavan,
New York City,
New York,
1855
John Milhau,
New York City,
New York,
1855
John P. Dodge,
New York City,
New York,
1855
F. A. Hegeman,
New York City, New York,
1855
Oliver Hull,
New York City, New York,
1855
James T. Maxwell,
New York City, New York,
1855
Isaac Coddington,
New York City, New York,
1855
Frederick Hale,
New York City, New York,
1855
Fred. Thompson,
New York City, New York,
1856
J. W. Bowers,
J. W. Kiersted,
New York City, New York,
1856
New York City, New York,
1856
Wm. F. Henry,
New York City, New York,
1856
George Syme,
New York City, New York,
1857
Henry Haviland,
New York City, New York,
1857
George W. Berrian,
New York City, New York,
1857
George W. De la Vergne,
New York City, New York,
1857
John Faber,
New York City, New York,
1857
Tristram W. Metcalfe,
Alexander Hudnut,
Brooklyn,
New York,
1857
Brooklyn,
New York,
1857
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
196
Thomas Whitehorn,
Brooklyn,
New York,
1857
A. I. Mathews,
Buffalo,
New York,
1855
William H. Peabody,
Buffalo,
New York,
1857
H. A. Blauw,
Rochester,
New York,
1856
Alfred S. Lane,
Rochester,
New York,
1857
William Thomas,
Jersey City,
New Jersey,
1855
Peter V. Coppuck,
Mount Holly,
New Jersey,
1857
Charles Ellis,
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania,
1852
William Procter, Jr.,
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania,
1852
Alfred B. Taylor,
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, 1852
Edward Parrish,
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania,
1852
Samuel S. Garrigues, Ph.D., Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania,
1855
Henry C. Blair,
John H. Ecky,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1856
1856
Frederick L. John,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1856
John M. Maisch,
Thomas Weaver,
M. Henry Kollock,
Dillwyn Parrish,
Samuel F. Troth,
Ambrose Smith,
Thomas P. James,
Charles Bullock,
Thomas S. Wiegand,
Samuel N. James,
Evan T. Ellis,
1857
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1856
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1856
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1856
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
1857
Lewis M. Emanuel,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
Wilson H. Pile,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
1857
Samuel S. Bunting,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
1857
T. Morris Perot,
Asher S. Leidy,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
Bradford Ritter,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
William H. Pratt,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
Edward Donnelly, M. D., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
1857
Henry Steiner,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
1857
170
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Hennell Stevens,
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania,
1857
Samuel Chapman, M. D., Philadelphia,
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, 1857
Edward H. Hance,
Charles H. Eggert,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
1857
George M. Snowdon,
George Cooke,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
William R. Warner,
O. S. Hubbell,
Thomas Lancaster,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1857
Charles Banvart,
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 1856
William Heyser, Jr.,
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania,
1856
William Loeffler,
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania,
1857
Charles A. Heinitsch,
Lancaster,
Pennsylvania,
1857
William M. Guilford, M.D., Lebanon,
Pennsylvania,
1857
William L. McCorkle,
Columbia,
Pennsylvania, 1857
Samuel K. Norgrave,
Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, 1857
Henry N. Rittenhouse,
Wilmington,
Delaware,
1857
David Stewart, M. D.,
Baltimore
Maryland,
1852
Geo. W. Andrews,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
A. P. Sharp,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1855
J. C. Rogers,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
James M. Bowers,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
Israel J. Grahame,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
L. Phillips,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
J. Jacob Smith,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
Charles Caspari,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
R. H. Dryden,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
John W. Barry,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
J. H. Lemmon,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
Joseph Roberts,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
E. J. F. Russel,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
J. F. Moore,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
Charles Wiseman,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
George J. Fetter,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
Edward C. Gilpin,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
171
Oscar Monsarrat,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
G. Davidge Woods,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
J. B. Baxley,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
Samuel McPherson,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
James Balmer,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
Wm. S. Thompson,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
William Caspari,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
T. W. Tomlinson,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
J. J. Thomsen,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
Thomas H. Hilsby,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1856
N. H. Jennings,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1857
Elisha H. Perkins,
Baltimore,
Maryland,
1857
Valentine Harbaugh,
Washington,
Dist. of Columbia, 1856
H. H. McPherson,
Washington,
Dist. of Columbia, 1856
W. H. Gilman,
F. S. Walsh,
Washington, Dist. of Columbia, 1856
Washington, Dist. of Columbia, 1856
D. S. Dyson,
Washington,
Dist. of Columbia, 1856
Samuel E. Tyson,
Washington,
Dist. of Columbia, 1857
Daniel B. Clarke,
Washington,
Dist. of Columbia, 1857
James N. Callan,
Washington,
Dist. of Columbia, 1857
John L. Kidwell,
Georgetown,
Dist. of Columbia, 1856
R. H. Stabler,
Alexandria,
Virginia,
1856
J. W. Bowling,
Alexandria,
Virginia,
1857
Alexander Duval,
Richmond,
Virginia,
1852
Joseph Laidley,
Richmond,
Virginia,
1852
T. Roberts Baker,
Richmond, Virginia,
1856
James Cooke, M. D.,
Fredericksburg, Virginia,
1856
Silas Whitehead,
Lynchburg, Virginia,
1856
Frederick M. Wells,
Charles K. Gallagher,
John Thomson,
H. J. Macdonald,
Robert Battey, M. D.
John M. Clark,
John S. Pemberton,
Charlotte,
Virginia,
1856
Washington,
North Carolina,
1857
Sumpter,
South Carolina,
1856
Barnwell C. H., South Carolina,
1856
Rome,
Georgia,
1856
Milledgeville,
Georgia,
1857
Columbus,
Georgia,
1857
172
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Felix Glackmeyer,
Montgomery,
Alabama,
1856
P. C. Candidus,
Aberdeen,
Mississippi,
1857
Crawford Blackwood,
Columbus,
Mississippi,
1857
Matthew F. Ash,
Jackson,
Mississippi,
1857
A. E. Richards,
Plaquemine,
Louisiana,
1855
Joseph A. Lee,
Franklin,
Louisiana,
1856
C. Augustus Smith,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1852
Wm. B. Chapman, M. D., Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1852
Wm. C. Arons,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1854
Wm. S. Merrill,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1854
Edward S. Wayne,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1852
W. H. Coolidge,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1854
A. M. Stevens,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1854
Theodore Marsh,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1854
W. J. M. Gordon,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1854
Lewis Rehfuss,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1854
J. V. Whetstone,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1854
J. W. Hannaford,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1854
Asbury Kent,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1854
John Scott,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1854
J. C. Parr,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1856
Paul Reinlein,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1856
Oliver F. Gordon,
Cincinnati,
Ohio,
1857
Hamilton Creighton,
Xenia,
Ohio,
1854
W. R. Smith,
Hillsborough, Ohio,
1854
J. W. Deitrich,
Dayton,
Ohio,
1856
William Fiske,
Cleaveland,
Ohio,
1857
Frederick Stearns,
Detroit,
Michigan,
1855
T. R. Spence,
Detroit,
Michigan,
1857
John T. Fuller,
Detroit,
Michigan,
1857
Otto Leuschner,
Detroit,
Michigan,
1857
Washington Laycock,
Detroit,
Michigan,
1857
Robert F. Lattimer,
Jackson,
Michigan,
1857
Thomas H. Barr,
Terre Haute,
Indiana,
1853
John A. Child,
Madison,
Indiana,
1856
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
173
George W. Sloan,
Indianapolis,
Indiana,
1857
Edwin O. Gale,
Chicago,
Illinois,
1857
William H. Gale,
Chicago,
Illinois,
1857
Charles E. Heckman,
Chicago,
Illinois,
1857
James D. Paine,
Chicago,
Illinois,
1857
H. A. Hughes,
Louisville,
Kentucky,
1857
John Jackson,
Knoxville,
Tennessee,
1857
Guilford T. Chamberlain,
St. Louis,
Missouri,
1856
Eugene L. Massot,
St. Louis,
Missouri,
1857
Charles L. Bache,
San Francisco, California,
1852
William B. Little,
San Francisco, California,
1857
HONORARY MEMBERS.
Daniel B. Smith,
Philadelphia,
Thomas Farrington.
Boston,
Pennsylvania.
Massachusetts. 1856
1856
Madison J. Bailey, M. D.,
New York,
New York.
1856
George B. Wood, M. D.,
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
1857
Franklin Bache, M. D.,
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
1857
Elias Durand,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 1857
James Baker,
CORRESPONDENTS.
Wheeling, Virginia.
Wm. L. Cleveland,
Charleston,
South Carolina.
J. H. M. Morris,
Louisville,
Kentucky.
J. H. Reed,
Chicago,
Illinois.
James B. Campbell,
Portsmouth,
Virginia.
B. R. Strong,
Knoxville,
Tennessee.
Morris Emanuel,
Vicksburg,
Mississippi.
George B. Gates,
Mobile,
Alabama.
L. Wilcox, Jr.,
Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania.
R. Browning,
Indianapolis, Indiana.
174
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
LIST OF COMMITTEES,
TO REPORT AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF 1858.
STANDING COMMITTEES.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, and the COMMITTEE ON THE PROGRESS OF
PHARMACY.
SPECIAL COMMITTEES.
To Report a Syllabus of a Course of Study appropriate to the Student of
Pharmacy.
WM. PROCTER, Jr., Chairman,
CHARLES ELLIS,
EDWARD S. WAYNE,
EDWARD PARRISH.
On Weights and Measures.
C. B. GUTHRIE, Chairman,
C. T. CARNEY,
S. S. GARRIGUES,
WM. PROCTER, Jr.,
JOHN MEAKIM.
On the Preliminary Revision of the Pharmacopoeia.
CHARLES T. CARNEY, Chairman,
JAMES S. MELVIN,
JOHN MEAKIM,
I. J. GRAHAME,
W. J. M. GORDON,
HENRY F. FISH.
EDWARD PARRISH,
FRED. STEARNs,
A. E. RICHARDS,
ROBERT BATTEY.
On the Adulteration of Drugs.
C. B. GUTHRIE, Chairman,
C. T. CARNEY,
WM. FISKE,
A. B. TAYLOR,
A. P. SHARp.
On Local Unofficinal Formulæ.
JOHN MEAKIM, Chairman,
EDWARD PARRISH,
W. H. PEABODY,
W. H. GILMAN,
W. B. CHAPMAN,
JAMES PAINE,
T. R. SPENCE,
A. P. SHARP,
W. S. BREWER,
H. A. BLAUW,
Joseph LAIDLEY,
WM. FISKE,
G. T. CHAMBERLAIN,
J. S. MELVIN.
On the Amendments of the United States Law Regulating the Importation of
Drugs and Medicines.
C. B. Guthrie, Chairman,
WM. A. BREWER,
RICHARD H. STABLER.
For list of Scientific Questions allotted to members, to be answered at the
meeting in 1858, see pages 30 to 34.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
175
LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION
SINCE ITS ORGANIZATION.
PRESIDENTS.
DANIEL B SMITH,
Philadelphia,
1852-3.
WILLIAM A. BREWER,
Boston,
1853-4.
WILLIAM B. CHAPMAN,
Cincinnati,
1854-5.
JOHN MEAKIM,
New York,
1855-6.
GEORGE W. ANDREWS,
Baltimore,
1856-7.
CHARLES ELLIS,
Philadelphia,
1857-8.
FIRST VICE PRESIDENTS.
George W. Andrews,
Baltimore,
1852-3.
GEORGE D. COGGESHALL,
New York,
1853-4.
HENRY T. CUMMINGS,
Portland,
1854-5.
C. B. GUTHRIE,
JOHN L. KIDWELL,
Memphis,
1355-6.
Washington, D. C.,
1856-7.
JAMES COOKE,
Fredericksburg,
1857-8.
SECOND
VICE PRESIDENTS.
SAMUEL M. COLCORD,
Boston,
ALEXANDER DUVAL,
Richmond,
JOHN MEAKIM,
1852-3.
1853-4.
New York,
1854-5.
CHARLES ELLIS,
FREDERICK STEARNS,
S. P. PECK,
Philadelphia,
1855-6.
Detroit,
1856-7.
Bennington, Vt.,
1857-8.
THIRD VICE PRESIDENTS.
C. AUGUSTUS SMITH,
Cincinnati,
1852-3.
C. B. GUTHRIE,
Memphis,
1853-4.
JOSEPH LAIDLEY,
Richmond,
1854-5.
HENRY F. FISH,
Waterbury, Ct.,
-1855-6.
H. G. KIERSTED,
A. E. RICHARds,
New York,
1856-7.
Plaquemine, La.,
1857-8.
RECORDING SECRETARIES.
GEO. D. COGGESHALL,
1852.
EDW. S. WAYNE,
1854.
EDWARD PARRISH,
W. J. M. GORDON,
1853.
1855-7.
CORRESPONDING
WM. PROCTER, Jr.,
1852-7.
SECRETARIES.
EDW. PARRISH,
1857-8.
TREASURERS.
ALFRED B. TAYLOR,
J. S. ASPINWALL,
1852-4.
S. M. COLCORd,
1854-5.
1856-7.
S. M. COLCORD,
1857-8.
INDEX.
Note to the members of the Association,
Officers of the American Pharmaceutical Association,
Minutes of the First Session,
List of Delegates,
Report of Executive Committee,
Election of members,
Vice President Stearns' Address
Minutes of the Second Session,
Page.
3
4
5-10
5
6
6, 9, 10, 15, 25, 27, 30
9
10--13
13
•
13, 45
13
14, 15
Report on a Syllabus for Pharmaceutical Students,
Report on the Sale of Poisons,
Report on Home Adulterations,
Minutes of the Third Session,
Report on Weights and Measures,
Report on Unofficinal Formulæ,
Aqua Terebinthinæ.
Carminative, Dr. Murphy's...
Ceratum de Lapidæ Calaminari.
Chalk Mixture, Anodyne..
Emp. Flor. Ung..
Emp, Hyd. Comp. (Brouks').
Emp. Sedativum
UNOFFICINAL FORMULE.
Extractum Ipecacuhanæ Fluidum.
Gargle, Bell's…..
Glycerin with Iod. of Iron.
Guttæ Vitæ...
Infusum Cinnam. Comp.
Infusum Guthrii..
•
Infusum Sennæ Comp. Hosp.
Liniment, Brodie's
Liniment, Canada.
...
Liniment of St. John Loug.
Lotion, white caustic.
.96 Pills, Triplex··
.96
Wallace's
+
White's gout.
98 Pulv. Anisi Comp.
•
Çarb. Ligni Comp.
Eccoprotic
Gregory's
* •
Asari Canad. Comp
Carrageen Comp.
Ferri Oxidi Rub.
• •
•
Quassiæ Comp
14, 36
14, 79

.81
.92
.81
.94
.91
66
•
.93
CC
81
.88
90
.83
Millar's
.97
- •
..89
Morphiæ Attenuatus.
.97
.97
Red Drop, Hunter's
84
.82
•
•
.90 Syrup
Actææ Comp.
.94
..97
91
86
((
•
.95
.85
.90
.88
Cinchona.
.96
(C
Picis Liquidæ
*
.94
•
•
82, 84
(C
.88
82
Scillæ Aquosus
.86
.84, 93
(6
Sanguin. Canad Comp.
•
.88
$8
.93
(C
Тагахасі
.89
-85
•
.89
•
.84
.83 Troch. Sanguin. Canad
* •
•
.82
.90
+
-87
.86
Belladonna Ext..
.86
Cascarillæ Comp.
.92
(
Chloroformi
.86
81
Cinchona Ferrata.
+
•
.87
،،
Cinchona and Cayroph.
.87
81
66
Colombo ('onc...
.92
.84
ઃ
Croci. Sativ. Comp.
.85
•
• ·
841
ແ
85
Doveri...
.97
Ferri Nitro. Sulp..
.94
A
•
*
Mixture Alkaline, Dr. Stevens'
66
Chalk,
..
•
Chapman's..
Senna Comp
Purgative..
• •
•
•
for Dysentery, Hospital.
Ointment, Belville..
Ointment, nutritive.
Pills, Abernethy's.
·
• •
•
Asthmatic.
Dinner, Dr. Hall's.
Graves
Miller's
S.ugg's.
•
•
•
•
.
• •
• ·
*
Taraxaci Comp.
.99 Troch. Ferri Carb.
.98
99 Tinct. Alkali Comp·
83
95
.91
Araliæ Spinosæ
Arnica Conc.
•
.89
tr
INDEX.
177
Aloin
Tinct. Gum Flay.
Lyttæ Vittatæ.
Rad. Phytolac. Decand·
•
Rhus Vernicis
Rubi Trivialis Comp.
Ung. Althææ.
+
· •
•
•
•
-88 Ung. Croci.
.89 Ung. Sedativ.
•
.92 Ung. Camphor. Comp.
.89 Ung. Galbanum Comp.
.95
· +
Wine, Aromatic, Ricord's-
.87 Wine of Iron, Sweet.
Report on the Progress of Pharmacy,
Aconitum Heterophyllum
Action of Alkaline Chlorides on Calomel.
Alizarine
Alkaloids, Determination of
Alcoholic Fermentation
·
.62) Gallic Acid…
.71 Gelatin, Elastic.
.59 Glass acted on by water.
.59 Glycerin, Artificial.
•
•
57 Glycerin, Iodized.
.54 Gold Sponge.
·
•
.87
.83
.93
.93
.82
.82
14, 50

-70
..60
-53
-.57
.-69
·
.68
Aloetin
Aluminium
Amoma of Western Africa.
Amygdalin.
Amyle, Hydride of
Amylene..
Antimony, Iodide of
•
Apparatus for high heats.
Artificial Production of Ice.
Artificial Vichy Water..
•
...
Baryta, Cryst. Hydrate of
Benzinated Solution of Alumina -
Berberin Tree of Soudan.
Bestucheff's Tincture.
Bismuth, Subcarbonate of
1 *
·
59 Grain Weights.
.50
-63 Hydrargyrum cum Creta.
.58 Ilex Opaca, American Holly.
-52 Indian Hemp, Resin of.
-53 Iodized Oil..
.65 Iron.
-71
Lapis Calaminaris
52 Liquidambar, Bark of.
69 Liquor Ferri Nitratis.
.67
·
.71
•
67 Hydrocyanic Acid
- +
.58
61
-58
..60
.67
-50
By
·
-63
.68
.62 Magnesium
.57
·
-72 Malambo Bark:
+
.55, 63
•
Bismuth, Ter-iodide of
-71 Mannite and Glycerin convertible into Sugar· ·57
52 Mercury, Protiodide of
.66, 67
Blue Mass, Powdered.
Boron
Bytteria febrifuga
Caffein
Carbon and Hydrogen, determination of
Carbon, Proto-sulphuret of...
Carbon, Bisulphuret as a solvent.
Carbazotic Acid
Carbonic Acid
Capsicin
·
Charcoal, Animal
Charcoal, New properties of
Chlorine Water
•
•
·
·
•
-
72 Monarda didyma.
.59
-51
-64 Optical character of Cinchona alkaloids.
.55
Oak Galls, English..
•
.54
53 Palm Sugar
-61
.60
Chloroform
Cinchonidin
►
-52 Penghawar Djambi-
-66 Phaseo-Mannite
59 Pilulæ Hydrargyri, U. S.
55 Potash from Sulphur-
57 Potassium Ferrocyanide-
53 Process for Drying Plants.
68 Pyrogallic Acid.
Cinnamic Acid in resin of Liquidambar styra- Quassia Bark-
.61
•
•
-54
1
61 Phosphorus
.51
71
•
.52
-51
• •
.69
.70
*
71
-54 Quinidin
58
.63
ciflua.
Coconut Oil
Coating Pills with Tolu
Codeia.
Cod Liver Oil with Quinia, &c
· •
+
·
Colchicein
Conhydrin
Collodion
Copals of Western Africa.
Cinchona, Culture of, in Java-
Cyclamin
-57
.64 Radix Uncomo como.
65 Red Bark Tree...
.62
-61
-59 Rottlera Tinctoria
.61
64
66 Rhatany.
.55
.61
•
-56 Santonin.
70
67 Scammony Resin.
.66
•
62 Scillitin
-56
-63 Silicium, Oxide and Chloride of
52
•5S Solanin
.56
Soluble Glass··
.52
Detection of Oil of Turpentine in Essential oils 56 Spiritus Etheris Comp-
Distilled Waters.....
Ether, Preparation of, by Steam Heat.
Drying Oils, Preparation of
Eguse Oil from Africa-
Extract of Liquorice...
Ext. Colocynthidis Comp..
•
Fluid Extract of Arnica.
(C
Authemidis
CC
CC
CC
Ergot
Jalap
Lupulin
Senua
•
•
.65 Storax
-70 Strychnia.
Strychnos Ignatia Analysis.
.62 Sulphur
66 Syrup Iodide of Iron··
-65 Syrup Phosphate of Iron.
-67 Syrup Squills, Compound.
·70
-62
53, 65
-55
•51
-70
•
•
•
-71
•
.e6
*
Uva Ursi..
.68 Tinct. Ferri Chloridi.
•
·
69 Tinct Ignatia Amara.
67 Tragacanth
-67
.67 Ursone
.68 Transformation of soluble into insoluble gum· ·56
68 Urari, or Arrow Poison of Guiana.
.57
·
68
.68
.69
..64
12
178
INDEX.
Valerianate of Ammonia.
Valerianic Acid.
Veratrum Viride
Wild Senna
*
•
Minutes of the Fourth Session,
Report of the Treasurer,
-59, 70(Wood Oil-
.59
54 Xanthoxylin
64
"
Xanthoxylum piperitum
-
Reading of Scientific Reports and Essays,
Report on Revision of the Pharmacopoeia,
62
.58
-63
16
15
16, 20, 52, 56
21, 22
Special Report of Executive Committee,
23, 24
Minutes of the Fifth Session,
24-27
Minutes of the Sixth Session, (evening,)
27
Minutes of the Seventh Session,
28-35
Report of Committee on the articles on exhibition,
28
Subjects referred for investigation, .
