268 ADULTERATION OF VARIOUS SUBSTANCES. 
the habit of purchasing drugs in the gross. If we have any 
fault to find with the Manual, it is a want of specifica- 
tion of the relative quantities of the elements in each com- 
pound, as directed by the authorities that are followed. The 
account of the articles is too cursory and not sufficiently 
specific, and again it does not enter into officinal prepara- 
tions; this perhaps belongs more strictly to the materia 
medica than contemplated by Dr. Beck, but is of great im- 
portance in guiding the dealer and medical man. For in- 
stance, blue pill is but cursorily treated of, and yet it is as 
varied in strength and preparation as possible, containing 
from ten to thirty per cent, of the metal, and so of others. 
If the present edition should shortly be exhausted, we hope 
the author will extend the sphere of its subjects and thereby 
its usefulness. J, C, 
