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sulphate. A drop of a concentrated solution of chloride of bismuth 
placed in a porcelain capsule and a fragment of brucine, or a drop of 
concentrated solution of brucine added, yields a bright red color. — 
J. de pharm. d ’Anvers, 1905, v. 61, pp. 67-68. 
BISMUTHI SUBGALLAS. 
Francis, John M., points out that competitive reduction in price 
has led to the sale of inferior products, of a dull or brownish color, 
containing impurities. The most objectionable, of these impurities 
he considers to be free gallic acid, and points out that a sample of a 
fine bright yellow color will seldom be found open to criticism. — 
Bull. Pharm., Detroit, 1905, v. 19, p. 363. 
BISMUTHI SUBUITRAS. 
Francis, John M., calls attention to the rather marked differences 
in specific gravity or density of samples of bismuth subnitrate from 
different manufacturers, and thinks that the pharmacist would be 
surprised if he would weigh equal measures of different brands. He 
further points out that the light bulky subnitrate, while it comes a 
little higher in price, is probably worth the difference for dispensing 
purposes. — Bull. Pharm., Detroit, 1905, v. 19, p. 363. 
Caspari, Chas. E., examined 31 samples, but 2 of which conformed 
rigidly to the U. S. P. requirements; 29 contained chloride, 4 con- 
tained ammonium salts, and 1 contained free acid. The small amount 
of chloride present is doubtless harmless, and it is evident from its 
frequent occurrence that its complete removal is attended with con- 
siderable difficulty, so that a limit might be placed on chloride in 
bismuth subnitrate instead of prohibiting it entirely. The ammo- 
nium salts emanate from the ammonium carbonate or hydrate used by 
some in precipitating the subnitrate, and they should be washed out 
completed. — Proc. Missouri Pharm. Ass., 1905, p. 75. 
Crouzel, Eel., discusses the reason for the manifestation of ammonia 
on triturating a bismuth subnitrate with calcined magnesia. — Ann. 
de chim. analyt., 1905, v. 10, pp. 349-350. 
Bonz and Son found a sample of bismuth subnitrate with an 
appreciable admixture of tellurium. They suggest that the Swiss 
Pharmacopoeia include the stannous chloride test of the Ph. Germ., 
IV, so as to provide for such a possible contamination. — Pharm. 
Zentralb., 1905, v. 43, p. 530. 
Douglass, Malcolm E., in notes on materia medica, points out that 
bismuth subnitrate is one of the most valuable remedies for external 
application; it is also useful in gastrodynia, dyspepsia, headache, 
etc. — Hahneman. Month.. Phila., 1905, v. 40, p. 753, 
