of tbe College of pbarmacE of tbc Cits of IRew Jt)orfc. ENTERED AT THE NEW VONK OST OFFICE AS SECOND Vol. II. 3anuar£, 1895. •no. l. . . . Content0 . . ♦ Digestion and Its Pharmaceutical Aids . . . . i By H. A. HAUBOLO, M. D. Syrup Hydriodic Acid . . 8 by f. g. hills. Ph.G. Columbia Columbia Lectures . 8 Editorial — The Alumni Journal . 9 New Literature ... 10 The Most Recent Work . 12 New Remedies ... 14 Notes Here and There . 15 Senior Class Notes ... 16 Junior Notes . . 18 The Juniors .... 18 By G. C. PATRICK. Official Opening of the College of Pharmacy of the City of N. Y. 19 A Communication ... 19 Meeting of Torrey Botanical Club in the College of Pharmacy 19 General Index for Volume I . 20 Index of Authors 25 •A. Jjjrltnoton ^bemical XDCl or k 8 > YONKERS, N. Y. PUBLISHED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK. Vol. II. New York, January, 1895 No. 1. DIGESTION AND ITS PHARMACEUTICAL AIDS. By H. A. HAUBOLD, M. D., Assistant to the Chair of Physiology, Bellevue Hospital Medical College. UBRARV NEW YORi BOT/ CiAKDEJN. pvIGESTlON is the process that food *-^ undergoes in its preparation for as- similation by the general system. It is absolutely essential to the maintenance of animal life that food should be intro- duced into the digestive system, and then be taken up by the blood and distributed to the various parts, organs and tissues of the body. It is impossible to create something from nothing Growth oi tissue does not occur from contact with air. The average weight of the human adult is 140 pounds. The mean tem- perature of human being is 99 F. Un- der ordinary conditions of exercise and rest a human animal consumes itself in about 24 days. This consumption is compensated for only by the introduction of articles of food. In the time mentioned an animal may consume more than its own weight but never less. Raising the body temperature (as in fevers) or by increase of muscular energy consumed, a human animal may use up, or burn up, more than its own weight in a given time, and if this is not com- pensated for by the food the subject loses flebh. On the other hand, if the animal intro- duces and assimilates more food than is consumed within this period of time, the body weight is increased. A body is said to be in a state of phys- iological equilibrium when the ingesta equals the excreta — it then neither gains nor looses weight. Food is the fuel that feeds the fire of our human combustion. It is the sub- stance that is consumed in the produc- tion of animal heat and force- It bears the same relation to the animal kingdom that coal does to a steam-engine. It is the genuine vis a tergo that enables us to perform our functions. In nature nothing is lost, but all tilings constantly change their form. So the human body takes from the surrounding world its means of suste- THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. nance. But at the end of a certain time human life ends and our bodies go to nourish the vegetable kingdom, and thus we pay back to earth everything we took from it. Lack of time and the presence here to- night of casual listeners will not allow me to enter into a minutely detailed description of the organs and their secre- tions, concerned in the process of diges- tion, nor am I able to do more than give you a general idea of the classes of foods generally in use. Still I shall retain enough detail to make the subject sufficiently clear. Hunger is the local expression of the system's want of nutritive elements, and this sensation is referred to the stomach. Thirst is the local expression of the want of water in the system, and this sensation is referred to the forces. • Man may live when deprived of food for from five to eight days. Observations on this subject were made by Savigny, a French physician, who was one ol 150 unfortunates that were exposed on an open raft from the wreck of the frigate " Medusa" (1816). These miserable creatures were ex- posed for thirteen days during which period they were totally destitute of food. Savigny made notes at the time which showed that old and very young persons succumbed first. Death was most fre- quent when the surrounding temperature was low. Persons with much adipose tissue resisted longest. Only fifteen of all these 150 persons were found alive at the end of the thirteen days. Savigny was one of them. These observations have been verified since by many physiologists. According to Chassot animals die of starvation when they have lost four- tenths of their weight. The classic exhibitions of forty days' starvation are not entitled to scientific consideration. CLASSIFICATION OF FOOD. First into the general division of or- ganic and inorganic. The inorganic constituents of food do not undergo any change in digestion and are thrown off in the same condition in which they are taken in. Examples of these are the chlorides of sodium and calcium, the phosphates and iron. Strange as it may seem they are never the less necessary to life. Animals crave salt. It would seem that they have some influence on nutri- tion for when an animal is deprived of salt there is an evident change in the character of the hide- A fact well known among hunters and cattle raisers. ORGANIC. 1. Nitrogenized or albumenoids. f Sugars C^H^O,, 2. Non nitrogenized= \ Starches C 6 H 10 O 5 ( Fats. The organic nitrogenized contain C H O N and S. f Gluten L Albumen. They arenon-crystallizable. Undergo a peculiar change which is called putre- faction and exist in combination with the inorganic constituents. Most of the nitrogenized elements of food come from the vegetable kingdom. The animals that serve man as articles of diet live on vegetables chiefly. The vegetable kingdom derives its nitrogen from the salines of the earth. These combine with the starches, the latter being produced from C0 3 and H 2 0. None of the nitrogen comes from the air. They are not discharged from the body in health except in the milk. They are consumed in the body in the general process of nutrition, and are rep- resented by urea in the urine and per- spiration. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. NON - NITROGENIZED ALIMENTARY SUB- STANCES. These are the starches, the sugars and the fats. The starches and sugars are called carbo-hydrates, because they contain H. and O. in proportion to form H 2 0. Starch C 6 H 10 O 5 . Cane sugar C 12 H 22 0„ = (Saccharose.) Milk sugar C 12 H w 12 = (Lactose.) Grape sugar C 6 H 12 (i = (Glucose.) Starch undergoes a vast number of changes according to the chemists. But for our purpose it is sufficient to know that all starches and sugars are converted into glucose in digestion, and are taken up in this form by the blood. The fats are stearine, palmatine and oleine! They are called hydro-carbons, and do not contain H and O in propor- tion to form H 2 0. The hydro - carbons undergo various changes in digestion, but these are chiefly mechanical. The digestive fluids ultimately convert them into an emulsion, and they are taken up by the lactols and emptied into the blood. The hydro-carbons are the elements of diet, chiefly concerned in the production ol animal heat. This accounts for their being the main article of diet in the arctic regions. I will mention here a few articles that retard the waste of tissue. They are alcohol, tea and coffee. Still they should never be taken to the exclusion of ordi- nary articles of alimentation in health. Alcohol is one of the most useful agents at our command in the treatment of wasting diseases. But should never be indulged in in health. This is a physiological, not a social opinion. The amount of food necessary for the average man under the ordinary condi- tions of exercise is : Meat 163 Bread 193 Butter ( fat )3}4 3 10)923 H 2 543 5K =6) 140 = 24 days about. The digestive apparatus consists in a general way of the mouth, the stomach and the intestines. The digestive fluids are : 1. Saliva secreted by the salivary glands. 2. The gastric juice, secreted by the glands in the walk of the stomach. 3. The pancreatic juice, secreted by the pancreas. 4. The bile which comes from the liver. 5. The intestinal juice. I shall take these up in the order men- tioned, and show their action on the various articles of diet as I go on. Digestion in the mouth is in part me- chanical and in part chemical. Food is masticated by the teeth and is otherwise prepared for deglutition by insalivation, and the introduction of par- ticles of air into its mass to allow of easier access to all of it by the gastric juice. Although there are several glands in the region of the mouth that contribute a share to the salivary fluid, during the action of this fluid on foods, saliva is a mixture, and we shall consider it as such. Mixed saliva is opalescent, viscid has a specific gravity 1,004 to 1,008. It is alkaline in reaction. The quan- tity secreted in 24 hours is about 45 oz., one third during mastication. It contains a peculiar ferment called ptya- line, that exists in proportion of 1.34 parts per 1,000. This ptyaline is conven- ient in converting starch into glucose. It does not convert all the starch into glu- THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. cose, and acts most readily on cooked starch. This action does not entirely cease in the stomach, although it is very slight in this organ. After the bolus of food has been prop- erly masticated and insalivated, it passes down the oesophagus and into the stom- ach. (CE^ophagus is 9 in. long. Deg- lutition 6 seconds). The stomach is a pear-shaped organ, situated immediately under the dia- phragm. It has a capacity of about 5 pints, and consists of three layers of tis- sue— the outer a smooth serous mem- brane, which prevents friction, a middle or muscular coat, which gives it its con- tractibility, and an inner or mucous coat, which contains the cells that secrete the gastric juice. These cells are of two kinds — one 'Called acid cells, that secrete the hydro- chloric acid, and the other called peptic cells, that secrete the pepsin. According to more recent observations the so-called peptic cells secrete an element that is known as pepsinogen, and this is con- verted into pepsin by its contact with the hydrochloric acid. Little was known of the chemical ac- tion of this important digestive fluid un- til the experiments of Beaumont, made on St. Martin during a period extend- ing from 1825 to 1832. St. Martin was a trapper, who followed his calling in the northern part of this State, and it was while in pursuit of game that his hunting- piece was accidentally discharged, inflict- ing an injury of the wall of the abdomen and tearing away a portion of the stom- ach. When the patient recovered a fistu- lous opening remained between the stom- ach's interior and the external air, and thus it was possible for Beaumont, who had the man under observation'for a long time, to make careful analysis of the con- tents of the stomach from time to time. Since then artificial gastric fistulae have been frequently established in the lower animals, and it was in this manner that the specimen of gastric juice I now pre- sent to you was obtained. The operation is not a difficult one, but it is not necessary to discuss it here. During the intervals of digestion the inner surface of the stomach is covered by a layer of thick alkaline mucous, which gives the mucous membrane a pale, slimy appearance. When food is introduced it acts as a stimulus to the gastric cells, and the freshly secreted juice washes this coating away. The membrane then presents a red conjested appearance with small streams of clear gastric juice running down its sides. The quantity of gastric juice secreted in twenty-four hours is variable and diffi- cult to measure. It is a sure estimate to say that no less than six, no more than fourteen pounds are secreted in a single day. It is of clear amber color (this specimen has been filtered through ani- mal charcoal — to get a fresh specimen, if possible), is of strongly acid reaction, and contains free hydrochloric acid and pepsin. This specimen was drawn on Novem- ber 3, and, as you see, is still acid and has not undergone decomposition. The activity of this digestive fluid depends upon pepsin, and the hydrochloric acid. Still other acids may be substituted with- out interfering with its efficacy. Action of Gastric Juice. — The bo- lus of food passes down the oesophagus from the mouth. The saliva continues its action in starch in the presence of the gastric juice, but only to a very slight degree. The gastric juice converts meat, cas- erne and the other albumenoids, or what we have classified as the organic nitro- genized elements of diet, into acid pep- tones. But this class of foods is not en- tirely digested in the stomach. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. Peptones are more osmotic than raw albnmenoids. They pass more readily through urinal membranes, and thus they are easily taken up by the blood and distributed to the tissues of the body. The ultimate destination of all the elements of food is the blood, and from thence to the tissues. Fats, or the hydro-carbons, are only slightly acted upon by the gastric juice. It dissolves into the fat vesicles, but does not act on the fats themselves. The carbo-hydrates are subjected to little or no change by the gastric juice. Cane suger is acted on by the acid, but this is unimportant. Raw starch is hydrated by the warmth of stomach, but is not converted into glucose. Stomach digestion occupies from three to three and one-half hours. The food is constantly being churned up by the movements of the muscular coat ot this organ, and when it is rendered liquid it is forced through the narrow end of the stomach that leads into the small intes- tine called the pylorus and is subjected to further digestion in the small intestine. In the small intestine the food is acted upon by the three remaining digestive fluids or juices, namely, the pancreatic juice, the intestinal juice and the bile. The small intestine is about twenty feet in length. It consists of a horse- shoe shaped curve, the duodenum, which is about ten inches in length, and two other portions, the jejunum and ilium. The jejunum is the upper part next the duodenum, and occupies two-fifths of the entire remaining length. The ilium occupies the remaining three-fifths of the small intestine, and ends in the blood pouch called the caecum, which is the beginning of the large or greater intes- tine. The coats of the small intestine are identical with those of the stomach, and like that organ, the gut is endowed with contractibility. The mucous membrane lining the small intestine is closely studded with the glands that secrete the intestinal juice, and also contains the small organs called villi, that absorb the digestive ele- ments after their preparation by the various juices. The intestinal juice is not readily ob- tained in its pure state. Bush, a German physiologist, made a series of valuable observations on a case that came under his care. The subject of his experimentation had been gored by a bull, the animal's horns entering the small intestine. After recovery two fistulous openings remained, and it was thus possible to in- troduce various articles ot diet into one fistula and remove them again from the other. As the result of these observations we may say that the intestinal juice changes starch into glucose and aids in the di- gestion of organic nitrogeneous sub- stances. It has no action on cane sugar nor fats. We come now to the most important of the digestive fluids of intestinal diges- tion, namely the pancreatic juice. The pancreas is situated transversely in the upper part of the abdominal cavity. It is about seven inches in length and communicates with the duodenum by two ducts. One that combines with the common bile duct from the liver and the other which enters the intestine by itself at a point about one inch lower down. The juice of the pancreas is not easily obtained in a normal state. Still ob- servations on this point were successfully made by Bernard. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. This physiologist operated on dogs. The animal is fed largely and five to six hours later the duodenum is drawn out of the abdomen through an incision pre- viously made to the lower duct carefully isolated. A slender silver comula is then tied into the duct with a fine ligature and a bladder is fastened on its thistal end to catch the juice as it is secreted. The success of this operation is in- fluenced by a large number of conditions that I need not enter into here. It is sufficient to say that we succeeded in ob- taining a specimen of pure pancreatic juice during the last month in the Physiology L,ot at Bellevue and verified some of Bernard's observations. Pure pancreatic juice is a pale, whitish, viscid fluid readily coagulated by heat, of a distinctly alkaline reaction. Bernard places the specific gravity at 1.040. Ob- servations made by Austin Flint showed specimens with specific gravity of 1.019. It is probably that it varies very greatly. It is secreted only during digestion. The organic constituents of pancreatic juice are three in number : Amylopsine which like the ptyaline of the saliva converts starch into glucose. Trypsine, which like pepsin changes the albumenoids or organic nitro substances into peptones. The difference here is that peptones in the stomach are acid peptones, whilst peptones digested by pancreatic juice are alkaline peptones or tryptones. The third ferment is steapsine which acidifies fats. Fats are emulsified by the mechanical acid of pancreatic juice and is the result of its viscidity. There is no such thing as pancreatin in physiology. The bile, the fifth and last digestive fluid, is not alone a digestive fluid. It contains also elements of disassimilation or waste, and these are thrown off from the body in the forces. It aids in the digestion of the food and prevents decomposition. It also promotes the contractibility of the intestine and like all fluids that contain waste products it is being constantly secreted. If we go back for a moment we can see that although the detail of the diges- tive phenomena somewhat intricate the ultimate conditions of foods when they get into the blood is simple enough. All the organic nitro. substances are converted into peptones. All the carbo-hydrates or starches and sugars are ultimately converted into glucose and these two classes are taken up directly by the blood and distributed to the tissues. The fats, all of them are emulsified, and are taken up by intricate network of special vesselscalled lacteals,'and they.too, are emptied into the blood and are con- sumed in the production of animal heat and force. After these changes have taken place, a residue is left over, and this residue together with some other excrementitions substances are thrown off with the dejecta. The albumenoids are represented in this class of substances by leucine and tyro- cine in the small intestine, but these are converted intoskatol, iodol and phenol in the large intestine. Leucine and tyrocine do not exist in the large intestine as such. A fact that is responsible for the con- viction for murder of Ben Ali, in the celebrated "Frenchy Trial" in this city. These substances were found in the blood taken from the defendant's finger nails, and it was thus reasoned that he must have had his fingers in the small intestine of the murdered woman. The starches, sugars and fats leaves no residue in health. An aid to digestion is any agent that THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. will contribute to the changes that ordi- nary articles of diet undergo in the hu- man body. In this connection it is proper to men- tion foods that from their nature, are most easily taken up in absorption. Volumes of literature in the form of advertisements and otherwise, have been written on this subject. The ideal food is unquestionably the milk. Milk is digested when nothing else is. It is better than any commercial food or combination of commercial foods. Better than beef tea. Beef tea (and I say this in all gravity) is chemically closely al- lied to urine. Attention was first called to this point by the late Austin Flint, professor of practice of medicine, at Belle- vue. There is now no longer any doubt about it. v Milk contains all the classes of articles ot nutrition mentioned above. It even contains iron. A case that most strikingly illustrates this, came under observation recently. A man presented himself for treatment, who for a period a little short oi eleven years, had lived entirely on milk. He was well nourished, and of considerable muscular development. Yet, nothing had passed his lips in all these years but milk, of which he drank about five quarts during every every twenty-four hours. Albumenoids are also most readily changed and undergo absorption more easily than the sugars and fats. Still, stomach digestion is not by any means the most important. The stomach covered like the mouth, largely assits in the preparation of the food for further changes that take place in the small intestine. Millions of dollars have been spent in the preparation of pepsin. Still it is of questionable utility. It is of use only in antacid [medium, and ["acts only on o ne class of food, namely, the albumenoids. By tar the greater proportion of albume- noids are converted into peptones by the pancreatic juice, and this is an alkaline secretion, pepsin never reaches the small- er intestine, and would be of no great service if it did. Pancreatin does not exist as a digest- ive ferment. Whatever its alleged use- fulness may be, it would be necessary to give it in such form that it is not acted on in the stomach, but skips, as it were, this organ and then gets to work in the intestine. (It is claimed that this can be done by coating a pill with certain agents.) In any case it certainly does not emulsify fats, for the reason that this function is a mechanical, not a chemical one. The chemist has indeed succeeded in preparing articles of diet that lessen the labor of the digestive organs very great- ly. In the predigested foods (for in- stance, Kumyss), there are a large num- ber of these preparations now in the market, and they all have their restricted fields of usefulness. The pharmacist has also contributed his share to the general good work. The most distressing accompaniments of defective digestion are fermentation and decomposition. There are many pharmaceutical preparations that tend to lessen these. Resorcin and salicin, which are solu- ble, act well in the stomach. Napthaline and the bismuth prepara- tions are useful, as they pass into the in- testines. Of the latter dermatol, or bismuth subgallate, is perhaps the most useful. If we are to rely alone on the phar- maceutical preparations that are sup- posed to effect those changes in articles of diet that they normally undergo in 1HE ALUMNI JOURNAL, the gastrointestinal canal, we are indeed sadly wanting. A glance back into the physiology of these changes should make this readily comprehensible. Indigestion is a grave affliction. It is absolutely incompatable with amiability. Do not understand me to say that it is not amenable to treatment. On the con- trary, care and attention to detail is often productive of very gratifying re- sults. This procedure does not belong to this lecture. I am to-night only concerned in the description of the physiology of the digestive apparatus and its pharma- ceutical aids. From the standpoint of the physiologist, agents that of them- selves produce digestive changes in food are of little service. COLUMBIA COLLEGE LECTURES IN CO OPERATION WITH THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, 1894 95. SYRUP HYDRIODIC ACID. F. G. HILLS, Ph G. The decomposition which often takes place in syrup of hydriodic acid suggest- ed to the writer the use of glycerin instead of sugar as a preservative. A sample of 4 per cent, strength was prepared accord- ing to the U. S. P. method, the solution of potassium iodide, potassium hypophos- phite and tartaric acid being made of corresponding greater strength, and gly- cerin used instead of syrup. This sample is now over a year old but shows no sign of decomposition, although it has been exposed to both light and moderate heat. Recently a sample of 5 per cent, strength was prepared according to the following formula, proceeding the same as in the U.S. P. formula for the syrup : Potassii iodicL- gr. lxxvii " hypophos gr. ii Acid, tartaric - gr. lxxvi Aquae f Siss Dilute alcobol___ -- --f 3ii Glycerini .__ -q. s. ad. 3ii This has been exposed to sunlight and air for about a month, but is in perfect condition. If a preparation of this kind proves more stable than the syrup, it could be used for the preparation of the syrup to advantage. To be given at the Museum . Central Park {Seventy-seventh Street and Eighth A venue), on Saturday Evenings at 8 o'clock. Sound. REGINALD GORDON, A. B., Tutor in Physics, Columbia College. Dec. 1 st. -Production and Transmission of Sound Waves. Velocity of Sound in different Media. Dec. 8. — Characteristics of Strings and Pipes. Interference. WILLIAM HALLOCK, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor of Physics, Columbia College. Dec. 15th. — Overtones, Musical Scale. The Voice. Dec. 22d. — Resonance, Analysis of Sound. Ar- ticulation. Dec. 29th. — The Ear. Acoustics of the Phono- graph and Telephone. History of Chemistry. H. CARRINGTON BOLTON, Ph.D.. Non-resident Lecturer on the History of Chemistry, at Columbian University, Washington, DC. Jan. 5th. — The Follv and Wisdom of Alchemy. Jan. 12th. — Paraclesus and the Iatro-Chemists. Jan. 19th. — The Development of Pneumatic Chemistry. Jan. 26th. — Lavoisier and the Reformation of Chemistry. The Vegetable World in its Economic Aspects. H. H. RUSBV, M. D., Professor of Botany, College of Pharmacy. Feb. 2d.— Food Plants. Feb. 9th. — Medicinal Plants. Feb. 16th — Plants of use in the Mechanical Arts. Feb. 23d — Decorative Plants. Bacteria and their Relation to Health and Disease. T. M. CHEESMAN, M. D.. Instructor in Bacteriology, Columbia College. (College of Physicians and Surgeons). {What they are. What they do. How they are studied. Mar. 9th, — Bacteria in Nature. Mar. 16th. — Bacteria in Men and Auimals. How thev produce Disease. Mar. 23. — Bacteria and Sanitation. How Bac- terial Diseases are Prevented. The lectures will be illustrated. Tickets of admission are required. They can be procured, without charge, by application to the Secretary of the President, Columbia Col- lege. THE ALUM XI JOURNAL. HE. f^pM Published under the auspices of the Alumni Association of the College of Pharmacy OK THE CITY OF NEW YORK, i iS-119 WEST 68th STREET. Vol. II. January i, 1895. No. 1. Thk Alumni Journal will be published Monthly. Kntered at New York Post Office as second-class matter SUBSCRIPTION: Per Annum, One Dollar Single Copies, . . . 15 Cents. All copy for publication, or changes of advertisements should reach us on or before the 20th of the month pre- vious to the issue in which they are to appear. All matters relating- to publication should bewritlen on one side of the paper only, and sent to the editor, Henry Krakmer, 115-119 West 68th Street. All communications relating to finances and sub- scriptions should be addressed to A. Henning, Treas., 115-119 West 68th Street All communications relating to advertising should be addresssd to A. K, LTJSK, 1 Park Row. EDITOR, HENRY KRAEMER, Ph. G. ASSISTANT EDITORS, FRED. HOHENTHAL, Ph. G. K. C. MAHEGIN, Ph. G. ASSOCIATE EDITORS, CHARLES RICE, Ph. D. CHVRI.ES F. CHANDLER, Ph. D., M. D , L.L.D., etc. ARTHUR H. ELLIOTT, Ph. D., F. C. S. HENRY H. RUSBY, M. D. VIRGIL COBLENTZ, A. M., Ph. G., Ph. D. THE ALUriNI JOURNAL. The managers of The Alumni Jour- nal bid its readers "Greetings for the New Year." As this is the beginning of the second year we are happy to an- nounce that The Alumni Journal is taking the place that was needed and doing the work that was intended to be accomplished by it. We are much en- couraged for the coming year's work, and would gladly speak fully of our plans for the year's work. But inasmuch as we have adopted a conservative policy in this respect and as each month passes we feel that we are improving The Journal we therefore trust that our readers will look into the future for the same im- provement as in each issue of last year. We further desire our readers to suggest to us in what manner they con- sider that The Alumni Journal may be improved. Pharmaceutical journalism may be considered to be a distinct kind of jour- nalism. It may be divided into two classes, good and bad, but as these are only relative terms like rich and poor we think a better division consists of the fol- lowing three classes, viz. : (1) Those de- voted to original papers and scientific notes ; (2) those possessing at least a flavor of (1) and containing a more or less amount of personal and trade notes ; (3) publications by the Alumni Associa- tions of some of our colleges. Any one comparing types of these three kinds of publications will see that they are very distinct from each other. Marked dif- ferences will be very apparent also in those of the same kind. The first kind is indispensable to the intelligent phar- macist. The second class is necessary to the pharmacist in business. The third class consists of a rather new and un- developed kind of journalism. The value of an alumni journal, as with any of the other journals, depends upon what its readers desire and what they receive. It is with the latter class that we are con- cerned. The prime object of The Alumni Journal is to publish matter of value and interest to the Alumni of the College of Pharmacy of the City of New York and to assist in the work of the College among its members and students. Of especial iiiteresl to each alumnus are (or THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. should be) the notes regarding the gradu- ates, students and college. The greatest interest is always centered in our ' 'alma mater. " To make the department "Our Graduates" what it should be requires the hearty cooperation of all of the graduates of the N. Y. C. P. No editor alone can do justice to this department as he is hardly likely to be in touch with all of the graduates. The things of value to the alumni con- tained in The Alumni Journal we be- lieve must consist in the original articles which we have printed and propose to continue printing. Our readers see that no articles but those of merit are ever in- serted and they may rest assured that none but such will in the future be print- ed. In the department of " New Literature " each month is to be found a list of new books with brief reviews in some cases. In ' ' The Most Recent Work " we have abstracts from none but first-class journals of the progress con- tained therein. "Notes Here and There" consist of miscellaneous matter with or without editorial comment, and may con- sist of answers to queries, etc. Each month an editorial is written upon some subject that is in consonance with the progress of the month and " the signs of the times." These are the things of value and interest to the pharmacist and we are endeavoring to make it also of value to the pharmacist whether he be a graduate of the college or not, and render each volume of sufficient value for binding. The columns devoted to the " Senior and Junior Notes" are not without interest and spice, and the young men ought to be encouraged and certainly have our congratulations for their work. As we are not competent to give authentic trade notes and market prices, which would be a guide to our readers we have refrained from any attempts. In New York City every one is so busy that very few have any time to do much other than is speedily remunerative. Sentiment might be said rarely enters into any project carried on here. What- ever is done must of necessity be done. The hardest kind of reason and the coldest facts are always demanded. And yet there is probably no place where there is so much interest in reasonable projects that are established and carried on as in New York City. The Alumni Journal is not run as a matter of sentiment or a means of speculation. It is built on reason and run b}' money. It is going on in spite of anything and anybody. We however thank our friends for their hearty co-operation and encouragement and feel with them that The Alumni Journal can only succeed on its merits. Our motto is with fear for ?io one and justice to all we will endeavor to be true to the duties of the hour and produce matter of value and interest to the pharmacist . NEW LITERATURE.