268 
the other hand, the calcium lactophosphate will not remain in solu- 
tion if the excess of acid is neutralized with ammonia in order to 
hold the iron in solution. — Bull. Am. Pharm. Ass., 1906, v. 1, p. 350. 
ELIXIR RHAMNI PURSHIANiE COMPOSITUM 1ST. F. 
Caldwell, Paul, believes that the compound elixir of cascara sagrada 
is superfluous, particularly as it has failed to be noticed by medical 
practitioners. — Drug. Circ. & Chem. Gaz., N. Y., 1906, v. 50, p. 392. 
ELIXIR TARAXICI COMPOSITUM N. F. 
Caldwell, Paul, asserts that the frequently observed precipitate in 
compound elixir of taraxacum may be avoided by mixing the fluid 
extracts with the tinctures and adding glycerin equivalent to 5 per 
cent of the total finished product. Filter with the aid of magnesium 
carbonate, returning the filtrate to the filter until it passes entirely 
soluble in water. He believes that the use of the tincture of sweet 
orange peel in the formula for compound elixir of taraxacum is a 
disturbing factor that may be remedied by treating the elixir with 
magnesium carbonate. — Drug. Circ. & Chem. Gaz., X. Y., 1906, v. 50, 
pp. 159, 393. 
ELIXIR TERPINI HYDRATIS CUM HEROINA N. F. 
In answer to a query the Bulletin of Pharmacy (1906, v. 20. p. 44) 
gives a formula for this elixir. Exposed to a lower temperature 
than when made it will deposit crystals. 
Charles, W. J., comments (Ibid., p. 294) on this formula and his 
method of preparing it to obviate this difficulty. He even places it 
on ice in the soda fountain and then filters it. 
Two formulas from the Canadian National Formulary are given. — 
Ibid., p. 345. 
EMPLASTRA. 
Taylor, S., asks how far are plasters to be allowed to remain in 
their present condition? The value and superiority of the india- 
rubber basis is undoubted, and either the Ph. Brit, should be brought 
into line with this or the whole manufacture of plasters should be 
left to the manufacturers, the pharmacopoeia only requiring a certain 
strength of the medicament. This strength should have reference 
to the thickness of the plaster — e. g., belladonna plaster should con- 
tain 0.5 per cent root alkaloids — but the thickness to secure a definite 
weight should be stated, not percentage of alkaloids per square inch. — 
Pharm. J., Lond., 1906, v. 23, p. 669. 
Cruse, E., (Pharm. Ztg., li, No. 82, 1906, 907) recommends a novel 
method of spreading plaster masses, which depends on the transfer 
