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that the substance in question, C 3 II 8 N 2 0, has a strong resemblance to hip- 
puric acid. It forms white columns of several millimetres in length. Freely 
soluble in boiling water ; sparingly in cold water and spirits of wine; in- 
soluble in absolute alcohol and ether. If heated to 250°, the crystals experi- 
ence no change. If more strongly heated they decrepitate, evolve dense 
white vapours of peculiar odour, fuse, and finally burn with the odour of horn. 
It is neutral to test paper, does not combine with bases, but forms with acids 
salts which do not readily crystallise and deliquesce on exposure to the air. 
Recent Researches on the Gastric Juice. — The “ Chemical News’’ of Nov. 
13th, 1874, says that Herr R. Maly finds that the pure gastric juice in dogs 
contains no lactic acid. The decomposition of chlorides by lactic acid 
cannot, therefore, be the source of the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. 
Lactic acid seems to play no part in the chemistry of the normal formation 
of acids. The source of the free hydrochloric acid in the stomach is a 
process of dissociation of the chlorides without the action of an acid, 
What is Jaborandi? — We learn from the “ Chicago Medical Examiner” 
of Nov., 1873, that this is a South American product; the leaves and small 
twigs are the parts of the plant used. The leaves have an odour and a bitter 
taste, but do not appear to have any alkaloids. Sixty to ninety grains of 
the leaves and twigs may be infused in a cup of water. u When taken, a 
drenching perspiration, or more properly, sweating, lasting four or five 
hours, necessitating several changes of clothes, will follow. At the same 
time an abundant salivary and bronchial secretion supervenes, which may 
even exceed two pints in quantity.” 
Muscular Contraction in apparent Death. — Dr. Labordette, in a communi- 
cation on the contraction of the masseter as a sign of life, says that the 
laryngeal speculum, after having triumphed over the contraction of the 
masseter, is of service in recalling life ; the contraction ceases on its appli- 
cation. On every occasion in which he was able to make the trial, it was 
found that, on the restoration to life, the jaw closed as soon as the instru- 
ment was withdrawn. If, on the contrary, the introduction is maintained, 
the elastic force, which Voisin says is due to trismus, becomes neutralised, 
and the obstacle to the introduction of air being thus overcome, the patient 
inspires and lives. If the speculum be introduced into the mouth of a 
cadaver, the remarkable fact becomes manifest, that, though the instrument 
is inserted very deeply, it does not become fixed. It may be withdrawn, and 
the mouth will remain open, corresponding with the absence of contraction 
in the masseters. In this way the double advantage is obtained of having 
a proof of death if the mouth remains open, and a means of recalling the life 
of the patient if the mouth closes. Any one can introduce the speculum, 
and thus assure himself whether death has really taken place. — “Gaz. Med. 
de Bordeaux,” and “New York Medical Journal,” Nov., 1874. 
Antiquities at the Obstetrical Society. — The last meeting of the Obstetrical 
Society, which was held on Wednesday, Dec. 2nd, was rendered specially 
attractive by the exhibition of the following curiosities : — A cast of an 
antique group, found at Cyprus not long since, representing the circumstances 
of labour, at a period, perhaps, b.c. 300, by Mr. Bibby, of Green-street; an 
■engraved portrait, dated 1658, of Paul Chamberlin, M.D., inventor of the 
midwifery forceps, presented by Mr. Taylor, of Birmingham ; and, by the 
courtesy of the President of the Medico-Chirurgical Society, Chamberlin’s 
