J 6     Pkarmacopccia — View  of  Analytical  Worker.     { AFebrXyPi9aosra> 
a  tingling  sensation  in  fifteen  minutes  which  will  continue  for  about 
half  an  hour.  Of  course  it  is  necessary  to  determine  the  individual 
sensitiveness  of  the  operator,  when  comparative  results  may  be 
approximated.  A  more  satisfactory  assay  is  needed  and  the  solution 
of  this  problem  may  be  found  in  the  Pharmacological  Laboratory. 
Aconitine  is  so  variable  that  uniform  results  from  its  use  can  only 
be  hoped  for  after  physiologic  assay. 
Aloin. — -The  statement  has  been  made  that  the  tests  are  too 
stringent,  and  one  manufacturer  has  marked  his  brand  «'  U.S.P. 
quality  commercially  unobtainable." 
Asafetida. — It  has  been  found  difficult  to  obtain  this  drug  with 
less  than  15  per  cent.  ash.  The  rejection  of  many  cases  by  the 
Government  chemists  has  materially  decreased  the  ash  content  on 
recent  consignments. 
Balsam  Peru. — U.S.P.  tests  must  be  followed  in  detail  as  there 
are  artificial  products  that  conform  to  nearly  every  requirement. 
A  limit  should  be  inserted  in  regard  to  length  of  time  the  green 
color  in  the  rosin  test  may  remain  without  being  called  permanent. 
Belladonna,  Hyoscyamus,  Stramonium,  Scopolia,  and  their  prepa- 
rations are  quite  accurately  and  satisfactorily  assayed  by  U.S.P. 
methods.  In  the  assay  of  the  liquid  preparations  it  is  quite  diffi- 
cult to  see  the  line  between  the  liquid  and  the  solvent.  In  perco- 
lating the  crude  drugs  for  assay,  and  in  the  case  of  extract  of  hyos- 
cyamus,  more  menstruum  is  advantageous. 
Chloroform. — Are  tests  given  sufficient  to  detect  harmful  products 
in  lots  that  are  to  be  used  for  anaesthesia  ?  A  small  per  cent,  of 
ethyl  chloride  seems  to  be  advantageous. 
Colchicnm  and  its  Preparations. — Here  we  have  a  delicate  alkaloid 
and  a  tedious  assay  method,  which  may  be  necessary,  but  I  agree 
with  Professor  LaWall,  who  says  that  he  wishes  the  man  who  origi- 
nated the  method  had  to  use  it  continually  to  make  his  living. 
Collodium. — A  test  for  tensile  strength  might  well  be  introduced. 
Copaiba. — A  shorter  test  for  turpentine  and  the  addition  of 
Turner's  test  would  be  advantageous. 
Convallaria  and  its  Preparations. — Physiologic  assay  should  be 
introduced. 
Cresol  and  its  Compound  Solution. — Color  standards  and  germicidal 
tests  should  be  adopted. 
Digitalis  and  its  Preparations. — Physiologic  assay  should  be  intro- 
duced. 
