498 
PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE 
6.  What  influence  is  exerted  on  the  normal  solvent  power  of  water,  offi- 
cinal alcohol  and  ether,  by  admixture  with  each  other  as  pharmaceutical 
menstrua,  in  regard  to  the  solution  of  various  vegetable  principles,  (like 
gum,  sugar,  starch,  albumen,  resins,  volatile  oil,  etc.,)  desirable,  or  to  be 
avoided  in  making  preparations  ? 
Accepted  by  Henry  Thayer,  of  Cambridgeport,  Mass. 
7.  What  is  the  value  of  the  phenomenon  of  iridescence  in  the  essential 
oil  of  bitter  almonds  as  a  test  of  its  purity  ? 
Accepted  by  Abram  S.  Wiley,  of  Cambridge,  Mass. 
8.  An  essay  on  the  best  tests  to  determine  the  adulterations  of  wines  and 
liquors.  Accepted  by  Geo.  W.  Weyman,  of  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 
9.  The  chrome  and  magnesia  ores  of  Lancaster  county,  Penna.,  are  abun- 
dant. Question — What  are  the  processes  of  mining  these  ores,  and  what 
is  their  commercial  history  and  manufacture  ? 
Accepted  by  Charles  A.  Heinitsh,  of  Lancaster,  Pa. 
10.  It  has  been  shown  by  repeated  trials,  that  opium,  or  its  extract,  that 
has  been  treated  with  ether,  is  much  less  liable  to  cause  nausea  and  head- 
ach,  than  when  in  its  normal  state.  Question — What  principles  besides 
the  odorous  matter  is  thus  removed  from  opium,  and  upon  which  of  them 
does  the  sickening  effect  depend? 
Referred  to  Eugene  L.  Massot,  of  St.  Louis. 
11.  A  synopsis  of  the  History  of  Pharmacy,  and  its  progress  as  a  science, 
from  the  earliest  period  to  the  present  time. 
Accepted  by  James  0'  Gallagher,  St  Louis,  Mo. 
12.  The  history  and  statistics  of  the  production  of  castor  oil  in  Porto 
Rico,  West  Indies.  Accepted  by  Edward  L.  Milhau,  New  York. 
13.  The  Cacao  nut,  (Theobroma  cacao.)  The  history  of  its  culture,  pro- 
ducts and  uses  in  medicine  and  domestic  economy. 
Accepted  by  Edward  Donnelly,  M.  D,,  Philada. 
14.  What  is  the  best  form  of  press  and  pressing  box  for  the  pharmaceu- 
tical laboratory  on  a  moderate  scale,  combining  great  power  with  simplicity 
and  easy  manipulation  ?  The  answer  to  be  accompanied  by  a  correct  draw- 
ing. Accepted  by  Edward  E.  Squibb,  M.  D.,  of  New  York. 
15.  What  is  the  best  form  and  material  for  a  still  for  the  pharmaceutist;, 
of  from  2  to  4  gallons  capacity,  capable  of  being  heated  by  gas  or  stove 
heat,  which  shall  combine  economy  with  efficiency  and  fitness  ? 
Accepted  by  E.  R.  Squibb,  M.  D.,  of  New  York. 
16.  An  essay  on  fitting  up  and  ornamenting  drug  stores  in  reference  to 
convenience  and  good  taste.     Accepted  by  Frederick  Hale,  of  Neiu  York. 
17.  Oxide  of  silver,  when  associated  with  certain  organic  matters  in  pill 
