664 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
in tlie February number of the Journal, 
appeals to me to give bim an assurance re¬ 
specting the amount of hydrocyanic acid 
contained in chlorodyne. This being our 
busy season, I have not, at present, had an 
opportunity of repeating the analysis, nor 
do I think there is really any necessity, as 
the amount given has been arrived at, after 
examining many bottles of the original com¬ 
pound. 
I may, however, say, that the percentage 
of hydrocyanic acid (possibly owing to its 
volatility) is not always identical. The first 
sample I examined was taken from the large 
dispensing bottle, which had been opened, 
perhaps a score of times, and this contained 
less acid than a recently opened bottle taken 
from stock, and this latter again differed 
from a new supply especially obtained for 
examination. 
Edward Smith. 
Torquay. 
Sale of “ Vermin Killers —In reply to 
several correspondents on this subject, we 
may observe that the legal question is one 
for a lawyer to decide; hut we subjoin an 
extract from the letter of a correspondent 
on the same subject, which we think a fair 
interpretation of the Act in relation to the 
point in question. “ It appears to me that 
the question rests on this point, viz. whether 
you sell sheep dipping as a ‘preparation of 
arsenic,’ or as a compound containing a 
poison, within the meaning of the Pharmacy 
Act 1868, prepared for the destruction of 
vermin. As it is a secret preparation, I am 
not bound to know whether it is arsenic or 
corrosive sublimate that it contains, and I 
can therefore treat it as either, or as a vermin 
killer. A poison label, without registration, 
I think is sufficient in cases of poisons in 
packets for specified purposes, to prevent 
misadventure,” 
“An Associate” (Canterbury).—In the 
case referred to, the “ poison label ” is un¬ 
necessary, see “Regulations” in the Feb¬ 
ruary number. Clause 3. Dispensing. 
‘Rhamnus catharticus,” alkanet root is 
used for the pupose. 
“ Garlande ” (Colombo).—The examina¬ 
tions must be passed in this country. 
W. L. G-. —Yes; in the ease referred to, 
the individual has been a member of the 
Society for many years, and every member 
is a Pharmaceutical Chemist. 
T. C. L. (Chatham).—No; see reply to 
“ An Associate,” above. 
“ A Member by Klection” (Hertford).— 
The regulations referred to are legally in 
force. See note above on the “ Sale of Ver¬ 
min Killers.” 
“ Gomer” (Burnley).—Patent medicines 
are exempted. 
JR. H. (Wisbeach).—“ Microcosmic salt” 
was obtained by the early chemists from 
urine, hence, probably, its name, as man 
was called the microcosm, or little world, 
see “ The last will and testament of Basil 
Valentine, printed in the year 1671.” The 
significance of the term will be seen from 
its application in the following passage from 
Ralegh:—“Because in the little frame of 
man’s body there is a representation of the 
universal, and (by allusion) a kind of par¬ 
ticipation of all the parts there, therefore 
was man called Microcosmos, or the little 
world.”— History of the World. 
W. A. S. (Leicester) should apply to the 
Secretary for a copy of the ‘ Regulations of 
the Board of Examiners.’ 
J. S. S., who wishes for information re¬ 
specting the sale of spirit of wine for me¬ 
dicinal purposes, is referred to Vol. VII. 
(n. s.), p. 467. (3) No. 1. 
“ Eesurgam” (Coventry).—A knowledge 
of both systems is required. 
“A Chemist ” (York) has sent a com¬ 
munication on the “Patent Medicine Li¬ 
cence,” but we think he will admit, on re¬ 
ferring to the proceedings of the Council, as 
reported in our last number, at page 511, 
that the resolution then passed renders the 
publication of his letter, and others of a 
similar purport, unnecessary. 
“ Inquirer ” wishes to have a formula for 
making syrupus ferri calcis et sodae phos¬ 
phate. 
T. S. (Merthyr Tydfil).—In making in¬ 
fusions with boiling water, the vessel should 
not be kept hot during the process, by 
placing it near a fire, but allowed to cool, by 
the radiation of the heat. 
J. C. (Newcastle).—Very uncertain. 
G. W. —We think the label as sent, with 
the word “ only ” struck out, would be safe. 
We cannot answer the question respecting 
“ Whelpton’s pills,” as much would depend 
upon the circumstances under which they 
were sold. If sold under that name, and 
advertised as a proprietary medicine, or re¬ 
commended for the cure of any disease, we 
believe they could not be legally sold in any 
quantity without a stamp. 
C. J. C. (Greenwich).—(1) Burnt sugar. 
(2) j Rhus copallina. 
C. —See reply to J. S. S. above. 
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