448 
NEUTRAL  ACETATE  OF  COPPER. 
contain  2  grammes  (32  grains)  of  the  hydrate,  and  decomposed 
give  1  1-3  grammes,  about  21  grains  of  chloroform. 
Upon  animals  the  injection  has  been  used  with  most  satisfac- 
tory results  ;  drowsiness  comes  on,  and  soon  perfect  stupor.  The 
effect  is  mild  and  gradual,  not  the  least  sign  of  a  stadium  excita- 
torium,  so  disagreeable  in  chloroform.  This  death-like  stupor 
was  prolonged,  according  to  the  strength  of  the  dose,  as  far  as 
18  hours  ;  upon  awakening,  the  animal  appears  in  full  possession 
of  his  faculties,  and  at  once  feeds. 
This  anaesthetic  is  applicable,  it  would  appear,  in  cases  of  in- 
somnia from  general  suffering,  mental  excitement,  and  even  in 
cases  of  insanity,  where  it  has  already  been  successfully  tested. 
Though  it  cannot  be  expected  to  supersede  either  chloroform  of 
morphine,  differing  from  both  in  its  effects  ;  we  may  confidently 
predict  for  it  a  wide  and  important  field  of  action,  and  American 
physicians  will  certainly  not  be  behind  hand  in  giving  chloral  a 
fair  test. 
So  much,  until  I  shall  be  enabled  to  send  you  Dr.  L.'s  publi- 
cation. 
Berlin,  June  8th,  1869. 
— aS'^.  Louis  Med.  and  Surg.  Journal^  July^  1869. 
IMPKOYED  PREPARATION  OF  NEUTRAL  ACETATE  OF 
COPPER. 
Five  kilos,  of  sulphate  of  copper  are  ground  to  a  fine  powder  ; 
this  having  been  done,  the  powder  is  placed  in  a  suitable  vessel, 
and  7*5  kilos,  of  liquid  ammonia  added  thereto.  After  the 
solution  is  effected,  10  kilos,  of  acetic  acid  are  added,  and  the 
vessel  containing  the  copper  solution  placed  on  a  water-bath; 
as  soon  as  crystals  are  observed  on  the  top  of  the  liquid,  the 
latter  is  strongly  stirred,  which  promotes  the  formation  of  cry- 
stals. By  this  process,  about  4  kilos,  of  neutral  acetate  of 
copper  are  obtained  from  the  above  quantity  of  sulphate,  while 
the  mother  liquor  yields  some  sub-acetate  of  copper  afterwards. 
— Qhem.  News,  Ju^e^  1869. 
