406 
Brandel, I. W., reviews some of the more recent literature relating 
to oil of rosemary. — Pharm. Rev., Milwaukee, 1906, v. 24, p. 116. 
Parry and Bennett discuss the cause of lsevorotatory action of the 
Spanish rosemary oil, and give the result of experiments which 
prove beyond a doubt that a laevorotatory oil is consistent with 
purity. They also mention the parts of the plant used, when gath- 
ered, etc. — Chem. & Drug., 1906, v. 68, p. 671. 
See also the poetical version, Ibid ., v. 68, p. 694. 
Parry has examined a number of other authentic specimens which 
were found to have optical rotations of +12° to +18°, so that it is 
evident that the figures for this oil are in need of great revision. — 
Ibid ., v. 69, p. 137. 
Birckenstock, A., (Monit. Scient., 1906, v. 20, pp. 352-356) states 
that French oil of rosemary is generally considered pure only when 
the head fraction (10 per cent) is dextro-rotatory. It is shown, 
however, that when rosemary is distilled at the beginning of the sea- 
son (April- June) the first 10 per cent of the oil distilling over is 
always lsevorotatory. — Abstr. in J. Soc. Chem. Ind., Lond., 1906, v. 
25, p. 495. 
Schimmel & Co. discuss some of the economic conditions prevail- 
ing in connection with oil of rosemary and review the recent litera- 
ture. — Semi-Ann. Rep. Schimmel & Co., 1906, Oct.-Nov., pp. 67-70. 
Blome, W. H., assayed two samples, 2.15 per cent of ester calcu- 
lated as bornyl acetate and 8.84 per cent total borneol ; 10.56 per cent 
ester and 15.34 per cent borneol. — Proc. Michigan Pharm. Ass., 1906, 
p. 107. 
Caspari, Chas. E., reports one sample examined: Contained too 
little borneol and bornyl acetate. — Proc. Missouri Pharm. Ass., 1906, 
p. 104. 
OLEUM RICINI. 
The Ph. Brit. Committee of Reference in Pharmacy report on 
oleum ricini says: Revise the monograph completely, introducing 
saponification and iodine values and excluding or revising the sul- 
phuric acid test. — Chem. & Drug., Lond., 1906, v. 69, p. 864. 
Peckolt, Th., mentions several varieties of Ricinus communis 
(Mull. Arg.) that have been developed in Brazil. For the prep- 
aration of the oil Ricinus brasilienis and Ricinus microcarpus are 
chiefly used. The oil is largely used for lubricating and for burning, 
in addition to its use in medicine. — Ber. d. deut. pharm. Gesellsch., 
1906, v. 16, pp. 34-36. 
Halenke and Ivling (Landw. Yers. Stat., 64, 1906, No. 1, pp. 51, 86, 
figs. 13) summarize the available data regarding the histology of 
castor-bean seed, the composition of the seeds and by-products, castor- 
bean products as adulterants, and other questions. — Exper. Sta. Rec., 
1906, v. 18, p. 168. 
