Scientific Intellit/euce, Spc, 73 



objection, however, to the use of the bark, is its bulky form. This 

 objection is remedied by the kinate of quinin, which, from numerous 

 trials, has been proved to possess fully the properties of bark. 



Dr. Webster observed, that the opinion given by Dr. Thomson 

 of the superiority of bark over sulphate of quinin, was in accordance 

 with his own experience, and he was glad to hear such good autho- 

 rity in corroboration of his own observations. 



Dr. Ferguson remarked, that he was astonished that Dr. Thom- 

 son should say, that the great objection to the use of bark was its 

 bulk, when a more weighty objection was its frequent adulteration. 

 In the West Indies, where his experience lay, the bark was almost 

 always adulterated, and seemed mixed with something like brick-dust, 

 whereas sulphate of quinin was comparatively pure. 



Dr. Webster and Dr. Addison, in correcting the last speaker, 

 showed that the sulphate of quinin might be, and was as much liable 

 to adulteration as bark, and that Dr. Thomson's remarks referred to 

 those substances in a state of purity, and proved that bark is a more 

 powerful curative agent than sulphate of quinin. 



Dr. Thomson then observed, that the infusions of cusparia and 

 senna submitted to the meeting, w^ere seven times the strength of 

 the common infusions, and that in order to render them of equal 

 strength, it was only necessary to add to one part of infusion, seven of 

 water. In answer to a question as to their permanence, he stated 

 that they and all the other infusions used in this country, had 

 been preserved for several months without any deterioration what- 

 ever. 



A well-written and comprehensive paper on worms was then 

 read by Dr. Peregrine. — {^Lancet, vol. ii., 1835-36.) 



III. — Oxide of Zinc ^ an Antidote to Belladonna. 



In July 1835, a mare aged nine years, belonging to the Marquis de 

 Spinetto, accidentally swallowed half an ounce of the extract of 

 Belladonna. Washes, camphorated spirit of wine, &c., were im- 

 mediately applied without success. The nervous system was greatly 

 affected ; the animal being attacked with palpitations and difficult 

 respiration. In such a pressing case, Dr. Chiovitti prescribed 3 

 ounces of oxide of zinc to be taken at 4 times in the day. In 12 

 hours the symptoms had disappeared. On the 5th day they again 

 shewed themselves, but were removed by the administration of a 

 scruple of the oxide. — Jour, de Chim. Med., ii., 258. 



IV. — Volatile Oil of Spiraea Ulmaria. 



When the flowers of the meadow sweet are distilled with water, 

 the aromatic water again introduced into an alembic, and distilled 

 till about a fifth passes over into the receiver — the product is hydro- 

 spiroilic acid. It is denser than water, very soluble in alcohol and 

 ether, of a clear yellow colour, inflammable, hot taste, boils at 185°, 

 congeals at 14° ; few of its salts are soluble ; nitric acid converts it 

 into splroilic acid. The .ynroilide of copper is formed by agitating 



