158 
Plunder, Leon, controverts these statements, and declares that the 
pulmonary pressure is dependent upon modifications in the general 
circulation and the change in color is due to profound modifica- 
tions in the color of the blood produced by the intravenous injection 
of the amyl nitrite. — Ibicl., p. 282. 
Hare, F. (Clin. J., Lond., Aug. 29), ascribes the therapeutic 
action of amyl nitrite to the periphereal vasodilation, and argues that 
in the absence of an increased heart rate with it there must be vaso- 
constriction elsewhere, its usefulness in menorrhagia and dysmenor- 
rhcea are explained by the disappearance of uterine congestion. A 
similar action is the basis for its use in hsemopthisis and other in- 
ternal haemorrhages. — J. Am. M. Ass., 1906, v. IT, p. 1231. 
Evans, G. H. (J. Am. M. Ass., 1906, XL VII, 1399), discusses the 
action of amyl nitrite inhalations on the blood pressure. — Reference 
from Index Med., 1906, p. 1318. 
Keith, J. R., reports a case of profuse post-partum haemorrhage 
immediately arrested by inhalation of a capsule of amyl nitrite. — 
Brit. Med. J., Lond., 1906, v. 2, p. 1125. 
AMYLUM. 
The Ph. Brit. Committee of Reference in Pharmacy suggest : 
Determine with different starches the relative covering power and differences 
in mucilages. The litmus reaction is not given by most commercial starches 
(as a rule, maize). — Chem. & Drug., Lond., 1906, v. 69, p. 862. 
Lutz, L., discusses the morphology of starch, structure, physical 
properties, and formation of the grains, mechanism of growth, etc. — - 
Bull, des sc. pharmacol., Par., 1906, v. 13, pp. 475-479, 540-548. 
Maquenne and Roux have studied particularly the role of two 
important factors in the diastasic action of malt : The reaction of the 
medium and the influence of time * * * They conclude that 
amylopectine is itself susceptible of furnishing maltose under the 
influence of malt amylase. * * * The reaction of the malt changes 
in the course of saccharification. (See also Demoussy, C. R. Ac. des 
Sciences, t. CXLII, p. 933, 1906.) — J. de pharm. et de chim., Par., 
1906, v. 24, pp. 123-126. 
Maquenne, L., presents a comprehensive study of the diastasic 
saccharification of starch. — Bull. Soc. de chim., Par., 1906, v. 35, 
Appendix, pp. I-XV. 
G. Hell & Co., in Troppau, report that three samples of starch, 
offered as wheat starch, were found to be pure corn starch. The ash 
content of wheat starch was found to vary from 0.22 to 0.40 per 
cent. — Pharm. Post, Wien, 1906, v. 39, p. 150. 
Schurhoff, P., reports finding corn starch substituted for wheat 
starch and points out the ease with which such adulteration may be 
detected. — Pharm. Ztg., Berl., 1906, v. 51, p. 479. 
