These gentlemen have had nearly five years to correct their very valuable lists and labels and still they use "dead" names! For instance, neither "Tinct. Aconite Leaves," nor "Tinct. Aconite Root" is the title of the official article. It should be "Tinct. of Aconite." There is no "Tinct. Catechu," nor "Tinct. of Catechu Compound," in the Pharmacopoeia; that name was replaced five years ago by "Compound Tinct. of Gambir." The jobbing fraternity surely do not appreciate the immense importance of their positions as educators, otherwise they would have hastened to give the official names in their lists whenever possible, together with as many other "nonofficial" articles as an energetic tradesman would elect, even down to Tinct. of Sawdust, if any one wanted it! I make no complaint about a long list of non-official preparations, I only insist that when an official article is quoted or labeled, that the "live" name be used instead of the "dead" one. Of course there would be no harm, but, on the contrary, much good, in printing the "old" name of a few articles after or under the present name. This is particularly true of the label; let the correct name be given first, followed by the old or former name. What is the use of the medical and drug journals, medical and pharmacy teachers and the boards of medicine and of pharmacy exerting themselves to educate the young men in our profession, when those most potent factors of the business side persist in naming their pharmaceuticals improperly, thus discounting our efforts. Just yesterday a bright young druggist defended himself from my criticism on his use of "Tr. Belladona,” and “Tr. Aconite Root," by saying, "That is the way the Messrs. So-and-So call them." I will say right here, that all of the jobbers, both eastern and western, whose lists I have seen, are in the same boat in regard to this matter; but I am concerned chiefly for the credit of the great Southwest. Gentlemen of the jobbing trade, permit me in the most respectful manner to urge upon you a compliance with the official authority in naming your preparations, both in your lists and on your labels. Surely the demands of trade are not so exacting that you are compelled to misname and misspell the agents that you sell, instance Assofœtida. I well understand that goods are usually labeled in the way the purchaser orders them, but I submit that in the rare instances where a purchaser misnames a U. S. P. article, it is very easy to add his pet name to the correct label. This would be valuable missionary work by you without the least interference with the almighty dollar!-[JOHN B. BOND Sr., Little Rock, Ark. As to the Matter of Adulteration.-It has been the privilege of the writer to visit a number of representa tive pharmacists in different sections of the country from Topeka east, during the last ten weeks. His object in calling upon the druggists has been, among other things, to ascertain whether different sections of the country feel the effect of the Food and Drugs Law, and, if so, what this effect is: From the grocers has come the assurance, from every quarter, that the results have been most markedly beneficial. Dr. Rusby makes the striking statement, quoting a very earnest and intelligent salesman for one of the largest wholesale grocery houses: "Competition against grossly adulterated goods, has been largely eliminated by the pure food law, one of the most wholesome and beneficient acts of legislation that has been bestowed upon the American people since the abolition of slavery.' How is it with the druggists? Without exception he has found a decidedly friendly feeling toward the law. More than this. There is a strong desire to work upward to a high standard of purity. Some, almost disgusted with present conditions, say: If we can eliminate the "intent to deceive" we will hope for a future when adulteration and misbranding will be completely eliminated. The effects of the work of those who have in charge the execution of the law is being felt. One druggist, in Philadelphia, says it has been the cause of an evident increase in the regular and legitimate prescription business because the investigations and exposures have brought into disgrace, as it were, many ready made "specifics and cures," in which the physician unfortunately had formerly much faith. It would be impossible to give in a short space the various statements of different druggists, but it is gratifying to know that the nearer one approaches New York, the greater is the confidence in the future for the drug business. It is perhaps not far from the truth to say that this is due to the systematic work of the drug department of the United States