190 
THE  PRESERVATION  OF  LEECHES. 
early  a  stage  in  the  existence  of  their  own  Society,  and  they 
see,  in  this  circumstance,  evidence  that  their  American  brethren 
are  watchful  observers  of  all  endeavors  for  the  advancement  of 
pharmacy  wherever  made.  The  members  of  this  Conference 
trust  that  such  an  example  will  not  be  without  its  influence  in 
this  country,  and  desire  to  record  their  feeling  that  the  scientific 
labors  of  American  pharmaceutists  are  worthy  of  being  more 
extensively  known  in  Great  Britain  than  has  been  the  case 
hitherto. 
"  This  conference  heartily  reciprocates  the  expression  of  feel- 
ings of  interest  and  goodwill  towards  the  American  Pharma- 
ceutical Association,  and  will  gladly  embrace  all  opportunities 
for  communication  with  its  members,  several  of  whom  are 
honorably  known  in  England  through  their  scientific  researches." 
— London  Pharm.  Jour.,  18G4. 
THE  PRESERVATION  OF  LEECHES. 
To  the  Editor  of  the  Pharmaceutical  J ournal : 
Sir, — The  constant  loss  sustained  by  retail  dealers  in  leeches, 
especially  by  living  in  small  towns  where  the  demand  is  uncer- 
tain, has  been  a  subject  of  discussion  for  many  years. 
Various  vessels  have  been  constructed,  and  many  contri- 
vances proposed  to  avoid  loss,  but  I  do  not  know  of  one  which 
has  answered  perfectly. 
The  aquarium  is  perhaps  the  prettiest  and  most  scientific,  but 
there  are  difficulties  connected  with  its  use. 
For  nearly  twelve  months  I  have  adopted  a  very  simple,  but 
very  effectual  remedy  for  the  preservation  of  these  useful  crea- 
tures in  a  healthy  condition,  and  securing  me  against  loss. 
I  use  an  ordinary  ornamental  leech-jar,  change  the  water 
daily,  keep  the  jar  clean  by  means  of  a  sponge  kept  for  the 
purpose ;  three-parts  till  the  jar  with  good  spring  water,  and 
throw  in  ten,  twenty,  or  thirty  grains  of  the  oxide  of  manga- 
nese, washed  and  levigated  for  dispensing  purposes. 
I  consider  about  thirty  grains  is  enough  for  100  leeches,  and 
renewed  daily. 
I  now  never  see  an  unhealthy  leech  in  my  stock.  I  was  led 
to  adopt  this  plan  by  witnessing  the  beneficial  effects  of  manga- 
nese administered  to  patients.    If  you  think  the  above  worth 
