54 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [March, 
Microscopy IN PHARMAcy.—Mr. H. M. Whelpley, editor of the Vatzonal 
Druggitst, inan address before the Missouri Pharmaceutical Association, says 
that the microscope will be one of the important instruments of the drug store 
of the future. Drugs now come into the market in such altered forms that the 
naked eye cannot detect the adulteration. The instrument will grow in popu- 
larity as the public learn the importance of guarding against inferior and adul- 
terated drugs. The first principles in the use of the instrument must be learned 
from a teacher, and cannot be gained from a book; but future advance by the 
help of a book is practicable. An instrument need not cost the pharmacist 
much, and will last a lifetime. Even a simple microscope, as the Coddington 
lens, is a great help, and will surprise many by its revelations, while it costs 
but an insignificant amount. 
O 
To SHARPEN RAzoRS.—Mr. V. A. Latham suggests, in the Sczentific 
E-ngutrer, that the simplest method of sharpening a razor is to put it for 
half an hour in water, to which one-twentieth of its weight of hydrochloric 
acid is added, then wipe and set it on a hone, the acid acting the part of a 
whetstone by corroding the whole surface uniformly. The process never 
injures good blades, and bad ones are often improved by it. 
NOTES. : 
The diatoms have received attention of C. Henry Kain in the opening article of 
the February number of the Auzdletin of the Torrey Botanical Club. The author 
calls attention to the fact that diatoms are mostly known in the cleaned state, and then 
speaks of collecting diatoms, which, if the collector be experienced, may be found free 
from sand and other annoyance. Among his hints may be mentioned the richest and 
purest gatherings of marine diatoms are found at the mouths of inlets from the ocean, 
and especially in the little coves. At lowest tide the sand ripples are often densely 
packed with diatoms, and the sand is brown-hued from their presence. These may 
be gathered in bottles with as little sand as possible and shaken well in water. The 
sand settles and the water with the diatoms may be poured off, and after the water has » 
settled the supernatant water may be decanted. In this way often a large amount of 
very clean material may be collected. Pure gatherings of quite distinct species may 
be found very close together. The article then mentions several places conveniently 
accessible from New York, and a list of the diatoms from Shark River, 30 genera and 
84 species, completes the article. 
A new journal.— 7he American Journal of Biology, edited by H. D. Valin, M. D., 
is announced for publication in Chicago. 
Women members of the Royal Astronomical Society.—The name of Miss Pog- 
son, daughter of N. R. Pogson, director of the Madras observatory, was proposed for 
membership on January 14th. The president said that though the admission of women 
to membership was not contemplated when the Society was founded, it was doubtful 
if they could be legally excluded if proposed, except by ballot, one black ball in four 
excluding. The ballot is to be taken in March. 
Measurements of skulls of the seventh century.—C. F. Dight, M. D., Professor at the 
Medical College in Beirut, Syria, during a recent visit in Jerusalem, had an opportunity 
to examine and make measurements of a large and rare collection of human skulls, 
believed to be of early Christians who were massacred in 614 by the Persians. They 
were, in all probability, Caucassian skulls. 
The results of the measurements and of the comparison with other Caucassian skulls 
are believed to demonstrate :— 
1. That the Caucassian skull has, during the past 13 or 14 centuries, increased in 
horizontal circumference 1.72 inches, to a less extent in height, and not at all in width, 
and has gained a cranial capacity of 3.7 cubic inches. 
2. That, since there is no gain in width, the increased capacity must have been 
gained by increase in height and length, which corresponds with increase in size of the 
Rie 
