170 
PHOSPHORIC  PLASMA. 
that  island  (A.  D.  827  to  A.  D.  1070),  evidence  has  not  been 
produced  to  prove  the  fact — but  that  on  the  contrary,  it  appears 
that  manna  was  gathered  in  Calabria  long  anterior  to  its  coUec- 
tion^in  Sicily. — Lond.  Pliarm.  Journ.,  Dec,  1869. 
PHOSPHORIC  PLASMA. 
By  R.  RoTHER. 
In  tendering  to  pharmaceutists  the  following  suggestions  for 
the  convenient  and  practical  production  of  this  compound,  the 
writer  experienced  some  hesitation,  cherished  by  slight  misgiv- 
ings as  to  its  propriety  in  a  scientific  connection.  *  *  *  * 
Stability  and  facility  are  the  two  great  distinguishing  features 
that  characterize  this  process,  and  its  result.  For  the  former 
we  have  nothing  less  than  the  inevitable  and  indispensable  gly. 
cerin.  For  the  latter  we  have  the  following  : 
Take  of  Phosphorus,  one  ounce. 
Glycerin,  8  fluid  ounces. 
Starch,  4 
Flour,    16  " 
Water,  28  fluid  " 
Mix  the  glycerin,  starch,  and  one  pint  of  the  water,  in  a  ca- 
pacious, cast-iron,  enameled,  evaporating  dish,  and  heat  the  mix- 
ture, stirring  constantly  with  a  very  flexible  spatula  until  the 
plasma  has  formed ;  remove  this  from  the  fire,  and  stir,  occasion- 
ally, until  it  is  only  warm,  then  add  8  fluid-ounces  of  the  water, 
and  the  flour,  and  mix,  thoroughly,  by  means  of  a  stone-ware  or 
wooden  pestle,  until  a  smooth,  uniform  mass  is  obtained.  Take 
2  ounces  of  this,  add  to  it  the  remaining  4  fluid-ounces  of  water, 
and  heat  in  a  smaller  evaporating  dish,  until  sufficiently  hot ; 
add  the  phosphorus,  in  small  portions  at  a  time,  and  when  this 
has  entirely  fused,  stir  with  a  flexible  spatula,  gradually  adding 
some  of  the  plasma,  with  constant  stirring,  and  when  of  a  proper 
consistence,  incorpora'e  it  thoroughly  with  the  remaining  plasma. 
The  writer  now  considers  that  pharmaceutists  see  the  point,  and, 
consequently,  abstains  from  giving  any  further  illustrations. 
Chicago,  Dec.  21,  1869. 
—  The  Pharmacist,  Jan.,  1870. 
