282 
EDITORIAL. 
glove?, straps and brushes of Lawrence & Co.. as imported by Mr. 
Phelps, and from the neat and substantial manner in which they are 
made, believe them to be a superior article, and worthy the attention 
of druggists and physicians. Those gloves and straps which are 
intended for bath use, are constructed of material not injured by the 
water, whilst the flesh gloves and straps are lined with cotton or 
worsted velvet. 
Coxe's patent refined sparkling gelatin is an elegant article, which 
we have tried and found to yield a beautiful jelly. 
Murray's fluid magnesia, and fluid camphor, are among the prepara- 
tions imported for druggists by Mr. Phelps. The first of these, which 
is a solution of carbonate of magnesia in carbonic acid water has 
justly fallen into disuse, as it is liable to change by keeping, owing to 
the escape of carbonic acid. The fluid camphor is a mixed solution 
of camphor and carbonate of magnesia in carbonic acid water. It 
professes to contain three grains of camphor and six of magnesia, in a 
fluid ounce, and is antacid and antispasmodic in its effect. We do 
not think that this fluid camphor contains more camphor than cam- 
phor water when prepared with three times its weight of carbonate of 
magnesia so as to divide it as much as possible. 
Powdered Drugs. — Notwithstanding the many valuable improve" 
ments in the extraction of drugs, so as to present their active portion 
in a form more eligible for administration, many physicians prefer 
their use in substance and consequently require them in a pulverulent 
state. Whilst as a general rule, in those cases where the powders are 
rarely called for, we consider it advisable for apothecaries to perform 
the process of comminution themselves, both to insure their quality and 
have them recent, yet there are very many which it is a desideratum 
to obtain ready prepared and of approved quality. 
The important points are, 1st, that these powders should be prepared 
from good drugs. 2d. they should be very fine or dusty. 3d, that 
they should be uniform in composition; that is to say, that each por- 
tion of thepowder should represent equally every part of the substance 
comminuted, which can only occur when the results of an operation 
are mixed thoroughly, so as to commingle the more with the less 
friable ingredients. 4th, the powders should be secured from the air 
as soon as finished, to prevent the absorption of moisture, followed by 
mustkiessor mouldiness, as the case may be. And lastly, when the 
drug contains a volatile ingredient, as is the case with Valerian, Di- 
osma. Serpentaria, &c., that this or these be not dissipated to a greater 
extent than the most careful manipulation will demand. 
