463 
Kraemer, II., reports that a bundle of Mexican sarsaparilla weigh- 
ing 4J pounds contained 19 ounces of dirt. — Proc. Am. Pharm. Ass., 
1906, y. 54, p. 345. 
Philipp Roder, Wien, reports examining three samples of sarsa- 
parilla which varied from 6.78 to 8.21 per cent of ash in the air- 
dry material, or from 7.47 to 9.14 per cent of ash in the anhydrous 
material. — Pharm. Post, Wien, 1906, v. 39, p. 284. 
Hartwich, C., found a sample of cut sarsaparilla which contained 
no true Honduras sarsaparilla, but consisted of a mixture of at least 
six roots, several of them not at all related to sarsaparilla. — Schweiz. 
Wchnschr. f. Chem. u. Pharm., Zurich, 1906, v. 44, p. 8. 
Semon, Felix, discusses some unusual manifestations of syphilis and 
recommends sarsaparilla in the form of decoction under certain condi- 
tions. — Brit. M. J., Loud., 1906, v. 1, pp. 61-65. (See also pp. 710, 
791.) 
Additional references to the use of sarsaparilla will be found in the 
Index Medicus and J. Am. M. Ass., Chicago. 
SASSAFRAS. 
Henkel, Alice, mentions Sassafras variifolium (Salisb.) O. Kuntze 
also known as Sassafras officinalis Nees & Eberm., and Sassafras 
sassafras (L.) Karst., commonly known as sassafras and ague tree, as 
a native in rich woods, Massachusetts to Ontario and Michigan, south 
to Florida and Texas. — Bull. Bur. Plant. Ind., U. S. Dept. Agric., 
1906, No. 89, p. 62. * 
Weiss, Howard Frederick, discusses the structure and development 
of the bark in sassafras. — Bot. Gaz., Chicago, 1906, v. 41, pp. 434H44. 
Fyfe, John William, says that Laurus sassafras was thought to be a 
good remedy in acute inflammation of the eyes, as well as in catarrhs 
and dysentery. According to Eberle its continued use cured an invet- 
erate rheumatism. — Eclectic M. J., Cincin., 1906, v. 66, p. 321. 
SC AMMONIUM. 
The Ph. Brit. Committee of Reference in Pharmacy report on 
scammonium says this will probably be omitted, as there is no object 
in retaining it if the extracted resin is official. — Chem. & Drug., Bond., 
1906, v. 69, p. 864. 
An editorial inquires: 
Is this a red rag? Who that has had experience with good scammonium and 
scahnnony resin can doubt that the natural exudation has properties which 
make it more desirable medicine than the extracted resin? We would say this 
superiority is a reason for its retention. Perhaps the committee's suggestion is 
based on the fact that scammonium is no longer ordered in any Ph. Brit, prepa- 
ration, but the contents of the official book should not be measured by such a 
standard. — Ibid., p. 861. 
