BRITISH PHARMACEUTICAL CONFERENCE. 
G67 
131. On the flavour of Castor Oil. Why is Italian castor-oil less unpalatable than 
other commercial varieties ? Accepted by H. Groves. 
132. On the processes for estimating Nitrite of Soda. By C. R. C. Ticiiborne. 
Subjects relating to Adulterations , Impurities , and Faults of Manufacture. 
A Committee of five gentlemen—Dr. Attfield, of London ; Mr. T. B. Groves, of Wey¬ 
mouth ; Mr. B. S. Proctor, of Grey Street, Newcastle ; Mr. F. M. Rimmington, of Brad¬ 
ford ; and Mr. F. Sutton, of Bank Plain, Norwich—has the general charge of these sub¬ 
jects relating to the purity of medicines. Either member of the Committee will be glad 
to receive directly, or through the General Secretaries, authentic specimens of substances 
whose examination would tend to throw light on the questions. The analysis of such 
specimens will be free of cost. 
54. Large quantities of cotton-seed oil are expressed in this country, and used for ad¬ 
mixture with other oils. What are the properties of cotton-seed oil, and can it be used 
in pharmacy ? Accepted by R. Reynolds. 
55. Essential oils, their adulterations by turpentine, and tests of purity. Accepted by 
H. S. Evans. 
58. Report on the strength and purity of diluted and undiluted officinal acids. Ac¬ 
cepted by I). H. Jay. 
50. Report on the strength and purity of the alkaline solutions (Potash, Ammonia, 
etc.), met with in pharmacy. Accepted by D. H. Jay. 
GO. Report on the various James’s Powders. Accepted by W. T. Fewtrell. 
61. The composition of the bottled Mineral Waters of Commerce. Accepted by II. 
Matthews. 
62. On the Calamine and Oxide of Zinc of Pharmacy. Accepted by R. H. Davis. 
63. Report on the purity of commercial Iodides and Bromides, other than the Iodide 
of Potassium. Accepted byH. Matthews. 
67. Report on the strength and condition of commercial specimens of such mercurial 
preparations as Mercury with Chalk, Mercurial Ointment, etc. Accepted by J. Coup¬ 
land. 
70. On commercial Pepsine. Accepted by J. C. Brough and J. C. Braitiiwaite. 
75. Examination of various specimens of Citrate of Iron and Quinine. Continued by 
J. C. Braitiiwaite. 
76. Chloroform, Ether, Sweet Spirits of Nitre, and Sal Volatile are often prepared 
from Methylated Spirit. Required, tests or reliable methods whereby they may be 
proved to have been so prepared. Accepted by J. Tuck. 
77. Report on the purity of commercial Tartar Emetic. Accepted by J. C. Brough. 
81. Report on the purity of commercial powders of ginger and cinchona. By F. M. 
Rimmington. 
Several other papers are promised. 
It is hoped that each member of the British Pharmaceutical Conference will suggest 
subjects for investigation, work upon subjects suggested by himself or by others, 
contribute information tending to throw light on questions relating to adulterations and 
impurities, collect and forward specimens whose examination would afford similar in¬ 
formation, or in some other ivay to aid in the advancement of pharmacy. Any new facts 
that are discovered during an investigation may be at once published by an author at any 
meeting of a scientific society, in any scientific journal, or in any other way he may 
desire ; in that case he is expected to send a short report on the subject to the annual 
meeting. 
The current list of subjects requiring investigation is sent to members immediately 
after their election, and a new list immediately after every annual meeting. The list for 
1864-1865, containing several questions at present unaccepted, can be obtained of either 
of the Honorary General Secretaries—Dr. Attfield, 17, Bloomsbury Square, London, 
W.C., and Mr. R. Reynolds, F.C.S., 13, Briggate, Leeds; or of the Local Secretary, Mr. 
W. Southall, jun v 17, Bull Street, Birmingham. 
The future annual meetings will probably be held at the time and place of the visit 
of the British Association. 
Gentlemen desiring to join the Conference must be nominated by two Members. The 
yearly subscription is five shillings, due in advance, on the 1st of July. 
