"^Noy.T.'mf*'"}  Varieties.  515 
lime,  an  excellent  manure.  The  fat  is  next  treated  with  Canada  oil 
(a  refined  petroleum  spirit),  and  the  solution  separated  bj  decantation 
from  any  yet  present  nitrogenous  organic  matter  (membranes,  &c.). 
The  solution  of  the  fat  is  freed  by  distillation  (in  a  water-bath)  from 
the  Canada  oil,  and  the  result  is  the  production  of  a  very  superior  fat, 
which,  being  absolutely  free  from  water  and  other  organic,  especially 
nitrogenous  matter,  is  not  liable  to  become  rancid,  and  may  be  pre- 
served for  many  years.  Although  the  process  here  briefly  described 
may  appear  complicated,  it  yields  not  only  a  better,  but  also  far 
larger  quantity  of  product. — Ohem.  News.,  from  Dingier  s  Polyt. 
Journ.,  Aug.  Ist,  1871. 
Crystallized  Acomtine. — H.  Duquesnel  gives,  in  the  first  place,  aa  exhaustive 
description  on  the  best  method  of  preparing  aconitine  in  crystalline  state  for 
pharmaceutical  purposes,  and  next  a  detailed  account  of  the  properties  of  the 
alkaloid  alluded  to.  OrystaUine  aconitine,  0,)4H4oN02,  is  nearly  insoluble  in 
water,  even  at  100°;  the  substance  is  not  volatile,  but  heated  to  above  130^  is 
decomposed.  Aconitine  is  soluble  in  alcohol,  ether,  benzine  and  chloroform  ; 
insoluble  in  glycerine  and  petroleum  oils.  Aconitine  readily  forms  salts  with 
acids,  and  is  even  soluble  in  water  impregnated  with  excess  of  carbonic  acid. 
Although  phosphoric  and  tannic  acids,  as  also  the  double  iodide  of  mercury 
and  potassium,  are  tests  for  aconitine,  they  are  not  reliable  unless  taken  in 
combination  with  its  physiological  effects. — Gliem.  News,  from  Gompt.  rend., 
Juli/llth,\Sll. 
Portable  Mixtures. — A  new  method  of  administering  medicines  has  been 
proposed  in  Sweden,  and  has  come  into  extensive  use  in  France  in  consequence 
of  the  advantages  which  it  possesses.  It  is  the  employment  of  gelatine  as  a 
vehicle,  of  which  Professor  Almen,  of  Upsala,  is  the  initiator.  Six  grammes 
of  gelatine  are  dissolved  in  warm  water,  and  the  desired  medicine  is  added  to 
the  solution,  which  is  then  turned  out  on  a  glass  plate  to  solidify,  evaporate 
and  dry.  This  mass,  which  Is  about  as  thick  as  paper,  is  then  divided  into 
squares  of  such  size  as  to  coHtain  the  proper  dose  of  the  medicine.  A  slight 
addition  of  glycerine  makes  this  preparation  tough  and  flexible  as  paper.  In- 
soluble agents  are  added  to  the  gelatine  solution  by  a  thick  emulsion  of  gum  or 
tragacanth. 
iVlorphia,  emetics,  acetate  of  lead,  sulphate  of  copper,  extracts  of  opium  and 
belladonna  and  powders  of  digitalis,  and  camphor  are  thus  easily  kept  ready 
in  a  portable  form  and  administered  when  necessary. — Medical  Press  and 
Circular,  Sept.  13,  1871. 
