NEW  FORM   OF  ASTRINGENT  APPLICATION. 
443 
best  result  was  obtained  with  protosulphate  of  iron  mixed  with 
a  few  drops  of  phosphorous  acid,  but  this  liquid  has  the  disad- 
vantage of  attacking  the  shadows,  which  is  not  the  case  with 
pyrogallic  acid. — Pharmaceutical  Journal,  Jane,  1856. 
NEW  FORM  OF  ASTRINGENT  APPLICATION. 
By  Dr.  William  Bayes,  Brighton. 
Pure  glycerine  dissolves  nearly  its  own  weight  of  tannin,  afford- 
ing a  very  powerful  local  astringent  application. 
The  solution  of  tannin  in  pure  glycerine  appears  to  me  to 
supply  a  desideratum  long  felt,  and  capable  of  a  great  variety  of 
useful  applications. 
The  solvent  property  of  glycerine  over  tannin,  allows  us  to 
form  a  lotion  of  any  desirable  strength,  as  the  solution  is  readily 
miscible  with  water. 
The  solution  of  tannin  in  glycerine,  in  one  or  other  of  its 
strengths,  is  peculiarly  applicable  to  many  disorders  of  the 
mucous  membrane,  readily  combining  with  mucus,  and  forming  a 
non-evaporizable  coating  over  dry  membranes  ;  hence  it  may  with 
benefit  be  applied  to  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  eye  and  ear 
in  many  of  its  diseased  conditions.  It  forms  a  most  convenient 
application  to  the  vaginal  uterine,  urethral,  or  rectal  membranes, 
where  a  strong  and  non-irritant  astringent  lotion  is  desired. 
In  local  haemorrhages,  where  the  bleeding  surface  can  easily 
be  reached,  it  will  prove  very  convenient,  and  may  be  applied 
either  with  a  sponge  or  small  brush. 
The  solution  must  be  kept  in  the  dark,  and  should  not  be  pre- 
pared for  any  great  length  of  time  before  used,  or  decomposition 
will  occur. 
It  is  singular  that  glycerine  does  not  possess  the  same  pro- 
perty towards  gallic  acid.— Charleston  Medical  Journal,  from 
Association  Med.  Jour. 
ON  THE  SOLUBILITY  OF  BONES  IN  WATER. 
By  Prof.  Woehler. 
Translated  by  J.  M.  Maiscli. 
If  ground  bones,  as  they  are  prepared  at  bone  mills  for  agri- 
cultural purposes,  are  left  in  contact  with  water  for  some  time, 