at Washington, and the earnest efforts of Dr. H. H. Rusby, of New York, who is watching with great care the importations of drugs coming to the country. It is expected that Dr. Rusby will make a report of his findings at the American Pharmaceutical Association. The report of his work will doubtless be one of the most important and instructive the association has ever listened to. den he referred to the characteristic features of plant hairs. In identification, and detection of adulteration these are very important. To illustrate this he referred among other things to an investigation concerning Matico. A German shipper had given a certificate that a shipment, of Matico, that the leaf was the genuine official leaf. On microscopic examination of the hairs of the leaf it was shown that the hairs were stellate, and strong (thick walled), while that of the genuine were single and delicate. This was sufficient to detect the adulteration of the spurious Matico leaf, which had deceived the German aforesaid, and several botanists, who had passed upon it.-[L. E. SAYRE. In a recent lecture at the New York Botanical Gar *Lecture by Dr. Rusby, delivered June 6, 1908, at the New York Botanical Garden. ! STRAY ITEMS AND COMMENTS. The U. S. P. and N. F. Propaganda is receiving the careful attention of the Wisconsin Ph. A. Secretary E. B. Heimstreet, of Janesville, who will see to it that no stone is left unturned. Pharmacists in Congress.-The successful work of the American Medical Association in placing physicians in congress, leads N. A. R. D. Notes to say, "We need a few druggist members of congress." The National Soda Fountain Association, recently established, began its work of publicity by making an effort to educate the public in favor of soda fountain drinks. The movement is independent of the prohibition wave, but the general sentiment against alcoholic beverages will help the cause of the soda fountain people. Honor to Worthy Names.-The house of representatives concurring with the senate and by a unanimous vote, has granted an annuity for life of $125 a month to the widows of the late Major James Carroll, surgeon, U. S. army, and the late acting assistant surgeon, Jesse W. Lasear, whose lives were sacrificed in the study of yellow fever in Cuba. Plenty of Stores for Sale but the proprietors don't want it publicly known. Such is the report made by one in close touch with the drug trade of St. Louis and surrounding territory. We suppose the same is true of other sections of the country, so in case you are anxious to, buy a drug store, drop in at the first one that looks like it might suit and ask the proprietor for his price. Interchange of Certificates of Registration is a much to be desired condition for the pharmacists of the present day. If all the board members would take as much interest in the plan as is evidenced by E. C. Bent, of Dell Rapids, secretary of the South Dakota Board, we would soon have our list amended so that a pharmacist registered by examination in one state could register without an examination in other states. The Offer List Number of the MEYER BROTHERS DRUGGIST will appear in October, 1908. The retail drug trade has learned from experience to look upon this issue as one of great practical value. It gives in formation about the special offers being made by manufacturers and jobbers in order to introduce new goods or push the sale of well known brands. The advertisers find the "Offer List" issue an unexcelled medium through which to reach the retail drug trade. Honor to the Discoverer of Anesthesia.-The tablet in honor of Dr. Horace Wells, discoverer of anesthesia, which was sent to this country from Madrid by the Spanish Odontological Society, has reached Hartford by way of the Spanish minister at Washington. The memorial is composed of a silver plate surrounded by a wreath of white metal showing laurel Editor Beal.-Beginning with the August, 1908, issue (Vol. IX, No. 12), the Midland Druggist passes under the editorial control of Dr. James Hartley Beal of the Pittsburg College of Pharmacy. Space does not permit of our enumerating all of the other positions in pharmacy which editor Beal has filled or is now occupying. Suffice it to say that he does well everything he undertakes. He has long been a liberal contributer to pharmaceutical literature, and can gracefully sit in an editorial chair. Prof. Beal has always treated the editors with utmost consideration, and when he joins the company of such men as editors Mayo, Kennedy, Hays and Mason, it will be like a young man bringing home a bride whom the family knew and loved since her early childhood. Long live the Midland Druggist and editor Beal. QUIZ DEPARTMENT. Read This Before You Ask a Question. Many questions are thrown in the waste basket each month on account of the correspondents failing to give name and address. The editor has a large basket for such questions. Write questions on separate sheets and on but one side of the paper. No questions will be answered by mail. Spell out in full every word; never abbreviate the names of medicines. Oregon Grape Seed or Berries (76).