CODEX, OR FRENCH PHARMACOPOEIA. 
291 
respect, the Codex answers our expectations; as evidence of 
which, we select its comments upon several substances liable 
to these changes : 
" Simple powders. — These should never be prepared in 
large quantities, as all medicinal substances, except a few mi- 
neral bodies, are preserved much better in their original 
state. This precept is particularly applicable to bodies which 
attract moisture from the air, or which contain volatile prin- 
ciples. Powders should be preserved in well closed jars, and, 
in order that they may be removed from the action of light, 
which alters or affects a number of them, if glass jars be used 
they should be covered with a sheet of paper, pasted over 
their outside.'' 
Following the direction for preparing the distilled waters, 
it is stated : 
" Distilled waters undergo a change very promptly, and 
should be renewed as often as possible. They should be 
preserved in glass bottles, in a cool place, not very light, and 
the bottles should be completely filled before being securely 
corked." 
One more example, and we consider the inquiry fully an- 
swered : 
" Syrups should be introduced into bottles thoroughly 
dried and corked, and kept in a cool place." 
It is, however, well to add, that similar caution is observed 
in each chapter wherein classes of bodies are arranged, and 
the means by which destruction and deterioration can be 
obviated, are always indicated. We notice beside, in other 
places, the means indicated which are requisite to ascertain 
when a pure result has been obtained. 
With regard to the perspicuity and precision of the terms 
employed in the French Codex, which is the fourth requisite, 
as we have stated the question, it appears to us that the work 
comes fully up to the desired standard. In the first place, 
without regard to the terms of nomenclature which have been 
employed, we may refer to the distinctness with which cer- 
