Saccharin was discovered in 1879 bv Ira Remsen and C. Fahlberg. 
C laracter. — A white, crystalline powder, nearly odorless, having 
an intensely sweet taste even in dilute solutions. The sweet taste 
may be recognized in a dilution of l:100j000, as compared with cane 
sugar 1:200. 
Solubility. — Soluble in 250 parts of water and in 25 parts of alcohol: 
more so in boiling water (1:21). It behaves like a strong acid and 
CO 
dissolves readily in alkalies; the sodium salt (C 6 H i <gQ >XXa) is 
known as soluble saccharin or Tcrystallose. 
The Liquor Saccharini of the National Formulary is a solution of 
saccharin in sodium bicarbonate and alcohol. 
There are a number of preparations on the market, such as antidia- 
betin , which contain saccharin. 
Dose. — i; Average dose: 0.200 Gm.= 200 milligrammes (3 grains).*' 
(U. S. P.) 
Dulcin or suerol , another very sweet substance, is para-phenetolcar- 
bamid; Sarin is a similar product. 
BERBERIS. 
Berber is. 
The rhizome and roots of Berberis aquifolium and other species of 
Berberis. Berber is aquifolium is known as Oregon Grape Root. It 
contains an alkaloid, berberine, which is also found in Xlenispermum 
(a drug dropped from the present Revision), Calumba, Hydrastis, and 
other drugs. 
A Fluidextraet of Berberis has also been admitted into the U. S. 
Pharmacopoeia. 
Dose. — ‘‘Average dose: 2 Gm. (30 grains)." (U. S. P.) 
BISMI THI SU RRA LE A S. 
Bismuth Subgrallate. 
Official in the German Pharmacopoeia as Bismutum subgallicum: 
also known as dermatol. 
Composition. — Although somewhat variable in chemical composition, 
Bismuth Subgallate approximates the following formula: C 6 H. 2 (OH) 3 
C0 2 Bi(0H). 2 , which contains 56. U9 per cent of bismuth oxide (Bi, 2 0 3 ). 
The U. S. Pharmacopoeia demands that it contain not less than 52 per 
cent, nor more than 57 per cent, of pure bismuth oxide. 
Character. — An amorphous, bright yellow powder, odorless, taste- 
less, and permanent in the air. 
Solubility. — Insoluble in water and alcohol, and in very dilute min- 
eral acids. Readily soluble with decomposition in hydrochloric, nitric, 
and sulphuric acids, if these be heated. Alkalies dissolve it readily, 