* Bacteriology. The Psychic Life of Micro Organisms. — Al- fred Binet. Pages xii., 120. Chicago: Open Court Publishing Company. La Batteriologia nei suoi rapporti con PAgri- coltura e le Industrie Agrarie. — E. Kramer. Versione Italiana del dott. C. La Marca, con Aggiunte dell' Autore e del Traduttore. Parte I e II. Montecassino. Figurato. Botany. Lehrbuch der Botanik. — K. Giesenhagen. Miinchen: E. Wolff. Die Pflanzen des homoopathischen Arznei- schatzes. — Bearbeitet medicinisch von v. Vil- lers, botanisch von F. v. Thiiuen. Dresden: Wm. Baensch. A Laboratory Manual in Elementary Biolo- gy .—Z. R. Boyer. Boston: Heath & Co. This work is an inductive study in animal * Readers desiring any of the works contained in this list can obtain them through B. Westerman & Co., 812 Broadway. Gustav E. Stechert, 810 Broadway, or other foreign booksellers. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. and plant morphology and is designed for pre- paratory and high schools. Anschauungstafeln fur den Unterricht in der Pflanzenkunde— Pilling und Miiller. Braun- schweig: Fr. Vieweg und Sohn. Diewichtigsten auslandischen Culturpflanzen. —Material zu naturgeschichtlichen Unterredun- gen auf, der Oberstufe mehrclassiger Volks und Burgerschulen. Zugleich eine Erlaiiterung zu Gohring Schmidt: AusHindische Culturpflanzen. — H. Tewes. 2 Aufl. Leipzig: F. E. Wach- smutb. PJlanzen-Teratologie, systematisch geordnet. — O. Penzig. 2 Bd. Dicotyledones, (Gamope- talse), Mononocotyledones, Cryptogamce. Beitrage znr Kenntniss der Gallenbildungen mit Betucksichtigung des Gerbstoffes.— Max Kiistenmacher. [Aus " Pringsheim's Jahr- biichern fiir wissenschaftliche Botanik."] Ber- lin, 1894. Gebr. Borntrager. 8vo., 104 pp. Mit 6 Tafeln. Chemistry. Notes on Reactions of Salts, and Scheme for the examination of a solution of a single Salt. — Class ol practical chemistry, University of Edin- burgh. Thin (Edinbugh): Simpkin. Roscoe-Schorlemmer 's kurzes Lehrbuch der Chernie nach den neuesten Ansichten derWissen- schaft.—H. E. Roscoe u. A. Classen. 10 Aufl. Braunschweig: Fr. Vieweg u. Sohn. Synopsis of Advanced Chemistry. — \V. J. Stainer. London: Clive. This arranged according to the syllabus of the advanced stage, science and art department, South Kensington. Die Analyse der JVeine.—H. A. Bliicher. With 13 woodcuts. Kassell: M. Brunnemann. This work contains the latest methods in manufacture of wines, as well as tables of re- sults and reduction tables. Ueber das Spectrum des Kaliums, Natriums und Cadmiums bet verschiedenen Temperatur- en .—]. M. Eder und E. Valenta. Leipzig: G. Freytag. Lehrbuch det organischen Chemit.—'E. Erlen- meyer. Begonnen von R. Meyer, fortgesetzt von H. Goldschmidt, weiter fortgefiihrt von K. von Buchka. Zweiter Theil. Die aromati- schen Verbindungen. Erster Band. 8 Lief. (Schluss). Leipzig: C. F. Winter. 1882-1894. The Rise and Development of Organic Chem- istry.— Carl Schorlemmer. Revised edition. Edited by A. Smithells. Small 8vo. pp. 280. London and New York: Macmillan & Co. A Treatise on Chemistry.- H. E. Roscoe and C. Schorlemmer. Vol. I. The non-Me- tallic Elements. New edition, completely re- vised by H. E. Roscoe, assisted by H. G. Col- man and A. Harden, with 374 illustrations and a portrait of Dalton, engraved by C. H. Jeens. 8vo. pp. 888. London and New York, Mac- millan & Co. Cours de Chemie minerale, organique et bi- ologique.—k. Gautier. 2 Edit. Tome I. Chimie minerale. Avec. 244 Fig. Paris: G. Masson. An Elementary Chemistry.— G. R. White. Boston: Ginn & Co. Organische Chemie fiir Aerzte in 12 Vorles- ungen.—Velix B. Ahrens. Stuttgart: F. Enke. Kurs Chimitscheskoj technologii. — N. A. Bunge. Wypusk I. Woda. Topliwo i otople- nije Ostwieschenije. S. 138 politipage 'ami Tipografija Imperatorskawo Universiteta sw Wladimira. Descriptive Inorganic General Chemistry.— P. C. Freer. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Lehrbuch der Mineralogie und Chemie. — L Weis. In 2 Theilen. 2 Ausg. Bremen: M. Heinsius. Repetitorium der organischen Chemie.— A. Pinner. 10 Aufl. Mit 27 Holzschmitten. Berlin: Robt. Oppenheim. Intended for students in pharmacy and med- icine. Chemiker Kalender, 1895.— R. Biedermann. Berlin: J. Springer. Handbuch der anorganischen Chemie.— Her- ausgegeben von O. Dammer unter Mitwirkung von Benedict, Gadebusch, Haitinger, etc (3 Bande). Stuttgart: F. Enke. The True Atomic Weights of the Chemical- Elements and the Unity of Matter.— G. D. Hinrichs. New York : B. Westerman & Co. Lehrbuch der Chemie fur Pharmaceuten.— B. Fischer. Mit 103 Holzschnitten. 3 vermehrte Auflage. Stuttgart: F. Enke. Handworterbuch der Chemie -k. Ladenburg. Mit text-Illustrationen. Zwolfter Band. Bres lau: Ed. Trewendt. Hygiene. Grundzuge der Hygiene.— W. Prausnitz. 2. Aufl. Leipzig : Oscar Leiner. Erndhrungs — u. Nahrungsmittelehre zum Praktischen Gebrauche fur Hausfrauen, Fami- lien-und Haushaltungsvorstande.—Th. Huperz. Pharmacognosy. Laerebog i Pharmacognosifor Apotheks— dis- ciple.— S. Rutzon. Kopenhagen : Hagerup. 12 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. Histopathologic die Hautkrankheiten. — P. G. Unna. Physics. Physikalische Aufgaben fur die oberen Clas- sen hohertr Lebranstalten. — Aus den bei Ent- lassungspriifungen gestellten Aufgaben ausge- wahlt und mit Hinzufiigung der Losungen zu einem Uebungsbuche vereinigt. W. Budde. 2. Aufl. Braunschweig : Fr. Vieweg u. Sohn. Heat.—h. Carrumag. New York : Longs- mann, Green & Co. Treatment of the subject experimentally for the use of schools and students. Text Book of Magnetism and Electricity. — R. W. Stewart. 2d Ed. (Tutorial Physics, Vol. IV ), London : Clive. Lehrbuch der Physik. — H. Gotz. 2. Aufl. Mit 292 Figuren und zahlreichen Uebungsauf- gaben. Miinchen : G. Franzscber Verlag. Symbols for Physical Quantities and Ab- breviations for Units. — Recommended by the Committee on Notation of the Chamber of Delegates of the International Electric Congress, 1893. Corrected by E. Hospitalier. Re printed from the Electrical World. Experimentalphysik. — von Lomtnel. 2. Aufl. Leipzig: J. A. Barth. Physikalische Krystallographie und Einlei- tung in die krystallographische Kenntniss der wichtigeren Substanzen.— P. Groth. 3. Aufl. Leipzig: Wm. Engelmann. Manuel de Physique medicate. — J. Lefevre. Paris: Asselin et Houzean. Lehrbuch der Experimentalphysik. — E. v. Lommel. 2. Aufl. Leipzig: J. A. Barth. Toxicolog y. Traite de Chimie legale. — Barillot. Analyse toxicologique. Recherches speciales. Avec nombr. fig. 8°. THE MOST RECENT WORK. The New Publication. — The Pharmaceutical Journal and '1 transactions ( 1894, 380), recently in- advertently credited an article to a certain Amer- ican publication, in which it appeared as original matter. The editor subsequently learned, -how- ever, that this article was original in another American journal, the one having given no credit to the other when it was due. The ed- itor of the Pharmaceutical Journal and Trans- actions, in speaking of his own innocence in the matter, and regret for inadvertently giving credit when not due, says also : " Such venial errors are at times unavoidable in the face of the peculiar system followed by many editors, who seem to prefer to take responsibilities they have not incurred rather than quote the source of their ' original ' articles, translations and abstracts. In pharmaceutical journalism we are probably the greatest sufferers by this prac- tice, which is indulged in much too freely by some of our transatlantic contemporaries. Whilst only too pleased to find our subject matter regarded as of sufficient importance to be worthy of more or less extensive repro- duction, we venture to submit that it is not too much to expect proper acknowledgment to be made in every instance. In such cases as the one which has given occasion for the publica- tion of this note, apologies are due to those who are misled by the omission to furnish such ac- knowledgment, no less than to the original publisher of the information. It may occasion- ally happen, in the pressure of business, that the omission is purely inadvertent, but it is pitiful, to say the least, to see that journals claiming reputation persistently and continu- ally ignore the most elementary notions of courtesy and honesty." Spike Oil. — One part by volume of spike oil must give a clear solution with 3 parts of al- cohol of 70^, at a temperature of about 20°.- SchimmeVs Report, Oct., 1894. Hydrogen Dioride.— E. L. Patch (Amer. Pharm. Assoc. P/oc., 1894). The statement has been made by different authorities that a remarkable difference exists in the medicinal value of Hydrogen Dioxide and its stability. Some assert that they get best results from a concentrated solution obtained by evaporating the official 10 volume solution to one-third its volume, producing a 30 volume strength. Others pronounce such a product as worth- less. This has led to a series of experiments. Using the U. S. P. 1890 process and cold water only, 6,coo Gm. Barium Dioxide }ielded an average for three lots of 13,000 Gm. of 10 5 volume solution. Using an ice bath, the same quantity of ma- terial gave an average for three lots of 16,700 Gm. With extra care 17,500 Gm. were obtained. These assayed 105 volumes, and were far within the requirements for residue and acid- itv. THE AL UMNI JO URN A I U The following table gives the character of these proiucts : Volume strength. Residue on evaporating ioCe. N ah r - Alkali re- 10 quired to neutralize IO. 10 Cc. U.S.P.Stand'rd O.050 I. OO Lot i 10.4 0.00S •75 2 1344 O.040 1.00 3 r 5-?4 O.02S 1.30 4 12.67 O.O05 1 00 5 9-97 0.C07 .80 6 10 00 O.OlS 1. 00 7 10.13 O 008 1. 00 8 10.75 O OI2 1. 00 9 11.30 O.O08 1. 00 IO 12.48 O.O06 1. 00 ii 13 38 o.oc8 1. 00 12 1005 O.OII 1. 00 The following table gives the assay of several samples of Barium Dioxide : 1. 91.6 per cent. 5. 80 percent. 2. 76.4 " 6. 82 " 3. 86.8 " 7. 80.4 4- 93-6 " 8. 79.6 The following table gives the result of ex- amination of market samples : Commercial. Volume Strength. Residue from 10 Cc. — Alkali for 10 10 Cc. I 2.47 excess excess 2 8.80 " 3 IO. " " 4 7-3 '' " 5 3.5 " " 6 108 4 1 > > 7 10 4 " " 8 9 1 0.040 5.00 9 10 4 0.020 4.00 10 10.7 0.008 1.50 11 io.75 008 5 5o 12 105 007 3.00 13 '3 3 008 2.80 n 10.8 0.005 3.20 15 10,2 0005 3-4o 16 103 . 0003 3 7o 17 11 3 0005 3 4o 18 92 0.006 3.20 19 9 2 0.250 '3.80 20 9-i 0.00S 5- 21 8.5 O.C20 3 50 22 9-9 0.015 5 50 23 14.7 0.022 5- 21 7-7 0.022 7.00 25 7-3 46.00 26 5i exct ss excess 27 4-9 " •' 28 7-7 0.020 7 00 29 879 16 5- 00 30 89 0.037 7 50 Volume Residue N . Alkali for Strength. from 10 Cc. 10 ioCc. 1 9-5 O.060 2 5 2 11. 31 0.009 .8 3 10.86 O.OI2 •75 4 817 O.OI5 .8 5 9-63 0.018 1 00 6 11.00 0,007 •75 7 12.71 0.02I 2 5 8 12.15 O.OI2 •5 9 12.2 O.O05 .6 10 10.15 0.020 i- 15 The following results were obtained by evap- oration of different samples : 1. Commercial— assaying 8.8 vol., excess of acid. Evaporated at low temperature with constant stirring. 200 Cc. to 130 Cc. assayed 9.1 vol. Continued to 15 Cc. assayed .22 vol. 2. Commercial— assaying 7.5 vol., 200 Cc. to 100 Cc. assayed 9.8 vol. Continued to 60 Cc. assayed 9. vol. 3. Medicinal— assaying 10.86 vol., deficiency of acid. 300 Cc. to 75 Cc. gave 41.66 vol., should be 43.44 vol., loss 1.78 vol. 4. Medicinal— assaying 8.17 vol., 100 Cc. to 26 Cc. assayed 31.2 vol, 5. Medicinal — assaying 9.9 vol , 200 Cc. evap- orated to 15 Cc. diluted with distilled water to 50 Cc. assayed 25 vol., loss 14 6 vol. or about 37 per cent. 6. Medicinal — assaying 9.9 vol., 200 Cc. al- lowed to stand open 36 hours then evaporated to 50 Cc. assayed 26.86 vol., loss 12.74 vol. or about 32 per cent. 7. Medicinal — assaying 9.9 vol., 200 Cc. evap- orated quickly lo 50 Cc. assayed 34.35 vol., loss 5.25 vol. or about 13 per cent. A reagent for Morphine. — Lamol recom- mends uranium acetate as a reagent for the de- tection of morphine. 0.05 Gm. of morphine giving a distinct reaction. This reagent strikes a red-brown color with a solution of morphine disappearing on addition of an acid. The addi- tion of a small amount of caustic alkali causes an intense red-colored precipitate, while a large excess gives rise to a yellow precipitate. A few drops of the solution to be examined for mor- phine is placed in a porcelain capsule, to this is added an aqueous solution which contains 0.3 per cent, of uranium acetate and 0.2;,: of sodium acetate, then evaporated to dryness. The pres- ence of morphine will be shown in the brown to bright yellow-colored rings in the residue, while other alkaloids leave white or pale yellow rings. v. C. «4 7 HE ALUMNI JOURNAL. Scopolamin. — Prof. E- Schmitt has assigned the formula of C 1T H 31 N0 4 to this alkaloid, which is found in the root of the Scopolia Atro- pioides, and in the leaves of the Duboisia myro- poides,in the seed of the Hyoscyamus Niger and Datura Stramonium, and the root of the Atropa Belladonna. This author has shown that Merck's Hyoscynium hydrobromicum, Laden- burg, consists essentially of Scopolamin. This author was unable to find the alkaloid Hyoscin C 17 H 23 N0 3 the isomer of Atropine and Hyos- cyamine. Merck's Hyoscinum hydroiodicum verum, Ci~H 23 N0 3 Hl is according to Schmitt Scopolamin Hydriodide Ci T H 21 N0 4 HI. V. C. Proteid Poisons — Proteid poisons have been obtained from both the vegetable and animal kingdoms. Thus, among those obtained from plants one may mention the proteids obtained from jequirity seeds, the proteid associated with or identical with the ferment papain of the papaw plant, and lupino-toxin from the yellow lupin. The most important of the animal proteid poisons are snake poisons, the proteids in the serum of the conger eel and other fish, and pro- teid poisons found in certain spiders. Poison- ous proteids are also formed during ordinary digestive processes in the alimentary canal of every one of us from the proteids taken in as food. The peptones and proteoses or albumen- oses (intermediate products in the process of hydration of which the terminal product is pep- tone) are fairly powerful poisons. 0.3 Gramme per kilogramme of body weight injected into the blood will kill a dog, producing a loss of coagulability of the blood, a fall of blood pres- sure, a stoppage of secretions, and ultimately death by cessation of respiratory activity. Nor- mally animals are protected from this poison by the lining membrane of the alimentary canal, so that no proteose or peptone is found in blood or lymph even during the most active periods of digestion. The cells of this mem- brane possess many remarkable properties, but one of the most important is this power of re- generating albumen from peptone. Allied to the albumoses of ordinary gastric activity are the similar products produced by bacteria. The way in which bacteria produces disease has long been a matter of dispute, but the problem appears to be approaching solution. Pathologists have at last turned their attention to the chemical side of the question, and shown that whereas in some cases the poisons pro- duced by the growth of micro-organisms are alkaloidal in nature, in by far the greater num- ber the toxic product is a proteid. The one which is best known, or at least attracted most attention, is the toxalbumose contained in Koch's tuberculin. The foregoing list is far from complete, but one cannot conclude it without mentioning an- other class of proteid poisons. These are the nucleo-albumens obtainable by suitable methods from most of the cellular organs of the body. Originally discovered by Woolridge, they were named by him tissue-fibrinogens, because they possess the remarkable power of producing coagulation of the blood within the blood-vessels of a living animal. A very small dose will kill a rabbit or a dog, and death is as a rule pro- duced by extensive clotting within the vessels^ especially in the veins. Under certain condi- tions, however, especially in the dog they pro- duce the opposite result, namely, a loss of coagulability similar to that produced by pep- tone. Woolridge termed this the "negative phase of coagulation." A practical outcome of all this work is the discovery of alexines or protective proteids. These appear to belong to the nucelo-albumen class also. In smaller doses they confer im- munity on animals to larger doses of similar poisons, and thus the long hidden secret of the modus operandi of vaccination and other forms of protective inoculation is at last beginning to be unravelled — Pharm. Jour. Trans., 1894, 376. Extracted from an article on "snake poison," by W. D. Halliburton, in Science Progress, Sept., 1894. New Remedies. Antitetraizin. — This is a chinin derivative re- commended by Zambeletti (Milan) in the treat- ment of rheumatic and neuralgic pains, influ- enza, etc. The dose is 0.2-0.25 Gm. Cadmium Salicylate. — This is prepared by re- acting between molecular quantities of salicylic acid and cadmium carbonate in the presence of water. The salt is soluble in 24 parts of boiling and 68 parts of cold water. It is likewise solu- ble in alcohol, ether and glycerin. Calcium Borate is obtained by mixing solu- tions of borax and calcium chloride. This is employed as an antiseptic wash ; it is likewise administered internally in doses of o 3-0.4 Gm. in treatment of infantile diarrhoea. Chloroiodolipol. — A chlorine substitution product of phenol, creosote and guaiacol, recom- mended by Zambeletti for inhalation in treat- ment of diseases of the air passages. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. Collasin is said to be a solution of soluble gun otton and camphor in acetone. It is employed )r the same purposes as collodion. Traumalol {Lodocresol). — This is proposed as substitute for iodoform. It is prepared by dding a solution of iodine in potassium iodide n an emulsion of creosol in water. Traumalol )nns an insoluble inodorous reddish colored owder. Basic Bismuth Tartrate. — [C 4 H 4 O .2 Bi 3H) S ]. To two molecules of bismuth hy- roxide made into a paste with water, one lolecule of tartaric acid is added, the product ; then evaporated to dryness on a water bath. Cadmium Salicylate [(C, ; H 4 OH. COO) a Cd.] -Cadmium hydroxide and salicjlic acid are eated together in molecular proportions in the reseuce of water, until reaction is over, the esulting solution , should have a slight acid eaction, adding, if necessary, a little more alicylic acid. The solution is then evaporated nd crystallized. This body forms a crystalline olorless powder, of sweetish astringent taste, oluble in 68 parts of water, more so in alcohol, ther and glycerin. The antiseptic action of bis salt is more marked than in the other admium compounds. Salifebrin or Salicylanilid. — This is a coniz- ation of acetanilid and salicylic acid, patented y Radlauer. It is probably prepared by fusing ioth substances together and powdering the esulting mass. Salifebrin forms a white pow- er which is insoluble in water, and soluble in lcohol. Nothing definite is known concerning is dose. Sublimo-phenol. — This is a mixture of mercu- ic chloride and phenate, obtained by mixing lolecular quantities of potassium phenate and aercuric chloride in aqueous solution, the pre- ipitate formed is at first of a reddish color, hen, finally white ; after washing it is crystal- ized from alcohol. The crystals melt at 2io°C. Bismuth Subsalicylate. — B. Fischer reconi- aends the following process : one molecule ach of salicylic acid and freshly precipitated >ismuth hydroxide are heated together with the lecessary amount of water on the water-bath, ilter, collect and dry the residue at 8o° to ioo° I. on porous tiling. Lithium Salicylate. — A. mixture of 37 parts »f lithium carbonate and 138 parts of salicylic cid are warmed together with a little diluted ilcohol, until the reaction is over, the result- ng product should have a slight acid reaction to itmus, this is then evaporated to dryness. Salaclol. — This is a solution of sodium salicy- late and lactate in a ifihydrogen peroxide solu- ion ; it has commanded considerable notice as a valuable remedy in the treatment of diphthe- ria. Salactol is applied to the throat by means of a brush every four hours, between times it is used as a gargle, being diluted with an equal volume of water. In case of children or such patients where gargling cannot be resorted to, the vapors of the solution are inhaled. V. C. NOTES HERE AND THERE. American Pharmaceutical Association. — Prof. Edward Kremers in Pharm. Rtmd., 1894, 287. '"The American Pharmaceutical Association at its meeting in Asheville, N. C, in September last, thought it best to ward off any suggestions of mistaken identity with the American Protec. tive Association by changing the customary ab- breviation of A. P. A. to A. Ph. A. That the initials might court an odius impression between the two associations possibly did not occur to any member of the Association at the time the action was taken. It certainly did not occur to the writer until very recently. Not that there are any political or dogmatic relationship be- tween the two, but the attention of the writer has recently been very forcibly called to the fact that the American Pharmaceutical Associa- tion-has offered and still offers protection to a class of men that is as odius as the tactics of American Protective Association or of Tam- many Hall. This is all the more to be regretted because the American Pharmaceutical Associa- tion is not a political, but claims to be a scien- tific and professional organization, and because the larger interests of the Association itself and of American pharmacy, in general, must sufter from such a policy. "Since the motto (quantity not quality) has become the guiding principle in the proposals and election of new members, the supports of the mediocre element of the Toms, Dicks and Harrys of so-called pharmacy has been courted, and this same element has found protection in the Association. Not a few of the most eloquent men of American pharmacy, have, in recent years, been conspicuous at the annual meetings of the Association by their absence. On the other hand, the chairman of the various sections have been begging all around for, and greedily ac- cepting, paper upon paper, each one with the ambition of outstripping his former colleague in the multitude of papers presented to his section. When such motives underlie, it can surprise no one that the sessions of the Association are i6 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. largely taken up with the discussion of papers of questionable merit, and that the proceedings of the Association contain much of doubtful value. In giving so much time to the discussions of such papers, and in printing the same in its proceedings, the Association protects mediocrity and sustains the poor opinion held of Ameri- can pharmacy abroad. "The Pharmaceutische Rundschau has not in- frequently and always truthfully pointed out this and similar fallacies, but on the whole, it stands alone in its generous and fair criticisms, and has been decried as unsympathetic and hypocritical for venturing to plainly express its opinions and convictions. It was somewhat re- freshing therefore, to see the editor of the American Journal of Pharmacy, (Oct., 1894, p. 494) call the attention of the Committee of Publication to its duty of rejecting worthless papers." The above remarks of Prof. Kremers are very pertinent and indeed to the point. The Asso- ciation can and must meet the present condi- tion, of which the author speaks, in only one way and that is by the hearty co <■ operation of those who are able by training and culture com- ing into the Association and rendering all possible assistance. The hightest tribute paid to the late Prof. John M. Maisch is contained in the closing lines of the memorial to him in the Proceedings for 1893, and is well worthy of repetition here ; " With rare wisdom, and with- out sacrificing truth, he believed that he could accomplish more good, and serve the best inter- ests of all more devotedly, by endeavoring to guide those who looked up to him as a leader in correct paths, without denouncing them for their inability to realize his ideal." In a politi- cal way in New York we are realizing the great lesson of the closing years of the present century, and that is for strong men — men of character and ability — to accept the offices of trust and for good men to support their leaders. If the good men continue in their efforts there will be no Tammany Hall to speak of soon, and so if the able bodied men of American Pharmacy will assist more in the discharge of the affairs of the American Pharmaceutical Association and teach and labor for " quality and not quan- tity," there can be no grounds for such criti- cisms. There seems to be an impression going around that the President of the American Pharmaceu- tical Association ought not to recommend to the Association measures that he may consider desirable and valuable. It seems to us, on th-^ other hand, impossible for the President of any association to avoid recommending measures (if he has conceived of any ) for their adoption. The precedent, instead of being questionable, is in our opinion commendable. Very few Presi- dents either prepare or have prepared for them addresses other than are the result of research and study. The benefit of this work is mani- fested in suggestions and recommendations to the body before whom the address is given. We do not believe much in precedent, however. We believe in every man doing what he con- siders best. No man should lose an opportu- nity like this for doing his very best. Had the Committee who considered the President's ad- dress at the Asheville meeting been fully aware of the importance of "Pharmaceutical Fellow- ship" to the Association, it is highly probable that measures would have been devised for the establishment of this institution, although there is no question but that they did what they con- sidered best for the financial interests of the Association at that time. The recommenda- tions of President Patch were in consonance with the other portions of his address. ^>eqior Glass N°tes. &/' At meeting held Wednesday, December 12th, 1894, H B Ferguson, Vice-President in chair, the following business was transacted. Minutes of previous meeting read and ac- cepted. CivASS Pin.— This matter which was held over from previous meeting was acted upon as follows; ' ' That two of the ten proposed designs be selected, and that one of each of the two be made up in enamel, gold, etc., just as they are to appear as a Class Pin." Nos, 2 and 7 were finally selected, and are to be designed accordingly and exhibited. PHARMACY LECTURES. Moved, seconded and carried that a resolu- tion be presented to Prof. Cobleutz, or the Lecture Committee to have the Pharmacy Lectures delivered in the Lecture Room on ac- count of noise and inability of many of the students to see the work on the blackboard. Messrs. Morse, Gies and Steinheur were appointed by the chair to act in the matter. AT a meeting held Wednesday, November 28th, 1894, 5 p. m., J. I. Bailey, President, in the chair, the following business was transacted CiyASS Pin. — The adoption of a new design THE ALUMNi JOURNAL, 17 was referred to the following meeting, to be held subject to call. Class Flag — Mr. R. Gies on behalf of the Committee, reported that design had been de- cided upon, which design would cost $1.00 per flag. He stated up to that time 65 flags had al- ready been subscribed for. GLEE Club. — Mr. R. Gies reported that 27 members had been enrolled, that the average attendance was then 17 or more, and that every- thing promised well. He also stated that the Committee's work was completed and asked that they be relieved of further duty, which request was granted by consent of the meeting. The meeting was regularly adjourned. T. P. Hefeley, Sec'y. Dr. Haubold's lecture on December 12 brought out a large number of members of the senior class, who were conspicuous by each man present bearing one of the new pennants on a cane. After the learned doctor, who places himself on record as having little or no faith in the much vaunted value of pepsin ap- plied as a remedial agent in indigestion, and who places the greatest amount of belief in the value of milk for the same complaint, after he had finished his interesting lecture, the repre- sentatives of the class of '95 marched from the College in a body and serenaded the druggists on the Avenue from 66th street and Columbus avenue down Broadway to 23d street. MESSRS. R. Gies, R. O. Belfry, T. A. Merritt and H. E. Cooley passed the State Board ex- amination on the 30th ult. A number of the students of the class of '95 took the City Board's examination on the 12th inst. and at the time of going to press the results had not yet been announced. The successful members will be named in our next issue. The committee having in charge the produc- tion of the pennant, have after a little difficulty succeeded in presenting to the contributing members a very neat pennant, of a blue color, triangular in shape and bearing a design of the Benzole ring with the college colors and the figures '95 indicating the class. The material is silk. In the foot ball game between the L.I. C. H. team and the Coll P. & S. team, the Embryo- ^Esculapii of the College of Physicians and Sur- geons of New York, after a hard and exciting tussle with their Long Island competitors, were declared victors, much to our delight. It is only fair to add that the Long Island College team has some strong men among them, who made the P. & S. boys work for their honors. The glee club still continues in a flourishing condition, and we hope will remain so. It takes works to become perfected in anything, this being no exception. The quiz/, class is a decided success. The work of Mr. Ferguson as quiz-master, last Friday night, December 14, should be especially com- mended. Davey Wells, whose long face for the past week, has been the subject of much anxiety among his friends, has quieted their fears by re- suming his usual jolly manner, Manville had a little 'tash, With which he used to mash, And every time he went to eat, It got mixed up in the hash. It followed him to the barber shop, And sine- then he has wept, For the barber quickly cut it off While Manville sweetly slept. Cruel scissors. Inhuman barber. Sherman's curley locks, alas ! At the meeting of the quintette club last Fri- day, Braves Engle, Morse, Manville and Cherry were introduced into the mysteries of Fire Damp Lodge, Section 1. One of our glee club members, who works at a well known Broadway establishment, while at dinner was noticed by a lady opposite to put three spoonsfuls of sugar in his tea. You must be sweet, she said. I am, he replied. If you don't believe it, try me. Hey ! Sherman. The enthusiasm displayed by the boys in the pur. chase of flags, speaks well for the various enter- prises in which they have embarked. The glee club was entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Gies, at their pleasant home, on Twenty- eight street, Monday night, December 10. All report a very pleasant and enjoyable even- ing. Mrs. Gies, the handsome and charming wife of our musical director, proved to be a charming hostess. President Bailey's untiring labors in the inter- est of the class should meet with its hearty co- operation. The outbursts of the three or four toughs which have given the seniors a bad odor for the last two years, are ended it is hoped. For Burns, use your liniment. Gies, for Christmas. Cherry rum for sale. Oats, not wild, we hope. Herrings, mum from our college list. Frank Bannon, Frank Chambers, Reporters. THE A L UMNI JO URN A L . Junior Notes. ; Secretary, Treasurer, ; Reporter, The Junior Class held their first meeting Oct. 20th. Mr. Thornhill was elected temporary Chairman and Mr. Cantwell, Secretary. It was decided that each section elect a delegate ; they, with Mr. Thornhill as Chairman, to form a nomi- nating committee. At the next meeting the nominations were presented, but owing to the inclemency of the weather, the election was postponed until Nov. 20th. On this date the election resulted in 126 votes being cast ; the following officers being elected : President, S. Thornhill, Wappinger Falls, N. Y.; Vice-Presi- dent, G. H. Carter, Newburgh, N. Y. F. H. Finley, 62 W. 34th St., N. Y. ; G. Norcross, Far Rockaway, L- I. J. Y. Cantwell, Davenport, la. The present Junior Class is the largest that ever entered the college. There being representa- tives from South America and Europe, as well as from all parts of this country, The new college pin which C. M, Rawlins has for sale is quite an improvement on the old, the difference being the letters N. Y. C. P. across the face. How many Junior students have visited the Students' Club at 129 Lexington avenue? If you have not, you ought to do so. This club is the only intercollegiate one of the kind in the city, it being made up of 26 colleges, N. Y. C. P. being one of them. Here it is that the various college students meet. During the winter receptions are given, and the members have many social enjoyments. On November 17th Mrs. Dr. Shrady gave an opening reception to the members and friends of the club. Bishop Potter, Mr. McArthur and Mr. N. M. Thompson made addresses, while eminent musicians, the Columbia Glee Club and the Princeton Quartette, helped en- tertain the students. Not only are there social enjoyments, but reading room, gymnasium privileges and baths. Many students room in the building. The Secretary, Mr. E. E. Hunt, is a friend of all college men, and sends a cor- dial invitation to all N. Y. C. P. students to make him a visit at the club. Prof. — What does ex. mean ? C. — To carry out, Prof.