158 
BRITISH PHARMACEUTICAL CONFERENCE. 
chamomile flowers. The details of extraction of essential oils were then given and 
some remarks made on the rotation of medico-agricultural crops.” 
Mr. D. Hanbury said it was well known that the volatile oil of chamomile flowers 
had a sky-blue colour when freshly drawn, gradually acquiring a sherry colour in a few 
months. Some oil, said to he freshly made, had been shown him which had a sherry 
colour already. Did not this suggest that the growers distilled the whole plant in 
some cases ? He knew that the plant was rooted up and sent to market for making 
extract instead of the flowers. 
“ON THE PREPARATION OF SMALL QUANTITIES OF CONCENTRATED 
INFUSIONS. BY MR. T. GRUNDY. 
[. Abstract .] 
“The finely comminuted materials are infused in the requisite quantity of boiling 
water, and the mixture then percolated in a little jacketed tin percolator, kept hot by 
a current of steam from a small tin boiler. The first portion of the product is set 
aside, and the second and third reduced in bulk by evaporation. The three are then 
mixed, and spirit added, in the proportion of three to seventeen. Two or three of 
the infusions require special preparation ; linseed cannot be so treated, and infusions 
requiring temperatures between those of cold and boiling water require the aid of a 
thermometer.” 
The President took the opportunity of offering a word of advice to those dispensers 
of medicine who had not a frequent demand for infusions. Let them not be tempted 
to make the substitution by the convenience of the concentrated preparations, for the 
patient could nearly always distinguish the difference, and there was no cause which 
so frequently led to comparisons, to the disadvantage of the person using these prepa¬ 
rations for dispensing. 
“ON FOTENTILLA TORMENTILLA. BY MR. JOHN ADAMS, LOUGHBOROUGH. 
[. Abstract .] 
“ The author gave a short history of the plant, and drew attention to its peculiar 
value as a no ^-stimulating astringent and febrifuge. In the event of its being again 
introduced into the Pharmacopoeia, he proposed formulae for a tincture and infusion, 
and exhibited a specimen of the former to the meeting.” 
Dr. Parkinson remarked that the roots were in favour as an astringent remedy for 
cattle in the north of England. 
(End of Second Day's Meeting.) 
THIRD SITTING-. 
Friday, September 1C th, 9.30, a.m. 
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE CONFERENCE TO CONSIDER 
THE SUBJECT OF THE PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTAL POISONING. 
The prevention of accidental poisoning, or of accident in any shape, connected with 
the very responsible duties of a chemist, cannot fail of itself to be a matter of the 
deepest interest, and we do not wonder that the subject should have engaged the 
thoughtful attention of so many of our brethren throughout the kingdom. 
Hitherto, no satisfactory conclusions appear to have been arrived at, but the inves¬ 
tigations of your Committee show that the subject is worthy the consideration of every 
one who values human life, and would desire to put an end to the recurrence of those 
sad domestic tragedies from “accidental poisoning.” 
On the present interesting occasion, when so many of our brethren are assembled to 
meet and welcome to our city the noble and scientific institution, the British Asso¬ 
ciation, we think there cannot be a more befitting moment to discuss the grave and 
all-important matter which is this morning to engage our attention. 
Erom the wide range of subjects that come within our notice, and the mental and 
moral diversities of character with which we have to deal, we cannot expect uniformity 
of action, yet we would fain hope that from the long and continuous attention we have 
