548 
REMARKS  ON  SENNA  PASTE. 
nearly  cold,  the  oil  of  caraway,  beating  until  well  incorporated. 
Transfer  to  a  drying  closet,  and  cut  in  squares,  or  run  in  moulds 
for  use.  The  cakes  might  for  better  preservation  be  encrusted 
with  sugar,  or  dipped  into  an  ethereal  solution  of  tolu. 
The  proportions  here  given  I  do  not  propose  as  the  best  that 
could  be  taken.  Any  skilful  apothecary  will  understand  the 
manipulations  required,  and  is  competent  to  modify  and  im- 
prove upon  these  hints. 
I  must  in  honesty  confess  that  the  .result  of  my  trials  was  not 
satisfactory.  The  paste  did  not  seem  to  possess  much  advan- 
tage over  the  officinal  preparation,  and  from  its  tendency  to  ab- 
sorb moisture,  was  decidedly  inferior,  as  an  article  to  keep  on 
hand.  Again,  senna  when  administered  in  substance,  has 
always  appeared  to  me  to  act  more  kindly  than  when  given  in 
infusion  or  tincture. 
The  confection  of  senna  is  brought  into  disrepute  from  the 
fact  that  druggists  do  not  generally  prepare,  as  they  ought, 
what  they  require  for  dispensing  purposes,  and  there  is  little  in 
the  market  made  according  to  our  Pharmacopoeia.  When  so 
made  it  is  "  One  of  our  best  and  most  pleasant  laxatives."  Un- 
doubtedly the  general  omission  of  Cassia  Fistula  weakens  its  ca- 
thartic power,  an  omission  which  is  excused  on  the  ground  of  a 
want  of  supply.  I  have  never  found  any  great  difficulty  in  pro- 
curing the  article,  and  believe  with  the  authors  above  quoted, 
that  should  a  demand  be  created,  a  plentiful  supply  would  be 
sure  to  follow. 
Very  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 
Henry  Thayer,  M.  D. 
.   SOME  NOTES  ON  THE  MANUFACTURES  OP  GRASSE 
AND  CANNES. 
By  Daniel  Hanbury. 
That  portion  of  the  South  of  France  which  borders  the  Medi- 
terranean between  Toulon  and  Nice,  is  noted  for  its  mild,  salu- 
brious climate,  and  also  for  the  growth  and  manufacture  of 
several  productions  of  interest  to  the  druggist  and  the  per- 
fumer. 
A  recent  visit  to  the  district  in  question,  and  especially  to  the 
