294 
EDITORIAL. 
Argentum. — The process formaking Cyanuret of Silver has been simplified 
by preparing the hydrocyanic acid, and the cyanuret, both at one operation. 
Ar genii Nitras means crystallized nitrate of silver. Argenti Nitras Fusus, the 
nitrate in cylindrical sticks. The test note to the latter, will enable any 
apothecary to prove its purity with ease. Oxide of Silver is new, and is 
prepared from the nitrate of silver and solution of potassa. (U. S. P. 
strength.) An ounce and a half of white caustic potassa, dissolved in a pint 
and a half of water, will afford a substitute for the officinal solution, when 
it is not at hand. 
Arsenicum. — Iodide of Arsenic is new — and a simple and practicable pro- 
cess given for making it. Particular attention should be given to have the 
metallic arsenic in a very fine powder, and equally disseminated through 
the powdered iodine before applying heat, and the smaller the flask, capable 
of holding the mixture in its bulb — the better. (Donova?i's) Solution of 
Iodide of Arsenic and Mercury, is made with ease and dispatch. 
Cat,x. — Precipitated Carbonate of Lime has been introduced with the pre- 
caution, suggested by Dr. Bridges, to get a fine powder. 
Cerata. — Ceratum Calamines is the new name for cerate of impure carbo- 
nate of zinc, and the former name of the latter — Ceratum Zinci Carbonatis — 
is now appropriated to a cerate made, with the precipitated carbonate of 
zinc. The Cerate of Spanish Flies is made rather softer than formerly, by 
decreasing the proportion of "Wax and Resin, and increasing proportionably 
the Lard. 
Decocta.— The former ambiguity in reference to JDecoctum Cinchonce is 
now avoided by having separate decoctions of Yellow and of Med Bark. 
The boiling process in making Compound Decoction of Sarsaparilla, is 
preceded by 12 hours cold maceration — a decided improvement. 
Emplastra. — Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro has been introdu- 
ced from the London Pharm. In the formula for Aszafetida plaster, alcohol 
has been substituted for diluted alcohol, as a solvent for the gum resins, by 
which the volatile oils and resins, the only parts desirable, are dissolved, 
and the gummy matters left. Burgundy Pitch Plaster is a substitute for the 
commercial drug which is too friable in cold weather. The proportion of 
soap has been reduced, and the manipulations improved, in the formula for 
Soap Plaster. 
Extracta. — Extractum Cinchona; Flavce, and Extractum Cinchonce Rubrce, 
now replace the Extractum Cinchonce of 1840, which was made of any Peru- 
vian bark the apothecary might choose, and it is hardly necessary to say, 
cheap Pale Bark was often chosen. Acetic extract of colchicum is new — and is 
an efficient preparation, when made from good root. In making it, glass 
or porcelain percolators and evaporators should be used, on account of the 
acid. The formula for Extractum Conii,is the mOst improved pharmacopoeia! 
one extant, as also is that of Extractum Taraxaci. Aqueous Extract of Opium } 
and hydro-alcoholic Extract of Rhubarb will also be noticed among this class 
of medicines. 
