AFebi^TyPimsm'}      Pharmacopoeia — View  of  Analytical  Worker.  77 
Etgot. — As  this  drug  is  often  partly  or  completely  inert,  physio- 
logic assays  should  be  introduced. 
Fluid  Extracts. — The  popular  idea  that  1  c.c.  of  a  fluid  extract 
represents  1  gramme  of  drug  is  fallacious  in  the  case  of  assayed 
fluid  extracts.  Very  rarely  does  this  class  conform  to  this  standard, 
as  they  are  adjusted  to  the  alkaloidal  assay  strength,  irrespective  of 
the  amount  of  drug.  On  a  large  scale,  the  formulae  and  propor- 
tions given  in  the  Pharmacopoeia  are  not  always  ideal  for  larger 
quantities. 
Gelsemium. — This  drug  seems  to  vary  in  wide  limits  both  in 
action  and  in  alkaloidal  strength.    An  assay  should  be  introduced. 
Thyroid  and  Suprarenal  Glands  should  both  be  tested  physio- 
logically. 
Malt. — An  assay  for  starch  converting  power  should  be  intro- 
duced, as  many  commercial  grades  are  inert. 
Musk. — An  odor  limit  test  is  advisable. 
Nux  vomica. —  This  assay  is  long  and  tedious  and  perhaps  not 
ideal,  especially  where  the  oxidation  of  brucine  takes  place.  Even 
with  great  care  and  seemingly  like  conditions,  one  sample  may  turn 
red  much  faster,  and  this  has  led  us  to  modify  the  method  to  the 
extent  of  adding  1  c.c.  of  a  5  per  cent,  solution  of  sodium  nitrite 
immediately  after  adding  the  nitric  acid.  This  insures  complete 
destruction  of  brucine. 
Ethereal  Oil. — The  yield  is  so  variable  by  U.S. P.  method  and  the 
value  so  questionable,  that  it  might  be  eliminated. 
Oils  of  Birch  and  Wintergreen. — More  efficient  tests  for  artificial 
methyl  salicylate  are  imperative.  Tests  for  ortho  and  meta  creasotic 
acids  which  may  be  present  in  synthetic  products,  might  aid  in  the 
detection. 
Oil  of  Hedeoma. — It  is  said  that  pure  oils  have  an  optical  rota- 
tion as  high  as  -f  25 °.  Certain  it  is  that  if  the  maximum  of  -j-  22 
were  raised  3 0 ,  it  would  include  many  more  samples  that  are  now 
being  offered. 
Oil  of  Linum.— -The  solubility  in  absolute  alcohol  is  given  far  too 
high.  The  freshness  of  the  oil  seems  to  render  it  more  soluble,  but 
from  oil  expressed  and  immediately  tested,  the  solubility  will  not 
come  in  the  limits.  Many  samples  require  over  25  parts  for  solution. 
Oil  of  Tar. — A  specific  gravity  of  -892  is  exceedingly  low,  and 
the  yield  of  this  grade  of  oil  is  very  meager. 
