NOTICED 1. An official copy of this Digest will be sent to all incorporated Medical and Pharmaceutical State Associations, Societies, and Colleges, and to similar in- stitutions or bodies, so far as their existence or location is known. 2. Additional copies may be obtained by any of these bodies, for the use of any Committee on Pharmacopoeia, by forwarding the amount of postage, which is 7 cents per copy for Part I., and 5 cents for Part II. Not more than five copies can be thus obtained at first ; but if the number remaining in stock per- mits, more may afterwards be supplied. 3. Bach member of the Committee of Revision will receive five copies. 4. Copies may be sent, free of postage, to such individuals as are known to be engaged in pharmacopoeial work, and whose names are furnished to the Chairman. 5. Copies sent to individuals at their own request, will not be sent carriage- free. The amount of postage (7 cents for Part I. and 5 cents for Part II.) must accompany the request. 6. Every recipient of this pamphlet is requested to send to the Chairman of the Committee the titles of any publications which may be known to him to contain valuable and positive contributions to the next revision of the U. S. Ph., and which have not been already abstracted in Parts I. and II. 7. A limited number of copies of both Part I. and II. have been printed on thin paper, on one side of the page only, for mounting opposite the text of the U. S. Ph. in interleaved copies. These may be obtained by forwarding postage to the Chairman, 15 cents for both parts. THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY \ae>o CLJ, / - ^ / ' \ ' L DIGEST OF CRITICISMS on the UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA, SIXTH DECENNIAL REVISION (1880). PUBLISHED BY THE COMMITTEE OF REVISION AND PUBLICATION OF THE PHARMACOPEIA OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (1880-1890). PART II. NEW YORK. 1889. INQUIRER PRINTING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY, PRINTERS, LANCASTER, PA. PREFACE TO PART II. T HE task of compiling Part II. of this Digest has consumed more time than was at first anticipated, and much more than its com- paratively small size would appear to have demanded. The delay was, however, unavoidable, since the search through the available literature not already utilized for Part I. necessitated constant and careful reference both to the text of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, and also to the text of the part already printed, so as not to make un- necessary repetitions of comments already recorded. If all the criti- cisms encountered in the new literature, irrespective of their having already been taken from other sources, had been included in this part, the present pamphlet could easily have been rendered twice its size. For instance, the United States Dispensatory, which could not be used for Part I. (see the preface to the latter, page iv), con- tains a large number of criticisms covering materially, but independ- ently, the same ground as that occupied by some of the other com- mentaries ; yet to save needless repetition, only such comments were excerpted for this part as were found to go beyond the scope of other works. The same rule has been observed with other books and journals. While it has been impossible to secure complete files of every pub- lication bearing on pharmaceutical matters, issued during the last 8 or 9 years within the United States, yet it is believed that the two pamphlets so far issued fairly represent the pharmacopoeial criti- cisms made during this period. If there be any lacking, it is only due to the fact that of some serial publications no complete files could be secured. If the publishers or owners of any of the publications not enumerated in the printed list annexed to this pamphlet, will kindly loan a set to the Committee, it will be carefully gone over and abstracted, and promptly returned. For the convenience of those who wish to bind together both parts of the Digest so far issued, the page numbers in this second part have been continued from the first. It may be announced here that both parts of this Digest may also be obtained in sheets of thin paper, printed on one side only. This form of issue will enable those, who desire to do so, to cut out the criticisms or remarks referring to the several pharmacopoeial (m) 957399 IV PREFACE. articles, and to mount them opposite the text in interleaved copies of the Pharmacopoeia. These copies of the Digest may be obtained, so far as the stock on hand will permit, in accordance with the notice under § 7 on the inside page of the cover of this part. Some time during the year 1887, the Committee of Revision caused an alphabetical list of pharmacopoeial titles to be printed, for the pur- pose of enabling pharmaceutical associations and other bodies or individuals to collect statistics regarding the frequency with which officinal articles were prescribed by physicians. Though this collec- tion of statistics is not yet completed, yet there are sufficient reports in the hands of the Chairman to warrant the publication of the fol- lowing Provisional List of Articles recommended to be dropped from the U. S. Ph a rmacopceia : Absinthium. — Abstracta (if these are dropped, an Extract of Jalap will have to be reintroduced). — Acetum Eobeliae. — Aluminii Hydras. — Ammonii Sulphas. — Amylum Iodatum. — Antimonii Sulphidum. — Antimonii Sulphidum Purificatum. — Aqua Creasoti. — Argenti Cyanidum. — Argenti Oxidum. — Arnicae Radix. — Aurantii Flores. — Auri et Sodii Chloridum. — Azedarach. — Bryonia. — Canna- bis Americana. — Cascarilla. — Ceratum Sabinae. — Chelidonium. — Chinoidinum. — Chirata. — Cinchonina. — Cinchoninae Sulphas. — Cornus. — Cupri Acetas. — Cydonium. — Emplastrum Asafoetidae. — Emplastrum Galbani. — Emplastrum Picis Canadensis. — Emplas- trum Picis cum Cantharide. — Extractum Arnicae Radicis Fluidum. — Extractum Iridis. — Extractum Iridis Fluidum. — Extractum Matico Fluidum. — Extractum Mezerei Fluidum. — Extractum Rhois Glabrae Fluidum. — Extractum Rosae Fluidum. — Extractum Stra- monii Fluidum. — Ferri et Ammonii Tartras. — Ferri Oxalas. — Gal- banum. — Hedeoma. — Hydrargyri Cyanidum. — Iris. — Kamala. — Einimentum Cantharidis. — Einimentum Plumbi Subacetatis. — Eiquor Acidi Arseniosi. — Magnesii Sulphis. — Magnolia. — Matico. — Matricaria. — Melissa. — Menispermum. — Mucilago Cydonii. — Muci- lago Sassafras Medullae. — Oleoresina Eupulinae. — Oleoresina Piperis. — Oleoresina Zingiberis. — Oleum Succini. — Oleum Valerianae. — Phytolaccae Bacca. — Pilulae Galbani Compositae. — Pix Canaden- sis. — Potassii Bichromas. — Prinos. — Pulsatilla.— Pyrethrum. — Rhus Glabra. — Rhus Toxicodendron. — Rosmarinus. — Santonica. — Sodii Santoninas. — Spiritus iEtheris. — Sumbul. — Syrupus Ferri Bromidi. — Tanacetum. — Tinctura Arnicae Radicis. — Tinctura Bryoniae. — Tinctura Chiratae. — Tinctura Matico. — Tinctura Sumbul. — Trochisci Catechu. — Trochisci Krameriae. — Trochisci Morphinae et Ipecacu- anhae. — Trochisci Sodii Santoninatis. — Unguentum Mezerei. — Un- PREFACE. •V guentum Plumbi Iodidi. — Ustilago. — Vinum Aloes. — Viola Tricolor. — Zinci Bromidum. — Zinci Iodidum. This provisional list, based upon statistics so far received, is here inserted for the purpose of affording any section of the country in which one or another of the enumerated drugs or preparations may be more frequently prescribed, to put in a plea, with the succeeding Committee of Revision, for the retention of the respective articles. While it may not be strictly within the province of the present Committee of Revision to propose a list of new drugs and prepara- tions to be admitted into the next U. S. Pharmacopoeia, it seems nevertheless advisable to insert here a rough list of those articles which have either been already recommended by competent au- thorities for this purpose, or which appear, from the records ot medical and pharmaceutical literature, to deserve consideration. The list referring to this subject might have been greatly extended by the insertion of new vegetable drugs and preparations which are yet under critical trial, and regarding which the medical profession will have more reliable data a year or two hence, than are available now. Provisional List of Articles recommended to be introduced mto the U. S. Pharmacopoeia : Acetanilidum. — Acidum Hypophosphorosum Dilutum. — Acidum Metaphosphoricum Dilutum. — Acidum Pyrogallicum (Pyrogallol). — Adonis (and FI. Ext.). — Agaricinum. — Alcohol Methylicum. — Aletris (and FI. Ext.). — Aloinum. — Antipyrina (at first supposed to be “ dimethyl-oxychinizin, ’ ’ but now considered a derivative of pyrazol, its full chemical name being ‘ ‘ phenyl-dimethyl-pyra- zolon”). — Apiol. — Aspidosperma (and FI. Ext.). — Aqua Chloro- formi. — Caffeinae Citras (50%?). — Caffeinae Sodio-Benzoas (and Sodio-Salicylas). — Chloral Butylicum. — Cocainae Hydrochloras: — Codeinae Sulphas (or Phosphas). — Convallaria (and FI. Ext.). — Elixir Aromaticum (and possibly some other Elixirs, chiefly those used as vehicles?). — Eriodictyon. — Ethyl Bromidum. — Extractum Carnis. — Extracta Fluida (of certain new drugs ; also of some drugs at present officinal, such as Apocynum, Asclepias, Jalapa, Lappa, Scoparius, etc.; see Part II. of this Digest). — Glonoinum (Nitro- glycerinum). — Glyceritum Acidi Tannici. — Glyceritum Boroglycer- ini. — Homatropinae Hydrobromas. — Hyoscinae Hydrobromas. — Lan- oleum (under this or some other name). — Liquor Ferri Iodidi.- — Menthol. — Oleatum Cocainae. — Oleatum Quininae. — Paraldehydum. — Pepsinum (undiluted). — Peumus (Boldo). — Phenacetinum. — Piper Methysticum (Kava, and FI. Ext.). — Quininae et Ureae Hydro- chloras. — Resorcinum. — Rhamnus Purshiaua (Cascara). — Sacchar- VI PREFACE. inum. — Salol. — Sodii Bromidutn Effervescens cum Caffeina (?). — Sparteinse Sulphas. — Spiritus Aromaticus. — Spiritus Glonoini. — Strophanthus. — Sulphonal. — Syrupus Ferri Citro-Iodidi. — Terebe- num. — Terpini Hydras. — Tinctura Ferri Citro-Iodidi. — Tinctura Quininse Aromatica (? “Tinctura Antiperiodica,” Nat. Form.). — Urethanum. — Viburnum Opulus (and FI. Ext.). — Zea (“Stigmata Maydis,” and FI. Ext.). If sufficient material can be collected to warrant the publication of a third part of this Digest, the Committee will not hesitate to issue it. Any suggestions that may be offered to make this compilation more complete and of still greater value, will be thankfully received by the Committee. CHARLES RICE. Chairman of the Committee of Revision , etc. New York, September 2, 1889. EXPLANATION OF ABBREVIATIONS IN PARTS I. AND II A. — American Journal of Pharmacy. B. — American Druggist (formerly New Remedies). C. — Pharmaceutical Record. D. — Western Druggist. E. — Druggists’ Circular. F. — Ephemeris (Dr. Squibb). G. — Pharmaceutische Rundschau (New York). H. — Pharmacist (Chicago). I. — New Remedies. K. — Pharmaceutische Centralhalle. E. — Archiv der Pharmacie. M. — Pharmaceutical Era. N. — Pharmaceutical Journal and Trans. (London). O. — Proceedings of Amer. Pharm. Association. P. — National Dispensatory, 4th edition. R. — Companion to the U. S. Pharm. (Oldberg-Wall). S. — Chemist and Druggist (London). T. — U. S. Dispensatory, 16th edition. U. — Remington’s Practice of Pharmacy. W. — National Druggist (St. Louis). X. — Beckurts-Hirsch : Handbuch d. praktischen PharmaciE. Y. — Deutsch - Amerikanische Apothkeker - Zeitung (New York). Z. — Pharmaceutische Zeitung (Berlin). Un. Ph. — U niversal-PharmakopoE (Dr. B. Hirseh). (vii) DIGEST OF CRITICISMS . ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA SIXTH DECENNIAL REVISION (1880). i > a i ; r r ii. General Remarks. Alkaloids. Value of Mayer’s reagent, showing his method of inter- preting the results of titration. Snow (A. 88, 487). — Value of phos- phomolybdic acid as a quantitative test (W. 88, Dec., 216. O. 88, 133)- Analysis by capillary attraction (dropping on filtering paper). Phillips (C. 88, 342). Assay. Some very pertinent remarks about the value of plant analyses for practical (pharmaceutical or therapeutical) purposes are to be found in the'concluding paragraph of an examination of cascara sagrada by Meyer and Webber; although of no direct value for the revision of the Pharmacopoeia (A. 88, 92). Boiling points of officinal substances. Remington (U. 116). Committee of Revision. On the distribution of the labor. Oldberg (D. 88, 395). Concentration at low temperatures. Eloyd (B. 88, 81). Doses. Table in use at the Philadelphia Hospital. England (A. 88, •34 1 ; 391. C. 88, 258). — A table of maximum doses should be added. Descriptions of Drugs to be rejected , as found, for instance, under manna, colchicum, etc., might be applied more frequently. Drops. Reid finds that the number of drops from the same volume of the same liquid varies w 7 ith the temperature of the liquid, and with the time consumed in the formation of the drop. See table (G. 88, 188. K. 88, 251). Filters. Rational way of folding. Hehilfcr and Richmond (B. 88, 167). Working Formulas. Inconsistencies of the text. See Oldberg (D. 88, 358). Melting points of officinal substances (U. 95). Of fats, etc., deter- mination. U. S. Dep. of Agriculture (B. 88, 151). Metric Denominations. U. S. Ph. speaks of grains, liter, meter, which is not consistent (U. 43). The metric system ought to be introduced throughout; fluids in C.c. (Wisconsin P. A. M. 88, 50). Nomenclature. Taylor recommends several new class-names : 13 ( 191 ) 192 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS soluta, emulsa, etc. (D. 88, 426). — Hallberg: Centure, centraet, etc. (D. 88, 323. O. 88, 107). Percolation. Oldberg wants maceration and digestion recognized by the Pharmacopseia in the general directions (D. 88, 280). — A new pressure percolator by Phillips, made from an inverted salt- mouth bottle, a straight and a bent tube. See (C. 88, 213). — A modified repercolation, the chief idea of which is to use the “re- served ’ ’ portions of the percolate foi moistening the next portions of drug. Lilly (B. 88, 144). Powdering . Table of loss. Coveil (U. 145). — Vulpius (L. 87 , 1044. O. 88, 274). Purity. The real value of the terms : purissimus, purus, etc. “ Purissimus” seems always to contain impurities. Krauch (B. 88, 213. Zeit. Angew. Chemie). Limit of purity of reagents. Krauch (B. 89, 44; 72; 92). Powder. The fineness of powder for dispensing should be pre- scribed by the Pharmacopoeia. Oldberg (D. 88, 280). See the French, Spanish, Russian and Swedish Pharmacopoeias for very de- tailed directions (Un. Ph. II., 448 to 469). Specific Gravity. Oldberg wants it to be taken at 15 0 and 22 0 C. compared with water of the same temperature (D. 88, 280). Specific Gravity of Liquids. ‘ ‘ The weight of a body is to its spe- cific gravity, as the loss of weight, when immersed in a liquid, is to the specific gravity of that liquid.” Taylor (A. 88, 67; 175. O. 88, 216). Test Papers. Sensitiveness. Dieterich (D. 88, 7. O. 88, 230, from K. 87). Tests. Sensitiveness. Wells (D. 88, 10). Scaling Salts. Dieterich recommends to delay the spreading on glass, etc., of the syrupy solution until it is nearly cold, to prevent the scales from sticking to the glass or porcelain. (K. 88, 107, from K.) Weights and Measures. Oldberg, see (D. 88, 281). Text. Oldberg wants description, tests of identity, and tests of purity to form separate paragraphs (D. 88, 315). Absinthium. Abstracta. They should be twice as strong as they are now, representing four times their weight of the drug. Oldberg (D. 88, 433). Forty-eight hours’ maceration is insufficient, as well as the tem- perature (Ibid.) Oldberg proposes to (fall them “ Bxtracta saccharata.” (D. 88, 433 )- Abstractum Aconiti. Abstractum Belladonnse. Abstractum Conii. A No. 60 powder is better. Oldberg (D. 88, 433). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPCEIA. 193 Abstractum Digitalis. Abstraction Hyoscyami. Abstractum Ignatise. In order to separate the fixed oil, the fluid extract should be evap- orated to a soft extract, and allowed to stand for a short time ; the separated oil is then removed in any convenient way (T. 7). Abstractum Jalapse. Jalap ought to be in No. 60 powder (R. 620). Turner recommends, in view of the great variation in the p. c. of resin, to make the abstract by mixing 1 part of resin of jalap with 3 parts of sugar of milk (A. 88, 379. O. 88, 235). Abstractum Nucis Vomicae. In order to separate the fixed oil, proceed as under Abstractum Ignatise (T. 8). Abstractum Podophylli. Abstractum Senegse. Should be dropped, as a dried extract can not be made without loss of active constituents. Oldberg (D. 88, 433). Abstractum Valerianae. Acacia. Acacia “Verek” ought to be Acacia “Senegal.” Wood (T. 10). On “Ghatti” as substitute. See Mander (A. 88, 301. N. 88, April, 876). On natural and artificial substitutes. See Ellwood (N. 88, Oct., 339. Nov., 360.) Aceta. The utility of a uniform 10 p. c. strength is doubtful (T. 16). Acetum Lobeliae. Macerate for at least 12 hours before percolation. 