Am.  Jour.  Pharm.  ) 
Jan.,  1875.  I 
Editorial, 
41 
(over  six  weeks)  by  adding  five  minims  of  chloroform  to  every  8  fluidounces,  while 
infusion  of  roses  is  preserved  by  three  minims.  The  mucilages  of  acacia  and  of 
tragacanth  remain  sweet  if  one  minim  of  chloroform  is  added  to  every  fluid  ounce  ; 
the  same  proportion  will  prevent  for  three  weeks  the  alcoholic  fermentation  of 
malt  infusion  containing  yeast,  and  two  to  three  times  the  quantity  added  to  fresh 
milk,  was  found  to  keep  it  neutral  and  sweet  for  five  days. 
•  A  paper  by  Mr.  J.  Barnes,  on  the  same  subject,  was  read,  stating  that  many  in- 
fusions have  been  kept  for  three  weeks  at  the  Wolverhampton  and  StafFordsliire 
Hospital,  by  adding  to  a  bottle  containing  four  pints,  two  drachms  of  chloroform. 
Lately,  experiments  have  been  made  with  chloroform  and  the  addition  of  some 
glycerin. 
An  interesting  discussion  followed,  during  which  it  was  agreed  that  infusions  thus 
preserved,  should  not  be  dispensed  without  the  knowledge  of  the  prescribing  physi- 
ciaii.  Professor  Attfield  stated  that  the  antiseptic  properties  of  chloroform*  had 
been  noticed  in  1850,  in  a  pamphlet  by  Aujendie,  of  Constantinople. 
Mr.  Charles  Umney  read  a  paper  on  Extractum  glycyrrhizas  liquidum,  showing 
that  II  per  cent,  of  spirit  is  insufficient  to  prevent  fermentation  5  he  noticed  the  occur- 
rence of  a  yellow  deposit,  if  kept  at  an  ordinary  temperature,  and  Mr.  Martindale 
had  observed  the  same  preparation  to  completely  gelatinize,  if  kept  in  a  cool  place. 
EDITORIAL  DEPARTMENT. 
Our  Journal  appears,  with  the  present  number,  in  a  new  dress,  the  type  having 
been  changed  and  a  style  selected  which,  for  clearness,  leaves  nothing  to  be  desired, 
and  we  hope  will  meet  with  the  favorable  commendation  of  our  readers.  The 
editor's  aim  will  continue  to  be  directed  towards  presenting  to  the  readers  all  that 
appears  to  be  new  and  valuable  in  the  pharmaceutical  literature  of  this  country  and 
of  Europe,  either  as  selections,  original  translations,  abstracts,  or  under  the  head  of 
Varieties.  On  the  other  hand,  however,  it  should  be  remembered  that  the  Journal 
aims  at  stimulating  original  observations  and  investigations,  and  its  pages  will  always 
be  found  open  for  such  a  purpose,  as  well  as  for  the  discussion  of  questions  which 
may  be  of  importance  to  the  elevation  of  pharmacy.  In  proportion  to  the  number 
of  pharmacists  actively  engaged  in  business,  either  as  proprietors  or  assistants,  the 
number  of  contributors  to  the  general  stock  of  knowledge  is  and  always  has  been 
small,  but  the  practical  observations  behind  the  prescription  counter  and  in  the  labor- 
atory are  often  of  considerable  interest  and  even  importance,  and  worthy  to  be 
preserved  for  the  benefit  of  the  entire  profession.  If  our  readers  would  but  take  the 
trouble  of  making  notes  of  such  occurrences  in  manipulations  and  processes,  their 
publication  would  doubtless  lead  to  further  investigations,  and  gratifying  results 
of  lasting  value  might  be  arrived  at.  The  present  number  contains  original  con- 
tributions from  nine  different  authors,  on  practical  and  scientific  subjects,  as  well  as 
on  the  general  conduct  of  the  business  and  its  relations  to  other  pursuits.  We  ap- 
peal to  all  readers  to  follow  the  example  of  the  comparatively  few,  and  repay  at 
least  a  portion  of  the  benefit  derived  fiom  perusing  the  new  literature  on  pharmaceu- 
*  Chloroform  was  recommended  for  preserving  syrup  of  senna  in  1858,  by  Mr.  T.  B.  Groves. 