— No. C — Oh ! express. A favorite query in the Chem. Lab. Shall get you a rattle ? The Juniors decided by a vote of the class that school should open January 8th, at eight a. m. Tuesdays work being done in the morn- ing, and Thursdays in the afternoon as usual. They say C.__is Dichlamydeous. As qualitative analysis was started last week, we may look for some wonderful discoveries soon. As soon as we finish physics, which will be sometime in January, we will have our first examination, this will be the only one the Jun- iors will have until the end of the year. Prof. — Is HC1 an alkali ? H. — Yes, sir. Prof. — And how would you make it more alkaline ? H.— Add more HC1. Ask C. W. S. how Fl. Ex. of Genatian tastes. Prof. — How many yards of oil cloth will it take for a room 18x28 ? F. — Answered, what kind of cloth, Prof. ? At the last class meeting committees were appointed to select a class yell, and to see about a reception at the Student Club rooms. A banjo club has been organized, now for a Glee Club. All communications for Junior column should be addressed to J. Y. Cantweix, 261 W. 42d Streets THE JUNIORS. A gayer set could ne'er be found In either town or city, Always for mischief they are bound, And such noise !— 'Tis a pity. The lecture room is where tfiey cheer, And where they are choked with dust. 'Tis strange how the ceilings adhere, But of course they say it's just. Their hands are skinless, burnt and fried. By testing acids or gas, But of course they never once cried — Some may, when they fail to pass. "Pharmacognosy is a snap," You'll hear a few of them say. But don't meet with any mishap On examination day. And now they're going to take a rest, On Christmas turkeys survive ; But be quite sure that they digest, And get back in '95. — G. C. Patrick. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. <9 OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK. The formal opening of the new college build- ing took place on Friday evening, Dec. 28. On their arrival, the guests were received by a committee consisting of Messrs. J. N. Hege- man, Chairman ; Chas. E. Holzhauer, Dr. Adolph Tscheppe, George Massey, Albert Plaut, Dr. Chas. Rice, Wm. J. Schieffelin, Theodore Louis, Horatio N. Fraser, Herman Graeser, Thos. F. Main. They were shown to the cloak rooms ; the ladies to the committee room on ground floor, where Mrs. Schuyler was in attendance, and the gentlemen to the basement, where provis- ion had been made for them. As soon as the garments had been removed the gue&ts were ushered to the lecture room, by a committee for that purpose, consisting of the following members 01 the Alumni Associa- tion: Messrs. H. Graeser, C. F. Keale, Wm. A. Hoburg, Jos. R. Wood, A. A. Kesseler, J. H. Wurthman and H. Krueder. Previous to the beginning of the exercises the band, placed on the upper landing of the lec- ture room, rendered some excellent numbers, which were highly pleasing to the guests, after which the members of the faculty and special guests were escorted to the platform from H. Rusby's chart room, where they had assembled. The exercises were then opened with an in- vocation by the Rev. Madison Peters, D, D. Mr. Hermon W. Atwood, Chairman of the Building Committee, presented the finished building to the Chairman of the Board of Trus- tees, Mr. Samuel W. Fairchild with a short ad- dress. In accepting the building, Mr. Fairchild thanked the committee for their earnest and conscientious work, and after a lengthy and very interesting speech introduced Dr. George Shrady, the speaker of the evening, whose re- marks were indeed very enjoyable. Dr. Chas. F. Chandler was then asked to make some remarks on behalf of the faculty, which he did in his usual interesting manner. This concluding the exercises the guests made their exit through the south doors and inspect- ed the various departments where the respect- ive professors were in attendance, and the Museum where the officers and trustees held a reception, passing from there to the Depart- ment of Botany and Materia Medica, where Dr. Rusby and Dr. Jelliffe were in attendance, then to the Department of Pharmacy, where Dr. Coblentz and Mr. Madison explained the cur- riculum to the guests, and finally the Depart- ment of Chemistry, where Drs. Elliot and Fer- guson were in attendance. From here the guests passed down the north staircase, inspecting the Alumni Room, where a presentation had been made by Mr, A. Hen- ning, and where the president, Mr. Herman Graeser, and members of the Executive Board were in attendance. After this the guests were ushered to the As- sembly Rooms and Library on the main floor where a collation was served. The music hav- ing been removed from the Lecture Room to the main floor to play during the collation was so exquisite that the younger people could not re- sist the temptation and a dance was instituted in the library and all present had a merry time. Editor Alumni Journal : Dear Sir— A number of the students do not understand the extent of the recognition of the College diploma by the State Board of Phar- macy. Will you kindlj publish in the next is- sue of The Alumni Journal an answer as to whether it is necessary to pass another examina- tion in New York, Kings and Erie Counties, or simply to become registered sufficient. Class of '95. This query was handed to K. C. Mahegin, whose reply is as follows : " The diploma of the College oi Pharmacy of the City of New York is recognized in New York State in the couuties of New York Kings and Erie. Applicants for registration in all parts of the State, whether graduates or not, must be ex- amined by the State Board." MEETING OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB IN THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY. The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Torrey Botanical Club occurred on Tuesday evening, December 11, in the lecture room of the New York College of Pharmacy by special invitation and proved a very pleasant and suc- cessful event, in spite of the extreme inclemency of the weather. About fifty persons were present. The paper of the evening was read by Prof. Rusby on the subject of "Pharmaceutical Botany." The speaker referred to the different points of view from which the two hundred members of the Club viewed the study of botany . Most of them pursued for the recreation and culture which it afforded, quite a number pur- sued as a pure science, and most of the remain- der from the standpoint of the teacher. The speaker was almost alone as one whose profes- sional relations lay entirely with the economi- cal side of the question. He therefore felt that it would be of great interest as well as profit if the other members of the club were to gain some general knowledge of one of the im- portant departments of the latter subject. The development of the science of botany from medical botany was briefly outlined, and the circumstances and changes reviewed which had led subsequently to the separation from medi- cal botany of the branch now known as phar- maceutical botany. Regret was expressed that the former subject had not maintained its posi- tion as it properly should, having almost en- tirely abandoned the field to the latter, which should properly constitute but a collateral branch. The objects of pharmaceutical botany were then stated to be chiefly the identification THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. and selection of vegetable materials used as drugs. These materials were mentioned as be- ing roots, stems, including rhizomes, tubers, bulbs, herbs, twigs and woods, barks, leaves, leaflets, flowers, fruits and parts thereof, seeds, glands, trichomes, excrescences, secretions and excretions. In performing these tasks of iden- tification and selection the pharmaceutical botanist unfortunately rarely has access to com- plete specimens , and does not often in fact have even such material as the ordinary botanist would deem absolutely essential for the pur- pose. Seventy-five per cent, probably of the material comes to him in a powdered condition, and a large part of the remainder more or less crushed or broken. At the same time stress was laid upon the great importance which frequently attached to correct results, as mat- ters of life and death, effected some times by active interference, some times by neglect of reatment, was the issue. Uuder these circumstances it is clear that special methods have to be resorted to. These These methods were then explained and il- lustrated by a large number of similar drugs which might be mistaken for one another, the specimens being passed around among the audience lying side by side in boxes. After these had been inspected, pictures were pro- jected upon the screen by the oxy-hydrogen lantern, showing the points of minute structure upon which dependence frequently had to be placed. The exhibition was not only highly instruc- tive, but was very beautiful, Mr. Madison man- aging the lantern with unusual care and skill. After the adjournment, the members, a large number of whom were teachers in public and private schools of the city and vicinity, were in- vited to inspect the building and teaching methods and apparatus, which they did, a number of them remaining until a late hour. GENERAL Acacia, Syrup of Acid, Anisic Acid, Benzoic — Acid, Benzoic odor - Acid, Gallic Acid, Salicylic - Acid, Tannic Aconitine - Adulteration of belladonna root Adulteration of cumarin Address by Herman Graeser Address by John Oehler Address by Edgar L. Patch Aetiology of cholera Agathin A historical table of instruction of the Co;- lege of Pharmacy of the City of New York Alcoholic stupor Alkaloids, determination of, by potassio- mercuric iodide Alumni Association _ 120, Alumni Association, officers of the Alumni Association, roll of members of Alumni Association of St. Louis College of Pharmacy — Alumni Outing Alumni Notes --- Aluminium for laboratory uses Aluminium salicylate INDEX FOR V0LLT1E I. 113 Aluminium tan nate i& q Alumnol ■-- 9' J 5 8 Ambrain I5 2 American Peppermint Oil. 174 American Pharmaceutical Ass'n 42, 83, 105, 143 American Pharmaceutical Association Pro- ceedings 1893 17 1 Q 0^0 ... A microscopical and chemical examination 119 of cloves -- 157 3 Amido-antipyrine 15 ^ Ammonium chloride 67 I2 ' Analysis, quantitative chemical—- 68 126 Aniline ---- 7 129 Aniline-amido-benzene groups __-- 38 Anisic acid 9 Q Anisic aldehyde S Anisol 8 Annual commencement — 94 2 °4 Anthracine - 9 7 6 Antifebrin 7 Antipyretics 3& "5 Antipyrin 6 2 °5 Antisepsin - - 7 26 Antiseptic value of ozone--— _ --- 32 27 Antispasmin — 15 Antithermine 7 210 Antitoxin treatment of diphtheria -- _ 200 121 A plea for pharmaceutical fellowships.- 101 95 Apocynaceae - 115 85 Apoplexy, cerebral _ --__ 74 18 Applications of the centrifugal _, i6r THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. Appreciation (Editorial) 3 1 A ptomaine in influenza 66 Aqua cresolica 67 Argentamin — 88 Aromatic compounds 6 Aromatic waters 63 Asaprol 15 Asclepiadacese 115 Aseptol -- 8 Asphyxiation from illuminating gas _ 77 Assay, opium 86 Association, American Pharmaceutical 42, 58, 83 Association Notes 21, 46, 69 A systemetrical aplanetic objective — 87 Attacks, hysterical 76 Bark canella 88 Bases, alkaloids 9 Basic bismuth salts 67 Berberine 11 Belladonna root, adulteration of 113 Benzanilid 7 Benzene, derivatives proper 6 Benzoic acid 8 Benzoic acid odor 151 Benzoic aldehyde 8 Benzo-para-cresol 15 Benzosol 7 Betol _-- 9 Bigarol 132 Bismuth phenates ____ 88 Bismuth salts, basic 67 Bismuth subgallate 175 Bismuth sulphite 200 Blaud's pills (improved)-- in Bleeding or hemorrhage 79 Botany of North America, The systematic- 148 Botany, Summer course in 70 Bottles for containing poisonous substances 176 Bragantia wallichii 1 79 Brain, Compression of the 75 Brain, Concussion of the __ 75 Brasilin and Haematoxylin 177 Bromal .. 4 Brown-Sequard, Obituary notice of 89 Bulgarian rose oil 192 Buxine n Cacao alkaloids .. 33 Caffeine chloral ._ 15 Calcium borate 202 Camphor 114 Camphor as a reagent for sugar 179 Canella bark 88 Carborundum 87 Castor oil in croton oil and copaiba 152 C-C cough mixture 1 10 f Cearia jaborandi. ___ ll 9 Cerebral apoplexy -- 75 Chemistry of ipecac 1 75 Chemistry, Watt's Dictionary of __ 195 Chinoline --- 10 Chloral 4 Chloralamid •-- -- 5 Chloral-ammonium -- 5 Chloral cyan-hydrin .. 5 Chloralose 15 Chloraloxime 15 Chloride of ammonium __ _ _..- 67 Chlorides in urine 87 Chloroform (Editorial ) 16,31 Cinchona - 33 Cinchona Ledgeriana 45 Cinchonifine - 87 Cinnamic dichloride and micro-organisms, 153 Circular letter to pharmacists 189 Cloves, A microscopical and chemical ex- amination of-- 157 Cloves, Extraction of oil from 157 College Notes 69, 93, 120, 180 Commencement, Annual 94 Committee on alcohol legislation 189 Compounds, Aromatic 6 Compounds of sugar with iron 136 Compositae 115 Compression of the brain _ 75 Concussion of the brain __ 75 Coniine , 10 Constitution of ben zene 178 Contusions - 78 Coto Bark, true, New constituent of 119 Creosotal --_. 16 Creaspol -- 67 Creolin (Artman) 67 Creolin (Pearson ) . - 67 Creosote pills ._. 65 Cresol — 7, 67 Cresol Antiseptics 67 Cresol saponal 67 Croton chloral - 4 Crystalline Constituents of Coto Bark 178 Crystalline guaiacol .^9 Cumarol 152 Depilitant .__ 1 . 88 Dermatol 9, 175 Derivatives proper-Benzene 6 Determination of Alkaloids by potassio- mercuric iodide 65 Diaphtol .. 88 Di-chlor-methane 3 Dictionary of Medicine - 116 Different deportment of atropin and strych- nine in Vitali's reaction 192 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. Di-iodoform-tetraiodo-ethylene _ 16 Disinfected Izal 67 Dispensatory of the United States __- 90 Distilled extract of witch hazel no Druggists, Liability of 14 Dulcin -_- 5, 16 Editorials-- 19, 31, 59, 83, 107, 143, 169, 193 Education, Amer. Pharm. Assoc. Paper (Rusby) -- 162 Education, The Pharmacist and his 61 Emetine estimation in Ipecac 68 Emetine in Ipecacuanha 32 Epileptic paroxysms --_ 76 Estimation of alcohol in wines 152 Estimation of oil of turpentine in alcohol 152 Ethylene glycol 4 Eucalypteol 67 Euonymus, The spelling of - 80 Euphorbiacese 115 Europhine 5 Exalgin .__ 7 Executive Board Meeting. r8o Exhaustion, heat 76 Exhaustion, nervous 25 Extraction of oil from cloves 157 Fainting 74 Fellowships, Pharmaceutical 174 Filter paper freed from grease 88 Filtration with an inverted funnel 87 Fits ;___ 76 Formalin 16 Formanilid 16 Fluid extract triticum repeus 1:4 Free mineral acids in presence of organic acids 151 Gallanol 16 Gallic acid 9 Gallocetophenon - 8 Gallol 89 Gas illuminating, asphyxiation from 77 German Apothecaries' Society, annual ball 21 Guaiacol 7 Guaiacol crystalline 89 Guaiacol, preparation of _ 67 Haematoxylin and Brasilin 177 Hairison, Dr. Oscar G., Obituary notice of 20 Hasskarl, Justus Karl 44 Heat Exhaustion 76 Heat stroke 75 Heliotrop 152 Hemorrhage or bleeding 79 Hiltz, Louis F., Obituary notice of 21 Hints on the immediate management of sudden illness or injury 73 Hope's camphor mixture — in Human milk and cow's milk 176 Hydrastis 10 Hydrochinon 7 Hypnal 6 Hypnon 5 Hypnotics 4° Hysterical Attacks - 76 Iaporcarbol II 67 Incompatibility of Sodium Phosphate and the Alkaloids ._ 86 Inertness of Quick Lime 33 Influence of Sugar and of Smoking on Mus- cular Work 128 Influence of the Carboxyl and Sulphonic acid groups on the toxic properties of organic compounds 41 Influenza, Aptomainein 66 Infusions, The preservation of __ 87 Introductory 19 Iodine Eugenol__ __ 16 Iodine liniment 176 Iodine, tincture of -- 67 Iodo-Caffeine -- 16 Iodol ---- 6 Iodol-Caffeine__-_ 16 Ipecac, Einetine Estimation in 68 Ipecacuanha (Editorial) 59 Ipecacuanha Emetine in 32 Iridin in Iris florentina __ 32 Irisol ----- 152 Iron, Compounds of sugar with 136 Iron in water 153 Japocarbol-- -- . 67 Junior Class Notes __ 23, 48, 71, 209 Justus Karl Hasskarl 44 Kairin -- 10 Kamala and Rottlerin 128 Lactophenin __ __- 203 Latex of the lac tree of Tonkin __ 201 Lessons in qualitative and volumetric anal- ysis - 149 Liability of druggists 14 Lime, syrup of — 15 1 Liniment iodine 177 Liquor Cresoti Saponatus _ 67 Literature ( Pharmacopoeias ) ____ - 197 Lobeliaceee i'5 Loretin 17 Losophan 7 Losses attending the determination of gly- cerin in wines and hydroalcoholic li- quids 207 Lysetol 89 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 23 Lysol 67-89 Malakin — i___ 17 Malpractice as defined by law 13 Malpractice defined 14 Materia Medica, pharmacy pharmacology and therapeutics 173 Medicated waters 112 Medicine and Pharmacy 154, 1S3, zio Memoirs of the Torrey Botanical Club 49 Methacetin 8 Methyl.. .__. ... 36 Methylal - 5 Methylene blue as a reagent for sugar in Urine 69 Mercury, Gallate and Tannate 17 Microscopic study and the origin of ores — 202 Migranin 89 Milk, Human and Cow's 176 Mirbane, Oil of - 7 Mixture, C.C. cough no Mixture, Hope's camphor in Mono-brom-ethane __ 4 Mono-chlor-methane 3 Mucilage of sassafras pith in Mustard plasters 113 Myrcia -- 10 Napthalene 9 Napthol _ _ 9 Nasrol 18 Nervous Exhaustion 25 Neurodin _- 89 New constituent of true Coto Bark. 119 New Essential Oils 118 New Remedies 88 New Literature 33, 68, 90, 115, 148, 171, 195 Nitrate of Strychnine 118 Nitro-cellulose filter paper 177 Notes '94 206 Notes Association - 21 Notes here and there (Editor) 179, 203 Notes, Junior Class 23, 48, 71, 209 Notes on the testing of oils and fats.. 186 Notes, Senior Class 22 Notice , 95 Obituary, Brown-Sequard 89 Obituary, Dr. Oscar G. Harrison 20 Obituary, Louis F. Hiltz 21 Observations of a Pharmacognosist in Eng- land - 49 Odorographia 92 Officers of Class '94---- 99 Officers of the Alumni Association 26 Oil of Mirbane 7 Oil of peppermint 205 Oil of pepperment, American 174 Oilofrose — - 119 Oils, new essential — 118 Oil of red cedar leaves 210 Oils, Terpeneless volatile 81 Ointment of ammoniated mercury in On the spelling of Euonymus 84 Opium Assay 86 Organizations, State Pharmaceutical 107 Our faculty 124 Our future 127 Our graduates 24, 47, 70, 121, 153, 207 Our history J_ 125 Our metric standards and unit 63 Our secret friends and foes 195 Ozone, antiseptic value of 32 Papers from the Ann Arbor School of Phar- macy. 181 Paraldehyde __ 4 Paroxysms Epileptic 76 Pelosine 11 Pental .. 4 Peppermint oil 205 Peppermint oil, American 174 Permanganate as an antidote to potassium cyanide 33 Peroxide Sodium 18 Personals 23, 24,68,72, 181 Pharmacopoeia helvetica (Switzerland).. .34, 68 Pharmacopoeia, British companion to the latest edition 90 Pharmacopoeia Roumana 92 Pharmacopoeias in the S. A. D. Sheppard Library 197 Pharmaceutical Association, Virginia pro- ceedings of 93 Pharmaceutical Fellowships 174 Pharmaceutical register of Victoria for 1893 68 Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland for 1894, calendar of 68 Pharmaceutische chemie __ 68 Pharmacy, a new book 150 Pharmacy, Yearbook of 34 Pheduretin 17 Phenacetin -- 8 Phenates, bismuth 88 Phenetol 8 Phenocoll 8 Phenol 7 Phenol, chlorine and bromine derivatives.. 17 Phenolin 67 Phenyl-hydrazine . 7 Phosphoric Acid determination ... 175 Photography, beginner's guide book to 173 Piperazin — 10 Piperadine 10 Pills, Blaud's (improved) in 2-1 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL, Pills, creosote 65 Pills, Quinine in 85 Pixol — — — 17 Plasters, Mustard 113 Poisoned wounds 78 Potassium chlorate manufacture -- 176 Potassium iodide and potassium bromide. 118 Practical physiology of plants 195 Preparation of cocaine from its side alka- loids 203 Preparation of Guaiacol 67 Preservation of milk for estimation of fat__ 153 Preventing of bumping in liquids 179 Ptomaine, in influenza 66 Purity of iodine sold as resublimed iodine- 152 Pyrocatechol 7 Pyrodin -- 7 Pyrogallol -. 8 Query No. 2. Should pharmaceutical col- lege students divide time between the school and the shop ? - 137 Quicklime, Inertness of__ 33 Quinine in pills — 85 Reaction for veratrine 66 Relationship between the chemical consti- tution and physiological action of the newer sympathetic remedies 3, 35 Remedies, new 88 Remedies, synthetic 15 Repetitorium der Pharm. Chemie _- 92 Resins and ethereal oils - 177 Resorcinol . 7 Resorcylalgin 17 Rhubarb -- 175 Roll of Graduates '94 100 Roll of members of the Alumni Association 27 Rose oil 119 Rose oil, Bulgarian — 192 Rubidium Iodide — — 17 Saccharin 9 Salicylacetol 17 Salicylate of aluminium — 18 Salicylic acid - 9 Salicylic aldehyde 8 Saligenin 176 Salipyrin 6 Salocoll 17 Salophen -- 9 Salol 9 Salumin -- 18 Salumin 89 Sanatol 67 Saprol 67 Sassafras pith, Mucilage of in Science, Progress 9 2 Science teaching, Simple experiments for-- 172 Scopolamin J 79 Sedatin — 18 Senega and " White Ipecac " - 66 Senior Class Notes 22, 47, 70, 96, 207 Senior Class Supper 98. I22 Shock collapse, or prostration 74 Should graduates in pharmacy be com- pelled to pass the examination of Boards of Pharmacy before being re- gistered? '4 [ Simple or mixed ethers of paraffin series-- 86 Sodium oxalate as substitute for oxalic acid as standardizing agent 202 Sodium peroxide 18, 87 Sodium phosphate, incompatibility of, and the alkaloids 86 Sodium sulfocaffeate 18 Soluble cresol preparations 202 Solutol 6 7 Solved 6 7 Spiegler's albumen reagent 201 Spirit of nitrous ether 178 State Pharmaceutical Organization 107 St. Louis College of Pharmacy, Alumni Association -- 210 Stroke, Sun 75 Strychnos Ignatia '53 Strychnine Nitrate' 118 Students' life in New York 72 Stunning 75 Stupor, alcoholic 76 Subgallate ofbismuth 1 75 Sucrol J 6 Sugar in Urine, Methylene blue as a re- agent for - 69 Sulfonal 5 Summer course in botany -- 7° SunStroke 75 Synthesis of gentisin 177 Synthetic Remedies --- 15 Synthetic remedies, newer relationship be- tween the chemical constitution and physiological action of 3. 35 Syrup of acacia IJ 3 Syrup of lime l 5 l Syrup of wild cherry no Tannal — 18.89 Tannicacid 9 Tax-free alcohol (Editorial)-- - 193 Terebenum or Terebene- # --- "3 Terpeneless volatile Oils. 81 Tertiary -amy 1- alcohol -- 4 Testing oil of lemon --- J 77 The Alumni Association ( Editorial ) . 169 THE A I. ( r MNl ./< >f RNAL. The emetics "9 The drug store and the college 139 The grain weight — a study of wheat — _ 164 The Indian manual ofhygeine _ 196 The medical annual for 1894 117 The most recent work. -32, 65, 85, 118, 151, 174, 200 The nascent state 201 The natural history of plants 117 The Paint, Oil and Drug Review (Tariff Law) 205 The pharmacist and his education .- 61 The preservation of infusions 87 Therapeutics, a manual of 15 1 Thermodin 89 Themometer, toluol _ 66 The supplement ( Editor --- 59 The veto of free alcohol 203 Thioform 18, 20I Thiosinamine 6 Thuriet 18 Thymacetin 18 Thymol 7 Tincture ergotae ammoniata 1 77 Tincture of iodine 67 Toluol thermometer 66 Tolylantipyrine derivatives 18 Tolypyrin 6 Tolysal 6 Tooth-ache bush - 179 Torn or lacerated wounds.- — _ 78 Total nitrogen in Urine s 7 Tri-brom-phenoi 8 Tri chlor-methane.- -- 3 Tricresol — 18,67 Triticum repens, fluid extract-- --__ 114 Tussol 177 Urethane Urethanes . Urine, chlorides in Urine, total nitrogen in. 5 5 S7 87 Urticaceae, Tribe Artocarpeal 115 Use of unauthorized names for vegetable drugs and medicinal plants ;_— 10 Valedictory 123 Vanillin _. 8, 66 Veratrine, reaction for 66 Vutrin 89 Waters, aromatic-- 63 Waters, medicated ----- 112 Weights and measures 201 " White Ipecac " and Senega 66 Wild cherry, syrup of no Witch Hazel, distilled extract of no Woorara, twenty years old, still efficacious- 30 Wounds 78 Wounds, poisoned 78 Wounds, torn or lacerated 98 Xylenol salols . 18 Zinci-boricum iS INDEX OF AUTHORS. Abbott, A. C 195 Abtheilung, I 1 49 Acton, E. H -_ 195 Adams, Paul 119 Ahrens, F. B 196 Andes, L. E 116 Andree, A . __ - 66 Annery, J. J ----. 1 77 Aronson, — 200 Bailey, L. H - 148 Bailliere,J. B - 148 Bardeleben, P .. 33 Barth, J. A 149. '56 Barrett, A. A -.--- 177 Bartlet, F. C - 149 Bartolotti, P 128 Beauregard, H 33 Bechold, J - — - 68 Bechhold, M. H 172 Beck,P 119 Beckurts, H 34 Behal, .._._ 89 Behrens, H 115 Behring, — 200 Beilstein, F 68, 149, 196 Bender, A 195 Berg.O 68 Berg, O. C 33 Berkenheim,A 33 Bertram, J 119 Bertrand, G ^ -- 201 Bevan, D — 90 Bloxam, C. L --_. 33 Bliicher, H. A _. 117 Borquillon-Limousin 33 Bomemann, G Bommeli, R — 90 Bomtraeger, A 152 Bottjer, H . 116 Bower, J. A _. 172 Breitenstein, M 157 Britton, N. L 148 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. Bruce, J. M __-- ri6 Briihl, J. W ___. 178 Buchheister, G. A 117 Bunge, Kuno v 68 Cash, J. T ----- 197 Caspari, C. Jr., — 34 Carnegie, 116 Christiaens, __ 86 Ciamician, G 119 Clark, C. H 90 Clay, W. F 172 Coblentz, Virgil, 3, 15,35, 81, 90, 150 Coflin, W. M. L 90 Collin, Eug -- 33 Colton, G. H 179 Coronley, 175 Culbreth, D. R .. 33 Curtmann, C. O -- •__. 149,152 Cramer, E 177 Crook, J. K -- - 73 Crookes, W 172 Damseaux, A 117 Darwin, F - 195 Davis, F 68 DeCandolle, C 68 De Koninck, L. h - 91 De Laire, G 3 2 Deprez, G 87 Dieterich, E 90 Dodel, A — 116 Dott, D. B 86, 201 Douglas, 116 Diinnenberger, C 116 Dunstan, 119 Dunstan, W. R 197 Dupuy, E _- 34 Dutton, Thomas 116 Edson, Cyrus — 26 Ehrhardt, E - 116 Ehrlich, 200 Elliott, A. H — 61, 68,91 Ellis, J. B._-_ 148 Engelmann, W -- 172 England, J. W 151 Engler, A 91 Ephraim, J 116, 150 Erdmann, H 195 Everhart, B. M 148 Felix, A_- - 17* Fennholm, E. A .-- 34 Finkemheimer, H -- 153 Fischer, B 34 Fisher, B __ -- 67 Fittica, F 196 Fliickiger, F. A — 116 Ford, C. M .--- -- 178 Forster, W . 91 Frank, B 91 Frankel, C 117 Frankel, C --- 92 Franklund, P. F 195 Freund, 87 Freund, M _- 119 Frick, J ----_ 116 Fiinfsriick, M _- -- 116 Gajjar, T. K 172 Gatermann, L_- 196 Geissler, E -- 116 Geuss, Alex _- 68 Gernhardt, V -- -- 179 Gildemeister, E 119 Guigues, 118 Glazebrook, R. T 1 91 Glucksmann, C 91 Graeser, H --- __ 127 Grandall, 65 Grant, A. E 19 6 Grant, J -- 196 Greenish,- H. G 88 Gregory, J. C --__ _- 201 Griffith, _- 66 Haenle, O 34 Hahn, Ed 68 Halliburton, W. D — '-— - 34 Hallock, Wm 63 Harley, V -— 128 Hartwich, 34 Hartz, A 175 Haubold, H. A ---- 30 Hauer, M 173 Hechel, E — "6 Heft, I - 116' Heger, Hans 196 Heim, L n6 Henry, C. F 67 Herzig, J , 177 Hesse, O -- - 178 Heussi, J__ 197 Hirzel, H -- "7 Hitchcock, C. W --- 72 Hjelb, Edw 68 Hoffmann, J 89 Holmes, E. M 119 Hooper, David _ 179 Hoppe, E 68 Hornblower, J. T 176 Humphrey, J. E --- 118 Hunter, F 176 Husnik, J 197 THE A L UMNI JO URNAL. 27 Ince, J 68 Itzerott, G "5 Ives, F. E i> 6 Jackson, D. C 9 1 Jolles, A 117 Jorgensen, A 9 1 Jungfleisch, E — 87 Keller, C. C 32, 68 Keller, Frank J 125 Kemp, J. F — 202 Kenngott, A 9 Kippling, F. S 172 Kirk, Nelson S 124 Kleber, C 173 Klie, G. W. C 118 Knott, C. G 9 1 Kober, Fr ---___ 196 Koch, A 9 1 Koller, Th ._ - 117 Kohl, F. G - 195 Koppe, --_ 117 Koppe, H i92 Kostanecki, 177 Kossa, J 33 Kossel, 200 Kraemer, Henry 31, 59, 83. 107, 143, 157, 169 193 Kraepelin, K 117 Krafft, 86 Krant, K - 67 Kremers, Edward 102 Kreusler, U __--__ 196 Kukula, W__ —__— _- 117 Kulisch, P --_ 201 Kunze, W. E - 33 Kurssteiner 85 Kussey, J 123 Kiister, F. W-- 172 Ladel 66 Lajoux 65 Lauff, H — 196 Leger, E .__ 87 Leistikon 88 Lejeal, A .. 92 Levy, M '- 196 Leybold, W 117 Liebig ._. "7 Liesegang, E Miiller, G 196 Miiller. W _ 9 2 Murzel, P.J 9 2 Namias, R ■— 197 Neitzel '79 Neubauer, H J 75 Neuberg, A -•— -— 117 Newth, G. S - 196 Nickel, E - - 151 Novy, F. G n6 Oehler, John - --- 126 Oesterle, O —34, '95 Oliver, F. W 117 Oliver. J. W — 92 Oldberg, Oscar — - 137 Oppenheim, R 17 2 Parey, Paul 172 Patch, E. L — 129 Patterson, C. W 151 Paul — . — 175 Peckolt, T. e. G - 34 Perking, N. H --- --- 172 Peter, A 117 Petit 87 Pfaundler 9 2 Pfeiffer, R 9 2 . 11 7 Phillips, CD. F - 117 Pick, S - "6 Piersol, G. A - .- 34 Pilling, F. O 9 2 Potonie" H 148 Power, F. B 172, 174 Prantl, K 9 1 Pringle, J. M - *79 Proctor, J. B . 175 23 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL, Quain, R 116 Raehlmann, 177 Rankin, T. T __:__.-- 117 Rausonia, F 153 Rathwell, R. R 117 Rattone, G --- 148 Rawitz, Bh . 34 Reed. A 176 Reisland, O. R ___ -— -- 172 Remington, J. P --- 90 Roberts, F. T 116 Rochard, F 92 Roos, 86 Rottger, H— 150 Rubner. M ._. 172, 196 Rupp, G _. 69, 117 Rusby, H. H 10, 50, 162 Sadtler, S. P 90, 149 Sanarelli, 66 Sanger, C. R -__ 9 2 Santoponte, G-- 9 2 Sawer,J, C 19 6 Sayre, h. E __—_—- 139 Schauf, W --- - -- 68 Scheele, C. W ._- .— 172 Schleicher, _ 88 Schmidt, C. F -— - 33, 68 Schneider, F. C 117 Schoentjes, H 69 Schrenk, J _ 117 Schiill — - - 88 Schweickart, C. F 117 Seiler, F - 117 Serres, L, 117 vSiegel, Aug 69 Silber, P 119 Slack, H. R — 141 Smith, E. F - 172 Sohn, Chas. E 34 Springer, J 148, 15 1 Squire, P 90 Squibb, E. R 33 Starenhagen, A 153 Stevens, A. A 15T Stille, Alfred .. — 34 Stillkranth, A — — 172 Stohmann, F ._. 92 Tambor 177 Thorns, H 34,202 Thorpe, T. E — - 9 2 Tiemann, F Jl_. — 32 Timpe, K - — 117 Toepper 87 Trewendt, Ed 172 Trillat, A 34 Trillich, H — 106 Trimble, Henry 9 2 Tschirsch, A 34, 91, 177, f95 Underwood, L. M 14S Unguer, A _- 87 Van Bastelaer, A 69 Van Heurck,H 197 Vallardi, F - - — - 151 Velev, V. H .— 33 Vieweg, F____ . 173 Vines, S. H-" "7 Vogel, A 117 Voigt, B. F 151 Voigt, W 173 Von Heyden, 66, 88 Von Meyer, E 172 v. Schiimen, F — _ 34 v. Villers, A --- 34 v. Wagner, R 116 Voss, L T 49 Vulte, H. T 185 Waeber, R 1 "7 Wagner, A. F — "7 Weber, Ed ._ -•- 196 Weibull, M - - 153 Wender, N - - • ■- — 66,69 Wernicke, E T 48 Wheeler, A ..- 93 White, E 87 White, W. Hale, »73 Widemann,G 93 Wiechmann, F. G - 93 Wiesnir, J n8 Willard, J. T 93 Wildermann, M 116 Winkelmann, A 34. 