360 
LIVERPOOL CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
table acid in the orange-peel, either as a constituent of the peel, or owing to the con¬ 
tact of the peel with the orange-juice. This is probably a fact, as tincture of orange 
has, without doubt, a slightly acid reaction ; but, notwithstanding this, the fact remains 
that the quinine ordered by the Pharmacopoeia, although dissolved by the aid of a 
gentle heat, is not retained at all ordinary temperatures to which it is liable to be ex¬ 
posed ; and, as this is undoubtedly a decided disadvantage, I think some alteration 
should be made in the formula, so as to ensure a uniformity of strength under all cir¬ 
cumstances. This may be done by reducing the quantity of quinine, or by adding a 
small quantity of sulphuric acid, which, as you all know, will readily dissolve the 
quinine. I think it would be a pity to reduce the quinine, and would rather that the 
whole of it should be permanently dissolved by the addition of a sufficient quantity of 
acid. Some pharmaceutists do, I believe, use a little acid, and their tincture conse¬ 
quently contains the full proportion of quinine ; and I would mention that two samples 
I examined that contained the proper quantity of quinine gave satisfactory evidence 
that sulphuric acid had been added. Now, I would say most distinctly, that I hold 
that it is the duty of every pharmaceutist to adhere as strictly as possible to the direc¬ 
tions of the Pharmacopoeia ; not that I consider the formulae of the Pharmacopoeia to 
be always the best; but, as a point of discipline, there should be some standard autho¬ 
rity to be followed by all pharmaceutists, and for the sake of uniformity in medicines, 
without which the physician cannot depend upon the effects of his prescriptions. I 
would not therefore on any account recommend the addition of sulphuric acid in the 
preparation of tincture of quinine, unless its use was sanctioned by the compilers of the 
Pharmacopoeia ; but I think the fact of the incompleteness of the present formula 
should be brought under their notice, so that it may be remedied when convenient. I 
regret that want of time has prevented me from completing some experiments I have 
commenced with respect to this tincture, but I shall complete them shortly, and will 
then, with your permisssion, lay them before you. 
Mr. Abraham stated that he prepared tincture of quinine according to the Pharma¬ 
copoeia process, and observed no deposit under ordinary circumstances. He had known 
cases in which it had deposited quinine when kept in very cold places by his customers. 
Mr. Symes and others joined in The discussion; and, after a vote of thanks to the 
authors of the papers, the meeting closed. 
Seventh General Meeting, held on January 16th, 1868; the President in the chair. 
The ‘ Pharmaceutical Journal ’ for January was received, and thanks voted to the 
Society. 
The Secretary exhibited a specimen of nitro-glycerine, and exploded some by percus¬ 
sion. He described the process employed in its preparation. 
In answer to a question from a Member, as to the best method of making sulphur 
pastilles, Mr. Dove stated that he mixed sulphur with -^th charcoal powder, and ce¬ 
mented them with gum. 
Mr. Symes said that he had made them by fusion, but found that they melted when 
set on tire. 
The President suggested that some aromatic substance should be added. 
Mr. Symes then read the paper for the evening, entitled “ Pharmaceutical Relations.” 
He said—It is not my intention to speak to you this evening on such relations as 
uncles, aunts, and cousins, but on those circumstances and individuals by which the 
pharmaceutist is surrounded, over whom he exercises an influence and who exercise an 
influence over him in his daily avocation. It will be, perhaps, difficult in a half-hour’s 
address to do more than glance at the respective heads under which my subject na¬ 
turally divides itself. 
Perhaps in the first and most important relationship is that of the pharmaceutist to 
his business, as on the harmonious existence of this depends every other relationship ; 
and if his ability, general character, and bearing do not accord with the position he fills, 
sooner or later this fact will deveiope itself, undermining all other relationships and end 
in a non-success. 
Mr. Symes then proceeded to point out what he considered the necessary qualifications 
of a pharmaceutist, speaking particularly of the penetration, self-possession, etc., which 
must be exercised in the peculiarly trying circumstances under which he is occasionally 