434 )- Acetum Opii. Oldberg (D. 88, The reduction of strength is unjustifiable. Wood (T. 22). Percolation ought to be replaced by maceration, as the only proper process. Oldberg (D. 88, 434). The amount of acetic acid is too large. Oldberg proposes to use 4 p. c. absolute acid and 10 p. c. alcohol (D. 88, 434). Acetum Sanguinarise. 194 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Acetum Scillae. Maceration is better than percolation. Oldberg (D. 88, 434). Acida. A new test paper by Hinsdale. First passed through tincture of turmeric, and after drying, through lime water. A deep orange color, which turns yellow (B. 88, 102) . Acida Diluta. Acidum Aceticum. The neutralization point is better ascertained by using calcium or barium carbonate. Redwood and Nicholson (T. 27). Test for formic acid. Pure acetic acid does not reduce a solution of mercuric chloride, even on boiling; reduction points to formic acid. Moerck (A. 88, 13 1. O. 88, 526). — Nor does it reduce silver salts (X. I, 238). Is colored “ deep-red” by ferric choride. “Blood-red” would de- scribe the color better. Strength. Oldberg proposes 60 p. c. as a proper strength (D. 88, 434 )- Acidum Aceticum Dilutum. Five p. c. absolute acid would be better (T. 28). Acidum Aceticum Glaciale. It is inflammable (X. I, 235). Acidum Arseniosum. The powdered acid is often adulterated with sulphate of calcium (T. 922). Tests. The official tests for arsenic of the German government. See (B. 88, 166. Zeit. Analyt. Ch. 88, 471). It is soluble in ether. Scholvien (G. 87, 92). An improvement in Marsh’s apparatus by Lehmann (L- 88, 512. 0 . 88, 456). Acidum Benzoicum. A definition of benzoic acid is wanted. Acidum Boricum. Acidum Carbolicum. The title ought to be “Phenol” or “Phenyl Hydras,” and “Car- bolic Acid” as a synonym. (Oldberg (D. 88, 434). Keep protected from air and light. (X. I., 251.) Acidum Carbolicum Crudum. ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOTCEIA. Acidum Chromicum. Keep protected from air and light (X. I, 253). Acidum Citricum. Acidum Gallicum. Soluble in 12 parts of glycerin. Weaver (T. 60). Test of identity. Add to a solution of gallic acid, a dilute solution of ferrous sulphate (1 in 100); the mixture is colorless, but acquires a deep violet color on the addition of a little acetate of sodium (T. 61). Acidum Hydrobromicum Dilutum. Keep protected from light (X. I, 258). Acidum Hydrochloricum. Oldberg proposes a strength of 36.4 p. c. (D. 88, 434). Acidum Hydrochloricum Dilutum. Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum. Test of identity. Half a centigram of ammonio-ferrous sulphate and the same quantity of uranium nitrate are dissolved in 50 C.c. of water. To 1 C.c. of this solution add 1 drop of the suspected liquid, when a grayish-purple color or precipitate is produced. Carey Tea (T. 77. Am. Jl. Sci.). Acidum Lacticum. Acidum Nitricum. Nitric acid and nitrates are distinguished from nitrous acid and nitrites by a concentrated solution of ferrous sulphate in hydrochloric acid. Nitrous acid causes a deep brownish black coloration, but not nitric acid. Utescher (G. 88, 112. Apoth. Zeit. 88, 86). Curtman uses antipyrine, which produces a green coloration in presence of nitrous acid or nitrites (G. 88, 217). Frankland recommends as the best qualitative test sulplianilic acid. Add to the suspected solution one drop of a saturated aque- ous solution of sulphanilic acid, then one drop of an aqueous solu- tion of phenol, and add ammonia in excess, when the liquid will assume a yellow or reddish-yellow color. (B. 88, 114. O. 88, 417. Jl. Ch. Soc. 88, 364.) Undo modifies Frankland’s test by replacing phenol with thymol. He states that for quantitative work he prefers phenol, while for qualitative work thymol is better (B, 88, 172. Ch. News). Oldberg wants the strength to be 63 p. c. (D. 88, 434). Acidum Nitricum Dilutum. 1 96 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum. It should be kept in a dark place (U. 41 1). Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum Dilutum. Acidum Oleicum. Acidum Phosphoricum. “Heat until the excess of nitric acid is driven off.” — Hirsch states that when the acid has been evaporated to about 3 times the weight of the phosphorus, all the nitric acid will have been driven off (X. I, 279). In a “tubulated” glass retort. (Ibid.) Set the vessel aside for “ 24 hours ” — Hirsch recommends “ 2 to 3 days” (X. I, 282). On the volumetric examination of combined and free phosphoric acid, based on the behavior to methyl-orange and to phenolphtha- lein, see Cheever and Beal (M. 87, 398. O. 88, 431). Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum. Acidum Salicylicum. Artificial acid, and estimation of the homologous acid present. Ewell and Prescott (A. 88, 526. B. 88, 188. O. 88, 78). Acidum Sulphuricum. A sp. gr. above 1,840 indicates the presence of impurities, gener- ally sulphate of lead (T. 106). Test of identity. Eggers proposes the furfurol reaction, which is so sensitive that 1 C. c. of toW normal suphuric acid with a fragment of cholic acid and 2 drops of furfurol solution, gives a decided red coloration (A. 88, 560. Ch. Zeit. 88, 1245). The strength should be 98 p. c. Oldberg (D. 88, 434). Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum. Oldberg prefers the title: “ Mistura aromatica acida” (D. 88, 434 )- Test. Hirsch says that 36 C. c. of soda solution is a little too high. He also recommends to boil the mixture of acid and water before titration, in order to reconvert all the sulphovinic acid into sulphuric acid (Z. 83, 241). Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum. Ought to contain 10 p. c. of absolute acid. Oldberg (D. 88, 434). Acidum Sulphurosum. The best results are obtained when sulphuric acid, containing 75 p. c. of absolute acid, is employed; it is also recommended to place ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 197 a little sulphite of lead and charcoal in the wash bottle. Scott (T. 113)* The taste is “sulphurous, somewhat astringent” (T. 144). Hirsch states that 3.5 p. c. of gas corresponds to about sp. gr. 1. 015 (X. I, 295). Acidum Tannicum. With solution of ferric chloride it forms a bluish-black “ink.” The term ‘ ‘ ink’ ’ seems inappropriate. Estimation by ferric chloride and ferricyanide of potassium, using a solution of tannin of known strength for comparison. Hinsdale (B. 88, 161). Acidum Tartaricum. It is difficult to detect this acid when associated with boric acid. On adding fluoride of potassium, fluoborate of potassium is formed, and the tartaric acid will now respond to the usual tests. Barfoed (T. 122. Jl. de Ch. et de Ph.). Aconitum. Assay. With Mayer’s reagent. Snow (A. 88, 489. M. 88, 20). Aconitine. Jurgens finds that pure aconitine does not yield any coloration at all (B. 88, 88. A. 88, 551. Zeit. Anal. Ch.). Adeps. Examination of commercial samples. Ritter (A. 88, 101. O. 88, 518). Test for cottonseed oil. Conroy modifies the nitrate of silver test as follows: Add 20 grain measures of a solution of 5 parts of nitrate of silver and 1 part of nitric acid (1.420) in 100 parts of rectified spirit to 100 grains of melted lard, and notice the discoloration (A. 88, 537. B. 88, 212. N. 88, Septbr. . . ). — Thompson remarks that the reduction of silver nitrate does not necessarily point to cotton- seed oil. Conroy criticises the proposed tests for cottonseed oil. The nitric acid test has two drawbacks : the lard may contain a little water, and thus dilute the acid, preventing the reaction; the difference in the color of the pure lard and the adulterated one is not sufficiently distinct, when the adulteration is under 5 p.c. Eabiche’s test (sub- acetate of lead and alkali) does not seem to hold good for the refined cottonseed oil. (N. 88, Septbr. 237.) Review of the different tests for the adulteration with cottonseed oil by Moerck (A. 88, 573). Wallace recommends Hiibl’s iodine absorption method, confiimed by Becchi’s test, and the sulphuric acid test for detecting adultera- tions. (E. 88, no.) Some pertinent remarks about the proper valuation to be put upon the iodine absorption numbers by Brown, see (A. 88, 577). Adeps Benzoinatus. Parkinson recommends to heat the benzoin in a flask, and to con- duct the vapors into the melted lard. (E. 88, 156.) 1 98 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS jEther. Test for purity. According to Vulpius a really pure ether must stand the following tests: Evaporate 5 C.c. spontaneously to about o. 1 C.c.; the residue must not turn litmus paper blue. In a well- shaken mixture of equal volumes of water and ether, to which a few drops of phenophthalein solution has been added, the watery layer must after the separation be distinctly fed. A fragment of potassa dropped into the ether must not become yellow within an hour. A mixture of 10 C.c. with 1 C.c. of a 10 p. c. solution of iodide potas- sium must not show discoloration after one hour (M. 87, 446. O. 88, 487. K. 87, 492). ^Ether Aceticus. Test for amylic alcohol. Pour into a perfectly dry test-tube a small quantity of concentrated sulphuric acid, and carefully on top of it an equal bulk of the ether. A brown ring will appear, with a more or less violet coloring of the ether, in presence of amylic alcohol.. (E. 88, 9. Ph. Zeit., Russl.) On evaporating a portion, dropped upon blotting paper, no em- pyreumatic nor pine-apple odor should be noticed (X. I., 319). -ffither Fortior. Alcohol. Alcohol Dilutum. Allium. Aloe. The taste is “peculiar and bitter;” and when thoroughly dried on a water bath and finely powdered, it must not cake on being heated to ioo°. Ph. Jour. Com. (L. 88, 41). Aloe Purificata. Althaea. Alumen. The white precipitate, produced on addition of solution of potassa or soda, is completely soluble in an excess of alkali, but reappears on the addition of a sufficient quantity of chloride of ammonium. When the saturated solution is shaken vigorously with tartaric acid, a crystalline precipitate appears after some time (difference from sulphate of aluminium). The bluish coloration on the addition of ferrocyanide of potassium must not appear “at once”. Ph. Germ. Com. E. 88, 42). “No odor of ammonia being evolved ” — add, “ even on heating.” Ph. Germ. Com. (E- 88, 43). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 199 The title ought to be “ Aluminii et Potassii Sulphas.” Oldberg (D. 88, 434 ). Alumen Exsiccatum. The Pharmacopoeia requires it to be heated to 200, not to exceed 205 0 C. Hirsch asks how the temperature is to be ascertained and kept, because porous bodies are poor conductors of heat (X. I, 339). Until the mass weighs “ 100 parts.” It ought to be “about ” 100 parts, since not all of the alum can be converted into a porous sub- stance, according to Hirsch (X. I, 339). Aluminii Hydras. The precipitate is dissolved in hydrochloric acid, and the hot solu- tion poured into an excess of ammonia, washed and dried (X. I, 34 °)- Aluminii Sulphas. Tests for free Sulphuric Acid: Wittstein tests by treating the finely powdered salt with absolute alcohol, which will only dissolve the free acid (T. 169). — The filtered aqueous solution (1 to 10) must not become more than faintly opalescent 5 minutes after the addition of an equal volume of test solution of hyposulphite of sodium. Ph. Germ. Com. (U. 88, 44.) Ammoniacum. Soluble to the extent of f in alcohol (R. 117). — Partly soluble in water, ether and alkaline solutions (T. 171). When heated it softens and becomes adhesive, but does not melt (T. 171). Ammonii Benzoas. Ammonii Bromidum. Ammonii Carbonas. Examination of the commercial salt. Chaston (B. 88, 88). The freedom from empyreumatic substances is better detected by the taste and odor, after saturation, than by permanganate of potas- sium. Remington (U. 507). Ammonii Chloridum. Ph. Germ. Com. requires absolute absence of iron (E- 88, 380). Ammonii Iodidum. When testing with starch solution, dissolve the salt in boiled water, that is, in water deprived of air (X. I, 352). Ammonii Nitras. Ammonii Phosphas. 200 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Ammonii Sulphas. In the table on p. 433, U. S. Ph. the equivalent number should be 132, and not 124. Hirseh (Z. 83, 189). Ammonii Valerianas. Amygdala Amara. Amygdala Dulcis. Amyl Nitris. Amylum. Amylum lo datum. The original formula of Quesneville is to dampen an intimate mix- ture of 105 parts of wheat starch and 10 parts of powdered iodine with a mixture of 10 parts of alcohol and 40 parts of water (T. 196). Anisum. Anthemis. Antimonii et Potassii Tartras. In the test for iron it is necessary to note that the blue color must appear “immediately; ” if it appears after a while, it may be due to the iron of the ferrocyanide (T. 204). Oldberg suggests the title ‘ ‘ Tartarus antimoniatus’ ’ as preferable (D. 88, 434). Antimonii Oxidum. Antimonii Sulphidum. Antimonii Sulphidum Purificatum. Antimonium Sulphur atum. After the last test (for sulphate) add : ‘ ‘ nor by oxalate of ammo- nium (absence of calcium.”) (T. 213). Apocynum. “Pale brown” and “thin pith” are both erroneous; the color is “ash-gray” and there is “no pith” (R. 159.) Analysis by Poppenhusen (A. 88, 168). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 201 Apomorphinae Hydrochloras. Hirsch gives the solubility in water as i in 50 (X. I, 374). Aqua. Test for nitric acid in quantities, not to be detected by diphenyl- amine: hydriodic acid will indicate it by the liberation of iodine within a short time. Kalmann (A. 88, 61 1. Ch. Rept. 88, 269). Test for nitric acid. Binder adds to 30 C.c. of the water a very small quantity of zinc dust, shakes well, and then adds a few drops of diluted sulphuric acid ; on adding a little iodide of potassium and starch paste, a bluish coloration appears (E. 88, 58. E. 88, 125). Hirsch gives detailed directions for testing water (X. I, 392). Aqua Ammoniae. Ten parts by weight of the stronger water, diluted with 18 parts of distilled water, make 28 parts of aqua ammonise (R. 120). Hirsch points out that 8.5 Gm. are somewhat less than 8.9 C.c. (Z. 83, 241). Aqua Ammoniae Fortior. Hirsch states that 3.4 Gm. are a little less than 3.9 C.c. (Z. 83, 241). Aquae Medicatae. Wisconsin Ph. Ass. recommends the use of hot water (M. 88, 50). Fennel prefers the porcelain tube of a Pasteur-Chamberlain press- ure filter to all other filtering and clearing media (D. 88, 365). Polasek drops the oils on sterilized filtering paper, and digests with sterilized distilled water, using also sterilized vessels, corks, etc., closing the bottles with sterilized rubber stoppers. (D. 88, 21. Rund- schau, Prague). Hirsch declares that the so-called ‘ ‘ odor of the still ’ ’ is not a pro- perty inherent in freshly distilled waters, but is due to insufficient cleansing of the still (X. I, 377). Aqua Amygdalae Amarae. About chloral hydrocyanate for making the water extempor- aneously, see (T. 235, note). Nitrobenzol is detected by adding a little solution of potassa, and boiling, when the waler will turn yellow (X. I, 384). Aqua Anisi. Aqua Aurantii Florum. Kept in “ well-stopped” bottles is not the best way — simply cover the orifice with a piece of paper (T. 237). Aqua Camphorae. Shake finely powdered camphor occasionally for 24 hours with ice- cold water, and filter (U. 250). 202 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Aqua Chlori. Spenzer proposes to boil the water to expel the air, and to let it cool under cover, previous to passing the gas (B. 88, 152). Chlorine water should be kept in “small” bottles (X. I, 391.) Aqua Cinnamomi. Holmes recommends glycerin to facilitate the solution of the oil (T. 241). Aqua Creosoti. Agitate “vigorously.” Hirsch (X. I, 405). Aqua Destillata. The Netherland Pharmacopoeia directs to add enough solution of permanganate of potassium until the water retains a faintly purple color, then sufficient of a solution of alum until a faint acid reaction is produced, next to distil and to reject the first and the last third (E. 83, 82). Hirsch states that the first distillate has to be thrown away, until it no longer reacts with solutions of acetate of lead, nitrate of silver, and bichloride of mercury (X. I, 401). Aqua Fceniculi. Aqua Menthse Piperitae. Aqua Menthae Viridis. Aqua Rosae. If distilled over a naked fire, the product is of a finer quality (U. 248). Argenti Cyanidum. Argenti Iodidum. Argenti Nitras. Argenti Nitras Dilutus. Argenti Nitras Fusus. Argenti Oxidum. ‘ ‘ When its solution in nitric acid is precipitated by an excess of chloride of sodium, the supernatant liquid should not be discolored ,by sulphydrate of ammonium” (T. 255). