DETECTION OF TRACES OF PRUSSIC ACID. 83 
hemp seed to that of a hazel nut, and here and there were 
firm, dark coagula. The cysts contained a thin, pale, straw- 
coloured fluid and presented on their interior a smooth shin¬ 
ing surface, not unlike a serous membrane. The superficial 
zone of the tumour presented a bluish-black appearance, 
and on section imparted to the hand a gritty sensation, but 
no such resistance was felt in the other portion of the 
growth. 
The central portion of the growth was chiefly made up of 
decolourised fibrine, being the remains of coagula. 
Microscopically examined it was found in great part, to 
consist of spindle-shaped cells, and in a less degree of round, 
colourless elements. The spindle-shaped cells had undergone 
more or less colloid degeneration, and in numerous instances 
were completely broken up. Free colloid matter was also 
found in irregular masses scattered through the field, as well 
as numerous calcified corpuscles. 
The specimen belongs to that class of growths known as 
connective-tissue formations, a type of tumour not uncom¬ 
monly found in the situation named, and also to greater 
or less extent in almost every other part of the body. 
DETECTION OF TRACES OF PRUSSIC ACID. 
By Charles Sheathek, M.R.C.V.S., London. 
My attention was attracted to this subject on finding, in 
the January number of the Veterinarian , the same test 
introduced twice, viz., on page 28 and again on page 45. The 
mistake of publishing it twice can be easily understood; it 
was drawn from two sources,; the authorities in each 
paragraph are given. In the one the test is quoted directly 
from the i Polytechnisches Notizblatt,’ in the other from 
the ‘ Chemist and Druggist,’ which, however, in the body 
of the paragraph, acknowledges the original source. The 
paragraph on page 45 commences, “ Bottger has devised a 
lecture experiment, &c.” This seems to imply that the 
experiment is original; but, however, if the fourth edition 
of e Chemistry; General, Medical, and Pharmaceutical,’ 
by Professor Attfield, be consulted (page 282 ), there will be 
found a test differing but very little (excepting the strength 
of the solution of sulphate of copper employed) from 
Bottger’s experiment; it is designated “Schonbein’s Test 
hi. 7 