93 Winter, W 69 Witt. Otto N n6 Wolff, E— — — I7a Wood, H. G — 9 1 Woods, Jos. R -— 126 Woolcombe. W. G - 173 Wossidlo, P 117 Wright, C. R. A- 34 Wright, L-~ J 97 WuTlner. A -173. x 97 Wurzburg, A 150 Wyatt, F — 93 Zabel, Carl--- 172 Zaengerle, M 117 Zega, A 153 Zeuger, C. V s 7 Zopf, W n8 Zune, A.J 113 Entered at the New York Post Office as second class matter. jfebman?, 1895. Contents. "THE RISE AJND PROGRESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY," - - - 29 By Prof. Arthur H. Elliott, Ph.D., F.C.S. EDITORIAL- THE ABILITY OF CONSTRUCTION, 41 NEW LITERATURE, THE MOST RECENT WORK, NOTES HERE AND THERE, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, COLLEGE NOTES, SENIOR CLASS NOTES, JUNIOR NOTES, MEDICINE AND PHARMACY, By N. H. Martin, F.L.S., F.R.M.S. OFFICINAL OR OFFICIAL, - 43 47 48 48 49 50 • 51 52 55 PUBLISHED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY .... OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK .... The Connecting Link between the crisis and the com- plete recovery from an acute dis- ease, that period known as con- valescence, can often be consid- erably shortened by a judicious at- tention to the patient's nutrition. The battle has indeed been won, but the soldier is left prostrate upon the field. Liquid Peptonoids provides a valuable auxiliary for his up building because it is a liquid food-agent possessing a pow- erful reconstructive action while at the same time it is slightly stimu- lating in its primary effects. It is entirely pre-digested and in an ab- solutely aseptic condition. In con- valescence, Doct or, give your patient Liquid Peptonoids '■''That so he might recover what was lost." (Henry VI.) THE ARLINGTON CHEMICAL CO., Yonkers, N. Y. PUBLISHED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK. Vol. II. New York, February, 1895. No. 2. "THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY." By Prof. ARTHUR H. ELLIOTT, Ph.D., F. C. S. LIBRA NEW Yi BOTANI GAROI '"THE topic of my lecture this evening * is one of my old hobbies, so that if I am a little prolix sometimes you must pardon me. It is something in which I have been more or less interested for the last twenty-five years, and, like most of our hobbies, we sometimes drive them to death, to the discomfort of other people. The fundamental ideas upon which photography is based are very old — older than the Christian era, certainly. They depend upon two facts : First — that light, in passing through a small opening, produces an inverted image in a dark chamber. Imagine, for instance, that you are in a dark chamber, outside of which is an object ; that there is in the chamber a small hole a sixteenth or an eighth of an. inch in diameter, and that you have in this dark chamber a piece of paper. Upon that paper you will get a picture of the object opposite the hole. That was known a long time ago. The other fact is that certain salts of sil- ver, notably the chloride, iodide and bro- mide of silver, are sensitive to light and become blackened by light, was known to the Egyptians. The action of light upon colored bodies must have been known to the very earliest observers among men. The bronzing of the hu- man skin under the tropical sun must have been noted by every one ; and it is on record, in the most ancient annals of the human race, that men — the fair men from the North — when they went to the tropics, returned with tanned skins. Ptolemy, over two thousand years ago, noted that beeswax was bleached in sun- light, and the old Greeks noted that the gems which we call opal and amethyst lost their colors when exposed to sun- shine. These are some of the first and most rudimentary notions upon the ac- tions of light, and we have no definite statements about making pictures with- out light. The Chinese have a tradition — and they have a great many curious ones that are often founded on facts — that the sun makes pictures upon the ii_e of lakes and rivers. A Frenchman, named Fontamen, wrote an imaginary voyage to a strange coun- try, and among other things he said that objects were reflected upon the water and when the water was frozen the images were retained. So this idea of certain surfaces being capable of receiv- 3° THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. ing impressions by means of light was very ancient. There was another French- man, named Devique Delaroche, who made a still more curious statement- In 1760 he wrote a book in which his hero is wrecked upon a strange coast, and the spirits of that place showed him how to make pictures, as he called it, "painted by nature." It is not quite sure what he means, but his words are something like these: "You know," says his guide, "that rays of light are reflected from different bodies and form pictures. The spirits have sought to fix these pictures, and have a subtle matter by which these pictures are formed in the twinkling of an eye. They coat canvas with this pe- culiar matter, and hold it before the object." The manner of holding it is not stated. "The canvas is then re- moved to a dark place and in an hour the impression is dry and you have a picture, the more precious in that no art can imitate its truthfulness." These words were written one hundred and fifty years ago. This, as far as we know, was purely imagination ; yet the idea — the germ of photography — was there. We shall presently see that this flight of fancy on the part of Delaroche was very near the truth, and foretold what has since become possible, and only a very short time after he said it. As time went on and observations of men became more definite, we obtain records of facts that were noted with regard to the action of light upon certain chemical compounds. You know those old alchemists had queer ideas, one in regard to their elixir of life, and another that they could turn the baser metals in- to gold. They discovered a material in the silver mines of the Hartz Mountains which they called " luna cornea." The word luna was at that time applied to silver. Luna cornea was horn silver — what we know to-day as silver chloride. They noted that when this was first brought from the mine it was white and that after it had been exposed to the air and the sunlight it turned black, and they also noticed that it was only the surface that turned black — that if they scraped the surface off it was white un- derneath. They also found that if they kept it in the mine it did not get black. This observation was made about 1550 by Frobrishes, one of the early workers in chemistry ; but you must remember that they were not studying the action of light upon this substance. Their sole object was the turning of the baser metals into gold, and therefore they did not pay much attention to this idea, although this fact was placed on record. Some time after this we learn that a German named Schultze made copies 01 drawings with a mixture of chalk and silver nitrate spread on a level surface. The time ot this is doubtful, but it was probably about the year 1700. He passed the light, as he says, through translucent paper (made translucent with oil or wax), and objects placed upon the paper left a white impression on the mixture of chalk and silver nitrate — or, as he called it, "lunar caustic." This was in about 1700, as I said. About fifty years after this time (and indeed it was a little more, it was seventy years, in 1777) Scheele, the Swedish apothecary's assistant, took up the examination of this horn silver. It seemed to him well worthy of study ; and as the result ot his work he obtained the first germs that led to the art of pho- tography. But before Scheele could have prosecuted his researches, and before photography could make any important advances, there were two other discover- ies in science — and in optics particularly — that had to be made. The first of these was the decomposition of white light, by Sir Isaac Newton, by which he obtained the prismatic colors ; that is to say, the THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 3i colors that we know as violet, indigo, blue, green, and so on down to the red. That was the first step. The next step was the discovery by Baptiste Porter, an Italian, in Naples, which preceded the discovery of Newton (it was about 1590), that a small opening in a dark chamber produced an inverted image on the wall of the chamber. So that between 1590 and 1666 Baptiste Porter and Sir Isaac Newton paved the way for the researches of Scheele upon the action of light upon this simple substance, as they called it, 4 ' luna cornea' ' or chloride of silver. Now Scheele, therefore, at his time, 1777, knew of the discovery of the prismatic colors, or the decomposition of white light by Sir Isaac Newton, and he made the ex- periment of submitting this horn silver or silver chloride to the action of light after the light had been passed through a prism and he found the light as we know it to consist of violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. Placing the silver chloride in this band of colors, he discovered the important fact that in the red rays the silver chloride received no change — that there was no change made in it. But, as he got along toward the other end of the spectrum, and got into the green and the blue and the indigo and the violet, he found that the color of the silver chloride changed much more rapidly, and he found that the most active in its effect upon the silver chloride were the blue and violet rays. In addi- tion to this fact he found that the light discolored the silver chloride. Scheele still further proved that the silver chloride was decomposed by the light, and that chlorine gas, or, as he called it, dephlo- gistigated marine acid gas, was produc- ed. He became acquainted with this previously from his experiments on the mineral braunstein with muriatic acid. So that when he perceived the odor of the chlorine from the decomposition of the silver chloride, he recognized the gas at once, and he says : " When this silver chloride turns black it gives out chlorine," and that was a very import- ant fact. At the red end of the spectrum he found there was little or no effect up- on the silver chloride. This was the principle of the camera obscura, and the principle of the camera obscura is the the principle of the photographic camera to-day. Practically the photographic camera consists of a dark box, with a hole at one end and at this end there is a place to receive an image. Instead of having a lens there in the front of the camera, as was formerly the practice, it is perfectly possible to get the picture with a small opening, say an eighth or sixteenth of an inch in diameter, and, furthermore, that is the most perfect picture you can get in a camera — a picture without a lens. Now, that is a strange statement, and perhaps in these days it may appear a little wild ; but (exhibiting a photo about 5x7) there is a picture made with an opening not larger than a pinhole, and it is a good deal bet- ter than many of the pictures taken by the amateurs to-day. This opening be- ing so small necessitates a good deal of time in the action of the light upon the sensitive silver salts behind, and that is the object of placing the lens there. By placing the lens here, instead of having a small opening, you make a larger open- ing which collects the light in the same manner, brings it to the focus and then the rays diverge again and you get the picture. Now, the rays as they pass through the opening without a lens, be- gin to diverge as soon as they are in the camera, but with a lens there they are brought together first and then cross and then you get the picture. That is the first step, then, in photography, the pro- duction of images by the camera ob- scura — and that is all the photographic 32 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. camera consists of — a modification of it. Now, when the facts ascertained by Scheele, i. e. t the action of light upon silver chloride — turning it black and producing gas (and by the way Scheele never found out what this gas was and to-day it is a matter of controversy and a problem among chemists) — with the facts ascertained by Scheele, in regard to the action of light Thomas Wedgewood and Vueder made pictures, in 1802. These pictures were very peculiar. They spread upon paper and upon glass plates that had some gummy material upon them silver chloride — as a precipitate, and then they set their sub- jects up, so as to get a profile shadow with a strong light upon the surface. Now, where the light passed, of course they got a black mark upon the silver chloride, but the silhouette of the face was in white. Now, that was very remarkable, because they got some very remarkable pictures of which drawings were made. They were white silhouettes on a black background, but remember that the pictures that were thus made, the white silhouettes (if I may use the term) were made by the action of some light. If you wanted to copy them you had to copy them out of the light ; other- wise the whole mass would get black, and that was the difficulty. In other words, the white impression could only be examined by candle or some other weak light, and they ultimately became shrouded in darkness and were lost — so we have now none of those pictures. While they were experimenting in England, a man named Niepse, a Frenchman, was at work upon the same subject — the action of light upon various materials, but in a somewhat different direction. In 1813, or probably before that time, he discovered that certain kinds of bitumen were soluble in oil of lavender, and that when you exposed these pieces of bitumen to some light the oil of lavender would not dissolve them any more. He conceived the idea (how, is not on record), but he thought that if he could coat plates with this bitumen and then expose them to light in a camera he could get a picture upon this bitumen, and where the light had acted the bitumen would be insoluble in oil of lavender. Where the light had not acted that he could dissolve it out. He pro- ceeded to do this, and succeeded in getting pictures upon metal plates. He then, afterwards, etched the plates and thus got a perfect drawing or picture. So he used it simply as a means to Droduce a picture by etching. Now, understand, using the camera, he obtained an impres- sion upon metal plates coated with bitu- men. After exposing the plates in the camera he washed them in oil of lavender and then an etching fluid, and cut the impression into the matter and then they were printed. Some of these pictures are still in existence, they say. I have never seen any of them . Alter a time the plates were cleaned, and by the help of an etch- er's tools or an engraver's tools they were cut still deeper and made very good en- graving plates ; so that his object was not simply to etch them but to produce plates for engraving. While this was going on Herschel made an important discovery in 1819, and that was that chloride and bromide and iodide of silver were not soluble when blackened by light. He found that after you had exposed these materials to the light — this silver iodide, bromide or chloride — and had washed all these with hypophos- phite of sodium, they would not dissolve. That was important. That made it pos- sible to preserve the silhouette pictures devised or discovered by Wedgewood and Vueder. Therefore, after exposing the plates in the camera, as did Niepse, the Frenchman, he washed them in a solu- THE ALUMNI JOURNAL, 33 "tion of hypophosphite of sodium. That took off the chloride of silver that was not acted upon by the light and he pre- served the pictures. Some of the first pictures that he made were rather cu- rious. I have not one of his original pictures ; I wish I had, but I have a ■picture made in the same manner. He took a piece of paper and saturated it with salt (he said that he used Bristol drying paper, which was a peculiar paper, made at that time in Eng- land). This was soaked in chloride of sodium or common salt, and then it was dipped and had flowed over it nitrate of silver Therefore he had in the pores of the paper chloride of silver in very inti- mate contact with the paper. Then he took such objects as ferns and pieces of paper, cut it in various shapes, and laid it on the paper. That produced such an effect as where the objects had laid they had the white impression. If you took this out in the sunlight it would all get black. But he made this important discovery and thus preserved the picture This was the first photograph made. We do that to-day, and produce other pic- tures with various other compounds, but I will speak of that later. In the year 1824 we hear of another Frenchman (now, remember this was a long while ago, in 18 19, and we had no photographs yet, although you might call that a photograph (exhibiting the fern picture) yet it is not. In the year 1824 we hear of another Frenchman who was a scene-painter at a theatre in Paris, and he had been using the camera obscura to obtain pictures from nature from which to paint his scenery. That is to say he had a tent built something like that (drawing figure on blackboard) with a lens something like that that was part of a right angled prism, and this light com- ing from the view, the image was formed in here and spread out upon a table from which he could make a drawing, lie used that and was much annoyed at the time it took to get those pictures. He was very impatient, like a great many other Frenchmen. He conceived the idea of "fixing these pictures" as 'he called them. He did not want to have the trouble of drawing them. He said: " If I could only find some way of getting that fixed on the surface without the trouble of drawing it it would be a great convenience." This Frenchman was Louis Daguerre, really the father of photography. Now he worked inde- pendently for some time, when he met Niepse, the Niepse that had been work- ing on bitumen and oil of lavender, and they formed a kind of partnership in 1829. Now, remember, 18 19 was the time that Sir John Kerschel had discovered hypo- phospite of sodium and its action on these silver compounds. They formed a part- nership in order to work out "scene pictures " as they called them. In the year 1833 Niepse died — got tired of the work pretty much, I suppose — and Da- guerre continued the work. What his early experiments were we have verv doubtful records of. Daguerre did not seem to keep very good records. In the year 1839, little more than fifty years ago t he communicated to the French govern- ment a method for making pictures in the camera upon metallic plates. In other words he divulged the secret of the first photographic picture we have — the daguerreotype. This was such a great success and such a wonderful dis- covery that the French government pensioned Daguerre for his life time, and by an agreement with them the process became public property on August 10th, 1839. Now I have the good fortune to have here to-night the daguerreotype ap- paratus. This is practically all the para- phernalia of the daguerreotype. First of all was the camera (and you must pardon 34 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL, the condition of it as it is almost forty years old). I know of no other complete set in the United States, so this is rather a relic, and it requires a good deal of care in handling it for it almost falls to pieces, (showing the apparatus). Here is where the lens was put and in here is where the plate holder was put. They first had to fix the lenses in the ordinary way with ground glass. Then they had a plate- holder something like ours, that they put the metallic plate in. Now having fixed it, the next thing to do was to present to the sitter this metallic plate, and I have here one of just such plates. Now, into this plate-holder are fitted "kits" as we call them to hold different sized plates. Unfor- tunately part of this apparatus is lost; i. e., to say all these little details of kits, but they could all be made out of little pieces of wood. Now, the daguerreotype is this: They take a silver-copper plate (a piece of copper plated with silver. When they first did this, they used to solder upon copper plates a piece of silver, then put it in a press and roll it out. After that time, in latter years when the galvanic battery had been discovered and was in common use, they electroplated it). Now, this particular plate was put into a holder that was held like that. Now the small boy was given one of the buffers or he was put at a wheel that had upon it a backing of felt and on the front of it was chamois leather (it is now long gone on this one — been rubbed off). This plate was then rubbed with a great deal of dexterity and you had to be very careful that you did not scratch it. That was the most important thing about them. It spoilt the picture if you scratched them. They had to be perfectly smooth. As I said, this was sometimes done by hold- ing the plate on a wheel, but the ordinary way was by using one of these buffers. The silver plate was taken out by un- doing this screw at the corner. Now, the first thing to do with it, then, is to make it sensitive. It is merely a silver surface now It was made sensitive by placing it in one of these boxes (showing it) called coating boxes. Now that plate was put into that box (showing the same box), and see there is the lime in the box and it is now probably forty years old, having never been disturbed. In that lime was placed bromine, and it was then covered with a glass cover that fits over this glass trough or dish — it is rather deep. This was then placed with a little pressure — in order to keep the box tight and not let the bromine fumes get all over the studio — and they put the plate in here and pulled this over, so, leaving it there a certain number of minutes, and by action of the bromine vapor it becomes coated with bromide of silver. Then they either put some iodine into this same box or they had an iodine box. After the plate was in there a few minutes, they took it out and put it in there and gave it a dose of bromine. It was found, and by whom I am not sure, that the addition of a little iodine or a small proportion of iodide of silver with iodine of silver gave better effects. So it was then taken out and it was sensitive to light. Now, Daguerre discovered all that. This was then put in the plate holder and exposed in the camera and he got a picture. And it bothered him a great deal, for it faded. If he put thathypophosphite of sodium on it that our friend Herschel discovered, it cleaned the whole picture off. There was not enough of it. So he watched and watched and was weary with mak- ing these pictures and having them fade, until he went one day to a closet where he had a lot of these pictures stored, and he was delighted to see that the picture of a certain monument (I think it was) that he had made he thought on that plate some time before, and it was a good picture and a perma- THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 35 nent picture. How it came about puzzled him a great deal. In looking around the closet where these pictures were exposed — where these plates were stored — he found that for some reason or other the bottle of mercury had been broken, and he tried almost every imaginable ma- terial in the closet, and at last it struck him it might be mercury. Well, he put some mercury on the plate and he ruined it. "Well, no," he says, "it is not mer- cury but mercury in a very fine state. I wonder if it is the Vapor of Mercury -?" He tried it and found that it was. That led to the development of the daguerreo- type. Then all he did with a plate was to put it into a vessel with a few drops of mercury, and underneath a little spirit lamp. Then he would put the plate in and watch the heat (some now have a thermometer) and he would just pick it up every once in a while to see how it is developing. That process gave to him the first picture, the daguerreotype, and those are to-day the handsomest pictures ever made by photography. I have two or three of them which are partly spoiled, but to day they far surpass anything we have ever since done in the science of photograph}^. After the mercury pro- cess, it was very easy to wash the plate off. The object of the development was this : that where the light had acted there the mercury seemed to take hold and bring out the picture. Where the light had not acted you could dissolve the sil- ver surface off with cyanide of potassium, which was generally used. But, if you will look at this old-fashioned daguerreotype, you will see that you had to look at them in a certain light; otherwise, you could see nothing. Sometime afterwards a man named Fitsherbert, a Frenchman, conceived the idea of changing this peculiar picture in silver plate into a gold picture. In other words, he put into the plate a little chlo- ride of gold and produced a daguerreo- type which can be seen pretty clearly by looking squarely at it. The beginning of the daguerreotype flourished only a short time. While Da- guerre and others were working at the daguerreotype, Fox Talbert, a rich Eng- lishman, took up the subject from an- other point of view. He conceived the idea of making a negative. Of course, every picture you took by Daguerre's method you had to make a sitting for it. Such are the pictures up in the School of Mines of William Lloyd Garrison and Daniel Webster. They had to sit right down in front of the box, and copies could not be had. That was the trouble with the daguerreotype. You had one picture for every sitting. To make the difference between the positive and nega- tive more clear, I have brought here to show you to-night (producing them) some positives and negatives printed on the same piece of paper. When the picture comes out of the camera and the plate is developing (exhibiting it) that is what it looks like — where the light struck all the light parts of the picture are black, and where the light did not strike all the black parts of the picture are white. If I take the same surface, containing the bromide of silver, iodide of silver or chloride of silver, and place it underneath that and expose it to the sunlight, where the light strikes through it will produce black, just as in the original object, and when I get through I get the positive. So there is a neg- ative and there is a positive from the same picture. Now, that was Fox Tal- bot's idea. He says " If I can do that, I can make pictures ad libititm." With this object in view he coated paper with silver chloride. He exposed it then in the camera, fixed it in a solution of salt — common salt or iodide of potassium — and when he got through the picture was a 36 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. permanent one, because the iodide of potassium dissolved out the white parts that were not affected "by the light. From this negative he obtained other prints. Now, various modifications of Fox Talbert's process, were brought out, and a man named LaGray. I think (or at least it was just about the time he lived) conceived the idea of making these pic- tures more transparent by waxing them. That was the first good negative we had. It was a modification of Fox Talbert's idea, only he waxed the paper. Then about the same time it was found that a mixture of chloride of iron and cyanide of potassium, when mixed together were acted upon by light. Herschel discovered this, and that was the way we obtained the blue print, which is far older than the photograph. Sir John Herschel found that a mixture of chloride of iron and cyanide ol potassium, when exposed to sunlight made Prussian blue. So that if you take paper and coat it with this mix- ture and then expose it under a negative you get a blue picture. The trouble with these paper pictures was that you could not eliminate the grain of the paper, and if you will ex- amine these close enough you will see that they are blurred. This one printed from that particular negative is blurred — very much blurred. These sensitive silver compounds are so sensitive that the grain of the paper produces an im- pression. Now, in 1848, Niepse, a nephew of the first Niepse, thought it would be a good idea to use glass plates coated with albumen. He took chloride or iodide of silver, mixed it with white of egg, spread it on plates, heated the plates, which, of course, coagulated the albumen, and that fixed his film upon the glass plates. That was quite a step. Now, we had gotten rid of the paper. By the way, I made a little mistake there about the way he got the picture. He got the picture by put- ting salt in the albumen and then coagu- lating it, and then he dipped the plate into a solution of silver nitrate and in that way got the precipitate in the film itself. This was important but trouble- some and not always successful. Now, a few years before another dis- covery was made. Remember that this was in 1848 that Niepse worked with the albumen process. In 1840, Schurben, a Swiss chemist, discovered gum cotton. This gum cotton is a nitrated compound of cotton, made by the action of concen- trated sulphuric and nitric acids upon cotton. Sometime afterwards Maynard, a Yankee, in Boston, discovered that this gum cotton was soluble in alcohol, and ether, and then he found that by evapor- ating the substance he got the thin film o collodion. Scott Archer, an Englishman, conceived the idea of using this film as a vehicle for these particularly sensitive sil- ver salts for photographing. His method was pretty much that which is followed to-day and that is still in use to quite a large extent. In this process we have this series of operations : First, the plate must be per- fectly clean. That is essential. Any little spot upon it will form a nucleus which will spread over the surface of the plate. The plate is then coated with al- bumen and allowed to dry without heat- ing. It is then flowed with this collo- dion, and in the collodion is put the chlo- ride, iodide or bromide of silver, which you need. It is generally the chlo- ride, iodide or bromide of silver. This collodion is afterwards dipped into a sil- ver bath, and then we get the sensitized silver surface, very thin and perfectly transparent. It is then ready to go into the camera. It is put into the camera soaking wet with nitrate of silver. It is exposed and then developed with a solu- THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 37 tion of sulphate of iron with some acetic acid. After it is developed, the developer is washed off, fixed with hypophosphite of sodium, dried, varnished and we get the negative. Now, the curious part about this wet plate process is that it is slow. The compounds are not very sensitive com- pared with the modern compounds. In the second place it is essential to use it wet. If you took the plate out of the silver bath where you sensitized it and washed off the nitrate of silver adhering to it and put the plate in the camera you would not get a picture. The silver nitrate is essential to the production of the picture. It acts in this way : Where the light has acted upon the sensitive silver compounds and you proceed to develope the picture, when you mix the sulphate of iron and pour the developer upon the plate, as the iron comes in con- tact with the nitrate of silver, with which the plate is wet, it produces metallic silver, which adheres to those parts of the picture which have been acted upon by the light. That seems to be the philosophy, because if you wash the nitrate off you cannot develop a pic- ture upon such a plate. Now, this process of photography revolutionized the daguerreotype, revolu- tion! zed photography and the daguerreo- type became obsolete. I think it dis- placed the daguerreotype in three years. This procees was such an advantage — collodion was such a nice substance to work with — that it revolutionized the photography of those days, and the da- guerreotype fell out of existence. Now, when you take into considera- tion the time that people had to sit for their pictures — five or six minutes —you can conceive how hard it was to keep still. They had such queer contrivances to keep the head straight, they screwed you up in various positions, and this was particularly exasperating where they had to take pictures requiring a good deal of time. Dr. Draper, who took some of these daguerreotypes, and who I believe was the first photographer of these pictures, desired to take a photo of his estimable lady. His studio was in the old University Building in Wash- ington Square. I believe Mrs. Draper had to sit twenty minutes for that pic- ture. In order to produce the best effect . he had a tank made in the top of the laboratory so as to produce a blue light. Mrs. Draper was very patient while he was at work with this, and unfor- tunately, Dr. Col ton tells me, the result was two pictures on the same plate. I should think it would. That was the first effort ever made to take the human face with the daguerreotype. Of course, with all that paraphernalia, with that slowness of action, anything that worked within a minute was considered wonder- ful, and that was practically what hap- pened when Scott Archer discovered col- lodion. This wet plate process continued from 1 85 1 to 1 87 1, about