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 203 Arnicse Flores. The ray-florets are provided with 16 nerves (X. II, 40), which dis- tinguishes them from admixtures. — 30 centimeters broad, ought to be 3 centimeters. Hirsch (Z. 83, 241). Arnicae Radix. Arsenii Iodidum. Babcock’s process by dissolving arsenious acid in hydriodic acid, and evaporating, see (T. 260. O. 75, 693). — Nickles obtains it in crystals by heating arsenious acid and iodine in bisulphide of carbon, etc. (T. 260). Asafcetida. Why should asafoetida be written as one word ? Touched with nitric acid, an evanescent green color appears (T. 263). Botany of the asafcetida plants by Holmes (N. 88', July 21; 41, Novb’r, 365). Ferula foetida ; Asafoetida; Narthex; foetidissima ; alliacea; rubricaulis; teterrima; persica. Asclepias. A fluid extract ought to be made officinal. Add “tuberosa” to title? Oldberg (D. 89, 6). Aspidium. Analysis of Aspidium marginale by Keefer (A. 88, 229). Atropina. On heating it inflames, and gives off an odor like benzoin (T. 229). See remarks under “ Hyoscyaminse Sulphas.” Atropinae Sulphas. Laneau’s process for obtaining it in crystals, see (T. 273. A. 63, 3i5)- Aurantii Amari Cortex. Aurantii Dulcis Cortex. Aurantii Flores. Auri et Sodii Chloridum. Azedarach. A fluid extract is wanted. Oldberg (D. 89, 6). 204 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Balsamun Peruvianum. Test of purity. Denner shakes the balsam with soda solution and then with ether; after separating the ether, the aqueous residue is acidulated with hydrochloric acid, and the resin separated by the ad- dition of cold water. The resin is dissolved in soda solution and precipitated by chloride of barium. The precipitate is extracted with alcohol, and, after evaporation of the alcohol, taken up with sulphuric acid, and a layer of chloroform poured on top, If storax or benzoin are present, the chloroform is colored blue (G. 88, 140. B. 88, 106). Cripps tests for adulterations by digesting the balsam for 15 min- utes in bisulphide of carbon, evaporating the solution to dryness, and adding cold sulphuric acid, when the solution will be of a bright rose-red color, which remains for some time. I11 case of adultera- tion, the color soon turns brown (N. 88, Novbr., 422) Balsamum Tolutanum. Properties. Dissolved in the smallest quantity of solution of po- tassa, it acquires an odor like clove-pink. Hatchett (T. 282). Belladonnae Folia. Add, “Collected from plants of second year’s growth.” (D. 88, 6). Belladonnae Radix. Oldberg Benzinum. Benzoinum. Assay. Boil with slaked lime and water, filter and precipitate the cooled filtrate with hydrochloric acid. Moody (A. 88, 606). Bismuthi Citras. Hirsch says that it is also “microcrystalline” (X. I, 462). Bismuthi et Ammonii Citras. Use a gentle heat for the solution (X. I, 462.) Bismuthi Subcarbonas. Examination of commercial subcarbonate. Moerck (A. 88, 387). A test for subnitrate is wanted; Moerck found up to 6 p. c. (A. 88, 387). Amount of arsenic found in the commercial salt. Hawkes (A. 88, 529. B. 88, 190. O. 88, 170). Bismuthi Subnitras. It is microscrystalline (X. I, 470). Examination of the commercial salt. Moerck (A. 88, 385; 445). Amount of arsenic found in the commercial salt. Hawkes (A. 88, 529. B. 88, 190. O. 88, 170.) ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPCEIA. 205 Test of identity. Hubert mixes any substance containing bismuth, with iodide of potassium and sulphur, and submits it to the blowpipe on charcoal (B. 88, 217). Test for arsenic. 2 Gm. of the subnitrate are heated moderately with 5 Gm. of ammonia, and filtered. Ten drops of the filtrate are evaporated on a watcliglass, and cautiously heated as long as vapors appear. The crystalline residue (if any) is dissolved in a drop of water, and solution of silver nitrate added, when a brown opalescence appears. This test shows 3 mgm. of arsenic in 2 Gm. Beckurts (K. 84, 268). Bray era. Bromum. Bryonia. A fluid extract is desirable. Oldberg (D. 89, 6). Buchu. Chemistry, Shimo3mma (A. 88, 624. T. 88, 403). Microscopy, Shimoyama (L. 88, 64). Oldberg wants only the “short” leaves recognized (D. 89, 6). Caffeina. Test of identity. Solution of iodide of potassium and mercury (pro- duced by saturating a solution of iodide of potassium with red oxide of mercury) precipitates it in shining, white, acicular crystals; other alkaloids are precipitated in the amorphous state. Delfs (T. 316). Calamus. Calcii Bromidum. Hirsch states that the gravimetric test is better replaced by a vol- umetric. 1 Gm. of the dry salt should require 10 C. c. of decinormal silver solution (X. I, 491). Calcii Carbonas Prsecipitatus. A microcrystalline powder (X. I, 493). Alcock reports on a contamination with hyposulphite (N. 88, March, 804. O. 88, 442). Calcii Chloridum. Calcii Hypophosphis. Keep in well-stopped bottles, protected from light (X. I, 496). Calcii Phosphas Prsecipitatus. It acquires a yellow color on being moistened with solution of ni- trate of silver (X. I, 498). 206 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Calendula. Only the flowers should be officinal. Oldberg (D. 89, 6). Calumba. How is it to be distinguished from Bryonia ? The respective de- scriptions are not sufficiently distinctive. Calx. In view of the fact that marble yields the purest lime, should the Pharmacopoeia not insist upon that made by calcining marble ? Calx Chlorata. Although the English title is “ chlorinated” lime, the description speaks of “chloride” of lime. Oldberg (D. 89, 6). Calx Sulphurata. Cambogia. Oldberg thinks “ Cambogium ” more correct (D. 89, 6). Camphora. Keep in well closed containers in a cool place (X. I, 500). Camphora Monobromata. Melts at 76° C. (X. I, 501). Cannabis Americana. The tops only should be officinal. A fluid extract is desirable. Oldberg (D. 89, 6). Cannabis Indica. Cantharis. Expose in a closed vessel to the vapors of carbolic acid, in order to preserve it (T. 355). A paragraph defining inadmissible substitutes or objectionable properties of the officinal cantharides might be useful here. Capsicum. Carbo Animalis. Carbo Animalis Purificatus. The hydrochloric acid should be mixed with “hot” water (X. 1, 507)- Oldberg recommends to wash with alkali as well (D. 89, 6). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 207 Carbo Ligni. Tests for impurities are wanted. Keep in well-closed containers. Carboneum Bisulphidum. Cardamomum. The seeds only should be directed in the different preparations. Oldberg (D. 89, 6). Carum. Caryophyllus. Hirsch detects already exhausted cloves by the yield of alcoholic extract. Cloves yield ordinarily 30 p. c. ; spent cloves seldom more than 5 p. c. (X. I, 513). Cascarilla. When burned, it emits a strong, aromatic, “musk like” odor. (T. 378). A fluid extract or tincture is wanted. Oldberg (D. 89, 6). Cassia Fistula. Castanea. Catechu. Comparison between gambier and catechu, Trimble (A. 88, 497. O. 88, 99), who would prefer gambier, because it is purer, and con- tains more available astringent matter. Caulophyllum. The best menstruum is 3 parts of alcohol and 1 of water. Bunting (A. 88, 73). A fluid extract is desirable. Oldberg (D. 89, 6). Cera Alba. Cera Flava. Test for Ceresin. Melt the wax in a test tube, add to it 25 times its weight of chloroform, agitate gently, and allow the tube to stand for a couple of hours at 65° F. Pure bees-wax gives a clear solution, also after cooling; in the presence of ceresin, the mixture, which is clear w r hile warm, becomes covered, upon cooling, with a turbid, whitish layer of from 1 to 3 C.c. thick (E. 88, 154. K. . . .). Saponification numbers of different kinds of wax. Hiibl (A. 88, 561. Ch. Zeit. 88, 1277). The test for paraffin of the U. S. Ph. is untrustworthy, and either Buchner’s (boiling with an alcoholic solution of potassa, and keep- 14 208 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS ing for some time at the temperature of a water bath, when it should remain clear), or Hager’s (heating with solution of carbonate of sodium, adding benzol, keeping at the temperature of a water bath and letting cool, when the top layer should be clear), or Hiibl’s iodine absorption method, are considered more reliable. Rice (B. 88, 38 ). Horn tests for paraffin by saponifying the wax with a solution of potassa in absolute alcohol, and separating the unsaponified myricyl alcohol and paraffin (if present) which is boiled in the acetic anhy- dride, when myricyl alcohol will be dissolved, while the paraffin floats on top in drops. Separate the paraffin, dissolve in chloroform, filter and evaporate (B. 88, 219. Zeit. Angew. Ch. 88 . . . ). Horn tests for resin by digesting with alcohol, which dissolves the resin, and takes up but little wax. The residue after evaporation is treated according to Donath’s method by boiling with nitric acid, diluting with water, and adding excess of ammonia, when a blood- red color will be produced (S. 88, January 85). Ceratum. Ceratum Camphorse. Ceratum Cantharidis. Ceratum Cetacei. Ceratum Extracti Cantharidis. Ceratum Plumbi Subacetatis. Ceratum Resinse. Ceratum Sabinae. Cerii Oxalas. Hirsch gives the equivalents 702 and 351, against U. S. Ph. 708 and 354 (X. I, 526). Cetaceum. Cetraria. Charta Cantharidis. Charta Potassii Nitratis. ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 209 Charta Sinapis. One part of rubber dissolved in 1 5 parts each of bisulphide of car- bon and benzin, is better (T. 409). Chelidonium. A fluid extract or tincture is wanted. Oldberg (D. 89, 6). Chenopodium. Chimaphila. Chenoidinum. The proper spelling of the English synonym should be Chinoidin^. Remington (U. 821). If this substance is retained in the Pharmacopaeia, it will probably be found preferable to call it ‘ ‘ Quinoidina, ’ ’ to preserve the analogy with “ quinine,’ ’ “ quinidine,” etc. Chirata. Chloral. Odor like an over-ripe melon (T. 419). Chloroformum Purification. The p. c. of alcohol is estimated by the power to dissolve cincho- nine. Oudemans, Jr. (T. 426. A. 73, 223). If in the ‘ 4 shaking ’ ’ test with sulphuric acid the bottle or flask should feel hot, too much alcohol or water may be suspected (T. 428). Test for purity. On distilling 300 Gm. until 2 C.c. remain, this residue should not darken on the addition of sulphuric acid, nor .should an odor of fusel oil be developed. — 40 Gm. shaken repeatedly with 30 Gm. of sulphuric acid, should not darken within 48 hours, and the decanted chloroform should not color iodide of zinc and starch solution (Ph. Germ.) blue; nor should water, shaken with the decanted chloroform, and filtered into a solution of nitrate of silver, cause any change in the latter. Schwarz and Will (A. 88, 558. Ph. Zeit. 88, 551). — See also Traub (R. 88, 417. O. 88, 491). Estimation. St. Martin takes advantage of the decomposition of chloroform by alcoholic potassa into formate and chlorate of potassi- um (B. 88, 88; 174. O. 88, 490. E. 88, 154). Chloroforum Venale. Chondrus. 210 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Chrysarobinum. On chrysarobin and its relation to chrysophanic acid see (The Analyst (London), 85, Nov.). The color is pale orange-yellow only when fresh; it darkens rap- idly (T. 433). Cimicifuga. The odor is “ peculiar and disagreeable” (T. 434). Cinchona. The total alkaloids should not be less than 4 p. c. Oldberg (D. 89, 6). Oldberg and Wall recommend as a reliable, though rough test, Grahe’s well-known reaction by dry distillation : Heat the powdered bark in a test tube, held slantingly, when a red, oily liquid will col- lect in the upper part of the tube, if the bark contains cinchona alka- loids, otherwise the usual brown product of destructive distillation will appear (R. 331). In order to insure uniform strength of preparations of cinchona, Guillermond recommends to make an extract by exhausting bark, yielding 3.2 p. c. of sulphate of quinine, with alcohol and evaporat- ing. From this extract all preparations are to be made. (T. 468, note. Jl. de Ph. et de Ch.) The “home” of the cinchonas. Rusby (A. 88, 142; 310). Test of the Ph. Germ. Com. Shake 20 Gm. of the powdered bark repeatedly with 10 Gm. of ammonia, 20 Gm. of alcohol (sp. gr. 0.832) and 170 Gm. of ether (sp. gr. 0.726); pour off after one day 100 Gm. of the clear liquid. Add 3 C. c. of normal hydrochloric acid and 27 C. c. of water, distil off the ether and alcohol, and add more of the hydrochloric acid, if needed, to acidulate. Filter and add 3.5 C. c. of cold normal alkali, or sufficient to redden phenol- phthalein paper. Wash the precipitate on a filter, press gently be- tween filtering paper, and dry, finally over sulphuric acid. The weight must not be less than 0.35 Gm. (because the German Phar- macopoeia requires 3.5 p. c. of total alkaloids; according to the require- ments of the U. S. Ph. the weight should not be less than 0.3 Gm.) (B. 88, 170. L. 88, 382). Assay. Weida gives a resume of 25 different processes, and thinks ^hat Prollius’ method, with some modifications, will be found to be the best, as it now is among the easiest (C. 88, 249; 264). Hybridization and its effect on the alkaloidal yield. Hooper (N. 88, Oct., 296, 504). Cinchona Flava. Cinchona Rubra. Cinchonidinse Sulphas. According to Hesse and other chemists, the correct formula for cinchonidine is C19H22N2O. Power (G. 88, 274). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPCErA. 21 I Cinchonina. According to Hesse and other chemists the correct formula is C 19 H 22 N 2 0 . Power (G. 88, 274). Bill proposes ferrocyanide of potassium as a delicate test; it pro- duces a yellowish-white, curdy precipitate, which dissolves on heat- ing, but on cooling is thrown down as golden-yellow crystals (T. 471. Am. Jl. Sci.). Cinchoninse Sulphas. Polysulphide of potassium serves to distinguish between this salt and sulphate of quinine. Added to a boiling solution of the latter salt, a red, terebinthinate mass is precipitated, while with the former a white powder, containing sulphur. Palm (T. 473, note. Jl. de Ph. et de Ch.). Cinnamomum. Coccus. Codeina. Colchici Radix. A tasteless colchicum root should be rejected (X. I, 479). Colchici Semen. Assay. Exhaust the whole seed with alcohol, add water, distil olf the alcohol, filter, shake the filtrate with chloroform, evaporate and dry. Kremel (Ch. Zeit., 87, 24. G. 87, 94. O. 88, 309). Collodium. Collodium cum Cantharide. Collodium Flexile. m Sourissean proposes an addition of elemi. — Startin adds lard, previ- ously dissolved in ether (T. 491). Collodium Stypticum. Colocynthis. Confectio Rosse. Confectio Sennse. Conium. 212 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Copaiba. Coriandrum. Cornus Florida. Creasotum. Test for carbolic acid. Shake 2 volumes of creasote with 20 vol- umes of 10 p. c. ammonia, and allow to separate. If pure, the vol- ume of creasote will have been diminished half a volume, and the ammonia does not become blue, even after 48 hours. In the pres- ence of carbolic acid, the volume is diminished much more, and the ammonia will be colored blue. Kremel (G. 88, 164. Ch. Zeit. 88, 144). It requires 120 parts of hot water for a clear solution. Ph. Germ. Creta Praeparata. Crocus. Keep protected from light (X. K, 608). Cubeba. Distinction between ripe and unripe berries. The ripe berries, when bruised and boiled in water, give a deep blue coloration with tincture of iodine, the unripe berries do not (N. 87, Dec., 461. O. 88, 315). Cupri Acetas. Cupri Sulphas. Cydonium. Cypripedium. “Faint” odor is not correct; it is “strong” (R. 397). Condensed description of both roots by Maisch, see (T. 530). Decoctum Cetrariae. Decoctum Sarsaparillae Compositum. Digitalis. Amount of digitaline in the different proportions. Crull (A. 87, 610. O. 88, 319). Dulcamara. ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 213 Elaterinum. Elixir Aurantii. Emplastrum Ammoniaci. Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro. The addition of lead plaster is unnecessary (T. 556). Emplastrum Arnicae. Emplastrum Assafcetidae. Emplastrum Belladonnae. Emplastrum Capsici. Emplastrum Ferri. The substitution of Canada turpentine for the Burgundy pitch of U. S. Ph. 1870 is injudicious. A little olive oil would have rendered the former plaster softer (T. 558). Emplastrum Galbani. Emplastrum Hydrargyri. Emplastrum Ichthyocollae. Emplastrum Opii. Emplastrum Picis Burgundicae. Fifteen p. c. of wax, instead of 10 p. c., and the addition of 5 p. c. of olive oil would improve the plaster (T. 561). Emplastrum Picis Canadensis. Fifteen p. c. of wax would be better (T. 562). Emplastrum Picis cum Cantharide. The substitution of cerate of extract of cantharides for the cerate of cantharides would be better (T. 563). Close recommends Bungundy pitch plaster for the Burgundy pitch, and that the cerate be replaced by powdered cantharides (T. 563. A. 67, 20). 214 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Emplastrum Plumbi. Hager prevents brittleness by adding 3 to 4 p. c. of petrolatum (G. 88, 92. K. 88, 133). Emplastrum Resinse. Emplastrum Saponis. Ergota. Erythroxylon. “At home and abroad.” Rusby (A. 88, 199. C. 88, 103; 119; 165). The yield of cocaine varies according to the age of the leaves. Pfeiffer (B. 88, 7. O. 88, 558. Ch. Zeit.). The color of the leaves ought to be mentioned. Eucalyptus. Euonymus. Eupatorium. Analysis of the leaves by Franz (A. 88, 77). Extracta Solida. Oldberg wants either a soft or a dry consistence (in some cases both). — A fixed standard with reference to the drug. — Period of maceration is insufficient (D. 89, 6; 7). Test for dextrin. Dissolve 2 Gm. of the extract in 50 Gm. of cold water, and add 5 Gm. of solution of subacetate of lead, which pre- cipitates tannin, gum, alkaloids and coloring matter. Filter, wash with cold water, and remove excess of lead with hydrosulphuric acid gas; evaporate to less than I volume, and add an equal bulk of alco- hol. In the absence of dextrin, the mixture remains clear. The precipitated dextrin may be dried and weighed. Pannetier (G. 88, 67. B. 88, 69. O. 88, 245. Jl. de Ph. et de Ch. 88; 58). Powdered extracts. Squibb remarks on the difficulty of obtaining many extracts in a powdered form, and wonders how other manufac- turers succeed (F. 87, 982. O. 88, 244). Extracta Fluida. Squibb’ s remarks as to the rationale in constructing formulas for flu d extracts, see (T. 599, note). Detannation. Tiarks protests against the proposed detannation of some of the fluid extracts, because the internal relation of the several constituents is seriously disturbed by it (G. 88, 160). Percolation. Tilly’s remarks on percolation and a modification of re-percolation, the chief idea of which is to use the “reserved” por- tion of the percolate to moisten the next portion of the drug, see (B. 88, 144). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 215 Oldberg wants the maximum and minimum p. c. of solid extract stated, also the p. c. of alcohol (D. 89, 42). Description and test of identity and strength should be given wherever practicable. — The Pharmacopoeia should also direct that a period of rest be given, before the fluid extract is to be used, so as to permit it to deposit solid matter. Oldberg (D. 89, 42). The maceration ought to continue for 4 days instead of 48 hours; then, on starting percolation, allow the saturated solution to run out before adding fresh menstruum on top. Oldberg also advocates a kind of intermittent percolation. See (D. 89, 41). Since the making of reliable fluid extracts depends a great deal on skill, Oldberg is in favor of “half-strength fluid extracts,” which preparations, however, should bear a specific title (D. 89, 41). Influence of direct sunlight. Lilly ( C. 88, 233). He finds that the deposits are caused more by variations in temperature than by the action of light. About the propriety of stopping percolation, when a certain amount of extractive has been obtained, see Stuart (M. 88, 128. O. 88, 2 5 °)- Examination. Jungk gives directions for determining the amount of water, extract and ash in a drug, by extracting it with a certain menstruum. Allowance must be made in each case for the amount of water contained in the air-dried drug. — A good fluid extract ought to contain everything which the special menstruum is able to extract. — Determining the strength of alcohol: Shake 5 C. c. of the fluid extract with 20 C. c. of concentrated ether, and allow to sepa- rate. The increase in the volume of the ether is in a certain propor- tion to the strength of the alcohol. — A table is given for the different p. c. of alcohol; and similarly for glycerin. See (Y. 86, May, 113). Extractum Aconiti. Comparative table of the alkaloidal strength of the extract, as made according to the different pharmacopoeias. Kordes (A. 88, 402. Ph. Zeit. Russl. 88, 340). Extractum Aconiti Fluidum. Extractum Aloes Aquosum. Extractum Arnicse Radicis. Extractum Arnicse Radicis Fluidum. Extractum Aromaticum Fluidum. Extractum Aurantii Amari Fluidum. 2l6 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Extractum Belladonnae Alcoholicum. Standard extract. Dunstan and Ransom exhaust i pound of the root with a mixture of 48 fl. oz. of rectified spirit and 12 fl. oz. of distilled water, ascertain the exact p. c. of alkaloids, evaporate to dryness over a waterbath, and add sufficient sugar of milk to make the product weigh exactly 50 times the weight of total alkaloids found, when the extract will be found to contain 2 p. c. of alkaloids (T. 609, note, N. 87, 844. See also N. 86, March 13 ; and B. 86, 96). Comparative table of alkaloidal strength, as made according to the different pharmacopoeias. Kordes (A. 88, 452. Ph. Zeit. Russl., 88, 386). Extractum Belladonnae Fluidum. Edward prefers a 70 or 80 p. c. alcohol (M. 88, 90. O. 88, 254). Extractum Brayerae Fluidum. Oldberg recommends a No. 60 powder (D. 89, 42). Extractum Buchu Fluidum. Remarks about the repercolation. Beck (A. 88, 137). “Alcohol” is a better menstruum. Oldberg (D. 89, 42). Extractum Calami Fluidum. Extractum Calumbae Fluidum. No. 40 powder is better. Oldberg (D. 89, 42). Extractum Cannabis Indicae. No. 20 powder is too coarse. Oldberg (D. 89, 7). Extractum Cannabis Indicae Fluidum. No. 60 powder is a better. Oldberg (D. 89, 42). Extractum Capsici Fluidum. Extractum Castaneae Fluidum. Klie states that by using diluted alcohol as a menstruum, no diffi- culty is experienced (W. 87, Aug. 91). Extractum Chimaphilae Fluidum. Extractum Chiratae Fluidum. Glycerin would seem to be unnecessary (T. 616). Extractum Cimicifugae Fluidum. Menstruum. A mixture of 3 parts of alcohol and 1 of water ex- hausts perfectly, and seems in some respects better than alcohol alone. Lesher (A. 88, 7. O. 88, 254). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 217 Extractum Cinchonae. Should be assayed to contain 20 p. c. of total alkaloids. Oldberg (D. 89, 7). Extractum Cinchonae Fluidum. A formula for simplification of the liquid extract of Ph. Brit., see (T. 619, note). Extractum Colchici Radicis. It would be preferable to add the whole menstruum at once, as the powder has a tendency to swell (T. 620). Extractum Colchici Radicis Fluidum. Extractum Colchici Seminis Fluidum. It can be made as well from the unbroken seed, if digested at 8o° C. Morris (T. 621. A. 81, 7). Extractum Colocynthidis. Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum. Extractum Conii Alcoholicum. Comparative table of alkaloidal strength, as made according to the different pharmacopoeias. Kordes (A. 88, 555. Ph. Zeit. Russl. 88, 455 )- Extractum Conii Fluidum. Test of quality. An odor resembling that of mouse-urine is given out upon addition of solution of potassa (T. 625). Alkaloidal strength. Kordes (A. 88, 555. Ph. Zeit. Russl. 88, 455 )- Extractum Cornus Fluidum. Extractum Cubebae Fluidum. Extractum Cypripedii Fluidum. Extractum Digitalis. Extractum Digitalis Fluidum. Extractum Dulcamarae Fluidum. No. 60 powder is unnecessarily fine. Oldberg (D. 89, 42). 2 18 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Extractum Ergotae. Extractum Ergotae Fluidum. Test of quality. Odor of propylamine on addition of solution of potassa (T. 629) Extractum Erythroxyli Fluidum. No. 60 powder and “ alcohol” would be better. Oldberg (D. 89, 42). Extractum Eucalypti Fluidum. No. 60 powder is better. Oldberg (D. 89, 42). Extractum Euonymi. Extractum Eupatorii Fluidum. * Extractum Frangulae Fluidum. No. 60 powder and a stronger alcoholic menstruum are better. Oldberg (D. 89, 42). Extractum Gelsemii Fluidum. Extractum Gentianae. Repeated macerations in cold water and expression gives as good result as percolation (T. 632). Extractum Gentianae Fluidum. Extractum Geranii Fluidum. Extractum Glycyrrhizae. Examination of different brands. Miintzer (A. 88, 607). Extractum Glycyrrhizae Fluidum. Extractum Glycyrrhizae Purum. It is more convenient to work with an extract of soft consistence, than with one of pilular. Oldberg (D. 89, 7). Extractum Gossypii Radicis Fluidum. No. 60 powder and no glycerin would be better. Oldberg (D. 89, 42). Extractum Grindeliae Fluidum. No. 60 powder and “alcohol” are preferable. Oldberg (D. 89, 42). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 219 Extractum Guaranse Fluidum. “Alcohol” is better. Oldberg (D. 89, 42). Extractum Haematoxyli. “The commercial extract of logwood must not be used instead.” “ Rasped” haematoxylon. Siebold calls attention to the fact that the commercial wood has undergone fermentation, and that there- fore the blocks of wood ought to be used (N. 87, 1008). Oldberg recommends to evaporate to a dry powder (D. 88, 7). Extractum Hamamelidis Fluidum. Extractum Hydrastis Fluidum. The yellow precipitate, deposited on standing, has been shown to be phytosterin. Schmidt (A. 88, 561. Ph. Zeit., 88, 572). “Alcohol” is a better menstruum. Oldberg (D. 89, 42) Extractum Hyoscyami Alcoholicum. Comparative table of alkaloidal strength, as made according to the different pharmacopoeias. Kordes (A. 88, 452. Ph. Zeit. Russl., 88, 386). Extractum Hyoscyami Fluidum. Alkaloidal strength. Kordes (A. 88, 452. Ph. Zeit. Russl., 88, 386). Extractum Xpecacuanhae Fluidum. Extractum Iridis. Extractum Iridis Fluidum. “Alcohol” is a better menstruum. Olberg (D. 89, 42). Extractum Juglandis. Extractum Krameriae. Ought to be evaporated to a dry powder. Oldberg (D. 89, 7). Heating and straining the infusion seem scarcely necessary, be- cause krameria apparently contains no albuminous matter (T. 645). Extractum Krameriae Fluidum. No. 40 powder is better. Oldberg (89, 42). Extractum Lactucarii Fluidum. Behringer gives an improvement on Temberger’s process : Reduce 100 Gm. of lactucarium to a coarse powder with pumice stone, and macerate for a couple of days with 400 C. c. of benzin ; throw on a filter, wash with more benzin, and allow to dry spontaneously. Next 220 DIGEST 0E CRITICISMS percolate first with a mixture of 25 C. c. of glycerin, 75 C. c. of water and 100 C. c. of alcohol, then with diluted alcohol, until the powder is exhausted ; reserve the first 125 C. c., evaporate the remainder to 75 C. c., mix and filter (A. 88, 72. O. 88, 283). Extractum Leptandrse. It will be better to evaporate to dryness, and then to reduce to powder. Oldberg (D. 89, 7). Extractum Leptandrae Fluidum. The menstruum ought to be stronger in alcohol. 42). Extractum Lobeliae Fluidum. Oldberg (D. 89, Extractum Lupulini Fluidum. Extractum Malti. Manufacturers on the large scale. Irwin (Weekly Drugg. , 84, 389). Assay by Rintner (B. 88, 57. Jl. prakt. Ch., 85, 232). Extractum Matico Fluidum. Extractum Mezerei. Oldberg would prefer a semi-liquid consistence. (D. 89, 7). Extractum Mezerei Fluidum. Extractum Nucis Vomicae. Comparative table of alkaloidal strength, as made according to the different pharmacopoeias. Kordes (A. 88, 559. Ph. Zeit. Russl., 88, 537)- Removal of the fixed oil by various solvents, Simonson (B. 88, 122. M. 88, 287). The latter found benzin to be best, and the best result w^s obtained by first extracting nux vomica according to the officinal process, then treating the thick syrupy residue of the distillation re- peatedly with benzin, till all fat is removed, evaporating the residue, etc. Strength . Simonson found the p. c. of alkaloids of the powdered extract of commerce to vary from 2.20 to 18.96 p. c., and thinks that the standard should not be lower than 16.5 p. c. (B. 88, 122). The proper way in which to calculate the p. c., see (B. 88, 123). Extractum Nucis Vomicae Fluidum. Alkaloidal strength. Kordes (A. 88, 559. Ph. Zeit. Russl., 88, 537). Extractum Opii. Glycerin is superfluous; better evaporate to dryness, and powder (R- 733)- ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 221 Estimation of narco tine. Dissolve i gm. of the extract in 20 C. c. of water, filter and mix with 10 Gm. of acetate of sodium; shake sev- eral times with ether. Theetheral liquids are mixed and evaporated, yielding narcotine. Kremel (E. 88, 128. O. 88, 247. Schweiz. Woch.). Extractum Pareirae Fluidum. Extractum Physostigmatis. The oil should be removed; see Abstractum Ignatiae. Oldberg (D. 89, 8). Extractum Pilocarpi Fluidum. No. 60 powder and “alcohol” would be better. Oldberg (D. 89, 43 )- Extractum Podophylli. “Alcohol” is better. Evaporate to dryness and powder. Old- berg (D. 89, 48). Extractum Podophylli Fluidum. Examination of the precipitate usually found. Heiuritz (B. 88, 222. O. 88, 252). Extractum Pruni Virginianae Fluidum. Extractum Quassiae. Extractum Quassiae Fluidum. Extractum Rhei. 8 ). Oldberg recommends both a soft extract and a dry powder (D. 89, Extractum Rhei Fluidum. Extractum Rhois Glabrae Fluidum. Extractum Rosae Fluidum. Extractum Rubi Fluidum. Evans arrives at the conclusion that a stronger alcoholic men- struum, for instance, 3 parts of alcohol and 1 of water, with 20 p. c. of glycerin, will largely prevent the formation of a deposit (A. 88, 227. O. 88, 254). 222 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Extractum Rumicis Fluidum. A stronger alcoholic menstruum is desirable. Oldberg (D. 89, 43). Extractum Sabinae Fluidum. No. 60 powder is better. Oldberg (D. 89, 43). Extractum Sanguinariae Fluidum. Extractum Sarsaparillae Compositum Fluidum. Extractum Sarsaparillae Fluidum. Extractum Scillae Fluidum. Extractum Scutellariae Fluidum. Extractum Senegae Fluidum. Extractum Sennae Fluidum. Extractum Serpentariae Fluidum. “ Alcohol” is better. Oldberg (D. 89, 43). Extractum Spigeliae Fluidum. Extractum Stillingiae Fluidum. Extractum Stramonii. The oil should be removed. Oldberg (D. 89, 8). Extractum Stramonii Fluidum. Alkaloidal strength. Kordes (A. 88, 455. Ph. Zeit. Russl., 88, 386). Extractum Taraxaci. Extractum Taraxaci Fluidum. Extractum Tritici Fluidum. Extractum Uvae Ursi Fluidum. 223 OF THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. Extractum Valerianae Fluidum. Either ‘ ‘ alcohol’ ’ or 3 parts of alcohol and 1 of water are better menstrua. Oldberg (D. 89, 43). Extractum Veratri Viridis Fluidum. Extractum Viburni Fluidum. Extractum Xanthoxyli Fluidum. Extractum Zingiberis Fluidum. Fel Bovis. Fel Bovis Inspissatum. Use a “well-wetted” straining cloth. (R. 458). Fel Bovis Purificatum. “ 24 hours” are not sufficient ; it requires several days for complete separation. (R. 459). Ferri Carbonas Saccharatus. It would be better to add sugar or syrup to the two solutions, before mixing, in order to protect the precipitate (T. 679). It is not necessary to cool before mixing ; by using hot liquids, a much denser precipitate is obtained, and it is also more easily washed. The product ought to have a definite weight. By making, for instance, 4 parts of saccharated iron from 3 parts of ferrous sulphate, the product will contain 30 p. c. of ferrous carbonate. Oldberg (D. 89. 33)- A process for saccharated oxide of iron by Traub, see (A. 88, r5). Schacht shortens the assay process of Strohmeyer (see Part I., 76), by carrying it out in the same flask to the end (E. 87, 907. O. 88, 447)- Ferri Chloridum. “Wholly soluble” in ether. Ph. Germ. Com. replaces ether by “spirit of ether,” Spiiitus 151). Lithii Salicylas, Lobelia. Lupulinum. Lycopodium. “Floating” upon water — except when boiled with it, when it sinks (X. II, 225). It also floats upon bisulphide of carbon, but it sinks in oil of tur- pentine. Ph. Helvet. 