128 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL 



How a pharmacist can get along with merely a copy, of the U. S. P. 

 and N. F., the latest editions of which he is compelled to possess 

 according to most state laws, I am at a loss to understand. 



lo. Last, but not least, the retail pharmacist should bring out his 

 individuality. Prove to and impress upon the physician and the 

 public that you fully possess the necessary pharmaceutical knowl- 

 edge, that you are worthy of their confidence ; in fact, that you are 

 a better pharmacist than your competitor. Such is especially true 

 if the latter keeps a cut-rate store, or happens to be a corporation 

 store. This individuality is, in my opinion, the salvation of the 

 small retail pharmacist, especially the one who has a family trade 

 and who comes in personal contact with his customers. They might 

 patronize the chain or department stores if in need of a cut-rate 

 article, but they will patronize the pharmacist who has gained their 

 respect and confidence, who has established his individuality, and 

 who has proven that he pays special attention to drugs, chemicals, 

 galenicals and prescriptions. This will be a struggle of knowledge 

 against capital. Let us hope that knowledge will be the victor; at 

 least the savior of practical pharmacy and dispensing! 



Elixir of Terpin Hydrate. — The July Bulletin of the American 

 Pharmaceutical Association contains a note by Edward N. Webb, 

 of Columbus, Ohio, on the preparation of elixir of terpin hydrate. 

 He first points out two faults of the National Formulary prepara- 

 tion. Forty per cent, of alcohol is too expensive and makes the 

 preparation unpalatable, and, secondly, exposure to cold causes the 

 terpin hydrate to crystallize out so that it is almost impossible to 

 get it redissolved. Some have ascribed this crystallization to "su- 

 gar." It is not sugar. Sugar crystals settle to the bottom of an 

 elixir. These crystals (terpin hydrate) rise to the surface. Other 

 proofs of this are not wanting. 



To prevent the separation of terpin hydrate some have recom- 

 mended to add more syrup. This makes the matter worse. Adding 

 acetic acid is equally futile. When made after these formulas elix- 

 irs of terpin hydrate may often be dispensed if never allowed to be- 

 come really chilled. However, if one is in the business of supply- 

 ing elixirs in quantity made after these formulas, let him beware 

 lest his reputation and purse become impaired. 