—Where can I obtain them? Answer: Yes, You Must Pass an Examination (77) if you desire to register in Missouri. Write direct to the secretary of the board, Charles Gietner, 203 South Broadway, St. Louis, Mo. Very few states will register you without an examination. Stick Shaving Soap (78).-Please give formula as exact as possible for the article manufactured by Colgate & Co. Answer. We suggest that you correspond direct with the manufacturer who, as far as we know, is the only party in possession of the formula. Fifteen Years' Drug Experience Does Not Help You Out (79).-The fact that you are registered in Ohio, Kansas and Oklahoma and have had fifteen years' experience in the drug stores does not entitle you to register in Missouri without an examination. Apply to the secretary of the board, Charles Gietner, 203 South Broadway, St. Louis, Mo. Wintergreen Lozenges (80).—Please give formula for twenty grain wintergreen lozenge to be made in a Stokes tablet machine. Mix the sugar and tragacanth, and add enough water to make a granule when forced through a No. 16 seive. Dry the granules, spray them with the oil wintergreen, cut with a little alcohol, and compress. Where Diplomas are Recognized (81).—In answering a similar question to yours the Druggists Circular has attempted to bring up-to-date information on this point, and we give the following list of states where diplomas from recognized colleges of pharmacy will entitle the holders to registration as pharmacists without examination. We, however, beg to state that the laws and the rulings of the boards of pharmacy change so often that it is not safe to postpone registering if you are interested in any of these states: Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma. or poison without affixing to the box, bottle, vessel or package containing the same a label bearing the name of the article distinctly shown, with the name and place of business of the registered pharmacist from whom the article was obtained; Provided, nothing in this section shall apply to the sale of patent or proprietary medicines when sold in original packages, nor with the dispensing of physicians' prescriptions. Any person failing to comply with the requirements of this section shall be liable to a penalty of five dollars for any and every offense. Illinois Paris Green Law (83).-You are mistaken in thinking that Illinois has a specific Paris Green Law. Such a regulation exists in Pennsylvania and perhaps in some other states, but the only manner in which the sale of paris green is controlled in Illinois is found in the following: Section 2 of the Paris Green law states that "Paris Green, when sold, offered or exposed for sale, as such, in this commonwealth, shall comply with the following requirements:-First, it shall contain arsenic, in conbination with copper, equivalent to not less than fifty per centum of arsenious oxide. Second, it shall not contain arsenic in water soluble forms equivalent to more than three and one-half per centum of arsenious oxide, when treated for twenty-four hours with cold, distilled water, at the rate of 1 000 parts by weight of water, to one part by weight of Paris Green.” Registration on a Certificate of Registration (84). -Your opportunities for registering on your certificate from the state in which you live are greater than the possibilities of registering on a diploma. The boards of pharmacy change their rulings from time to time and laws are revised by practically each legislature; therefore, we advise you to act promptly in case you are anxious to become registered in any of the following states, which the Druggists Circular announces as having provisions under certain conditions for the recognition of certificates of other boards of pharmacy: says: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia. Percentage Solutions (85).