127 
Caeser and Loretz outline a method of assay for belladonna in 
which the alkalized drug is directed to be extracted with ether instead 
of a mixture of ether and chloroform as directed in the U. S. P., VIII. 
The process is suggested for both gravimetric and titrimetric es- 
timation. — Gescliafts-Bericht von Caeser & Loretz, in Halle a. S. 
1905, p. 88. 
Lietrich, Iv. (Helfenberger Annalen), points out that there is 
much danger of inaccurate results in the assay of belladonna leaves 
and of hyoscyamus, unless the presence of chlorophyl is taken into 
consideration. The green tint of the extract makes it difficult to 
recognize the change in color when titrating with iodeosin as an 
indicator. — Pharm. Ztg., Berlin, 1905, v. 50, p. 672. 
Naylor, IV. A. H., points out that considerable economy of time 
and labor may be effected by subjecting the extract of belladonna to 
a preliminary treatment for the removal of its fat. He discusses 
several methods that have been proposed and recommends Bird’s 
modified Ph. Brit., IV, process. — Pharm. J., Bond., 1905, v. 21, 
p. 124. 
Gadcl and Gadd, in discussing the testing of drugs and chemicals 
by dispensing chemists, outline a read}^ process for the assay of 
alkaloids in the liquid extract of belladonna, Ph. Brit., IV. — Ibid., 
p. 438. 
Farr and Wright discuss powdered alcoholic extracts of bella- 
donna leaf and root and give their findings. — Ibid., v. 20, pp. 398 
and 546; Abstr. in Year Book of Pharm., Bond., 1905, pp. 232-238. 
Duliere, Walter, discusses the application of the method of assay 
for extract of belladonna as given in the Ph. Germ., IV, and points 
out that chlorophyl acts as a disturbing factor. — Ann. de Pharm. 
de Louvain, 1905, v. 11, pp. 185-191. 
Forsberg, W. C. (Pharm. Post, v. 38, p. 2), discusses the determi- 
nation of the alkaloids in belladonna leaves and suggests the use of 
sodium carbonate as the alkali and subsequent extraction with a 
mixture of ether and chloroform. — Abstr. Year Book Pharm., Bond., 
1905, p. 46. 
Truax, Florence T., in an article on the A B C of the Eclectic 
Materia Medica, characterizes belladonna as a stimulant of the 
highest character, invaluable in the treatment of all wrong life 
where the slow pulse, dusky colored skin, and cold extremities denote 
blood stasis and capillary congestion * * * chronic diarrhoea 
or dysentery, chronic constipation, kidney derangement, or men- 
strual irregularity. — Eclectic Med. J., 1905, v. 65, p. 536. 
Douglass, Malcolm E.. in notes on materia medica, says of bella- 
donna : 
With the single exception of opium there is probably no single medicine 
so important as belladonna in existence. For internal use atropia is danger- 