twenty years. I have the pleasure of showing vou an amateur outfit for this process, used in i860 to take to the Rocky Mountains (exhibiting it). That is an amateur out- fit carried over the Rocky Mountains in i860 to take pictures. Here is the old tank that carried the water. Here are some of the bottles of chemicals, and the way it was managed was this : This was hooked up, on the end of these sticks. This was the black cloth used as the de- veloping room by the operator. Here is a little window with yellow glass to de- velop the pictures. The plates and bro- mide of silver was carried, in these two boxes. That was carried on top of the mule and the boxes on the sides of the mule, so that he had a pretty good mule 3« THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. Now, to-day we do the same work with that apparatus (exhibiting appar- ently a Kodak), and a great deal better work it is. 1111871a more important revolution took place even than the wet plate pro" cess or the daguerreotype, Many efforts had been made to overcome the use of the wet plate — the plate wet with nitrate of silver, and some of the efforts were very successful but usually troublesome. The plate was kept moist in a variety of ways: by honey, by tea, by infusion of tea, by beer, by coffee, and a multitude of all the funniest concoctions you could think of, but the process was destined to fail. In about 1870 it was conceived that 3'ou could make an emulsion of these peculiar compounds of silver — these sen- sitive silver compounds — that you could make an emulsion that you could pour upon the plate and produce a picture just when you pleased, and it was found that by mixing the chloride that produces the sensitive material in one portion of your collodion and putting nitrate of silver into another portion of the collodion, in certain proportions, you could produce a collodial emulsion. They had to be mixed in just exactly the right propor- tions, so as not to have an excess of ni- trate of silver or an excess of bromide. But that process failed and only lasted a few years; although I have here one of the plate holders used by such a process. This was between the time of the wet plate process and the modern dry plate, when they used collodial bromide emul- sion. It was a kind of a compromise be- tween the wet plate and the dry plate. In 187 1, Dr. R. L. Maddox, of Bath, Eng- land, had the idea that he would use gelatine, instead of albumen or collodion, as a vehicle to hold these silver salts upon the glass surface, and he found, among other things, something that sur- prised him — that when he put the silver it:-; i.i to contact with this gelatine they became wonderfully more sensitive than ever before. The idea is this : That you make a gelatine mixture of a certain strength — the proportions required a certain amount of soft gelatine and a certain amount of hard gelatine. Into that gelatine you pour, with constant stirring ; you pour a mixture at the same time — some par- ticular bromide, generally bromide of potassium and nitrate of silver — in a very thin stream and keep it thoroughly stirred up. If you go too fast, you will not get the right result ; but the result is, when you get through and doit right, you get a beautiful milky fluid, and that fluid contains bromide of silver in a won- derful state of suspension — very thin — and it remains suspended in this fluid. Now let that set — this cream or " emul- sion," as they call it — and you have as a result iodide of silver and iodide of potas- sium. You let the emulsion set and it pro- duces a jelly, that jelly is then cut up into shreds, rubbed through a sieve or some- thing of that kind to make it thoroughly divided, and washed thoroughly with water. Having done that it can be melted, and if you melt it and heat it to a certain temperature, there does not seem to be any limit to the sensitiveness of the material. If you use it cold it requires a second or two to produce a picture. If you cook it, however, you will find that it will become more and more sensitive to light, until it is actual- ly possible to take a picture of a pro- jectile traveling four hundred metres per second. I have such a picture. The only trouble is that some of the plates made are so sensitive to light that we cannot get a light non-active enough to develop them. Having these bromide plates then in the camera — this sensitive material coated on these glass plates in the camera — you have got to be very THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 39 careful that the light does not get to them. The consequence is that the plate holders are made with extreme care. The result of this gelatine-bromide of silver process is this : that we can have plates in packages. We can put these emulsion plates and carry them off where we please, and, what is still more import- ant we can put the emulsion upon very thin material, and I have here (exhibit- ing them)thin sheets of celluloid upon which this emulsion has been spread and pictures taken. That is not all, either; they can make it still thinner (producing small eamera) they can put it on a roll and in this camera is one of those rolls, and in that box I can take a hundred pictures without reloading the instru- ment. The way it is done, I, when I want to produce a new surface, simply wind the old one off with this winding machine. There is an opening at the front of the camera. Press just below this, so, and you have the picture. Now just wind the film off and you are ready for the next picture. Now pull it again, and this is so easy that some manufacturers say : "You simply push the button and we do the rest for you." That is nonsense, they don't do the "rest" for you. A friend of mine took one of these to Europe, and with it a dozen rolls of film, all of which he used. When he returned he sent them to the manufacturers and I think he got about twelve pictures back. Not every time you press the button is a good picture produced. You have to know a little bit about the science and use a little judg- ment. Such is the state of photography to- day that this material can be spread upon any kind of transparent surface. In the case of plate, they are put in holders like this, generally only two on each side, and slipped into this frame in a dark room, in which no light can be used except one emitted through a deep red chimney. (The professor here exhib- ited such a chimney.) Then, the mate- rial that is used for developing these pictures is somewhat different from the old method. We use organic compounds, alkaline solutions, and organic matters capable of taking up oxygen. These organic materials, in conjunction with some alkali, are capable of taking up oxygen. They produce a disozygenizing action. After dipping, that gives you the negative. The prints are made in a variety of ways. The facility with which these apparati can be used has led to an enor- mous variety. You can have an appa- ratus something like that, or something like this, which is smaller. In the United States there are to-day probably about ten thousand profes- sional photographers and thirty or forty thousand amateurs, who usually do nothing but spoil plates. To give you an idea of some of the work done, not altogether by professionals, I have picked out from the number of pictures I have a few samples of the work. Here is a pic- ture of a cattle ranch in Colorado. I have one a little larger of a horse race, but this is about as large as they can be made. That will give you an idea of the instantaneous effect. The distance between the foot and the top of the mountains is about twelve miles, so that you can get an idea of the capacity of the camera, of the sensitiveness of these compounds. Here is a Mexican picture which shows the great beauties of the Mexican flora — the cacti. Here is a study "King Lear" made by Buffler, the photographer. That is about as large as you can get. It is a pretty large plate to handle. Then there is another study "The Five O'clock Tea" some ladies at tea, by the same man as " King 4o THE ALUMNI JOURNAL, Lear." Here is another study, "A Game of Sixty six." Those are all silver prints, made with chloride of silver, using glass negatives and producing the positives by having the chloride of silver in albumen. The best vehicle to-day for making positive prints is albumen with chloride of silver. It is found that it you take a mixture of gelatine and bichromate of potassium, and put into the mixture some pigment and expose it under a negative where the light acts, the gelatine is made insoluble and holds the pigment, and where the light does not act the gelatine is still soluble and can be washed away. Here is such a picture and it is very interest- ing — " Iu Camp." The shadows in that picture are on the white paper under- neath. Here are a couple of pictures of silver, two Bavarian pictures. This one, of a little girl, is by Kinlander of Cologne, instantaneously taken without a head- rest, which is a very difficult piece of work. This is the same idea, instan- taneously taken. Here are two pictures very interesting, which were in the ex- hibition at Chicago. They are pictures in platinum, showing that we are not confined to simply silver salts. We have here in this last picture one of the chlo- rides of platinum, the platine chloride. It cannot be spoiled in any way. The picture is good as long as the paper is good. Here is an example of a yacht picture. It is the English yacht Iris. It is a fine picture. The yacht is travelling very fast Here is a picture on the East River, made by Dr. Habershaw, showing the work of amateurs in this line. I could tell you a good deal more about this subject, but there is only one other thing I would now like to mention. Some of you, I suppose, have heard a great deal about taking photographs in colors. We are very near it. They have produced in France, Germany and England pictures of the spectrum in the silver salts ; that is to say, with the col- ors of the spectrum. They are very weak and have to be looked at in a cer- tain light. They are the result of inter- ference of the thin films. We are doing something more important. We are learn- ing to make the whole spectrum. For ex- ample, we can to-day get just as good an impression upon silver salts with a red light as Scheele did with a violete light in 1774. That leads to what is called ortho-chromatic photography, that is photography that will give us every color in the spectrum. It has been found possible to make pictures in certain colors. A long time ago, the spectrum was separated into three colors, red, yel- low and blue of certain kinds. Now, if you take a picture in a red light of a certain character, and another of the same subject in a yeilow light of a certain character, and another in a blue light of a certain character, you have three negatives. You can make three negatives, one of the red light, one of the yellow light anH one of the blue light. Now, by taking pigments and printing in a press like a lithographic press, you can make a red positive from the red nega- tive, and a blue positive from the blue negative and a yellow positive from the yellow negative, and in that way you may get three impressions, which is the result in the same colors. You must not stop there, however. There is a certain amount of shadow, and the result of it is that they have to what they call "over-lay," taking the three colors separately and superim- posing them in printing. Remember, the red parts of the picture are taken with the red light. That is, suppose you put a red piece of glass in front of your camera, then only the red parts of the picture pass through to the sensitive plate. Then repeat the operation with the blue glass and the yellow glass, and the result will be as above. Now I hope I have not bored you by any profuse details. I did not intend to. I only tried to interest you in one of the most important inventions of the Nine- teenth Century. The steam engine, the telegraph, the telephone and the photo- graph are four of the grand inventions which the century has produced, and I think every intelligent person should learn something about them. I am afraid that I have had too little time to do the subject justice. You can understand how much more there is behind this superficial view. I only have to thank you for your very kind attention. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 4r Published under the auspices of the Alumni Association of the College of Pharmacy OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, 115=119 WEST 6Sth STREET. Vol. II. February r, 1895. No. 2. The Alumni Journal will be published Monthly. Entered at New York Post Office as second-class matter SUBSCRIPTION : Per Annum, One Dollar Single Copies, . . . 15 Cents. All copy for publication, or changes of advertisements should reach us on or before the 20th of the month pre- vious to the issue in which they are to appear. All matters relating- to publication should be written -on one side of the paper only, and sent to the editor, Henry Kraemer, 115-119 West 68th Street. All communications relating to finances and sub- scriptions should be addressed to A. Henning, Treas., 115-119 West 68th Street All communications relating to advertising should be addresssd to A. K, Lusk. 1 Park Row. EDITOR, HENRY KRAEMER, PH. G. ASSISTANT EDITORS. FRED. HOHENTHAL, Ph. G. K. C. MAHEGIN, PH. G. ASSOCIATE EOITOBS, CHARLES RICE, Ph. I) 11 \RLES F. CHANDLER, Ph. D., M. D , L.L.D., etc. ARTHUR H. ELLIOTT, Ph. D., K. C. S. HENRY H. RTJSBY, M. D. VIRGIL COBLENTZ, A. M., Ph. G., Ph. D. THE ABILITY OF CONSTRUCTION. At this stage of the world's history men of ability and even of genius in a certain sense are not rare. The result is that in all of our institutions of learning the requirements become more stringent and by the time graduation arrives we see the survival of only the very best men. We find the same classes of men throughout life that we find in college — we find men of energy and slothiulness, men devoted to pleasures and by nature politicians, men of ability of construction and men of power in criticism. While at College the training to day is chiefly ana- lytical and the result is that men are prone to examine everything closely and some even learn to take delight in tearing things to pieces. There are some men who are utterly ruined so far as their in- ward happiness and that of those about them is concerned by their critical ten- dencies. They do this to the detriment of their own energies and abilities of construction and hence never or but sel- dom build anything, but employ their days in tearing down what others have built. The critic is necessary and essen- tial in every department of labor where human thought is allowed entrance. Criticisms that are honest always help the builder and are a gain to posterity. It is questionable if it is desirable for the conscientious young man to encour- age in his life a too critical tendency. It is not necessary to look at the bright side of the affairs of life, or even to look upon men charitably, so to speak. It is suf- ficient for every young man especially to look upon events of life as they are. It is decidedly important for the man of aspiration to look upon life with its duties when he has had sufficient rest and food and exercise. Wrongs may be righted and errors corrected in but two ways : the thoughttul way and the thoughtless way. The thoughtful way is always attendant of health and with a broad minded and large hearted individual. It is not our desire, however, to dwell too long upon the subject in the abstract as we are anxious to reprint the closing words of Senator Henry Cabot Lodge's Phi Beta Kappa oration delivered last June at Harvard College. He said in closing : " How then is a university to reach the 42 THE A L UMN1 JOURNAL. results we ought to have from its teach- ings in this country and this period ? Some persons may reply that it can be obtained by making the university train- ing more practical. Much has been said on the point first and last, but the theory, which is vague at best, seems to me to have no bearing here. It is not a practi- cal education which we seek in this regard, but a liberal education. Our search now and here is not for an educa- tion which shall enable a man to earn his living with the least possible delay ; but for a training which shall develop character and mind along certain lines. "To all her students alike it is Har- vard's duty to give that which will send them out from her gates able to under- stand and to sympathize with the life of the time. This cannot be done by rules or systems or text-books. It can come from the subtile, impalpable, and yet powerful influences which the spirit and atmosphere of the great university can exert upon those within its care. It is not easy to define or classify these in- fluences although we all know their gen- eral effect. Nevertheless, it is, I think, possible to get at something sufficiently definite to indicate what is lacking and where the peril lies. It all turns on the spirit which inspires the entire collegiate body, on the mental attitude of the uni- versity as a whole. This brings us at once to the danger which I think con- fronts all our large universities today, and which I am sure confronts that uni- versity which I know and love best. We are given over too much to the critical spirit and we are educating men to be- come critics of other men instead of doers of deeds themselves. ' ' This is all wrong. Criticism is health- ful, necessary, and desirable, but it is al- ways abundant and infinitely less im- portant than performance. There is not the slightest risk that the supply of critics will run out, for there are always enough middle-aged failures to keep the ranks full if every other resource should fail. Faith and hope, and belief, enthusiasm,, and courage are the qualities to be train- ed and developed in young men by a liberal education. Youth is the time for action, not criticism. A liberal education should encourage the spirit of action, not deaden it. We want the men whom we. send out from our universities to count in the battle of life and in the history of their time, and to count more and not less because of their liberal education. They will not count at all, be well assured, if they come out trained only to look coldly and critically on all that is being done in the world and on all who are doing it. We cannot afford to have that type, and it is the true product of that critical spirit which says to its scholars : "See how badly the world is governed ; see how covered with dust and sweat the men who are trying to do the world's business, and how many mistakes they make; let us sit. here in the shade with Arnaodlis and add up the errors of these bruised grimy fel- lows and point out what they ought to do, while we make no mistakes ourselves, by sticking to the safe rule of attempting nothing." This is a very comfortable attitude, but it is one of all others which a university should discourage instead of inculcating. Moreover, with such an at- titude of mind towards the world of thought and action is always allied a cultivated indifference than which there is nothing more enervating. * * * " The time in which we live is full of questions of the deepest moment. There has been during the century just ending the greatest material development ever seen. The condition of the average man has been raised higher than before, and wealth has been piled up beyond the wildest fancy of romance. We have built up a vast social and industrial system „ THE ALUMNI JOURNAL, 43 and have carried civilization to the high- est point it has ever touched. That sys- tem and that civilization are on trial. Grave doubts and perils beset them. Everywhere to-day there is an ominous spirit of unrest. Everywhere is a feeling that all is not well, when health abounds, and none the less dire poverty ranges by its side, when the land is not fully popu- lated and yet the number of unemployed reaches to the millions. I believe we can deal with these doubts and rents success- fully, if we will but set ourselves to the great task as we have to the trials and dangers of the past. But the solution will tax to the utmost all the wisdom and courage and learning that the country can provide. What are our universities, with their liberal education to play in the his- tory that is now making and is still to be written ? They are the crown and glory of our civilization, but they can readily be set aside if they fall out of sympathy -with the vast movements about them. I do not say whether they should seek to resist or to sustain or to guide and con- trol these movements. But if they would not dry up and wither they must at least understand them. "A great university must be in touch with the world about it, with its hopes, its passions, its troubles, and its strivings. If it is not it must be content. 'For aye to be in the shady cloister mewed, Chanting faini hymns to the cold, fruitless moon.' " The university which pretends to give a liberal education must understand the movements about it, see whether the great forces are tending, and justify its existence by breeding men who by its teachings are more able to render the service which humanity is ever seeking." Professor Fried. Aug. Fliickiger died on Dec. ii, 1894, at Berne. He was the foremost phar- macognosist and scientific pharmacist of his time. An extended account of his life and works will appear in a later issue of The Alumni Journal. NEW LITERATURE. Bacteriology. Mikrophotographischer Atlas der Bakterien- kunde.—C Fraenkel u. R. Pfeiffer. 2 Aufl. 11, u. 12. Lfg. Berlin : August Hirschwald. Mikrophotographischer Atlas der Bakterien- kinide.— Itzgerott u. Niemann, Leipzig : J. A. Barth. Botany. Beitrag zur Kenntniss der Bestandtheile von Cnicus benediclus mit hauptsachliche Beruck- sichtigung des darin enthaltenen bitter schmec- kenden Korpers.— Karl Schwander. Inaug.— Diss. Univ. Erglangen. An examination of the constituents and par- ticularly the better principle of Cnicus benedic- tus. Beitrag zur Kenntniss des Bittersloffes von Citrullus colocynthis.—Rud. Speidel. Inaug,— Dissert. Univ. Erlangeu. Weitere Beiircize zur Cheimischen Kenntniss einiger Bestandtheile aus Secale cornutum — Hans Zeeh. Inaug.— Diss. Univ. Erlangen. Uebersicht der Leistungen anf dem Gebiete der Botanik in Russland wahrend des Jahres, j8q 2 — Zusammengestellt von A. Famintzin u S. Korshinsky unter Mitwirkung von Anderer. Aus dem Russ. ubers. von F. Th. Koppen. Leip. zig: Voss. A review of the history and events in botanical works in Russia during 1892. Atlas der officinellen Pflanzen.—K. Meyer u. K.Schumann. 1892-1894. Leipzig: A. Felix. Darstellung und Beschreibung der in Arznei- buche fiir das Deutsche Reich erwahuten Gew- achse. Zweite verbesserte Auflage von "Dars- tellung und Beschreibung sammtlicher in der Pharmacopoeia Borussica aufgefuhrten offici- nellen Gewiichse von O. C. Berg u. C. F. Sch- midt." Chemistry. A Text-Book of Organic Chemistry.— A. Bernthsen. Translated by G. M'Gowan. 2d Eng. Ed. Revised and Extended by the Author and Translator, London : Blackie. Chemie medicate.— Corps minereaux. Corps organiques. L. Gamier. Paris : Rueff et cic. Nozioni di Fisicia. Chimica e Mineralogia ad Uso delle Scuole technichc e delle Prepara- torie alle Normal. — M. Borzone. Torino. * Readers desiring any of Llitr works contained in this list can obtain them through B. Westerman & Co., 812 Broadway. Gustav E. Stechert, 810 Hroadway, or other foreign booksellers. 44 7 HE ALUMNI JOURNAL, Grundzuge der mathematischen Chemie. — Georg Helm. Leipzig : Wm. Engelniann. The author discusses the transformation of energy by reason of chemical action. Kurzes Repetitorium der Chemie— -I. Theil Anorganische Chemie. 2. Aufl. Ernst Bryk. Wien : M. Breitenstein, Grundzuge der Chemie und Mintralogie fiir den Unterrichlan Mitte/schulen.—M.Zaengerle. 3. Aufl. Munchen : J. Lindauer. Hygiene. Text Book of Hygiene— Q,. H. Rohe. Phila- delphia : F. A. Davis Co. A comprehensive treatise on the principles and practice of preventive medicine from an American standpoint. Materia Medica. Organic Materia Medica and Pharmacognosy. Illustrated. By Prof. L. E. Say re : P. Blakiston & Co., Philadelphia. In these days of degenerate rivalry among educational institutions, and particularly among the different classes of technical schools, when their officers are wont to prefer the very poorest of text-books, written by one of their own num- ber, for the best of them should it emanate from a rival institution, we have become accustomed to looking upon publications of this sort as serv- ing merely, like an electoral vote, to count one among the general collection. It can scarcely be expected that text-books written from such standpoints and with such motives can have much permanent value, and the future educa- tional historian will doubtless look with amaze- ment upon the of trash of this character which has been brought to light during the present era. In the midst of this wearisome train of events it is refreshing to have presented to us a new text-book, whose publication con- stitutes, as to its main part, a real event in the history of pharmaceutical education. Prof. Sayre's work on Pharmacognosy has a real reason for existence in its scope, arrange- ment and execution. It is new and original, and will stand by itself as a prominent Ameri- can textbook. If it possesses glaring and in some respects fatal defects, it at the same time presents the merit of ingenuity in construction as well as in the selection of subject matter, and it cannot fail to become a much- used reference book, not only by the pharmaceutical profes- sion for whom it is intended but by physicians as well. It is perhaps unfortunate that so many individuals, and nearly all of them students, should have been given a free hand in the work- ing out of the various departments, and that, their products have not been in all cases per- fectly harmonized by the master. It is also un- fortunate that so many statements should have been taken, without investigation, from other authors. A brief scrutiny of the pages will suf- fice to reveal this composite origin, even if one does not read the acknowledgments of the author in his preface. Doubtless Prof. Sayre, while he has not greatly interfered with the in- dividuality of presentation of these different subjects, has taken pains to verify the accuracy of the facts and conclusions recorded. Should such prove upon closer investigation to be the case, the defect referred to must doubtless be considered as one of style merely. The appearance of an American work on Pharmacognosy is of so much importance that it is not inappropriate that it be analyzed with some degree of fulness. The book consists of two parts with three appendices. Part 1 is on "Pharmacal Botany," while part 2 is upon "Or- ganic Materia Medica and Pharmacognosy." It is impossible to review this work fairly in the interest of the public as well as of the author without recording the opinion that the eighty- two pages comprising Part 1 should never have been published, if we regard either the reputa-_ tion of the author or the welfare of students of pharmacy. Our American text-books on Pharmaceutical Botany, (not "Pharmacal Botany, "as the author unhappily calls it, which would mean the Botany of the Pharmacy, or of the place in which pharmaceutics are practiced, ) bears no evidence that any author has yet comprehended the needs of pharmaceutical students in this direction, or has adjusted his instruction so as, to accomplish the object for which it was de- vised. The idea invariably indicated by the writings, even if not intended by the writers, is that as the application of botanical knowledge to the practice of the pharmacy is limited, its teachings may therefore be superficial, indefi-. nite and vague. The true idea it seems to us is v that it should be curtailed and limited only as to the portions of the field covered; but these requisite portions should be taught with a ful- ness of illustration, a clearness of presentation and a simplicity of style, all the more marked because the student is deprived of the enlight- ening effect contributed in other cases by those portions which are here necessarily omitted. As a synopsis, or summary of knowledge, in- tended to guide the teacher instructed in the subject, these eighty-two pages will answer fairly THh ALUMNI JOURNAL. 