269 
SODII SALICYLAS. 
Caspari, Charles E., asserts that of 19 samples of sodium salicylate 
examined, not one reached the standard set by the pharmacopoeia. 
Fifteen samples contained more or less chloride, 7 contained sulphate, 
9 samples yielded turbid aqueous solutions, 2 contained metallic im- 
purities causing the samples to have a dirty appearance, and 7 con- 
tained more or less carbonizable material. — Proc. Missouri Pharm. 
Ass., 1905, p. 76. 
The committee on adulteration reports that of many samples ex- 
amined not one conformed strictl} 7 to the requirements of the U. S. P. 
Most of the samples contained chlorides, some contained sulphates, 
and one contained a metallic impurity. Only a few of the samples 
gave a clear solution in water. — Proc. Michigan Pharm. Ass., 1905, 
p. 79. 
SPARTEINE SULPHAS. 
Moureu and Valeur report on an exhaustive study of iodomethyl- 
ates and other iodine compounds of sparteine; also an attempt to 
demonstrate the probable constitution of this alkaloid. — J. de Pharm. 
et de Chim., 1905, v. 22, pp. 481, 485, 529, and 531. Also Compt. 
rend. Acad. d. sc. Par., 1905, v. 141, pp. 49-51, 117-119, 261-262, and 
328-330. 
Reichard (Pharm. Zentralli.) records a number of tests for spar- 
teine, coniine, and nicotine. — Drug. Circ. & Chem. Gaz., 1905, v. 49, 
p. 291. 
Willstatter and Marx controvert the suggestion made by Ahrens, 
that sparteine is a double combination: they suggest the use of 
chromic acid as a desirable oxidizing agent. — Ber. d. deutsch. chem. 
Gesellsch., 1905, v. 38, pp. 1772-1780. 
SPIGELIA. 
Eberle. E. G., mentions Spigelia marilandica among the medicinal 
plants of Texas. — Proc. Am. Pharm. Ass., 1905, v. 53, p. 305. 
Rusby, H. H.. points out that because two or three plants are 
called “ pinkroot ” in our Southern States our official spigelia is 
spurious or adulterated, probably to the extent of 75 per cent of all 
sold, and the adulterant is entirely worthless. — Merck’s Rep., N. Y., 
1905, v. 7, p. 212. 
The Bureau of Plant Industry reports a careful study of the crude 
drug known as pinkroot, and finds that much confusion exists con- 
cerning the true and efficient drug. — Ann. Rep. Dept. Agric., 1905, 
p. 149. 
Stockberger, W. W., presents historical data in reference to pink- 
root {Spigelia marilandica ) , referring particularly to the early con- 
