268 
Original Communications. 
analytic experiments being made with it, he subjected a por- 
tion of the bark collected from the root of the older trees, 
(which he esteems much the strongest) to the formula first 
published by M. Henri, Jr. for extracting quinia from cin- 
chona bark; and that without carrying the process so far 
as to obtain a crystalline salt, he used the concentrated alco- 
holic solution, obtained from the precipitate thrown down by 
lime from an acidulous decoction, with the most decisive re- 
sults as to its remedial powers. 
This experiment was satisfactory evidence to his mind that 
the solution contained a vegetable principle analogous to 
quinia ; but further research at the time was incompatible 
with his professional engagements. 
ART. LV. — ON THE PRESERVATION OF MEDICINES. 
By Augustine Duhamel, Graduate of Pharmacy. 
The importance of the subject upon which I am about to 
treat, will be made apparent to every reflecting mind, as well 
as to the Apothecary, for whose perusal it is especially intend- 
ed. Indeed, when we consider the situation in which we 
stand, with regard to the confidence reposed in us, by the com- 
munity at large, the elevated rank we have attained in our 
profession, and above all the conscientious duty of relieving 
suffering humanity, it may be remarked as a matter of sur- 
prise, that so little attention has been given in this country to 
that branch of Pharmacy, relating to the proper, or best mode 
of preserving or keeping for a length of time in good condi- 
tion, our medicaments. The able authors of the United 
States Dispensatory, in treating upon the subject of Pharma- 
cy and its various branches, as connected with the cultivation 
and collection of medicinal substances, their preparation for 