30-34
Roll of Members in attendance at the Sixth Annual Meeting,
Reports of Committees in full,
35
36-104
Appeal to Druggists and Pharmaceutists in the United States
in regard to the Sale of Poisons,
48
Communication from Dr. M. J. Bailey,
100
Scientific Reports and Essays,
105-145
Report on New England Isinglass, C. T. Carney,
105
Report on Iodine, Thos. B. Porteus,
110
Report on American Henbane, Frederick Stearns,
121
Report on American Lard, I. J. Grahame,
124
Report on Elaterium, Edward Parrish,
126
Report on Arnica, Wm. J. M. Gordon,
127
Remarks on Ergot, Wm. Procter, Jr.,
127
Report on Spigelia, R. H. Stabler,
132
Report on Methods of Rendering Medicines Pleasing to the
Eye and Agreeable to Use, Frederick Stearns,
134
Volunteer Papers,
•
146-161
Ethical Analysis, Edward Parrish,
Production of Leeches in Michigan, Frederick Stearns,
New process for Citrate of Magnesia, Frederick Stearns,
The use of our Indigenous Plants, John Maisch,
146
150
152
153
Appendix,
Constitution of the Association,
Roll of Members, .
162
162
*
167
Committees to Report at next Annual Meeting,
List of Officers of the Association since its organization,
174
175
MINUTES
OF THE
CONVENTION
OF
Pharmaceutists and Druggists,
HELD IN THE
CITY OF NEW YORK,
OCTOBER 15, 1851.
PHILADELPHIA:
MERRIHEW & SON, PRINTERS,
No. 243 Arch Street, below Third St.
1865.
MINUTES.
Pursuant to a call of the New York College of Pharmacy, a
meeting of delegates from the Colleges of Pharmacy of New
York, Philadelphia, and Boston, was held at the rooms of the
New York College of Pharmacy, No. 511 Broadway, Oct. 15th,
at 5 P. M.
Mr. Charles Ellis, of Philadelphia, was appointed Chairman,
and Dr. Samuel R. Philbrick, of Boston, Secretary. It was on
motion resolved that a committee of one from each delegation be
appointed to examine credentials, and nominate officers for the
Convention.
George D. Coggeshall, of New York, S. M. Colcord, of Bos-
ton, and A. B. Taylor, of Philadelphia, were appointed the
Committee.
The Committee reported the names of George D. Coggeshall,
Dr. C. B. Guthrie, and Thomas B. Merrick, as delegates from
the New York College of Pharmacy; Dr. Samuel R. Philbrick,
Thomas Restiaux, and Samuel M. Colcord, as delegates from
the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy; and Charles Ellis,
William Procter, Jr., and Alfred B. Taylor, as delegates from
the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy; and nominated Dr. C.
B. Guthrie, of New York, as President, and Alfred B. Taylor,
of Philadelphia, as Secretary of the Convention; which nomina-
tions were adopted by the Convention.
The President, on taking his seat, returned thanks for the
honor conferred in being called to preside over this, the first
Convention of the kind ever assembled in the United States, and
proceeded to state the objects of the call for this Convention,-
4
MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION OF
viz.: The adoption of a series of standards for the use of the
Drug Inspectors at our different ports, whereby their action.
might be rendered more uniform and satisfactory; as well as the
proposal. of any measures that might be calculated to elevate the
profession, and promote their interests throughout the country.
On motion, it was resolved that papers in the hands of the
delegates should be read.
A paper from the New York College of Pharmacy, signed by
two of the Committee of that body, (George D. Coggeshall and
C. B. Guthrie,) as well as a minority report of Thomas B. Mer-
rick, were read. A letter from the Boston Drug Inspector, in
reply to certain queries of Mr. Restiaux, was presented and
read, as also a paper on the subject of standards, by Wm. Proc-
ter, Jr., of Philadelphia.
A letter from Dr. Stewart, of Baltimore, was read, giving his
views in regard to the subject, and stating that delegates from
the Maryland College of Pharmacy had been appointed; none
of whom, however, were present. A communication was re-
ceived from Cincinnati, informing the Convention that their
College of Pharmacy had also appointed delegates, none of
whom presented themselves.
After reading the various letters, quite an interesting dis-
cussion took place amongst the members of the Convention in
regard to the importance and practicability of adopting certain
proposed standards.
It was on motion resolved that a Committee of one from each
delegation be appointed to take charge of the papers presented,
and to report to the next meeting a plan of action for the Com-
mittee to adopt.
The President appointed Mr. Restiaux, of Boston, Wm. Proc-
ter, Jr., of Philadelphia, and Mr. Coggeshall, of New York, as
the Committee.
There being no further business before the Convention, it was
on motion resolved that we adjourn, to meet in this place
to-morrow, the 16th inst., at 12 o'clock.
(Signed,)
A. B. TAYLOR,
Secretary.
PHARMACEUTISTS AND DRUGGISTS.
Second Session, October 16th, 1851.
An adjourned meeting of the Convention was held this day at
12 o'clock, at the rooms of the College, No. 511 Broadway.
The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and adopted.
The Committee appointed at the last meeting made the follow-
ing report:
To the Convention of Delegates from the Colleges of Pharmacy in refer-
ence to the Inspection of Drugs :
The Committee appointed to consider and arrange the subject for the
action of the Convention, report-
That they have examined the papers referred to them, and considered
them in connection with the sentiment expressed verbally in the Con-
vention at its first session, and have agreed to recommend the following,
viz.:
We understand the sense of this Convention to be that no application
to Congress for the modification of the law is necessary, as the Secretary
of the Treasury has the power to construe the law in favor of admitting
articles for manufacturers' use, when not of full standard purity, under
bond that such articles be solely devoted to such use, and that he has the
power to designate standards in all cases where the wording of the law is
doubtful; and we recommend that the following rules or standards be
forwarded to that officer, with the earnest request of the Convention that
the Drug Examiners be instructed to carry them out in practice.
1st. We consider that the law is already ample in its general provisions
in guarding the admission of drugs, medicinal substances, and prepara-
tions, under the reference which it distinctly requires to the Pharmaco-
poeias and Dispensatories specified in it; but we think it right to
designate a few prominent articles for which positive standards are re-
quired.
2d. All drugs and chemicals employed in manufacturing medicinal
preparations should be admitted of less than standard purity, upon suffi-
cient bonds being given that such articles are solely to be devoted to
said uses.
3d. Opium should not contain less than eight per cent. of pure mor-
phia, unless intended for manufacturing purposes as above stated.
4th. Calisaya Bark not intended for manufacturing should contain not
less than per cent. of Quinia.
と
​5th. Two varieties of Scammony should be admitted, “Aleppo Cake
Scammony," that contains not less than forty per cent. of true "Scammony
Resin ;" and the so-called "Virgin Scammony," that contains not less
than seventy per cent. of the same resinous principle.
1*
6
MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION OF
6th. All Elaterium not containing twenty-five per cent. of Elatin should
be rejected.
7th. Iodine, unless intended for manufacturing, should not contain
more than three per cent. of water, and should be free from all other im-
purities.
8th. Gum-resins used solely in medicines, as Assafœtida, Ammoniac,
&c., should be rejected when they contain more than fifteen per cent. of
extraneous matter, whether accidental or designed.
9th. Barks derived from the Cinchonas growing in northern provinces
of South America, and which contain Cinchonia with or without Quinia,
and which are generally known as Carthagena and Maracaibo Barks,
should be admitted; all other Barks falsely purporting to be Cinchona
Barks, whether derived from this or other sources, should be rejected.
10. As there is no good reason for the introduction of European Rhu-
barb into this country, owing to its inferior strength, we recommend that
all Rhubarb of European origin be excluded.
11th. The uninjured portion of partially damaged drugs, &c., may be
admitted, provided the importer will, under the superintendence of the
Inspector, cause all the damaged parts to be removed; and drugs other-
wise good, if loosely admixed with extraneous substances to an extent
that in the proper construction of the law would be rejected, may be
passed if the importer will remove all such extraneous parts under the
direction of the Examiner.
12th. It is recommended that the Examiner of each port be required
to collect and deposit in his office a cabinet of specimens of drugs, chemi-
cals, and permanent medicinal preparations, as complete as practicable,
to be used for comparison in the course of inspection.
:
And, finally, this Convention earnestly and respectfully recommend,
as the useful working of the law, after all, depends mainly on the integrity
and ability of the Examiners, that the greatest carefulness should be ex-
ercised by the appointing power in the selection of these officers, in fur-
therance of which the Colleges of Pharmacy would cheerfully render
their assistance, if solicited.
(Signed,)
WM. PROCTER, JR., of Philadelphia,
GEO. D. COGGESHALL, of New York,
THOS. RESTIAUX, of Boston.
It was on motion resolved that the foregoing report be read
and considered by sections, when, after full and free discussion
of each section, the report was adopted by the Convention in
the following form :
We consider that the law is already ample in its general provisions in
guarding the admission of drugs, medicinal substances, and preparations,
under the reference which it distinctly requires to the Pharmacopoeias
PHARMACEUTISTS AND DRUGGISTS.
7
and Dispensatories, specified in it; but we think it right to designate a
few prominent articles, for which positive standards are required.
1st. All drugs and chemicals employed in manufacturing chemical
preparations used in medicine, may be admitted of less than standard
purity, upon sufficient bonds being given that such articles are solely to
be devoted to said uses.
2d. Opium should not contain less than eight per cent. of pure morphia,
unless intended for manufacturing, as above stated.
3d. Two varieties of Scammony should be admitted," Aleppo Cake
Scammony," that contains not less than forty per cent. of "true Scam-
mony Resin;" and the so-called "Virgin Scammony," that contains not
less than sixty-five per cent. of the same resinous principle.
4th. All Elaterium not containing twenty-five per cent. of Elatin should
be rejected.
5th. Iodine, unless intended expressly for manufacturing, should not
contain more than three per cent. of water, and should be free from all
other impurities.
6th. Gum resins used solely in medicine, as Assafoetida, Ammoniac,
&c., should be rejected when they contain more than fifteen per cent. of
extraneous matter, whether accidental or designed.
7th. Barks derived from the Cinchonas growing in the northern
provinces of South America, and which contain Cinchonia with or with-
out "Quinia," should be admitted; all other barks, sold as Cinchona
barks, should be rejected.
8th. As there is no good reason for the introduction of European Rhu-
barb into this country, owing to its inferior strength, we recommend that
all Rhubarb of European origin be excluded.
9th. The uninjured portion of partially damaged drugs, &c., may be
admitted, provided the importer will, under the superintendence of the
Inspector, cause all the damaged parts to be removed; and drugs other-
wise good, if loosely admixed with extraneous substances to such an ex-
tent that, in the proper construction of the law, they would be rejected,
may be passed if the importer will remove all such extraneous parts, un-
der the direction of the Examiner.
10th. It is recommended that the Examiner collect and deposit in his
office a cabinet of specimens of drugs, chemicals, and permanent medici-
nal preparations, as complete as practicable, to be used for comparison
in the course of inspection.
11th, and finally. This Convention respectfully and earnestly recom-
mends, as the useful working of the law, after all, depends mainly on the
integrity and ability of the Examiners, that the greatest carefulness
should be exercised by the appointing power in the selection of these
officers, in furtherance of which the Colleges of Pharmacy would cheer-
fully render their assistance, if solicited.
:
MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION OF
8
The Committee also offered the following preamble and reso-
lutions, which were adopted by the Convention :
Whereas, The advancement of the true interests of the great body of
pharmaceutical practitioners in all sections of our country is a subject
worthy earnest consideration; and
Whereas, Pharmaceutists, in their intercourse among themselves, with
physicians, and the public, should be governed by a code of ethics calcu-
lated to elevate the standard and improve the practice of their art; and
Whereas, The means of a regular pharmaceutical education should be
afforded to the rising pharmaceutists, by the establishment of Schools of
Pharmacy in suitable locations; and
Whereas, It is greatly to be desired that the united action of the pro-
fession should be directed to the accomplishment of these objects;
therefore,
Resolved, That in the opinion of this Convention, much good will result
from a more extended intercourse between pharmaceutists of the several
sections of the Union, by which their customs aud practice may be
assimilated;
That pharmaceutists would promote their individual interests, and ad-
vance their professional standing, by forming associations for mutual
protection, and the education of their assistants, when such associations
have become sufficiently matured; and that in view of these important
ends it is further
Resolved, That a Convention be called, consisting of three delegates
each from incorporated and unincorporated Pharmaceutical Societies, to
meet at Philadelphia on the first Wednesday of October, 1852, when all
the important questions bearing on the profession may be considered,
and measures adopted for the organization of a National Association, to
meet every year.
In accordance with these resolutions, the President of this Convention
is requested to transmit an invitation to the authorized bodies, at least
three months previous to the time of meeting, requesting such bodies to
acquaint him with the names of the delegates they may appoint.
It was on motion resolved that the New York Delegation be
appointed a Committee to lay the proceedings of this Conven-
tion before the Secretary of the Treasury, and afterwards have
them published in pamphlet form.
Dr. Philbrick offered the following preamble and resolution,
which were adopted:
Whereas, To secure the full benefits of the prohibition of sophisticated
drugs and chemicals from abroad, it is necessary to prevent home adulte-
ration,—
PHARMACEUTISTS AND DRUGGISTS.
9
Resolved, That this Convention recommend to the several Colleges to
adopt such measures as in their respective States may be best calculated
to secure that object.
It was on motion of Mr. Colcord resolved that a Committee
of three be appointed to act as a Standing Committee, to collect
such information as may be deemed valuable, together with me-
morials and suggestions from any medical and pharmaceutical
associations; to be presented at the next Convention.
The President appointed S. M. Colcord, of Boston, George D.
Coggeshall, of New York, and Wm. Procter, Jr., of Philadel-
phia, said Committee.
A vote of thanks was presented to the New York College of
Pharmacy, for the use of their rooms for the sessions of the
Convention, and for the social entertainment provided by them.
A vote of thanks was also presented to the officers of the
Convention, for the able manner in which they discharged their
duties.
There being no further business before the Convention, on
motion adjourned.
(Signed,)
A. B. TAYLOR,
Secretary.
In compliance with the resolution to that effect, the President
of the Convention issued the following circular letter and call to
the Convention; and the accompanying resolution was passed
by the Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
CIRCULAR LETTER.
New York, November 25, 1851.
SIR,-At a meeting of Delegates from the Colleges of Pharmacy of the
United States, held in this city, on the 15th of October, 1851, the follow-
ing Preamble and Resolutions, explanatory of themselves, were offered,
and, after a free and full discussion, unanimously adopted:
L
"Whereas, The advancement of the true interests of the great body of
Pharmaceutical Practitioners, in all sections of our country, is a subject
worthy of earnest consideration; and whereas, Pharmaceutists in their
intercourse among themselves, with physicians, and the public, should be
governed by a Code of Ethics calculated to elevate the standard, and im-
prove the practice of their Art; and whereas, the means of a regular
10
MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION OF
pharmaceutical education should be offered to the rising pharmaceutists
by the establishment of Schools of Pharmacy, in suitable locations; and
whereas, it is greatly to be desired that the united action of the Profes-
sion should be directed to the accomplishment of these objects; therefore
"Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Convention, much good will re-
sult from a more extended intercourse between pharmaceutists of the
several sections of the Union, by which their customs and practice may
be assimilated; that pharmaceutists would promote their individual in-
terests, and advance their professional standing, by forming associations
for mutual protection, and for the education of their assistants, when such
associations have become sufficiently matured; and that, in view of these
important ends, it is further
"Resolved, That a convention be called, consisting of three delegates
each, from incorporated and unincorporated Pharmaceutical Societies, to
meet at Philadelphia, on the first Wednesday in October, 1852, when all
the important questions, bearing on the profession, may be considered,
and measures adopted for the organization of a National Association to
meet every year."
The objects set forth in the above, I trust, will meet the hearty appro-
bation of yourself and the apothecaries of your place, and lead to the
formation (if not already in existence) of such an association as will co-
operate in the furtherance of the proposed association.
Our medical brethren have, as you doubtless are aware, an organization
símilar in character, holding its sessions annually, in which all matters
pertaining to their profession are fully discussed, the beneficial effects
of which are already apparent, though the Association has been in ex-
istence but a few years.
They cannot give to the subject of Pharmacy the attention it requires
and deserves, neither is it a matter legitimately falling under their cogni-
zance, but belongs to the Pharmaceutists themselves.
The Medical Profession and the Community at large rightfully look to
us for the correction of any existing abuses, the advancement of the sci-
ence, and the elevation of the business of an Apothecary to the dignity
and standard of a profession.
To this end we invite you to the formation of such associations, in view
of the Convention, to be held in Philadelphia, on the first Wednesday of
October, 1852.
Communications, intended for said Convention, may be addressed to
William Procter, Jr., Philadelphia, George D. Coggeshall, New York,
or S. M. Colcord, Boston.
Any communications, touching the subject of the above letter, will be
cheerfully responded to by the President of the Convention.
C. B. GUTHRIE,
President Convention Colleges of Pharmacy.
PHARMACEUTISTS AND DRUGGISTS.
11
CALL TO THE CONVENTION.
NOTICE.-The Annual Meeting of the U. S. Pharmaceutical Conven-
tion will take place in Philadelphia, on Wednesday, the 6th of October,
1852.
It being a matter of much importance that this meeting should num-
ber as many of our Druggists and Chemists as possible, I deem it proper
to suggest that not only all regular incorporated and unincorporated
associations of this kind should see that they are fully represented, but
that where no associations exist as yet, the apothecaries should send one
or more of their number as delegates to the Convention,-such will, no
doubt, be cheerfully admitted to seats in the Convention.
We trust all who feel an interest in this important subject will remem-
ber the time and place, and give us their assistance in person or by
delegate.
C. B. GUTHRIE,
President of Convention.
The following resolution was passed by the Board of Trustees of the
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Sept. 20th, 1852:
Resolved, That the hall of this College (Zane Street, above Seventh,)
be placed at the disposal of the Pharmaceutical Convention about to
assemble in this city during the time they may need it.”
!
ī
!
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION,
Held at Philadelphia, October 6th, 1852.
(PUBLISHED BY DIRECTION OF THE CONVENTION.)
Second Edition, Unaltered.
PHILADELPHIA:
MERRIHE W & SON,
PRINTERS,
No. 243 Arch Street, below Third St.
1865.
!
”
$
NOTE BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
A
In August, 1851, the New York College of Pharmacy issued a call
addressed to the other Colleges of Pharmacy in the United States, re-
questing that they should severally appoint three delegates to meet in
Convention at New York, on the 15th of October following, to take into con-
sideration the subject of Standards for the guidance of the Special Ex-
aminers of Drugs, Medicines, &c., at the several chief Ports of Entry.
That Convention met in accordance with the call-and after attending to
the matters for which it specially convened, passed the following preamble
and resolutions, viz.:
"Whereas, The advancement of the true interests of the great body of
pharmaceutical practitioners in all sections of our country is a subject
worthy of earnest consideration; and, whereas, pharmaceutists, in their
intercourse among themselves, with physicians and the public, should be
governed by a Code of Ethics calculated to elevate the standard and im-
prove the practice of their art; and whereas, the means of a regular phar.
maceutical education should be offered to the rising pharmaceutists by
the establishment of Schools of Pharmacy in suitable locations; and
whereas, it is greatly to be desired that the united action of the pro-
fession should be directed to the accomplishment of these objects; there-
fore,
“Resolved, That in the opinion of this Convention much good will re-
sult from a more extended intercourse between the pharmaceutists of
the several sections of the Union, by which their customs and practice
may be assimilated; that pharmaceutists would promote their individual
interests, and advance their professional standing, by forming associations
for mutual protection, and the education of their assistants when such as-
sociations have become sufficiently matured; and that, in view of these
important ends, it is further
(C
Resolved, That a convention be called, consisting of three delegates
each, from incorporated and unincorporated pharmaceutical societies, to
meet at Philadelphia on the first Wednesday in October, 1852, when all
the important questions bearing on the profession may be considered, and
measures adopted for the organization of a National Association, to meet
every year."
The Convention met at Philadelphia in answer to the above resolution,
and the following pages exhibit an account of its proceedings.
WILLIAM PROCTER, JR.,
George D. Coggeshall,
JOSEPH BURnett.
Philadelphia, October, 1852.
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
HALL OF THE PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY,
October 6th, 1852, 4 o'clock, P. M.
In the absence of Dr. Guthrie, President of the Convention
held last year, the Convention was called to order by Mr. A.
B. Taylor, of Philadelphia, the Secretary. Mr. Coggeshall, of
New York, informed the meeting that, in a letter lately received
from President Guthrie, dated at Louisville, he stated that cir-
cumstances had rendered his presence impossible, but that his
best wishes would attend the Convention in its endeavors to ele-
vate the profession.
1
On motion of Mr. Procter it was resolved, that Mr. Cogges-
hall, of New York, be appointed President pro tempore, Mr.
Taylor acting as Secretary.
On motion, it was resolved, that the President should appoint
a Committee of three to examine the credentials of the delegates
present. Whereupon, Messrs. Ellis, of Philadelphia, Colcord,
of Boston, and Laidley, of Richmond, were commissioned to re-
tire on that duty, and were also directed to report a resolution
in reference to the druggists and apothecaries who were present
with the desire of attending the Convention without being dele-
gated.
This Committee reported that satisfactory credentials of the
appointment of the following gentlemen as delegates had been
offered:
From the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.—Joseph Bur-
nett, Samuel M. Colcord, Dr. Samuel R. Philbrick.
From the College of Pharmacy of the City of New York.—
George D. Coggeshall, L. S. Haskell, John Meakim.
From the Richmond Pharmaceutical Society.-Alexander Du-
val, John Purcell, Joseph Laidley.
From the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy.-William B. Chap-
man, Charles Augustus Smith, Edward S. Wayne.
From the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.-Daniel B.
Smith, Charles Ellis, William Procter, Jr.
From the Maryland College of Pharmacy.-Dr. David Stew-
art, George W. Andrews.
And Henry F. Fish, of Waterbury, Connecticut, as the repre-
6
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
sentative of the apothecaries and druggists of the cities of Hart-
ford, and Middletown, Connecticut.
The following resolution was also offered:
Resolved, That those gentlemen whose interest in the objects
of the Convention has induced them to meet with us on this oc-
casion, be invited to take seats in the Convention and fully par-
ticipate in its proceedings.
