"PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS."

BY GEORGE W. HAGUE, PH. G., HEMPSTEAD, N. Y.

Preserving Oil Lemon and Orange.-Oil of lemon and orange soon deteriorate when once opened; to avoid this, mix two parts of alcohol with one part of the oils and set aside for manufacturing.

Preserving Chloroform.-The United States Pharmacopoeia directs chloroform to be kept in glass stoppered bottles. This is not correct, as glass stop. pers are not air tight. The evaporation with cork stoppers is much less.

Block Advertising.-Baby alphabetical blocks can be placed in the show window during a display, and arranged to spell most any word, thus: Corn salve, drugs, candy, soap, low prices, etc., can all be spelled by one set of these blocks.

Cemented Corks.-Corks in fluidextract bottles become cemented in after the bottle has once been opened. To prevent this, dip the cork in glycerine before inserting into the fluidextract bottle. This will prevent any kind of a cork or stopper from sticking.

Filling Capsules.-In filling capsules, especially in warm weather, the empty capsules will stick to the hands. Many rub their fingers through their hair to prevent the capsules sticking, but the better method is to rub the hands and fingers with a waxed powder paper first, and not touch their hair.

Selling Goods.-When customers ask for a good tooth brush, or hair brush, or anything, and want the best, always start in to show the very best goods first and then work down. On the other hand when they ask for a cheap sponge or tooth brush always begin with the lowest price goods and work up.

Dispensing Ouinine and Tannin. In dispensing these light, bulky substances, it is always preferable to rub them up in a mortar before placing them in the dispensing bottle, as this makes them more compact, thus: A small scale pan could hold three drachms of quinine sulphate after being rubbed up; while ordinary it could not hold over one drachm.

T.King

Saving Shelf Space. In the crowded laboratory closets and shelves, where shelf frontage is at a premium. Use the flat flint bottles, turned sideways and label on the side as shown in the illustration. Thus, on a narrow shelf this method gives one-third more shelf space.

Selling Tooth Brushes.-The dentists claim they are the proper ones to recommend and sell tooth brushes, as each mouth requires a different kind of brush. In fact many of the dentists have put in a supply of tooth brushes for the benefit of their patients. When making a window display of tooth brushes get a dental student to come and act as demonstrator during this sale. Advertise the fact that during this certain week your tooth brush department will be under the supervision of a dental student -who will also assort your stock. This will also increase your sales on tooth powders, dental floss, etc. This can be arranged during the summer months, as the students are only too glad to earn a little money during their vacation, and a dental license is unnecessary.

Lime Water Container.-The illustration shows one that has been in active use for several years and gives good satisfaction. The United States Pharmacopoeia directs that an excess of lime be kept in the bottle. By this process the clear supernatant is syphoned off and still an excess of lime remains in the container. This container is made as follows: Select a demijohn of convenient size, and fit a cork tight, C; bore three holes in this cork; fit in glass tube A, which should run within four inches of the bottom; insert glass tube D, which should run about four inches below the cork, to allow air to enter; E is a second glass tube which is under tube D; B is rubber tubing which connects with glass tube A and serves as the delivery tube; a stopcock from a fountain syringe is fastened near the end of the delivery tube, which allows the liquid to flow, or shuts it off as needed. This container is placed in a distilled water rack and stands on a high shelf out of the way. When the supply is exhausted the cork lifts out and a fresh supply is placed in the container.

THE ACIDS OF THE U. S. P.

BY FRANCIS HEMM, ST. LOUIS.

Read at the thirtieth annual meeting of the Missouri Pharmaceutical Association, June, 9-12, 1908.

In reviewing the acids of the new Pharmacopoeia we will first consider the new additions with reasons for their admission.

Acidum Camphoricum.-Obtained by the oxidation of camphor. Characteristics, colorless crystals or crystalline powder. Only slightly soluble in water, readily soluble in alcohol and fixed oils. Average dose fifteen grains. Principally a remedy for night sweats. Thus far it has not been prescribed within the writers notice.

Acidum Hydriodicum Dilutum.—An aqueous solution of hydriodic acid containing ten per cent of absolute H. I. Has the addition of some hypophosphorous acid to bind any liberated iodine.

It is chiefly intended for the extemporaneous preparation of syrup of hydriodic acid.

