326 Extracts from the Journals. [Oct., 



pestilential distempers, as was the case in the summer and autumn 

 of the current year. At some of the potash works, such was the 

 amount of septic fluids in the surrounding air during this season, 

 that the alkali concreting on the outsides of the leach tubs, from 

 the leakage through the staves, attracted enough of them to con- 

 vert it to saltpetre. Such a fact is of the utmost weight and im- 

 portance, and of itself establishes the basis of most interesting 

 deductions. 



From the copiousness of septic products, it is apparent, they 

 incommode animal life wherever they are sufficiently concentrat- 

 ed; they become incorporated with metallic, earthy and saline 

 bodies, wherever they can find them; and they extend their influ- 

 ence to unknown limits over the vegetable creation. 



Here, however, I must conclude with soliciting your assistance 

 to ascertain some points which appear to me of no inconsiderable 

 importance, both when considered as speculations in science, and 

 as viewed in connection with the practical arts of agriculture and 

 medicine. What are the efl^ects wrought upon plants by the sep- 

 tites of potash (common nitre), clay (alumen nitrosum), and soda 

 (cubic nitre) considered as manures? 



As I oflfer to join heart and hand with you in pursuing these 

 inquiries, and have made some arrangements on my farm for the 

 purpose, it is almost superfluous in me to observe, that I remain 

 with unabated esteem, Yours, &c. 



STATE OF PHARMACY IN MEXICO. 



In the 13th Number of Travels and Descriptions of Countries, 

 by Widenmann and Hauff"-Cotta ( 1837, p. 67,) are contained, a 

 few observations on the state of medicine in Mexico. In reading 

 these through, and more especially in perusing the description of 

 the proceedings of the government against quacks and unlicensed 

 vendors of medicines, every honest pharmaceutist must wish to 

 see this class of men treated in the same way in every other 

 country as in Mexico. 



The medical authorities in Mexico, are annexed to the Min- 

 istere de ITnterieure. The Protomedicat, as it is termed, consists 

 of a president, a dean, a fiscal, and five menibers, all doctors of 

 medicine, with a secretary and an usher. 



Their duties consist in superintending the examinations in me- 

 dicine; in the inspection of the conduct of all medical men; to 

 see they confine themselves to the legal limits of their profession; 

 in the direction of medical studies; in the inspection or visitation 

 of the apothecary shops; in the direction of the medico-politi- 

 cal measures in case of epidemics; in putting the laws into exe- 



