294 
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
acid and base are both nouns. This remark is exclusively 
applicable to the Latin synonyms of the Codex; thus, for 
example : 
The foregoing remarks will fully justify our conclusion that 
precision of terms, and accuracy of nomenclature, distinguish 
this work, that in this respect it fully sustains the reputation 
of its distinguished authors, and that it will be found perfectly 
intelligible by those who have occasion to refer to it, and who 
are compelled by law to adopt it as their standard. Before 
dismissing this subject, we will add, that, for substances 
not chemical in their nature, the ancient French names 
have been retained, because no more eligible system for 
denoting them has, as yet, been discovered, nor is it pro- 
bable that any nomenclature, analogous in its character to that 
of chemical science, can ever be devised, from the absence of 
the definitive characters upon which that nomenclature is 
based. 
We have reached now the last branch of our proposed inquiry, 
whether the Codex embraces every means which can render the 
preparation and dispensation of medicines safe, uniform, and 
excellent ? Some of the causes which must operate to produce 
these results have already been shown, and the inference, 
therefore, so far as they operate, must be that these ends are 
obtained. Other considerations, however, operate to produce 
similar effects, and one of the chief of these is the selection 
of particular formulae, and the discarding of others. On this 
subject, the authors may speak for themselves, particularly 
of the means by which the relative value of different formulae 
were ascertained, and the motives which actuated them in 
making their selections : 
" The work was divided among the different members of 
the Committee, each of whose labors was read and discussed 
at their meetings, which were regularly held at stated periods. 
Sulphate of baryta, 
Sulphate of magnesia, 
Carbonate of lead, 
Sulphas baryticus. 
Sulphas magnesicus. 
Carbonas plumbicus. 
