53&  Gleanings  from  the  German  Journals.  {Ami/ov.![iSi.arJ!B" 
mint,  15  drops.  These  preparations  are  recommended  by  Prof. 
Miller  for  the  care  of  the  teeth. — Pharm.  Ztg.,  1 891,  587. 
For  the  detection  of  hydrocyanic  acid  a?td  soluble  cyanides. — Hilger 
and  Tamba  distil  in  a  current  of  carbon  dioxide  avoiding  a  higher 
temperature  than  6o°  C;  in  the  presence  of  ferrocyanides  and  ferri- 
cyanides  tartaric  acid  is  first  added,  and  then  sodium  bicarbonate  to 
faint  alkaline  reaction  before  distilling.  The  distillates  are  tested 
for  hydrocyanic  acid  by  adding  to  them  in  a  porcelain  capsule  one 
drop  of  a  freshly  prepared  tincture  of  guaiac  and  then  a  drop  of 
copper  sulphate  solution. — Fresenius  Ztschr.  f.  an.  Chem.;  Pharm. 
Ztg.,  1891,  536. 
Antidote  for  hydrocyanic  acid. — Prof.  Dr.  Kobert  has  proved 
experimentally  that  hydrogen  peroxide  is  a  valuable  antidote  for 
hydrocyanic  acid  poisoning.  It  is  to  be  given  internally  as  well  as 
subcutaneously  until  the  odor  of  the  acid  can  no  longer  be  recog- 
nized in  the  exhalations  and  the  symptoms  subside.  He  found  that 
lethal  or  even  larger  doses  could  be  given  to  animals  daily  for 
several  weeks  if  hydrogen  peroxide  be  injected  in  one  cubic  centi- 
meter doses  when  the  symptoms  of  poisoning  appear.  The  anti- 
dote acts  by  changing  hydrocyanic  acid  into  oxamide. — Pharm. 
Centralhalle,  1891,  570. 
The  pharmacology  of  oxalic  acid  and  its-  derivatives. — Former 
experiments  by  Prof.  Kobert  upon  the  mentioned  compounds 
proving  that  their  administration  causes  glycosuria  having  been 
doubted,  he  confirmed  these  and  now  states  that  not  only  the  acid 
and  its  acid  salts,  but  also  the  neutral  salts  cause  glycosuria,  if 
given  even  in  small  quantity ;  the  internal  use  of  extractum  Syzygii 
Jambolani  {Am.  Journ.  Pharm.,  i8#8,  339,  368  ;  /890,  50)  promptly 
removes  the  glycosuria. — Pharm.  Centralhalle,  1891,  569. 
Saffron. — An  examination  of  a  number  of  samples  of  genuine 
saffron  ascertained  that  the  ash  varied  between  4-5  and  5  5  per 
cent,  and  that  the  moisture  varied  from  10  to  12  per  cent.  Atten- 
tion is  directed  to  the  statement  that  saffron  is  frequently  stored  in 
damp  places  so  as  to  increase  in  weight.  In  addition  to  a  close 
inspection  of  this  drug  the  above  determinations  are  helpful  in 
determining  adulterations. — Caesar  &  Loretz ;  Apotheker  Ztg.,  1891, 
509. 