Signed,
C. ELLIS,
S. M. COLCORD,
Jos. LAIDLEY,
Committee.
The Report, including the resolution, was adopted, and the
Committee continued, to act on the claims of delegates or others
not yet arrived.
On motion the roll was called, and the following delegate's
answered to their names:
Daniel B. Smith,
Charles Ellis,
William Procter, Jr.,
Joseph Burnett,
Samuel M. Colcord,
Samuel R. Philbrick,
Alexander Duval,
Joseph Laidley,
David Stewart,
Charles Augustus Smith,
George D. Coggeshall,
Llewellyn S. Haskell,
John Meakim,
Henry F. Fish.
The following gentlemen were then invited to seats in the
Convention, viz:
Charles L. Bache, of San Francisco, California.
Eugene Dupuy, of New York.
Edward Parrish, 1
Alfred B. Taylor,
of Philadelphia.
On motion, it was resolved, that a Committee of one from
each delegation be appointed to nominate officers for the Conven-
tion, each delegation suggesting its representative.
Whereupon Mr. Procter, of Philadelphia, Dr. Philbrick, of
Boston, Mr. Duval, of Richmond, Dr. Stewart, of Baltimore, Mr.
C. A. Smith, of Cincinnati, Mr. Meakim, of New York, Mr.
Fish of Connecticut, were chosen.
The Committee retired, and after conferring together reported
the following nominations:
DANIEL B. SMITH, of Philadelphia, for President.
GEORGE W. ANDREWS, of Baltimore,
SAMUEL M. COLCORD, of Boston,
C. AUGUSTUS SMITH, of Cincinnati,
for Vice Presidents.
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
7
GEORGE D. COGGESHALL, of New York, for Recording Sec-
retary.
WM. PROCTER, JR., of Philada., for Corresponding Secretary.
All of whom were duly elected, and the Committee discharged.
After the officers had taken their seats, the Committee ap-
pointed at the Convention held at New York, October, 1851,
"to act as a Standing Committee, to collect such information as
may be deemed valuable, together with memorials and suggestions
from Medical and Pharmaceutical Associations, to be presented
to the next Convention," made the following Report, which was
read and accepted.
To the Convention of Pharmaceutists assembled at Philadelphia, October
6th, 1852.
The undersigned, a Committee appointed at the Convention held last
year in New York, and instructed" to collect and receive such informa-
tion as may be valuable, and memorials and suggestions from Medical
and Pharmaceutical Associations, to be presented to the next Convention,"
respectfully report: That in the period that has elapsed since their ap-
pointment, notwithstanding the fact of their readiness to receive any com-
munications having been duly announced, they have received no contribu-
tions towards the end or object of their appointment, except those relating
to the inspection of drugs. They have, however, not been unmindful of
the duty reposed in them, and now offer the following suggestions as
tending to aid the business of the Convention, in so far as they exhibit some
of the more prominent subjects worthy of its serious deliberation and action.
1st. The number of Pharmaceutists, constituting the professional body
in the United States, is large, comprehends all grades of qualification, and
extends to every city and town in the country. The professed object of
the present Convention being to adopt measures calculated to benefit this
large body of citizens, in a professional point of view, by showing that
there exist many grounds of sympathy between them, notwithstanding the
present want of united action; we believe that the institution of a National
Association, whose members may come from all sections of the country, is
calculated to enlist this feeling of brotherhood, and direct its power, as a
removing force, towards the elevation of the average standard of qualifica-
tion now existing. In view of this, it is suggested whether the passage
of a resolution by this Convention, resolving itself into a National Asso-
ciation, should not properly engage its attention at its commencement, so
that the important details of forming a Constitution, explaining the nature
of its origination, &c. &c., might receive the deliberate consideration they
merit, before being adopted.
As the basis upon which the Association will rest, will be the decision
as to what shall constitute a member, we believe its ultimate usefulness
will very much depend on the character of this decision, and we cannot
refrain from presenting some reflections on the subject.
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
The inefficiency or inadequacy of the present basis, viz: Delegates
from incorporated and unincorporated Societies is here demonstrated by
the small number who have been appointed in answer to the call; at least,
this must be true so long as the process of local organization is so dilatory.
The aim should be to enlist as much as possible of the talent now engaged
in the pharmaceutical ranks.
We think, therefore, that membership in the proposed Association should
be of a representative character, to as full an extent as practicable. Col-
leges and Societies of Pharmacy should, of course, send delegates. Then
provision should be made for the Apothecaries in cities and towns where
no Society exists, whereby they may send representatives, to the extent of
one for every ten Apothecaries in such places; each representative to bring
with him a certificate from his constituents. Finally, to provide for the
admission of isolated individuals, who may not have neighbors sufficient
to entitle them to act as representatives, but who feel an interest in the
Association, power should be given to the committee on credentials, under
certain restrictions.
The formation of the Constitution, and the preparation of a Code of
Ethics applicable to the present condition of the profession, sufficiently
stringent to elevate the members above many things now too prevalent,
and yet not so binding as to exclude a large number who, though well
disposed, are unable to free themselves from participation in acts contrary
to the highest standard, without a sacrifice greater than could be expected
of them; should engage the wisest action of the Convention, to render
them practicable in their working.
2d. The subject of Pharmaceutical Education is, in the opinion of this
Committee, one of the greatest importance, and deserving of the consider-
ation of the Convention, in several points of view. Indeed, the primary
object of the Convention being called, was in reference to the improvement
of the standard of practice throughout the country, and this cannot be ef-
fected without extending the present means of education, either by schools,
or by an increase of facilities offered by proprietors to their apprentices
and assistants. In too many instances the proprietors are illy fitted to
extend the tuition that of right belongs to those whom they have engaged
to teach the business of a Pharmaceutist. As schools of Pharmacy are of
gradual growth, and cannot be expected to exist except in large cities, the
Convention would do well to consider what subsidiary means may be en-
listed to reach those of our brethren who reside in small towns. One of
the first of these collateral aids will be found in local organizations, em-
bracing the proprietors in such towns where, by a union of their exertions
and contributions, they may encourage pharmaceutical literature by form-
ing libraries, and uphold among themselves correct practice, the employ-
ment only of good drugs, and the receipt of fair prices.
In France, where but three Pharmaceutical Schools exists, there are such
Societies in all the larger towns, which have halls and libraries, where
their young men and apprentices have opportunities for gaining knowledge,
and laboratories, wherein they occasionally perform operations not easily
executed with the utensils and instruments usually found in shop labora-
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
9
tories. If such associations can be formed by the proprietors, they will
soon influence the apprentices, and thus effect the object aimed at to a
great extent.
The superior advantages of tuition in well conducted Schools of Phar-
macy will not be doubted, especially when it is preceded by several years
of shop practice. Access to these, by young men at a distance, can always
be had where their circumstances enable them to attend, and thus finish
their pharmaceutical education. The perfection of a School of Pharmacy
is attained by attaching to it a practical laboratory, wherein the advanced
pupils can have an opportunity to become familiar with the more difficult
manipulations of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and of extemporaneous Phar-
macy. As yet, neither of the Schools in this country have this addition,
which arises from the fact that the expense of conducting them, renders
their support by the fees of the pupils almost impossible. We think the
voice of the Convention should be raised to encourage the formation of such
schools, and also to advocate the practice of preparing chemicals in the
shop laboratory.
3. The apprenticeship system which obtains in many parts of the United
States, is a subject worthy of the consideration of the Convention. The
conditions conducing to mutual advantage between the employer and the
employed, are not sufficiently attended to in general. Proprietors often
do not consider the fitness of applicants, both as regards natural endow-
ments and preliminary education, with that care and attention that a due
regard to such applicants demands, and consequently a large number of
inefficient apothecaries are entailed on the country-inefficient from lack
of talent, or from disgust at a business for which they have no inclination.
More attention to the claims of apprentices, on the teaching of their em-
ployers, should be advocated by the Convention as due to the former, as
advantageous to the latter, and eventually to the profession.
4th. The Committee believe that the subject of secret medicines, or quack-
ery, as applied to Pharmacy, together with the course usually followed by
quacks, in bringing their nostrums into notice, is becoming yearly more
fraught with ill consequences, both to the customers and the apothecaries,
and merits the consideration of the Convention, as to whether the reference
of the subject to a Committee to investigate, would not result in some
advantage.
5th. The subject of the inspection of imported drugs, as regards the ac-
tual working of the law, is of deep interest to us all. The possibility of
bringing the influence of this convention to bear in regard to the continu-
ance in office of able men, solely on the ground of fitness, is worth con-
sideration. The usefulness of this law rests absolutely on the ability and
conscientiousness of the Inspector, and if incumbents perfectly satisfac-
tory to those concerned are removed, on political grounds, and replaced
by inexperienced and unqualified persons, it is apparent that the good re-
sults of the law will cease.
Whatever may be the efficiency of the law against the importation of
inferior drugs, it will not reach those at home, who are disposed to resort
to adulteration as a means of increasing their profits. The power of the
10
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
general government ceases with the Custom House. It will be necessary,
in order to reach this evil effectually, as far as it can be done by legis-
lation, to induce our State Legislatures and municipal authorities to
authorize some form of inspection by which the delinquents can be
reached; not the drug adulterator merely, but the medicine adulterator-
the apothecary who scruples not to reduce the strength of standard medi-
cines, that he may reduce his prices. Whatever may be the proper course
of this Convention, we believe that eventually the National Association
should urge, with all the force of its influence, the enactment of State
laws tending to the reformation of these evils.
6th. The general adoption of our National Pharmacopoeia as a guide in
the preparation of officinal medicines, is much to be desired. We believe
that this convention should encourage its adoption, and should request the
publishers of that work to issue a small sized cheap edition, so that every
apothecary and physician shall have a copy. We also believe that a fruit-
ful source of variation in the preparations of the shops, is the existence of
a number of formulæ for the same preparation, as found in the British
Pharmacopoeias, parallel with that of our own code, in the Commentaries
in general use.
7th. The indiscriminate sale of poisons by druggists and apothecaries, is
a serious evil in the United States, as at present conducted. Any views
which may originate in the Convention, tending to abate this evil, would
no doubt have some influence, if circulated by its authority.
8th. The separation of Pharmacy from the practice of medicine, bas long
been effected on the continent of Europe, by the direct interference of the
Government, each profession being in the hands of a distinct class of
men. Inheriting, as we do, our Medical Institutions from Great Britain,
the confusion of interests which has long prevailed there has in some
measure descended to us; and many instances of medical practitioners
conducting apothecary shops, like the so-called apothecaries of England,
exist among us. The increase of this class, in some localities, has been
marked of late years-a fact attributable to the undue multiplication of
graduates in medicine, who, finding the ranks of their profession so full as
to render prospect of immediate success doubtful, turn their attention to-
wards Pharmacy as a subsidiary means of support. As these mongrel
apothecaries too frequently use their shops merely as stepping stones to
business, they tend directly to depreciate the standard of practice on the
one hand, and tempt young apothecaries, who are struggling against the
difficulties of an already excessive competition, to turn their attention to
medical practice, with or without a diploma, as may suit their circum-
stances or fancy, on the other; and thus complicate the confusion. As
Pharmacy never will advance as it should, whilst this amalgamation exists
in cities and towns to any large extent, we earnestly recommend to this
Convention that a voice may go forth at its present session calling atten-
tion to this growing evil.
9th. Believing that if the Pharmaceutists of the United States are true to
themselves, the meetings of the Association, of which the present may
be considered the beginning, will annually increase in interest aud
importance, we would suggest, what must have occurred to many.
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
11
present, that they should be partially devoted to the advancement of Phar-
macy, as well as to the sciences upon which it is based, by inviting contri-
butions of original papers, and by committing subjects requiring investiga-
tion to suitable committees, who should report the results of their researches
at the ensuing annual meeting, when, if they meet the approbation of the
Association, it might direct their publication. Participation in the proceed-
ings of such a gathering of their brethren, would prove a powerful incentive
to many pharmaceutists, whose tastes lead them into scientific paths, to
cultivate their talents by the pursuit of investigations fraught with useful-
ness to their profession at home, and with honor to it abroad.
And lastly, whatever may be the ultimate action of the Convention in
relation to the subjects brought forward in this report, we would respect-
fully suggest that a full digest of its proceedings be directed to be published
and largely circulated among the pharmaceutists of the United States as
calculated to do much good.
Signed,
WILLIAM PROCTER, JR.
SAMUEL M. COLCORD,
Comm i
GEO. D. COGGESHALL.
On motion of Mr. Coggeshall, it was resolved to appoint a Busi-
ness Committee to consider the report just read, and to propose
subjects for the consideration of the Convention as they may deem
expedient, and report to the next sitting.
The President appointed William Procter, Jr., Joseph Burnett,
Alexander Duval, Dr. David Stewart, Charles A. Smith, and
L. S. Haskell.
On motion of Mr. Burnett, Henry F. Fish and George D.
Coggeshall were added to the Committee.
On motion of Mr. Procter it was resolved, that when the
Convention adjourns, it shall adjourn to 10 o'clock, A. M., to-
morrow.
On motion of Mr. Procter it was resolved, that all pharma-
ceutists who feel an interest in the proceedings of the Conven-
tion be invited to attend its deliberations.
On motion of Mr. Coggeshall it was resolved, that an invitation
be tendered to Professors George B. Wood, M. D., Franklin
Bache, M. D., Joseph Carson, M. D., and to the Professors of
the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, to attend the sittings of
this Convention.
The Convention then adjourned.
Second Sitting, Oct. 7th, 10 o'clock, A. M.
President in the Chair.
The roll was called and most of the delegates appeared in their
seats.
12
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
The minutes of the last sitting were read and approved.
The Business Committee reported a draft of a Constitution in
which they were united, except on the proposed second section, of
which two drafts were presented, upon which the Committee were
nearly equally divided, which was read. The Committee also re-
ported the draft of a proposed Code of Ethics, which was read at
this time, as connected with the consideration of one of the
drafts of the second section of the proposed Constitution.
The Committee on Credentials here reported in favor of J. B.
H. Campbell, of Cumberland, Maryland, and Chas. A. Heinitsh,
of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, having seats in the Convention,
which was on motion adopted, and the gentlemen introduced.
Professor Bridges, of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, in-
vited by the resolution of yesterday, was also introduced.
The Convention then proceeded to consider the Constitution by
sections, postponing the consideration of the preamble, în motion
of Mr. Colcord, until after the consideration of the Code of Ethics.
The first section, relative to the name of the Association, was
read and laid on the table for the present.
The two drafts of the second section were then read, as follows:
(1st draft.) "Section II. The members of this Association shall
consist, firstly, of delegates from regularly organized Colleges and
Societies of Pharmacy within the United States; secondly, of dele-
gates from the apothecaries and druggists of cities and towns
where no organization exists, each of such delegates representing
and presenting credentials signed by ten constituents; and thirdly,
of isolated pharmaceutists, residing in places where the number
of apothecaries is too small to send a representative by right, who
shall be admitted to the meetings of the Association and partici-
pate in its transactions, provided they are introduced at the meet-
ings by the Committee on Credentials.”
(2d draft.) “Section II. All pharmaceutists and druggists who
shall have attained the age of 21 years, whose character morally
and professionally is fair, and who, after duly considering the ob-
ligations of the Constitution and Code of Ethics of this Associa-
tion, are willing to subscribe to them, shall be eligible for mem-
bership.
"The members shall consist of Delegates from Colleges of
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Societies, who shall present pro-
perly authorized credentials, and of other reputable pharma-
ceutists feeling an interest in the objects of the Association who
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
13
may not be so delegated, the latter being required to present a
certificate signed by a majority of the delegates from the places
whence they came. If no such delegates are present at the
meeting, they may, on obtaining the certificates of any three
members of the Association, be admitted."
An animated debate ensued on the above drafts of the second
section; one part of the members were of the opinion that the
members of the proposed association should come from organized
societies as far as practicable, and that a representative basis
should be aimed at, even for places where no organization exists,
by requiring every member from such places to bring credentials
from the practicing apothecaries. This would enable every sec-
tion of the profession desiring to do so to have a voice in the
National Association, and by bringing them together would prac-
tically suggest the idea of organizing themselves into permanent
local societies. They argued that any instances of isolated phar-
maceutists desiring to take part in the meetings from interest in
their objects, would be met by the latter clause, by which such gen-
tlemen could gain admittance by courtesy through the Credential
Committee. They further argued, that if the door was thrown
open as widely as suggested in the second draft, the action of the
Association could be influenced by the ingress of members from
large cities, who might be wholly disconnected with the Societies
in those cities, and inimical to them. They thought that by ad-
hering to the representative basis, Societies in cities, by extend-
ing their connections through small towns by means of associate
members, would be enabled to extend their usefulness, and by
authorizing said associates, as delegates, a larger surface of the
profession could be represented; besides, by thus giving the right
of membership to the members of organized bodies, it would be
an inducement for apothecaries to form associations.
The other part of the members advocated the second draft, or
something equivalent. They believed, in the present condition of
Pharmacy in the United States, that a liberal basis should be
adopted. Their faith in the good intentions of the mass of the
apothecaries and druggists was sufficient to induce them to throw
open the doors and let all enter who could bring certificates of
their good standing at home, and who were willing to sign the
Constitution and Code of Ethics, after having carefully considered
them. They were of the opinion that the second section of the
first draft would cut off all the apothecaries from cities where col-
14
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
leges or societies exist, except the few delegates appointed by
the societies, many of whom would naturally desire to participate.
They viewed the delegations from colleges as present in a two-fold
capacity: 1st, as representatives of the interests of their institu-
tions in any movements of the National Association affecting
them; and 2d, as members of that Association in their individual
capacity, looking to the general interests of the pharmaceutical
profession. They therefore considered that the Association should
be independent of all local bodies at the same time that the latter,
through their delegates, could act in and with the Association if
they desired. They believed if the liberal view was adopted, that
even gentlemen of the opposite opinion would find that too few
instead of too many would avail themselves of the opening.
The second draft, after being amended by the addition to the
final paragraph of the words "provided they are introduced by
the Committee on Credentials," was finally adopted.
The first section, declaring that the proposed National Society
should be called "THE AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIA-
TION," was then taken up and adopted.
The other sections of the Constitution, as far as reported, in
reference to the officers and the meetings, &c., were then con-
sidered in order, and, after some verbal alterations, adopted.
(See Appendix, A.)
The Convention then proceeded to consider the Code of Ethics
article by article, which was adopted without amendment, and
laid on the table to await the final action on the preamble and
constitution. (See Appendix, B.)
On motion of Mr. Procter, the Convention adjourned to four
o'clock, P. M.
Third Sitting, October 7th, 4 o'clock, P. M.
President in the Chair.
On the roll being called, the delegates generally were present,
and subsequently Prof. Carson, invited by the resolution of yes-
terday, was introduced.
The minutes of the preceding sitting were read and adopted.
The President informed the Convention that the Business Com-
mittee not being ready to report, it was understood that Dr. Stew-
art, Examiner of Drugs, &c., at the port of Baltimore, had some
statements to offer in regard to the working of the drug law at
that port, and the Convention assenting, requested him to proceed.
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
15
Dr. Stewart stated that as there had been some difference of
opinion among the Drug Examiners as to the intention of the law
in certain cases, he desired the opinion of the Convention regard-
ing the inferior class of Cinchona barks that come from Mara-
caibo, Carthagena, &c., and other articles about which there is
difference of opinion among druggists. In illustration of the dif
ficulties of the subject, he remarked that one invoice of bark, that
in a commercial point of view was not esteemed, and which came
invoiced at 10 cents per pound, had yielded on analysis two and a
half per cent. of cinchonia, whilst Loxa bark, invoiced at 30 cents
per pound, had afforded but a fraction of one per cent. He con-
sidered the admission of the barks in question as quite different
from deteriorated or adulterated drugs, inasmuch as they pos-
sessed a range of power which, though inferior to the best Pe-
ruvian barks, was yet useful, and capable of application in medi-
cine. He therefore offered the following resolution :-
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Convention, that all
varieties of drugs, that are good of their kind, should be admit-
ted by the special examiners of drugs and medicines.”
Pending the consideration of this resolution, Mr. Coggeshall
informed the Convention that Dr. Bailey, the Special Examiner
of drugs for the port of New York, had furnished, at his request,
a report on the character of imported drugs coming under his
supervision, and on the general working of the law, which, by
request, was read. (See Appendix, C.)
A similar report from Mr. Edward Hamilton, late Drug Ex-
aminer at the port of Boston, communicated to Mr. S. M. Col-
cord, at his request, with a view to its being presented to this
Convention, was also read. (See Appendix, D.)
Dr. Stewart then opened the debate on the subject, arguing
that drugs, of whatever virtue or variety, so that they are good
of their kind, should be admitted.
In reference to Barks he could say, that perhaps a larger amount
of the varieties of that drug came into the port of Baltimore than
any other. That the merchants in that trade were so desirous of
getting the best kinds, that it was quite usual for them to import
specimens by way of the Isthmus, and have them examined before
ordering their invoices, in order to see if they would pass the
Custom House inspector. That he had (as Examiner at that port)
chemically examined a large number of samples of the barks, both
Peruvian and Carthagena, and that the latter had invariably con-
16
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
tained more or less of the alkaloids, and were generally of good
quality of their kind.
He therefore considered the fact that a drug is or may be
used as an adulteration for other drugs, should not exclude it, if
it is used to any extent on its own merits. In illustration, Dr.
Stewart remarked that the Examiner might go on a vessel and
observe, side by side, two casks of oil, consigned to the same indi-
vidual, one invoiced "cod-liver oil," and the other "sperm oil."
On examination he finds that they are what they purport to be;
the suspicion would arise very naturally that the latter was to be
used for adulterating the former, yet should sperm oil be ex-
cluded because certain parties use it as an adulteration? He
thought not; and on the same grounds he considered that the
inferior varieties of barks and of rhubarb should be admitted,
although some persons may use them for adulteration.
At the request of the President, Professor Carson, of the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania, addressed the Convention on the subject
before it. He coincided generally with the views of Dr. Stewart,
as regarded the value of the barks in question. He expressed
the opinion that numerous varieties of the so-called Carthagena
and Maracaibo barks possessed decided medicinal virtue, that
several kinds of European rhubarb were of much value in medi-
cine, especially in times when the officinal varieties are scarce,
and that these drugs should all be admitted when not deterio-
rated or adulterated.
