168 



correctly ''rinds," and woods used as drugs, according to the 

 German " Arzneibuch." 



The volume opens with a general description of the methods 

 suitable for the investigation of powdered drugs, such as the pre- 

 paration of the sUdes for examination, the difterent Hquids to be 

 added and the reagents to be used, and the points to be specially 

 noted when the object is actually under the microscope. 



Coming next to the special part of the work, the author treats 

 of the " rinds" and woods used as drugs from two points of view : 

 namely, (1) their general constitution, including a discussion of 

 the anatomical elements, such as bast-libres, stone-cells, cork tissue, 

 phelloderm, etc., and (2) the appearance of the powders under the 

 microscope. Xaturally, it is the latter subject which receives the 

 ijreatest amount of attention, and the facts are brousrht forward 

 in a verv methodical and painstakinij wav. Thev are, moreover, 

 illustrated by a number of carefully prepared lithographic plates, 

 which should lighten the task of the analyst very considerably ; 

 although, as Professor Koch points out, it must not be expected 

 that either the text or the figures can be used in a purely 

 mechanical way for purposes of identification. Individual judg- 

 ment and common sense, combined with a general knowledge of 

 the subject and much patience, must also be brought into play if 

 the microscopical analysis of '• drug powders " is to be successful. 



In succeeding instalments the microscopical charactei"S of 

 powdered drugs from other sources, as stems, roots, leaves, etc., 

 will be considered ; and. if demanded, descriptions will also be 

 eiven of drugs not alluded to in the "• Arzneibuch." Should the 

 whole work be carried out in the same style and with the Si\me 

 care as this first volume, there is no doubt that it will long 

 remain the " fii'st " book on the subject in a higher sense than 

 that of the mere priority of publication which it claims. — D. J. S. 



Leitfaden zu mikroskopisch-pharmakogxostischen Vbungen 

 fiir Studierende und zum Selbstuuterricht. By Dr. J. 

 Moeller. 9^ x Qk in., viii + 336 pages, 409 figures in the 

 text. Vienna, 1901 : Alfred Holder. Price 8 marks. 



This is vet another book belonging to the same categorv as 

 the two preceding works, and occupying a position somewhei-e 