A specimen six months old has turned red. Acidum Hypophosphorosum.-This new acid contains thirty per cent of hypophosphorous acid. It is used principally for making the diluted hypophosphorous acid. Also to supply a more concentrated acid when such cases arise that it is required. A colorless liquid. Acidum Trichloraceticum.-Obtained from hydrated chloral by oxidation; deliquescent white crystals, pungent odor. Very soluble in water and alcohol. Far stronger than acetic acid. To be used with caution. Principally used as a cauterizing agent. Seems to be falling into disuse.

1890 acids, again official:

1. Acidum Aceticum.-Under this heading the Pharmacopoeia recoginzes three varieties. i. e.: Acidum Aceticum containing thirty-six per cent of absolute acetic acid; Acidum Aceticum Dilutum, containing six per cent of acetic acid absolute; Acidum Aceticum Glaciale, containing ninety-nine per cent absolute acid.

All are thin, colorless and transparent liquids at normal temperature, only the glacial, solidifies at lowered temperature, assuming an icy condition, whence its name. The requirements of these acids are practically the same as heretofore. All three have their many uses in medicine, chemistry and pharmacy. 2. Acidum Benzoicum.-Both the artificial and natural acids are recognized. Properties and restrictions remain about the same. Although occasionally prescribed its main pharmaceutic use is in the preparation of paregoric, also its applications in the chemical laboratory.

3. Acidum Boricum.-Either in white crystals or fine powder, practically pure (99.8%) acid. Assay appended. Requirements of this article are about same as heretofore. This acid seems to have come to stay. 4. Acidum Citricum.-This acid which is produced wonderfully pure is continued at the standard of 99.5%

pure acid. The uses and importance of this substance are so well understood as to make further comments unnecessary.

5. Acidum Gallicum.-Tannic acid derivative. Official again with old requirements. Although not extensively used, it has its particular uses, sufficient to warrant its retention.

6. Acidum Hydrobromicum Dilutum.-The ten per cent acid of old is continued in the new Pharmacopoeia, uses seem to be very limited.

7. Acidum Hydrochloricum.-Standard of strength continued at 31.9%, purity rubric practically the same. This acid must continue to fill its important uses in medicine, pharmacy, chemistry and the arts.

8. Acidum Hydrochloricum Dilutum.-A ten per cent dilution of the above described acid constitutes the official diluted acid. This acid is almost of equal importance to the above acid.

9. Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum.-Contains two per cent of HC. N. strength as of old. The present Pharmacopoeia gives but one process for its preparation which is simple and reliable. The instructions to keep it in small, amber colored bottles, closed with corks, and kept in a cool place, should be carefully heeded, to prevent decomposition.

10. Acidum Hypophosphorosum Dilutum.-Contains ten per cent of absolute acid, unchanged. Finds its extended use in the preparation of the syrups, elixirs and solutions of the various hypophosphites, also in iodide of iron syrup, etc. Formula given for its preparation consists in diluting the thirty per cent acid.

11. Acidum Lacticum.-The seventy-five per cent strength is continued. General requirements practically the same. This acid continues to be largely used.

12. Acidum Nitricum-A sixty-eight per cent acid as before. The wide range of utility of this acid is such that we cannot get along without it and it will undoubtedly be official for indefinite time.

13. Acidum Nitricum Dilutum.-This acid possesses the old standard strength of ten per cent, the usual percentage standard strength of diluted pharmacopoeial acids. The extended uses of this preparation follow closely to those of nitric acid.

14. Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum.-This, the old time honored nitromuriatic acid or aqua regia is again official. Its composition remains the same. The injunction of the Pharmacopoeia, not to prepare this acid extemporaneously is important and unless directions are closely carried out, the product will not meet requirements.

15. Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum Dilutum.-Continued of same composition and made by same process as in the past. It is well to bear in mind that the chemical composition of this acid is not at all the same as the undiluted acid. This acid contains H Cl and H NO,. The strong acid contains Cl and NO CI.

16. Acidum Oleicum.-Again official with same requirements as in 1890 or seventh revision. Since the last twenty years this acid has been largely used in the preparation of the oleates.

