219 
index being very different from that of paraffin, its chief adulterant. — 
Rep. Indiana Bd. Health, 1906, pp. 376-381. 
Sayre, L. E., reports that the melting point of 13 samples of white 
wax examined varied from 18.3° to 68.7°, while the melting point of 
3 samples of yellow wax varied from 49.3° to 63.8° C. — Bull. Kansas 
Bd. Health, 1906, v. 2, p. 176. 
Patch, E. L., reports finding sample of yellow wax which had a 
saponification number of 94.3, blit did not comply with the U. S. P. 
VIII sulphuric acid test. — Proc. Am. Pharm. Ass., 1906, v. 54, p. 347. 
Gane, E. H., asserts that beeswax is frequently adulterated with 
paraffin. Much of the white wax is mainly paraffin. — Ibid., v. 54, 
p. 334. 
Ohliger, Willard', reports beeswax of low specific gravity. — Proc. 
Michigan Pharm. Ass., 1906, p. 46. 
MacFadden, W. Lester, notes that beeswax, especially when 
bleached, is very suitable for securing firm consistence in an ointment 
and that it lends itself to admixture more satisfactorily than would 
be expected from the high melting point. The natural odor suggests 
a slight rancidity, but, as the wax is permanent, this property is of 
little importance. It is assumed that precaution is exercised against 
adulteration. — Bull. Pharm., Detroit, 1906, v. 20, p. 203. 
CERATA. 
CERATUM RESI N2E COMPOSITUM. 
Eberle, E. G., suggests that compound resin cerate be transferred 
to the National Formulary. — Proc. Am. Pharm. Ass., 1906, v. 54, 
p. 450. 
CERATUM CAMPHOR.® COMPOSITUM N. F. 
Caldwell, Paul, asserts that he has had difficulty with camphor ice 
containing castor oil, as required by the N. F. Ill formula, and sug- 
gests sesame or lard oil. — Drug. Circ. & Chem. Gaz., N. Y., 1906, 
v. 50, p. 392. 
CERII OXALAS. 
Baskerville, Chas., points out that the cerium salts were introduced 
into medicine by the eminent gynaecologist, Simpson, who recom- 
mended cerium oxalate as an efficient remedy for vomitus gravida- 
rium. Cerium oxalate, as used in medicine, contains besides cerium 
considerable quantities of other rare elements. Orlow found in a 
commercial sample 60 per cent of didymium oxalate, and the oxides 
extracted from the salts examined by Boehm contained lanthanum, 
neodymium, praseodymium, and just perceptible traces of samarium 
and yttrium. — Am. Druggist, N. Y., 1906, v. 49, p. 131. 
