311 
that in order to estimate the toxic effect of salt solutions it is not 
enough to determine merely the total concentration of the dissolved 
substance, but it is also necessary to find the concentration of the 
ions. This is true also when effects other than toxic are being- 
studied. — Pharm. J., Loud., 1906, v. 23, pp. 89-91. 
Stone, B. H., is reported to have said that bichloride would not 
destroy tetanus germs, but that peroxide of hydrogen would. — J. Am. 
M. Ass., 1906, v. 47, p. 1677. 
Leming, William, (Modern Eclecticism) uses corrosive sublimate 
in ulcerative conditions of the lower bowel, with slimy, foul dis- 
charges. — Abstr. Eclectic Med. J., Cincin., 1906, v. 66, p. 441. 
The author of the'“ Therapeutics " column quotes Osier as express- 
ing doubt of the value of any internal treatment for erysipelas, but 
states that injections of mercuric chloride or biniodide may possibly 
do good. — J. Am. M. Ass., 1906, v. 47, p. 637. 
Craig, G. G., states that a young woman applied a solution of cor- 
rosive sublimate in wood alcohol to her neck, back, and left arm for 
rheumatism. He found her hysterical and complaining of intoler- 
able burning ; death occurring in about five and a half days with the 
usual symptoms of poisoning by corrosive sublimate. — Ibid ., v. 47. 
p. 1484. 
The editor adds a note to the article of Craig, stating that poison- 
ing may occur from the external application of mercurial com- 
pounds, generally alcoholic solutions of corrosive sublimate or oint- 
ment, but even aqueous solutions may be absorbed. — Ibid ., p. 1485. 
Additional references on the use of corrosive mercuric chloride will 
be found in the Index Medicus and the J. Am. M. Ass. 
HYDRARGYRI CHLORIDUM MITE. 
Francis, John M., calls attention to the fact that varying processes 
produce calomels indistinguishable by chemical test, but varying in 
physical properties and behaving differently in combination with 
other chemical substances. For instance, of tablets of calomel and 
soda bicarbonate prepared from half a dozen samples of calomel from 
American, European, and Japanese manufacturers, with identically 
the same proportions and manipulation, but one yielded a tablet which 
remained white ; the others became grayish or discolored within from 
one to six weeks, showing reaction between the mercury salt and 
alkali. The most important tests are those for soluble impurities and 
for mercuric chloride, as these exclude the dangerous soluble mercury 
salts. — Bull. Pharm., Detroit, 1906, v. 20, p. 55. 
Wiebelitz, H., asserts that even freshly prepared mild mercurous 
chloride soon develops traces of corrosive mercuric chloride, and 
believes that the pharmacopoeia should permit a slight change in color 
on the addition of H 2 S. — Pharm. Ztg., Berl., 1906. v. 51, p. 1003. 
