480 
of administering salicylates will invariably prevent or even reduce 
. kidney irritation, the simultaneous administration of sodium bicar- 
bonate with salicjdates is nevertheless advisable. — Tlierap. d. 
Gegenw., Berl., 1906, v. 47, pp. 185-190. 
Croftan, Alfred C., states that salicylic acid preparations, includ- 
ing sodium salicylate, are next in importance to opium in the treat- 
ment of diabetes. — X. York M. J., 1906, v. 84, p. 687. 
Additional references will be found in the Index Medicus, the J. 
Am. M, Ass. and in Merck's Ann. Rep. 
SODII SULPHAS. 
Ecldy, J. A., (Engineering and Mining Journal) discusses the com- 
position of the waters of some soda springs in Xew Mexico. The 
waters of these springs contain 3.13 pounds of dry solid matter to the 
gallon, and of this upward of 83 per cent is sodium sulphate. — Oil, 
Paint, and Drug Rep., 1906, v. 69, May 7, pp. 38. 
Gane, E, H., says that exsiccated sodium sulphate frequently con- 
tains dirt and foreign matter owing to careless drying. — Proc. Am. 
Pharm. Ass., 1906, v. 54, p. 345. 
Maberlv, J., (Lancet, Lond., Xov. 10) thinks that sulphate of 
sodium has an action in addition to that of a mere aperient and liver 
stimulant, strongly pointing to its action as an intestinal antiseptic. — 
J. Am. M. Ass., 1906, v. 47, p. 1961. 
Pfaif and Xelson found that sodium sulphate and sodium phosphate 
increased the peristalsis and induced watery discharges, the sulphate 
increasing the peristalsis of the stomach more markedly than did the 
phosphate. — Ibid., v. 47, p. 1821. 
Merck, E., presents an exhaustive paper on the fate of the purga- 
tive sulphates in the small intestine, to which he appends an exhaust- 
ive bibliography. TTith reference to sulphate of magnesia, he thinks 
the intervention of a factor other than that of osmotic tension is in- 
contestable. For the solutions under discussion the purgative of 
choice acting with least harm to the jejunum will be the sulphate 
of soda in isotonic or slightly hypertonic solution.— Arch, internat. de 
pharmacod. et de therap., Par., 1906. v. 16, pp. 301-340. 
SODII SULPHIS. 
The Ph. Brit. Committee of Reference in Pharmacy report on 
sodium sulphite says: 
The volumetric test is best performed by adding the sulphite to iodiue solu- 
tion and titrating back with thiosulphate solution. The Ph. Brit, standard is 
too high. — Chem. & Drug., Loud., 1906, v. 69. p. 865. 
Patch, E. L.. reports that 4 samples of dried sodium sulphite varied 
in composition and that 100 parts represented from 137 to 167 of the 