17. Acidum Phosphoricum (H3 PO4).-Syrupy phosphoric acid containing eighty-tive per cent of orthophosphoric acid seems to have now taken a permanent place in the Pharmacopoeia. Requirements about same as in seventh revision. This is a very useful acid to the Pharmacists in both dispensing and manufacture.

18. Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum. - Diluted phosphoric acid is made same strength as in 1890 i. e. ten per cent. Much employed in prescription work and fairly popular article.

19. Acidum Salicylicum.—Again with us with about the same requirements as in the last issue. It is a monobasic acid, existing naturally in combination in many plants, but generally prepared synthetically from phenol. The importance and popularity of this compound has been on the constant increase in pharmacy, medicine and chemistry. Physicians will insist that they obtain better results without ontoward effects from the natural acid than from the synthetically prepared acid which they assert produces unpleasant action. As the price of the first is many times greater than that of the latter, it strikes us as being worth a thorough ventilation.

20. Acidum Stearicum.-This acid is again official with all general conditions of the last Pharmacopoeia. Its chief source is stated to be tallow. Besides its employment in making glycerin suppositories it finds some limited pharmaceutic uses.

21. Acidum Sulphuricum.-Sulphuric acid containing 92.5% of H, SO, is continued. All general requirements of purity are likewise retained. This acid we will naturally expect to find in every new Pharmacopoeia, as its indispensability is established the world

over.

22. Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum.-In the working formula, the present Pharmacopoeia directs 111 c. c. of sulphuric acid as against 100 c. c. formerly used for 1000 c. c. of the above acid. This makes a twenty per cent acid. With the various changes in this preparation during the last two decades, our old Arkansas traveler would not recognize his old friend the “Lixir of Vitrol."

23. Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum,-Dilute acid made ten per cent strong as in the last U. S. P. Working directions also the same.

24. Acidum Sulphurosum.-Sulphurous acid has had its percentage of sulphur dioxide gas, (SO2) changed from 6.4% to 6%. Working process is again given by deoxidizing sulphuric acid with wood charcoal. At first sight it might create the impression that the process is too complicated for the pharmacists use. A little study and trial will reveal the perfect ability to put it into execution. As stock acids are more often unfit for use than for use, a process for the preparation of a reliable, fresh article is quite desirable.

25. Acidum Tannicum.-Nutgall acid is official again. Also called gallo-tannic acid or digallic acid, chemically it is a monobasic acid. General requirements same as before.

26. Acidum Tartaricum.-A dibasic acid, prepared usu

ally from argol. It is stated that the high percentage of purity (99.5%) required is easily met. All general conditions of the old Pharmacopoeia are retained. Relegated to Other Places.

1. Arsenous acid is no longer called by that name but is called arsenic trioxide (As, O3) and placed under the title of arseni trioxidum.

2. Chromic Acid, is like the above, no longer called an acid but chromium trioxide. It is now called chromii trioxidum.

Dismissed.

1. Acidum Carbolicum Crudum, has been dismissed. 2. Acidum Carbolicum, is now classified as phenolum.

Ammonium Salts.

Ammonii Benzoas.-Again official with practically the old requirements. Purity standard ninety-eight per cent.

Ammonii Bromidum.-Requirements about the same as 1890. Must contain ninety-seven per cent of pure salt.

Ammonii Carbonas.-Not less than ninety-seven per cent of a mixture of acid carbonate and carbamate, is the requirement. Also the per cent of ammonia gas yielded is fixed 31.53%. For dispensing, only the hard translucent pieces should be employed.

Ammonii Chloridum.-Must contain 99.5% of ammonium chloride practically same requirements as of 1890. Ammonium lodide.-Ammonii Iodidum should not be dispensed when it becomes discolored by liberation of free iodine. The salt must be ninety-seven per cent pure. About same as the seventh revision.

Ammonii Nitras.-Dismissed.

Ammonii Salicylas.-This is a new comer, must contain ninety-eight per cent of ammonium salicylate. This salt seems to be more extensively prescribed of late years and consequently the call to have it official.

Ammonii Valeras (Ammonium Valerate).-Purity strength ninety-eight per cent; name changed, in accordance

with advanced chemical nomenclature. Otherwise conditions same as old.

Aluminum Compounds.

Alumen ALK (SO4)2 + 12 H 2 O (99.5%).-In this Pharmacopœia, potassium alum is again official. The general requirements remain about the same. Alum still enjoys its old popularity and finds many pharmaceutic, medical and chemical applications.