•
Mr. Haskell, of New York, advocated the same views, more
especially as related to English rhubarb, bringing forward the
testimony of Dr. Pereira, to the effect that some specimens of
Banbury rhubarb were almost, if not fully, equal to the Chinese
drug, and even of rather higher price. He also stated that a
large demand existed in this country for yellow Carthagena barks;
that the house of which he was a member sold large quantities
in powder, and that the parties purchasing it did so knowing its
origin. He was not aware of the use to which it was put, but
presumed that it was employed legitimately.
Mr. Fish, of Connecticut, stated that, through the part of New
England that he represented, considerable quantities of the
barks in question were used legitimately as a tonic; and that no
instance of their being used as an adulteration of the Peruvian
barks had come to his knowledge.
Mr. Coggeshall, on the other side of the question, called the
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
17
attention of the Convention to the item in Dr. Bailey's report,
showing that three hundred thousand pounds of these barks had
been rejected at the port of New York in about two years and a
half. He argued that this bark was not consumed there—that
it was not used in the manufacture of the alkaloids-that the
allegation that it was used for making tooth powders would
hardly account for the great consumption of it, and the question
naturally arose, for what purpose was it imported? Mr. Cogge-
shall believed that it was used extensively to grind with the Pe-
ruvian barks as an adulteration, to make an inferior extract, which
could be done cheaply and profitably, and which was largely sold
as an officinal preparation-that many of the persons who came
to our cities to buy drugs, were not able to judge of their purity,
and bought them without asking any questions, save as regarded
price; and so convinced was he of the application of these false
barks to these false purposes, that as a protective measure, in
his opinion, they should be excluded. And also in regard to
English and other European rhubarb, that the argument of Pro-
fessor Carson would not hold good, while the markets were so
well supplied with the Russian and Chinese varieties, to which
the Banbury, regarded as the best of the European, was so very
inferior. Entirely independent of this argument, however, Mr.
Coggeshall considered that European rhubarb should be excluded,
because of its peculiar adaptation and general use as an adulte-
ration, owing to its fine color, which enables the adulterator to
improve the appearance of the inferior Chinese variety, and to
mix it with the Russian article in powder without depreciating
its appearance, or, as it is done to a great extent, substitute it
entirely for the true article.
Mr. Colcord, of Boston, advocated the latter view, and hoped
that the resolution would not pass.
Other members of the Convention joined in the debate, after
which the question was taken on the resolution of Dr. Stewart,
and it was lost.
As the importance of the subject introduced by Dr. Stewart
was fully appreciated by the Convention, at the same time that
no direct course of action seemed proper for it to pursue, the
following resolution was offered by Mr. Smith, of Cincinnati, viz:
Resolved, That the whole subject of the inspection of drugs
shall be referred to a Committee, who shall be instructed to con-
2
66
18
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
fer with the Examiners, and endeavor to arrive at some prac-
ticable means of fixing standards for imported drugs."
The resolution was unanimously adopted, and Mr. Taylor of
Philadelphia, Mr. Meakim, of New York, and Mr. Burnett, of
Boston, were appointed by the President to carry it into effect.
On motion of Mr. Procter, Dr. Stewart of Baltimore was ad-
ded to the Committee.
The Business Committee having signified their readiness to
make a further report, the following resolutions pertaining to the
subject just under consideration were read:
"Resolved, That in the opinion of this Convention, the law
against the importation of adulterated drugs, chemicals and me-
dicinal preparations, has already effected much good by exclud-
ing large quantities of inferior drugs from the market.
"Resolved, That inasmuch as the usefulness of this law will
be proportioned to the ability and conscientious discharge of
duty of the Examiners, that this Convention shall respectfully
and urgently represent to the appointing power the cardinal
importance of preventing the removal of qualified Examiners on
mere political grounds."
On the question being taken, they were unanimously adopted.
The Business Committee reported the following resolution
relative to the sale of poisons, which was read:
"Resolved, That the subject of the indiscriminate sale of poi-
sons as now conducted by apothecaries, druggists and others, as
regards the practicability of effecting some useful reform in the
present state of the traffic, be referred to a committee of four
members to report at the next annual meeting."
After some discussion as to what constituted a poison in the
meaning of the resolution, it was adopted, and the following gen-
tlemen were appointed by the President to carry it into effect:
Mr. Procter, of Philadelphia, Dr. Philbrick, of Boston, Mr. Du-
val, of Richmond, and Mr. Coggeshall, of New York.
66
The following additions to the Constitution were then brought
forward by the Business Committee and acted on separately:
To Section 2d. "All persons who become members of this
association shall be considered as permanent members, but may
be expelled for improper conduct by a vote of two-thirds of the
members present at any annual meeting.
66
Every member in attendance at the Annual Meeting shall
pay into the hands of the Treasurer the sum of two dollars as
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
19
"Section V. This Constitution may be altered or amended by
a vote of three-fourths of the members present at any regular
meeting, and notice to alter or amend the same shall be given
at least one sitting before a vote thereupon."
They were adopted without a dissenting voice.
The following resolution was brought forward by the Business
Committee and read:
66
Resolved, That a Committee of three members be appointed
to take into consideration the whole subject of secret or quack
medicines, and report at the next annual meeting the result of
their deliberations, whether any course can be suggested by which
the Association may act efficiently in abating this great evil."
After some discussion, in which the difficulties that opposed all
efforts in reference to this subject were stated, the question was
taken and carried; and the President appointed Charles A.
Smith, of Cincinnati, and Henry F. Fish, of Waterbury, Con-
necticut; when on motion of Mr. Procter, the President of the
Convention was unanimously requested to act as Chairman.
The following declaration of the sentiments of the Convention,
brought forward by the Business Committee was then read and
adopted:
"The subject of pharmaceutical education being considered of
paramount importance by this Convention, and having been de-
liberated upon by its Committee, the following resolutions have
been adopted, expressive of the sense of the Convention in refer--
ence to this important subject.
It is resolved,
1st, That this Convention earnestly recommends to the prac--
tising apothecaries in all sections of the United States, in places
where they are sufficiently numerous, that they should organize
themselves into societies, for mutual improvement as pharma-
eeutists, for the encouragement of Pharmaceutical literature by
the formation of libraries, and for the adoption of rules of conduct
calculated to elevate the character of the profession among them.
2. That as schools of Pharmacy are the most effectual aids to
the student, this Convention respectfully recommends to Phar-
maceutists in all cities where they are numerous, to take measures
for the establishment of such institutions, as powerful means of
improving the education of their assistants and apprentices, and
thus benefitting themselves and the public.
3. That this Convention also recommends that more attention .
20
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
should be given by proprietors to the claims of their apprentices
or assistants, who are in course of study, as regards the facilities
for learning, and the tuition which of right should proceed from
them, [the proprietors] in the absence of schools of Pharmacy;
especially in the provision of the best books of reference on the
several subjects that claim the attention of students of pharmacy.
4. And, That in the opinion of this Convention it is desirable
that apothecaries should be more generally careful in taking pu-
pils or apprentices, in reference to their fitness as regards natu-
ral endowments and preliminary education, believing that many
persons who are now engaged in Pharmacy and unfitted for its du-
ties, might thus have been prevented from misapplying their time
and abilities in a profession for which they are not calculated."
The preamble of the Constitution was then read and adopted.
On motion of Mr. Procter, it was resolved to proceed to the
election of a Treasurer and Executive Committee.
Messrs. Bache and Taylor were appointed tellers, who re-
ported that Alfred B. Taylor was elected Treasurer, and William
Procter, Jr., George D. Coggeshall and Joseph Burnett as the
Executive Committee.
Mr. Burnett, of Boston, said that he was instructed by resolu-
tion of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy to express the
desire of that body, that the Convention would meet next in
their city.
On motion of Dr. Stewart it was resolved, that when this Con-
vention finally adjourns it will accept the invitation of the Mas-
sachusetts College of Pharmacy, and adjourn to meet, as the
American Pharmaceutical Association, at Boston, on the fourth
Wednesday [24th] of August, 1853.
On motion, the Convention then adjourned to 9 o'clock, A. M.,
to-morrow.
Fourth Sitting-October 8th, 1850, 9 o'clock, A. M.
President in the Chair.
The minutes of last meeting were read and approved.
The Business Committee proposed the following addition to
the fourth section of the Constitution, which was read:
"Section IV., article 3d. Immediately after the temporary
organization of the Association, the roll shall be called, when a
committee on credentials shall be appointed from the members
present, to whom the certificates of delegates shall be submitted,
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONVENTION.
21
and who shall examine the claims of all other applicants for
membership before they are submitted to the Association."
It was adopted.
They also proposed the following addition to Section 2d :
66
Every local Pharmaceutical Association shall be entitled to
send five delegates."
After some discussion as to the propriety of limiting the
number at all, or if so, of making it in the ratio of the number
of members, it was adopted as proposed.
The preamble of the Constitution was then taken up and, after
a mere verbal alteration, was adopted, and the Constitution thus
completed.
Mr. Edward Parrish, of Philadelphia, offered the following
resolution and queries, which were read and, after some verbal
amendment, were adopted, viz. :
"Resolved, That the Executive Committee be requested to
obtain, through the several Colleges of Pharmacy and Pharma-
ceutical Associations, previous to our next annual meeting,
answers to the following questions as far as expedient:
"1st. How many Apothecaries and Druggists are there in
each of the principal cities and towns of the United States?
"2d. What organizations exist in the several States, and what
is the number of their members as compared with the number of
druggists and apothecaries in the localities which they include?
"3d. How far is the business of dispensing medicines sepa-
rated from the office of prescribing?
"4th. Have you any information in regard to the practice of
our art, and the professional character of its practitioners, in
different localities, likely to be of advantage to the Association
in promoting the objects it has in view?
“5th. Are there any State laws for the protection of the in-
terests of the profession of Pharmacy, for the suppressing of
empyricism, or in reference to the sale of poisons?'
Mr. C. A. Smith, of Cincinnati offered the following resolu-
tion, which was read and adopted:
"Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention be presented
to the President and Secretary, for the able manner in which
they have performed the duties of their offices, and also to the
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, for the hospitality extended
towards us."
APPENDIX.
22
On motion of Mr. Parrish, it was voted, that the officers of
this Convention, not specially elected under the Constitution, be
considered the officers of the American Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion until the election at the meeting of next year-when the
Convention finally adjourned.
GEORGE D. COGGESHALL,
Recording Secretary.
APPENDIX.
A.
CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
Whereas, The advancement of pharmaceutical knowledge and the eleva-
tion of the professional character of apothecaries and druggists throughout
the United States are objects that are dear to us in common with all well
disposed pharmaceutists; and whereas, a large portion of those in whose
hands the practice of pharmacy now exists, are not properly qualified for
the responsible offices it involves, chiefly by reason of the many difficulties
that impede the acquirement of a correct knowledge of their business ;-
Therefore, We, the members of a Convention now met at Philadelphia,
composed of apothecaries and druggists from different sections of the
Union, and from all the Colleges and Societies therein existing, with the
object of deliberating on the condition of our profession, do hereby resolve
and constitute ourselves into a permanent association, to meet annually
at such times and places as may hereafter be determined, for more effec-
tually accomplishing the objects for which we are now assembled; and do
now adopt the following
CONSTITUTION.
SECTION I.
This association shall be called "The American Pharmaceutical Asso-
ciation."
SECTION II. Of the Members.
ARTICLE I. All pharmaceutists and druggists who shall have attained
the age of twenty-one years, whose character, morally and professionally,
is fair, and who, after duly considering the obligations of the Constitution
and Code of Ethics of this Association, are willing to subscribe to them,
shall be eligible for membership.
ARTICLE II. The members shall consist of delegates from regularly
constituted Colleges of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Societies, who shall
present properly authorized credentials, and of other reputable Pharma_
ceutists feeling an interest in the objects of the Association, who may not
APPENDIX.
23
be so delegated, the latter being required to present a certificate signed by
a majority of the delegates from the places whence they come.
If no such
delegates are present at the Association, they may, on obtaining the cer-
tificates of any three members of the Association, be admitted, provided
they be introduced by the committee on credentials.
ARTICLE III. All persons who become members of this Association shall
be considered as permanent members, but may be expelled for improper
conduct by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at any annual
meeting.
ARTICLR IV. Every member in attendance at the annual meetings
shall pay into the hands of the Treasurer the sum of two dollars as his
yearly contribution.
ARTICLE V. Every local Pharmaceutical Association shall be entitled
to five delegates.
SECTION III. Of the Officers.
The officers of this Association shall be a President, three Vice Presi
dents, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, a Treasurer, and
an Executive Committee of three, which may include any of the members
except the President, all of whom shall be elected annually.
ARTICLE I. The President shall preside at the meetings and preserve
order. He shall nominate all committees, except a majority of the members
present direct a resort to balloting or other means. He shall sign all cer-
tificates of membership, approve of all foreign correspondence, and counter-
sign all orders on the Treasurer drawn by the Executive Committee. And
he shall at least three months previously to the annual meeting publish a
call in all the pharmaceutical and in such medical and other Journals as
he may select, stating therein the objects of the Association, and the con-
ditions of membership.
ARTICLE II. In case of the temporary absence, or inability of the
President, his duties shall devolve on one of the Vice Presidents.
ARTICLE III. The Recording Secretary shall keep fair and correct
minutes of the proceedings of the Association. He shall keep a roll book
of the members, and see that it is corrected annually, and he shall furnish
to the Executive Committee a correct transcript of the minutes of the
meeting for publication in the Transactions of the Association.
ARTICLE IV. The Corresponding Secretary shall attend to the official
correspondence directed by the Association with other bodies, or with its
members, all of which correspondence shall be approved by the President.
ARTICLE V. The Treasurer shall receive and take care of the funds of
the Association; shall pay its money only on the order of the Executive
Committee, countersigned by the President; and shall present a statement
of his accounts annually, that they may be audited.
ARTICLE VI. The Executive Committee shall take charge of the publi-
cation of the proceedings of the Association, including such papers on scien-
tific subjects as it may direct to be published; attend to their distribution;
pay the expenses incurred on behalf of the Association at its meetings or in
24
APPENDIX.
the interim, and report a statement of their transactions to the next
meeting.
SECTION IV. Of the Meetings.
ARTICLE I. The meetings shall be held annually, at such time and place
as shall be determined at the adjournment of the previous meeting, observ-
ing that no two meetings shall be held consecutively at the same place.
ARTICLE II. The meetings shall be organized by the President of the
previous year, or, in his absence, by either of the Vice Presidents in the
order of their election, or, in their absence, by the Recording Secretary, who
shall act pro tempore until the nomination and election of officers for the
session.
ARTICLE III. Immediately after the temporary organization of the Asso-
ciation the roll shall be called, when a committee on credentials shall be
appointed from the members present, to whom the certificates of delegates
shall be submitted, and who shall examine the claims of all other applicants
for membership before they are submitted to the Association.
SECTION V.
This Constitution may be altered or amended by a vote of three-fourths
of the members present at any regular meeting, and notice to alter or
amend the same shall be given at least one sitting before a vote there-
upon.
B.
CODE OF ETHICS OF THE AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
The American Pharmaceutical Association, composed of Pharmaceutists
and Druggists throughout the United States, feeling a strong interest in
the success and advancement of their profession in its practical and scien-
tific relations, and also impressed with the belief that no amount of know-
ledge and skill will protect themselves and the public from the ill effects
of an undue competition, and the temptations to gain at the expense of
quality, unless they are upheld by high moral obligations in the path of
duty, have subscribed to the following Code of Ethics for the government
of their professional conduct.
ART. I. As the practice of pharmacy can only become uniform by an
open and candid intercourse being kept up between apothecaries and drug-
gists among themselves and each other, by the adoption of the National
Pharmacopoeia as a guide in the preparation of officinal medicines, by the
discontinuance of secret formulæ and the practices arising from a quackish
spirit, and by an encouragement of that esprit du corps which will prevent
a resort to those disreputable practices arising out of an injurious and
wicked competition ;—Therefore, the members of this Association agree to
uphold the use of the Pharmacopoeia in their practice; to cultivate brotherly
APPENDIX.
25
feeling among the members, and to discountenance quackery and dishonor-
able competition in their business.
ART. II. As labor should have its just reward, and as the skill, know-
ledge and responsibility required in the practice of pharmacy are great,
the remuneration of the pharmaceutist's services should be proportioned
to these, rather than to the market value of the preparations vended.
The rate of charges will necessarily vary with geographical position,
municipal location, and other circumstances of a permanent character,
but a resort to intentional and unnecessary reduction in the rate of charges
among apothecaries, with a view to gaining at the expense of their brethren,
is strongly discountenanced by this Association as productive of evil
results.
ART. III. The first duty of the apothecary, after duly preparing him-
self for his profession, being to procure good drugs and preparations,
(for without these his skill and knowledge are of small avail,) he fre-
quently has to rely on the good faith of the druggist for their selection.
Those druggists whose knowledge, skill and integrity enable them to con-
duct their business faithfully, should be encouraged, rather than those
who base their claims of patronage on the cheapness of their articles
solely. When accidentally or otherwise, a deteriorated or adulterated drug
or medicine is sent to the apothecary, he should invariably return it to the
druggist, with a statement of its defects. What is too frequently considered
as a mere error of trade on the part of the druggist, becomes a highly
culpable act when countenanced by the apothecary; hence, when repe-
titions of such frauds occur, they should be exposed for the benefit of the
profession. A careful but firm pursuit of this course would render well-
disposed druggists more careful, and deter the fraudulently-inclined from
a resort to their disreputable practices.
ART. IV. As the practice of pharmacy is quite distinct from the prac-
tice of medicine, and has been found to flourish in proportion as its prac-
titioners have confined their attention to its requirements; and as the
conduction of the business of both professions by the same individual in-
volves pecuniary temptations which are often not compatible with a con-
scientious discharge of duty; we consider that the members of this Asso-
ciation should discountenance all such professional amalgamation; and in
conducting business at the counter, should avoid prescribing for diseases
when practicable, referring applicants for medical advice to the physician.
We hold it as unprofessional and highly reprehensible for apothecaries to
allow any per centage or commission to physicians on their prescriptions,
as unjust to the public, and hurtful to the independence and self-respect
of both the parties concerned. We also consider that the practice of some
physicians, (in places where good apothecaries are numerous,) of obtaining
medicines at low prices from the latter, and selling them to their patients,
is not only unjust and unprofessional, but deserving the censure of all
high minded medical men.
ART. V. The important influence exerted on the practice of pharmacy
by the large proportion of physicians who have resigned its duties and
emoluments to the apothecary, are reasons why he should seek their
26
APPENDIX.
favorable opinion and cultivate their friendship, by earnest endeavors
to furnish their patients with pure and well-prepared medicines. As
physicians are liable to commit errors in writing their prescriptions,
involving serious consequence to health and reputation if permitted to
leave the shop, the apothecary should always, when he deems an error has
been made, consult the physician before proceeding; yet in the delay
which must necessarily occur, it is his duty, when possible, to accomplish
the interview without compromising the reputation of the physician. On
the other hand, when apothecaries commit errors involving ill consequences,
the physician, knowing the constant liability to error, should feel bound to
screen them from undue censure, unless the result of a culpable negli-
gence.
ART. VI. As we owe a debt of gratitude to our predecessors for the re-
searches and observations which have so far advanced our scientific art,
we hold that every apothecary and druggist is bound to contribute his mite
towards the same fund, by noting the new ideas and phenomena which
may occur in the course of his business, and publishing them, when of
sufficient consequence for the benefit of the profession.
MR. GEORGE D. COGGESHALL.
C.
NEW YORK, September 25, 1852.
Dear Sir,-Your kind and courteous favor of the 16th instant, on be-
half of the Publishing Committee of the New York Journal of Pharmacy,
asking “information respecting the character of imported drugs and medi-
cines coming under my supervision, and also information in reference to
the general working and effect of the drug law of 1848," has been before
me for several days, waiting such response, in the shape of a full and
lengthy communication in detail, as it was my wish to furnish; but pressing
and increasing official duties compel me, from want of time, (not material,)
to forego that pleasure, and confine myself to a brief statement of facts and
data, which, together with some general observations, I am in hopes may,
nevertheless, be found interesting to your readers.
As an evidence of the beneficial effects of the wise sanitary measure, in
the success of which we have all taken so much interest, I am pleased to
say that the character and quality of the more important articles of drugs,
medicines and chemical preparations, connected with medicine at present
presented for entry from abroad, is greatly improved, and of a far higher
standard of strength and purity than formerly; notwithstanding, as will be
seen, I still have occasion to apply the "veto power"-a labor of love,
which must of necessity be performed, in order to arrest the unhallowed
strides of deception and fraud which will ever be practised, to a greater or
less extent, as long as we have those among us, engaged in any department
of the drug trade, who, to put money in their purse, would endanger if not
APPENDIX.
27
sacrifice the lives of their fellow men.
The law in question has now been
in operation at this port something more than four years; and, with the
exception of some eleven months, the duties and responsibilities of its ad-
ministration have devolved upon me. On the 21st day of April, 1849, I
made a report to the New York Academy of Medicine, on the practical ope-
ration of this law, and stated therein the more important articles of drugs
and medicines, with the quantities annexed, rejected by me up to that date;
but as that report is doubtless familiar to most of your readers, I have not
deemed it necessary to repeat them here. The following are the more im-
portant articles, with the quantities annexed, that I have since rejected
and condemned as not of the requisite strength and purity to be safely and
properly used for medicinal purposes, viz.:—-
Senna,
Jalap root,
Rhubarb do.
Sarsaparilla,
Mezereon bark,
Opium,
Kino,
Scammony,
Aloes,
Squills,
Spurious Peruvian bark,
Spanish Saffron,
Ergot,
Chamomile flowers,
Assafœtida,
Worm seed,
•
31,838 lbs.
37,121 “
5,782
65,374
"
1,353 “
•
3,164
230"
1,483 "
12,375"
1,626 “
304,135
(C
360"
475"
1,896
3,700
(C
((
230"
Colchicum seed,
Valerian root,
Guaiacum,
Cream of Tartar,
Magnesia, (carb.)
(calc'd.)