236 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Macis. Magnesia. Magnesia Ponderosa. ‘ * Corresponding in all other proportions’ ’ . . . , does not include the water- gelatinizing test (R. 669). Magnesii Carbonas. Magnesii Citras Granulatus. Magnesii Sulphas. Test for arsenic is probably necessary (X. II, 233). Magnesii Sulphis. Magnolia. Maltum. Mangani Oxidum Nigrum. Test for coal dust and organic admixture in general is wanted. In the test for p. c. of the pure binoxide, the Pharmacopoeia directs an insufficient quantity of hydrochloric acid; instead of 20 Gm., at least 26.30 Gm. are required. Hirsch (Un. Ph. II, 172). Mangani Sulphas. Test for arsenic is wanted. Manna. Assay. Dissolve 1 part of manna in 1 part of water on a water- bath, add 10 times as much alcohol of 95 p. c., heat to boiling, and fiiter through absorbent cotton. The residue after evaporation should amount to less than 75 p. c. (L. 88, 898). Marrubium. Massa Copaibse. Massa Ferri Carbonatis. Thompson asserts that by using sodium bicarbonate and a slightly different manipulation, a more stable mass is obtained. See (T. 961. A. 70, 30). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 237 Massa Hydrargyri. A test for strength is wanted. Bullock gives a formula for a powdered mass (T. 963. A. 59, 271). Mastiche. Matico. An examination for ‘ ‘ spent’ ’ leaves is needed ; the essential oil being often extracted. (B. 88, 92). Matricaria. Mel. Eisner states that every honey which is dextrogyre, ought to be considered impure (K. 84, 227). The honey production of California (A. 88, 126). The specific gravity is not given. Is the sp. gr., after mixing 2 parts of water (1.101 to 1.115) not too low (X. II, 238)? Hirsch questions the correctness of the ‘ ‘ clear’ ’ solution in 4 parts of water (Un. Ph., II, 180). Mel Despumatum. Preparation. Heat the honey in a tall, cylindrical vessel on a water-bath, until all the impurities have risen to the top, withdraw the heat, and pour carefully cold water on top of the honey, when the impurities will float on the water, and can be removed. Close (T. 971. I. 80, 60). — Becker allows a mixture of 5 parts of honey, 3 of water and 2 of alcohol to stand for a few days, filters, distils off the alcohol, and evaporates the residue (A. 88, 399. Ph. Zeit. 88, 318). Hirsch gives valuable hints for skimming (X. II, 241). Mel Rosse. Schaaf heats the honey on a water-bath with infusion of roses, until the precipitate coagulates, filters and evaporates (A. 88. 557. Apoth. Zeit. 88, 680). Melissa. Menispermum. Mentha Piperita. Distinction between M. piperita and M. viridis based on the pres- ence of menthol crystals in the leaves of M. piperita, but not in those of M. viridis. Schrenck, see (B. 88, 101). Mentha Viridis. “Aromatic and pungent;” would not “odor aromatic and taste pungent ’ ’ be more in conformity with the descriptions elsewhere ? 238 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Mezereum. Misturae. This title covers a multitude of heterogenous preparations. Old- berg (D. 89, 1 19). Mistura Ammoniaci. Mistura Amygdalae. Reynolds recommends to prepare a concentrated emulsion from 1 ounce each of almonds, sugar and glycerin, 1 dram gum arabic and 2 ounces of water. The mixture is to be rubbed to a paste, strained, and the strained emulsion evaporated at a temperature not exceeding 150° F. to a solid extract (T. 979, note). Mistura Asafcetidae. Ackerman proposes a concentrated emulsion, by using as men- struum water containing 25 p. c. of diluted acetic acid (T. 979). Mistura Chloroformi. Mistura Cretae. Mistura Ferri Composita. Staples proposes a concentrated emulsion of myrrh and carbonate of potassium of eight times the strength of the officinal mixture, and a concentrated syrup of sulphate of iron, 15 minims of which equal one fl. ounce of the mixture (T. 582). Mistura Ferri et Ammonii Acetatis. “ Tiquor ” would be a more correct title (T. 982). Mistura Glycyrrhizae Composita. Mistura Magnesiae et Asafcetidae. Mistura Potassii Citratis. Mistura Rhei et Sodae. Morphina. Hesse finds that the U. S. Ph. formula (Ci7H 19 N 7 0.H 2 0) is the correct one (A. 88, 566. N. 88, Aug., 148). Test of identity. Armitage calls attention to the well-known re- action with ferridcyanide of potassium and ferric chloride, as the most sensitive yet discovered (G. 88, 92. B. 88, 70. O. 88, 542. N. 88, 924). See also Hinsdale for the same test (B. 88,. 121). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 239 Solubility. Allen throws doubt on Dieterich’s statement, about the solubility of morphine in several liquids (B. 88, 195). Morphinae Acetas. Morphinae Hydro chloras. Changes produced in old solutions of the salt. The results seem to indicate, that either the crystallized alkaloid morphine has been produced in a somewhat modified form, or that a new decomposition product of an alkaloidal nature has been formed. Eccles (B. 88, 151). Test for purity. Ammonia produces in an aqueous solution a precipitate which is soluble in an excess (absence of narcotine). Ether must not take up any appreciable amount of an alkaloid from the ammonia solution (absence of codeine). (Beckurts, K. 84, 53). Morphinae Sulphas. Solubility. Allen throws doubt on Dieterich’s statement about the solubility of the sulphate in several liquids, especially in ether, in which, according to Dieterich, it is “very” soluble, while according to Allen 1 part requires 82,000 parts of this solvent (B. 88, 195). Spenzer has found free acid and calcium sulphate (M. 87, 249. O. 88, 544'. Moschus. Of a peculiar, penetrating and persistent, ‘ ‘ but not ammoniacal ’ ’ odor (X. II, 253). Ether is also a good solvent (T. 998). Would it not be advisable expressly to state that the so-called “Canton musk” is to be rejected, being always an adulterated article? Mucilago Acaciae. “ Water” ought to be “ distilled water.” Ringler replaces water with a mixture of equal parts of glycerin and water, proving its superiority (A. 88, 9. O. 88, 267). Draper recommends the addition of 1 grain of benzoic acid to each fl. ounce of mucilage (D. 88, 242). A “mucilage of dextrin” might be added (B. 88, 19). Mucilago Cydonii. Hirsch recommends to shake vigorously for 5 minutes, and then to strain (X. II, 254). Why does the Pharmacopoeia direct ‘ ‘ distilled’ ’ water for quince seed mucilage, and not for the other mucilages? Mucilago Sassafras Medullae. Mucilago Tragacanthae. 16 240 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Mucilago Ulmi. Myristica. Myrrha. If powdered myrrh, rubbed with an equal weight of chloride of ammonium for 15 minutes, dissolves entirely in 15 times its weight of water, it may be considered pure. Righini (T. 1006). Nux Vomica. Assay with Mayer’s reagent. Snow (A. 88, 492; 496). Removal of the oil by various solvents. Simonson (B. 88, 122). Oleata. Oleatum Hydrargyri. The temperature of 74 0 C. is too high ; not above 40° C. is better. A better preparation is obtained by double decomposition between oleate of potassium and mercuric nitrate (R. 574)* This oleate does not keep well. 40° C. is better. 2 parts of oxide to 8 parts of acid is better. Oldberg (D. 89, 119). Oleatum Veratrinae. Oleoresina Aspidii. Oleoresina Capsici. Oleoresina Cubebae. There seems to be an unnecessary expenditure of ether, since the cubebs are exhausted long before all the ether has percolated (T. 1029). Oleoresina Lupulini. Oleoresina Piperis. Oleoresina Zingiberis. Olea Volatilia. Test for alcohol by shaking with glycerin of sp. gr. 1.2 15. Hager (A. 88, 613. Ph. Zeit. 88, 650). Concentrated essential oils, a resume by Schweissinger (G. 88, 190. K. 88, 304). Yield: Schimmel and Co.’s table is also to be found in (B. 88, 4. O. 88, 474). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPCEIA. 241 Specific Gravity . Some pertinent remarks by Rice. See (B. 88, I 5 8 )- Test for Chloroform. Mix 15 drops of the oil with 1 Gm. of 90 p. c. alcohol and 40 drops of diluted sulphuric acid, add a few pieces of zinc, and allow to stand in a warm place until all evolution of gas has ceased. Shake with an equal bulk of water, filter, acidulate with nitric acid, and test with nitrate of silver solution (E. 88, 130. Russ. Pharm.). Olea Pinguia. Allen’s classification scheme. See (T. 1013). Schweissinger gives a resume of the latest methods of examination of the fixed oils: the estimation of the free acids; the saponification number; Hehner’s number; Reichert’s number, and Hiibl’s iodine number. See (G. 88, 114. K. 88, 9). Resume of the various tests (88), hitherto proposed. Peters (E. 88, 857; 905). Polarized light. Bishop shows that the difference in the behavior of the fixed oils towards polarized light is sufficiently marked to be of some practical use (E. 88, 8. O. 88, 508. Zeit. Oest., Ap), and Peters (M. 88, 94. Union Ph.). Oleum Adipis. Oleum .flSthereum. Maisch states that ethereal oil in contact with water decomposes very easily, hence the necessity for washing it rapidly. (T. 1032, note. A. 65, 160). Oleum Amygdalae Amarae. Oleum Amygdalae Expressum. Tests. Equal volumes of the oil and of nitric acid of 25 p. c. are shaken in a test tube, yielding a white mixture; while with the oils of peach kernel and apricot .seed the color is yellow, turning reddish. Hager (T. 1036. A. 70, 408. O. 71, 152). Similar color reactions with a mixture of sulphuric and fuming nitric acids are described by Bieber (T. 1036. O. 78, 499). Oleum Anisi. Oleum Aurantii Corticis. Remington shakes the oil briskly with one-eighth of its volume of distilled water, and after separation, filters rapidly, and mixes with 7 volumes of alcohol (T. 1039). Oleum Aurantii Florum. Oleum Bergamii. Soluble in all proportions in solutions of soda and of potassa (X. II, 300). 242 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Oleum Cajuputi. Examination of 14 samples of commercial oil by West, who found the color varying from “pale bluish green to full bluish green;” the sp. gr. from 0.9226 to 0.9240; the boiling point from 174 0 to 174. 5°C. Copper was found in every sample (A. 88, 536. N. 88, Septbr. 186; 235 )* Oleum Cari. Oleum Caryophylli. About its solubility in alcohol, ether, etc., see Behringer (A, 88, 443 )- A drop of the oil, spread on the sides, of a bottle, is colored blue or violet by vapor of bromine. Ph. Germ. Oleum Chenopodii. Oleum Cinnamomi. Oil of cloves is detected by the alcoholic solution acquiring a blue color on shaking with ferrous chloride. Ulex (T. 1047). Two distinct titles. Oldberg (D. 89, 120). Oleum Copaibae. Oleum Coriandri, Oleum Cubebae. Hirsch questions its solubility in an equal weight of alcohol (Un. Ph. II, 302). Oleum Erigerontis. Oleum Eucalypti. On the different oils of Eucalyptus : Schimmel & Co. (B. 88, 91). Distinction between the oils of E. globulus and E. amygdalina. Mix 1 C.c. of the oil with 2 C.c. of glacial acetic acid, add 1 or 2 C.c. of a saturated solution of nitrite of sodium, and stir slightly. The top-layer of the oil of E. amygdalina will congeal to a crystalline mass, but neither that from the oil of E. globulus, nor from Eucaly- ptol. The sp. gr. of the globulus oil is never below 0.900, while the amygdalina oil is seldom more than 0.890 (B. 88, 214. S. 88, Oct. 481). Oleum Fceniculi. Oleum Gaultherise. ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 243 Oleum Gossypii Seminis. Labiche improves upon Bradford’s subacetate of lead test, by add- ing ammonia (A. 88, 13. B. 88, 85. O. 88, 512). Test of identity, see Oleum Olivae and Adipis. Manufacture. Thornton (B. 88, 194). Thomas (O. 88, 510). Oleum Hedeomse. Analysis by Franz (A. 88, 161. O. 88, 479); criticised by Kremers (G. 88, 103). Oleum Juniperi. Oleum Lavandulae. Ought to be dropped, and the Pharmacopoeia should recognize only -the best oil, which is the next following (T. 1054). Oleum Lavandulae Florum. Oleum Limonis. Cobb preserves the oil by shaking it with a little boiling water, and, after separation, decanting the oil (T. 1056). Oleum Lini. Cod liver oil is detected by shaking 10 parts of the suspected oil with 3 parts of crude nitric acid, when the oily layer on top assumes a dark-brown color, and the acid is colored dark-yellow to orange. Pure oil turns sea-green to greenish-yellow, and the acid bright- yellow (T. 1057). Oleum Menthae Piperitae. If any oil of peppermint rotates polarized light feebly to the left, makes a turbid mixture with its own volume of 85 p. c. alcohol, and acquires an orange-red tint with caustic potassa, it may safely be rejected (T. 1058. I. 82, 18). Distillation in Michigan. Todd (A. 88, 328). From fresh and from dried leaves, Todd (B. 88, 121). Test for oil of camphor. Add 1 drop of the oil to 1 drachm of nitric acid (1.420); if pure, the color will be yellow; otherwise red within 15 to 20 minutes: Stevens, who also recognizes the value of the polariscope and of the iodine discoloration test (B. 88, 192. O. 88, 97). Oleum Morrhuse. Salkowski found, on examining the cause of the well-known color reaction with sulphuric acid, that it was not due to biliary matter per se, but to cholesterin, which is also found in most vegetable oils. Since the cholesterin of cod-liver oil melts at 146° C., while that from any other oil has a lower melting point, Salkowski bases a test there- on. See (B. 88, 6. Zeit. Analyt. Ch., 87, 557). In the officinal test involving the use of carbon disulphide, it is preferable to substitute chloroform for the latter. Percentage of acid. Heyerdahl (A. 88, 613. Ch. Zeit. 88, 1475). 244 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Oleum Myrcise. ‘ ‘ Soluble in an equal weight of alcohol’ ’ is at variance with facts, as shown by Beringer (A. 88, 441), who also tests for oils of pimenta and cloves by resinifying the oil with sulphuric acid, and treating the resin with hot alcohol (A. 88, 244). Oleum Myristicse. Oleum Olivse. Test for cotton seed oil. Codina L,anglin mixes 3 Gm. of the oil with 1 Gm. of a mixture of 3 parts of nitric acid (40° B.), and 1 part of water, and heats on a water bath. If pure, the oil assumes a yel- low color, with cotton-seed oil it turns red (T. 1069). See also un- der “ Adeps” and “Oleum Gossypii.” — Milliau improves upon Bec- chi’s nitrate of silver test by first separating the fatty acids, and ap- plying the test to them. For the same oil he improves Baudouin’s sugar and hydrochloric acid test in the same way, by first separating the fatty acids (A. 88, 290. B. 88, 70. O. 88, 513. F. 88, 16 1). Table, showing the solubilities of alkaloids in the oil, by Petten- kofer (T. 1069, note). Changes effected by sunlight. See (A. 72, 300. O. 73, 217). Culture of olives and manufacture of the oil in California. Bell (A. 88, 124). Purification by being boiled with water for a couple of hours. Sei- del (B. 88, 145). Oleum Phosphoratum. Oleum Picis Liquidse. Oleum Pimentse. Solubility in alcohol and in ether. Beringer (A. 88, 443). Oleum Ricini. Test for purity. After criticising the tests of the U. S., British and German Pharmacopoeias, Klie arrives at the result that alcohol of sp. gr. 0.837, mixed with I of its volume of castor oil, at a temperature of between 20 and 30° C., shows 2 p. c. admixture of other oils (G. 88, 159. Miss. State Ph. Association). Oleum Rosse. Yield about fV of onep.c. Bonkowski (A. 88, 347). Stearopten. It appears that the oil from white rose contains more stearopten than that from red rose, which latter, however, yields a more fragrant oil (B. 88, 212). Oleum Rosmarini. ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 245 Oleum Rutae. Oleum Sabinae. Oleum Santali. MacEwan states that the sp. gr. should be at least 0.970 to 0.990 (A. 88, 182. N. 88, Feb’y 667). — Schimmel & Co. find it to range from 0.970 to 0.975 (B. 88, 92). — See also (S. 89, April 10). Oleum Sassafras. Oleum Sesami. Oleum Sinapis Volatile. Bisulphide of carbon is a regular constituent of the oil, Birken- wald (A. 88, 557. Schw. Woch. 88, 277). Oleum Succini. Oleum Terebinthinae. Oleum Theobromae. Graf finds, as the result of numerous experiments, that the melting point of cacao butter is 34. 