VARIETIES. 
473 
The  analytical  results  obtained  by  the  author  confirm  the  formula  C46  H29 
NO18,  found  previously  by  Anderson. — Jour,  de  Pharm.,  Avril,  18G4 — 367. 
Preservation  of  Chloroform. — According  to  M,  Boettger,  chloroform 
which  has  been  altered  by  the  action  of  the  sun's  rays,  and  contains  hydro- 
chloric acid  and  a  chlorinous  odor,  may  be  restored  and  rendered  fit  for 
use  for  inhalation  by  agitation  with  a  few  fragments  of  caustic  soda.  It 
may  be  kept  exposed  to  the  light  in  the  presence  of  some  fragments  of 
caustic  soda. — Jour,  de  Pharm.,  Avril,  1864. 
Dandelion  Root. — According  to  M.  Vogl,  the  intercellular  substance  of 
taraxacum  root  is  composed  in  greater  part  of  a  pectose,  the  same  as  found 
in  green  fruits.  This  substance  is  not  the  result  of  secretion,  but  of  the 
metamorphosis  of  the  substance  of  the  cellular  membranes.  This  meta- 
morphosis is  produced  outside  and  inside. 
The  lactiferous  vessels  are  connected  with  this  metamorphosis.  They 
are  very  numerous  in  this  root,  which  they  envelope  in  a  very  fine  net- 
work ;  and  it  is  at  the  expense  of  the  cellulose  of  certain  of  these  vessels 
that  the  pectose  is  formed,  according  to  the  author. 
American  Opium  Cultivation. — The  species  of  poppy  from  which  opium 
is  obtained  is  indigenous  in  northern  Mexico.  According  to  the  report  of 
Major  Duffield,  United  States  Marshal  in  Arizona,  this  plant  is  also  found 
growing  in  its  natural  wild  state  in  the  valley  of  the  Santa  Cruz  River. 
Mr.  Emanuel  Weiss,  of  Pennsylvania,  has  recently  visited  the  regions 
where  the  poppy  is  found,  for  the  purpose  of  examining  the  country  with 
reference  to  its  availability  for  opium  culture.  In  a  circular  which  he  has 
just  issued,  he  exhibits  the  China  trade  with  England  and  the  United 
States,  from  which  it  appears  that  the  British  Government  exchanges 
opium  with  the  Chinese  for  tea,  and  transfers  a  large  quantity  of  the  latter 
article  to  the  United  States,  for  which  we  pay  in  gold.  It  is  stated  in  this 
circular  that  two  families,  with  but  two  able  field-hands,  can  put  ten  acres 
of  poppies  under  cultivation,  which  will  yield  about  1200  pounds  of  mer- 
chantable opium,  containing  nearly  ten  per  cent,  of  morphia.  The  poppy 
matures  rapidly,  and  is  harvested  within  one  hundred  days  from  the  date 
of  planting.  The  greater  part  of  the  year  could,  therefore,  be  employed  in 
the  production  of  other  crops,  in  stock-growing,  or  in  mining  operations, 
for  either  of  which  the  Territory  of  Arizona  affords  ample  facilities. — Phila. 
Med.  and  Surg.  Reporter,  July  21,  1866. 
QNote. — If  the  Papaver  somniferum  does  exist  in  the  locality  named  it 
has  probably  been  introduced,  and  is  hardly  indigenous.  We  believe  the 
statement  relative  to  the  ease  with  which  1200  lbs.  of  opium  may  be  grown 
and  prepared  for  market,  is  calculated  to  mislead.  For  some  facts  on  the 
culture  of  the  poppy  and  the  gathering  of  the  opium,  see  Vol.  xxxiv.  p.  118 
of  this  Journal. — En.  Am.  Jour.  Pharm.] 
