IB 
THE PHAEMACEUTTC-^l JOURNAL AND TRANSACTIONS. 
[July GJUJ 
In the second part we have a clear and explicit de¬ 
scription of the Yapores—Inhalations, and their mode 
of use,—(1) as medicated steam inhalations, (2) cold in¬ 
halations, (3) atomized inhalations (which are to be 
applied by means of a spray apparatus), and (4) fuming 
inhalations, these are produced from nitrated papers 
which are to be ignited and the smoke inhaled. The 
Eclectic Inhaler devised and recommended by the editor 
is also described. As an example of the style of the 
formula) we take the following for Vapor Cajuputi. 
“ Take of 
Oil of Cajuput.20 to 30 minims. 
Light Carbonate of Magnesia 15 grains. 
Water to.3 fluid ounces.’ 5 
Mix. 
“A tcaspoonful in a pint of water at 150° F. for each 
inhalation.” 
The magnesia is added to keep the oil mechanically 
subdivided; but we think its use is chemically objection¬ 
able. Most volatile oils have an acid reaction, and, 
therefore, form compounds with magnesia which are 
non-volatile. 
Acetic Acid Inhalation is directed to be prepared by 
taking Acetic Acid, B.P., and Glacial Acetic Acid, of 
each one drachm, and adding to a pint of water at 140° 
F. As Glacial Acetic Acid is exactly three times the 
strength of Acetic Acid, B.P., we are unable to perceive 
the advantage that such a mixture as above has over 
half a fluid ounce of Acidum Aceticum, B.P. 
Under the head of poultices, caustics, plasters, gargles, 
mixtures, etc., appear the usual formulae By the way, 
we may remark there is no such preparation as “Emplas- 
trum Roborans, B.P.” The term “ aqua ” is applied 
to solutions intended to be sprayed unto the affected part 
by means of the atomizer, c. g. alum 80 grains, distilled 
water 10 fluid ounces, form “Aqua aluminis.” But the 
most objectionable nomenclature occurs in usurping the 
term “ collyrium,” which is now universally understood to 
be an eye lotion, and applying it to a solution for topi¬ 
cal application to the throat by means of a brush. As 
“Collyrium Argenti Nitratis” contains “60 grains of 
salt in the fluid ounce of water ”! whereas that for the 
eye is rarely used above the strength of 4 or 6 grains to 
the ounce, the danger of mistaking one for the other is 
apparent. “ Pigmentum” would be abetter designation 
for such a preparation, and as it has to be applied by 
means of a brush, this would be a consistent term to 
use, although it is generally applied to iodine applica¬ 
tions only. 
Mistura Catliartica is made more vile than Mistura 
Senna) Composita by the addition of carbonate of mag¬ 
nesia and oil of peppermint, and the omission of extract 
of liquorice and the tinctures in the B.P. fornmla. The 
following is the formula for “ Linctus Scilla) 
“ Take of 
Compound spirits of ammonia \ a fluid ounce. 
Wine of ipecacuanha ... 2 fluid drams. 
Oxymel of squills to ... 3 fluid ounces. 
Mix. Dose, 1 fluid dram.” 
To avoid all danger of an explosion it will be necessary 
to dispense it in two bottles, or let the effervescence cease 
before bottling it. 
Pure chlorate of potash will not dissolve to the extent 
of 24 grains in the ounce of water at ordinary tempera¬ 
tures, as in Gargarisma Potassa) Chloratis; but equal 
parts of tannic acid and water form a perfect solution if 
the tannic acid be pure—see Gargarisma Acidi Tarnici 
Forte. The suspension mentioned will be impurity. 
Among the various formulae we cannot conceive the 
utility of the following for Mistura Ferri et Ammonite : — 
“Take of. 
Ammcnio-citratc of iron . . 60 grains. 
Water.12 fluid ounces. 
Dissolve. Dose, 1 fluid ounce.” 
It merely signifies that citrate of iron and ammonia may 
be given in five grain doses. The same remarks apply 
to Mistura Sod;e Hypophosphitis, Mistura Aconiti, and 
Mistura Acidi Hydrocyanici. 
Such misnomers as compound spirit*.of ammonia, for 
aromatic spirit of ammonia, rectified spirit? of wine, and 
spirits of chloroform strike us forcibly, especially in a 
Pharmacopoeia. We find “spirits of chloroform, <cther, 
each \ fluid ounce,” which leaves us in doubt whether 
ether or spirit of ether is intended. The English word 
ether we find thrice spelt as above, and once riher. 
There are twelve formula) for lozenges, all of which, 
except that for Trochisci Acidi Carbolici, have fruit paste 
as a basis for medication. In most of the formula) it is 
called “ blade currant paste,” in others, “ red. currant 
paste ;” which it is the compiler appears to be in doubt, 
but in a note he states the “ lozenge manufacturers are- 
quite conversant” with it. Trochisi Cubeba) are stated 
to “closely resemble the Brown’s Bronchial Troches,, 
which have so much reputation both in America and 
Europe, but black currant paste is employed, and less 
gum and sugar.” Similar editorial notes are appended 
to many of the formula). 
On the therapeutical value of this Pharmacopoeia wo 
can offer no opinion, but the high professional reputa¬ 
tion in which the editor is held will be sufficient 
guarantee for the work in this respect,—throat diseases 
having been a speciality to which ho has directed 
much attention. Wo regret, however, that the little- 
book has not been more carefully compiled, as an 
accurate mind will have its faith much shaken in 
what is novel and good ; it would have been much more 
useful if more generally correct. 
gtotts antr (fluents. 
*** In order to facilitate reference, correspondents are 
requested to mark their answers in each case with the title 
atul number of the query referred to. 
No notice can be taken of anonymous communications. 
All queries or answers should be accompanied by the name 
and address of the writer. 
COD LIVER OIL AND ESSENCE OF EUCALYP¬ 
TUS.—M. Duquesnel states ( Journ . de Tharm. et de 
Chimie [4] xv. 383) that cod-liver oil, flavoured with 
essence of eucalyptol in the proportion of one gram of 
essence to one thousand grams of oil, has neither the 
taste nor the odour of cod-liver oil. It is taken with 
facility, only leaving at the back of the mouth and on 
the tongue the taste of the essence which it contains. 
He adds that the malodorous eructations, so disagreeable 
when arising from cod-liver oil, are completely modified*. 
[317.]—BROWN HAIR DYE. — In answer to 
F. B. J., the acetate of lead will dissolve easily in six 
ounces of cold water, and the hyposulphite of soda in 
the remaining eight—boiling. — John Tully, East 
Grinstead. 
[319.]—ADULTERATKDN OF OLIVE OIL.—Can 
any gentlemen oblige me with a test for the detection of 
any animal matter in olive oil.—A. P. S. (Exeter). 
The following journals have been received:—The ‘ British 
Medical Journal,’ June 29; the ‘ Medical Times and Gazette, 
June 29; the ‘Lancet,’ June 29; the ‘Medical Press and 
Circular, June 29; ‘ Nature,’ June 29 ; the 4 Chemical News,’ 
June 29; 4 English Mechanic,’ June 29; ‘Gardeners’ 
Chronicle,’ June 29; the 4 Grocer,’ June 29; the ‘Journal of 
the Society of Arts,’ June 29; 4 Grocery News,’ June 29; 
‘Journal of Applied Science’ for July; ‘The Doctor’ for 
July; ‘Neues Jahrbuch fiir Pharmacie’ for March and 
April; 4 British Journal of Dental Science’; ‘Medical and 
Surgical Beporter,’ No. 791; the 4 Lancaster Guardian’for 
June 29. 
