MISCELLANY. 
157 
Valerianate of Zinc. — This new preparation is extolled by some of the 
Italian physicians as a very powerful remedy in several nervous affec- 
tions. It is formed by adding the protoxide of the metal to the vegetable 
acid to saturation, and then slowly evaporating the solution. It is ad- 
ministered in the form of pill in the dose of one or two grains. In the 
Bulletino delle Sc. Mediche some cases of neuralgia successfully treated 
by it are recorded. 
Chloride of Magnesium. — This has lately been recommended as a sa- 
line aperient by Dr. Lebert. It is said to produce no injurious effect 
whatever on the stomach, and if occasionally it gives rise to any un- 
pleasant sensation, it inconveniences less than most other purgatives. 
It would also seem to favor digestion since its purgative action is fol- 
lowed by an improvement of the appetite. The mean dose as an aperient 
is 32 grammes for an adult, and half that quantity for a child of from ten 
to fourteen years of age. — Prov. Med. and Surg. Journ.,from Gaz. Med. 
de Paris. 
Confectio Ferri Composita. — Mr. Heathcote, of Gosport, gives us a 
a formula, which, he says, is in frequent use in Bath. The " Clinkers'* 
may^be readily got at any blacksmith's forge. 
Take of Clinker, freed from all impurities and reduced to an 
impalpable powder 8 ounces 
Carbonate of Magnesia - - - - ^ an ounce 
Powdered Ginger 1 drachm 
Treacle a sufficient quantity to form the whole into an electuary. 
Lond. Medico-Chirur gical Review. 
Preparation of Benzoic Mid By Prof. Wohler. — Pulverized ben- 
zoin resin is dissolved, with the assistance of heat, in about an equal 
volume of highly rectified alcohol, and the solution mixed while hot, but 
gradually, with so much fuming muriatic acid that the resin begins to 
be precipitated. The mass is then submitted to distillation. The ben- 
zoic acid passes over in the form of benzoic ether. The distillation is 
carried on as long as the consistence of the mass admits; when it he- 
comes too thick, it is allowed to cool a little, hot water added to it, and 
again distilled as long as any ether passes over. The water remaining* 
in the retort is, when clear, poured off boiling-hot from the resin; on 
cooling it deposits benzoic acid, probably derived from benzoic ether. 
The product obtained is digested with caustic potash until the whole 
of the ether is decomposed, finally heated to boiling, and saturated 
with muriatic acid, wheu the benzoic acid separates in crystals on cool- 
ing. 