45 well; but to enable a student who is proceeding de novo to gain a knowledge of structural bot- any for the purposes of pharmacognosy, we can see nothing but failure. Herein we criticise th e book, not specifically the author. Publishers' books are not always authors' books. It is doubtful if any publisher can be found willing to publish as a business enterprise, a perfect text-book of Botany for pharmaceutical students. When such appears, it will be as a labor of love, by one whose regard for the subject is such as to lead him to donate his time and labor, and whose means enable him to bear the bur- den of a financially unsuccessful enterprise. The part of the work under criticism is a mere series of definitions, illustrated in a highly unsuccessful manner, and frequently losing sight of the requirement that a definition must include the whole of the thing defined and nothing else, It is very naive to say: "All or- ganic matter containing a green coloring matter called chlorophyl, belongs to the vegetable kingdom," without directly stating that no other class does, which statement would leave out the fungi, a part of the definition of which is that they contain no such matter. To define Morphology as treating — "Of the organs of plants and their relations to each other," is not to define it at all, as that would include the whole of Organography, and does not even ex- clude Physiology, except by virtue of the author's preceding clause. Systematic botany, defined as "That division which treats of the arrangement and classification of plants," does not suggest the vital characteristics of that subject. It would be more philosophi- cal to refer to the distinctive characteristics of Phanerogams as the manner in which the em- bryo is produced within a true seed, than to inti- mate that the embryo is entirely foreign to cryptogamic reproduction. These definitions, taken from less than two pages of matter, indi- cate to our mind a lack of the expenditure of time requisite to bring forth a set of new defini- tions more perfectly in accord with the fullest knowledge o.f to-day than any list which has yet appeared; and yet when the instruction given in a new text-book is chiefly limited to definitions, that is the very least that should have been attempted. Some of the morphological definitions are actually at variance with accurate descriptive usage, as that of primary and secondary roots, duration, etc. To call a stem an "axis" and a root an "axis" of a different kind, is to perpetu- ate a term at the expense of all regard for that accuracy which is the most important element of scientific language. Such subjects as vena- tion are of prime importance to the pharmacist, and so far from restricting the teachings to sev- eral of the more important terms presented in ordinary text-books on botany, the classifica- tion should be elaborated in its fullest details. Compare the definition of classes, as " Plants resembling one another in some grand leading feature," and of orders or families, as "Plants that very closely resemble each other in some leading particular," with the clear presentation of ranks in class characteristics, given by Agassiz a generation ago, and which should, if anything, have been improved upon in the light of modern knowledge and perfected usage. The subject of nomenclature, the recent agi- tation of which has done more to expose and shatter erroneous practices in scientific thought and custom than any other influence, and whose correct apprehension is the very corner- stone of pharmacopceial definition, we do not see anywhere treated. It is a pleasure to turn from a contemplation so depressing to the spirits of one who has la- bored hopefully for years to secure a just and rational treatment of his favorite study at the hands of Pharmaceutical educators, to Part II. of Prof. Sayre's book, a work so bright and practical, so replete with new and helpful ideas in the teaching of practical Pharmacognosy, and so full of information, both standard and exceptional, though unhappily marred by many errors, as to secure for it at once a prominent place upon the shelves of the " Handy Book Case." The principle is here adhered to of making a single volume do duty as a text-book of Phar- macognosy and of "Materia Medica," as the latter term is commonly used. We have never looked upon this method as being practicable, but Prof. Sayre resorts to a most ingenious de- vice never before resorted to, by which it must be admitted that better results have been ob- tained than have previously been reached. What might be called a " Pharmacognostical Key," or a synopsis of Pharmacognosy, is pre- sented separately in advance of the main body of Part II. Here the drugs are numbered to correspond with the consecutive numbering prominently displayed under the second ar- rangement, that by natural orders, the proper method for retaining and displaying the natural relationships of active constituents and medi- cinal properties. The "Pharmacognostical Key" 46 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL, appears to us a failure in its practical workings, owing to indefinite characterization, by refer- ence to taste only of the headings. If a drug is both bitter and aromatic, we have to look for it both in Class I. and Class III. A bifurcating key is here required, or better, we might take a combination of characters for each heading. On the whole, this key, while elaborate and very full, and subject to great improvement by a few trifling changes, we must regard as in- ferior to that of Maisch's text-book. Prof. Sayre very sensibly omits all attempt to classi- fy volatile oils, except by indicating their sources. The arrangement of the matter of the second part is, first, a brief description of the ordinal characters, followed by a list of the drugs be- longing to that order, those official in heavy- faced capitals ; then the drugs are taken up separately, the official names and synonyms in the important languages presented, the defini- tion, botanical characteristics, sources, related, and similar articles, description of drugs, with the more important characters printed in heav- ier type, accompanied generally by a picture of the plant and of the drug, gross and structural, important constituents, actions and uses, and a synopsis of the official preparations. The doses of the drugs are given, but not of the prepara- tions, though the strengths of the latter are stated. An unfortunate feature, as in Part I., is the illustrations. They are not at all uni- form in effect. While the method followed has given exceptionally good results in some cases, yet in many others they are very unsatisfactory, and this is more particularly true from a scientific than from an artistic point of view. Valuable a contribution as is Part II., there is an evident unfamiliarity with, or disregard of, the commercial aspects of drugs. For in- stance, the important distinctions between Cassia vera and C. lignea, and the subject of Batavian Cassia, a correct understanding of which is a great aid in the economy of the drug store, are entirely omitted. The distinctions between Goto and Paracoto are not clear, and in the facts concerning commercial occurrence are reversed. Mace is not, as described, a "membrane," neither does it "invest the kernel." Moreover, nothing is said about Wild Mace, now so extensively used as an adul- terant that it is possible that it constitutes the larger part of commercial Mace. "Reddish brown" boldo leaves are old and worth- less. The description of Piper longum is only partly true, according to the variety under consideration, and the individual parts are not "berries." The part rubbed off from Piper album is not correctly described as an " epider- mis." The important characteristics distin- guishing true from false cubebs is not given. Appendix "A" is a valuable contribution on the subject of insects injurious to drugs. Appendix "B" is no less important, it being an account of the contributions of organic chemistry to materia medica. Appendix "C" treats of "Pharmacal Micro- scopy" in such a fragmentary and superficial way that it will scarcely be found of service to any one in these days. H. H. Rusby. Pharmacy. Einfuhrung in die Maassanalyse. — M. Vogt- herr. Fur junge Pharmaceuten zum Unterricht und zum Selbststudium. Uuter Beriicksichtig- ung des Arzneibuches fur das deutsche Reich und der Erganzung desselben durch die stan- dige Commission fiir die Bearbeitung dieses Arzneibuches. 2. Aufl. Newied: Heuser's Verlag. Pharmaceutist Haandboog for /S95.— E. P. F.Peterson. Kjobenhaven: F Host & Sons. Photo-Micrography, See also Bacteriology. Photo-Micrography — H. van Heurick. Eng. Ed. Re-edited and augmented by the author from the 4th French edition and translated by Wynne E. Baxter. With Illus. London: Crosby, Lockwood & Son. Photography. Deutsches Photographen Kalender. — K. Schwier. Taschenbuch und Almanach fiir 1895. 14. Jahr Weimar. Physics. Manual of Physico — Chemical Measurement is- — W. Ostwald. Translated by James Walker. London and New York: Macmillan. A Laboratory Manual of Physics and Applied Electricty. — E. L. Nichols. 2 vols. London and New York: Macmillan. Anfangsgrilnde der Physik mil Einschluss der chemie und Mathematischen Geographic — K. Koppe. 20. Aufl. Ausgabe B in 2 Lehrgau. gen. Fiir hohere Lehranstalten nach den preuss. Lehrplanen von 1892. Bearbeitet von A. Husmann. II. Th,: Hauptlehrgang. Essen: G. D. Baedeker. Elementi di Fisica ad Uso delle Scuole secon- darie. — F. Cintolesi. Livorno. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 47 Thermo Dynamics treated with Elementary Mathematics.—]. Pailseo. London : S. Low & Co. THE MOST RECENT WORK. A Seidlitz Powder.— A. Guun made an exam- ination of some powders and found the blue powder to consist of magnesium sulphate and sodium bicarbonate. The white powder con- sisted of tartaric acid. Evidently there had been a mistake or else it was a bold attempt to cope with the cutting system and its cheap prices. One wonders that the makers should expect the unusual effect of trying to dissolve the contents of the blue paper to pass unno- ticed.— Pharm. Jour. Trans., 1894, 534. Ointment of Mercuric Nitrate. — C. H. La Wall (Amer.Jour Pharm., 1894, 525). The fol- lowing fats have beeu suggested as a substitute for the lard oil : Neatsfoot oil, lard, butter, peanut oil, almond oil, caster oil, palm oil, bear's oil, ox marrow, beef suet, stearic acid, petrolatum, and almost all of the other fats from the animal and the vegetable kingdoms, and even one from the mineral kingdom, ap- pear to have been experimented with in the vain hope of finding some fat or oil which would make a good and durable ointment. Several writers have taken another course and have tried to preserve the products obtain- ed from former processes. One advises keep- ing the ointment in a jar and covering it with a layer of glycerin to prevent oxidation; others have tried the addition of camphor ; still oth- ers have given their attention to the mercurial portion of the ointment, and suggest making the nitrate from the oxide of mercury instead of making it from the metal. Some have even been skeptical as to the reliability of any pro- cess, but those who have approximated the truth more nearly are they who advise careful manipulation, especially as regards temperature. The author employs the official ingredients and quantities and heats the lard oil to ioo° C, removes heat, and adds the nitric acid without stirring and reapplies heat when effervescence ceases until all gas is expelled. It is best to use a vessel of six times the capacity of the quantity to be made to allow for the copious effervescence which takes place. When the foregoing mixture has cooled to 40 C, the solution of mercuric nitrate is added and the temperature is raised gradually to 6o° C, and maintained until no further evolution of gas is noticed. If it is then agitated until cold, as usual, the resulting product will com- ply with the requirements of the Pharmaco- poeia. Ointment made by the U. S. P. method, which has become spongy, may be remedied by ele- vating the temperature to 6o° C. and cooling with agitation. Typical Bacilli.— E. Klein [Quart. Jour. Micros. Set., 1894, 1—9 (1 pl)\ concludes from observations on the bacilli ofanthrax diphtheria, and tubercle, that these species are not such typical bacilli as they are usually represented to be. For though under many conditions their morphological characters are those of typical bacilli, yet under others they revert to or assume forms indicating their relationship to Saccharomyces or a still higher mycelia fungus. In the case of anthrax, the typical bacilli may be represented by oval and spherical bodies, some of which may contain vacuoles, and under conditions (early stages of growth on plates com- posed of beef bouillon, gelatin 10 per cent., pep- ton 1 per cent., salt 1 percent.), the colonies are composed of large spindle-shaped, spherical or oval elements in which vacuolation is frequent. Similar appearances are to be observed in col- onies of the thrush fungus. From this it is in- ferred that while B. anthracis is a typical bacil- lius as a pathogenic microbe, yet in its early stages of growth on gelatin it may assume characters having much resemblance to Sac- charomyces mycoderma or Oidium and thus re- turn temporarily to an atavistic stage in its evolu- tionary history. With regard to B. diphtheric? the author points out that the club-shaped ex- pansions of one or both ends are not to be re- garded as due to involution, for both under natural and artificial conditions where there is active growth these expansions will be found, and have moreover a striking resemblance to the ends of growing hyphse. Their existence, therefore, is only to be explained by their repre- senting a relationship to a mycelial fungus. In the case of the tubercle bacilli, preparations not unfrequently show threads or filaments com posed of unequal elements, some of them being conspicuous for knob-shaped expansions, similar to those of diphtheria. Such appearances occur not only in sputum but in artificial cultivations^ e. g. glycerin agar after some weeks incubation at 37 . All these preparations behave in the same way as B. tuberculosis when treated with appropriate staining reagents; and that they are not involution forms is evident, as the unbranch- ed nature of the filaments and the existence of lateral bulgings prove that they are in an active condition of growth. 4S THE A L UMNI JO URN A L . Lysidin. — Ladenburg describes a compound obtained in the state of hydrochloride by heat- ing ethylene diatnene hypochloride with sodium acetate. The composition of the freebase is C 4 H 8 N 3 and is termed lysidin. The aquems solutions dissolve uric acid and the application of lysidin in the treatment of diseases arising from the secretion of uric acid is being investi- gated. Grawitz describes it as a crystalline body of a light red color, readily soluble in water and possesses a peculiar taste. It is administered in doses from 15 to 80 grains daily, dissolved in carbonic acid-water. — Deutsche wed. IVochen- schr., 1894, 786. Gaseous Formaldehyde — R. Cam bier and A. Brochet prepare this aldehyde for disinfection in two ways : 1. By the depolymerization of tri- oxymethylene by heat, and, 2. Direct produc- tion by the incomplete combustion of methylic alcohol. Formaldehyde possesses antiseptic properties only when it is in the condition of a gas. On cooliug, ordinarily, it is spontane- ously polymerized to an inert solid. If it is allowed to cool, in the presence of much air this process does not take place and hence the formaldehyde retains its bactericidal properties. Experiments made at the bacteriological labor- atory of Montsouris have enabled the authors to sterilize the ordinary dust of rooms as well as cultivations of various pathogenic micro-organ- isms. — Compt. Rend., 1894, No. 15. NOTES HERE AND THERE. Soda Water. — In Byron's " Don Juan " we find the following in Canto II., 81, 186 : Ring for your valet — bid him quickly bring home hock and soda water, then you'll know A pleasure worthy Xerxes, the great king ; For not the best sherbet sublimed with snow, Nor the first sparkle of the desert spring, Nor Burgundy, in all its sunset glow. After long travel, ennui, love or slaughter, Vie with that draught of hock and soda water. The Essenee of Rose Industry in Turkey, — The Bulletin du Musee Commercial, in its i?sue for September 1st, states that the essence of rose industry in Turkey, which was until quite re- cently one of the principal resources of Eastern Roumelia and the principality of Bulgaria, has within the last few years shown a decided de- cline, the falling being the quantities and values of the exports during that period : — 18S9, 2,767 kilos., valued at 1,542,544 francs; 1890, 3,163 kilos., valued at 1,771,427 francs; 1891, 534 ki- los., valued at 317,937 francs ; 1892, 439 kilos., valued at 267,379 francs. In 1893 the value of the experts was only 143,185 francs. This de- cline is due largely to the fact that in France, Germany, and in several other places in Turkey besides Roumelia a development has taken place in the growing of roses, so as to provide to some extent for the requirements of con- sumption in these places. — Brit, and Col. Drug., 1894, 421. : Aluirjqi Association. Minutes of the Executive Board meet- ing held January 9, 1895. The meeting was called to order at about 8.30 p. M. by the President. There were present Miss K. C. Mahegin and the Messrs. Graeser, Henuing, Khrgott and Hoburg. On motion, the reading of the Minutes of the last Executive Board meeting was dispensed with. Reports of Committees : The Letter- Box Committee reported progress, and that the " box '' will be up in a few days. Motion made and seconded that the Alumni Room Furnishing Committee be discharged with the heartfelt thanks of the association, and that the Secretary notify the chairman of said committee, Mr. Hohenthal, of this action- Motion carried. The report of the Treasurer was very satisfactory, and was forthwith adopted. The business manager of the Journal reported it as being in a very flourishing condition, which reassuring report was gladly adopted. After having duly notified the follow- ing gentlemen, they were to-night drop- ped from membership in the Alumni Association, a motion, which was sec- onded and carried having been made to that effect, and that the Secretary request the return of their certificates of member- ship, according to a clause in our Consti- tution to that effect. These gentlemen are Messrs. George W. Suedeker, A, Zimmerman and A. T. Halsted. The resignation of W. M. Rheiueck was recently received, and since he gave sufficient reason for so doing, his resig- nation was accepted with regrets. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 49 The resignation of Mr. A. Henning as Business Manager of the Journal was also handed in this evening, and under the existing circumstances it had to be accepted, with the sincerest regrets of the association. It was then regularly moved and sec- onded that the salary of the editor of The Alumni Journal be increased on account of three extra issues of the Journal per annum. After a very interesting discussion of important business for an hour or so, the meeting came to a pleasant termination. W. A. Hoburg, Jr., Sec'y. College Notes. ^— -""<=i> The following list of names are of persons who have changed their addresses and conse- quently the Treasurer of The Alumni Journal is unable to supply them with the information that they are entitled to. If these persons or any one knowing of their addresses will com- municate with Mr. A. Henning, this end will be attained: Adam Vogt, 7S7 8th avenue, city; A. Levy. 125 Grand street, city; G. J. Wolston, Cortland, Cortland Co., N. Y.; H. W. Walp, 536 5th avenue, city; Gustav Katz, Lenox avenue and 125th street, city; Alfred Miller, 537 9th avenue, city; Fred. T. Hartman, 703 3d avenue, Brook- lyn, N. Y.; Thos. H. McDonald, Cairo, 111.; A. J. Van der Bergh, 213 6th avenue, city; C. E. W. Lewin, 106 2d avenue, city; Emil Th. F. Holthusen, 20 Rutger street, city; Emil Buchler, 100 St. Marks Place, city; Frank K. Burr, 821 7th avenue, city; A. W. Moschowitz, 1099 Broadway, city; L. D. Huntoon. Port Oram, N. J.; Cbas. E. Stammler, 172 Varick street, city; Chas. H. Everest, 27 West 34th street, city; Edward Stone, 1501 Broadway, city; Fred, Peiter, 301 3d avenue, city ; Major C. Brown, 874 Broadway, city ; Louis Hess, Scranton, Pa.; A. Zimmerman. 561 5th avenue, city ; Otto C. B. Grom, Denver, Col,; Jacobo Alvarado, Paso del Norte. Mexico ; G. S. Badger, 52 East 42d street, city; Frank A. M. Schleiff, 242 East 27th street, city. Married.— Smith Elyjelliffe, M. D., to Hel- ena Dewey Leeming, both of Brooklyn, by Rev. Dr. Kelsay, of Brooklyn, assisted by Rev. T. LaFleur, of Montreal, Thursday, Dec. 20th, 1S94, In the 6th Ave. Baptist Church, Brook- lyn, at 8 P. M. "We'll learn the perfect skill, The nature of each herb to know, Which cures and which can kill." '94 NOTES. Apropos of the New Year, it is seemingly proper that we should endeavor to surpass our former records by carrying out such resolutions that we may deem proper both for the welfare of ourselves and the gratification of our asso- ciates. At the present time, I think one of the most important resolutions should regard the mem- ory of our Alma Mater. Therefore let me sug- gest that the bonds of friendship that have hith- erto existed, be not cast asunder, but on the contrary, be more tightly strengthened. Let us in the strife and turmoil of commercial life, pause, if but for a moment and think of the pleasant days spent at college, the recollec- tions of which not even time can efface from our memories. To enable us carry out this resolution, our Alumni Association has extended their character- istic hospitality by inviting us to their monthly lectures, therefore why should we not show our appreciation of their kindly feeling, by taking advantage of the opportunity, and thus not only serving to further make these meetings enthu- siastic and successful ones, but also demonstrat- ing to our fraternal friends that sociability is not a lost art among us. Ex-SECY Inhoff is at present in Colorado seeking the high altitude of the Rocky Mts. as a substitute for the many panaceas, usually recom- mended for obesity. Last reports were to the effect that the trip was not taken in vain. Despite the prevailing rain and cold winds, many of our "Gilded Pharmacists " braved the elements in order to have Prof. Haubold give them a few " pointers" on digestion. It is need- less to say that they were liberally rewarded, for, who would not enjoy the pleasure of an " Iodine Sandwich with a test tube of genuine pancreatic juice on the side," handed him, par- ticularly when the latter was the self-sacrifice of a wandering specie of canine. 5° THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. Our class was represented by Messrs, Race, Burger, Ely, Hutchinson, Struck, Pond, Krue- der, Katz, Wurthiman and Stoezer, who did justice to our familiar. Pento ! Meta ! Boraci ! Ex-Sec'y Linnig has been advised by his physician to drink no more water as its reac- tion on his cast iron constitution might result in an incrustation commonly known as Rust. Mose Katz as bright and jovial as ever is still with Messrs. J. N. Hegeman & Co., 3d Ave. and 31st St. He anticipates being present at most if not all of the Alumni lectures this winter. Fred Hiltz left for Cleveland, Ohio, a few weeks ago. He anticipates entering the Medical University of that city next year; subsequently he will finish in the P. and S. College, this city under the guidance of Harry W. Carter, Ph. D., A. M., of Brooklyn. John P. Wilcox is located in Plainfield, N.J. One of our most successful graduates is Aug. W. Brater, who together with his brother is conducting a cosy pharmacy on Park Ave., cor. 76th St. Brater is as energetic as ever and de- votes no little time in making an exquisite win- dow display, which is the admiration of the neighborhood's fair ones. Arthur Bastedo is indeed quite agenuis, for oesides attending to his duties with Caswell & Massy, he has found sufficient time to dissect several times a week at the P. and S. College, which will be an advantage to him when he commences the study of medicine. Arthur has also joined the Alumni Association and is such an active member that he may be found at all their meetings. Through the endeavors of J. Remington W001I ( with a little bunch of whiskers on his chin), we hope to have a reunion dinner before commencement. His success on former com- mittees of this kind gives us every confidence of his ability to make such an occasion a suc- cess at this time. Thos. E. DaviES is hospital Stewart of the Eighth Battalion, N. G. S. N. Y., and a quite popular one too. A.t their receptions and d tills the Red Cross of his uniform is always conspic- uous. He spent two weeks in State camp dur- ing the summer, of which his reminiscences are many as well as interesting. Mr. Davies has just met with a severe loss in the death of his father. Nelson S. Kirk, Ph. G., 9 E. 59th St. ^eijior Gl ass N°tes. D. M. Wells on returning home one evening found his room in a somewhat disjointed con- dition. The bed was taken apart, pillows tacked to the wall, and books, clothes, ladies' photos and old suspenders heaped up in artistic fashion on the floor. He thought the place was struck by lightning, but was informed that it was the work of a couple of friends who had called to see him. The servant girl has a gun loaded. So beware, Cooley. Wells says home coming is not pleasant when you have to climb through the transom to get into your room. For the Johnson & Johnson excursion Brown is going to have his whiskers trimmed, Man- ville is having bis voice scoured ; Joe is going to wear his new white hat ; Gifford is going to have his hair cut so as to disguise himself; Morse and his extra eyes will be there too ; Clarey says I am going if my fair one does too. Thum is going to have his trousers pressed and his hair banged. Sherman is going to put glucose on his mus- tache to swap for cold sores. Cooley says, no, thanks, I have had the grip twice this year : no cold sores in mine. Dalton is going to try and keep awake during the entire trip. The things which are troubling the stu- dents: First — Is New Brunswick a prohibition town ? Second — Is there to be any acts between the drinks ? Third — How many slices of ham between New Brunswick sandwiches ? Messrs. Steihener. Scharnibon and Koerber have been appointed by section one a commit- tee to furnish sauer kraut for that section while on the excursion. All the boys they will be there, Vanderbeck will comb his hair , Kneuper will flirt with the ladies sweet, While Ferguson cries, when do we eat? Roberts will bring in his tambourine, Walling will sing when he is not seen ; Bricks will be placed in easy reach In case he is discovered making such a breach. Flick will make a mash I am sure. While on that plaster hunting tour : For who could resist such charming eyes, When on them Flicky only tries. Boenke will give a song and dance, McClellan will go quietly off in a trance. The Heffley boys will spin some jokes. Which are rivals in age ofthe mighty Oaks, THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 5i Mr. H. E. Cooley, who had a slight attack of the grip, is around again to the rejoiciug of his many friends. The action of the class in requiring its can- didates for Valedictorian to enter a speaking contest to determine their fitness, meets with the general approval of all its members. ManvixlE admitted that he was Hazy, How about replaciug that H with L. AN INSTRUCTIVE TRIP. A very entertaining and instructive visit was made by a number of students of the senior class, on Saturday, Jan. 12th, to the Mineral Water Works of Dr. Carl H. Schultz. The trip was arranged by the Pharmaceutical Club, of 37th East 19th St., represented by Mr, T. B Dean, its corresponding secretary, which seems to be especially active as regards our in- terest and welfare and extends to us the foster- ing care of a parental guardian. It is due to this club's hospitality and magnanimity that our Glee Club has thrived so wonderfully. Mr. Dean kindly introduced us to Mr. Louis Waefelaer, M. E., the assistant chemist of the works (Dr. A. P. Hallock, Ph. D, the chief chemist and Dr. Schultz being away at the time), and Mr. Paul Dimmer, the foreman. These gentlemen, starting at the beginning of the works where the croton water enters by five different mains, and followed the course of the water through each step of the process, whereby the water was filtered, then heat- ed to destroy organic as well as to drive off de- composing and volatile organic matter as well as other impurities and the filtered water there distilled by the most practical and complete ap- paratus conceivable; then the water was repeat- edly subjected to tests, for various impurities, in their admirably equipped chemical labora- tory, which is also supplied with a room speci- ally devoted to bacteriological work, and a dark room for spectrum analysis and photographic investigation. Heie also are prepared the solu- tions used in making the various mineral waters and where the finished product of the factory is brought before being sent out in order to be tested and to make doubly certain that it agrees with the label bearing the analysis of contents, which is placed on each siphon of water sent out. Here also we quenched our thirst with the products of the stills of this as well as with the products of the stills of other factories. The carbonic acid gas used in charging the waters also passes after generation through a set of coolers, mashers and purifiers, to completely remove all impurities, and is stored till required for charging. The whole establishment, embracing nine- teen different departments, employs over 250 men and 100 horses ; the fountain, bottle and siphon filling department has a capacity of 50,000 siphons or io.ooj gallons per day. The elaborate machinery of the works is mainly the invention of the proprietor, his deceased son and staff ; not the least important among which is the invention of Mr. Paul Dimmer. Mr. Louis Waefelaer, the assistant chemist, is a young mechanical engineer of high stand- ing and has sole charge of the mechanical de- partment. Every department is scrupulously clean and neat, and the employees think Mr. Schultz is one of the best and most liberal men to work for, for he spares no expense in investi- gations and experiments calculated to improve the accuracy and purity of the products of his works, and the safeguards against accident to employees are both numerous and well devised. Several other parties will be formed, from the senior class, during the course of the term and will visit and be shown the workings of this "model establishment." Class Reporters. Turgor Notes. IN MEMORIAM. B. C. Meaney, entered into rest, Sunday, January 6, 1895, in the 22d year of his age. This brief announcement reminds us of the loss and sorrow to so many near relatives and friends, that after the few weeks that have elapsed since their hearts were wrung with grief. We ven- ture to say something of him whose earthly sojourn is ended. Possessed of a genial happy temperament, a character so manly, conservative and refined, that professors as well as students rendered to him an involuntary tribute of respect. In the three months that the junior class has been organized, few students have become better known or more popular than Mr. Meaney. Just before the college closed for the Christ- mas vacation, he said to a friend, "I think this will be the happiest Christmas I have ever had," and now who that knew him can doubt that this strange prophecy has been fulfilled. J. Y. C. 52 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. CLASS MEETING. The meeting was called on Tuesday, January 8 J^. by the death of our classmate, Mr. B. C. Meaney. Amotion wasmadethatwe send flow- ers to his late home, which was amended so as to include the drawing up of resolutions of con- dolence, and sending a copy of them to his parents. Carried. The meeting then adjourned. F. H. Finney, Sec. MEDICINE AND PHARMACY. BEFORE vacation it was rumored that our friend and professor, Dr. Jelliffe, was about to become a benedict, and as the rumor has become veri- fied, we, the Class of '96, send to him our hearty congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy life. There is one thing the Juniors should pay more attention to, that is class meetings. If each one who could would come, the difference would quickly be seen. Try it. The Juniors in pharmacognosy commenced work with the compound microscope at the be- ginning of the term. On exhibition every Tuesday afternoon, from 4.30 to 5, in Quiz, T.'s hand. WE are sorry to hear our friend and classmate, Mr. Quickburger, has been hurt, and hope it is nothing serious. He was thrown from a cable car against a post on Tuesday, and was picked up insensible. The car was just making the turn, which it does in a rapid manner, and it is supposed he had no hold. A GREAT many cases of mustaches have broken out among the Juniors. In most cases, how- ever, it is only a light attack, and not at all se- rious. They say the back part of the Botany Quiz room was very warm the other day ; in fact, some of the boys were nearly roasted. Did I hand in that joke I heard in Quiz the other day ? If not, why not ? It would have helped to make the page interesting this month. Two weeks no college. Reporter with one week. He will do the best he caii; but every little helps. Remember, this page is for the Class, not in- dividuals, and every time you help make the Junior page interesting you are doing 'the Class a favor as well as the reporter. Au, communications for Junior notes should he addressed to J. Y. CanTwetx, 261 West 42d street. by n. h. martin, f. l. s., f. r. m. s., / President of the British Pharmaceutical Conference. {Continued f V„NV,NV,NV,N-<>V,«V^NV,NV 1 >V,>V,i\y)>V,i\V,SV^. &9¥¥S3&$ flDarcb, 1895. Contents, CHEMISTRY IN THE UTILIZATION OF RAW MATERIALS. - - By Arthur H. Elliott. EDITORIAL:- NEW ELEMENTS, NEW LITER AT ORE, LITERATURE, THE MOST RECENT WORK, OBITUARY— Friedrich A. Fluckiger, THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, By Prof. H. H. RUSBY, M. D. COLLEGE NOTES, SENIOR CLASS NOTES, - JUNIOR NOTES, PXTBLISHED BY THF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK .... iC lactopeptin: •V '-^y~ J 5 Grains each. We have them on the List. Inasmuch as the tablet method of medication has become so popular, both with physi- cian and patient, we have, at the request of a number of Practitioners, added Lactopeptine Tablets, 5 grs. each, to our list. To further increase tlieir therapeutic effi- ciency, as w<.ll as to add to their palatability, we have in- corporated with the Lacto- peptine a small quantity of the digestive prirciple of the pine- apple juice, which recent researches have shown to possess considerable digestive power. To render impossible any substitution of inferior products, each individual tablet is plainly stamped with the initials N. Y. P. A. Always look for these letters, doctor, when dispensing LACTOPEPTINE TABLETS, and caution your patient to do so when you prescribe them. Put up in bottles containing The New York Pharmacal Association, 100 5-gr. Tablets and 50 5-gr. Tablets. YONKERS, N. Y. ■Lactopepline conlainsall luicwn Subsla •V employed by Nalure in the Digestion oiall kinds of Food. * — Superiorloall other-Remedies forPys-v M W pepsia Indigestion and kindred ail- i Mgnl'i f ments dueloDigestiveDrhility V Dost2io4r4BUTSAnfRi«-iiMf*i * THE NFWYORK PHAflMACAL /ISSOCMTItW ,<\ C\ **J£WrOHK. ' h ',:■ ' 1 lie i- PUBLISHED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK. Vol. II. New York, March, 1895. No. 3. CHEMISTRY IN THE UTILIZATION OF RAW MATERIALS BY PROF. ARTHUR H. ELLIOTT. Ladies a?id Gentlemen: I feel very much in the position of a speaker at a public dinner who has been given a toast and then utterly fails to be in sympathy with his toast. Now, it is exactly my position that I am to talk about waste materials in Chemistry and there is no waste the chemist is not capa- ble of utilizing in some shape or form; but I would rather say I will give you a running commentary upon the applica- tions of Chemistry to the uses of various Raw Materials and the products inci- dental to their manufacture. I suppose there is probably no similar area of the earth's surface that is richer in resources fitted to the use and comfort of man as is the -United States. When our forefathers came here, they found the land sufficient to sustain themselves and their families by the very simplest meth- ods of agriculture, and when we think this is only about two or three hundred years ago it is not uninteresting to note that the once rich soil of Massachusetts no longer exists, and that it is only by the most careful efforts on the part of the LIBRARY NEW YO^ BOTANIC, agriculturist that the soil of the NevfcAK England States is made to give a profit- able crop. When we further note that the profit- able areas of agriculture are now located West of the Mississippi and Northwest of that region, we are led to ask the ques- tion, what have we done with the soil that so readily sustained and supplied our ancestors, that to-day it is difficult to get a living from it? To those who have studied this question, it is readily an- swered in the fact that we have taken everything that we could get from it, and put nothing back to take the place of the material we have removed. As most of you are aware, the larger part of the plant life that constitutes the basis of vegetable life is taken from the atmos- phere under the influence of sunlight and heat, but there is an underlying basic principle of earthy matter which is taken from the soil and is essential to plant life, just as much as the bones of our own bodies are essential to our lives, in fact the plants could no more live than we do without these mineral substances that ♦Lecture delivered under the auspices of the Alumni Association of the College of Pharmacy of the City of New York on Wednesday evening, Feb. 13, 1895. 