435 
what is generally accepted as being the original formula. — Pharm. 
Ztg. Berl., 1906, v. 51, p. 911. (See also Pharm. J. Lond., 1906, v. 23, 
pp. 369, 406, 410.) 
Kal, A., (Pharm. Weekbl., 1906) presents a formula for a liquid 
preparation containing approximately 1 per cent of ferrous carbon- 
ate in solution. — Pharm. Ztg., Berl., 1906, v. 51, p. 832. 
PILULE FERRI IODIDI. 
Francis, John M., thinks the average pharmacist will find this pill 
difficult to handle. Chemical action often continues for weeks after 
the pill is made so that it is liable to crack or blister. Before coating, 
dry the pills slowly and thoroughly in trays of powdered althaea or 
powdered licorice root. — Bull. Pharm., Detroit, 1906, v. 20, p. 143. 
The inspectors of pharmacies report that they have repeatedly 
found pills of ferrous iodide that were deficient in iodide. — J. de 
pharm. d’Anvers, 1906, v. 62, p. 85. 
PILULJE LAXATIVJE COMPOSITE. 
The Alkaloidal Clinic is quoted as criticizing the formula for com- 
pound laxative pills, U. S. P. VIII, on the ground that the dose of 
extract of belladonna is enormously excessive, should not exceed 
grain, or, better still, be replaced by T oVo grain of atropine. — New 
Idea, Detroit, 1906, v. 28, p. 9. 
An editorial replying to an adverse criticism on the editorial col- 
umns of the Alkaloidal Clinic shows that the function of the Phar- 
macopoeia is to set drug standards and establish formulas, not to set 
therapeutic standards. This pill has long been indorsed by medical 
authority, and it was not the function of the Revision Committee to 
change the formula. As to the licorice, this is a pharmaceutical ne- 
cessity as a building agent. — Drug. Circ. & Chem. Gaz., N. Y., 1906, 
v. 50, p. "58. 
PIMENTA. 
Nelson, Burt E., figures and describes the microscopical appearance 
of powdered pimenta. — Merck's Rep., N. Y., 1906, v. 15, p. 321. 
The Ph. Brit. Committee of Reference in Pharmacy suggests that 
an ash limit for pimenta be stated. — Chem. & Drug., Lond., 1906, 
v. 69, p. 864. 
Thamm, R., reports finding from 4.25 to 4.86 per cent of sand-free 
ash in pimenta. Also discusses the composition of the ash. — Ztschr. . 
f. Unters. d. Nahr. u. Genussm., 1906, v. 12, p. 168. 
Sprinkmeyer and Fiirstenberg found the content of sand-free ash 
in pimenta to vary from 4.12 to 5.21 per cent. — Ibid ., v. 12, p. 657. 
Smith, Kline & French Co. report the following data from their 
examination of pimenta : Ash, 3.81 per cent ; ash insoluble in hydro- 