Althea root,
Liquorice root,
Bistort root,
Gentian root,
do. do. in powder,
Lavender flowers,
Poppy flowers,
Hellebore root, (white,)
Pareira Brava root,
Cantharides,
Creosote,
Bromine,
Sulphate of Quinine,
Iodine,
Hydriodate of Potass.
•
2,246 "
650"
9.300
7,673
2,867
((
1,560
1,117
9,430 “
140 "
7,572 "
430 "
3,042
"
190 "
460"
730"
1,276
(6
140 ozs.
430 "
3,200 "
"
6,864
3.720"
28
APPENDIX.
Making altogether some five hundred and twenty thousand pounds, to say
nothing of various articles in small quantities rejected from time to time,
which I have not considered of sufficient importance to note down. This,
together with the ninety thousand pounds previously rejected, as stated in
an early report above alluded to, makes some six hundred and ten thousand
pounds of various articles of drugs and medicines condemned by me as
unfit for medicinal purposes since the law took effect at this port. What
articles and in what quantities were rejected during the eleven months
that I was absent from the office, I am not advised, neither am I at this
time able to say what has been done under the requirements of this act
at the other ports of entry, I hope, however, that the special examiners
can give a good account of their stewardship, and that they will not hesi-
tate to do so, whenever the information is desirable as a means of pushing
on the column of medical and pharmaceutical reform.
It will be seen by the above statement, that by far the largest quantity
of any one article rejected, is that of spurious Peruvian bark, or, as it is
generally known in commerce, Carthagena and Maracaibo bark; and that,
too, as a general thing, of the poorest and most worthless quality. The
best of this bark affords on analysis only an exceedingly small per centage
of quinine, not unfrequently but a mere trace; while, at the same time, it
yields as high as two, and occasionally with choice samples, two and a half
per cent. of a peculiar alkaloid which has been named quinidine, in contra-
distinction to quinine, cinchonine, and aricine, (the three alkaloids hereto-
fore obtained from the different varieties of the cinchona tribe of plants,)
from which it differs essentially in several respects.
What is quinidine medicinally understood? How does sulphate of quini-
dine compare with sulphate of quinine (from which it is very difficult to
distinguish it by the naked eye) medicinally, as a remedial agent in cases
where the use of the latter salt is particularly indicated? These are im-
portant questions, and the subject is one very properly at the present time
calling for prompt, patient and persevering investigation by all those whose
mission it is to prepare, dispense or prescribe the most efficient means
wherewith to combat disease; the more so for the reason, that I have de-
tected in most of the sulphate of quinine lately imported from abroad, more
or less of this non-officinal, and, (in my opinion) as compared with quinine,
non-efficient substance yclept quinidine; a fact readily accounted for, when
it is known that for the last year or two immense quantities of the bark
in question, good, bad and indifferent, have been exported from New Grenada,
(as well as much from this port that has been rejected,) and purchased by
foreign manufacturing chemists, for the purpose, as I have reason to be-
lieve, of mixing it with the true bark in the manufacture to the sulphate of
quinine; hence the hybrid salt now too frequently presented to entry; a
practice that, if not speedily abandoned, will ruin, as far as this country is
concerned, the formerly well deserved reputation of more than one of the
foreign manufacturers of sulphate of quinia I could name. The argument
maintained by some of them that the article is used in their hospitals and
found equal to pure quinine, will not answer on this side of the water; it
APPENDIX.
29
smacks too much of the almighty dollar, even as I must believe (until fur-
ther advised) at the expense of truth.
This comparatively inert substance, quinidine, is readily detected by
using the method adopted by Zimmer, and published in the March number
of the Pharmaceutical Journal, (London,) and, as I was happy to see, trans-
ferred to the May number of your valuable Journal. It is a test so perfect,
so scientifically practical, and so simple withal, that any one possessing only
a moderate share of chemical and analytical acumen can successfully apply
it, even though perchance he may not be able to boast of wearing the
mantle of the departed Berzelius, or of having been a favorite pupil of
Liebig.
The law went into operation at this port on the 12th day of July, 1848,
and it is worthy of remark, as a cause of gratulation on the part of the
early friends of the measure, that the importation of inferior and worthless
qualities of many important drugs and medicines, has since gradually and
greately decreased in quantity. For instance, I rejected during the first
seven months of the working of the law 19,989 pounds of rhubarb root;
but I have since rejected only 5,782 pounds, being but a fraction over one-
third of the quantity. For the past eighteen months, I have not had occa-
sion to reject a single pound. I rejected during the first nine months 3,347
pounds of opium; but have since, during a period of more than two years
and a half of my administration of the law, as will be seen by the above
statement, rejected only 3,164 pounds. For the past thirteen months I
have rejected only nine hundred and fifty-two pounds, while I have passed
during that period not less than 70,000 pounds. During the first two
months of the operation of the law, I rejected 1,414 pounds of gamboge,
but have since met with that only which I was ready to pass without any
hesitation. During the first nine months I rejected 2,977 pounds of gum
myrrh, but all that has since been presented to entry at this port, I have
found satisfactory. Thus might I continue, but time and space will not
permit. Enough I opine, has been said and shown to satisfy even the most
prejudiced and sceptical opponent of this wise measure, that if faithfully
and judiciously administered and sceonded with becoming zeal and honesty
of purpose by the medical profession, the pharmaceutist and dispensing apo-
thecary, it is calculated and destined to effect most beneficial and lasting sani-
tary reforms throughout the length and breadth of our vast and glorious
land. In a word, the law has operated thus far remarkably well, consider-
ing the hasty manner in which it was framed and passed through Con-
gress. It is, in some respects imperfect, as must ever be the case with all new
measures of legislation until their utility is tested by practical operation;
but these imperfections were, some time since, brought to the attention of
the Secretary of the Treasury, who, with his accustomed promptitude soon
after instructed me to report to the Department such modifications and
suggestions as my experience in the administration of the law should dic-
tate as most desirable, practicable and judicious; and, notwithstanding this
important and responsible trust has necessarily been made the subject of
the few occasional leisure moments I could from time to time command,
30
APPENDIX.
apart from other official duties, it is nearly completed, and, in a manner
too, as I have reason to believe, that will render the law, when amended as
proposed, satisfactory to all honorable dealers, importers, owners, and con-
signees, and, at the same time, do away with the not unreasonable
objections entertained by our marine insurance companies; while its
efficiency, instead of being in any manner impaired by the amend-
ments, will be more perfectly guarded and essentially strengthened.
The particulars and details connected with this duty I must defer
to another time; but I must be permitted before closing this commu-
nication to say, that to the present able and distinguished head of
the Treasury Department, Hon. Thomas Corwin, is due a debt of
gratitude, from all true friends of this important measure, not easily can-
celled. Soon after he was called to take upon himself the responsibilities
of one of the most important, and by far the most arduous offices under the
general government, the downward and fatal tendency of a maladministra-
tion of the law was brought to his notice; when, rising above all minor
considerations, he rescued it from impending danger, and placed it upon
what he deemed a safe basis; and has since, on all occasions, lent a willing
ear to every suggestion calculated to render it more perfect, to add to its
efficiency, or perpetuate its usefulness. A noble example truly, and one
well worthy of the man.
To conclude, I beg to say, that although I have not the honor of belonging
to any Pharmaceutical Association, I nevertheless take great interest in
everything calculated to advance the good cause and noble calling in which
you have so long been engaged; and, I hope the day is not far distant, when
every city and town of importance throughout this wide extended country,
will be favored with an organization of the kind, radiating from a National
Pharmaceutical Association as a common center. It would be of vast
benefit to the community at large, as well as eminently useful to the medical
profession; for, as all must admit, it is of the most vital importance to the
success of the physician, that his remedial agents are properly prepared by
a well-bred and perfectly educated chemist and pharmaceutist; and, I may
add my conviction, that medical and pharmaceutical chemistry, a part of
medical education that has thus far been most unpardonably neglected,
should be universally and efficiently taught in our Schools of Medicine.
I am, dear Sir,
Very respectfully, your obd't. serv't.,
M. J. BAILEY, M. D.,
Special Examiner of Drugs, Medicines, Chemical Medicinal Preparations, &c.
D.
BOSTON, JANUARY 1st, 1852.
S. M. COLCORd, Esq.
Dear Sir,-On the 2d of August, 1848, I was appointed "Special Examiner"
of Drugs, Chemicals, &c., for the port of Boston and Charlestown, which of-
fice I held two years.
APPENDIX.
31
Commencing my official career with the Law, as was to be expected I met
the storm of opposition that was raised against it from certain quarters,
and my position and that of the other "Examiners" was an embarrassing
one. For our ground work of action we had the Law, it is true, but the
Law was deficient in many points. It was necessary, in the first place, to
fix the standard for good and for bad articles intended for medicine. In the
next place it required a careful chemical examination of many important
medicinal preparations. For this the government had made no provision.
The "Examiners" are required to express their "opinion" merely as to
the value of "Drugs, Medicines, Chemicals, &c.," imported into the U. S.
A government official should have a care that a too hasty or ill considered
opinion" is not expressed, when that opinion will tend to injure an hon-
est and enterprising importer; and in order to arrive at a just opinion it
was necessary that the Examiner" should chemically examine many ar-
ticles.
Requisitions were made upon the Secretary of the Treasury for certain
Books and Chemical apparatus; but as no appropriation had been made
for that purpose, they could not be supplied by the Department, and each
"Examiner" supplied himself with such means of arriving at just results
as was most convenient, and that his small salary admitted of.
This should be remedied, and Congress should make an appropriation for
the purchase of such Chemical apparatus and Books as are required by
the " Special Examiners" at the various ports.
At many of our large dyeing establishments eminent chemists are em-
ployed to examine all articles used by them in dyeing.
At one of these establishments a distinguished chemist is employed at an
annual expense of three thousand dollars, is furnished with a sepa-
rate building for a Laboratory, with every convenience for chemical analy-
sis, assistants, &c. If there are sufficient reasons why articles imported and
used for dyes should be thus carefully subjected to chemical analysis, how
much more need that the community at large through the government
should supply the "Special Examiners" of the articles imported for medi-
cinal preparations with the necessary apparatus for chemical analysis.
You have asked me, sir, for my opinion as to the best mode of suppressing
the importation and sale of spurious and deteriorated Drugs, Medicines,
Chemicals, &c. I will reply in the words of our "city marshall," who, when
called upon by the Mayor and Aldermen, for an opinion as to the best mode
of stopping the sale of intoxicating drinks, replied, "execute the Law."
See that the Law is executed in every port in the country. In Massachu-
setts, see that the laws in relation to this subject are executed, and in other
States that have no laws upon this subject, see to it that proper ones are
passed, and not only passed but enforced.
In my opinion there should be a head to this matter which should regu-
late and have a general supervision of the whole subject; this could undoubt-
edly be done through the Treasury department; but there are many too tri-
fling matters of detail that are essential to an equal and just working of
the Law, that cannot, owing to the immense amount of business constantly
32
APPENDIX.
pressing upon that department, come to the notice and immediate attention
of the Secretary.
I would recommend that the powers delegated to the four general Ap-
praisers of merchandise as appraisers, be delegated to the "Special Exami-
ner" at New York as a general "Examiner," and that he be requested at
the expense of the Government once in six months to visit the principal
ports of the country and examine the books in the Custom Houses, and col-
lect all facts bearing upon this subject; also to issue such instructions as
may be necessary to systematize and perfect the working of the Law, and
also to create concert of action between the several "Examiners," and that
this general "Examiner" shall report to the Secretary of the Treasury the
result of his labors at such time as the Secretary may direct.
Any suggestions made by Dr. Bailey [Special Examiner at New York]
should have great weight in the minds of all persons interested in the success
of this matter, for he has given the subject much attention and thought,
has had great experience in the matter, and is every way competent to
advise. To sum up these suggestions, and without troubling you with a long
report upon matters that will be brought before you by those more imme-
diately interested in the execution of this Law, I would say:
1st. Furnish the "Examiners" with necessary Books and Chemical ap-
paratus.
2d. To appoint a general "Examiner" to promote a concert of action at
all the ports.
3d. Consider well and favorably the alterations and amendments asked
for by the Examiner at New York; believing him to be the person most
competent to advise upon the subject.
4th. When all is well arranged, see that the Law is executed; believing
that this Law is required by us all, by the medical profession, Druggists
and Apothecaries in particular, I trust that we shall not rest here but, put-
ting our hands to the work, stop the sale of spurious articles of medicine of
home production.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWARD HAMILTON.
List of articles stopped by me while U. S. Special Examiner of Drugs for
the Port of Boston and Charlestown.
1536 lbs. Opium.
1129 .. Valerian Root.
218 lbs. Opium.
189 ..
Gum Gamboge.
373
Scammony.
1200 "
Peruvian Bark.
271.
Senna.
436 ..
Scammony.
419 "
Egyptian Opium.
1263 ..
Opium.
379"
Scammony.
370"
Scammony.
197".
do.
710 "
Valerian Root.
1710"
Opium.
406 ..
Opium.
900" Senna.
844 "
do.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
American Pharmaceutical Association
AT THE
FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING,
Held in New York, September 11th, 12th and 13th, 1855
PUBLISHED BY DIRECTION OF THE ASSOCIATION.
(Second unaltered edition.)
PHILADELPHIA:
MERRIHEW & SON, PRINTERS,
No. 243 Arch Street, below Third.
1865.
2
Į
!
:
American Pharmaceutical Association.
THE AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION met at the
Hall of the New York Medical College, City of New York,
September 11th, 1855, at 3 o'clock, P. M.
In the absence of the President, WILLIAM B. CHAPMAN, of
Cincinnati, the meeting was called to order by H. T. CUм-
MINGS, first Vice President, EDWARD S. WAYNE, acting as Sec-
retary.
On motion a committee of three was appointed by the Chair
to examine the credentials, which duty was assigned to Messrs.
C. B. GUTHRIE, CHARLES ELLIS and W. J. M. GORDON.
The Committee retired, and after a recess, reported the fol-
lowing list of delegates as having been appointed by their re-
spective Colleges:
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.-S. M. COLCORD, H. W.
LINCOLN, ASHEL BOYDEN, H. D. FowLE and DANIEL HENCH-
MAN.
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.-WM. PROCTER, Jr.,
CHARLES ELLIS, EDWARD PARRISH, S. S. GARRIGUES and H.
C. BLAIR.
New York College of Pharmacy.-JOHN MEAKIM, J. S. ASPIN-
wall, George D. COGGESHALL, BENJAMIN CANAVAN and W.
F. LINDSAY.
Cincinnati College of Pharmacy.-WILLIAM B. CHAPMAN,
EDWARD S. WAYNE, W. J. M. GORDON, A. M. STEVENS and J.
C. PARR.
Maryland College of Pharmacy.-A. P. SHARP.
Memphis Pharmaceutical Association.-C. B. GUTHRIE, S.
MANSFIELD and HENRY WADE.
The following gentlemen having been severally recommended
by members of the Association, and endorsed by the Committee
as eligible for membership, were elected, viz:
4
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
{
F. A. HEGEMAN, New York; A. J. MATTHEWS, Buffalo;
FREDERICK STEARNS, Detroit.
The roll was then called and the following members found to
be present, viz. :
JOHN MEAKIM and EUGENE DUPUY of N. Y; CHARLES ELLIS,
W. PROCTER, Jr., EDWARD PARRISH and SAMUEL GARRIGUES,
of Philadelphia; A. P. SHARP, of Baltimore; Prof. C. B. GUTH-
RIE of Memphis, Tennessee; DANIEL HENCHMAN, S. M. COL-
CORD, H. D. FOWLE and H. W. LINCOLN of Boston; S. P. PECK
of Bennington, Vermont; HENRY T. CUMMINGS, of Portland,
Maine; E. S. WAYNE and W. J. M. GORDON, of Cincinnati.·
On motion, it was resolved, that one from each delegation be
appointed a Nominating Committee, and also that the Chair ap-
point two members from the meeting at large to join them, who
shall nominate officers.
The following gentlemen were appointed by the delegations,
viz.:
Messrs. B. CANAVAN, New York; PROCTER, Philadelphia;
LINCOLN, Boston; WAYNE, Cincinnati; GUTHRIE, Memphis;
and by the Chair, Messrs. DUPUY and HENCHMAN.
The Report of the Treasurer, S. M. COLCORD, was read, show-
ing the receipt of $167.75, and the expenditure of $154.95, and
referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. FISH and PARRISH
to audit.
The report of the Executive Committee was read and laid on
the table for future action.
The report of the Committee on the Sale of Poisons was read
and laid on the table.
The Committee appointed to nominate officers, reported the
following nominations, viz. :
For President.-JOHN MEAKIM, of New York.
For Vice Presidents.-C. B. GUTHRIE, of Memphis, Tenn.;
CHARLES ELLIS, of Philadelphia; HENRY T. FISH, of Conn.
Treasurer.-JAMES S. ASPINWALL, of New York.
Recording Secretary.-W. J. M. GORDON, of Cincinnati.
Corresponding Secretary.-W. PROCTER, Jr., of Philadelphia.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
· 5
Executive Committee.-GEORGE D. COGGESHALL, of New
York; A. J. MATTHEWS, of Buffalo; S. M. COLCORD, of Boston.
The report of the Committee was accepted, and on separate
ballots the nominees were elected to the several offices for the
ensuing year.
The President was conducted to the chair, and in a pertinent
speech returned his thanks for the honor conferred upon him,
and promised his best exertions for the promotion of the interests
of the Association.
On motion, a vote of thanks was tendered to H. T. CUMMINGS
for the able manner in which he had presided during the organiza-
tion.
The names of JOHN MILHAU and OLIVER HULL, of New York
City, were brought forward by the Committee on Credentials,
and these gentlemen were duly elected members of the Associa-
tion.
Prof. GUTHRIE, Chairman of the Committee on the Statistics
of Pharmacy, reported the inability of the Committee to make
any further report than they had previously done.
It was moved by Mr. PARRISH that this Committee be dis-
charged, and that the duties that devolved upon it be assumed by
the Corresponding Secretary for the ensuing year, which was
carried.
The Committee on "Home Adulterations," not being quite
ready to report, it was deferred until to-morrow.
Mr. ELLIS of the Committee on the Certificate of Membership,
made the following Report:
The subject of inquiring into the expediency of procuring an engraved
Certificate of Membership, to be used by this Association, and of ascertaining
the cost of the same, was referred to three members of the Association at its
annual meeting held in Boston in 1853.
A Report from the Chairman of that Committee, accompanied by a design,
was submitted to the Association at its Session held in Cincinnati in 1854,
and after some discussion was referred back to the Committee for further
examination, to be brought before the annual meeting to be held in New York
for its final decision.
Since that period our esteemed friend and associate, ANDREW GEYER of
Boston, who as Chairman of this Committee had taken such deep interest in
the subject, as in the objects of the Association generally, has been removed
by death from among us, and it devolves upon the remaining members of the
Committee (who have been assisted by their friend, W. PROCTER, Jr ), to sub-
mit the following report of their proceedings.
F.
6
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
The Committee is impressed with the belief that it is expedient to have a
neatly engraved certificate of membership, chaste and appropriate in its de-
sign, and in the wording of it adapted to the purposes in view.
After careful inquiry as to the cost, and an examination of finely executed
engravings upon stone, the Committee would recommend a lithograph en-
graving, having ascertained that such an one of suitable size can be executed,
the whole expense not to exceed one hundred and twenty to thirty dollars,
including the paper and printing of a sufficient number of impressions. For
the purpose of conveying to the members of the Association an idea of the
size and character of the engraving, the Committee will submit one of a
similar character and purpose, from the "London Pharmaceutical Society,"
together with a draft of the wording which it is proposed should be engraved,
if approved of, upon the new certificate.
The Committee recommend that the price of the certificate be fixed at $3
each, and that all the members present be invited to subscribe for a copy, so
that the necessary funds may be raised before the adjournment of this Con-
vention; which is respectfully submitted on behalf of the Committee.
New York, 9th month 10th, 1855.
CHARLES ELLIS.
After the reading of this Report, Mr. COLCORD made the fol-
lowing remarks, which, with the resolution appended, were
ordered to be entered on the minutes:
Mr. President: It is with deep regret that I have to announce to the Associa-
tion the decease of one of its members since our last meeting. ANDREW
GEYER, for thirty years or more engaged in the Apothecary business in Boston,
now sleeps with the silent dead. He was one of us in a far greater sense than
mere membership would imply. Our objects were, with him, matters of every
day thought and study; he was a student of pharmacy and medicine to the
last of his business career, and one of the most thoroughly read apothecaries
in our city. His small library contained the most recent works, and bore
evidence of attentive perusal. His leisure moments were spent in reading and
attention to theoretical pharmacy. He understood the value of a thorough
pharmaceutical education, and it was often the subject of conversation be-
tween us. In one of my latest interviews with him he informed me that it
was his purpose to send his two clerks to Philadelphia to attend the lectures.
of that College, and take advantage of the better facilities for a thorough
pharmaceutical education offered in that city, with a view to making them
adepts in the profession. As a business man he was honest in his dealings,
energetic and attentive to business, gentlemanly in his deportment, agreeable
in conversation, honest in the expression of his views and feelings, and warm
in his friendship. His attachment to the objects of our Association, and the
warm interest he was pleased to manifest towards us, will long remind us
that in his death we have lost the counsel and valuable services of an efficient
member, and Pharmacy a sincere friend to its progress and professional ad-
vancement.
Resolved, That this Association has learned with deep regret
the death of our esteemed associate, ANDREW GEYER of Boston.
His amiable qualities, professional ability, and the warm interest
he manifested in our Association, lead us to deplore his death as
of one devoted to the best interests of Pharmacy, and a loss to
our Association, one for whom we entertained feelings of friend-
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
7
ship, and to whose memory we pay this spontaneous tribute of
respect.
On motion, the meeting adjourned to meet on Wednesday
morning at 10 o'clock.
SEPTEMBER 12th.-2d DAY-MORNING SESSION.
The Association was called to order by the President, JOHN
MEAKIM.
On motion, the officers and members of the New York College
of Pharmacy were invited to attend and take part in the pro-
ceedings of the Association.
The following gentlemen, recommended and endorsed by the
Committee on Credentials, were elected members of the Associa-
tion, viz: JOHN P. DODGE, JOHN CANAVAN and JAMES T. MAX-
WELL of New York City, and WILLIAM THOMAS of New Jersey.
