THE JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY. 



more generally of the active principle of the thyroid, which can now be 

 obtained in the form of a triturate with sugar of milk under the name of 

 iodothyrine. The advantage of using the active constituent instead of 

 extracts is readily seen. As mentioned by Dr. Cabot (Medical News, Sept. 

 12, 1896), the dosage is exact, and it is free from some of the unpleasant 

 toxic qualities of the dried preparations of the gland. Excellent results 

 are reported from the use of the iodothyrine in myxoedema by Prof. Ewald 

 and Fraenkel, of Berlin. Dr. P. Maries, of Paris (Med. Week.), has re- 

 cently recorded the case of a woman, aged fifty-four years, who had suf- 

 fered for several years from this disease, and was treated with iodothyrine 

 in doses of 0.3 grm., three or four times daily. Although the patient pre- 

 sented rather severe cardiac dyspnoea and some albuminuria, there was 

 ranid improvement and complete recovery ensued within six weeks. 



Lystol. — Lysitol is described (Pharm. Centralh., XXXIX., p. 145) as 

 a preparation resembling lysol in appearance as well as in its power to 

 kill bacteria and spores, but as being considerably cheaper. 



Guaiacol-and-Quinine Hydrochlorate. — Guaiacol-and-quinine hydro- 

 chlorate, occurring in the form of white, crystalline needles, has recently 

 been introduced as a substitute for guaiacol (Pharm. Centralh., XXXIX., 

 p. 145). It is stated to be milder in its action than the latter. 



Ichtol.— Ichtol is described as a mixture of lanolin, iodoform, glycerin, 

 carbolic acid, oil of lavender and oil of eucalyptus. It is intended (Pharm. 

 Pest, XXXI., p. 94) as an application in itching of the skin. 



(It is to be regretted that greater discrimination is not exercised at 

 times in the choice of names for new remedies, preparations, etc. In the 

 present instance, the name so nearly resembles "Ichthyol" that many will, 

 no doubt, be misled by the resemblance). Merck's Report. 



Gossypol.— L. Marchlewski (Pharm. Centralh., XXXIX., p. 108) has 

 isolated a new crystalline compound from cottonseed, which he' has named 

 "gossypol." The substance appears to possess both phenol and acid prop- 

 erties; but, as no characteristic derivative has as yet been obtained, no 

 formula can be assigned it at present. From its chemical and physical 

 behavior gossypol appears to be closely related to certain tannins; pharma- 

 cologic experiments have not thus far been made with it. 



Bismutan. — Bismutan is described (Pharm. Centralh., XXXIX., p. 109) 

 as consisting of bismuth, resorcin and tannin. It occurs as a yellow, odor- 

 less, faintly-sweiet powder, insoluble in water. It has been employed by 

 Dr. Bion as an antidiarrhoeal, particularly in children. In almost every 

 case of poor gastro-intestinal digestion the vomiting and diarrhoea ceased 

 within twenty-four hours after beginning the administration of the reme- 

 dy. Adults were given doses of from 0.5 to 1 gm. per day. 



