A  m.  J  our.  Phar m .  \ 
September,  1908.  j 
Progress  in  Pharmacy. 
447 
Melting  Point  of  Resorcin. — The  melting  point  of  resorcin  is  var- 
iously given  as  being  from  no°  to  1190  C,  the  latter  figure  being 
that  included  in  the  U.S.P. 
The  German  Pharmacopoeia  gives  the  melting  point  of  this  sub- 
stance as  varying  from  1 10  to  1 1 1,  and  this  has  recently  been  demon- 
strated to  be  correct,  by  C.  T.  Bennett,  who  found  the  melting  point 
of  ordinarily  pure  resorcin  to  be  1 1 1  while  the  melting  point  of  a 
purified  specimen,  recrystallized  from  benzole,  was  found  to  be  no. 
(Phar.Jour.,  1908,  page  758.) 
Mexican  Poppy  Seed  Oil. — The  seeds  of  Argemone  Mexicana  yield 
37  per  cent,  of  a  fixed  oil  that  is  said  to  have  cathartic  properties.  It 
is  said  that  this  oil  has  long  been  in  use  in  India  as  an  external  remedy 
for  itch,  ringworm  and  skin  diseases  generally,  as  well  as  for  head- 
ache following  exposure  to  the  sun.  (The  Chem.  and  Drug.,  June 
13,  1908,  page  896.) 
Acetatoxyl,  as  its  name  indicates,  is  an  acetyl  combination  of  atoxyl 
It  occurs  as  a  white  crystalline  powder  that  contains  from  3  to  4 
molecules  of  water  of  crystalization  and  is  readily  soluble  in  10 
parts  of  water,  it  is  much  more  readily  soluble  in  hot  water. 
Acetylatoxyl  is  not  easily  decomposed  and  solutions  of  it  can  be 
sterilized  by  boiling.  It  is  said  to  be  similar  to  atoxyl  in  action  and 
efficiency  and  may  be  given,  subcutaneously,  in  daily  doses  of  0"6 
gramme.    (Phar.  Zetigy  1908,  page  608.) 
Arsacetin  is  a  trade  name  given  to  acetylatoxyl,  the  acetyl  com- 
bination of  atoxyl. 
Agaroma  is  a  preparation  of  agar-agar  that  is  being  marketed  as 
a  cure  for  constipation.  The  preparation  is  supplied  with  various 
aromas  and  is  said  to  be  quite  agreeable.  (Slid.  Dent.  Apotli.  Zeit'g, 
1908,  page  382). 
Regulin,  a  mixture  of  dry  agar-agar  with  an  extract  of  Cascara 
Sagrada,  has  been  marketed  in  this  country  for  some  time.  It  would 
appear  to  be  similar  in  properties  and  action  to  the  mixture 
described  above.  j 
Diaspirin  is  said  to  be  the  succinic  acid  ester  of  salicylic  acid.  It 
occurs  as  a  white,  crystalline  powder,  having  a  slightly  acid  taste, 
and  melts  from  1760  to  1800. 
It  is  only  slightly  soluble  in  water,  bat  much  more  readily  soluble 
in  alcohol,  acetone  or  glacial  acetic  acid. 
Diaspirin  may  be  given  in  all  cases  where  salicylic  acid  is  indi- 
cated.   It  is  said  to  be  an  active  diaphoretic.    May  be  given  in 
