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mination of the excellence of ointments, he recommends examining 
them by means of the compound microscope. — J. de Pharm. d ’An vers., 
1905, v. 61, p. 287. 
Caldwell, Paul, asserts that the formula for the ointment of rose 
water can be improved by replacing 25 grammes of the spermaceti 
with a corresponding quantity of white wax and increasing the 
almond oil to the quantity official in the U. S. P.. 1890. — Drug. Circ. 
& Chem. Gaz., 1905, v. 49, p. 307. 
A contributor asserts that diachylon ointment should be kept in a 
cool place, and not used after from six to eight weeks. — Pharm. Post, 
Wien, 1905, v. 38, p. 777. 
Caldwell. Paul, asserts that diachylon ointment of the U. S. P., 
VIII. is softer than it should be, and recommends 60 grammes of lead 
plaster to 39 grammes of olive oil. — Drug. Circ. & Chem. Gaz., X. Y., 
1905, v. 49, p. 307. 
Caldwell, Paul, asserts that nutgall ointment does not keep well, 
“ a fungus growth forming around the sides of its container,” and 
recommends the addition of 2 per cent of boric acid. — Ibid., p. 307. 
UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI. 
The annual report of Philip Roder, Wien, outlines a method for 
the analysis of mercurial ointment which is designated as a modifica- 
tion by Firbas of Gluckmann’s method. — Pharm. Post, Wien, 1905, 
v. 38, p. 393. 
Eberle, E. G.. points out that mercurial ointment may be assayed 
by taking a test tube, filling it to within about one- fourth of the top 
with a solution of magnesium sulphate (1-2) then adding a weighed 
portion of the ointment. Place the tube in a water bath until the 
ointment is melted. The mercury settles to the bottom and the 
grease floats on top. Then cool, insert a glass rod and place the mix- 
ture in an ice bath. The ointment will congeal around the inserted 
tube and can, by means of it, be removed; decant the liquid and wash, 
dry, and weigh the mercury. — Apothecary, Boston, 1905, v. 17, p. 951. 
Wetterstroem. Theo. D., asserts that mercurial ointment frequently 
contains petrolatum instead of lard. — Drug. Circ. & Chem. Gaz., 
X. Y., 1905, v. 49. p. 312. 
UNGUEHTUM HYDRARGYRI AMMONIATI. 
Caldwell, Paul, suggests the following directions for the prepar- 
ing of the ointment of ammoniated mercury: 
Warm the hydrous wool fat, add the ammoniated mercury and force the 
mixture through a number 60 sieve: melt the white petroleum and pass it 
through the sieve; then transfer the container and content to an ice bath 
and stir until cold. — Drug. Circ. & Chem. Gaz., 1905, v. 49, p. 307. 
