247 
tained traces of iron and one of them contained a considerable quan- 
tity. — Siidd. Apoth. Z tg., 1905, v. 45, p. 521. 
PODOPHYLLUM. 
Lloyd, John Uri, asserts that this drug is so cheap and so character- 
istic as to forbid intentional adulteration, and yet it is often contami- 
nated with foreign roots. The most serious difficulty in connection 
with podophyllum is that of its being collected in the spring, when 
the root is comparatively worthless, instead of in the fall after the 
top has dried. — Pharm. Eev., 1905, v. 23, p. 331. 
Watkins, in discussing the uses of podophyllum, says : “ It is indi- 
cated by a full face, full, oppressed pulse, full, dirty, yellowish coated 
tongue, dizziness, floating specks before the eyes and mental dull- 
ness. — Eclectic Med. J., 1905, v. 65, p. 684. 
Kinyon, H. E., points out that podophyllum is indicated in diseases 
of the liver which decrease or prevent the flow of biliary secretions. — 
Hahnemann. Month., Phila., 1905, v. 40, p. 795. 
POTASSII BITARTRAS. 
Voignier, Paul (Eev. cle Chim., Ind.), outlines the process used to 
purify lees and tartar, gives an account of the crude material, the 
source from which it is obtained, the analysis of the crude material, 
and discusses the employment of bitartrate of potassium for stand- 
ardizing acid and alkaline liquids. — Paint, Oil and Drug Eep., 1905, 
Aug. 21, p. 24. 
Wetterstroem, Theo. D., reports examining 3 samples of potas- 
sium bitartrate, all impure, 97.2, 98.5 and 98.8 per cent pure. — Proc. 
Am. Pharm. Ass., 1905, v. 53, p. 184. 
Lowry, W. J., reports finding one sample of potassium bitartrate 
which was not soluble to the proper degree and which contained 
chlorides, sulphates, and calcium. — Proc. Maryland Pharm. Ass., 
1905, pp. 49-50. 
Havenhill, L. D., reports finding a number of “ grocers ” samples 
of potassium bitartrate that were exceedingly variable as to quality 
and price. The chief adulterant was commercial acid phosphate of 
calcium. — Proc. Kansas Pharm. Ass., 1905, p. 92. 
Millard, E. J. (Chem & Drugg., v. 65, p. 399), reports finding a 
considerable proportion of maize starch in potassium bitartrate. — 
Year Book of Pharmacy, Lond., 1905, p. 70. 
Perry, Ernest J., considers a colorimetric process the best for the 
detection of lead, copper, and iron in potassium bitartrate, and com- 
mends the process of Warrington as being most reliable. For the 
actual estimation of the amount of true acid tartrate, he believes that 
the Pli. Brit., 1898, method is liable to error and suggests a better 
