430 
PHYSOSTIGMA. 
Nelson, Burt E., describes and illustrates the characteristic struc- 
tures of physostigma and outlines means for recognizing them micro- 
scopically. — Merck’s Rep., N. Y., 1906, v. 15, p. 67. 
Puckner, W. A., reviews some of the more recent literature relating 
to the assay of physostigma. — Pharm. Rev., Milwaukee, 1906, v. 24, 
p. 271. 
The Ph. Brit. Committee of Reference in Pharmacy report on 
physostigma says, this drug will probably be omitted, and its alka- 
loid only retained. — Chem. & Drug., Bond., 1906, v. 69, p. 864. 
Gordin, H. M., thinks the method unnecessarily complicated and 
suggests a method which he asserts is short and exact. — Am. J. 
Pharm., Phila., 1906, v. 78, pp. 456, 463. (See also Proc. Am. Pharm 
Ass., 1906, v. 54, p. 381.) 
Beckurts (Apoth. Ztg.) outlines a method for the valuation of 
physostigma and extract of physostigma. — Pharm. Zentralh., 1906, 
v. 47, p. 325. 
Moerk, Frank X., points out that the extract of physostigma is 
13.33 times the strength of the drug, and that the tincture represents 
but 9.3 per cent of the contained alkaloids in place of representing 
10 per cent of the drug. — Proc. Pennsylvania Pharm. Ass., 1906, 
p. 159. 
PHYSOSTIGMINJE SALICYLAS. 
A German patent awarded to E. Merck outlines a method for pre- 
paring a sulphite of eserine, which, it is claimed, will give aqueous 
solutions that are permanently colorless. Chem. Ind., Berl., 1906, 
v. 29, p. 41. 
Riedel’s Berichte (Berl., 1906, pp. 29, 30) presents a report of some 
comparative observations on the action of the official physostigmine 
sulphate and an acid sulphate. Physostigmine acid sulphate not 
alone has objectionable physical properties but also possesses de- 
cidedly weaker physiological activity. 
Walton, C. E., suggests the use of physostigmine salicylate for 
hyperdistension following abdominal operations. — Trans. Am. Inst. 
Homceop., 1906, 62cl sess., Part II, p. 214. 
Panas and Scrini suggest the use of a solution of 0.05 to 0.10 physo- 
stigmine alkaloid in 10 gm. of olive oil, washed and sterilized as a 
myotic collyrium. — Bull. Soc. de pharm. de Bordeaux, 1906, v. 46, 
p. 58. 
White, Mark, reports the use of eserine to stimulate peristalsis in 
a dog. — Am. Yet. Rev., N. Y., 1906, v. 30, p. 374. 
Martin, C. F., (N. Y ork M. J., Sept. 15) mentions the use of small 
doses of the alkaloid of the ripe calabar bean in the treatment of the 
ataxia rectum. — J. Am. M. Ass., 1906, v. 47, p. 1054. 
