Am.  Jour.  Pharm.  \ 
Sept.,  1884.  | 
Reviews,  etc. 
495 
various  chemical  agents.  The  alcohols  of  this  group  are  then  enumerated 
in  a  table  giving  the  structural  formulas,  production  and  most  characteristic 
properties ;  this  table  opens  with  methyl  alcohol  or  wood  spirit,  boiling  point 
66°C,  and  closes  with  myricyl  alcohol  (from  beeswax),  melting  point  88°C. 
All  the  different  groups  are  considered  in  a  similar  manner,  and  it  will  be 
observed  that  this  arrangement  is  particularly  adapted  for  the  general  char- 
acterization of  analogous  compounds,  and  for  the  study  of  the  general  pro- 
cesses by  which  they  may  be  obtained  or  converted  into  compounds  of  a 
different  order.  Those  bodies,  the  constitution  of  which  has  been  imper- 
fectly ascertained,  or  is  entirely  unknown,  are  grouped  together  at  the  end 
of  the  work,  where  we  find  the  alkaloids  following  the  group  of  pyridine 
and  chinoline,  and  subsequently  terpenes  and  camphors,  glucosides,  bitter 
principles,  coloring  matters  and  protein  compounds  of  both  the  vegetable 
and  animal  kingdoms.  Detailed  descriptions  are  in  all  cases  omitted,  only 
the  most  characteristic  properties  being  very  briefly  mentioned,  and  the 
study  of  color,  shape,  odor,  taste,  etc.,  etc.,  is  very  properly  left  for  individual 
examination  of  suitable  .specimens  with  or  without  the  aid  of  works  of 
reference. 
From  the  foregoing  the  scope  of  the  "  Grundzuge  "  will  be  readily  under- 
stood. Intended  for  the  use  of  the  student,  the  immense  mass  of  material 
is  presented,  systematically  arranged,  in  such  a  manner  that  the  general 
features  of  cause  and  effect  are  displayed,  and  specializing  is  confined 
mi- inly  to  few  distinctive  points.  Comprehensiveness  and  perspicuity 
throughout  the  work  are  deserving  of  commendation,  and  especially  is  this 
the  case  with  the  theoretical  themes,  which  in  our  opinion,  are  deduced  and 
explained  in  a  happy  and  attractive  manner,  that  cannot  fail  to  enlist  the 
attention  of  the  student.  The  book  seems  large  for  a  work  intended  for 
aiding  the  beginner  in  mastering  the  principles  of  organic  chemistry,  and 
in  securing,  besides  the  solid  foundation,  a  secure  framework  for  further 
special  study ;  but  on  carefully  examining  the  work  it  cannot  be  charged 
with  undue  prolixity,  and  it  would  be  difficult  to  point  out  any  portion  of 
it  that  could  be  advantageously  shortened  without  detriment  to  the  general 
plan.  It  should  however  be  stated  that  the  graphic  formulas  and  syllabi 
of  the  compounds  belonging  to  the  various  groups  require  considerable 
space.  A  limited  number  of  wood-cuts  has  been  used  in  the  introductory 
part  of  the  work.    Paper  and  topography  leave  nothing  to  desire. 
The  National  Dispensatory.  By  Prof.  Stille,  M.  D.,  LL.D.,  and  Prof.  John 
M.  Maisch,  Phar.D.  Third  edition  thoroughly  revised,  with  numerous 
additions.  With  311  illustrations.  Philadelphia:  Henry  C.  Lea's  Son  & 
Co.,  1884.    Large  8vo,  pp.  1755. 
This  work  has  been  issued  in  August.  For  our  next  number  we  hope  to 
receive  a  critical  review  of  the  book,  written  by  a  well  known  pharmacist. 
The  Druggists''  Circular  and  Chemical  Gazette.    New  York. 
We  regret  to  learn  that  Mr.  J.  L.  A.  Creuse  has  been  compelled,  by  reason 
of  continued  illness,  to  resign  his  position  as  editor  ;  in  July  last  he  sailed 
for  France,  where  we  hope  he  may  enjoy  complete  recovery  The  editorial 
chair  is  now  occupied  by  Professor  H.  B.  Parsons,  than  whom  a  better 
selection  it  would  have  been  difficult  to  make. 