3 0 C., and that the different results arrived at by other observers is largely due to the different methods followed in the examination (E- 88, 883). Oleum Thymi. Oleum Tiglii. Maisch’s “eruption” test, see (T. 1096. A. 60, 307). Oleum Valerianae. Opii Pul vis. Powdered opium should not lose over 4 per cent, in drying at ioo° C. (212 0 F.). Squibb (F. 1152). The morphine strength of opium, powdered opium and tincture of opium should bear a simple relation to each other. Oldberg (D. 89, 120). Opium. Constituents and their proportionate quantities. Smith (T. 1106, note. N. 65, Oct., 183). Yield of Extract. The words of the U. S. P. : “ On exhausting 100 parts of opium, previously dried, .... an extract is obtained, 246 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS which should weigh between 55 and 60 parts,” are misleading, inas- much as they imply that 100 parts of crude opium, after being suita- bly dried, will yield 55 to 60 parts of extract. But this amount of ■extract is not yielded by crude opium. It is the average yield from 100 parts of dried opium. Assay. Geissler reduces the 3 Gm. of lime to 1.5 Gm.; the 3 Gm. of chloride of ammonium to 0.8 Gm,, and the 5 C.c. of alcohol to 3 C.c. (A. 88, 529. O. 88, 149). Kndemann criticizes Stillwell’s process, proving that by using the commercial washed ether, Stillwell obtains from 1 to 2 p. c. less of morphine than Endemann himself, who follows Squibb’ s process, and uses perfectly pure ether (G. 88, 181). Teschemacher and Smith’s process see also (B. 88, 96). Williams’ process see also (B. 88, 96). DrESCHER mentions in detail and criticises the methods of Dieterich, Kremel, Teschemacher and Smith, and Williams. He finds that a previous treatment of the opium with benzin greatly facilitates the subsequent extraction with water. He thinks that the pharmaco- pceial process might be improved by weighing the morphine in a flask, instead of on a filter ; the alcohol might advantageously be re- placed by benzin. The results are, however, too low, as also those by following Kremel’s process (E. 88, 149). Opium assay at the custom house (E. 88, 150). Davis. In the U. S. laboratory of New York (E. 88, 172). Cornwall’s modification of Dieterich’ s method of assay, differing chiefly in thoroughly exhausting the opium, and then using the whole of the liquid, as recommended by Squibb, instead of only a fractional part. See (B. 88, 104). Eyons and Thompson show the errors of Wrampelmeier and Mei- nert’s process of assay (M. 88, 9). Dieterich does not think that Cornwall’s chief objection to his method (as giving too low results when applied to opium, see Part I, p. 122) is sustained by facts, nor does he value Cornwall’s modifica- tion of his method very highly — being neither ‘ ‘ more convenient’ ’ of application, nor giving as high result as Dieterich’s original method. The result of five comparative trials gave 17.12 — 17.12 — 17.25 — 17.15 — 16.95 respectively, following Dieterich’s method, while Cornwall’s gave only 16.62 — 16.57 — 1 6-37 — 16.37 — 16.62 p. c. of morphine. Dieterich also objects to the evaporation (made neces- sary by the “exhaustion” of the opium), because it is responsible for the low result and for the much darker color of the morphine. He asserts — contrary to Squibb, Stillwell and Cornwall — that a fractional part of the opium extraction really does contain all of its proportional part of morphine. Helfenb. Annal., 88, 106). Squibb agrees with Dieterich in some respects and differs from him in others (referring to D.’s paper in “ Helfenberger Annalen, 1887, 36-79. See Part I, p. 122, or B. 87, 143). He has from time •to time adopted certain improvements, and has published his new method in detail (in F. 1 150-1161). The following represents an abstract of the process : Opium in any condition to be valued, 10 Gm.; alcohol of not less than 91%, or not below sp. gr. 0.815; ether of not less than 93%, or not below sp. gr. 0.725; water of ammonia, sp. gr. 0.960; lime water, water — of each, a sufficient quantity. ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 247 Introduce the opium into a flask of 100 C.c. capacity, and add to it 100 C.c. of water. If the opium was in lump, reduce it previously to small thin siices, and macerate it for twelve hours, occasionally well shaking it. If it was in powder, macerate it for two hours, agi- tating from time to time. Pour the opium mixture in the centre of a well-wetted, tared and strong filter of 12 Cm. (4.8 inch) diameter, receive the filtrate in a beaker marked at 150 C.c., and wash the flask and residue with enough water to obtain this volume. Then care- fully return the residue to the flask, add 50 C.c. of water, shake well for five minutes, and return the mixture to the filter. Receive the new filtrate in another beaker, marked at 150° C.c., and wash the flask, residue and filter with water to obtain this amount. Evapo- rate the second weaker solution, in a tared capsule of 250 C.c. capa- city, on a water-bath, to about 10 C.c. Then add the stronger solu- tion, and continue the evaporation to 14 Gm. Transfer the residuary liquor, after dissolving all crusts or rings upon the capsule by rotat- ing the liquid about, to a tared Erlenmeyer flask of 100 C.c. capachy. Rinse the capsule with three portions of 2 C.c. each of water, and lastly, add enough water, if necessary, to make the solution in the flask weigh 20 Gm. To this add 10 Gm. [12.3 C.c.] of the alcohol above directed, and shake well. Next add 17.5 Gm. (or 25 C.c.) of the ether and shake again. Now add 3.5 Gm. (or 3.5 C.c.) of water of ammonia, stopper the flask and shake vigorously for ten minutes. Then set it aside for at least six hours. Pour off the ethereal layer as closely as possible, add 20 C.c. of fresh ether, and swing the flask gently about with a rotating motion. Pour off the ethereal layer and repeat the washing with another 20 C.c. of ether. Having placed two counter-balanced filters, of 9 Cm. (3.6 in.) diameter, one within the other, into a funnel, wet them well with Ihe ether, and transfer upon the inner one the ethereal layer as closely as practicable; next pour in the aqueous layer, holding in suspension as much of the crys- tallized morphine as possible. Remove the last crystals from the flask by rinsing with several portions of water, about 3 C.c. at a time. When all the crystals are on the filter, allow water to fall, drop by drop, from a pipette held about 4 inches over the funnel, upon the edges of the filters and the crystals, until the latter look fairly clean, but so that the filtrate and washings do not exceed 50 C.c. Then displace the water from the filters and crystals by dropping upon them 5 C.c. of a saturated solution of morphine in alcohol (of the before prescribed percentage), and before the alcohol has time to evap- orate, follow it, in the same manner, with 5 C.c. more of the ether. When this has drained off, close the filters upon the oystals, and press them between bibulous paper, under weights, for half an hour. Then open the filters, spread the morphine over the inner one, and dry both at 6o° C. (140° F.) to a constant weight, which is to be noted. Transfer 0.5 Gm. of the dry crystals to a graduated cylinder, add 50 C. c. of lime water, and tilt the cylinder to and fro, without shaking, so as to avoid frothing. If the morphine was fairly pure (free from narcotine, etc.,) it will be entirely and quickly dissolved. In this case, the weight of the dried morphine obtained, multiplied by 10, will indicate the percentage of hydrated morphine (C n H I9 N 0 3 .H 2 0 ; mol. w. 303) in the opium. If the lime water did not dissolve the whole of the morphine, filter 248 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS the liquid through two counterbalanced filters of 7 Cm, (2.8 inch) diameter, placed one within the other, wash the filters first with 5 C.c. of lime water, then with 5 C.c. of water, close the filters, press them between bibulous paper, dry them at ioo° C. (212 0 F.) and weigh one against the other. Deduct the weight of the dry residue from that of the crude morphine first obtained, and multiply the remain- der with 10 as in the previous case. Opium Denar cotisatum. Origanum. Pareira. No distinct central pith (R. 751). Pepo. Pepsinum Saccharatum. Assay needs thorough revision. See Oldberg (D. 89, 120). Since the digestion is generally finished in 2 to 3 hours, it would be of more importance to know what a pepsin could accomplish in that time, than in 6 hours. One grain of so-called pure pepsin .should dissolve 300 grains of finely divided, hard-boiled egg albu- men, suspended in 2 fluid ounces of water of 38 to 40° C. and 30 grains of hydrochloric acid, within 3 hours (R. 755). — Harris advo- cates the admission of a pepsin digesting at least 900 times its weight of coagulated albumen in 5 or 6 hours at 105° F. (A. 88, 379. O. 88, 596). Percy-Smith prefers dry, powdered albumen (A. 88, 464). Stebbins, Jr., criticises the process of the U. S. Ph., Bidder and Schmidt, Mainwaring and Kremel, which latter he considers the best (A. 88, 466. B. 88, 164). In an article on comparative pepsin testing, Thompson makes the following remarks : “The usual way of testing different brands, where a certain amount of albumen is digested totally by one brand while the others digest only a quarter or smaller fraction, is fallacious, because the conditions are not the same” (O. 88, 143). He thinks that the only proper way is to take sufficient of each pepsin to completely digest the same amount of albumen under exactly the same conditions. He further suggests to reduce the hydrochloric acid from 0.47 to 0.30 p. c. ; to pass the albumen through a No. 30 sieve; to digest with constant stirring for 6 hours at 104° F. (A. 88,*529. O. 88, 142). Parker formulates the requirements necessary, in order to obtain thoroughly trustworthy results, as follows: 1. The eggs must be fresh; 2. The time of boiling them must be definite; 3. The albumen must be rubbed through a sieve of a definite number of meshes to the inch; 4. The amount of acidulated water must be ample; 5. The p. c. of hydrochloric acid must not be stronger than that of the gastric juice; 6. The flasks or test tubes must be agitated uniformly; 7. The ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 2 49 temperature must be about 56° C. ; 8. The relative proportions of al- bumen, pepsin and liquid must always be the same. He also gives an apparatus for facilitating the shaking (G. 88, 245). Petrolatum. Definition . It is better to call it a “purified residue.” “Semi- solid” belongs to the description, but not to the definition. Oldberg (D. 89, 120). Title. Oldberg wants two distinct titles: one for “ soft” and one for “firmer” (D. 89, 120). Examination of commercial samples. Patton (A. 88, n). Phosphorus. Solubility in fixed oils (T. 1071, note). . Physostigma. According to (X. II, 1) the seeds are up to 35 mm. long, 20 mm. broad and 15 mm. thick. ‘ ‘ Cali nuts, ’ ’ the seeds of Mucuna urens, are stated to be very similar to physostigma (G. 87, 89; 142; 241). Physostigminse Salicylas. Test of identity. Eber states that by placing 1 drop of a very dilute solution of a salt of physotigmine in contact with 1 drop of baryta water, a carmine color, changing to blue, will be noticed. With a 5 to 6 p. c. solution of potassa or soda, the color is red. As small a quantity as 0.000001 Gm. (1^00 grain) can be recognized (B. 88, 212. Ph. Zeit. 88, 483). Solubility. “ 130” parts of water — (X. II, 349) states “ 150” parts. Phytolaccae Bacca. “ Fructus” would more conform to other titles than “ baccse.” Oldberg (D. 89, 120). Phytolaccae Radix. Analysis by Partee (A. 88, 123. O. 88, 318). Fluid extracts should be made officinal of this and the foregoing. Oldberg (D. 89, 120). Picrotoxinum. Pilocarpinse Hydrochloras. Pilocarpus. The color of the leaves ought to be stated (D. 89, 120). Pilulse. Keratinized pills. Kippenberger (B. 88, 149). Oldberg objects to the duplicate formulas, and wants either grains or grams (D. 89, 120) 250 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Pilulse Aloes. Pilulse Aloes et Asafcetidse. Pilulse Aloes et Ferri. Pilulae Aloes et Mastiches. Pilulse Aloes et Myrrhse. Pilulse Antimonii Compositse. Synonym. “ Compound Calomel pills” (T. 1160). Pilulse Asafoetidse. Pilulse Catharticse Compositse. Pilulse Ferri Compositse. The iron is better preserved in the ferrous state by first dissolving the sulphate in the syrup, and next adding the carbonate of sodium (T. 1163). Pilulse Ferri Iodidi. Pilulse Galbani Compositse. Pilulse Opii. Oldberg objects to the soap, which should never be employed with alkaloids or chemicals (D. 89, 121). Pilulse Phosphori. The solution of phosphorus in the chloroform is best accomplished with the aid of a gentle heat (T. 1165). Fischer adds the chloroformic solution to a melted mixture of equal parts of yellow wax and cacao butter, stirring till the chloro- form has evaporated, then after cooling mixes with sufficient mag- nesia (A. 88, 176. O. 88, 273. Ph. Zeit. Russl., 87, 674). Pilulse Rhei. Pilulse Rhei Compositse. Pimenta. ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 251 Piper. Adulteration of ground pepper with olive seeds is detected by iodine. Giles (B. 88, 165). Piperina. Being probably a piperate of piperidine, it should be called “ piper- inum.” Oldberg (R. 781). •Water, .shaken with it, should not acquire a bluish tint or blue color on the addition of ferric chloride. Pix Burgundica. Pix Canadensis. How it is obtained (B. 88, 140). Pix Liquida. Plumbi Acetas. The aqueous solution yields a purely white precipitate on the addi- tion of ferrocyanide of potassium. Ph. Germ. Plumbi Carbonas. Plumbi lodidum. “ Readily dissolved . . . . by solution of chloride of ammonium” — it ought to read: by a “ hot” solution .... (X. II, 361). Rother gives a formula for an amorphous iodide (A. 87, 385. O. 88, 453). Plumbi Nitras. Plumbi Oxidum. Podophyllum. Potassa. Estimation of nitrite of potassium by titrating a dilute solution of potassa, slightly supersaturated with dilute sulphuric acid, with a solution of potassium permanganate, preferably centi-normal. Power (G. 88, 81). It is tough, and has a fibrous, crystalline fracture (X. II, 150). Potassa cum Calce. Potassa Sulphurata. The marble slab must be “cold” (X. II, 1 7 1). 252 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Potassii Acetas. Potassii Bicarbonas. Potassii Bichromas. Potassii Bitartras. Iyimit of the officinal test for tartrate of calcium. Boettcher (A. 88, 530. O. 88, 173). Potassii Bromidum. No reliance can be placed on the quantitative test, unless the bro- mide be perfectly dry, and the total absence of foreign salts, includ- ing bromide of sodium and iodide of potassium, be assured. Hirsch (Un. Ph., II, 12). Potassii Carbonas. The Pharmacopoeia requires at least 81 p. c. of the pure, anhy- drous salt, while the formula calls for 83.636 p. c. Hirsch thinks that the 15 to 18 p. c. of water allowed is too much (Un. Ph., II, 16). Potassii Chloras. Test for nitrate of potassium. Heat 1 Gm. of the salt with 5 C. c. of soda solution, a little zinc filings and a few pieces of clean iron wire in a test-tube or flask ; no ammonia must be evolved, nor a piece of moistened red litmus paper or turmeric paper be altered (G. 88, 163. U. 88, 391). The taste is also faintly bitterish (X. II, 16 1). Its aqueous solution, heated with hydrochloric acid, is colored greenish-yellow (X. II, 16 1). Potassii Oitras. Potassii Cyanidum. Is the salt really ‘ ‘ amorphous ’ ’ ? Potassii et Sodii Tartras. Synonym: Seignette salt. Potassii Ferrocyanidum. Potassii Hypophosphis. Potassii Iodidum. Test for sulphite is wanted. Daudet. who found that sulphites mask effectually the presence of nitrates and iodates (A. 88, 242. O. 88, 428. Phar. Zeit., 88, 117). Examination of the commercial salt. Curriden (A. 88, 279. O. 88, 427). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOFCEIA. 253 Test for hyposulphite. 0.2 Gm. of the well dried salt are dis- solved in 2 C. c. of ammonia, and well shaken with 14 C. c. of deci- normal nitrate of silver solution. The filtrate, after supersaturating with nitric acid, must not become darker, nor turbid, within ten min- utes. Ph. Germ. Com. (G. 88, 92. Ph. Zeit. 88, 171). In order to free it from iodate, treat a boiling solution of the salt with zinc amalgam. Morse and Burton (G. 88, 184. Amer. Ch. Jl. 88, 321). Potassii Permanganas. Should be protected from light. Ph. Germ. Com. (T. 88, 1109). The color of the aqueous solution might be given. Potassii Sulphas. Soluble in “10” parts of water (X. 11, 172). Potassii Sulphis. Is the solubility in cold and in boiling water correctly given ? Hirsch doubts it (Un. Ph. II, 35). Potassii Tartras. Prinos. Prunum. Prunus Virginiana. The color of the infusion depends on the time of the gathering of the bark, as shown by Lemberger (T. 1244. A. 72, 303). Pulsatilla. Pul vis Antimonialis. Synonym. Pulvis Jacobi. History of the powder. Donovan (N. 1869). Pulvis Aromaticus. Turner prepares an aromatic sugar, made according to the process for abstracts (T. 1249. A. 69, 118). Pulvis Cretse Aromaticus. Pulvis Effervescens Compositus. 