The Report of the Committee on the Certificate of Member-
ship was then taken up, read and adopted, and the Committee
continued.
It was moved by Mr. PARRISH that WILLIAM PROCTER, Jr..
be added to the Committee in place of the late ANDREW GEYER
deceased, and that JOHN MEAKIM of New York be also added,
which Committee shall be empowered to decide upon the design
and issue the certificate, and deliver it to all subscribers and
members who may pay for it, which was carried.
It was moved by Mr. THOMAS, and carried, that the Treasurer
pay to the widow of the late ANDREW GEYER fifty dollars for
expenses incurred in getting up a design of certificate of mem-
bership.
The Committee appointed to report on a standard of quality
for those drugs capable of them, with appropriate tests for de-
tecting adulterations, was accepted, and the Committee continued.
(See appendix A.)
The Report on the sale of Poisons was taken up, read and
accepted, and the Committee discharged.
The Committee appointed to enquire whether any and what
amendments are required by the law regulating the importation of
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
drugs and medicines, to render it more efficient, uniform, and
advantageous to the public at large, read a long and able report,
which was laid on the table for action at a future sitting.
Moved and carried, that when we adjourn, we meet at 3
o'clock, P. M.
WILLIAM B. CHAPMAN of Cincinnati, announced the death of
our late member LOUIS REHFUS, of that city, with a few remarks
on his long and honorable position in the pharmaceutical pro-
fession, and offered the following resolution, which was unanimous-
ly adopted:
Resolved, That the Association has learned with deep regret
the removal by death of our late worthy brother, LOUIS REHFUS,
and that a record of this resolution be placed on the minutes.
The Committee on "the adaptation of wines of American
growth for medicinal purposes, and the probable amount of tartar
(argols), likely to be produced," were unable to report in conse-
quence of the death of L. REHFUS, chairman of the committee,
but Prof. GUTHRIE, one of that committee, informed the meet-
ing, that Mr. WAYNE had prepared a report on that subject,
which he was invited to read at the opening of the afternoon
session.
Then adjourned to meet at 3 o'clock.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The President having taken the chair, the minutes of last
meeting were read and adopted.
Mr. WAYNE now read the following Essay on the growth and
production of Wines in the West, and on Catawba Brandy and
Tartar. (See appendix B.)
The following resolution, offered by Mr. LINCOLN, was carried
unanimously :
Resolved,. That a vote of thanks be tendered to Mr. WAYNE
for the very able and interesting report offered by him upon the
wine culture, and that it be embodied in the published pro-
ceedings.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
9
•
The report of the Committee on revising the Constitution,
together with the Constitution presented by them, was read, and
after considerable discussion was laid over until the next meeting.
Mr. COLCORD gave notice that he would present to-morrow,
article 2d, section 1st and 2d, of the proposed revised Constitu-
tion just read, omitting the clause on honorary membership, as
amendments to the Constitution.
Mr. PARRISH gave notice that he would present to-morrow a
section relative to honorary membership as an amendment to the
Constitution.
The report of the Committee on the Drug Law, was further
deferred.
When, on motion, adjourned until 10 o'clock to-morrow morn-
ing.
SEPTEMBER 13th-MORNING SESSION.
The meeting having been called to order by the President, the
minutes of last meeting were read and adopted.
It was moved and carried that at 12 o'clock the Association
commence examination of specimens and the reading of scientific
papers.
. On motion of Mr. COLCORD, a committee was appointed to re-
port a notice of the apparatus and specimens on the table, which
duty was given to Messrs. PROCTER, COGGESHALL and LINCOLN.
Moved by Mr. COLCORD, and adopted, that the Constitution
be revised by striking out section 1st and 2d of article 2d, and
adding as follows:
ARTICLE 2d-OF THE MEMBERS.
Sec. 1st Every apothecary and druggist of good moral and professional
standing, whether in business on his own account, retired from business, or
employed by another, who, after duly considering the object of this Associa-
tion, and the obligations of its Constitution, is willing to subscribe to them,
is eligible to membership.
Sec. 2d. The mode of admission to membership shall be as follows: Any
person eligible to membership may apply to any member of the Executive
Committee, who shall report his application to the said committee. If after
investigating his claims they shall approve his election, they shall, at the
earliest time practicable, report his name to the Association, and he may be
elected by two-thirds of the members present on ballot. Should an applica-
tion occur in the recess, the members of the committee may give the approval
10
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
in writing, which, if unanimous, and endorsed by the President, shall consti-
tute him a member, and. the fact be reported to the Association at the next
succeeding meeting.
Moved by Mr. PARRISH and carried, that the following section
be added to article 2d of the Constitution, viz :
Sec. 2. Pharmaceutists, Chemists, and other scientific men who may be
thought worthy of the distinction, may be elected honorary members upon
the same conditions, and under the same rules as appertain to active mem-
bers. They shall not, however, be required to contribute to the funds nor
shall they be eligible to hold office nor to vote at the meetings.
Moved by Mr. COLCORD, and passed, that the following section
be added to section 4 of article 2d:
Members shall be entitled, on the payment of five dollars, to receive a certi-
ficate of membership signed by the President, one Vice President and the
Secretary, covenanting in writing to return the same to the proper officers on
relinquishing their connection with the Association.
The general report of the Committee on the Constitution was
now called up, and on motion of its Chairman, it was Resolved,
That the report of the Committee on the revision of the Consti-
tution be referred to a new Committee to report next year,
which was carried, and the following committee appointed by the
Chair-EDWARD PARRISH, S. M. COLCORD, and JAS. S. ASPIN-
WALL.
The Committee on "Home Adulterations" reported verbally
through the chairman, Prof. GUTHRIE.
It was moved by Mr. COLCORD and carried, that the Committee
on home adulterations be instructed to report in writing to the
Executive Committee, which report, if approved by the Presi-
dent, shall be published with the proceedings and the Committee
continued. (See appendix C.)
On motion it was Resolved, That the mere publication of re-
ports and other papers, especially reports of committees not
unanimous, shall not be considered as an expression of the views
of the Association.
The hour fixed upon for reading papers and examining speci-
mens, &c., having arrived, Mr. A. P. SHARP offered a paper on
the strength of Commercial Alcohol and Acids, which he read,
and on motion he was requested to furnish an abstract of it for
publication. (See appendix D.)
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
11
A. E. RICHARDS, of Plaquemine, Louisiana, a correspondent
of the Association, became a member by coming forward and
signing the constitution.
The Committee on the Treasurer's account repórted that they
had found it correct, and on motion it was accepted.
The report of the Executive Committee was called up, read,
accepted, and ordered to be published in the proceedings. (See
appendix E.)
The following gentlemen having previously been elected, were
present during the session, signed the constitution and paid their
yearly contribution, viz:
A. J. MATTHEWS, Buffalo.
FREDERICK R. STEARNS, Detroit.
SAMUEL S. GARRIGUES, Philad.
WILLIAM THOMAS, New Jersey.
A. P. SHARP, Baltimore.
JAMES S. ASPINWALL, N. Y.
F. A. HEGEMAN,
JOHN CANAVAN,
BENJAMIN CANAVAN,
JOHN P. DODGE,
66
66
66
66
On motion the Treasurer was directed to pay the deficit due
the Executive Committee of the preceding year for distributing
the proceedings.
The following gentlemen, recommended and endorsed by the
Committee on. Credentials, were duly elected, viz:
ISAAC CODDINGTON, New York. DAV. SCOTT, Worcester, Mass.
FREDERICK HALL,
JOHN BUCK, Chelsea,
(6
ROBERT R. KENT, Boston, Mass.
66
The report of the Committee to inquire whether any and what
amendments are required by the law regulating the importation
of Drugs and Medicines, to render it more efficient, uniform and
advantageous to the public at large, was taken up, and, on motion
of Mr. COLCORD, was accepted and ordered to be published with
the proceedings. (See appendix F.)
The yeas and nays being called on this motion by Mr. THOMAS,
resulted in their being but two nays, himself and Mr. SHARP.
The following resolution was offered by Prof. GUTHRIE and
adopted:
Resolved, That those members of the Association who are
12
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
strangers in New York, express their warmest gratitude for the
kindness and attention they have received from the New York
College of Pharmacy.
On motion, a bill of six dollars, due MERRIHEW & THOMPSON
for printing in 1854, was ordered to be paid.
The following resolution was offered by Mr. PARRISH and
carried: .
Whereas, The members of this Association, who meet annually
to transact its business and forward its objects, have generally
no leisure for pursuits not immediately connected therewith,
Resolved, That as a body we decline in advance any convivial or
other entertainments, and esteem it important as our members
increase, to prevent the practice of the last three years in this
respect, from being considered a precedent for the future.
Mr. DODGE moved that a Committee of three be appointed to
report on "what are the best text books published for study and
reference,” at the next annual meeting, which was passed, and
Messrs. ELLIS, SHARP and PROCTER appointed to carry it out.
Mr. COLCORD tendered his resignation as a member of the
Executive Committee, which was on motion accepted, and a new
election proceeded in by ballot, which resulted in the election of
WILLIAM PROCTER, Jr.
The following resolution, offered by Mr. PARRISH, was unani-
mously passed:
Resolved, That the thanks of the Association are tendered to
the President and Secretary for the efficient and zealous per-
formance of their duties.
The following was offered by H. T. CUMMINGS and adopted:
Resolved, That the subject of spreading a general invitation
to druggists and apothecaries of the United States, and especially
to those of Baltimore, Washington and vicinity, and also timely
notice to all the members of the time and place of meeting, be
specially referred to the Executive Committee.
A. P. SHARP of Baltimore offered the following resolution,
which was passed:
Resolved, That when this Association adjourns it adjourn to
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
13
meet in the City of Baltimore on the second Tuesday of Sep-
tember, 1856.
The Committee appointed to examine and report on the speci-
mens and apparatus deposited on the table, reported the follow-
ing items:
By Messrs. LUHME & Co., of 343 Broadway, New York, a variety of Chemi-
cal and Pharmaceutical Apparatus, among which are balances of different
grades, lamp stands, lamps, specific gravity and alkalimetry apparatus, and a
set of thirty-six specimens of alkaloids and other organic principles.
By Mr. ALEXANDER WECKBERGER, a series of fruit essence, ethers, ordinary
ether and chloroform.
From Messrs. PoWERS & WEIGHTMAN, a variety of specimens of the flowers,
leaves, fruit and bark of the cinchona lancifolia (Mutis), and of cinchona
cordifolia from New Granada, and a specimen of pure crystallized quinidia.
From Messrs. TILDEN & Co., of New Lebanon, N. Y., a variety of recent
medical plants, chiefly narcotic, as hyoscyamus, belladonna, &c.
From Mr. EDWARD S. WAYNE, of Cincinnati, two specimens of American
argols from Catawba wine.
From D. & E. PARRISH of Philadelphia, a sample of buckwheat farina.
On motion the report was accepted, and the thanks of the
Association tendered to the several depositors.
The following resolutions, offered by W. PROCTER, Jr., were
adopted, viz:
Resolved, Inasmuch as the offer of prizes by this Association
last year has not been responded to, that it again offers the fol-
lowing prizes for the ensuing year, viz:
Resolved, That a copy of twenty-three volumes of the Ameri-
can Journal of Pharmacy be, and hereby is offered for the best
essay which shall develop the commercial history of all drugs in-
digenous to the United States, as senega, spigelia, serpentaria,
etc., as regards the manner and places of their collection and
preparation for the supply of commerce, the amount annually
collected, and the channels through which they enter general
commerce.
Resolved, That the first six volumes of Gmelin's Chemistry be,
and are hereby offered for the best essay on any subject relating
specially to pharmacy.
To carry out the object of the resolutions in an efficient and
impartial manner, it was
Resolved, That all essays (in answer to the above resolutions),
14
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
be referred to a special committee of judges, who will report on
their relative merit to the next annual meeting of the Associa-
tion, this committee to consist of CHARLES ELLIS of Philadel-
phia, Dr. DAVID STEWART of Baltimore, and WILLIAM PROCTER,
Jr., of Philadelphia.
Resolved, That if, in the opinion of the judges, none of the
essays received are worthy of the prizes, that they decline award-
ing them in their report; the contributors may then either with-
draw their essays or leave them in possession of the Association.
Resolved, That all essays contributed for the prizes, be de-
livered free of charge to CHARLES ELLIS, Philadelphia, on or
before the second Tuesday of August, 1856, in order to give
time for their examination.
Moved by Mr. COLCORD and carried, that the minutes as read
and corrected be approved.
When, on motion, the Association adjourned to meet the second
Tuesday in September, 1856, at Baltimore.
W. J. M. GORDON,
Recording Secretary.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
15
APPENDIX.
A.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS FOR DRUGS.
To the American Pharmaceutical Association.
The Committee appointed to continue the subject of "Standards of
quality for those drugs capable of them, together with appropriate tests
for detecting adulterations," respectfully report, that some time after
the last annual meeting, the Chairman of the Committee communicated
with the several members, and after due consideration, the conclusion
was arrived at by a majority of the Committee, that they could not pre-
pare a report that would correctly answer the resolution under which
they were appointed, without a sacrifice of time and application incom-
patible with their other unavoidable engagements. By reference to
the report last year, it will be found to contain most of those drugs for
which standards can easily be affixed; hence the duty of this Com-
mittee involves at once a series of nice investigations of drugs of fair
quality, by which a certain and invariable method can be given to judge
them and decide their real value. Any standards short of this will be
mere show of words, and tend to mislead those for whose direction they
are prepared. The Committee furthermore felt discouraged from pro-
secuting the work by the disregard that is paid to proper qualification
in the appointment of officers to carry out the requirements of the drug
law. So glaring has this disregard on the part of the Secretary of the
Treasury become, that designing druggists at one port, where a strict
scrutiny is administered, have their importations of doubtful nature
sent to another port where a less scrupulous examiner officiates, so that
they may be passed. This, the Committee know to be true, and while
it continues no amount of accurate standards of quality will benefit the
drug market and screen out the adulterated and deteriorated articles.
The Committee would earnestly suggest to the Association that some
decided step should be taken to remedy this evil by placing some check
on the appointing power, so that it shall not be able to displace quali-
16
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
}
fied officers by incompetent persons, at every phase of the political
kaleidescope.
If the Association, the several Colleges of Pharmacy, and the Na-
tional Medical Association would join in a united effort, some impres-
sion might be made on Congress with a view to remedying the evil.
Besides the practical difficulties of preparing or ascertaining a set of
standards, other questions arise that need the wisest judgment to deser-
mine them. Where a drug naturally and legitimately varies in strength,
as cinchona, opium, &c., what shall determine its officially recognized
standard strength? In the gum, resins, fixed oils, extracts, &c., the
widest differences occur. Shall the mere fact that they are unadultera-
ted pass them, or can a standard, practical in its character, be applied
to them? Several of the volatile oils are almost invariably adultera-
ted, as oil roses, oil origanum, &c. Shall these be rejected or admitted?
To us it seems that a list of standards is chiefly useful in case of ap-
peal, as a line which the examiner can draw, and beyond which he
should not retreat. It is absurd to expect the examiner to test by
chemical means, all drugs that come before him, only those he suspects.
will be thus treated, and when that officer has the education and expe-
rience that is appropriate to his calling, we should have every confi-
dence in the results.
WILLIAM PROCTER,
GEO. D. COGGESHALL,
Committee.
EDW. S. WAYNE,
B.
Essay on the Growth and Production of Wines in the West,
and on Catawba Brandy and Tartar.
BY EDWARD S. WAYNE OF CINCINNATI.
At the last meeting of the American Pharmaceutical Association
held at Cincinnati, a Committee was appointed by that body to enquire
into the adaptation of the wines produced in that vicinity for medicinal
purposes, and the probable amount of tartar likely to be produced an-
nually.
Although not a member of that Committee, circumstances have in-
duced me to make the following Report upon the same, treating briefly
upon the culture of the grape, its diseases, and its products, wine,
brandy and tartar, which I would respectfully offer to the Association
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
17
for their acceptance., The decease of our respected fellow member,
Mr. LEWIS REHFUS, one of the above Committee, who was much bet-
ter qualified for the duty than myself, (his death has not only deprived
us of a valuable member, but one whose scientific and practical know-
ledge of the grape culture well qualified him to have given us much
more valuable information upon our native wines, and the amount of
tartar produced, and the adaptation of them for medicinal purposes, than
any other person,) and the fact that the other members of the Com-
mittee residing at a distance, not having the same opportunity as my-
self of collecting statistics and other information respecting the culture
of the grape in this vicinity, has induced me to undertake the labor
assigned to them by the Association.
The culture of the grape in Ohio, for the purpose of wine making,
has ceased to be an experiment, and wine may now be said to be one
of our agricultural products, and the extent of it is destined to be im-
portant. Already the vintage is valued at half a million of dollars
annually. The valley of the Ohio is peculiarly adapted to this culture
in the nature of her soil and climate, and the steep hill sides, unfit al-
most for other agricultural pursuits, offer the most favorable locations
for the growth of the vine. Already the vine-clad hills are a feature
in the landscape of the vicinity of Cincinnati, the rich green foliage of
the vine forming a pleasing contrast with the surrounding vegetation.
Not only is this culture important in an agricultural and medicinal
view, but equally if not more so, is it in a moral one. It has been as-
serted, and with much apparent truth, that the vice of intemperance
is but little known in countries where a cheap and light wine is pro-
duced and used as a beverage in place of the more intoxicating liquids
used in others. The amount of wine produced yet being limited, and
the demand from abroad considerable, causes wine grown here to be
high in price, so that its habitual use and its influence, has not yet
been felt to a very great extent; but a growing preference for it over
more stimulating and pernicious beverages is perceptible, and I do not
hesitate to say, that time, and an increased production, will produce a
much greater reform than any legislative enactment can or will perform.
The culture of the grape for the purpose of wine making in the
West, is not so recent as is generally supposed. Amongst the earliest
settlers of the Ohio valley, were a number of Swiss, French and Ger-
mans, who were well acquainted with the culture of the grape, and be-
ing deprived in these wilds of their loved and accustomed beverage,
soon saw in the hill sides of their adopted home, a resemblance to those
of their native land, and their adaptation to the culture of the grape; it
is to them that we are indebted for our vineyards. Their efforts soon
attracted the attention of others, who, finding the culture profitable,
gave it impetus, and year after year the number of acres under cultiva
tion have been rapidly on the increase.
The earliest record we have of this culture in the West, is in 1796.
DUFOUR mentions that he saw wine made by a Frenchman at Mari-
2
18
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
etta in that year. Vineyards were started soon after at Gallipolis and
also at Vevay; these have all, however, fallen to decay. The earliest
attempts made in the vicinity of Cincinnati, was by a French political
exile in 1779, whose vineyard was a side hill, since graded, and now
the heart of the City of Cincinnati. That was the beginning of that
culture for which the environs of our city have at length become so
distinguished.
The failure of the early vineyards is to be attributed to the want of
a suitable variety of the gråpe adapted to the peculiarity of the soil and
climate. Foreign varieties have not been found to succeed well. The
varieties found to succeed best, and produce good wines, are the Cataw-
ba and the Isabella; the former is chiefly cultivated. Other varieties
of both foreign and native origin are also cultivated to a small extent.
The Catawba is a native grape first noticed in North Carolina; the Isa-
bella, its origin is obscure, but I believe is now generally admitted to
be of foreign parentage. Each variety has, however, some peculiar ad-
vantage over the other, either in being more hardy, and the fruit less
subject to disease; but the Catawba, although its fruit is more liable
to rot, the wine it produces being so much superior to that of any other
variety, it may be said to be the only variety that is cultivated here
with the view of wine making. There is at present, within a short
distance of Cincinnati, 1200 acres under cultivation, and of these about
800 to 1000 acres in a bearing condition. The average yield per acre
is variously estimated. Particular spots under favorable circumstances
have produced as high as 10 to 12 hundred gallons to the acre; a fair
average will be about 400 gallons, which, allowing there to be 1000
acres in bearing, will produce annually 400,000 gallons of wine, which,
at an average price of $1.25 per gallon, amounts to half a million of
dollars in value. I do not think that I am wrong in saying that the
number of acres under cultivation will be doubled in a period of five
years in the vicinity of this city. Nor is it confined to this locality in
the West-at various other points along the Ohio vineyards are rapidly
being established, some of which are already producing. Compared
with France, the extent of our vineyards is yet insignificant. France
had in 1828, 4,270,000 of acres, and which produced 921 millions of
gallons of wine, valued at 120 millions of francs.
The mode of culture pursued I shall not dwell upon, as I cannot find
any two growers who entertain the same views in regard to it. The
fact is there is much yet to learn on the subject. The methods adapted
to foreign wine culture have not been found to work well in practice
here, it requires considerable modification; time and experience will,
however, in the end, overcome all such difficulties. The vines are
usually grown from cuttings; these are planted in rows from four to
six feet apart, and as the vine grows it is fastened to upright poles
about eight feet high, and is kept closely trimmed to this height.
Other plans are adopted, such as trailing them upon low lattice work
according to the caprice of the grower.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
19
The culture of the grape, like every other branch of agriculture, is
attended with many vicissitudes; the blight (odium trickesi), and the
rot, are the most destructive, and which careful and unremitting toil
and culture will not avert. The blight which for the last few years
has almost destroyed the vintage of some parts of Europe, and caused
the present high price of foreign wines and liquors, is no stranger in
the vineyards of the West, and is a disease against which no remedy
as yet has been discovered. It makes its appearance early in the sea-
son, about the time the young fruit is the size of a pea; there is no
premonitory symptoms of its attack to be observed; everything about
the vineyard may look prosperous, and the wine grower elated at eve
with the prospect of good crops, may, upon waking up and going to his
vineyard in the morning, find that his rich anticipations of yesterday
have like his dreams vanished, the greater part of his grapes covered
with something that looks like a white dust, the skins shriveled, which
soon blacken and the grapes eventually fall to the ground. These
attacks may continue from time to time until the vineyard is almost
entirely stripped of its promise.
