426 
not absorbed by the skin, and are arbitrary solyents. * * * Its 
*/ * 
smoothness adapts it to wide use as a diluent. — Bull. Pharm., Detroit, 
1906, y. 20, p. 204. 
Enell, Henrik, (from Syensk Farm. Tidskr.) discusses the melting 
point of petrolatum and records the results obtained from an exam- 
ination of a number of commercial samples. The figures giyen vary 
from 35° to 45° C. — Pharm. Zentralh., 1906, y. 47, p. 9. 
The Pli. Brit. Committee of Reference in Pharmacy suggests that 
the melting point of petrolatum should be 37-40° C. — Chem. & Drug., 
Loud., 1906, y. 69, p. 864. . j 
Patch. E. L., asserts that the ayailable petrolatum does not comply 
with the IT. S. P. requirements. For the sulphuric acid test the tem- 
perature should be indicated, 48, 50. or more degrees. The available 
American white petrolatum will not stand the sulphuric acid test. 
The Russian grades are better, but melt at from 33° to 37° C. — Proc. 
Am. Pharm. Ass., 1906, v. 54, pp. 343, 344. 
PETROLATUM LIQUIDUM. 
Francis, John VL, considers that while the Russian water-white 
petrolatum is more attractive it is in no wav superior to the American 
product therapeutically ; in fact, the greater “ body ** of the latter is 
believed by many to be an advantage. He thinks the Sp. Gr. (0.87 
to 0.94) a little high: that best suited for inhalants, nebulizers, etc., 
is about 0.86. Unless purchased on proper specification and at a 
commensurate price the petrolatum will not be either bland or odor- 
less. — Bull. Pharm., Detroit, 1906, v. 20, p. 143. See also Proc. Am. 
Pharm. Ass., 1906, v. 54, p. 335. 
Patch. E. E., asserts that liquid petrolatum is hard to obtain of 
official quality, particularly the specific gravity. — Proc. Am. Pharm. 
Ass., 1906, v. 54, p. 335. 
The Ph. Brit. Committee of Reference in Pharmacy report on 
paraffin oil says the specific gravity is between 0.860 and 0.880. — 
Chem. & Drug., Lond., 1906, v. 69, p. 864. 
PETROLATUM SAPONATUM LIQUIDUM N\ F. 
An unsigned article contains a number of formulas adapted from 
continental formularies for paragens or vasoliments; preparations 
consisting of mixtures of liquid paraffin, oleic acid, and spirit of 
ammonia similar to the saponated petrolatum of the X. F., in which 
various medicaments are dissolved. — Pharm. J., Lond., 1906, v. 22, 
pp. 618, 619. 
MacFadden, IV. Lester, discusses the solvent power of ammonium 
oleate when combined with petrolatum, etc., to form the “ vasolini- 
ments." of German practice. — Bull. Pharm.. Detroit, 1906, v. 20, 
p. 204. 