254 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Pulvis Glycyrrhizae Compositus. Pulvis Ipecacuanhse et Opii. “ Denarcotized ” opium is suggested, as better (R. 730). Pulvis Jalapae Compositus. Pulvis Morphinae Compositus. After mixing, the powder ought to be sifted (T. 1524). Pulvis Rhei Compositus. Pyre thrum. Pyroxylinum. A working formula is scarcely necessary, if a good description and tests be given. Oldberg (D. 89, 121). It dissolves freely in acetic ether and in acetate of amyl. Trimble (T. 1257. A. 87, 275). Quassia. “Inodorous” — moistened with hot water it has quite a distinct, eharaeteristic odor. Hirseh (Un. Ph. II, 53). Quercus Alba. Quillaia. Boas considers a mixture of 3 parts of rectified spirit and 4 parts of water as the best menstruum (A. 88, 15. N. 87, Novbr., 426). Quinidinae Sulphas. Quinina. Chemistry of cinchona alkaloids. Hesse (E. 88, 66). The thalleioquin test is due to Alex. Roper, 1832 (Z. 83, 334). Quininae Bisulphas. Quininae Hydrobromas. Quininae Hydrochloras. A new method for the examination of this salt is given by Hiel- big, who first converts it into the sulphate, and then treats the sul- phate with Rochelle salt, when both the filtrate and the precipitate are farther examined. See (A. 88, 41 1. Ph. Zeit. Russl. 88, 258. E. 88, 199). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 255 Quininae Sulphas. For the method ot examination by Hielbig see (A. 88, 41 1. Ph. Zeit. Russl. 88, 258. E. 88, 199). A resume of the methods proposed and discussed from 1886 to 1888 by Fischer, see (G. 88, 57. Ph. Zeit. 88, . . .). Boehringer & Sons have lately improved their test (B. 87, 94) as follows: Dissolve 1 Gm. of the commercial sulphate (or 0.85 Gm. of the completely dried salt) in 35 C.c. of boiling water. Add a solu- tion of 0.3 Gm. of neutral crystallized oxalate of potassium in 5 C.c. of water, adding sufficient water to make up to 41.3 Gm. Keep the flask for half an hour in a water-bath at 20° C., shaking occasionally, filter, and to 10 C.c. add 1 drop of soda solution (sp. gr, 1.160). No turbidity shouid occur within a few minutes (B. 88, 92. O. 88, 549). Kerner and Weller’s test is given in quite a full abstract in (B. 88, 8. O. 88, 547). Since it seems so difficult to find a suitable test for the purity of the sulphate, Gehe & Co. propose to use the hydrochlorate instead, because it contains merely traces of the other alkaloids (B. 88, 107). Boehringer & Sons make pure sulphate from the bisulphate (B. 88, l: 7)‘ Manufactured in the East Indies, with soda or lime, fusel oil, and kerosene. Gammie, see (B. 88, 173), Assay of quinine pills. Snow disintegrates the pills, and frees the quinine from gelatin, sugar, etc., by treating them with dilute sul- phuric acid, pumice stone, bird-shot, and heat. See for particulars (D. 87, 367. O. 88, 270). Quininse Valerianas. Resina. Test of identity. A solution in glacial acetic acid, on addition of a drop of sulphuric acid, assumes an intense red to bluish-violet color, changing to yellowish -brown, with a strongifluorescence. Mo- rawski (A. 88, 61 1. Ch. Repert. 88, 270). Resina Copaibae. Resina Jalapae. It is insoluble in benzol, which property serves to detect admix- ture of other resins. Bullock (T. 1286. A. 64, 114). Resina Podophylli. The hydrochloric acid is not necessary, provided the alcoholic percolate is evaporated to the consistence of a thick honey (T. 1285). The color is no indication as to quality (T. 1285). — It might, how- ever, still be mentioned for the sake of uniformity. It is insoluble in benzol. Bullock (T. 1286. A. 62, 1 14). Resina Scammonii. It is insoluble in benzol. Bullock (T. 1286. A. 62, 114). 17 256 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Rheum. The Chinese root is distinguished from the European by the yield of ash: 20 to 25 p. c. from the former against 8 to 1 1 p. c. from the latter (M. 88, 135. O. 88, 318). Rhus Glabra. Rhus Toxicodendron. “Toxicodendron” would be more consistent, as title. Oldberg (D. 89, 121). Rosa Centifolia. Ought to be dismissed, since rose water is better made from the imported water, and the rose leaves in compound syrup of sarsaparilla are superfluous (R. 858). Rosa Gallica. Rosmarinus. Rubus. Rubus Idaeus. Rumex. Sabina. The color is not mentioned. Must have a good green, not brown, color (R. 871). Saccharum, The officinal description refers to “granulated” sugar, but is this the purest sugar? Saccharum Lactis. Salicinum. Salix. Salvia. Sambucus. Sanguinaria. Assay with Mayer’s reagent. Snow (A. 88, 496). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 257 Santalum Rubrum, Santonica. Four mm. long (X. II, 41). Santoninum. Eozenges are examined by digesting with chloroform. Test of identity. Kossakowsky improves Lindo’s test by first clear- ing the liquid, containing santonin, with basic acetate of lead, heat- ing a few drops on a porcelain tile, adding a few drops of sulphuric acid, and heating again. A purple coloration results (E. 88, r28. O. 88, 580. Ph. Zeit. Russl). Sapo. Sapo Viridis. Oldberg recommends to introduce a working formula, which will insure a uniform product (D. 89, 162). Sarsaparilla. Sassafras. Sassafras Medulla. Scammonium. Scilla. Scoparius, A preparation ought to be made officinal. Oldberg (D. 89, 162). Scutellaria. Senega. For the causes of the peculiar appearance of the root. See Meyer (L. 87, 557). Senna. For some facts regarding the influence of heat, alkali and alcohol, see (T. 1355). Ought to come under two separate titles. Oldberg (D. 89, 162). Serpentaria. 258 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Sevnm. Specific gravity of mutton suet 0.937 to 0.952; of beef suet 0.943 to 0.952 (T. 1360. L. 87, 496). Sinapis Alba, Sinapis Nigra. Soda. Sodii Acetas. Sodii Arsenias. The salt containing 7^ mot. (40.8 per cent.) of water of crystalliz- ation i§. neither deliquescent nor efflorescent. This salt is easily produced by exposing the crystalline salt (containing more or less than 7)4 mol.) in fine powder to the air at the ordinary temperature. H. Lescoeur (Compt. Rend. 104,, 1171). Sodii Benzoas. Sodii Bicarbonas. Sodii Bicarbonas Venalis. Examination of 16 samples. Sehreeter (A. 88, 602). Sodii Blsulphls. Sodii Boras, Test for phosphate of sodium is wanted (T. 1373). Sodii Bromidum. Sodii Carbonas. Sodii Carbonas Exsiccatus. Sodii Chloras, Sodii Chloridum. ttubel found a sample of salt contaminated with chloride of am monium (E. 88, 440. O. 88, 439). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPCEIA. 259 Sodii Hypophosphis. Sodii Hyposulphis. Sodii Iodidum. Ph. Germ. Com. gives the same solubility in water as the U. S. Ph., viz. in 0.6 parts, It also states that, when a fragment of the salt is placed on moistened red litmus paper, the paper must not at once be colored violet-blue (E. 88, 56). Compare in other respects “ Potassii Iodidum.” Sodii Nitras. The powdered salt, spread on a porcelain tile, must not be colored yellow or reddish, when a few drops of sulphuric acid are dropped on it. Ph. Germ. Com. (E- 88, 58). Sodii Phosphas. Sodii Pyrophosphas. Sodii Salicylas. Sodii Santoninas. Ought never to have been made officinal (T. 1394). Sodii Sulphas. Sodii Sulphis. Sodii Sulphocarbolas. On heating, it finally leaves a residue amounting to ‘‘36” p. c. — Hirsch states that “30.6” p. c. is more correct. (U11. Ph. II, 257)- This is the “para,” not the “ortho” salt. It is “ slightly efflo- rescent” in the air. Soluble in 4.8 parts of water. Power and Raeuber (G. 89, no). Spigelia. Spiritus Athens. Spiritus Athens Compositus. 26 o DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Spiritus Athens Nitrosus. “ Heat rapidly . . . . until strong reaction occurs . . . .8o°C.” This is too high a temperature for inexperienced persons; “72 0 C.” is amply sufficient to start the reaction, and the heat should be at once removed, as soon as effervescence commences. Remington (T. 1404)- Agitating with water, even when cold, is wasteful, since ethyl nitrite is soluble in water (T. 1404). Squibb, in an elaborate paper (F. 1176-1243) points out that the processes for preparing spirit of nitre, introduced since the revision of 1870, have resulted in a deterioration of the product. The spirit, when made after the Pharm. of i860, contained from 4.5 to 5 p. c. of the crude ether, or about 4 p. c. of ethyl nitrite. By the process of 1870 the product was reduced to about one-third its former strength. And, though this was increased by the process of 1880, yet the product is still of less than half the strength of that of i860. Upon the basis of very detailed investigations, the author advocates the following definition, process and description for the next Phar- macopoeia: {Definition .*) An alcoholic solution of a complex ethereal liquid containing about 8.33 per cent, of the complex ethereal liquid, and giving, when freshly made, a nitrometer indication of 5 per cent, of ethyl nitrite [C 2 H 5 N 0 2 ; 75]. (Process:) Nitric Acid, s. g. 1.42, 20 parts; Alcohol, s. g. 0.815, a •sufficient quantity; Sodium Carbonate, 1 part; Stronger Water of Ammonia, Distilled Water, each, a sufficient quantity. Weigh into a flask, first 34 parts (8.5 troyounces, or 11 f% of Al- cohol, and then 20 parts (5 troyounces or 3.71 fg) of Nitric Acid, and having shaken them well together, pour the mixture, without any splashing, into a tubulated retort or flask of double the capacity of the contents, containing fragments of broken glass. Connect this, air-tight, with a well-cooled condenser of great capacity, to which a receiver, surrounded by finely crushed ice, is connected air- tight. Connect this receiver, by means of a bent glass tube, with a flask surrounded by crushed ice, containing 16 parts (4 troyounces or 5.18 f^) of alcohol, the glass tube to pass loosely through a cork in the neck of the flask almost to the surface of the alcohol. Apply to the retort a hot water-bath, so arranged that the bath may be quickly removed, and then heat rapidly until the liquid boils briskly. Then remove the bath, pour out a half to two-thirdsof the hot water, and add cold water so that the bath may be about 55 0 C. or 131 0 F. As the boiling becomes too rapid for effective condensation, apply the cooled bath, by hand, to the retort for a few moments, from time to time, so as to keep the boiling within the capacity of the con- densers. When this checking is no longer needed, heat the bath up again, and have it ready to reapply when the boiling becomes too slow. Then reapply the bath and distill until the rate is reduced to slow dropping, and the residue in the retort is reduced to about 6 parts. Disconnect the receiver and pour the contents into a flask contain- ing 32 parts of ice-cold water in which the sodium carbonate has been dissolved before cooling. Close the flask and shake the con- tents vigorously and repeatedly, keeping down the temperature by ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 261 immersing the flask occasionally in ice- water. Then separate the ethereal layer and mix it immediately with eleven times its weight of alcohol, taking the contents of the flask at the end of the con- densing apparatus as a part of the alcohol of dilution. Finally add stronger water of ammonia, a few drops at a time, until the finished spirit turns neutral litmus paper to a purple tint. (. Description .*) A transparent, volatile, inflammable liquid, of a pale yellow color and fragrant ethereal odor, — pungent, but free from acridity, — and having a sharp, burning taste. Sp. gr. at 15. 6° C. or 6o° F., 0.821 to 0.823. At 25 0 C. or 77 0 F., 0.815 to 0.817. If un- opened, or but little exposed to light and air, it turns neutral litmus paper bluish for two months after being made, and for at least two months more fails to redden blue litmus paper. When one volume of Solution of Potassa is mixed with one volume of water, and then with two volumes of the spirit of nitrous ether, the mixture assumes a yellow color, which, in twelve hours, deepens without becoming brown (limit of aldehyd). When 3 C.c. of the spirit recently made, or well kept, is tested by the nitrometer, it should give not less than 1 1 times its volume, or more accurately 33.3 C.c. of liberated gas, which is equal to about 5 per cent, of ethyl nitrite. Any spirit which by age, or by being badly kept, yields less than 8 times its volume of gas, which is equal to about 3.5 per cent, of ethyl nitrite, should be rejected. Spiritus Ammoniae. Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus. The precipitation is due to the use of a partly effloresced am- monium carbonate, which will necessitate a greater proportion of ammonia than is directed (T. 1410). Spiritus Anisi. Spiritus Aurantii. Spiritus Camphorae. Omit the water. Oldberg (D. 89, 162). Spiritus Chloroformi. Spiritus Cinnamomi. Spiritus Frumenti. Spiritus Gaultheriae. Spiritus Juniperi. 262 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Spiritus Juniperi Compositus. A formula of it is superfluous; describe a good quality of “Gin.” Oldberg (D. 89, 162). Spiritus Lavandulae. Spiritus Limonis. Spiritus Menthae Piperitae. Spiritus Menthae Viridis. Spiritus Myrciae. Filtering, with the addition of carbonate of magnesium, phosphate of calcium or talcum, will generally be necessary (T. 1416). Spiritus Myristicae. Spiritus Odoratus. The oil of neroli might be doubled (T. 1417). Spiritus Vini Gallici. Staphisagria. Stillingia. Stramonii Folia. Since none of the preparations are made from the leaves, they ought to be dropped. Oldberg (D. 89, 162). The color ought to be given ; also the unequality of the two halves in size and nervation should be stated. See (R. 950). “Nearly inodorous” is not correct; the odor is quite narcotic (R- 950, Stramonii Semen. Strychnina. Brucine is detected by adding to a warm solution (40 to 50° C.) in nitric acid, a concentrated solution of sodium hyposulphite, when a violet to green color appears. Cotton (T. ion). Value of Mayer’s reagent. Snow (A. 88, 496). Melting point. According to Fluckiger it melts already at 225 0 C. (T. 1425). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 263 Solubility. In 387 parts of alcohol (sp. gr. 0.835); x 79 absolute alcohol; 682 ether. Plummer and Kelly (T. 1425. A. 59, 25). Test. Wenzel uses a solution of 1 grain of permanganate of po- tassium in 2000 grains of sulphuric acid, when a display of colors occurs. (T. 1497. A. 70, 385. O. 71, 227). — Sonnenschein’s test with ceroso-ceric oxide is very sensitive (T. 1426). Strychnine Sulphas. Sty rax. Ought to be purified (T. 1431). Test for turpentine. Melt the styrax in a test tube, add half its volume of absolute alcohol, then treat with several volumes of ben- zin. Evaporate and weigh the residue, which generally amounts to 50 p. c., and has a light blue opalescence; in the presence of turpen- tine the residue will weigh more, be yellowish, and possess a tere- binthinate odor. Hager (T. 1432). Sulphuris Iodidum. It can be made as well in a beaker, and then poured out, thus ob- viating the necessity of breaking a flask. Oldberg (D. 89, 162). Sulphur Lotum. Sulphur Fraecipitatum. Sulphur Sublimatum. Sumbul. Suppositoria. Dixon recommends to allow the broader end to terminate in a cone, giving the suppository the appearance of being double (B. 88, 112). Syrupi. In using the cold percolation process, due discrimination should be exercised, since syrups, containing vegetable constituents, are often benefited by heating or boiling (R. 965). Sp. gr. of .simple syrup is nearer to 1.330. Oldberg (D. 89, 162). Syrupus Acaciae. Mucilage is made with ‘ ‘ water ’ ’ and syrup with ‘ ‘ distilled water. ’ ’ It is therefore bound to spoil, within a short time. Mann proposes 1 part of glycerin and 7 parts of water as the men- struum (T. 1452). Ringler uses 3 parts of his mucilage (which see) and 5 parts of syrup (A. 88, 9). An alternate formula, from acacia, is advisable. Oldberg (D. 89, 162). 