VARIETIES. 
365 
These  researches  were  made  here  by  a  manufacturer  who  combines  in  a 
high  degree  science  and  technology.  M.  Gelis  recognized  at  first  that  the 
change  of  color  was  not  due  to  any  alteration  in  the  ligneous  fibre,  and  was 
owing  to  iron.  But  what  the  source  of  the  iron?  and  how  is  it  introduced  ? 
An  examination  of  the  manufacture,  through  its  processes,  shows  that  there 
is  less  iron  in  the  pulp  than  in  the  paper  made  from  it.  The  origin  of  the 
iron  is  hence  not  in  the  preparation  of  the  pulp,  but  it  must  be  attributed 
to  the  drying  cylinders  of  steel  under  which  it  is  passed  while  yet  moist. 
The  chlorine  contained  in  the  paste,  and  which  it  is  very  difficult 
wholly  to  remove  by  the  washish  process,  becomes  suddenly  vaporized 
under  the  heated  cylinders,  attacks  these  cylinders,  and  forms  the  proto- 
chlorid  (Fe  CI)  which  thence  impregnates  the  paper.  Colorless  itself,  this 
chlorid  gradually  absorbs  oxygen  on  exposure  to  the  air,  and  thus  the 
coloration  takes  place. 
It  is  therefore  not  a  remedy  against  iron  but  against  chlorine  that  is  re- 
quired. The  hyposulphite  of  soda  is  the  simple  antidote,  and  a  very 
small  quantity  suffices  to  eliminate  a  large  quantity  of  chlorine,  since  one 
equivalent  of  hyposulphurous  acid  requires  four  equivalents  of  chlorine,  to 
transform  it  into  sulphuric  acid. 
For  testing  the  complete  removal  of  the  chlorine,  M.  Gelis  uses  a  liquor 
made  of  iodide  of  potassium  and  amidon  (starch.)  This  liquor  becomes  in- 
stantly blue  if  there  is  the  least  trace  of  chlorine. — Silliman's  Journal. 
A  Formula  for  a  Castor  Oil  Electuary.  By  Septimus  Piesse. — Many 
persons'  stomachs  revolt  at  taking  castor  oil  in  an  undisguised  form.  To 
overcome  this  repugnance,  it  has  been  the  practice  to  administer  it  in  the 
shape  of  an  emulsion,  which  involves  a  large  increase  in  the  bulk 
of  the  dose  to  be  taken,  as  well  as  the  employment  of  a  considerable  quan- 
tity of  gum  or  the  yolk  of  an  egg,  to  form  the  emulsion.  To  disguise  the 
castor  oil,  to  give  it  in  a  condensed  form,  and  to  diminish,  as  much  as  pos- 
sible, the  quantity  of  the  excipient,  the  following  formula  has  been  devised  : 
Take  of  Castor  oil,  3  ounces. 
White  soft  soap,  1  drachm. 
Simple  syrup,  .1  drachm. 
Oil  of  cinnamon,  6  drops. 
Rub  the  soap  with  the  simple  syrup  in  a  mortar,  and  then  add  gradually 
the  castor  oil,  with  constant  trituration,  until  it  is  thoroughly  incorporated 
with  the  above  ingredients.  Finally,  mix  with  the  electuary  thus  formed, 
the  oil  of  cinnamon,  or  any  other  essential  oil  that  may  be  preferred.  By 
these  means,  a  gelatinous  electuary  will  be  formed,  which  is  rather  palata- 
ble than  otherwise,  and  nearly  equals,  bulk  for  bulk,  castor  oil  in  strength. 
The  quantity  of  potash  present  in  a  dose  of  this  electuary  is  only  a  ho- 
moeopathic dose,  and,  consequently,  not  likely  to  produce  a  bad  result  in 
any  case,  even  when  its  use  should  be  contra-indicated. — Annals  of  Phar. 