Alumen Exsiccatum. ALK (SO4)2.-Dried or exsiccated alum is directed to be made by heating one-hundred grams alum until its weight is reduced to fifty-five grams. Thus forty-five per cent of its weight consisting of water of crystallization is removed. It must contain 99.5% of pure anhydrous aluminium and potassium sulphate. This article is not near so much used as it formerly was.

Alumini Hydroxidum.-The old name aluminium hydrate has been dropped and aluminum hydroxide adopted. The process of manufacture has been modified by using monohydrated sodium carbonate in lieu of the higher hydrated sodium carbonate formerly official. This also necessitates considerable change in

proportions. The uses of this article are so limited that it is questionable whether or not it need be continued.

Alumini Sulphas. Al2 (SO4)3 + 16 H2 sulphate in crystalline form containing sixteen molecules of water of crystallization is again official. The present Pharmacopoeia fixes its degree of purity at 99.5%. This compound also seems to have a very limited use in pharmacy and medicine.

Antimony Compounds.

Antimony Compounds.-The antimony compounds of the Pharmacopoeia have been dropped with the single exception of antimonii et potassii tartras. The general requirements of the 1890 Pharmacopoeia for this salt are retained in the eighth revision. The antimonial compounds dismissed are the following:

1. Antimonii oxidum.

2. Antimonii sulphidum.

3. Antimonii sulphidum purificatum.

4. Antimonium sulphuratum.

Iron Compounds.

The Iron Compounds Dismissed.-The following iron compounds have been dropped: Ferri Iodidum Saccharatum, Ferri Lactas, Ferri Valerianas, Emplastrum Ferri, Liquor Ferri Acetatis, Liquor Ferri Citratis and Liquor Ferri Nitratris.

Process of Manufucture Omitted.-A feature that is very striking in the new Pharmacopoeia is the wholesale dismissal of working formulæ for the scale salts of iron. These will be little missed by the average pharmacist. Yet the writer sees a great deal of years of experimental work along these lines, in the interest of the store laboratory, rendered null and void.

Ferri Carbonas Saccharatus.-(Fe CO3). Formula for manufacture given. Standard, fifteen per cent of Fe CO3. Should not be old as it will largely revert into ferric hydroxide.

Ferri Chloridum.-Modified process for its preparation is given. If the scale salts need no formula then why give a working formula for this salt? He who will shrink from making the first will also refrain from the latter. It is highly questionable whether this salt is of sufficient importance to merit official recognition.

Ferri Citras. Iron percentage sixteen per cent. Same salt as in last Pharmacopoeia. This is the so-called acid citrate which is slowly soluble.

Ferri et Ammonii Citras.-Ferri Citras Solubilis. This is the soluble ferric citrate. Standard strength in metallic iron, sixteen percent.

Ferri et Ammonii Sulphas.-(Fe NH, (SO4)2+12H, O-) Ferric Ammonium Sulphate (Iron Alum). Properties and requirements about the same as heretofore. Standard, 99.5% pure salt.

Ferri et Ammonii Tartras.-Iron and Ammonium Tartrate. Standard, thirteen per cent metallic iron. Otherwise same as 1890.

Ferri et Potassii Tartras.-Standard fifteen per cent metallic iron; about same as in last Pharmacopoeia.

same as 1890.

Ferri et Strychninæ Citras.-Standard 0.9 to one per cent strychnine and sixteen per cent iron, Assays for strychnine and iron appended.

Ferri Hydroxidum, Ferric Hydroxide.-Name changed from Ferri Oxidum Hydratum. Same process of preparation as in last Pharmacopoeia. This preparation seems superfluous.

Ferri Hydroxidum cum Magnesii Oxido.-Ferric Hydroxide with Magnesium Oxide. Name changed from Ferri Oxidum Hydratum cum Magnesia. Working process of preparation same as before. The warning laid down, to always be ready for the rapid preparation of this compound by carrying the necessary ingredients in stock, should be heeded.

Ferri Hypophosphis.-Ferric Hypophosphite should contain ninety-eight per cent of the pure salt. No change.

Ferri Phosphas Solubilis.-Soluble Ferric Phosphate. Standard, twelve per cent metallic iron. Same other

wise as before.