264 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Syrupus Acidi Citrici. Syrupus Acidi Hydriodici. An addition of hypophosphorous acid is proposed, to prevent dis- coloration (T. 1453). The formula for Syrupus Acidi Hydriodici Decolor of the National Formulary (possibly with substitution of glucose for hypophosphor- ous acid, as proposed by England (A. ’89, 14) appears preferable. Syrupus Allii. Syrupus Althseae. Noffke macerates the root with water, containing 1 part of alco- hol for every 2 parts of root (T. 1454. L. 86, 761). Oldberg prefers water at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. (D. 89, 162). Syrupus Amygdalae. Enders proposes an ‘ ‘ Orgeat powder, ’ ’ for making the syrup ex- temporaneously. An emulsion of almonds is mixed with sugar and evaporated to dryness (T. 1454, note. A. 74, 362. O. 74, 88). Syrupus Aurantii. Syrupus Aurantii Florum. Percolation is better than agitation (T. 1455). Syrupus Calcii Lactophosphatis. The addition of 1 drachm of hydrochloric acid to a pint of the syrup prevents precipitation (T. 1456). Kopp makes the lactophosphate of calcium from the gelatinous tribasic phosphate by precipitating a solution of chloride of calcium with phosphate of sodium in presence of excess of ammonia, wash- ing and dissolving in lactic acid (O. 88, 442. Jl. Ph. d’Als.) Syrupus Calcis. Syrupus Ferri Bromidi. Filtering the solution into the hot syrup is better than upon the sugar (T. 1457). — Oldberg recommends to heat the solution to boil- ing before filtering it into the sugar (D. 89, 162). Syrupus Ferri Iodidi. Filtering into the hot syrup, as directed in the U. S. Ph. of 1870, is better than upon the sugar (T. 1459). Preparation on the large scale, see Runyon (I. 80, 66). Preservation. England makes use of the strong reducing power of glucose to protect the iron from oxidation, preferring the solid ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 265 glucose; and applying a gentle heat to facilitate the reaction of iodine upon iron (A. 88, 547). Sunlight changes the character of the syrup, and is therefore in- admissible (T. 1459). Ph. Germ. Com. adds to of 1 p. c. of citric acid for preservation (G. 88, 92). See Oldberg’s remarks upon Syrupus Ferri Bromidi. Syrupus Ferri, Quininae et Strychninae Phosphatum. Percolation is better than agitation (T. 1461). Syrupus Hypophosphitum. Percolation is better than agitation (T. 1461). Klie prefers to use hypophosphorous acid, instead of citric acid, for dissolving the last remnant of salt (W. 87, Aug. 91). Wisconsin Ph. Ass. proposes to dissolve the hypophosphites in 400 parts of water, add spirit of lemon, filter to 500 parts, and then to add the citric acid and sugar (M. 88, 51). Syrupus Hypophosphitum cum Ferro. Syrupus Xpecacuanhae. Syrupus Krameriae. Syrupus Lactucarii. For a formula for Aubergier’s syrup, see (A. 66, 290. T. 1464, note). Behringer proposes a concentrated tincture (see Extractum Eac- tucarii Fluidum) from which to make the syrup (A. 88, 72. O. 88, 283). Syrupus Limonis. The formula of U. S. Ph. 1870, which directed to dilute the juice with an equal volume of water, is better (T. 1465). Syrupus Picis Liquidae. There is no objection to applying a gentle heat for dissolving the sugar (T. 1467). Syrupus Pruni Virginianae. Fifteen to 20 p. c. of glycerin answers the purpose better than 5 p. c. (T. 1467). Syrupus Rhei. Oldberg thinks that “ compositus ’ ’ ought to be added to the title (D. 89, 162). 266 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Syrupus Rhei Aromaticus. Replacing half the syrup with glycerin, would be an improve- ment (T. 1468). Syrupus Rosse. Syrupus Rubi. Syrupus Rubi Idaei. Syrupus Sarsaparillse Compositus. Brandt moistens the powdered ingredients with a mixture of 1 part of alcohol and 7 parts of water, covers with a piece of filtering paper, upon which he places the requisite amount of sugar, and then proceeds with the percolation (A. 88, 9; O. 88, 284). Needs revision. Rose and guaiac might as well be left out. Oldberg (D. 89, 162). Syrupus Scillse. Percolation is better than agitation (T. 1471). ✓ Syrupus Scillse Compositus. Brandt moistens the powdered drugs with the menstruum, contain- ing a small amount of ammonia, covers with a piece of filtering paper, places on top of the paper the requisite amount of sugar, and pro- ceeds with the percolation (A. 88, 10. O. 88, 284). Syrupus Senegse. Syrupus Sennse. There appears no good reason why this syrup should not be made from the fluid extract (T. 1474). Syrupus Tolutanus. The officinal formula is improved as follows: Digest the balsam with water for 2 hours at a temperature not exceeding 82° C., filter, dissolve the sugar, and strain (R. 997). The formula of the U. S. Ph., of 1870 is better (T. 1474). Parkinson recommends to heat the balsam to ioo° C., in a flask, and to conduct the vapors into warm simple syrup (E. 88, 156). Eliel proposes a soluble essence of tolu by means of glycerin and carbonate of magnesium (C. 88, 213). Wisconsin Ph. Ass. proposes to dissolve the tolu in alcohol, and to proceed as under Syrupus Zingiberis U. S. Ph. (M. 88, 51). Syrupus Zingiberis. The formula of U. S. Ph. of 1870 is better (T. 1475). ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 267 Tabacum. Assay by Schloesing and Laiblin (T. 1478). Tamarindus. Tanacetum. Taraxacum. Terebinthina. Terbinthina Canadensis. Thuja. Thymol. Tincturae. Oldberg and Wall think that the strength should be fixed with re- ference to their properties and uses, and their relative potency, fin- stead of having regard to simple mathematical ratios (R. 983). They further give a list of tinctures (43) which they consider super- fluous, the respective fluid extracts being better adapted for use (R. 983)- Tinctura Aconiti. Tartaric acid is unnecessary. Oldberg (D. 89, 'I63). Tinctura Aloes. Tinctura Aloes and Myrrhae. Tinctura Arnicae Florum. Tinctura Arnicae Radicis. Is too weak, and the menstruum ought to be made stronger alco- holic. Oldberg (D. 89, 163). Tinctura Asafcetidae. Tinctura Aurantii Amari. Tinctura Aurantii Dulcis. 268 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Tinctura Belladonnae. Tinctura Benzoini. Tinctura Benzoini Composita. Tinctura Bryoniae. Tinctura Calendulae. Strong alcohol is a better menstruum (T. 1503). Tinctura Calumbae. Ince proposes to use the whole slices, without further comminu- tion (T. 1503). Tinctura Cannabis Indicae. Tinctura Cantharidis. Tinctura Capsici. 'Oldberg queries the object of adding 5 p. c. of water to the alcohol (D. 89, 163). Tinctura Cardamomi. “ Seeds” only ought to be directed. No. 60 powder and “ alcohol” would be better. Oldberg (D. 89, 163). Tinctura Cardamomi Composita. “ Seeds ” only ought to be directed. Oldberg (D. 89, 163). Tinctura Catechu Composita. Tinctura Chiratae. Tinctura Cimicifugae. Tinctura Cinchonae. Tinctura Cinchonae Composita. Tinctura Cinnamomi. No. 60 powder and “alcohol” are better. Oldberg (D. 89, 163). Tinctura Colchici. OF THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 269 Tinctura Conii. Tinctura Croci. Tinctura Cubebae. No. 60 powder and “ alcohol” are better. Oldberg (D. 89, 163). Wood deplores the reduction of strength by 25 p. c. (T. 15 n). Wisconsin Ph. Ass. recommends strong alcohol (M. 88. 51). Tinctura Digitalis. Tincturae Herbarum Recentium. The title ought to be altered to include fresh “ roots” (R. 996). A specific formula is better. Oldberg (D. 89, 163). Tinctura Fern Acetatis. As this is not a “tincture,” another title would be more correct. Oldberg (D. 89, 163). Tinctura Ferri Chloridi. About title, see the preceding. Instead of a delay of 3 months, a definite addition of muriatic or nitric ether would be better (D. 89, 163). Squibb advocates to go back to the formula of the U. S. Ph. of i860, and to abandon the method of making this tincture by mixing an acid solution of ferric chloride with alcohol (F. 1246). Tinctura Gallae. The amount of glycerin is excessive. Oldberg (D. 89, 163). Tinctura Gelsemii. Tinctura Gentianae Composita. Tinctura Guaiaci. Tinctura Guaiaci Ammoniata. Tinctura Humuli. Tinctura Hydrastis. A stronger menstruum is wanted. Oldberg (89, 163). Tinctura Hyoscyami. 270 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Tinctura Xgnatiae. Might as well be made from the extract (T. 1519). Tinctura Iodi. Title, see Tinctura Ferri Acetatis. Oldberg (D. 89, 163). Triturate the iodine with a small quantity of the alcohol, until it is reduced to a coarse powder, then transfer to the tared bottle (R. 610). Daudt uses first 86 parts of absolute alcohol, then 6 of water (B. 88, no. O. 88, 290). Stevens triturates the iodine with sand (M. 88, 15. O. 88, 290.) The reputed change of the tincture by the action of iodine upon alcohol, seems to be exaggerated. Goepel, Carles, and Commaille (T. 1520). Gareau makes it by circulatory displacement (D. 88, 21). Tinctura Ipecacuanhae et Opii. The title w T ould be more properly “ Tinctura Opii et Ipecacuanhae (R- 73 1 )- Clark prefers strong alcohol to the diluted alcohol ; the tincture keeps better (A. 88, 226. O. 88, 288). Tinctura Kino. Tinctura Krameriae. Tinctura Lavandulae Composita. Oil of ‘ ‘ Lavender ’ ’ should be oil of ‘ ‘ Lavender Flowers ’ ’ (R. 644). Tinctura Lobeliae. Tinctura Matico. Tinctura Moschi. Tinctura Myrrhae. Tinctura Nucis Vomicae. Tinctura Opii. Assay. Allen obviates the adhesion to the sides of the evaporat- ing dish by the addition of washed powdered pumice-stone, which also will facilitate the exhaustion by water (E. 88, 53). Oldberg recommends an aqueous infusion, preserved by alcohol (D. 89, 163). Tinctura Opii Camphorata. ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPCEIA. 271 Tinctura Cpii Deodorata. Tinctura Fhysostigmatis. Tinctura Fyrethri. Tinctura Quassiae. Tinctura Rhei. This tincture is 12 p. c. in strength, contrary to what seems to be the rule in the Pharmacopoeia (decimal) proportions (R. 850). Tinctura Rhei Aromatica. Tinctura Rhei Dulcis. Tinctura Sanguinariae. “Alcohol” is better. Oldberg (D. 89, 163). Tinctura Saponis Viridis. It is a “liniment,” and not a tincture. Oldberg (D. 89, 163). Tinctura Scillae. Tinctura Serpentariae. No. 60 powder and “alcohol” are better. Oldberg (D. 89, 163). Tinctura Stramonii. Tinctura Sumbul. Tinctura Tolutani. Tinctura Valerianae. “ Alcohol” is better. Oldberg (D. 89, 163). Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniata. Tinctura Vanillae. Faust proposes washed sand instead of sugar, and uses a men- struum of 50 parts of alcohol, 19 of glycerin and 31 of water (A. 88, 9. O. 88, 289). Tinctura Veratri Viridis. 18 272 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Tinctura Zingiberis. Tragacanth. Triticum. Triturationes. Trituratio Elaterini. Trochisci Acidi Tannici. Trochisci Ammcnii Chlcridi. Trochisci Catechu. Trochisci Cretae. Trochisci Cubebae. The proportion of oleoresin might be increased (T. 1545). Trochisci Ferri. Trochisci Glycyrrhizae et Cpii. Oldberg thinks that the title should be ‘ ‘ Trochisci Opii et Glycyr- rhizse” (R. 531; 729.) Extract of opium is directed to be in fine powder, but the officinal extract contains glycerin (R. 729). Trochisci Ipecacuanhae. Trochisci Krameriae. Trochisci Magnesiae. Trochisci Menthae Piperitae. Trochisci Morphinae et Ipecacuanhae. ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPCEIA. Trochisci Potassii Chloratis. 273 Trochisci Sodii Bicarbonatis. Trochisci Eodii Santoninatis. Ought never have been made officinal. Wood (T. 1549). Trochisci Zingiberis. Ulmus. Since it does not contain starch, the ground bark must not be col- ored blue by iodine. Beringer (A. 88, 552). Unguenta. Would it not be advisable to state under certain ointments that they must always be recently made ? Unguentum. Unguentum Acidi Carbolici. Unguentum Acidi Galilei. Unguentum Acidi Tannici. Unguentum Aquae Rosse. Unguentum Belladonna. Unguentum Chrysarobini. Unguentum Diachylon. Preparation. Dissolve 200 Gm. of acetate of lead in 1 liter of dis- tilled water, and 300 Gm. of Castile soap in 1% liter of warm water, filter both solutions, mix, wash the precipitate, and after drying, melt it with 1% parts of olive oil, triturating the plaster until cool- ing (T. 1556. A. 80, 473. O. 81, 63). Dieterich finds that made with oil of almonds to keep best (B. 88 , 33 ). Unguentum Gallse. Unguentum Hydrargyri. Preparation . Donovan’s process from black mercuric oxide, by heating a mixture of the oxide with lard to 176° C., and agitating 274 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS continually for two hours, when it will be found that every ounce of lard combines with 21 grains of the oxide (T. 1559). Jacquemaire extinguishes the mercury quickly by means of potas- sium or sodium (A. 88, 344. B. 88, 128. O. 88, 271). Kliel extinguishes the mercury with oleic acid, 1 p. c. being gener- ally sufficient (C. 88, 213). Examination of commercial samples for the p. c. of oxide. Craine (A. 88, 10. O. 88, 291). Unguentum Hydrargyri Ammoniati. Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis. History, see (A. 70, 21 1). Wisconsin Ph. Ass. replaces lard oil by lard, and adds finally 5 to 10 p. c. of petrolatum (M. 88, 51). Ungnentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Flavi. Petrolatum, or butter of cocoa and almond oil, would be better (T. t 5 6 3 )- Wright proposes a mixture of 1 part of yellow wax with 7 or 16 petrolatum, according to the temperature (N. 88, Septbr., 187; 255). Stevens rubs the oxide first with alcohol (M. 88, 137. O. 88, 292). Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Rubri. Ungnentum Iodi. Glycerin should be used instead of water (T. 1564). Ungnentum lodoformi. A perfume would be a desirable addition (T. 1 565). Ungnentum Mezerei. Ungnentum Picis Liqnidse. Ungnentum Plnmbi Carbonatis. Ungnentum Plnmbi lodidi. Unguentum Potassii lodidi. Unguentum Stramonii. Unguentum Sulphuris. ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 275 Unguentum Sulphuris Alkalinum. Unguentum Veratrinse. Unguentum Zinci Oxidi. Ustilago. A fluid extract ought to be made officinal. Oldberg (D. 89, 163). Uva Ursi. Schrenck confirms Wigand’s statement that the leaves are beset with hairs, especially along the margin (B. 88, 102). Valeriana. Vanilla. Natural history. Miiller (G. 88, 217). Collection in Mexico. Pedretto (B. 88, 69. O. 88, 312). Veratrina. Veratrum Viride. Viburnum. Vina. The Pharmacopoeia ought to fix the amount of alcohol at 12 to 14 p. c., instead of 10 to 12 p. c.; which would be more nearly in accord with our domestic wines. Oldberg (R. 1021). The direction for ascertaining the p. c. of alcohol is not correct. The quotient does not give the p. c., but only the weight of the alco- hol and water. See (R. 1021). Vinum Album. Vinum Album Fortius. Vinum Aloes. Vinum Antimonii. Vinum Aromaticum. 276 DIGEST OF CRITICISMS Vinum Colchici Radicis. Vinum Colchici Seminis. Vinum Ergotae. Vinum Ferri Amarum. Assay by Sehroeter (A. 88, i. O. 88, 293). Vinum Ferri Citratis. Vinum Ipecacuanhas. Vinum Opii. Vinum Rhei. Vinum Rubrum. Viola Tricolor. Vitellus. Xanthoxylum. Zinci Acetas. Dibbit states that the salt contains only 2 molecules of water (T. 1609. A. 79, 249. Berichte, 79, 11). Zinci Rromidum. Zinci Carbonas Fraecipitatus. Zinci Chloridum. Zinci Iodidum. Zinci Oxidum. ON THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA. 277 Zinci Phosphidum. Zinci Sulphas. Test for free sulphuric acid. Gille dips a glass rod, moistened with ammonia, into a 1 p. c. solution of the salt. A strong opales- cence will be noticed at the point of contact, which disappears on stirring ; if no free acid be present, the opalescence does not disap- pear (K. 88, 273. O. 88, 452. Arch. d. Pharm.) Zinci Valerianas. Zincum. Since zinc is used only in a granular condition, it seems super- fluous to keep it in thin sheets. Oldberg (D. 89, 163). Zingiber. Percentage of resin in the different commercial varieties of ginger; Jamaica containing least. Siggins (A. 88, 278. O. 88, 31 1). EXPLANATION OF ABBREVIATIONS IN PARTS I. AND II. A. — American Journal of Pharmacy. B. — American Druggist (formerly New Remedies). C. — Pharmaceutical Record. D. — Western Druggist. E. — Druggists’ Circular. F. — Ephemeris (Dr. Squibb). G. — Pharmaceutische Rundschau (New York). H. — Pharmacist (Chicago). I. —New Remedies. K. —Pharmaceutische Centralhalle. L. — Archiv der Pharmacie. M. — Pharmaceutical Era. N. — Pharmaceutical Journal and Trans. (London). O. — Proceedings of Amer. Pharm. Association. P. — National Dispensatory, 4th edition. R. — Companion to the U. S. Pharm. (Oldberg-Wall). S. — Chemist and Druggist (London). T. — U. S. Dispensatory, 16th edition. U. — Remington’s Practice of Pharmacy. W. — National Druggist (St. Louis). X. — Beckurts-Hirsch: Handbuch d. praktischen Pharmacie. Y. — Deutsch-Amerikanische Apotheker-Zeitung (New York). Z. — Pharmaceutische Zeitung (Berlin). Un. Ph. — Universal-Pharmakopoe (Dr. B. Hirsch). L 3 0112 105352139 A Correspondence regarding the contents of this Digest may be ad- dressed to any member of the Committee. But all correspondence referring to its distribution should be addressed to the Chairman. The addresses of all the members will be found on page vii. of Part I.