REVIEWS. 
93 
We give only one of the several notes which follow this table, namely, that relating 
to Quinine :— 
“ 168. Quinine is a white crystalline powder, which is sparingly dissolved even by hot 
water, but dissolves easily in alcohol. Ether does not dissolve it so easily. Its solution 
is very bitter, and is alkaline to test-papers. 
“ If quinine be dissolved in diluted sulphuric acid, and the solution mixed with water 
and examined by daylight in a test-tube, it will be found to exhibit a very pretty shade 
of blue when in certain positions, though it appears quite colourless when held directly 
between the eye and the light. 
“ This fluorescence is very characteristic, and maybe seen even in dilute solutions. 
“ Sulphate (or basic sulphate) of quinine forms very light silky needles, Avhich are very 
bitter, and will not dissolve, even in boiling water, unless a little sulphuric or hydro¬ 
chloric acid is added. 
“ If sulphate of quinine is adulterated with salicine, it assumes a red colour when 
moistened with strong sulphuric acid. 
“ To detect the presence of cinchonine, the sulphate is shaken in a test-tube (or small 
stoppered bottle) with ammonia and ether, when pure sulphate of quinine entirely dis¬ 
solves, the solution separating into two layers; whilst any cinchonine, being insoluble 
in ether, separates on the surface of the lower (aqueous) layer.” 
The student who, taking this book as his guide, works out the examination of the im¬ 
mense number of substances of all sorts that are given as examples for practice, cannot 
fail in doing so, to acquire a very considerable practical knowledge of chemistry, which 
will form the best and soundest foundation for subsequent studies in this department of 
science. 
An Introduction to the Elements op Pharmacy, or the “Minor and Major 
Examinations.” A Guide to the Principal Points in Materia Medica, Botany, 
Chemistry, Pharmacy, Prescriptions, and Practical Dispensing. By F. Harwood 
Lescher, Pereira Medallist. London: John Churchill and Sons, New Burlington 
Street. 1869. 
It is with no ordinary pleasure that we welcome this new handbook of Pharmacy 
—the second that has appeared in the course of the present year from the same au¬ 
thor—a former distinguished student of the Pharmaceutical Society, and a Pereira Me¬ 
dallist. 
The author in his preface states that “ the work is intended as a guide to the salient 
points in the six departments of study, and to act also as an aid to the remembrance of 
the main heads of what may have been the objects of a course of lectures; and, by 
exciting the interest of the student, to induce him to devote more time and attention 
to practical experiment and to serious study. Its aim may be given in two words— 
suggestions to the mind ; assistance to the memory.” 
The six departments of study thus treated of as those generally read up during a 
curriculum of Pharmacy, are—Materia Medica, Botany, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pre¬ 
scriptions, and Practical Dispensing. The essential character of the work is the 
columnar or tabular arrangement, and the subjects are treated of in the order as just 
placed. The author lays great stress upon the importance of a good knowledge of 
Materia Medica as the basis upon which to build up a sound scientific and practical 
educational structure. This subject is therefore treated of in the first place somewhat 
fully—under the following six heads :—1. Characteristics of the Pharmacopoeia Materia 
Medica. 2. Articles of Materia Medica, non-officinal. 3. Animal Materia Medica. 4. 
Medicinal Plants. 5. Groupings of the Geographical Sources of the Pharmacopoeia 
Materia Medica. 6. Adulterations. 
In order that our readers may form a clear estimate of the author’s mode of arrange¬ 
ment, and of his powers of description and treatment, w r e will take an illustration from 
the “ Characteristics of the Pharmacopoeia Materia Medica,” as follows 
