440 
ium is invariably below three parts per million. A sample of ;; cream 
of tartar ** which they were asked to identify was found to be super- 
phosphate of calcium. — Analytical Xotes. 1906. E. L. & TY. Lond., 
1907, pp. 16, 17. 
Bell. J. Carter, points out that for potassium bitartrate there is a 
fairly comprehensive list of possible impurities — among them, acid 
phosphate of lime, sulphate of soda, and maize starch. — Brit. & Col. 
Drug., Lond., 1906. v. 49. p. 549. 
Sayre. Lucius E.. reports that one sample of potassium bitartrate 
sold as ** commercial " consisted of acid phosphate and sulphate of 
calcium, starch, etc. — Bull. Kansas Bel. Health. 1906. v. 2. p. 174. 
POTASSII BROMIDUM. 
TCiebelitz, H.. suggests that the tests for purity, in the case of 
potassium bromide, be directed to be made on 2 gm. of the substance, 
previously dried at 100 : C. The salt to be dissolved in sufficient dis- 
tilled water to make 100 cc. and the required quantity of this solu- 
tion taken not less than 25 cc. for titration with tenth normal sul- 
phuric acid to determine the limit of alkali. — Pliann. Ztg., Berl., 
1906, v. 51. p. 1004. 
Cormimboeuf. H., discusses the analysis of potassium bromide. — 
Aim. de chim. analyt., Par., 1906, v. 11, pp. 131-134. 
The Pli. Brit. Committee of Deference in Pharmacv recommends to 
*/ 
modify the potassium bromide thiocyanate test as suggested by F. A. 
Upshur Smith. — .Chem. & Drug.. Lond.. 1906, v. 69. p. 864. 
Casjiari, Chas. E.. reports three samples examined; all contained 
excess of chloride. — Proc. Missouri Pharni. Ass., 1906, p. 101. 
Skoog, A. L., states that Spratling analyzed some thirty u patent 
medicine " preparations on the market, so-called cures for epilepsy, 
and potassium bromide was found to be the chief ingredient in every 
case. A large number of diseases is mentioned in which potassium 
bromide is used. — J. Am. M. Ass., 1906, v. 47. p. 1821. 
Butler, George F., calls attention to many of the disadvantages of 
potassium bromide in the treatment of epilepsy, such as destruction 
of the mentality, weakening the heart, impoverishing the blood, 
impairing sexual function, and making the patient altogether miser- 
able. — Ibid ., v. 47, p. 1481. 
Robinson. TC. J., cites a case of impotence and general ill health 
resulting from the use of bromo seltzer, which he treated. — Ibid., 
v. 47, p. 508. 
Gordon, Alfred, states that reduction of the sodium chloride in 
the diet gives better results in the treatment of epileptics when the 
bromides are administered than when these are not given. — A. York 
M. J., 1906, v. 84, p. 774. 
Additional references on the use of potassium bromide will be 
found in the Index Medicus and the J. Am. M. Ass. 
