TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
679 
diagnosis ; and description of minute structural characters for their own sake, is not 
only superfluous, but an actual waste of time which would be better devoted to other 
subjects. The microscopical characters of Rhubarb observes Dr. H., afford no informa¬ 
tion as to quality at all comparable in value to the simple tests of odour and appearance 
which the fractured drug presents to notice. 
In looking through the pages of Dr. Henkel’s Handbook, there is abundant evidence 
that the materials scattered through the pharmaceutical journals of Europe have been 
carefully studied—and it is in this character that is to be found the great difference 
between German works on Materia Medica and those which have of late appeared in 
this country. 
Of Dr, Fliickiger’s work, of which the first part only has appeared, we can speak with 
much satisfaction, our only regret being that it is in German instead of in English. 
Neither it nor the other works we have reviewed say anything as to the medicinal pro¬ 
perties of drugs nor do they enumerate or describe the pharmaceutical preparations into 
which each drug enters. In fact they are purely pharmacological, in this character 
approaching more nearly those of the older writers on drugs, such as Pomet, Dale, 
Geoffroy, Alston, Hill, etc., than to those modern works designed to meet the wants of 
two classes of readers, the medical and pharmaceutical. 
BOOKS RECEIVED. 
On the Use of Chlorine in the Treatment of Asiatic Cholera and Choleraic 
Diarrhcea. By William M. Dobie, M.D. Edin. 
In this pamphlet Dr. Dobie narrates the results of his experience of the value of 
chlorine as a remedy for cholera in the recent epidemic at Chester, The experience 
thus gained by him certainly calls for its more extended use, in order that the true value 
of chlorine in cholera may be properly tested. 
Chemistry, Inorganic and Organic, with Experiments and a Comparison of 
Equivalent and Molecular Formula. By Charles Loudon Bloxam, Professor 
of Practical Chemistry in King’s College, London, etc. etc. London: John Churchill 
and Sons, New Burlington Street. 1867. Pp. 676. 
The Poisons of the Spreading Diseases. By Benjamin W. Richardson, M.A., 
M.D., etc. London : John Churchill and Sons, New Burlington Street. 1867. 
(Pamphlet.) 
to correspondents. 
Persons having seceded from the Society may be restored to their former status on 
payment of arrears of subscription and the registration fee of the current year. 
Those who were Associates before the 1st of July, 1842, are privileged (as Founders 
of the Society) to become Members without examination. 
G. P. (Portsmouth).—“Watch-maker’s oil.” Olive oil from which the stearine has 
been separated by freezing. 
X. I. T. (Bishopwearmouth).—“Chlorodyne.” The composition of this remedy has 
not been made public, but the formulae for several imitations have been published. See 
Pharm. Journ. Vol. III. (2nd. Series) p. 584; also Squire’s ‘Companion to the British 
Pharmacopoeia.’ 
“ Glycerine and Lime Cream .’’'—A correspondent, J. C. IL, sends the following 
formula:— 
p, 01. Amygd, Dulc. f .^xvj 
Aq, Calcis f ^viij 
Tinct. Cantharidis f ^j. 
Mix and add perfume with a little glycerine, if desired. 