58 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. form in many cases a network or skeleton upon which the vegetable principles are built up into an organic structure, just as our own skeleton forms a structure upon which our organic tissues are sus- tained. Now, this is so important a mat- ter that the best men of our times have given it most serious attention, and every once in a while they put their thoughts into language and it is sometimes truly startling. In the United States there is still so much rich land left to us that there is no im- mediate cause tor fear, but in Europe this matter has assumed a more serious aspect and it is only a question of time in the United States when we shall have to face this quesition of improvidence, — for these < failures to supply the land with the ma- terials we take from it in order to sustain plant life is nothing more or less than improvidence. The density of population in England is such that the land there is incapable of supporting the people who reside upon it, and few of us stop to consider that it costs $700,000,000 per year to provide England with food which she cannot raise herself. Now, if this is true to-day, it takes but a very simple calculation to show that fifty years from this time, England will have to pay $2,000,000,000 for food for her population that she cannot raise herself. And it is only a fair presumption, that at the present rate of increase of population in the United States and with our present reckless waste of material, we shall be in a similar position to the England of to- day. We have several ways of overcoming this difficulty, but the most rational is to follow scientific training and appliances, that we may be maintained in happiness and comfort. To put it in the words of an English scientist we have in fact to make our choice between science and suffering, and it is only by utilizing the gifts of science that we have any hope of maintaining our population in plenty and comfort. Science will do this for us if we will only let her. She may be no fairy-godmother, but she will readily en- dow 7 those who love and trust her. Since it cannot but be, that innumerable and most important uses remain to be discovered among the materials and objects known to us, as well as those which the progress of science must hereafter disclose. We may conceive the well-grounded expec- tation not only of happiness in the phy- sical resources of mankind and the con- sequent improvement of their condition, but of a continual power of penetrating into the arcana of nature and becoming still further acquainted with her secrets. To give you an idea I have a few fig- ures here of the development of waste in the United States. The total acreage of the United States is 200,000.000 acres under cultivation that gives 225,000,000 tons of crops. The mineral matter of these crops is about 9,200,000 tons and the phosphoric acid which is the most important proportion of the mineral mat- ter amounts to 1,840,000 tons, or about 19 lbs. per acre. Now, this is abso- lutely taken away from the soil and while part of this material is replaced in the straw and refuse that goes back to the land (and it is thus estimated that about 840,000 tons are thus replaced), yet another amount is replaced by fertil- izers about 300,000 tons. We therefore return to the soil only about one-quarter of that which we have taken from it. This condition must stop somewhere or the soil will not continue to bear for us. The application of Chemistry to the Utilization of Raw Materials is one of the most interesting phases of the science, and there is none that is more important to the people than is found in the case of agriculture. Now, it is only about thir- ty years ago that this subject was taken THE ALUMNI JOURNAL, 59 up with any amount of interest, but it was then that science took a good hold on it and gave such universal interest to the application of chemical principles, that the farmer can raise two or three blades of grass, or wheat, or com, where he formerly could only raise one- Iviebig, the great father of Agricultural Chemistry, was ridiculed when he said that Chemistry was the foundation of agriculture. The people of to-day can- not realize the ridicule he had to endure, and it was very annoying to those old farmers that a chemist could sit in his laboratory and tell them what to do, which they only had obtained by practi- cal experience and hard labor, — how to raise potatoes, wheat, or cabbages, and yet to day Liebig's ideas are followed to the letter in all civilized countries. By such studies as this we are shown where sugar is found in other sources than the sugar cane, and when I tell you that the beet root, a tuber that formerly was fed to cattle like turnips, and contained but two or three per cent, of sugar, to-day is cultivated and made to yield three or four times as much of the saccharine juice, you will not be surprised to learn that one-third to one-half of the sugar used in Europe is made from this source. We have been so prodigal with our re- sources that we constantly hear the remark "the best is not too good for an Amer- ican," but a day of reckoning is at hand, and in the West we are gathering flowers of the best bloom from the soil. Our cheap beef and cereals can only be pro- duced for a time. What we take from the soil we must put back again if we are toleave it in a condition to utilize the materials of the atmosphere which pro- duce vegetable substances. We constantly hear of some young man leaving the farm to come to the city to learn a profession, because his father has had a tough time in making a living for his family. In other words men are leaving the soil for the city, and we con- stantly hear of a lack of efficient labor to cultivate the ground. This is due to the lack of knowledge in the application of the uses of agriculture and this lack of instruction more especially in our public schools is almost criminal. You will find in many country places people learn- ing music and foreign lauguages who can hardly speak their own language correctly, when every one should be learning the principles of life which sur- round them. Like every other problem of this kind the path to success is beset with difficulties, but yet, as the Greek philosopher said, "Difficulties are the things that show what men are," and it is the overcoming of these in conjunction with Chemistry that I have chosen as my theme this evening. Agriculture is only one of the examples of waste in the United States. We waste our food; we waste our nervous energy; we waste our lives in our haste to catch the flying bubble in the sunbeam, and which is gone as soon as we grasp it. What we need is meditation upon the laws of life which surround us. It is curious that some of the oldest man- ufacturing industries known to mankind involve the use of alkaline substances, and I have chosen several of these in- dustries as types of the application of Chemistry to the utilization of waste as topics to interest you. I have taken one or two examples from the mineral side of Chemistry and several others from the organic, and if I occasionally give you facts and figures which appear unin- teresting, bear with me for a little time and before I am through you will proba- bly be thinking more seriously about them than you have been hitherto. My object is to interest you in the science which I have made my life work and before we leave I hope to feel that you have appreciated these efforts. 6o THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. To begin now with the technical part of my lecture I will say that one of the earliest industries that we have upon the earth is the fabrication of glass. As early as the time of the ancient Egyp- tians, some say 3000 years B. C, these people knew how to make glass, — a cer- tain kind of glass, — not the glass we know of in the shape of windows, that is a far more recent acquisition, — not even the glass we know of in our utensils and vials, that is a modern acquisition; the glass of small vials (which by the way were used for the preservation of tears in the tombs) , for the formation of artificial gems and amulets, charms and things of this kind, — these were the first and ear- liest efforts of the Egyptians in this man- ufacture. Now, the materials used in the manufacture of glass are first, sand, combined with some kind of lime or cal- careous substance, and another material, a sample of which I have here, in the form of soda. Now, the earliest alkali that was used in the formation of glass was a natural substance that came out of the earth, and of which we have some very wonderful examples in the United States to day. At Ragtown in Nevada and certain other places are alkali lakes, also some places in Colorado near Carson City show an incrustation upon the shores that is practically a crude carbon- ate of soda, — a similar material to this was found in Egypt and utilized in these crude efforts in the manufacture of glass. Glass was introduced into Europe dur- ing the Crusades, that is the time that the European nation was at war with the Saracens, and the sand and the alkali were brought from Egypt on purpose to manufacture glass. There is a story going that the Queen of Sheba visited Solomon, and he wished to do something very remarkable to surprise her and he caused her to walk over a transparent pavement where she could see the water running beneath and fish swimming in it. This story is probably a fable. In fact windows were first used during the second and third centuries; in Eng- land York Cathedral had glass windows in 1334 and they cost 12 cents a square foot for the greenest kind of glass, to-day we would not use it in the commonest bottles, — they were very expensive and in ordinary houses oil paper and lattice work were used instead of glass. Now, this glass made in the different ways I have mentioned whether painted glass or glass bottles, has 16 or 17 per cent, of the weight of glass in soda or potash or some alkaline materials of that kind. After the introduction of glass into Europe, it became very evident that the sending to Egypt for the alkali was an expensive arrangement and the people sought to find some other means of get- ting alkaline substances; they found that the ashes of certain sea-weeds when leached out gave an alkali, — these ashes were called kelp, — the French calling them Varec, and this earthy material of which I have a small sample here was the next substance used in the manufac- ture of glass. There was also raised about this time in Spain and along the shores of the Mediterranean certain plants of the Sal- sola order, called Saltwort and varieties of this kind; they went under the name of Barilla from the ashes of which was ob- tained a remarkable amount of alkali. The improvement of the alkali brought from Spain ruined the kelp industry as it was so much better than this kelp or Varec used before and burnt along the coasts of Scotland and also on the coast of Ireland that the industry almost failed. This state of affairs continued up to about the beginning of this century. In 1799 a Frenchman named Leblanc invented the method of obtaining the alkali from common salt. I want to tell you some- 1HE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 61 thing that may be interesting. We have to-day in the United States glass works running that were started simultaneously with the introduction of the Leblanc alkali, — the Glass works at Glassboro, New Jersey, which were started in the year 1775. Another industry that involved the use of alkali was a substance used by man to keep himself clean. I must say that the earliest efforts of men to keep themselves clean were very curious and involved the use of juices of certain plants, and one very curious method was the use of the so-called Fuller's earth, a kind of ferru- ginous earth which was painted upon the skin, and then beaten off again; you were painted, then you brushed yourself after becoming dry, and that cleaned you. Now this curious method of using something to take the dirt off the skin was used as late as the 12th century by the Romans. At the time of the use of this material Pliny tells us that soap was made by the Gauls with fat beechwood ashes. The first factory was at Pompeii and the kettles and utensils were found well preserved when they were excavated. From 7 to 9 per cent, of alkali is used in making soap and is one of the chief arti- cles of commerce to-day. Soap making as an art was practiced in Italy and Spain in the 8th century and it took five hundred years after that to convert other nations to the use of soap. It was not until the 13th century that it was introduced into France at Marseilles on the shores of the Mediter- ranean. The Marseilles Castile soap was made of olive oil and soda and pot- ash during the 13th century; along the shores of the Mediterranean were found certain marine plants that gave ashes rich in alkali, and although France pro- duced a great deal of olive oil they found it impossible to raise sufficient to supply her soap manufacture and they afterwards went to Italy, so that Italy and Spain were led to compete with France for the preparation of Castile soap. Spain also continued to develop the growth of sal- sola or the ashes of the saltwort, the par- ticular plant that gave the alkali neces- sary to the soap manufacture. The Gei mans were the first to produce soft soap to get hard soap by salting out. When I tell you that at this stage of affairs the alkali for these manufactures both for soap and glass cost twenty times as much as it does to-day, you can see how hard or how expensive it was to keep clean. Incidentally to the preparation of soap and also in the preparation of some kinds of glass, wood ashes were used, and the ashes were leached out and gave what we term potashes and what we know as car- bonate of potash to -da)'. Sea - weed ashes contain varying amounts of potash, some of them only one-half of one per cent, of potash, — others like the Fumi- tory contain about 80 per cent, of car- bonate of potash. In the early history of this country potashes for the manu- facture of soap and glass was a material of export to Europe and was a very im- portant matter, and 16,000 tons of pot- ashes were formerly exported, made from wood ashes. To-day, there might be a great deal more of this material saved if people would take the trouble to collect waste woody matter. As an example take corn cobs. These contain about 1 per cent, of carbonate of potash. There are 1,100 million bushels of corn raised in the United States; these give 14 lbs. of cob to the bushel, which is equal to 7,700,000 tons of cobs, and would give 115,500,000 lbs. or 51,000 tons of car- bonate of potash. All this goes to waste. I said a few minutes ago that ashes and seed- weeds were used in the manu- facture of glass, they were also used in the manufacture of soap. Now, before the introduction of barilla or the ashes 62 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. from saltwort from Spain, this sea- weed industry was important in the manufac- ture of kelp and was an important indus- try on the coast of Ireland before the year 1700. In 1730 it was introduced into Scotland by Mr. McLeod as a source of carbonate of soda and gave a product worth $100 per ton. Scotland produced 20,000 tons per annum. Now this ma- terial comes from certain sea-weeds wmich are known under various names; they are Yellow Wrack, Black Wrack. I have some samples of the small varieties. You know what Irish Moss is, and I have here through the kindness of Dr. Jelliffe and Dr. Rusby some samples. Now, there are some mounted samples here, you can see the kind of algae they are. There is also a certain Euchemia sea- weed, — you know the variety of Agar-Agar, the Japanese material. Then we have a very curious kind of sea-weed, called L,aminaria, or the sugar-wrack as it is sometimes called. Here is a small specimen of it very beautifully mounted, and I have here one of those large ones, — it is broken, and this piece should be added on the end here; it is about 8 ft. long. The peculiarity of it is it produces a sweet material which we have learned is manna sugar. Seven per cent, of it is produced by a kind of fermentation. Then there is Fucus, the bladder- wrack, — these are here, all mounted carefully and give you an idea of the kind of plant life which produce this sea- weed. They all produce soda and were the only sources of alkali for making glass and soap. There are certain giant algae. Here are some small samples that grow along the coast of Scotland, 1,500 feet or a quarter of a mile long and this d' Urvilleae is like a tree in the ocean, it has branches 12 or 14 feet long aud a trunk a foot in diameter; these are the kind of sea-weeds used in the production of kelp and also of algin. You must not suppose that this kelp that you get is the same in ail cases; some varieties give an excess of potash salt and some varieties give an excess of soda. The kelp variety when they wash out will give from 86 to 90 per cent, of salt. Now, in conjunction with the kelp I want to speak of iodine. In getting kelp it was easy to obtain the salts. In 18 1 2 Courtois discovered io- dine. He was making potashes in order to make nitrate of potash and he found a certain substance that acted upon his kettles and corroded them, — it gave a violet vapor, and he called it iodine from iodus, a Greek word for violet. The larger part of these sea-weeds give us this iodine, — the one which you can test for yourselves is common Turkey sponge; the sponge contains about 2 per cent, of iodine, and it can be readily detected, Now at the beginning of this century this material was worth about $100 per ton and it was used for soap and glass. Incidentally to the composition of iodine 1 may say whatever the amount of iodine contained in the ashes of the sea-weed there is 1-10 of bromine in the same ma- terial. The larger algae such as d'Ur- villeee give us very little iodine, but they give potash salts. Laminaria and simi- lar varieties give 10 lbs. of iodine to the ton, common Fucus, Black and Yellow Wrack, like this, give only about 1.3 to 2 lbs. of iodine to the ton. There is a variety called sea-oak, I don't happen to have a sample of it, that gives about 4^2 to the ton. The method of burning to ashes in pits, kilns and holes spoils it for iodine. Now, a gentleman in Scotland took this subject up some years ago, — he made some very remarkable experiments and also some immense improvements in the production of iodine. Mr. E. C. Stanford conceived the idea of submitting the dried algae to destructive distillation THE ALUMNI JOURNAL, 63 in closed vessels, the same way that we submit soft coal for making gas, and in that manner he obtained a charcoal cor- responding to the coke of the gas works, a tar similar to coal tar but ot very little value, and also some ammonia. The beauty of this arrangement is that the charcoal contains the whole of the iodine and the sea- weed charcoal after leaching is a good decolorizer. He then tried mace- rating material of that kind called L,ami- naria, found along the coasts in such abundance, and he got the iodine in solu- ble portion, and the insoluble portion he used in making a substance that he called Algin, a glue-like body having practi- cal^ 7 all the properties of gelatin. Mr. Stanford said: "100 tons of dry Lami- naria burnt for kelp will give me 9 tons of salts and 270 lbs. of iodine; if I char it in a retort I get 15 tons of salts and 600 lbs. of iodine, or more than double that from burning, and I get 36 tons of char- coal, — at the same time I get some am- monia. Now, by maceration from the 100 tons I get 68 tons of soluble, — the water extract is 33 tons, giving salts 20 tons and iodine 600 lbs. and the Algin and Angelose." So, to-day, by an improved method of treatment, instead of being subjected to the careless action of burning, the sea-weed is treated either to destructive distillation or maceration, and a scientific method has been applied to these large growths of sea-weed. But the application of chemistry to the utilization of another waste material threatens the sea-weed industry of Scotland. I refer to the nitre or nitrate of soda beds of Peru. Some industrious chemist analyzed the nitrate of soda as it occurs in the beds in Peru, and found it contained sodium iodate, and it required a good careful analysis to detect it. He then found that if you analyze the mother liquors after you have obtained the nitrate of soda, which is already a commercial product, that they contain 22 per cent, ot iodate of so- dium — or, to put it in pounds, 3.8 lbs. to • the ton of original raw material taken out of the earth. That means about 1. 10 to 34. too per cent, on the commercial nitrate of soda produced, and this would give 2,800,000 lbs. of iodine. Now, the amount of iodine used in the world is about 600,000 lbs., of which France and England produce about one-fifth; the rest of it comes from Peru. The industry of burning sea- weed that Mr. Stanford has given attention to, and has made his life work alone, has benefit- ed a large number of people living in those rocky islands in the North of Eng- land and Scotland. The Algin which I mentioned as a new glue-like substance is something of the character of gelatin ; the principal difference is in the amount of nitrogen it contains, otherwise they appear to be practically the same sub- stances. In the Algin the nitrogen is a little less than 4 per cent , while in the case of gelatin it is 17^ per cent. The search for alkali to produce soap and glass, and I am still talking about these raw materials (incidentall)' I spoke of iodine), was kept up because the materials they used were so expensive, and such a material as wool was found to contain certain potash salts. Here is some raw wool; you get raw wool fat from the fleece of the sheep ; you get certain grades and ultimately the pure wool fat that you know is lanolin. Now one-third of the wool on a merino sheep is a mixture of wool fat and a potash soap, it is about one- seventh or 14 per cent, of ordinary wool. A thousand pounds of wool will give 140 to 180 lbs. of this raw wool fat and potash soap ; that means about 70 to 80 lbs- of car- bonate of potash. There are 600,000,- 000 sheep used in the United States ; they are worth $150,000,000 in the 6 4 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. shape of wool and mutton. There are 10,000,000 sheep in Buenos Ayres that are boiled for nothing but the tallow and this wool. The total amount of wool grown in the United States is 250,000,- 000 lbs.; the wool fat is 45,000,000 lbs. and the potash salts are 300,000,000 lbs. from the same material. France utilizes some of this material in the making of potashes by burning it, and in the use of carbon disulphide by extracting the wool fat. In the United States they use gasolin for the latter purpose, and the potasli soap is left behind in the fleece, and when washed out with water, con- tains 6 to 19 per cent, of carbonate of potash. France and Belgium brought this industry to a very high pitch, and made 2,000,000 lbs. of carbonate of potash from wool every year. Since the production of sugar from the beet root was put in force, a large quan- tity of molasses is produced ; that they cannot even use on buckwheat cakes because it tastes badly : the first thing they do with it is to utilize the sugar in it ; they do this in the process of fermenting it, and they get a liquid con- taining from 4 to 5 per cent, of alcohol. The residues in the stills are called Vinasse, and they practically consist of what is left in the beet-root molasses : these are mixed with chalk and then evaporated ; lime sulphate crystallizes out and is separated ; the rest of the liquor is evaporated and incinerated for potash salts. In Europe there are some 500,000,000 lbs. of molasses made from the beet root every year that have 5^ per cent, of potash in them. After it is taken out and incinerated, it gives a commercial substance that is called Salin, and which contains from 42 to 52 per cent, of potash carbonate, and is very valuable. So much for utilizing kelp, the potash from wool and the potash from the beet root, all these things were used for mak- ing soap and glass. When Leblanc discovered or rather worked out the pro- cess of making soda, he took a common material like salt, made salt cake with oil of vitriol, mixed the salt cake with coal and limestone in a furnace, and he produced what is termed black ash, and then from that product by leaching and evaporation he gets this material which is soda- ash. The black-ash contains from 37 to 41 per cent.; that is about the average ratio of carbonate of soda ; it contained a great deal more soda than sea-weed or any natural product ; some of the natural alkali contains more than this, but not much of it is found. To give you an idea of the enormous amounts of these materials used in the United States, I will simply say that the total amount in 1890 was 997,000,000 lbs.; in 1890 only half of these were imported, and today the United States is making some show and producing 364,000,000 lbs. This process of making soda by the Leblanc method went on for a great many years until somebod}' conceived the idea of making it cheaper than by the method of Leblanc, I refer to the ammonia process invented by Sol way. Now, I may say that there is required for the ammonia process very little more capital or rather a little less capital than there is for the Leblanc process. The amount of capital to produce 1 ton ol soda by the ammonia process is $37; by the Leblanc process it is $40. The sul- phate of ammonia which is the basis of operations in the Solway process is about 4 to 8 per cent, loss on the Soda Ash produced, and with care that can be re- duced to 2^ per cent. When Leblanc made soda from salt, one of the greatest troubles of the manu- facturer got to be the expense of taking care of the so-called soda waste. If any THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 65 of you have ever traveled over the rail- road from Liverpool to Manchester, you well know what a delectable spot it is. This is due to the enormous quantities of soda waste (which is practically a sul- phide of lime) which is exposed to the atmosphere and gives off sulphuretted hydrogen without any cessation. Soda waste contains any where from 11 to 15 per cent, of sulphur and the total waste in the Lancashire district is 750,- 000 tons, that is equal to 100,000 tons of sulphur. It costs quite a little money to , get rid of it, they not only require land to dump it, but it costs them 25 to 36 cents per ton to put it there. There is practically obtained about i x /i tons of the dry waste for every ton of soda ash made, and you can easily convert them into tons if you are interested; they call it waste because very little of it has been utilized. In the European works if they could remove the sulphur from the waste they would produce 180,000 tons of sul- phur per annum, and England could pro- duce 60,000 tons, if they utilized it. The utilization of this waste is becoming quite a subject of interest. One process consists in aerating it and turning the sulphide into a hyposulphite of calcium, and if you remember that hyposulphites give sulphur as a precipitate when treated with acids, you will understand the operation of this process; they say that about y$ of the sulphur in the waste is thus saved. Another process consists in treating the waste with air, then pass- ing sulphurous acid into it; there are 14,000 tons of sulphur made this way, but in practical operations the more re- cent process still consists in turning part of it into sulphuretted hydrogen and part into sulphurous acid and making these act upon one another and deposit sulphur in that way. The sulphur recovered by another method is very interesting; at first sight it would appear that such a ma- terial as magnesium "chloride would not act like an acid, yet if you treat soda waste with it, you get sulphuretted hy- drogen and chloride of calcium, and your chloride of calcium is not lost but you can utilize it in making magnesium chloride again,- and then by acting upon more waste get the sulphuretted hydro- gen as in the first step of the process. Now, the chief points are: 1st, the mag- nesium chloride shall have a certain den- sit}'; 2d, that the carbonic acid to de- compose calcium^ chloride and magnesia formed in the first step shall be under pressure; and the third step is, that the sulphuretted hydrogen produced shall be kept unmixed with air, to aid in the economy of space. This last process is under trial, and bids fair to succeed. The Solway soda process is a success only in the event of obtaining cheap ammonia. The obtaining of ammonia is an exceedingly important chemical operation. As you all know sal ammoniac was brought from the East in the early part of the 1 6th century. There is not much known about it, except that it was made by the^Arabs ; a Jesuit priest believed it was made in the delta of the Nile. There are several sources of ammonia in which it is found in small quantities, but there are also large quantities of the materials produced. A ton of coal will give about 70 lbs. of sulphate of ammonia, this is contained in about 30 gallons of gas liquor. Bones give 6 to 7 per cent.; when they are distilled they will give a liquor very much like that ob- tained from gas- But Vinasse, the still- bottoms from the beet alcohol, gives from 1 to 4 per cent, of ammonium sul- phate. As an idea of the amount of this material available, if all the beet-sugar works in Germany would send it where it could be saved, it would yield 15,000 tons of ammonium sulphate per annum. 