295 
Lryons, A. B., discussing the assay of gelsemium, says that the 
volumetric determination of gelsemium alkaloids is exceedingly un- 
satisfactory. He had never been able, by repeated extractions, to get 
anything that he could say was the alkaloid pure and simple. — Proc. 
Am. Pharm. Ass., 1906, v. 54, p. 386. 
Francis, John M., says this is one of the fluid extracts which is 
commonly adjusted to uniform strength by assay by the manufactur- 
ing pharmacists of the United States. It is fair to presume that the 
Revision Committee would have adopted an assay standard for this 
fluid if the time had not been consumed in the investigation of the 
assay processes of the’ more important drug extracts * * *. It 
has been difficult for some years to obtain an adequate supply of good 
quality. It is reasonable to assume that the next revision will include 
an assay standard for this fluid extract. — Bull. Pharm., Detroit, 1906, 
v. 20, p. 10. 
He reports the assay of twelve samples of gelsemium which varied 
from 0.25 to 0.5 per cent of alkaloid. — Proc. Am. Pharm. Ass., 1906, 
v. 54, p. 337. 
Felter says specific gelsemium is the remedy for active, excited cir- 
culation, with marked determination of the blood to the brain and 
nerve centers, as shown by the nervous irritation, flushed face, bright 
eyes, contracted pupils, marked irritability, restlessness, and high 
temperature. The carotids pulsate more or less visibly, and often 
convulsions seem imminent or actually occur. — Eclectic Med. J., 
Cincin., 1906, v. 66, p. 204. 
Wells, G. Harlan, finds gelsemium useful in neurotic and func- 
tional diseases of the heart, especially those brought on by depressing 
emotions or by the excessive use of tobacco. — Hahneman. Month., 
Phila., 1906, v. 41, p. 264. 
GENTIAN A. 
Hankey, William T., suggests the grading of gentian by determin- 
ing its identity and estimating the percentage of ash and of alcohol 
soluble matter. Ten samples reported on varied from 5.05 to 9.20 
per cent of ash and from 22.5 to 39.5 per cent of alcohol soluble mat- 
ter. — Am. Druggist, N. Y., 1906, v. 49, p. 361. 
van der Wal, G. H., asserts that for the determination of gentian 
the most satisfactory method is that based on the determination of 
gentisin as outlined by Leconte and Baumert. (From Pharm. Week- 
blad, 1906, v. 43.)— Chem. Centralbl., Berk, 1906, v. 77, p. 363. 
Schurhoff, P., reports finding powdered gentian adulterated with 
stone' cells and points out that the frequency of this adulteration 
amply warrants the systematic inspection of powdered drugs on the 
part of the pharmacists who are anxious not to be misled. — Pharm. 
Ztg., Berl., 1906, v. 51, p. 479. 
