EDITORIAL. 
385 
trated acetic acid and incorporated in melted wax. We find such a mixture, 
although spread on paper and but imperfectly protected from the air, retaining 
for along period its vesicating properties. Is this advantage produced by a 
simple acid saponification of the cerate, without reaction on the active principle, 
but that of protecting it from atmospheric influences ? We think it probable 
that there is a modification taking place, both on the cantharis and other com- 
ponents °of the cerate. E. D. 
In reference to Mr. Dupuy's Stramonium Ointment we have little to re- 
mark. In the United States Pharmacopoeia 'this ointment is viewed as an 
extemporaneous one, to be prepared when prescribed, as the small propor- 
tion of the ingredients will indicate. In regard to the medicinal activity of 
Mr. IV s ointment we perhaps should not undertake to decide ; yet we 
have some reason for doubting the efficiency of an oily menstruum for 
malate of daturia, inasmuch as the ointment, made carefully according to 
the United States Pharmacopoeia of 1840, can be eaten with avidity by mice. 
When the extract of stramonium leaves of the Pharmacopoeia, which Mr. 
D. should recollect contains no chlorophylle at all, much less " decomposed 
chlorophylle," is incorporated with eight times its weight of lard, we know 
that the strength is there. 
In relation to Mr. Dupuy's remarks on our criticism of his blistering 
cerate, we will refer him, and those who may feel any interest in the matter, 
to the article on Cantharides at the beginning of this number. We are 
willing to commit the applicability of the facts therein contained to the sub- 
ject at issue, to the candor of Mr. Dupuy, believing that they bear us out in 
the positions taken, that acetic acid does not fix cantharidin, and that that 
principle is not so volatile as some authors have stated it to be. We quoted 
Mr. Redwood in opposition to the solubility of cantharidin in acetic acid. 
How far he is incorrect will be seen in the paper at page 295. If Mr. Dupuy, 
at line third of his article on blistering cerate, (New York Journal of 
Pharmacy, vol. i.'page 72,) does not term cantharidin a "neutral substance" 
we will have to believe that the copy of that journal in our possession is not 
genuine. 
Richmond Pharmaceutical Society. — In answer to a query respecting 
the progress of that Society, we have received the following communication 
from one of its members. It is very gratifying to witness thus early the 
good results of a harmonious effort of a small body of apothecaries, because 
it is an encouragement to similar efforts in other communities. 
" We are happy to be able to announce that this Society went into successful 
operation about three months ago. A constitution and by-laws have been 
adopted. Meetings of a purely scientific character are held regularly once a 
month, on which occasions members, appointed for the purpose, read essays up- 
on pharmaceutical subjects. The first of these, an essay on the process of dis- 
placement, illustrated by numerous painted diagrams of apparatus, was read at 
the September meeting. Scientific discussions are also held. 
A committee has been appointed to form a library for the Society ; and 
another to obtain specimens of the Materia Medica. 
From the enterprise and zeal its members have already exhibited, it is not too 
