368 
COMMUNICATION FROM R. VINES. 
by which a preparation of uniform strength, certain in its 
action, and not decomposable by light, may be obtained. 
It consists in taking the plant and subjecting it to the 
action of a powerful press ; the juice that flows out is allowed 
to stand for twenty-four hours, so as to deposit the faeculent 
matter. Alcohol, 56 ° over proof, is then added, in the pro- 
portion of four fluid ounces to every sixteen fluid ounces of 
the juice; which is quite sufficient to render its preservation 
complete, and to throw down any mucilage which may be 
mechanically suspended. 
After standing twenty-four hours, the juice is filtered 
through bibulous paper (that made from wool is the best), 
and it will be found to retain the whole of the virtues of the 
plant for any length of time. In this way fluid extracts of 
Aconitum ( Monkshood ), 
Anthemis ( Chamomile ), and 
Belladonna ( Deadly Nightshade ), 
Colcliicum ( Meadow Saffron ), 
Conium {Hemlock), 
Digitalis {Foxglove), 
Hyoscyamus {Henbane), 
may be readily made by our professional brethren, nearly all 
these plants being indigenous and easily procured ; and thus 
they will obtain therapeutic agents on which reliance may 
always be placed by them. 
COMMUNICATION 
From R. Vines, M.R.C.V.S., Nassau Street, London. 
Gentlemen, — In your published report of the late annual 
meeting of the veterinary profession it is stated that “ Mr. 
Vines rose and proceeded to make a lengthened statement 
relative to his early connection with the Royal Veterinary 
College, and his endeavours at all times to advance the 
interests of the profession, but which he did not think had 
been acknowledged or appreciated, nor had he been fairly or 
kindly treated in being kept out of the Council of the Roval 
College of Veterinary Surgeons. What had he done to merit 
this ? Yet he could only obtain a very few votes year after 
year. He thought he might prove useful to them, and was 
desirous of being so, for he had long been a teacher, and 
intended being so again perhaps, having a son about to enter 
the profession.” 