-"Caspari's Pharmacy" "This term is applied to solutions of definite strength, containing a specified amount of soluble matter in 100 parts of the solution; thus a 1 per cent solution is composed of 1 part of the soluble substance and 99 parts of the solvent; or a 5 per cent solution is composed of 5 parts of the soluble substance and 95 parts of the solvent, etc. For solids and gases percentage solutions should always be prepared by weight, while for liquid substances either weight or volume may be employed. The quantity of soluble substance and solvent necessary to make a specified quantity of any particular percentage solution may be readily ascertained by the following rule: Multiply the quantity of solution desired, in grammes or grains, by the number expressing the percentage, divide the product by 100, and the quotient will indicate the quantity of soluble substance necessary; subtract this from the total quantity of solution desired, and the solvent." Pennsylvania Has a Paris Green Law (82).—The | remainder will indicate the necessary quantity of Keystone state not only has such a law but is seeing that it is being strictly enforced. The regulation reads as follows: Section 12. No person shall sell at retail any drug, medicine Example: Wanted 50 Gm. of 10 per cent. carbolized oil: 500x105000, and 500010050; 500-50 450. Answer: Dissolve 50 Gm. of crystallized carbolic acid in 430 Gm. of olive oil. LEGAL PHARMACY. the State Board of Health evidence of these facts together with proof of his good moral character, tendered payment of the fee of $15.00 and requested Notes of Recent Decisions of Interest to Druggists that a license be issued to him. The board refused and Physicians. BY L. FRANK OTTOFY, ST. LOUIS. Missouri. Druggist Held Guilty of Unlawfully Selling Liquor. Thomas Scanlon, the defendant in this case, was a druggist, conducting his place of business in Caldwell County, Mo. The witness for the state, the man to whom the sale is said to have been made, testified that he had known Scanlon for about a year, and that one day he went into his drug store to get a drink of water. He said he walked by the defendant and on to the rear of the room, going behind the prescription case where a door opened into a back room. He saw a bottle of whisky and a small glass sitting on a barrel or shelf. He said he concluded to take a drink of the liquor, poured out a glass full, drank it and came out of the store the way he went in. The druggist was writing at the counter and this man, as he passed him, dropped a dime in front of him on the paper on which he was writing. He said he did not speak to the druggist as he went out or came in and did not pay any attention whether he looked up or down. The Kansas City Court of Appeals, on the fourth of last month, held that the evidence was sufficient to establish a sale, and affirmed the judgment of conviction. State vs. Scanlon, 110 S. W. (Mo.) 16. to grant him a license. McCleary then began to Kentucky. Druggist Held Not Liable Where Wrong Party Was Named in Prescription.-One Jack Byers kept a drug store at Dukedom, Graves County, Ky., and as a druggist, had taken out a license authorizing him to sell spirituous, vinous, and malt liquors on the prescription of a regular practicing physician. The license was in effect on the date the sale complained of was made. The wife of the prosecuting witness, W. S. Haynes, was sick and Dr. Simmons, a regular practicing physician, living in the neighborhood, was called to prescribe for her. He prescribed brandy, creosote and syrup of hypophosphites, to be mixed in certain quantities designated in the prescription. The prescription stated that it was for William Haynes. Haynes took it to Byers' drug store where it was filled and delivered to him. Byers was prosecuted on the Tennessee.-Constitutional Provision Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures Held Not Violated.-Sol. Cohn was the proprietor of a dramshop in Davidson County, Tenn., and had in his employ two men by the name of Perkins and Horton. They were suspected of selling liquor on Sunday, so the sheriff, accompanied by his two deputies, went to Cohn's dramshop early Sun-charge of violating the local option law. He was acday morning, went about half way up a stairway on the outside and took out some bricks so they could see into the saloon. Soon Horton and Perkins came in through a rear door, followed by several men to whom they sold liquor and cigarette papers. All of what occurred on the inside was observed by the sheriffs on the outside, looking through the opening they had made in the wall. It was insisted by defendants that the evidence thus obtained was in violation of the constitutional provision again at unreasonable searches and seizures. It was held by the Supreme Court of Tennessee that the evidence was competent, and that this constitutional provision has no bearing upon the unauthorized acts of private persons or petty officers of the law. The judgment of conviction was affirmed. Cohn vs. State, 109 S. W. (Tenn.) 1149. Missouri.