217 
when difficulty is encountered it is due to the manipulation. He de- 
scribes the method which he uses. — Proc. Am. Pharm. Ass., 1907, v. 
55, pp. 618, 619. 
Sayre, Edward A., thinks cataplasma kaolini might well have been 
omitted from the pharmacopoeia. The doctors will write as they 
have been doing. Why multiply the articles which we must have in 
stock unnecessarily? — Proc. New Jersey Pharm. Ass., 1906, p. 100. 
Herzfelcl, A., considers the inclusion of cataplasma kaolini, in the 
U. S. P. VIII as a decidedly retrograde step. He points out that 
the external use of glycerin may lead to marked irritation of the 
skin. — D.-A. Apotli. Ztg., X. Y., 1906, v. 27, pp. 113, 111. 
See also Proc. New York Pharm. Ass., 1906, p. 180, where Herzfeld 
discusses the question of cataplasmata at some length. 
Ritter, John, calls attention to the fact that the official cataplasma 
kaolini is a suitable substitute for the numerous earth preparations 
for antiphlogistic use sold under fanciful names. — J. Am. M. Ass., 
1906, v. 17, p. 683. 
CERA. 
The Ph. Brit. Committee of Reference in Pharmacy report on 
waxes says: 
Include separate monographs for white and yellow waxes. For yellow the 
present test for paraffin should be revised and the solubility test made more 
definite. The monograph for white wax should be for the chemically bleached 
variety. — Chem. & Drug., Lond., 1906, v. 69, p. 863. 
Weigel, G., calls attention to the fact that in addition to white and 
yellow wax the Ph. Ndl. also includes a monograph for “ Cera 
Foliorum,” the wax-like secretion of the leaves of C opernicia cerifercc , 
the so-called Carnauba wax. For this product it is required that it 
melt at from 75° to 85° C., that not more than 5 per cent of its weight 
be soluble in alcohol, and that not less than 95 per cent be soluble in 
carbon disulphide. The acid number should not exceed 5 and the 
saponification number from 85 to 110. — Pharm. Zentralh., 1906, v. 
47, p. 398. 
Bellier, J., (Ann. chim. anal., 1906, v. 11, p. 366-368) reports that 
a sample of beeswax received from Annam gave results, on analysis, 
which differed considerably from those yielded by ordinary European 
beeswax. The figures obtained were: Sp. gr., 0.964; m. p., 61°; acid 
number, 7.8; ester number, 86.6; iodine number, 6; unsaponifiable 
matter, 10.5 per cent. — Abstr. in J. Chem., Soc., Bond., 1906, v. 90, 
pt. 1, p. 924. 
Bohrisch, P,, discusses the desirable changes that should be incor- 
porated in the Ph. Germ. — Pharm. Zentralh., 1906, v. 47, pp. 1064- 
1068. 