The origin of this disease has been attributed to various causes, for
instance, the want of inorganic constituents in the soil, and to the at-
tacks of parasitical fungi. The appearance of this fungous growth upon
the grapes, is not the result of either of these suppositions, it is the
result of a diseased action, or in other words it is the effect not the
cause of the disease. It is undoubtedly the result of atmospheric in-
fluences, and beyond human control. This disease I have studied for
the last three years, and can form no other opinion in regard to its
origin. In the early part of the season, about the time the young fruit
is formed, the temperature during the day time is apt to be exceeding
ly warm, the heat causes a rapid evaporation from the moist soil, and
the atmosphere consequently becomes loaded with watery vapor; the
vegetation also, its circulation and absorption is accelerated by the
genial warmth, its vessels become filled with sap, the flow of it is kept
up by the rapid evaporation of its superfluous watery portion through
the medium of the leaves. Should the night be warm and clear these
forces are kept up, but in a diminished degree, and the evaporation
from the leaves still continuing the plant remains in a healthy condi-
tion; but should the night turn cold, a heavy fog is the result, the
plant is surrounded with an atmosphere saturated with aqueous vapor,
the evaporation from the surface of the leaves is checked, and a dis-
eased action is the result, and as there is a more complex chemical
change taking place in the young fruit, it is the most likely to be in-
jured or diseased by this check of forces, diseased action is the result,
decomposition ensues, and the fungous growth follows as the result of
that decomposition. Such is the origin of this disease. I have had to
my mind ample opportunities to form this opinion in regard to the
origin of this disease, and that the state or condition of weather men-
tioned, will be followed invariably by the appearance of it. In proof
20
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
of this, this season we had a different condition of things; until late
in the spring the weather was cool, we had little or no fog, and the
disease was manifested only in a slight degree in a few vineyards. As
the season advances, and the extremes of heat and cold disappear, so
also does this disease, but that portion of the crop which has escaped
its ravages is not yet free; later in the season, about the time the
young fruit is stoning, or in other words, the seed hardening, another
disease, called by the vine growers the rot, is apt to make its appear-
ance and finish the destruction only partially effected by the former.
The grapes attacked by it exhibit a dark speck upon their surface,
which gradually increases until the whole of the berry is of the same
black color, and which eventually fall to the ground. This disease is
attributed to long continued wet weather at this particular period.
The rot this season has been very destructive, and has destroyed at
least fifty per cent. of the crop. There is some plausibility in the effect
of wet weather causing this disease. Wet weather has been very pre-
valent in the vicinity of Cincinnati this season, and also this disease.
Excessive pruning may have also something to do with producing it,
which I think it has. The amount of foliage left by some growers,
seems to me to be insufficient for the full development of the fruit upon
the vines, a portion of which nature in her wisdom causes to decay,
and thereby produces an equilibrium between the forces of circulation
and production.
That portion of the crop now remaining after the attacks of either
or both of these diseases, may now be counted upon as in a fair way to
arrive at maturity. It is not yet though positively safe: dry weather
and excessive heat may injure it, or the setting in of an early frost also.
The crop for the last few years has been very uncertain from all
these circumstances; in some seasons two thirds of the crop have been
destroyed by them; and in Europe the same or similar causes have pro-
duced in some localities almost a total loss of it. As mentioned, over
these there is no control, and all the bright prospects in the early part.
of the season, from their attacks soon vanish, the berries blacken,
eventually fall to the ground, the vines become almost completely strip-
ped, and the condition of the atmosphere mentioned continue, the vines
should themselves share in a manner the same fate.
An atmosphere warm through the day, followed by cold nights with
fog, has been a characteristic of our springs for several years past, and
followed by long continued dry weather, and from what information I
can gleam, such has been the condition of things in Europe. In both
countries have the same or similar diseases appeared, and a similarity
of the origin of them consequently to be inferred.
I have dwelt thus at length upon the diseases of the vine from the
importance of the subject, and upon which little is positively known,
and much required. Its destructive agency has been felt by all more
or less, and in those countries where wine is the chief agricultural pro-
duct, it has been most disastrous. Should its ravages continue, it will
give a check to a branch of agriculture in the West yet in its infancy,
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
21
which otherwise, in time, might be important and valuable to the
country at large.
The vintage in the vicinity of Cincinnati commences about the mid-
dle of September: this is a busy period with the wine growers, and
requires much care and attention. To insure good wine the grapes
must be fully ripe (dead ripe), if not, the wine would be too acid and
deficient in alcohol and flavor or bouquet. Every faulty berry must
be picked from the branches. The grapes are mashed in deep tubs,
taking care not to crush the stones, the pulp is then thrown upon a
coarse sieve, and the stones of the grape separated from it. The press
used is similar to a screw cider press and needs no further description.
The quality of the wine, i. e. its flavor, strength and acidity, depends
in some degree upon the manner in which the grapes are pressed.
Some makers press out all the juice at one operation, and consequently
make but one quality of wine; others make three pressings from the
same grapes, keeping the juice of each operation separate. In the first
operation very little force is used, the juice obtained is much richer in
sugar than the subsequent pressings the wine it produces is conse-
quently stronger in spirit, and is less acid than the wine produced by
pressing out all the juice at one operation, or that of the subsequent
pressings. The must or juice is now placed in casks which are filled
to within five or six inches of the bung and loosely stopped up, and
placed in a cool location to avoid too rapid fermentation. Fermenta-
tion soon sets in, the temperature of the liquid increases as the process
progresses, the clear fluid becomes clouded, the fermentation is gone
through in the course of two or three weeks, the wine soon settles and
becomes clear, the casks are then filled up and bunged tight; it is then
left until February or March; it is then racked off into other casks.
A second fermentation again sets in late in the spring, after this is over
the wine is again racked off and then it is ready for sale. Wine rich
in sugar may undergo even a third fermentation. It is expedient to
protect the wine as much as possible from the oxydizing influence of
the atmosphere, it causes a too rapid oxydation of the gluten, and its
oxydation is communicated to the alcohol present, which it converts
into acetic acid. To prevent this, wine should be exposed as little as
possible either during fermentation, racking it off too frequently, or
allowing it to remain in casks only partly full. A method of fermen-
tation has lately been introduced to prevent this oxydizing influence
of the atmosphere. During fermentation, a tin syphon tube is fastened
securely to the bung of the cask, the long end of which is placed in a
bucket of water, the gases generated by the fermentation are thus al-
lowed to escape under slight pressure, but no air is admitted, and the
aroma of the wine prevented from escaping.
There is a peculiarity in the fermentation of must (juice of the grape),
differing from any other saccharine fluid undergoing the alcoholic fer-
mentation; all the sugar contained in the juice does not pass by one
fermentation into alcohol and carbonic acid. Only a portion of the
22
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
sugar present undergoes this change, although there is ferment suffici-
ent present to produce it; it commences again in the spring, and may
be even witnessed the third, or until all the sugar present is converted
into alcohol, and the wine then becomes what is called a dry wine, or
contains no sugar.
Other complex chemical changes are taking place also during fer-
mentation; the acid of the wine acting upon some other of its constitu
ents, is forming an ether which gives the wine its peculiar bouquet,
and the tartar that was held in solution in the original must, as the
alcohol increases, is slowly deposited upon the side of the cask in a
crystalline form.
I have now given a brief and imperfect description of wine growing,
and its origin in the West, its extent, and the difficulties to be con-
tended with in its culture. The next and most important subject will
be the wine produced, its characteristics and analysis. The wine is a
light, dry, acidulous one; it is difficult to make any comparison be
tween it and other wine of foreign growth. The foreign wine that it
most resembles is a dry hock, i. e. in the amount of alcohol it contains,
and like it slightly acid to the taste; the flavor or bouquet is entirely
different. In color some of it resembles it, but there is a great differ-
ence in the color of Catawba wine; some specimens are of a light red or
pinkish tint, others of a light straw color. The red color is from allow-
ing too much of the skins of the grape remaining in the must, which
impart to the wine a portion of their coloring matter; they also give
the wine a rough taste, a portion of the tannin they contain also being
taken up. The less of these they contain the lighter colored and less
astringent the wine.
A very great difference is to be observed in the wine produced by
different growers, such as deficiency in bouquet, excess of acid, and
want of spirit; these may partly arise from some peculiarity of the
season, such as cool and wet weather. The juice of the grape under
such circumstances, does not contain the same amount of sugar, and is
more acid than that of grapes produced during a warm and not too dry
season. Another cause of this difference is the want of care during the
fermentation of the must, such as allowing it to ferment too. rapidly,
and other exposure to atmospheric influences. If the wine is not care-
fully racked off previous to the second fermentation, there is too great
an excess of ferment present, and the rapid oxydation of it sets up
also an oxydizing influence upon the alcohol, and converts a portion of
it into acetic acid, to the injury of the wine. As a general thing the
Catawba wine contains much more acid than foreign wines of similar
character. This is not because the grapes will not produce as good
wine, but is due to the want of care in the making. The proprietors
of many of our vineyards are possessed of but little means, and have
not at hand the proper conveniences to protect their wine. This will,
however, be remedied in time. The establishment of extensive wine
cellars by Mr. NICHOLAS LONGWORTH and other men of capital, in this
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
23
city, who purchase the must from these small growers, and finish the
making of the wine, will not only open a market for the sale of the
must and be a great convenience to the wine grower, but will secure a
much greater amount of sound wine.
A large portion of Catawba wine is also made into a champagne or
sparkling wine. This branch of trade is rapidly on the increase, the
number of bottles made annually is 200,000; it is in many respects
equal to foreign sparkling wine. In making this the wine is bottled
before the second fermentation sets in, and the bottles of wine placed
upon their sides in suitable location and temperature to induce fermen-
tation. The conversion of the sugar into alcohol should be allowed to
proceed slowly, or the rapid disengagement of gas (carbonic acid) would
burst the bottles and cause a loss of the wine. Under the most favora-
ble circumstances from 5 to 15 per cent. is lost during the process.
The sparkling character of the wine is due to the carbonic acid libera-
ted by the fermenting process being held in solution in the wine. The
wine requires to be frequently bandled during the process to remove
the sediment formed, the removal of which requires much dexterity;
the mouth of the bottle is slowly depressed so that the sediment may
fall in a body upon the cork, this is then removed, the thumb placed
over the open mouth, the sediment removed from the cork and the
latter then replaced; this operation is so neatly done that but a few
drops escape. It requires from 6 to 12 months for this wine to ripen.
To the original wine some manufacturers add sugar, but in good wine
this addition is unnecessary as it contains sugar sufficient to produce a
good sparkling wine.
I have recently seen another kind of wine entirely different from the
ordinary dry wine. This is made from grapes that have been picked
and placed upon the floor for several weeks to ripen, a chemical change
takes place, they lose a portion of their acid, and an increase of sugar
is the result. The evaporation of a portion of the water of the grapes
by drying also makes the juice richer in sugar than that of the original
grapes. The wine it produces is much stronger in alcohol, and also
contains some undecomposed sugar; its taste is peculiar, resembling
Madeira, but its parentage is very perceptible. Wine made by this
process is called by the Germans straw wine. I was unable to get a
specimen of this.
Brandy has recently been made from the lees and marc of the grape ;
that made from the lees is the best; it has the peculiar flavor of the
Catawba. Some specimens I have met with have an empyreumatic
flavor and taste; this is owing to the distillation being performed over
the naked fire, and a portion of the vegetable matter charred. The
brandy distilled from the marc has rather an unpleasant taste, it con-
tains a large amount of fusel oil and a peculiar oil derived from the
stones of the grape; this may, however, be mellowed down and
changed in its character by age. It is perhaps now too new to make
any opinion upon what it may be. Catawba brandy is used medicinally
24
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
by some of our physicians instead of the foreign article, more from the
fact that it was pure than from any superiority it might possess.
The greatest objection to the use of our dry Catawba wine is its
acidity. The average quantity of carbonate of potass required to saturate
the acid present in a gallon of French or Rhine wine of ordinary quali-
ty, is from 250 to 260 grains. The average of 19 samples of Catawba
was 591 grains, some specimens requiring as much as 960 grains. This
excess of acid arises from two important causes; first, that the grapes
are not allowed to become fully ripe before they are pressed; they then
contain too much malic and free tartaric acid, which, by allowing the
grapes to arrive at full maturity, would have passed into grape sugar.
The wine produced from such grapes is a very acid, dry wine; the ex-
cess of ferment completely converts the small amount of sugar present
in the juice into alcohol; a poor wine, containing not more than eight
per cent. of spirit is the product.
The second cause, even when the grapes are fully ripe, is from their
being subjected to too much pressure; the skins of the Catawba con-
tain a large amount of acid, and in the pressing of the grapes too much
pressure is used; all the juice they contain is pressed out, and the
acid of the skins and the tannin they contain, go into the wine, an acid
wine is the result, and one containing a large per centage of alcohol-
about 9 per cent.-and requires from 6 to 800 grains of carbonate of
potass to saturate the acid per gallon
But should the grapes be first submitted to a gentle pressure, the
juice thus obtained fermenting, a superior wine will be the result.
Below I give you the analysis of three specimens of wine, made by Mr.
Ross, by submitting the grapes to three pressings; the wine from the
first pressing contained 10.87 of alcohol, and required but 375 grains
of carbonate of potass to neutralize the acid contained per gallon; the
second pressing contained 10.90 per cent. alcohol, and required 450
grains of potass per gallon; the third 11.1 per cent. of alcohol, and
600 grains of potass to saturate the acid per gallon.
The wine produced as yet, but in a few instances compares with
wines of a like character produced abroad. In time as good wine will
be made; the change of soil by cultivation, and of climate, will pro-
duce a great change in the character of the grape produced, and in-
creased care and knowledge in the treatment of the wine, will enable
the growers in the West to produce equal if not superior wines to
any of foreign growth.
The still wine contains about 9 per cent. of alcohol, the sparkling 12
per cent.
As regards the medicinal value of the native Catawba wines
much cannot be said, they are used in Cincinnati, and I presume that
where a light, dry, acid wine is admissible, these may be used with as
much safety and benefit as similar wines of foreign origin. The wine
made from grapes dried to some extent, makes a much richer and
stronger wine; it, as I previously mentioned, resembles in its taste and
appearance a Madeira, but with a decided Catawba flavor clinging to it.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
25
I have no doubt it might be substituted for that wine. I could not
obtain a specimen of that wine for certain reasons; one that the wine
being unknown, the maker was accused of adding sugar and alcohol to
his wine, it being so different to any ever made here; it is a pure wine,
though.
And the brandy, I cannot say what it will be; most of it I have seen
has been so new that it is difficult to form any opinion as to what change
time will produce in it. It is used here medicinally, more from the
reason that it can be obtained pure and at a much less price than the
foreign article.
One of the most important products connected with wine-growing,
the probable amount of tartar produced, I can give but little informa-
tion upon.
None of the wine-growers have taken any interest in this
part of their products, and it is a difficult matter for them to get at any
knowledge of it; as the tartar deposits slowly and is considered to be
of advantage to wine to let it remain, the amount deposited cannot be
ascertained. The wine will produce as much as wines of Europe, but
it will take time before it will be produced in quantity sufficient to
make it an article of trade. The only information I have obtained, is
that the wine deposits about 3 lbs. of crude tartar from 100 gallons of
wine, this will produce, allowing there to be 400,000 gallons of wine
produced, but 12,000 lbs. of crude tartar. I presume that the amount,
from observation, is about correct.
In what I have written, I have given but a brief history of our
native wines, the mode of culture, &c. I have found it difficult to
make out a condensed report from the many interesting facts and cir-
cumstances connected with it; much more might have been said, but
time and fear of being too tedious has compelled me to make my re-
port or essay as short, and at the same time to the point, as was possi-
ble for me to do it. The study, I may call it, of the grape and its pro-
ducts, is an interesting one; many beautiful chemical transformations
are connected with it; chemical changes that puzzle the most astute
chemists to solve.
C.
Report of a Committee to consider and Report on the subject of
Home Adulterations.
The subject of home adulterations of drugs naturally attracted the
attention of the community, and especially of pharmaciéns and physi-
cians, in connexion with that of the foreign, to which we have applied
so stringent a law.
No doubt the sophistication of drugs is as well understood in this
country as on the other side of the Atlantic, and that if we could apply
a remedy as general in its application, we should detect an amount
equally astonishing. This is one of the arguments used by the oppo-
nents of the drug law, that medicines can be as readily adulterated here
26
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
as abroad; but we contend that this is no argument against shutting
out foreign adulteration, and we hope some of these days to put a stop
to the evil at home. The precise method of doing this is not yet ap-
parent, neither is it within the scope of the duties of this Committee
to suggest a remedy. One of the results of the different reports from
time to time upon this subject, will be to call the attention of the com
munity to the subject, and create a public sentiment that shall demand
purer and better medicines when needed, thus drawing the necessary
discrimination between the qualities of them when offered either in
packages or at retail.
The Committee do not design at present a full report, as there are
still under their observation and that of others who have aided them
in this matter, such articles as are usually met with. Some are of
more, some of less importance, all, however, sufficiently so, we think, to
merit attention and remark. They are mostly articles that have been
found on sale in the interior towns and cities, purchased at the cities
East, where most of the wholesaleing is done. A few instances may be
noticed :
Balsam Peru has been met with, possessing none of the character-
istics of genuine balsam except in color and consistency, and upon
analysis affording no cinnamic acid.
Pulv. Capsicum.-The sample examined had a brick dust color,
little pungency, and filled with yellow specks and strong odor of tur-
meric. It was a mixture of turmeric and American capsicum, and, of
course, almost inert.
Castor is found with the follicles filled with sawdust to half the
weight of the castor.
Opium. Since the circular of the Secretary of the Treasury fixing
a per centage of morphia for this drug, a more uniform quality has been
found in market; but a great many samples have been observed the
past season with foreign substances, most commonly lead, inserted in
the lumps, in some instances equal to 20 per cent. of the weight of the
mass. We are of the opinion that this was done abroad, and probably
at the port whence shipped. The different examiners should seek to
detect this fraud before passing it.
Musk in pod has been observed loaded in the same way, to the
amount of 20 grains in a single pod.
Oil
The Essential Oils are largely adulterated in this country.
Oil of Peppermint sometimes contains 50 per cent. of alcohol.
of Rosemary is adulterated largely with turpentine, and in short, the
whole class are shamefully sophisticated.
Otto of Rose in the same class.
Cream of Tartar, adulterated with carbonate of lime, some samples
to the extent of 33 per cent., others in less proportion. Sul. potash
is also used for this purpose, and alum largely. Of six specimens ex-
amined by a gentleman of New-York City, purchased at various shops,
but one was found pure, some of them being adulterated 30 per cent.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
27
The same gentleman says, in reply to our enquiries, that from twenty-
two specimens or samples of essential oils, fourteen were found to con-
tain turpentine and other impurities. The same gentleman reports
samples of powdered opium adulterated 50 per cent.
Cod Liver Oil.-All kinds of fish oil may be found neatly bottled
and carefully labelled as the genuine article.
Sulphate of Quinine.-Samples have been detected with the old adul-
teration of mannite, and one gentleman reports quinine mixed up with
fine picked raw cotton, adding to the bulk so as to fill the vial without
using the requisite quantity of this valuable chemical.
Ipecacuanha in powder and Jalap in powder, each mixed with spuri-
ous matter, and English rhubarb in powder, put up for fine powdered
Turkey, are not uncommon in all the markets.
Of crude materials, Nitre or Saltpetre is one of the most commonly
sophisticated, being adulterated with common salt and nitrate of soda
largely.
These are some of the reports made to us, all from reliable sources.
The Committee have endeavored to establish points of observation in
different sections of the United States, and as far as possible to obtain
the names of houses from whom these various sophistications have been
obtained. Such information they deem it best to withhold from publi-
cation at present, lest they might do injustice to parties ignorantly
sending out such drugs; but they also intend from time to time to
compare notes, and when satisfied of continued practices of this kind,
will report such names to the Association.
In the meantime, they cannot too strongly urge retail apothecaries
especially, to be cautious of whom and what quality of medicines they
purchase. It is to the dispensing apothecary that medical men and the
community look for such medicines as are pure, not only "good of their
kind," but of the best kind.
C. B. GUTHRIE,
GEO. D. COGGESHALL,
E. S. WAYNE,
A. J. MATTHEWS.
D.
On the strength of Commercial Muriatic and Nitric Acids and
Alcohol,
BY A. P. SHARP.
As so little attention is paid by the manufacturing chemist and dis-
tiller to the officinal strength of the above articles, and as they enter
largely in the various preparations of the Pharmaceutist, I beg leave to
offer a few remarks on them.
After a careful examination of all the samples of acid I could obtain
both from the druggists as well as manufacturers, I am fully satisfied
28
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
that no attention whatever is paid to the requirements of the Pharma-
copoeia, notwithstanding its preparations are based upon the principle
that the acids have certain specific gravities, which are given, as well as
the tests of their purity. Now assuming this to be the case, the Phar-
maceutist cannot carry out the true intent of the Pharmacopoeia, for it
is utterly impossible to obtain the acids of the proper specific gravities.
Muriatic acid according to the Pharmacopoeia, should have a specific
gravity of 1.160. The strongest pure acid I have yet found, varies
from 1.120 to 1.130. The common commercial article is generally
about 1.140. Nitric acid is directed to have a specific gravity of 1.420.
