398 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [Dec. 



dry material, but upon fresh vegetation (after hardening in 

 alcohol) and furnishes an excellent agent for differentiating 

 the tannin sheaths and the contents of the sieve-tubes. — Na- 

 tional Druggist. 



Formalose. — This drug is guaranteed 40 per cent, solution 

 of chemically pure formaldehyd in water. It is a perfect anti- 

 septic Germicide Disinfectant, Deodorizer and Preservative. 



Formalose is possessed of an extraordinary power of micro- 

 bicide, similar to that of corrosive sublimate, though exhibit- 

 ing none of its toxicity. It has the peculiar property of attack- 

 ing only the contagious material. 



As a preserving and hardening agent for bacteriological, his- 

 tological and biological purposes it is of greatest value. Ani- 

 mal objects and sections are hardened without brittleness, 

 shrinkage, loss of cole, or <5f microscopical structure, nor do 

 their staining properties suffer. The e3^es remain large and 

 clearer than in alcohol, and the mucus of slime paoducing ani- 

 mals is not coagulated and remains transparent. Plant struct- 

 ures and most fruits keep well, and microscopical sections of 

 plants that have been in formalose for a long time give fine pre- 

 parations. 



Formalose has the peculiar property of rendering solid, gela- 

 tin that has become fluidified by bacterial products. Gelatin, 

 or even gelatin fluidified by bacteria, under the action of Forma- 

 lose becomes hardened to such an extent that it is rendered in- 

 capable of liquefaction by heat. Bacterial cultures of the most 

 active character are completely arrested by the action of For- 

 malose, or the Formalose vapor. 



For the preservation of specimens, Formalose is the ideal me- 

 dium ; used in highly diluted form it is superior to alcohol at a 

 considerably smaller cost. As an antiseptic it is used in the 

 proportion of from 2 per cent, to one mille, and being non-toxic, 

 inodorous and without ill effects on clothes, or on textile fabrics, 

 it is a perfect deodorizer and disinfectant for the hospital and 

 sick room. 



It is sold by Richards and Co., limited, New York, and Chi- 

 cago. 



