464 
Guigues does not believe in the efficacv of the determination of the 
ether-soluble resins of scammony: he advises the use of the polar- 
imeter. He presents a lengthy paper on the origin and preparation 
of scammony, its substitutes, adulteration, and tests. — J. de pharm. et 
de chim. Par., 1906. v. 24. pp. 376. 40T- 407. 498-501. 
Martin. G., suggests that the acid number of a sample of scammony 
would give a plain indication of adulteration with rosin. Scam- 
m onv has a low acid number, from 10 to 15. while rosin has a high 
number, 155 to 175. — Proc. Am. Pharm. Ass., 1906. v. 54. p. 345. 
Evans Sons Lescher and Webb report on seven samples of scam- 
mony gum labeled “Aleppo “ which were tested for their solubility 
in ether (0.720). The results ranged from 19.6 per cent to 51.3 per 
cent. Two samples yielded 32 per cent of ash. Four samples of 
virgin “ gum examined gave an ether extract of from 70 to 90 per 
cent, and several samples contained starch. — Analyt. Votes. E.. L. & 
W., 1906. Lond.. 1907. p. 29. 
The Ph. Brit. Committee of Deference in Pharmacy report says 
probably no standard for scammony root need be introduced, but 
different varieties of scammony resin are now being obtained from 
roots imported from Mexico, and this should be considered. — Client. 
& Drug.. Lond.. 1906. v. 69. p. 864. 
Pfaff and Velson used scammony. gamboge, elaterium. jalap, 
euonvmin. frangula. and other drugs on animals in the study of the 
effects on peristalsis. The drugs just specified increased the peristal- 
sis of the stomach very slightly, but that of the intestines markedly. 
Scammony and gamboge showed marked diarrliceic defecation. — J. 
Am. M. Ass.. 1906. v. 47. p. 1820. 
SCILLA. 
The Ph. Brit. Committee of Deference in Pharmacy believes that a 
limit of moisture for squill is necessary. — Chem. & Drug.. Lond.. 
1906, v. 69, p. 864. 
Patch, E. L.. reports finding a sample of powdered squill contain- 
ing 28 per cent of ash, mostly kaolin or other clay. — Proc. Am. 
Pharm. Ass., 1906, v. 54. p. 346. 
Oliliger. Willard, reports squill of low extractive. — Proc. Michi- 
gan Pharm. Ass., 1906, p. 48. 
Francis, John M., thinks fluid extract of squill is deficient by reason 
of very imperfect extraction : the former menstruum was satisfactory 
and should have been retained. — Bull. Pharm.. Detroit. 1906, v. 20, 
p. 12. 
Houghton. E. M., presents a comparison of the pharmacologic 
activity of the fluid extracts of squill prepared according to the 
formulas of the L. S. P. ATI and VIII.- — J. Am. M. Ass.. Chicago, - 
1906. v. 46, pp. 1417-1420. 
