455 
predict that the U. S. P. “Aromatic Cascara ” will be a source of loss 
to the druggist. — Bull. Pharm., Detroit, 1906, v. 20. p. 12. 
An abstract from a German patent specification outlines a method 
for separating a cathartic principle from cascara sagrada and from 
frangula. — Chem. Repert., Cothen, 1906, v. 30, p. 365. 
Pfaff and Xelson find that cascara sagrada increased intestinal 
peristalsis in experiments on animals. — J. Am. M. Ass., 1906, v. 47, 
p. 1820. 
Webster, Herbert T., thinks the term “ cascara sagrada *' ought to 
be dropped from every scientific work on materia medica, because 
it means nothing definite. R. purshiana is totally unworthy of con- 
fidence unless one wants a slowly acting cathartic; for good results 
in rheumatism, however, one must use R. calif ornica, and in full 
dose. An excellent adjunct is specific jaborandi. — Eclectic Med. J., 
Cincin., 1906, v. 66, pp. 117-119. 
RHEUM. 
Beille, L., asserts that the principal markets for Chinese rhubarb 
are London and Hamburg, where this root is classified as Shensee, 
Canton, or Highdried. — Bull. Soc. cle Pharm. de Bordeaux, 1906, v. 
46, p. 172. 
K. discusses the literature relating to Chinese rhubarb, the prob- 
able origin of the root, and the various routes traveled in its course 
to market. — D.-A. Apoth, Ztg., X. Y., 1906, v. 27, p. 137. 
Wilson, E. H., in view of the differences of opinion existing as 
to actual species .yielding the Chinese rhubarb of commerce, endeav- 
ors to show that while it is possible two or more species may be in- 
volved, the bulk of the commercial drug is furnished by one species, 
viz, Rheum officinale Baillon. — Chem. & Drug., Bond., 1906, v. 69, 
p. 371. 
Gelie & Co. discuss the export of rhubarb from Shanghai to the 
various ports during the years 1898 to 1905, inclusive. — Handels- 
Ber., Gelie & Co., 1906, p. 46. 
Skalweit, B., (Arb. cleut. Landw. Gesel., 1906, Xo. 117, pp. 45-51) 
discusses the commercial culture of rhubarb in England. — Exper. 
Sta. Rec., 1906, v. 18, p. 237. 
Kunatli (Arb. deut. Landw. Gesel., 1906, Xo. 117, pp. 12-44, figs. 
5) gives an extensive account of rhubarb culture in Germany. — Ibid ., 
v. 18, p. 237. 
The Ph. Brit. Committee of Reference in Pharmacy report on 
rhubarb says ash limit is not feasible. Experiment with Tschirch’s 
assay process. A limit of extractive to 60 per cent alcohol is a useful 
test. — Chem. & Drug., Lond., 1906, v. 69, p. 864. 
Caesar and Loretz suggest that in addition to the tests laid down 
in the Ph. Germ. IV, a colorimetric estimation of rhubarb be made, 
