i»  Rhus  Poisoning.  {^kl^S*' 
0985,  an  acid  number  of  23-43,  and  a  saponification  number  of 
229  52. 
A  small  quantity  of  oil  was  obtained  by  cold  expression,  so  that 
a  normal  sample  could  be  had  for  examination.  The  properties  of 
the  oil  prepared  in  this  manner  corresponded  very  closely  to  those 
reported  for  the  European  oil.  The  expressed  oil  was  of  a  pale 
yellow  color,  mild,  nutty  taste  and  neutral  reaction.  The  specific 
gravity  was  0-9216  at  150  C;  the  saponification  number  was  195-02. 
The  saponification  numbers  were,  in  all  cases,  accompanied  by  blank 
experiments  for  correction. 
The  table  on  previous  page  has  been  prepared,  making  compari- 
sons of  the  work  of  many  investigators  of  the  subject. 
RHUS  POISONING. 
By  George  M.  Beringer. 
This  has  been  the  subject  of  a  number  of  interesting  communica- 
tions published  in  the  Garden  and  Forest.  From  a  pharmacological 
standpoint  they  are  valuable  and  interesting.  The  present  writer, 
being  very  susceptible  to  the  influence  of  this  poison,  is  able,  from 
personal  experience,  to  confirm  some  of  the  statements  made 
therein. 
J.  W.  Harshberger1  considers  Rhus  toxicodendron  as  poisonous  in 
all  seasons  of  the  year,  stating  that  poisonous  effects  have  been  ex- 
perienced in  January.  He  believes  its  action,  however,  to  be  most 
severe  in  August  and  September. 
D.  P.  Penhallow2  states  that  the  poisonous  principle  is  more  or 
less  common  to  the  entire  family,  and  states  that  in  opening  an  old 
7  marking  nut,"  Semecarpus  anacardium,  "  I  was  subjected  to  the 
effects  of  the  black,  varnish-like  latex  in  the  interior,  which  were 
those  of  our  common  Rhus  Toxicodendron."  He  also  reports  serious 
poisoning  resulting  from  stirring  and  smelling  the  Japan  lacquer 
made  from  Rhus  vernicifera.  He  states  that  "  after  a  few  exper- 
iences it  was  always  possible  to  ascertain  whenever  I  came  into  an 
atmosphere  charged  with  the  poison.  This  was  manifested  by  a 
well-defined  acid  taste  in  the  mouth  and  a  slight  somewhat  acute 
1 Garden  and  Forest,  June  12,  1895,  p.  239. 
2Garden  and  Forest,  September  4,  1895,  p.  359. 
