270 
THE AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. 
least four years.” Mr. Bowen records that he attended religions service at the 
Mormon Tabernacle, Utah, hut adds — “ I was not converted and he speaks in 
glowing terms concerning the magnificent scenic views which he met with in his 
progress through the land of the stars and stripes. Mr. Bowen writes in 
excellent spirits, and concludes with regards and all good wishes to his many 
friends. 
ttusJ 
Mustaed, mixed with the white of egg, instead of water, will thoroughly 
draw without blistering the most delicate skin. 
Fluid Exteact of Quebeacho. — This is said by H. J. Wegner (Amer. 
Jo torn, of Bharm. to be capable of relieving the asthma caused in many persons 
by handling powdered ipecac. 
Menthol foe Neuealgia. — Professor Bartholow recommends for superficial 
neuralgia that a 5 to 20 per cent, ethereal solution of menthol be painted over 
the part. — Med. and Sicrg. Rep. 
Cocaine Test. — Dr. F. Giesel states that the sulphuric acid test for cocaine 
is not always reliable, and proposes the following test : — If 1 centigram of cocaine 
hydrochlorate is dissolved in 1 or 2 drops of water, and about 1 c.c. of a 3 per 
cent, solution of potassium permanganate added, a violet precipitate is produced, 
at ordinary temperature, containing but a trace of magnesium binoxide, and 
when boiled, no odour of bitter almonds is perceptible. — Schweiz. Wochenschrift , 
1886, p. 88. 
Use of Cheysaeobine (Inteenally) in Skin Diseases. — Stocquart, of 
Brussels, has used chrysarobine internally, in small doses, in a number of cases 
of eczema and impetigo in children, with remarkable results. He gave from one- 
fourteenth to six-tenths of a grain in the course of a day. Among the clinical 
histories given is that of a child, three years old, which had had impetigo for 
three weeks, affecting chiefly the chin, the arms, and one ear. The treatment 
was begun on the 25th of August, a quarter of a grain of chrysarobine being 
given daily. On the 26th the redness and the purulent discharge had dis- 
appeared, and the pustules had begun to dry. On the 27th the trouble was at 
an end. The author attributes the effect to a vaso-constrictor action on the 
part of the drug. — Dtsch. Med. Ztg. 
Myetol. — Myrtol has only been, hitherto, studied as a curiosity. Dr. 
Linarix, in his doctrinal thesis, “ De l’Emploi du Myrtol,” gives a complete 
account of the properties of this substance. Myrtol is both an antiseptic and a 
disinfecting agent. By its presence, it prevents the decomposition of fermenta- 
tive and putrescible organic substances ; applied to the skin, it does not produce 
the slightest irritation, if the epithelium be intact. If there be a slight abra- 
sion, a few drops produce a very trifling burning sensation, which quickly goes 
off. Myrtol stimulates the digestive faculties ; all who use it find their appetite 
increased. In small doses it acts as a sedative. It is eliminated by the lungs 
and the kidneys, and has also a powerful balsamic action, but is more easily 
tolerated than most balsams. Its use is not followed by dyspepsia, nor by any 
of the other troubles attending the use of balsams in general. Dr. Linarix says 
that myrtol does not produce the same result at all periods of the affections of 
the respiratory system ; in subacute and chronic catarrhal affections it should 
be administered when fever has subsided, then the sputa become less abundant, 
also less purulent. Six capsules daily, each containing fifteen centigrammes of 
myrtol, form a moderate dose, which should be taken before meals. — Brit. Med. 
Jour., 10th April, 1886. 