The article manufactured in Philadelphia by Messrs. POWERS &
WEIGHTMAN, and sold as medicinal acid, and by the name. I presume
intended for the preparations of the Pharmaceutist, has a specific
gravity of 1.340 instead of 1.420 as it should be, if intended, as I have
suggested, for making the preparations of the Pharmacopoeia. The
strongest commercial article I have ever obtained had a specific gravity
of 1.370. In view of the above facts, in not being able to obtain the
acids of the officinal strength, it seems necessary that the Pharmacopoeia
should be so altered as to comply with such as can be obtained, or as a
more rational view, the Pharmaceutist should insist upon having his
acids made of the proper officinal specific gravity. Every Pharmaceu-
tist has no doubt experienced the difficulty (in preparing the tincture
of chloride of iron), of dissolving all the iron, owing to the deficiency
of the gas in the water. Also in preparing the solution of the per-
nitrate of iron, instead of having the preparation desired, it often (at
least with me) turns out to be nothing but the solution of the proto-ni-
trate, entirely owing to the weak acid. It is true, it is easy to overcome
the difficulty by not diluting the acid as much as directed, but you still
have a weaker article than desired. Another important article in our
line shares the same fate, I mean alcohol. The Pharmacopoeia directs
it to have a specific gravity of .835 or 85 per cent. of absolute alcohol
by weight. I know of but two kinds in commerce, 80 and 95 per cent.,
the latter a mere name only. As it is just as easy to prepare 85 as 80,
I cannot tell why the officinal strength is not found in commerce as
well as the other. However, when we take into consideration the fact
that the strength of alcohol depends upon the locality of its manufac-
ture, it is not much to be wondered at, and upon this subject I have
a few remarks to make. As I said before, the strength of alcobol de-
pends upon its locality, strange as this may appear, it is nevertheless
true. 98 per cent. alcohol in Cincinnati is 95 in New-York, and 88 to
85 (according to all my experiments) in Baltimore; and why this dif
ference? I can only account for it in the following reasons: firstly,
the instruments for testing the spirit are based upon a wrong principle,
by assuming the strongest by ordinary distillation to be alcohol, as is
the case with the Pennsylvania instrument made by Mr. FISHER of
Philadelphia. Secondly, the instruments being generally made for
testing spirits from 1st to 4th proof, proper attention is not directed to
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
29
the important fact of the great variation of the expansion of alcohol as
the strength increases. As an evidence of the latter difficulty, I will
take occasion to mention a dispute on the strength of alcohol which
took place in Baltimore some months ago. There was a lot of alcohol
sold warranted to be 95 per cent.; by examining it with another in-
strument it only showed 89 per cent. A sample of it was carefully
examined by a reliable hydrometer as well as by the specific gravity
bottle with a delicate balance, and I could not make it out stronger than
89 per cent., so this opened the matter to a further investigation.
The alcohol proved to be 95 per cent., by an instrument made in the
City of New-York, by Mr. GENDER, which was made of silver with the
ordinary graduation to show the different degrees of whiskey, as well
as another scale to show the per centage of alcohol. As there was
evidently a defect somewhere, for my own satisfaction I determined to
find out what it was, and to do so, commenced testing the instrument
with proof whiskey, and continued testing until I got to 80 per cent.
alcohol, to which point I found it perfectly correct; but from that
point up it was wrong, which fully satisfied me there was not sufficient
allowance made in the graduation for the difference in the expansion
of the alcohol. However, as the owner of the hydrometer still insisted
it was correct, and all my trouble amounted to nothing, I determined
to go a little further. Seeing his hydrometer in 89 per cent. alcohol
sunk to 95, I felt quite sure a few degrees stronger would sink the in-
strument, I therefore soon had some alcohol distilled over chloride of
calcium, and with much care and attention I obtained spirit which by
the reliable hydrometer spoken of before, as well as the specific gravity
bottle, showed it to be 96 per cent. I felt quite sure it was strong
enough for my purpose. I delivered it to the gentleman, with a re-
quest to try the per cent. with his instrument, and although the stem
was of sufficient leugth to admit of at least five degrees above the
hundred, the hydrometer immediately sunk in it, which was convincing
proof to him that the instrument was incorrect for spirits above 80,
and that the 98 per cent. alcohol of Cincinnati and 95 of New-York is
nothing but the simple 88 or 89 per cent. alcohol, or the strongest ob-
tained by ordinary distillation.
Another difference often occurs in alcoholometers. Some are made
to show the per cent. by weight, that is, 80 per cent. alcohol contains
80 lbs. absolute alcohol and 20 lbs. water, and the other kind shows
the per cent. by volume. or 80 per cent. alcohol would be 80 pints ab-
solute alcohol and 20 pints water, which of course makes considerable
difference in the two scales. The latter scale by TRALLES, is the one
adopted by the government, and they are now using the glass hydrome-
ter with a thermometer in the bulb for correcting the temperature, &c.,
as being the most reliable instrument. They are made in the best
style by LUHME & Co. of Berlin.
30
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
E.
Report of the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee for the past year respectfully report, that
as soon as practicable after the adjournment of the last annual meeting,
they caused to be printed a pamphlet entitled "Proceedings of the
American Pharmaceutical Association at the third annual meeting held
in Cincinnati, July 25th and 26th, 1854," a copy of which accompanies.
this report. It embraces 40 pages, including the minutes of the meet-
ing at its several sittings; the Address prepared by the Committee on
Education, addressed to the Pharmaceutists of the United States, their
clerks and apprentices; also the Report on Standards of Quality for
the government of Special Examiners of Drugs, &c.; the Report on
the appointment of Special Examiners; a general summary of the
answers to the Circular of the Committee on Pharmaceutical Educa-
tion, giving a general view of the practice of Druggists and Apotheca-
ries in regard to their important duties to those placed under their
training; an interesting Report from our Correspondent in California
in regard to the condition of Pharmacy in that distant State; also an
extract from the Report of the Committee on Quack Medicines; with
lists of Officers, Members, Correspondents, Committees, &c.
As instructed by the Association, the Committee also published the
address above referred to in a separate pamphlet. The number printed
was 2,000 of the proceedings and 3,000 of the address. The thanks
of the Association are due to the Colleges of Pharmacy of New-York,
Philadelphia and Boston for contributions toward the expenses of pub-
lication, and a large part of the edition was furnished those institutions
with that of Cincinnati, for their own use and distribution. The
Treasurer's account will exhibit the cost of the publication and the
means by which it was met.
The expenses of distribution incurred by your Committee amounted to
$6.31, of which sum $2.75 was met by voluntary contributions, leaving
$3.56 due the undersigned.
The Committee have not deemed it necessary, as heretofore, to make
suggestions to the Association in regard to the business to claim its
attention, believing that the reports of Committees specially set apart
to consider the important subjects which claimed its attention at the
last and preceding meetings, and the matters of general and scientific
interest likely to be introduced by individual members, will afford
ample and profitable occupation for the several sittings.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD PARRISH.
C. B. GUTHRIE.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
31
F.
Report of Committee to enquire whether any and what Amend-
ments are required to the.law regulating the Importation of
Drugs and Medicines, to render it more efficient, uniform and
advantageous to the public at large.
The subject matter of the law of Congress passed in 1846, regulating
the importation of such Drugs and Chemicals as are wholly or in part
used as medicines, has from time to time been a matter of discussion
and of various reports to the American Pharmaceutical Association.
At the meeting of this Association held in Cincinnati on the 25th
July, 1854, a Committee was appointed to report to this present sitting
of the Association "whether any and what amendments are required
to this law to render it more efficient and advantageous to the public
at large."
It is by no means strange, or in any wise evidence of weakness in
the law itself, that it should need emendation, and that its provisions
in their adaptation to the purposes sought and the wants of commerce,
should be found in some respects defective. To expect it to meet with
universal favor and to please all, was to expect impossibilities, and to
expect its stringent provisions would, if carried out, not touch and bear
hard upon some points, was to look for more than was at all likely to
be realized.
The necessity for its enactment had become apparent to the commu-
nity at large, and it is now but an expression of public opinion upon
the statute book. Its workings have been unquestionably beneficial,
but it cannot at the same time be denied that these results are and have
been in a great measure incidental rather than direct.
We have far too much reliance in the integrity and honor of the
large majority of our importing druggists to believe that they would
knowingly import and throw upon the market spurious or sophisticated
drugs; yet the large quantities of such drugs and chemicals that have
from time to time been rejected at the port of New York and at other
ports, is evidence sufficient that many articles of this kind not fit for
market are still sent here, often, we are willing to believe, through igno-
rance of their true value and condition, but sometimes, no doubt,
through avarice and with the worst intentions. We have said that the
beneficial effects of the law are incidental in some respects. We mean
that it has directed public attention to the matter, and those having
occasion to use or dispense medicines throughout the country, have
come to exercise greater care in the selection and preparation of such
articles.
Whatever defects the law may have, and however far it may fall
short of abating or entirely curing the evil that called it into existence,
one thing is very certain, and it lies at the very foundation of all its
defects and is chargeable with almost all the trouble of its execution.
32
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
So great, indeed, is it, that if necessarily belonging to it and to be here-
after as it has been hitherto, the principle upon which the appointments.
to its responsible offices are made, we say abolish, at once and forever
abolish the law itself, for it never can accomplish the end sought. This
Association will comprehend the tenor of these remarks as pointing to
the political, the mere party bearings to which the law is now made
subservient. It was intended by its framers and by those who gave it
existence, and by those who first filled its appointments that it should
never be so considered, and they fondly, though it seems vainly hoped.
to see one office in the gift of a department, one appointment, that should
be made with a simple, single view to qualification, free from that party
cry of the age, "to the victor belongs the spoils.”
It is not our present business to complain of the politician, who
having won a political battle, manifests his ambition in the general
scramble after party rewards, but we beg to put in one plea for humanity
and science, and ask that one office of government having so closely
and entirely under its control the welfare and possibly the lives of some
of us, and of the community at large, be not filled with the mere poli-
tician, the open-mouthed clamorer for place, the pretender or ignoramus.
The error in some of these appointments has arisen, we think, in
some measure, from a misconception by the appointing power as to the
responsibility and the duties of a drug examiner.
A mere practioner of medicine, however well qualified for his pro-
fession, is not, therefore, at all qualified to judge of, and pass upon a
tithe of the articles daily offered at either of the ports where such exam-
iner is located. In fact, no one but a well educated and thoroughly
practical druggist could, without great experience, fill this post with any
thing like satisfaction.
It is lamentable, indeed, if no office can be above the influence of
mere partisan feeling, but must be filled with a view solely to stopping
the mouth of one of that hydra-headed host, who, surrounding the dis-
penser of small gifts, continually cry "give, give."
We dwell upon this point, gentlemen, because we have reason to
know, and you likewise know, that through this evil, the law has never
had a fair trial except at the port of New York. In all the others, so
many changes have been made, that even bad good, competent officers
been appointed in all cases, as they have not, they would scarcely have
become well settled and obtained the requisite facilities for getting
through their official duties, before they have been removed to give place
to some more hungry applicant.
any means.
We are speaking of facts, well authenticated facts, not fictions by
The result of these changes any one can see; if not appa-
rent, let them look at the want of uniformity of action at the different
ports, and the appearance in market of drugs not seen, some of them,
before for years.
We know of no remedy for this evil, which, could we obviate, we
should be willing to risk all minor defects of the law, except to make
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
33
those appointments in many respects more important than that of the
collector itself, like that of the collector, subject to the approval of the
Senate.
That would at least give some time for examination into the qualifi-
cations of the applicant for such a responsible station. Some of the
Association have heretofore advocated the giving to the different Col-
leges of Pharmacy a voice in the recommendation of applicants; a plan
worthy of trial if it could obtain consideration in the proper quarter,
which we fear it could not.
If the Association deem it best, a dignified and earnest remonstrance
made to the proper department in behalf of such appointments, would,
we are sure, be properly considered and have its due weight. There is
no other alteration likely to be made that would be a matter of import-
ance, or that would materially affect the workings of the law.
We wish to improve this occasion to call the attention of this Asso-
ciation and of those interested to another subject bearing directly upon
the question of pure drugs; that is, an alteration of the existing tariff
as it relates to the importation of crude materials used in the manu-
facture of chemicals. Under our existing tariff the same ad valorem
duties are levied upon crude materials used wholly or in part for manu-
facturing purposes as are levied upon chemicals made from such drugs.
Those crude drugs not produced nor producable in this country we
believe should be placed on the free list.
The largest manufacturing chemists of our country mention as among
such articles most important, the barks, E. I. saltpetre, nitrate of soda,
brimstone in bulk, opium, nux vomica, argols, cloves, &c.
Why should we pay a premium to foreign manufacturers for the pro-
ducts of their laboratories, that can be made equally as good if not
better by our own, if they have the same protection other manufactu-
ring interests have?
Why should the consumer pay this duty upon an article of strict
necessity (for medicines do not become luxuries), which he can in no
case produce nor in any other way procure?
We hope this matter may also be properly brought to the notice of
the next Congress, and receive the attention of this Association, and
their aid in putting such articles upon a proper footing.
These subjects are matters of importance not only to those engaged
in the drug trade and the business of apothecaries, but to the commu-
nity at large.
All of which is respectfully submitted on behalf of the Committee.
C. B. GUTHRIE, Chairman.
5
36
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
SECTION 2. In case of the temporary absence or inability of the
President, his duties shall devolve on one of the Vice Presidents.
SECTION 3. The Recording Secretary shall keep fair and correct
minutes of the proceedings of the Association. He shall keep a roll
book of the members, and see that it is corrected annually, and he shall
furnish to the Executive Committee a correct transcript of the minutes
of the meetings for publication in the Transactions of the Association.
SECTION 4. The Corresponding Secretary shall attend to the official
correspondence directed by the Association with other bodies, or with
its members, all of which correspondence shall be approved by the
President.
SECTION 5. The Treasurer shall receive and take care of the funds
of the Association; shall pay its money only on the order of the Execu-
tive Committee, countersigned by the President; and shall present a
statement of his accounts annually that they may be audited.
SECTION 6. The Executive Committee shall take charge of the pub-
lication of the Proceedings of the Association, including such papers on
scientific subjects as it may direct to be published; attend to their dis-
tribution, pay the expenses incurred on behalf of the Association at its
meetings or in the interim, and report a statement of their transactions
to the next meeting.
ARTICLE IV.-Of the Meetings.
SECTION 1. The meetings shall be held annually, at such time and
place as shall be determined at the adjournment of the previous meet-
ing, observing that no two meetings shall be held consecutively at the
same place.
SECTION 2. The meetings shall be organized by the President of
the previous year, or, in his absence, by either of the Vice Presidents
in the order of their election, or, in their absence, by the Recording
Secretary, who shall act pro tempore until the nomination and election
of officers for the session.
SECTION 3. Immediately after the temporary organization of the
Association the roll shall be called, when a committee on credentials
shall be appointed from the members present, to whom the certificates
of delegates shall be submitted, and who shall examine the claims of
all other applicants for membership before they are submitted to the
Association.
ARTICLE V.
This Constitution may be altered or amended by a vote of three-
fourths of the members present at any regular meeting, and notice to
alter or amend the same shall be given at least one sitting before a vote
thereupon.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
37
OFFICERS
OF THE
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION,
FOR 1855-'56.
President,
JOHN MEAKIM.
Vice Presidents,
C. B. GUTHRIE,
CHARLES ELLIS,
HENRY F. FISH.
Recording, W. J. M. GORDON,
Secretaries,
Corresponding, WM. PROCTER, Jr.
Treasurer,
JAMES S. ASPINWALL.
Executive Committee,
G. D. COGGESHALL, Chairman, A. L. MATTHEWS, W. PROCTER, Jr.
Roll of the American Pharmaceutical Association.
Philadelphia,.
S. R. Philbrick, M. D.,.......Boston,..
Pennsylvania.
New York.
Massachusetts.
Connecticut.
Massachusetts.
Daniel B. Smith,
Llewellyn S. Haskell,
New York,.
Joseph Burnett,
Boston,..
Henry F. Fish,...
Waterbury,.
Samuel M. Colcord,………
Boston,..
Alexander Duval,.
.Richmond,...
Massachusetts.
Virginia.
Joseph Laidley,...
Richmond,....
C. Augustus Smith,..
Cincinnati,....
George D. Coggeshall,.........New York,...
Virginia.
Ohio.
.New York.
John Meakim,.....
.New York,...
.New York.
Eugene Dupuy,……….
New York,..
.New York.
Charles Ellis,..
Philadelphia,
..Pennsylvania.
William Procter, Jr.,...
Philadelphia,..
.Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
.Pennsylvania.
Alfred B. Taylor,……….
38
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
Edward Parrish,........
David Stewart, M. D.,..
C. B. Guthrie, M. D.,
Charles L. Bache,*.
W. B. Chapman, M. D..
Daniel Henchman,..
Thomas Restieaux,
Andrew Geyer,*
Emery Souther,..
T. Larkin Turner,.
··
Philadelphia,
Baltimore,
.Memphis,..
San Francisco,
Cincinnati,.....
Boston,..
Boston,.
Boston,.
.Boston,
.Boston,.
.Pennsylvania.
.Maryland.
Tennessee.
California.
.Ohio.
Massachusetts.
•
.Massachusetts.
.Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
Henry T. Cummings, M. D.,..Portland,.
Junius Gridley,....
Henry W. Lincoln.
S. P. Peck,.
J. C. Bingham,....
.New York,.
.Boston,...
.Bennington,
St. Johnsbury,
.New York,..
Richmond.
>
.Terre Haute,
Massachusetts.
.Maine.
New York.
Massachusetts.
Vermont.
.Vermont.
New York.
Virginia.
T. B. Merrick,
•
S. M. Zachrisson,.
Thomas H. Barr,
William A. Brewer..
Thomas Hollis,.
Ashel Boyden,.
Henry D. Fowle,
James S. Melvin,...
George L. Dearborn,...
Charles T. Carney,.
William W. Goodwin,...
Anthony S. Jones,..
James B. Lane,..
Peter J. Hazzard,………
Thomas Farrington,.
William C. Arons,.
Wm. H. Adderly,
Wm. S. Merrill,..
Hamilton Creighton,..
Edward S. Wayne,.
W. H. Coolidge,.
A. M. Stevens,
Theodore Marsh,...
W. J. M. Gordon,
Lewis Rehfus,*
J. V. Whetstone,
J. W. Hannaford,
W. R. Smith,.
Asbury Kent,..
John Scott,.
...
Boston,....
Boston,.
.
Boston,.
·
.Boston,.
Bostou,...
Great Falls.....
Lowell,..
Boston,..
Indiana.
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
.New Hampshire.
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts.
Boston,..
Massachusetts.
Boston,..
Massachusetts.
.Cincinnati,
.Ohio.
Cincinnati,
.Ohio.
Cincinnati,
.Ohio.
.Xenia,
.Ohio.
Cincinnati,
...Ohio.
.Ohio.
Ohio.
•
Newburyport,
Fitchburg,
Cincinnati,
.Cincinnati,
. Cincinnati,
•
..Ohio.
...Cincinnati,
....Ohio.
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
.Cincinnati,
....Ohio.
•
.Cincinnati,
.Ohio.
•
Hillsborough,
...Ohio.
Cincinnati,
.Ohio.
Cincinnati,...
..Ohio.
* Deceased.
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
39
James S. Aspinwall,..
Benjamin Canavan,.
John Canavan,..
New York,..
.New York.
New York,.
.New York.
New York,....
.New York.
·
New York,....
.New York.
•
New York,...
New York.
New York,..
.New York.
•
.New York,.
.New York.
New York,.
.New York.
.New York,..
.New York.
New York,..
New York.
John Milhau,
John P. Dodge,
F. A. Hegeman,
Oliver Hull,
•
James T. Maxwell,
Isaac Coddington,
Frederick Hall,.
A. I. Matthews,.
Samuel S. Garrigues,.
A. P. Sharp,..
Frederick Stearns,
E. A. Richards,
William Thomas,
David Scott,
John Buck,
Robert R. Kent,..
•
Buffalo,
Philadelphia,
..Baltimore,..
Detroit,
Plaquemine,
....Jersey City,
Worcester,
Chelsea,.....
.Boston,
....
•
New York.
.Pennsylvania.
Maryland.
Michigan.
Louisiana.
New Jersey.
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts. -
Massachusetts.
•
James Baker,.
Robert W. Battey,
Wm. L. Cleveland,
G. T. Chamberlain,
J. H. M. Morris,.
J. H. Reed,.
R. H. Stabler,.
James B. Campbell,
B. R. Strong,....
Morris Emanuel,.
George B. Gates,
L Wilcox, Jr.,
R. Browning,..
Peter V. Coppuck...
CORRESPONDENTS.
Wheeling,.
Rome,
Charleston,
.St. Louis,..
Louisville,
Chicago,...
Alexandria,
Portsmouth,
Knoxville,..
•
Vicksburg,
Mobile,……….
Pittsburg,
...Indianapolis,.
..Mount Holly,...
.Virginia.
Georgia.
..South Carolina.
Missouri.
.Kentucky.
.Illinois.
Virginia.
Virginia.
Tennessee.
.Mississippi.
.Alabama.
.Pennsylvania.
.Indiana.
.New Jersey.
40
AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
LIST OF COMMITTEES
TO REPORT AT. THE
MEETING TO BE HELD IN BALTIMORE, SEPT. 9th, 1856.
1st. Statistics of Pharmacy in the United States, referred to the Cor-
responding Secretary, W. PROCTER, Jr.
2d. Committee on the Certificate of Membership, empowered to decide
upon the design, have it executed, and deliver it to the members who
have subscribed for it.
CHARLES ELLIS,
JOHN MEAKIM,
WILLIAM PROCTER, Jr.,
JOSEPH LAIDLEY.
3d. Committee to report on standard of quality for those drugs capable
of their application, with tests for adulterations. (Continued.)
WILLIAM PROCTER, Jr.,
CHARLES T. CARNEY,
GEORGE D. COGGESHALL,
4th. Committee appointed to report a Revised Constitution.
EDWARD PARRISH,
EDWARD S. WAYNE.
SAMUEL M. COLCORD,
G. D. COGGESHALL,
A. J. MATTHEWS,
JAMES S. ASPINWALL.
5th. Committee to report on the subject of Home Adulterations.
C. B. GUTHRIE,
C. A. SMITH,
E. S. WAYNE.
6th. Committee to report on the best Text Books for the pharmaceu-
tical student.
W. PROCTER, Jr.,
A. P. SHARP,
CHARLES ELLIS.
PRIZES OFFERED BY THE ASSOCIATION.
1st.-Twenty-three volumes of the American Journal of Pharmacy.
For the best Essay which shall develope the commercial history of
all drugs indigenous to the United States, as Senega, Spigelia, Serpen-
taria, &c., as regards the manner and places of their collection and
preparation for the supply of commerce, the amount annually collected,
and the channels through which they enter general commerce.
2nd.- Six volumes of Gmelin's Hand-Book of Chemistry.
For the best Essay on any question relating specially to Pharmacy.
Committee of Judges.
CHARLES ELLIS,
WILLIAM PROCTER, Jr.
All Essays contributed for the Prizes must be delivered free of charge
to CHARLES ELLIS, Philadelphia, on or before the second Tuesday in
August, 1856.
Erratum.-Page 10, line 7th, for section 2 read section 7.
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