Ferri Pyrophosphas Solubilis.- Soluble Ferric Pyrophosphate. Standard, ten per cent metallic iron. No change.

2

Ferri Sulphas, Ferrous Sulphate.- Fe SO4 +7H, O. Standard 99.5% of pure salt. No other change. Ferri Sulphas Exsiccatus.-2 Fe SO, +3 H2 O. Exsiccated Ferrous Sulphate, Dried Sulphate Iron. Product practically unchanged.

Ferri Sulphas Granulatus.-Fe SO4 + 7H, O. Granulated Ferrous Sulphate. Process and product same as 1890. In the effort to reduce the number of pharmacopoeial articles, it might be questioned whether it is necessary to have both a crystallized and a granulated ferrous sulphate.

Metallic Irons.-Two forms of metallic iron are official, viz., iron wire and reduced iron.

Ferrum Iron.-Metallic iron in form of fine, bright and non-elastic wire.

Ferrum Reductium.-Reduced iron, iron by hydrogen, Quevennes iron. Standard, ninety per cent of pure iron.

Detection of Formaldehyde in Spirit.-The following modification of Eury's test is recommended for the detection of formaldehyde in alcohol: 10 Cc. of the spirit is placed in a test-tube and a pinch of casein added, then a few drops of a dilute solution of ferric chloride, followed by 10 Cc. of syrupy phosphoric acid, and finally 10-15 Cc. of sulphuric acid. In the presence of formaldehyde a violet color is immediately produced, in its absence a brown. With a large proportion of acetaldehyde the mixture turns black; such samples should be diluted before testing. This test is capable of detecting 1 part of formaldehyde in 300,000 of spirit.—[L. Lindet (Bull. Ass. Chim. Sucr. et Dist. 1904, 22, 475; J. S. C. I., 1905, 24, 154).

THE NATIONAL FORMULARY

BY PROF D. V. WHITNEY, KANSAS CITY.

Report of Committee on National Formulary at thirtieth annual meeting of Missouri Pharmaceutical Association, June 9-12, 1908. Liquor Antisepticus Alkalinas.-Difficulty is encountered in obtaining this solution clear and transparent, and it becomes cloudy upon standing, if however Magnesium Carbonate be used in place of Purified Talc as a clarifying agent a more brilliant and permanent product results.

Elixir Terpin Hydrate.-After standing the sugar crystallizes out leaving a very palatable clear elixir, therefore in this the syrup should be omitted or reduced.

Elixir Gentianæ Glycerinatum, as stated in our last report, is too sweet, but the proposed addition of Jamaica Rum is not advisable as I can see no necessity or object for it.

Elixir Glycrrhiza, while practically the same as Elixir Adjuvans of the U. S. P. VIII should be retained as the title is so clearly descriptive of its contents, or the Pharmacopoeia should recognize the title as a synonym. Elixir Potassii Bromidi.-The N. F. III, by a foot note leaves it optional to color this elixir with Compound Tincture of Cudbear, or leave it colorless; for the sake of uniformity this should not be permitted, as the elixir should have the same appearance wherever dispensed.

Solution of Peptonate of Iron and Manganese.-One of the most important. and at the same time most unsatisfactory products of the N. F. is the Solution of Peptonate of Iron and Manganese which when made according to directions from the ordinary products on the market, produces a dark reddish brown, murky solution, having a very disagreeable odor and gradually deposits a precipitate. There have been many formulæ proposed as producing a better preparation most of them depending upon a freshly precipitated Iron Peptonate, the washing and redissolving of the precipitate and mixing with the other ingredients. If directions are very carefully followed a very satisfactory product results, but the process requires so much time and careful attention that the more simple process given in the N. F. is preferable if proper material can be obtained. After much difficulty I obtained from the manufacturers samples of iron peptonate and soluble manganese citrate which seem to meet requirements. They are different from the ordinary articles on the market, both being in the form of scales and the iron peptonate containing the equivalent of 50% ferric oxide, the commercial articles having only about 5%. The solution made from these salts is a clear brownish red color, aromatic odor, mildly astringent taste, shows no appreciable change in two months time kept in a clear glass bottle.

Truth sometimes loses a battle, but it never lost a war.-[The Lantern.