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Tacbiki, K., discusses the economical production of tinctures and 
the comparative value of the cold extraction and the percolation 
methods. — J. Pharm. Soc. Jap., Tokyo, 1905, p. 1. 
Schaer, Eduard (Arch. Pharm., 1905, v. 243, pp. 198-217), dis- 
cusses the influence of alkaline substances on spontaneous oxidation, 
and suggests that the darkening in color observed when pharma- 
ceutical extracts are concentrated may be a consequence of the pres- 
ence of ammonium nitrite, which Sehonbein has shown to appear in 
water that is being evaporated. Besides effecting any specific oxida- 
tions characteristic of nitrites, it is one of those substances which 
accelerate auto- oxidation (its aqueous solution has an alkaline re- 
action). — J. Chem. Soc., Lond., 1905, v. 88, part 2, p. 434. 
Panchaud, Adelbert, warns apothecaries that in the event of their 
buying tinctures and extracts they are responsible for their composi- 
tion, and should test each lot for extractive, alcohol, and, whenever 
possible, the amount of active ingredient. He also points out that 
specific gravity, while an indication, is not conclusive. Color estima- 
tion may be of value. The estimation of extract content is best done 
by evaporation in aluminum dishes. — Schweiz. Wchnschr. f. Chem. 
u. Pharm., 1905, v. 43, p. 560. 
Lucas and Dick (Pharm. J., Lond., 1905, v. 20, p. 362) present a 
comprehensive study, tabulated, of the specific gravity, percentage of 
extract and of alcohol present in the tinctures of the Ph. Brit., IV. — 
Proc. Am. Pharm. Ass., 1905, v. 53, p. 597. 
Hammer, J. W., discusses the extract content of tinctures. — Svensk 
Farm. Tidskr., 1905, v. 9, pp. 163-168. 
Mohr, Charles, points out that, with the exception of the British, 
all pharmacopoeias now in use make tinctures of dried substances 
correspond with the first dilution and so designate them; and, when 
the crude drug is the unit of strength, all tinctures must of necessity 
be classed as dilutions. . . . Most physicians have for years regarded, 
and still continue to regard, the tincture as the unit of strength, and 
they make the first dilution directly from the tincture in the pro- 
portion of 1 to 9. — Tr. Am. Inst. Homoeop., 1905, v. 61, p. 60. 
TRAGACANTHA. 
Francis, John M., points out that when one purchases powdered 
tragacantli he has less protection than when he purchases the un- 
ground ribbons or tears, as a comparatively inferior tragacantli will 
produce quite a nice light-colored powder. He advises the rejection 
of tragacantli which has the slightest suggestion of bitterness, and to 
remember that only the best grades of tragacantli are suitable for 
emulsions and that the highest grade drug will be the most econom- 
ical in the end. — Bull. Pharm., Detroit, 1905, v. 19, p. 452. 
A communication to the Committee on adulteration of the 
N. W. D. A. asserts that powdered tragacantli is frequently offered 
