Minutes  of  Pharmaceuiical  Meetings.  569 
covered  by  its  marvelloiis  effect  on  a  flock  of  sheep  inclosed  in  a  corral  formed 
of  this  tree.  The  sheep  were  much  afflicted  with  a  disease  attributed  to  the  liver, 
and  by  browsing  on  the  leaves  of  the  Boldo,  constituting  their  inclosure,  were 
restored  to  health.  Large  quantities  of  this  drug  are  said  to  be  exported  from 
Chili  to  Peru,  where  it  is  highly  valued. 
Prof.  Parrish  exhibited  specimens  of  bichloride  methylene,  imported  by  him. 
It  bears  the  lable  of  J.  Robbins  &  Co.,  of  London.  The  odor  is  fragrant,  similar 
to  that  of  chloroform.  It  is  dense  and  limpid,  inflammable  with  difficulty,  burning 
with  a  smoky  flame.  It  has  been  used  successfully  as  an  anaesthetic  by  Dr» 
Levis,  Surgeon  in  the  Pennsylvania  Hospital.  The  only  objectiorjs  found  to 
it  is  its  high  price  as  compared  with  ether  and  chloroform,  although  its  dose 
by  inhalation  is  only  from  one  to  two  fluid-drachms. 
Prof.  Maisch  read  a  paper  on  chestnut  leaves  and  its  fluid  extract  (see  page 
529). 
Prof.  Parrish  exhibited  specimens  of  "Perkins  &  Hyatt's  Celluloid  Base," 
patented  for  the  lase  of  dentists  in  making  artificial  dentures.  This  is  com- 
posed of  inspissated  collodion  combined  with  a  certain  proportion  of  camphor. 
At  the  temperature  of  300^  F.  it  softens  so  as  to  be  perfectly  adapted  to  the 
plaster  cast  of  the  mouth,  and  when  cold  is  firm  and  somewhat  elastic,  much 
resembling  the  hard  rubber  plates  so  much  in  use.  He  also  showed  the  conve- 
nient screw-press,  flask  and  oil-bath,  with  thermometer  attached,  in  which  the 
base  is  moulded  to  fit  the  plaster  cast.  Although  adapted  to  withstand  any 
test  experienced  in  actual  use  in  the  mouth,  this  substance  is  soluble  in  ether 
and  alcohol,  and  at  a  temperature  of  about  330°  F.  is  decomposed  and  volati- 
lized. Touched  by  an  ignited  match,  it  was  shown  to  burn  rapidly,  with  much 
smoke. 
Dr.  Pile  exhibited  crystallized  bromide  of  morphia,  prepared  by  him  by 
double  decomposition  between  equivalent  quantities  of  bromide  of  barium  and 
sulphate  of  morphia.  The  crystals,  which  are  very  beautiful,  a,cicular,  and  dis- 
posed in  stellate  groups,  are  very  difficult  to  dry  without  losing  their  whiteness. 
He  stated  that  this  salt  is  sometimes  prescribed  as  a  remedy  in  nervous  afi'ec- 
tions. 
Dr.  Bridges  remarked  that  bromide  of  potassium  has  been  found  useful  in 
correcting  the  eS'ects  of  opium,  and  this  combination  may  have  been  suggested 
by  a  knowledge  of  that  fact. 
Prof.  Parrish  exhibited  so-called  "  divided  medicines,"  patented  by  Fred. 
Kraus,  of  Cincinnati.  They  consist  of  sheets  of  gelatine  containing,  either  in 
solution  or  suspended  equally  throughout,  such  medicines  as  calomel,  opium, 
subnitrate  of  bismuth,  sulphate  of  quinia,  sulphate  of  morphia,  and  arsenious 
acid.  Being  of  uniform  thickness  and  definite  outline,  they  are  marked  while 
yet  soft  with  lines  dividing  them  into  12  equal  squares,  each  of  which,  by  being 
cut  out,  will  furnish  a  definite  dose.  He  stated  an  objection  to  this  form  of 
administering  soluble  medicines,  that  the  full  impression  is  made  upon  the  palate 
during  their  solution  in  the  mouth,  which  must  necessarily  be  protracted  ;  the 
French  wafer,  on  the  contrary,  by  enveloping  a  nauseous  medicine,  so  as  to 
prevent  its  contact  with  the  organs  of  taste,  completely  disguise  it.    The  effect 