-License to Practice Medicine Held Necessary." -One A. S. McCleary had finished a four-year course in the Electic Medical University of Kansas City, Mo., and received a diploma therefrom. He presented to quitted in the lower court and the commonwealth appealed. The Court of Appeals affirmed the Judgment of the lower court, holding that a druggist is required to look only to the prescription, and act in good faith as it is impossible for him to know, in many cases, whether or not the person named therein is sick. The Court further held that if, under such circumstances, there was any violation of the law, it was on the part of the physician who issued the prescription, but suggested that the physician in this case acted in good faith. Commonwealth vs. Byers, 109 S. W. (Ky.) 895. "Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits." "The grass widow is never so green as her title would indicate." "Many hands like light work." Our Price-List is the most complete and reliable of any furnished by a pharmaceutical journal. INTERNAL REVENUE. Alcoholic Medicinal Preparations For the Sale of Which U. S. Special Tax is Required.-Preparations purporting to be medicines, but which in the eyes of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue are Alcoholic Beverages are the following one hundred and twentysix preparations which have been passed upon by the Department. The first list was given out December 3, 1907, and the second list was added July 1, 1908. Druggists are not permitted by the Government to sell these preparations without paying a special internal revenue tax as retail liquor dealers. For the guidance of our retail friends who have no U. S. Retail Liquor License we quote from Circular No. 727, issued by the Office of Commissioner of Internal Revenue, Washington July 1, 1908, as follows: "Circular No. 713 and the list here given (we give the list complete, Editor, MEYER BROthers DrugGIST), comprise all the preparations which have been analyzed and classed as insufficiently medicated, not including those at one time so held, but the manufacture of which has been discontinued or the formulas changed. "No action should, therefore, be taken looking to the collection of special tax for the sale of any medicinal preparation the name of which is not found on one of the published lists until this office has been communicated with, and definite instructions received as to the classification of the suspected article. This direction is given only for the purpose of avoiding the collecting or demanding of tax on articles which have been classed by this office as medicinal or might be so classed on examination, and is not to be construed as a change in the attitude of this office regarding articles, properly classifiable as liquors, sold under the guise of medicines. Samples of preparations suspected of being of this character should be taken whenever found and forwarded to this office for analysis". Angostura Aromatic Tincture Bitters, Aroma Stomach Bitters, Atwood's LaGrippe Specific, Augauer Bitters, Augauer KidneyAid. Belvedere Stomach Bitters, Bonekamp Stomach Bitters, Boonekamp Bitters, Brown's Aromatic Cordial Bitters, Brown's VinNerva Tonic, Botanic Bitters. Cinchona Bitters, Clifford's Cherry Cure, Cooper's Nerve Tonic, Cuban Gingeric. Dandeloin Bitters, Dr. Dade's Blackberry Cordial, Bouvier's Buchu Gin, Dr. Fowler's Meat and Malt, Dr. Gray's Tonic Bitters, Dr. Hortenbach's Stomach Bitters, Dr. Worme's Gesundheit Bitters, Dr. Rattinger's Bitters, Duffy's Malt Whisky, Ducro's Alimentary Elixir. Gilbert's Rejuvenating Iron and Herb Juice, Ginger Tonic, Ginseng Cordial, Green's Chill Tonic. Jack Pot Laxative Bitter Tonic. Kreuzberger's Stomach Bitters. Milburn's Kola and Celery Bitters. Newton's Nutritive Elixir. Old Dr. Jacques' Stomach Bitters. Ozark Stomach Bitters. Pepsin Stomach Bitters. Pioneer Ginger Bitters. Rimsovo Malto-Sove Vino Chino. Since the above was written we have heard from the commissioner as follows: "You are informed that the lists of alcoholic medicinal preparations for the sale of which special tax is required issued by this office under date of December 3, 1907, and July 1, 1908, are advisory only and do not purport to contain the names of all preparations for the sale of which special tax may be required upon examination. "While this office has no desire to harass legitimate business, it has found upon examination that there are numerous preparations on the market alleged to have medicinal values which are in fact practically nothing more than distilled spirits, and for the sale of such preparations special tax will be required without any previous specific notice of their character." |