192 
Burge. G.. (Korrespondenzbl. f. Schweiz. Aerzte. v. 36. pp. 350- 
352) reports a fatal case of poisoning by benzin. — Jahresber. u. Tier. 
Chem. for 1906. 1907, v. 36. p. 793. 
Zorulaid. A.. (Miinchen Mecl. Mochnschr., v. 53, p. 112—111). dis- 
cusses poisoning by benzin. — Ibid ., 793. 
Crouzel, Ed., recommends petroleum benzin as an efficient antisep- 
tic particularly useful for cleaning and promoting the healing of 
wounds. The volatile nature of this substance causes a local reduc- 
tion of temperature that tends to harden the tissues and prevent fur- 
ther secretion. A number of antiseptics are soluble in petroleum ben- 
zin and may be applied as washes or in the form of spray. It is also 
pointed out that a solution of petrolatum in benzin will be found use- 
ful for rinsing surgical instruments to avoid rust. (Repert. de 
Pharm.) — Pharrn. Ztg. Berl.. 1906. v. 51. p. 300. 
BENZOINUM. 
The Annual Report of Philipp Roder. Mien, outlines a test to de- 
termine the origin of benzoin. Sumatra benzoin when heated with 
potassium permanganate solution produces the odor of benzaldeliyde. 
Siam benzoin, which is free from cinnamic acid, does not produce this 
odor. — Pharm. Zentralli.. 1906, v. 17. p. 523. 
The Ph. Brit. Committee of Reference in Pharmacy report on ben- 
zoin says: For Sumatra benzoin. 10 per cent insoluble in alcohol and 
5 per cent of ash seem fair limits. The two varieties should be de- 
scribed separately, but it is a question whether Siam benzoin should 
be retained. The Palembang variety contains the highest propor- 
tion of benzoic acid and might be introduced. — Chem. & Drug.. Lond., 
1906. v. 69, p. 863. 
Holmes, E. M.. (Pharm. Journ., Feb. 9, 1907. 127) presents tables 
showing the insoluble matter, ash. and acid content in a large number 
of commercial samples of benzoin. — Proc. Am. Pharm. Ass., 1907, 
v. 55. pp. 782-781. 
Philipp Roder. Mien, reports that two samples of benzoin con- 
tained. respectively. 1.91 and 1.38 per cent of ash. — Pharm. Post, 
Mien. 1906, v. 39. p. 233. 
Hankey. Milliam T.. points out that a good grade of Sumatra ben- 
zoin usually runs from 70 to 80 per cent soluble in alcohol. The ash. 
usually between 2 and 2.5 per cent, will at times be as high as 3 per 
cent. — Am. Druggist. X. Y.. 1906. v. 19. p. 360. 
Yanderkleed. Charles E.. reports finding a sample of benzoin which 
tested but 53 per cent of alcohol soluble matter. Proc. Pennsylvania 
Pharm. Ass., 1906. p. 122. 
Evans Sons Lescher and Mebb found an interesting sample of 
benzoin in coarse powder, composed of white and brownish pieces 
