257 
much weight is to be given to the amount of aqueous extract and to 
the ash content. The maximum proposed by Hauke (Zeit. d. allg. 
oestr. Apoth. Ver., 1902), 13 per cent, they believe should be accepted 
with some reserve, as even an otherwise good quality of clean root 
will at tunes exceed this amount. Umney (Pharm. J., Lond., 1903, 
p. 879) reports finding from 7.5 to 15.0 per cent of ash, and does not 
believe it to be practical to establish definite limitations. Of 10 sam- 
ples reported on in the annual report by Philip Roeder, one yielded 
0.58 per cent of ash, while another yielded as high as 17.48 per cent. 
The contained water varied from 6.31 to 8.53 per cent, and the aque- 
ous extract varied from 23.9 to 41.70 per cent. The water-free drug 
yielded from 7.19 to 18.72 per cent of ash, and from 26.13 to 45.08 
per cent of aqueous extract. — Pharm. Post, Wien, 1905, v. 38, p. 391. 
Caeser and Loretz recommend the colorimetric estimation of rhu- 
barb according to Tschirch. — Abstr. in Pharm. Ztg., 1905, v. 50, 
p. 772. 
Arzberger (Pharm. Post, 1905, No. 12) outlines a method for the 
detection of turmeric in rhubarb. — Proc. Am. Pharm. Ass., 1905, 
v. 53, p. 628. 
Gadd. H. Wippell and Sydney C., assert that for rhubarb there 
is no simpler test than that of W. L. Howie (Pharm. J., Lond., 1873), 
a summary of which is reproduced in Pharm. J., Lond., 1905, v. 21, 
p. 520. 
Caldwell, Paul, asserts that in making the mixture of rhubarb and 
soda a clear preparation may be obtained by macerating the fluid 
extracts in the glycerin and spirit of peppermint for two weeks, then 
adding the water in which the sodium bicarbonate has been dis- 
solved. — Drug. Circ. & Chem. Gaz., N. Y., 1905, v. 49, p. 306. 
An abstract points out that recent experiments by Greenish appear 
to cast doubt on the advisability of using water as a menstruum for 
rhubarb. He points out that alcoholic liquids are better solvents for 
the anthraglucosides, and that all heat should be avoided. — Pharm. 
Prax., 1905, v. 4, p. 18. 
The committee on adulteration examined 32 samples of syrup of 
rhubarb; 14 of these samples contained no potassium carbonate, 4 
had insufficient fluid extract of rhubarb, while the remaining 18 
appeared to comply with the official requirements. — Proc. Louisiana 
Pharm. Ass., 1905, p. 43. 
Williams, John K., complains that aromatic tincture of rhubarb 
makes an unsightly preparation when mixed with syrup, and sug- 
gests a modification in the method of preparing. — Proc. Connecticut 
Pharm. Ass., 1905, p. 48. 
77439— Bull. 49—09 17 
