106 
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
into Jamaica, where it has thriven even in the most parched 
and arid spots. As this shrub is tolerably hardy, it would in 
all probability succeed in many parts of our southern states, 
in situations in which scarcely anything else would grow. In 
Jamaica it soon comes into bearing, and its crops last through 
a greater part of the year. 
The pods which are similar to those of the Csesalpinia co- 
riaria, contain tannin and gallic acid in very large proportions, 
and may hence be used not only as a substitute for oak bark 
in tanning, but also are capable of supplying the place of the 
best Aleppo galls. R. E. G. 
ART. XVIII — REMARKS ON SOME COMMON IMPURITIES IN 
MEDICINES, AND THE MEANS OF OBVIATING THEM. 
By Wm. R. Fisher, Baltimore. 
Plumbi Jicetas. The best crystallized and whitest speci- 
mens of this salt in commerce contain much carbonate 
of lead and dirt, and are unfit for internal administration as 
medicine. Hence it has long been a practice with me to re- 
crystallize and refine the crude salt, (if this term be allowable,) 
before dispensing it as a medicine. It has been asserted as an 
ascertained fact, that the acetate of lead, when pure, does not 
produce lead disease, or rather that the carbonate is the only 
direct poison of lead;* if this be true, there is a direct respon- 
sibility incurred by the pharmaceutist, who through igno- 
rance or neglect furnishes to his customers an acetate of lead 
containing so noxious an agent. The internal use of lead dur- 
ing the prevalence of the Cholera in this city in 1S34, was 
very extensive, and the experience of one physician at least, 
who freely administered it, confirms the opinion that pure 
acetate of lead does not produce lead poison. I do not, of 
* Ducatel's Abridgement of Christison, p. 148. 
