413 
of substitutes for oil of theobroma. — Pharm. Zentralh., 1906, v. 47, 
p. 522. 
Weigel, G., points out that the Ph. Ndl. requires that oil of theo- 
broma melt between 31° and 34° C. and that the iodine number vary 
between 33.8 and 36.— Ibid., v. 47, p. 421. 
An editorial discusses the economic conditions in tho cacao butter 
market and gives the comparative figures of cost in the Amsterdam 
and London markets for 1905 and 1906. — Oil, Paint and Drug Rep., 
1906, Nov. 12, v. 70, p. 7. 
Dieterich, Karl, reports on 17 samples of oil of theobroma. The 
melting point varied from 28° to 33° C., the acid number from 3.64 
to 49.96, and the iodine number from 34.43 to 40.44. Five of the 17 
samples were objected to as not coming up to the requirements. — 
Helfenberger Annalen, 1905, 1906, v. 18, p. 72. 
MacFadden, W. Lester, notes that, therapeutically, oil of theo- 
broma is free from objectionable properties, being bland, neutral, 
and not easily turned rancid. It has an absorption value which, 
while limited, is distinct and superior to that of other neutral fats. 
* * * When mixed with other fats it tends to impart smooth- 
ness — a valuable property. — Bull. Pharm., Detroit, 1906, v. 20, p. 203. 
Smith, Kline & French Co. find that cacao butter turns rancid 
much more readily than is generally believed, especially if it has 
been heated at a high temperature during the process of manufac- 
ture. — Lab. Rep., S., K. & F., 1906, p. 15. 
OLEUM THYMI. 
Gane, E. H., points out that the statement that oil of thyme is color- 
less would seem to exclude the finest grade of thyme oil, which is al- 
ways highly colored, and put a premium on white oil of thyme of 
notorious fame. Of samples from importing houses only one was up 
to the U. S. P. standard. Six samples reported on varied in specific 
gravity from 0.856 to 0.900, and in phenol content from 3 to 22 per 
cent. — Proc. Am. Pharm. Ass., 1906, v. 54, p. 343. 
Schimmel & Co. assert that the rectified oil of thyme frequently 
acquires the red-brown color of the crude oil ; 0.900 is too high as low- 
est limit of specific gravity, and this should be 0.894. They have also 
repeatedly observed oils with a feeble dextrorotation, and further 
point out that the rotation is sometimes a little higher than 
indicated in the U. S. P. VIII. In most cases the optical behavior 
of the oil can only be determined approximately on account of the 
dark color. — Semi-Ann. Rep. Schimmel & Co., 1906. Apr.-May, p. 77. 
Evans Sons Lescher and Webb assert that the red thyme oils from 
French sources were found to have a rotatory power of from —4° to 
—5° and to contain from 14 to 44 per cent of phenols. The white 
