THE JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY. 163 



I thought this matter might interest you, sir, you have traveled so ex- 

 tensively in the tropics. 



It certainly does interest me, and I would consider it a great favor if 

 you would let me know if in your travels you ever came across this 

 " Guau " and if there are any specifics used in its treatment. 



I would also like to know the botanical name of the plant, its family 

 and other facts of interest concerning it. Thanking you in advance, I beg 



to remain, dear Professor, 



Yours respectfully, 



H. C. JORGENSON, Class of '98. 



The leaf forwarded by Mr. Jorgensen was identified as belonging to the 

 Comocladia plaiyphylla Rich. This genus is of the family Anacardiacese 

 and is placed by Dr. Engler next to the poisonous genus Metopium, with 

 the other poisonous genera Pseudo-smodingium and Rims following in 

 order. Nine species of Cojnodadia are recognized, in the West Indies and 

 Central America. The term Gtiau (but spelled ' ' Guao' ' ) has been applied 

 to C. de7itata Jacq. and C. illicifolia Swz. The juice of C. glabra Spreng. 

 is said to be greatly feared, and that of others is said to be " sehr scharf." 

 I have not been able to find any reference to similar properties in the spe- 

 cies sent by Mr. Jorgensen, which is therefore a new contribution. I find 

 that a Dictionary of Cuban and Porto Rican Plants by Professor Manuel 

 Gomez de la Maza, of the University of Havana, the manuscript of which 

 I am editing and translating, for our Department of Agriculture, makes 

 no mention of it. Since the plant does not appear to have been figured, 

 an illustration of the leaf is here presented. 



Necrology. 



Miss Marie A. Main, of New York City, died July 2. Those of our 

 readers who have attended the American Pharmaceutical Association meet- 

 ings were acquainted with the deceased. In company with her brother, 

 Mr. Thos. F. Main, Miss Marie has registered at many of the annual con- 

 ventions during the past dozen or more years. Her real interest in the 

 social features of the association was an evidence of her kind disposition. 

 This, coupled with natural talents and a liberal education, made pro- 

 nounced by extensive traveling, caused Miss Main to be looked upon as 

 one of the most welcome of the ladies attending the meetings. Mr. Main 

 and other bereaved relatives have the sincere sympathy of all members of 

 the A. Ph. A., who have had the good fortune of meeting Miss Main at 

 the conventions. — Meyer Bros. Druggist. 



