254 
EDITORIAL. 
results, the taste of which is ferruginous, but not very unpleasant. To 
make the syrup, one ounce (troy) of this salt is dissolved in five fluid 
ounces of simple syrup, which is easily effected, and forms a dark 
greenish-brown liquid. The dose is from thirty drops to a teaspoonful. 
The Syrup of Citrate of Jron of Beral is a saccharine solution of the 
citrates of ammonia and sesqui-oxide of iron 
Mr. Parrish has also directed our attention to a prescription blank or 
form which he has published, of which the following is a copy, viz: 
PRESCRIPTION. 
F hiladelphiaj 18 
For 
The original of this prescription will be retained by the apothecary.'' 
These blanks are neatly put up in cases containing fifty each, in a 
form quite convenient for carrying in the pocket. It must be apparent 
that their object is to facilitate the labours of the physician. The 
appended note, directing the original copy of the prescription to be 
left with the apothecary, will prevent the demand for it which often 
occurs. The cost of getting up such blanks is very small, and it is to 
be desired that their use will become general. V\ iih such a basis, 
perhaps some of our medical brethren will be induced to give more 
attention to the chirographic art. Should this happy efl'eci result from 
the use of these forms, our friend Parrish will deserve a laurel. 
Among the new suggestions, we find that a solution of Gutta Percha 
in Chloroform is recommended as a plastic in surgical dressings. An 
advantage is its ready application, like the solution of gun cotton in 
ether, the chloroform quickly evaporating, a thin stratum of the gutta 
perc/^a being left over the surface, or in the interstices of the tissue 
which is saturated with the solution. It is particularly applicable in 
abrasiotis of the skin, where it is merely desirable to protect the sur- 
face from the action of the air and moisture. The preparation is made 
with one dram of the gutta percha in small pieces, to one fluid ounce oi 
chloroform : the solution is effected in a few hours. 
V'e have on several occasions been asked for a recipe for Solution 
of Citia»e of Magnesia which shall be practical, and yield a good 
