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TITRATED  SOLUTIONS  OF  OPIUM.  139 
phenol  yields  different  results.  The  sulpho-phenic  acid  is  then 
dark  colored,  and  the  solutions  of  the  salts  therewith  prepared 
have  a  pink  color.  The  zinc  sulpho-phenate  when  crystallized 
has  a  pink  color  ;  when  desiccated,  a  reddish  tint.  This  colora- 
tion, however,  does  not  at  all  impair  their  medicinal  value  and 
their  therapeutical  action. 
These  more  or  less  colored  solutions  of  the  zinc  sulpho-phenate, 
when  near  the  end  of  their  evaporation,  emanate  a  remarkably 
fine  odor,  resembling  that  of  pelargonium.  This  observation 
may  likely  trace  to  a  new  source  a  fine  perfume.  Some  of  our 
most  brilliant  colors  are  derived  from  a  similar  origin. 
Zinc  sulpho-phenate  combines  the  therapeutical  virtues  of  zinc 
sulphate  and  of  phenol.  Its  solution  for  injections  is  obtained 
by  dissolving  1  part  of  the  salt  in  150  to  200  parts  water. 
REMARKS  ON  TITRATED  SOLUTIONS  OF  OPIUM. 
By  G.  a.  Zwick. 
To  the  Editor  of  the  American  Journal  of  Pharmacy  : 
If  the  remarks  below  be  acceptable,  you  may  insert  them  in 
your  Journal.  They  are  made,  of  course,  without  desire  to 
criticise  Dr.  Squibb's  article  on  this  subject  in  your  last  number^ 
but  simply  to  present  a  view  from  the  prescription  counter  as 
well  as  from  the  laboratory. 
A  titrated  tincture  of  opium  is  no  doubt  of  as  much  import- 
ance as  the  requisition  of  the  Pharmacopoeia — that  the  concrete 
juice  of  the  poppy"  contains  at  least  seven  per  cent,  morphia. 
Dr.  Squibb's  suggestion,  that  the  term  "concrete  juice"  is  en- 
tirely indefinite,  according  to  the  amount  of  moisture,  is  equally 
true  and  appropriate.  He  proves  that  it  may  contain  all  the 
way  from  seven  to  fifteen  per  cent,  of  morphia,  and  yet  be  within 
the  pale  of  ofiicinal  requirements. 
These  points  admitted,  make  an  assay  of  opium,  whether  it  be 
intended  to  be  used  as  a  powder  or  for  the  purpose  of  making 
tinctures,  almost  indispensable.  I  have  tried  Dr.  Squibb's  pro- 
cess, and  succeeded  wdth  it,  but  it  is  probably  better  adapted  for 
the  laboratory  than  the  apothecary,  who  would  desire  to  examine 
opium  without  reference  to  liq.  opii  compositus  (Squibb).  For  a 
quick  and  equally  accurate  result  I  would  suggest  the  following: 
