PHARMACEUTICAL,  ITEMS. 
5 
In  regard  to  the  manipulation,  I  have  often  observed  young 
pharmaceutists  to  add  all  the  magnesia  at  once  to  the  solution  of, 
or  to  the  partly  undissolved  acid.  The  necessary  consequence 
is,  that  a  portion  of  neutral  citrate  is  formed  in  the  hot  liquid, 
which  cannot  be  dissolved  by  subsequent  trituration,  and  must 
be  filtered  off,  thus  occasioning  a  loss  of  both  citric  acid  and 
magnesia.  The  proper  way  to  proceed  is  to  add  the  magnesia 
in  small  portions  to  the  solution  of  the  acid,  or,  better  still,  to 
suspend  the  magnesia  in  water  and  add  it  gradually,  waiting  each 
time  until  the  solution  is  almost  complete. 
The  proportions  which  I  have  used  with  uniformly  good  suc- 
cess are  as  follows  :  450  grains  citric  acid,  100  grains  light 
calcined  magnesia,  containing  a  minute  quantity  of  carbonate 
(or  90  grains  heavy  magnesia,  free  from  carbonate),  40  grains 
bicarbonate  of  potassa,  1  fluidounce  syrup  of  citric  acid,  and 
sufficient  water. 
PHARMACEUTICAL  ITEMS. 
By  William  C.  Bakes. 
Under  this  title  we  propose  to  publish  during  the  year  a  series 
of  articles  on  practical  subjects,  in  which  we  shall  include,  as  far 
as  possible,  formulas  for  the  various  new  preparations  issued,  and 
other  matters  coming  under  our  observation  of  interest  to  Pharma- 
ceutists generally. 
"  Camphor  Ice." 
This  is  the  popular  name  given  to  a  preparation  much  used 
during  the  winter  season  as  an  application  to  chapped  and  abraded 
skin.  Many  pharmaceutists  make  a  specialty  of  it,  and  find  a 
large  sale  for  the  various  combinations  sold  under  this  name. 
The  following  formula  yields  an  elegant  preparation,  besides  the 
merit  of  being  economical  and  readily  made  : 
Take  of  Powdered  camphor,  2  ounces. 
White  wax,  4  " 
English  oil  lavender,  2  drachms. 
Benzoated  suet,  1  pound. 
Melt  the  suet  and  wax  together,  and  when  nearly  cool  add  the 