66 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. To give you an idea of the amount derived from coke, there are thirteen million tons of coal used in this country every year for making coke, and you could get 70,000,000 lbs. of sulphate of ammonium from it, that makes twenty- million dollars, and every pound of it is lost. I hear there are ten or twelve coke ovens being erected to save this sulphate of ammonium, and, I believe in New York State. The efforts made in Scotland to utilize the ammonia from the Shale has resulted in a saving of $220,000, and they have only applied the method to about half the works. Incidental to the manufacture of soap, is the production of glycerin either by alkali or by some other method which we know as saponification. Now, as you already are aware, most of the fats are compounds of fatty acids with glycerin, and the result of saponificaton is to form a salt of the fatty acid or the acid itself, and the glycerin separates. In early times the production of soap was in the form of soft soap or potash soap, this was then mixed with salt, which had the effect of increasing the density of the vat and the soap at the same time was con- verted from soft soap into hard soap. The first Castile soap was made this way by the French at Marseilles. As a result of this work we get glycerin in the liquids that underlie the hard soap as it floats. If we mix fat with water and make it very hot we can decompose it into glycerin and fatty acid, the fatty acid will separate, and give us glycerin in the water while the fatty acid will float upon it. The method with alkali takes the glycerin into the alkaline solu- tion, and for many years this glycerin was wasted but is now saved. I suppose you would be surprised to hear that in 1893 there were used for the manufacture of dynamite for blasting in the United States 8,000,000 lbs. of glycerin, and there were 16,000,000 lbs. imported for refining and for other uses. I have a list of the uses of glycerin and I had no idea of the many things to which it can be applied until I collated them. It was used in gas meters at one time to some extent, to keep them from freezing, then it was used in the preservation of skins, the production of leather gloves, for vulcanizing India rubber, and all the various uses in the pharmacy which are familiar to you. The production of soap led to the use of various oils and among other things olive oil, and it was soon noticed that the seeds of the cotton plant gave an oil like that of the olive, but the first method of taking the oil out of the seeds was not a success. It was in Nashua, Mississippi, and the first one who introduced was Mr. Hamilton Cou- per, who used a wedge press. That was as long ago as 1834 that the idea was conceived of getting cottonseed oil out of the cotton seed. To give an idea of quantities — 15,000 tons of seeds will give you 15,000,000 lbs. of hulls and 10,000,000 lbs. of meal and 4,600,000 lbs. of oil. The meal is worth $88,000 ; the oil, $iS6,ooo ; the lint, $18,000 ; and the total value of the seeds, without taking into consideration the 15,000,000 lbs. of hulls, is $293,353. At the beginning of my talk I was speaking to you about phosphates in the use of modern methods of agricultuie. The production of Bessemer steel in the United States was a matter of selection of the best iron ores of the country, and only those practically free from phos- phorous could be used for the production of steel. This was due to the method of manufacture in using a certain lining in the furnaces, the so-called silicious lin- ing. A gentleman by the name of Thomas, who was an enthusiastic student of chemistry, used a basic lining made of lime, and utilized all the iron ores. The best iron ores, free from phosphorous were only about one-tenth of all the iron ores in the country, and only these could be used for making steel. {To be Continued.) IHb, ALUMNI JOURNAL. 67 Published under the auspices of the Alumni Association of the College of Pharmacy OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, 115-119 WEST 68th STREET. Vol. II. March 1, 1895. No. 3. The Alumni Journal will be published Monthly. Entered at New York Post Office as second-class matter SUBSCRIPTION: Per Annum, . . . One Dollar Single Copies, ... 15 Cents. All copy for publication, or changes of advertisements should reach us on or before the 20th of the month pre- vious to the issue in which they are to appear. All matters relating to publication should be written on one side of the paper only, and sent to the editor, Henry Kraemer, 115-119 West 68th Street. All communications relating to finances and sub- scriptions should be addressed to A. Henning, Treas., 115-119 West 68th Street All communications relating to advertising should be addresssd to A. K, Lusk, 1 Park Row. EDITOR, HENRY KRAEMER, Ph. G. ASSISTANT EDITORS. FRED. HOHENTHAL, Ph. G. K. C. MAHEGIN, Ph. G. ASSOCIATE EDITORS, CHARLES RICE, Ph. D. CHARLES F. CHANDLER, Ph. D., M. D , L.L.D., etc. ARTHUR H. ELLIOTT, Ph. D., F. C. S. HENRY H. RUSBY, M. D. VIRGIL COBLENTZ, A. M„ Ph. G., Ph. D. NEW ELEMENTS. More than a year ago K. J. Bayer re- ported that he had discovered a new element among the bye-products of red (French) Bauxite. The acid of the metal is a yellowish brown invisible body, which dissolves in water to form an intense gold-yellow solution and on neutralization with ammonia the color is changed to olive green. Many of the re- actions were interesting. The spectrum of the new body gives characteristic vio- let, blue and green lines and it is sug- gested that Bayer has probably discov- ered one of the missing elements pre- dicted by Mendeleeff in the nitrogen- phosphorous group. The reactions with "reagents it is argued also point to a compound of two metals rather than a new element. More recently attention has been called to a constituent of the atmosphere which has long been overlooked. In 1894 Lord Raleigh, in a paper read before the Royal Society "On an Anomaly encount- ered in Determinations of the Density of Nitrogen Gas," showed that nitrogen extracted from chemical compounds is about 0.5 per cent, lighter than "atmos- pheric nitrogen." When the discrep- ancy of weights was first encountered attempts were naturally made to explain it by contamination with well known impur- ities as Hydrogen or as due to the disso- ciation of nitrogen molecules N 2 into de- tached atoms. But careful experiments lasting for months demonstrated that "chemical nitrogen" had a density of 2.299 and that "atmospheric nitrogen" possessed a density of 2.310. They then tried the process of diffusion in order to determine if the "atmospheric nitrogen" was pure or a mixture of components of different densities and later they proved that the atmosphere contains a previous- ly unknown gas. What adds considerable interest to these experiments is the fact that in 1785 Cavendish in a paper on "Experiments on Air" calls attention to the fact that the residue left on the withdrawal of oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide from air is identical with the constituent of nitric acid. He moreover showed that phlogisticated air (nitrogen) as he termed it was not the sole residue after removal of the bodies above named and he had 68 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. actually experimented by passing the electric spark through a mixture of "phlogisticated" and "dephlogisticated air," to see if there was anything which did not combine with "dephlogisticated air" as he had found "phlogisticated air" did. He did get an uncombinable portion in his wonderful investigation* and concludes that if there is any part of the "phlogisticated air" which cannot be made into nitrous acid it is not more than T ^o part of the whole. Prof. Wm. Ramsay and L,ord Raleigh have further experimented during the past year and have succeeded in with- drawing nitrogen from air by means of red-hot magnesium. They passed "at- mospheric nitrogen" backwards and for- wards over red-hot magnesium from one large gas holder to another to obtain a considerable quantity of the heavier gas- In the course of ten days about 1,500 C. c. were collected and transferred grad- ually to a mercury gas holder, from which the gas was passed over soda-lime, P 2 5 , magnesium at a red heat, copper oxide, soda-lime and P 2 5 into a second mercury gas holder. The volume was reduced to about 200 C. c. At this point the density was 19.09 and it was ex- amined by means of the spectrum and though showing nitrogen bands, showed many other lines which were not recog- nizable as belonging to any known ele- ment. They have called this element Argon from an, without and ergon, ener- gy. It has refused to combine with any known reagent. The authors then proved by atmolysis that the new element was present in the air and they at once instituted rather la- borious negative experiments and proved thereby that the new element is not de- rived from nitrogen from chemical sources. They then separated the new element on a large scale from 100 to 150 litres of atmospheric nitrogen and deter- mined the density as compared with hydrogen by several methods and found 19.90 to be probably the figure. This might be fixed as the molecular weight, did not certain considerations had to the supposition that the molecule may be like mercury monatomic, which would make the molecular and therefore atomic weight double the density. Wm. Crookes examined the spectrum of Argon as seen in a vacuum tube through which the electric spark was passed. Two lines are especially charac- teristic; they are less refrangible than the red lines of hydrogen or lithium and serve well to identify the gas in this way. Besides these red lines, a bright yellow line, more refrangible than the sodium line recurs as also five bright green lines besides a number of less intensity. Argon is about 2^ times as soluble in water as nitrogen and possesses approxi- mately the same solubility as oxygen. It is interesting to note that Dr. K. Olszewski of the University of Cracow worked with 300 C. c. of gas prepared by the authors and has obtained the critical temperature, boiling-point, freez- ing point, densities of the gas and liquid. In comparing the physical constants of argon with so-called permanent gases, Argon belongs to the so-called "perma- nent" gases and as regards difficulty in liquifying it, it occupies the fourth place, viz., betweeu CO and O, . Its behavior in liquifaction places it nearest to oxy- gen, but it differs entirely from oxygen in being solidifiable; as is well known, oxygen has not been made to assume a solid state. Its unexpectedly low critical temperature and boiling point seems to have some relation to its unexpectedly simple molecular constitution. For a fuller abstract of this interesting subject, the readers of The Alumni Journal are referred to Chem. News, Feb. r, 1895, p. 51. This work of Raleigh and Ram- THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 69 say has aroused considerable interest and while there seems to be some doubts as to the existence of this new element, still the character of the men and their well known painstaking labor in this and every line of research they have under- taken bids fair to mark this communica- tion of theirs before the Royal Society as the most remarkable and interesting in- vestigation for years. There is probably no subject so indissolubly connected with the history of chemistry as the earlier in- vestigations on the composition of the at- mosphere. NEW LITERATURE. Bacteriology. Mikrophotographischer Atlas der Bakterien- kunde. — G. Itzerott und F. Niemann. Lex. 8. Leipzig: J. A. Barth. This contains 21 plates, containing 126 micro- photographs. Manualetto per la Preparazione e V Anilisi chimica del Materiale di Medicatura antisetlica. E. Barbi. Siena. Blood Serum Therapy and Antitoxins . — G. E. Krieger. Chicago: E. H. Cologrove. Botany. Grundriss der Botanik, mit bensonderer Beriicksichtigung der landwirthschaftlichen Kulturpflanzen. Franz Koseschnik. Leipzig: K. Scholtze. Flora Brasiliensis. E. F. Martins, A. W. Eichler et I. Urban. Enumeratio plantarum in Brasilia hactenus detectarum quas suis aliorum- que botanicorum studiis descriptas et methodo naturali digestas, partim illustratas edd. Fasc. 117. Leipzig: F. Fleischer. List of Pleridophyta and Spermatophyta growing without cultivation in Northeastern North America. Prepared by a committee of the Bot-tnical Club, American Association for the Advancement of Science. Chemistry. Kurzes Repetitorium der Chemie zum Ge- brauche fur Mediciner, Pharmaceuten, Lehr- amtscandidaten, Chemiker, Landivirthe u. A. Gearbertet nach den Werken und Vorlesungen * Readers desiring any of the works contained in this list can obtain them through B. Westerman & Co., 812 Broadway. Gustav E Stechert, 810 Broadway, or other foreign booksellers. von Arnold, Bernthsen, Fischer, etc. 2. Aufl. von E. Boyk. I. Anorganische Chemie. Wien: M. Breitenstein. Traite clcmentaire de Chimie. — Metalloides. R. Engel. Paris: J. B. Balliere et fils. An Elementary Course in Organic Pharma. ceutical and Medical Chemistry.— V. J. Wulling. New York : J. Wiley & Sons. Analytical Chemistry. A Tex I- Book of Volumetric Analysis. — H. W. Schimps. New York : J. Wiley & Sons. Analisi volumetrica applicati ai produtti com- merciali, e industrialia. P. E. Alessandri. Mil- ano : M. Hoepli. Reaclionen und Reagentien. K. Schneller. 2 Bd. Eichstatt : A. Stillkrauth. Elect ro-Chemislry . Electro-chemie. — Ihre Geschichte und Lehre. W. Ostwald. Leipzig : Veit u. Co. Inorganic Chemistry. A Treatise on Chemistry. — H.E. Roscoe and Schorlemmer. London and New York : Mac- millan, Vol. I. Non-metallic Elements. New edition, completely revised by H. E. Roscoe, assisted by K. C. Coleman and A. Harden, with 374 illustrations and a portrait of Dalton. Stereo-Chemistry. ' Handbuch der Stereochemie.—C. A. Bischoff, unter Mitwirkung von P. Walden. 2 Band (Schluss). Frankfurt a M. : H. Bechhold. Chemical- Technology. TechnischChemisches Jahrbuch, 1893-1894. — R. Biedermann. An account of the progress in Chemical-Technology from April, 1893, to April. 189;. Berlin : C. Heymann. Erdmann - Konigs' Grundriss der allge- meinen Waarenkunde unter Beriicksichtigung der Technologic 12 Aufl. Von ed. Hanansek. Leipzig : J. H. Barth (A. Weiuer). Pharmacy. Handtvorterbuch der Pharmacie. — Herausge- geben von A. Brestowski. 19 Lfg. Leipzig : W. Baumiiller. This work is a collaboration by numerous writers, edited by Brestowski and intended for pharmacists, physicians and those interested in medicinal products. Physics. Preparatory Physics.— H. J. Hopkins. Lon. don and New York: Longmans, Green & Co. A short, course in the laboratory. List of the Chief Memoirs on the Physics of Matter.—^. A. Lehfeldt. Published under the direction of the Physical Society of London. 7o THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. Industrial Photometry.— A. Palaz, From the French by G. W. Patterson, Jr., and M. R. Patterson. New York: D. van Nostrand Co. With special application to electric lighting. Handbuch der Physik.—A. Winkelmann. 3 Bd. 2. Abth. Breslau: Ed. Trewendt. Leitfaden der Physik mit Einschluss der einfacbsten Lehren der mathematischen Geo- graphic nach der Lehr— und Priifungsordnung von 1893 fiir Gymnasien. 1 Bd. 2. Aufl. Leip- zig: S. Hirzel. Photography. Kalender fur Photographie und verwandter Facher pro 1895. C. F. Hoffmann. Wien: Moritz Perles. Beitrdge zur Kenntniss der photochemischen Wirkung in Losungen.—M. Roloff. Inaug. — Dissert., Univ. Gottingen. Therapeutics. Warner's Therapeutic Reference Book. — Con- tains the following useful memoranda : Aid in memorizing doses, treatment of asphyxia, poi- sons and antidotes, posological table, prescrip- tion writing, weights and measures, incompati- bles and information on many other similar subjects of use to the pharmacist and physi- cian. Published by Wm. R. Warner & Co., 18 Liberty street, New York, and may be ob- tained by any of the subscribers of The Alumni Journal for 15 cents. LITERATURE. PHARMACOPOEIAS IN THE S. A. D. SHEPPARD LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY. {Continued from Dec, 1804, issue.) Holland. fohannis Schroderi. Doct. Medici, minon reipublicae Maeno-Francofurtan. Pbysici ordi- nary. Pharmacopoeia. 1665. (Latin.) The same. Pharmacopoeia Amstelred-Amen- sirof d'Amsterdammer Apotheck. Amsterdam, 1723 (Dutch.) The same. Pharmacopoeia. Batava. Am- sterdam, 1805. (Latin.) The same. Cum notis et additamentin. Nie- mann. Lipsiae, 1811. (Latin,) 2 vols. The same. Pharmacopoeia manualis, 1842. (Latin.) The same. Pharmacopceia. Batava. [Nie- mann], Lipsiae, 1824. (Latin.) 2 vols. Pharmacopceia Neulandica. Hagae-Comitis, 185 r. (Latin.) Nederlandsche Apotheck. Gravenhage. 1872. (Dutch.) Denmark. Codex medicamentarius sive Pharmacopceia Danica. Lipsiae, 1821. (Latin.) Pharmacopoeia Danica. HavniaE. 1772. (Latin.) The same. Havniae, 1840. (Latin.) The Same. Leipzig, 1840. (German.) Norway. Pharmacopceia Norwegica. Regia auctori- tale edita. Christiania, 1854. (Latin.) The same. Christiania, 1870. (Latin.) Sweden. Pharmacopceia Suecica. Holmiae, 1784. (Latin.) The same Lipsiae, 17S7. (Latin.) The same. 4. ed. H dmiae, 1790. (Latin.) The same. Holmiae, 1S17. (Latin.) The same. 6. ed. Stockholmise, 1845. (Latin.) The same. Leipzig, 1845. (German.) The same. [Military.] Sundae, 1858. (Latin.) The same. Sundae, 1869. (Latin.) The same. Stockholmise, 1871. (Latin.) Finland. Pharmacopceia Fennica. Aboae, 1819. (Latin.) The same. 2. ed. Helsingforsiae, 1850. (Latin.) Saxony. Pharmacopoeia Saxouica. Jussu regio et auc- toritate publica denuo edita recognita et emen- data. Dresdae, 1837. (Latin.) The same. Leipzig, 1837. (German.) Belgium. Pharmacopceia Belgica. Hagae-Comitis, 1823. ( Latin. ) The same. La Haye, 1829. (French.) Portugal. Codex medicamentarius sen pharmacopceia Lusitanica. — Lipsiae et Soraviae, 1822. (Latin.) Pharmacopceia Portugueza. Edicao official. Lisboa, 1876. (Portuguese.) Switzerland. — Pharmacopceae Bernensis. Tentamen Bernae, 1852. (Latin,) Pharmacopoeia Helvetica. 2. ed. Scaphu- siae, 1872. (Latin.) Greece, Pharmacopceia of, — Leipzig. 1837, (German. ) THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. ■ 7i Montpelier. — Pharmacopie de Monipellire, ou traite special de phartnacie Montpellier,i845. ( French.) The same. Montpellier, 1846. (French.) The same. Montpellier, 1847. (French.) Pharmacopeia Oedenbutgica. Oadenburgi, 1801. (Latin.) Vienna. — Dispensatorium pharmaceuticum Viennense. Viennae, 1729. (Latin.) Pharmacopcea Polatina. Mannhemii, 1764. (Latin. ) Brunswick. — Dispensatorium pharmaceuti- cum Brunswicense. Brunsuici, 1777. I Latin. | Men ico. — Nueva farmacopcea Mexicana. Mexico, 1874. (Spanish.) Clinical Pharmacopoeia. [Ziemssen.] Erlan- gen, 1874. (German 1 The same. [Miiller.] Stuttgart, 1875. (Ge- man. ) Anticholera Pharmacopoeia. [Amnion.] Lipsiae, 1832. (Latin.) London extra pharmacopoeia, 1890. (English.) Dispensary pharmacopoeia. [Hufeland.] Ber- lin, 1828. ( German.) Pharmacopeia extemporanea. Beroh'ni, 1809. (Latin.) The same. [Fuller.] London, 1719. (Eng- lish.) Pharmacopoeia chirurgica, or a manual of chi- rurgical pharmacy. Philadelphia. 1818. (Eng- lish.) L. C. Hellwigi Pharmacopoeia. Leipzig, 1711. (Latin and German. ) Veterinary pharmacopoeia. [R. V. Juson.] 3. ed. Philadelphia, 1880. (English.) The same. [Martow.] London. 1880. (Eng- lish.) Homoeopathic pharmacopoeia. [F F. Ouin.] London, 1834. (Latin.) The same. [Gruner.] Leipzig, 1845. (German) The same. [Schwab e. ] Leipzig, 1880. (Polyglot.) Universal Pharmacoptvia. |Spielmann.| 1783. (Latin.) The same. [Swediam.] Bruxellis, 1817. (Latin.) The same, | Jourdan. | Paris, 1828. (French.) Vols. I and II. The same. [Jourdan | 1829. (Latin.) Vols. I and II. The same. | Jourdan and Rennie] London, 1833. (English.) Vols. I and II. The same. [Girger.] Heidelbergae, 1835. (Latin.) The same, [fourdan.] Paris, 1840. (French.) The same. [Weimar.) 1840. (German.) The same. [Strumpf.] 1859. Leipzig. (Ger- man-) The same. [Barcelona,] 1875. (Spanish.) Vols. I and II. The same. Madrid, 1889. (Spanish.) Vols. I, II, III. Pharmacopoeia Jaumiensis. Jaurini, 1833. (Latin. ) Pharmacopoeia Argentina. Argentorati, 1S30. 1 Latin. ) Pharmacoptvia clinico-econom iea . | Ziemssen. ] Erlangen, 1877. I German.) Japan. — Pharmacopoeia Japonica. Editio latina. Tokyo, Anno XIX, Meiji [1886.] Translation oj the Pharmacopoeia of the Royal College oj Physicians of London. [Phillips.] London, 1824. (English.) The Pharmacopoeia of the Royal College of Physicians of London. [Collier.] London, 1821. (English.) The same. [Powell.] London, 1809. (Eng- lish. ) THE MOST RECENT WORK. Ipecac Root.— The Relative Alkaloidal Value of— A. R. L. Dohme. In order to more directly compare the various parts of "fancy" and "wiry" roots of Ipecac, the cortical envelope was removed from the central woody cylinder, above called "Woody Portion," and each assayed separately. The cortex was in each case scraped from the woody central cylinder by means of a knife and the woody cylinders closely examined so as to be certain that no particles of cortex still ad- hered to them. All were then ground to a No. 80 powder and assayed. The method of Mr. C. C. Keller, of Zurich, was used instead of Lyons' method which had been used last year. See Proc. A. Ph. A., 1893. This was done for two reasons: first, because it gave better results, and second, because it was found to be more expeditious. The method of Keller is quite simple and is being applied by its author to all alkaloidal drugs. It consists in treating the drug directly with ether and chloroform, usual- ly three parts of ether to one of chloroformby 72 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. weight, shaking well for five minutes, then adding sufficient ammonia water and shaking well for half an hour. Then some water is added to clog the drug powder together and an aliquot part is poured off and at once treated with dilute acid in a separatory funnel. The acid solution is made alkaline with ammonia and extracted with ether chloro- form, the chloroform usually in excess to facili- tate separation. The extracting fluid is let into a small flask and the ether-chloroform distilled off on a water-bath. By adding a little ether and alcohol, the last portions of chloroform can be successfully removed on the water-bath. The residue, consisting of the alkaloids usually in a good state of purity, is then titrated with acid and alkali, using brazil wood or litmus as an indicator. The following results were ob- tained: Cortex of "fancy" root yielded 1.68 per cent. of alkaloids by titration. Cortex of "wiry" root yielded 3.15 per cent, of alkaloids by titration. Woody portion of "fancy" root yielded 0.17 per cent, of alkaloids by titration. Woody portion of "wiry" root )ielded 0.50 per cent, of alkaloids by titration. These roots were picked from the same sam- ple of ipecac root, which contained both varieties in about equal quantity. This verifies the results obtained last year and justifies the conclusion that the so-called "wiry' > root, i. e., the upper part of the root which free quently is in part a stem, contains more alkaloid than the lower or annulated part. The explana- tion of this fact is easily given. The cork cells and cortical parenchyma adjacent to them ar- the seat of the alkaloids. Apiece of "fancy'' root weighs more than a piece of "wiry" root of the same size, because of the excess of starch in the former. It hence takes three pieces of the same length of "wiry" root to make up the same weight as two pieces of "fancy" root. The per- centage of outer bark, i. t.. cork cells and ad- joining cortical parenchyma is in consequence greater in case of the "wiry" than in case of the 'fancy" root, which is only another way of say- ing that the percentage of alkaloids is greater in the former than in the latter. This also explains why so much more alkaloid was found in the comparative cortex assays in the "wiry" than 111 the "fancy" root ; for given the same weight of both, there was more wood removed when the cortex was scraped from the woody cylinder in case of the "wiry" than in case of the "fancy" root, and it required all the more of the "wiry" cortex to make up this loss, since the percent- age of wood in the " wiry " is about three times that in the "fancy" root. This is equivalent to an addition af alkaloid, since the cortex is the seat of the latter, -A. Ph. A. Proc, 1894. Preparation of Culture Media.—]. L.Smith {Brit. Med. Jour., 1894, 11 77) points out the difficulty bacteriologists have to contend within the fact that the composition of many of the media used for cultivations of pathogenic mi- crobes differs so widely from that of the blood and other fluids found in the animal tissues. He describes a method by which medica can be prepared directly from these fluids by a process which reduces the difficulties of manipulation to a minimum. Break up the white of a hen's egg with an egg-heater till it loses its consistency ; add 40 per cent, of water and mix well ; pass the mix- ture through muslin to remove any shreds of in- soluble material; add o. 1 per cent, of caustic soda, and solidify in the autoclave. With a lit- tle care in clearing it a jelly of egg-white can be obtained which closely resembles gelatin in con- sistency. Substances like glucose can be added if desired. A large variety of bacteria have been found to grow on this medium with great readiness. Aliphatic Acids of Lanolin.— By J . de Sauc- tis ( Gazzetla 24, I, 14-28). Lanolin was treated with hot sodium ethoxide solution, and the so- dium salts- deposited were then extracted with ether to remove basic compounds. The acids not volatile in a current of steam were found to be cerotic, palmitic, normal caproic and oleic acids. Those volatile in a current of steam were stearic, isovaleric, and normal butyric acids. The acids were separated by means of their lead salts and anylized quantitatively. Persea gratissima Gaert.—The distillation of 2 kilos of the leaves from Genoa yielded 0.5 per cent, of a pale greenish oil, showing the follow- ing constants : Sp. gr o 9607 , optical rotation + i° 5o / dd at i8.2° = i.5i64. In odor and taste the oil almost exactly resembles estragon oil. It does not contain anethol. Its high Sp. gr. and its refractive index, taken in conjunction with its odor and taste indicated a fairly pure methyl- chavicol, a body which has been shown to be present in oils of estragon and anise bark. An attempt to convert a portion of the oil into ane- thol by means of caustic potash unfortunately miscarried through the bursting of the Vessel employed in the operation. The small quantity of oil remaining was iodized with permanganate of potassium and an acid obtained melting at 183 and showing all of the properties of anisic acid. It is therefore probable that the principal con- stituent of the oil of the leaves of Persea gratis- sima GJirt is methvlchavicoe,&n isomer of anethol of a distince anise like odor Prof. Fliickiger called the attention of Messrs. Schimmel & Co. to the anise like odor of the leaves of this plant. —Schimmel 's Report, Oct. 1894, 69. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 73 Pure d-Coniine. — By A. Ladenburg (Ber. d. Chem. Ges., 27, 858-859). Pure coniine boils at 166-167 and has a specific rotation equal to [a] D = -)- 15. 6°. This number is identical with that given by Schiff (Ann. der Chem. 166,94), whichh as been mistaken by Landolt for the angle of rotation and used by him for the calcu- lation of the specific rotation. The platinochloride of this substance is com- pletely soluble in a mixture of alcohol and ether. When its alcoholic or aqueous solution is evaporated, it solidifies at once on cooling, whereas the platinochloride of the impure ma- terial generally remains oily for some time. Aq. Menth ?—J. H. Heaf revives the ques- tion as to what should be dispensed for Aqua Menthte. It was the opinion of the members of the London Chemists' Assistants' Association that "aqua mentbae " should be added as a synonym for "aqua menthae piperita^." — Brit, and Col. Drug., 1S75, 130. Pill Coatings. — The relative merits of the coatings were considered by H. Dyson, Chem. and Drug., 1895, 210. Sulphate of iron pills were taken, and the point of disintegration tested by ferricyanide of of potassium present in the water. Those coated with silver gave ppt. iu 22 minutes; with sandarach in about 25 minutes; with tolu about the same as last; with " pearl " coating in an hour and a half; with gelatine in 1 minute, 10 sees. Gelatine was thus the best, and the author scouted the objection raised to it as a coating on the score of the heat used in making the coating. Pearl coating was bad, as the pills had to be made as hard as possible. He recom- mended a one in three solution of gelatine for the coating. Dyson's recommendation of gela- tine-coated pills is not agreed with altogether. Cascara sagrada and aloes were mentioned as ingredients in a pill unsuited to gelatine coat- ing, and his verdict on the effect of heat in making gelatine solution was challenged. Pine Tar. — A. Renard finds [Compt. rend., 1894, No. 25) that the proportion of guaiacol in the creosote of pine is intermediate between that of the beech and the oak. Oil of Cananga. — A. Reichler {Bull. Soc. Chem.; Chem. News, 1895, 65). The density of this oil at 21 is 0.905S and the index of re- fraction n = 1.49655. Its laevo - rotation [a] = — 2S.5 . Its composition is C, 85.68 ; H, 1 1. 81; O, 2 51. Oil of Cananga has a great resemblance to oil of ylaug-ylang, but it is clearly distinguished from the latter by con- taining a much larger proportion of sesquiter- pene. Tests in Urinalysis. — In a paper upon " Al- buminaria in Nervous Diseases" {Am. Jour. Med. Sci.. Oct. 1894), prepared by L. C. Gray and A. Zimmerman we find the following use- ful summary of chemical methods employed in urinalysis : Millard's and Tanret's Tests as Albumin Reagents. Tanret's. Potassium iodide - — 3-3 2 grammes. Mercury bichloride 1.35 Acetic acid 20 c.c. Distilled water-- q. s. 100 Millard's. ■ Carbolic acid fsij- Glac. acetic acid 3vij. Solut. potassa 3xxij. Albumin. {Serum albumin, serum or para- globulin, nucleo-albumin from bile, mucin from bile, mucin from mucous membrane. ) Clarifying. — To about one ounce of the urine add about 60 grains of powdered French chalk, shake together, pour upon a four-ply wetted paper filter ; throw away the first portion of the filtrate ; return the following portions until the urine passes perfectly clear. When the speci- men is in an advanced state of mucus fermenta- tion, in which the mucus is so minutely sub- divided by the increased number of bacteria that it cannot be clarified by the above method, then the addition of caustic potassa or soda to strong alkaline reaction without heat, followed by filtration through a wetted double paper filter, will clarify it. It will be necessary to return the filtrate several times before it passes perfectly clear. The filtered specimen is divided into three- quarter inch test tubes, filling them about one- third full. To the first add 15 drops of Tanret's test; to the second 15 drops of Millard's test ; to the third 15 drops of acetic acid. The reac- tion should be acid in all the tubes. Heat the three tubes to the boiling point, and while the contents are hot hold them up to a good light, with a strip of black paper or card-board a short distance back of them, about half the way up to the level of the fluids, and note the results. Set aside for thirty minutes, and again heat to the boiling point and note the results a second time. It is important that this length of time elapse before noting the last result, as minute quantities of albumin require this length of time for complete precipitation. The results should be noted directly after heating to the boiling- point, as one of the reagents precipitates all the alkaloids, peptones, and ptomaines, the other 74 7 HE ALUMNI JOURNAL, only a few of them, the precipitates of these bodies being retained in solution while hot ; consequently they do not interfere with the al- bumin reaction. The tube to which the acetic acid has been added is best held between the tubes containing the other reagents, any change in reaction being more easily perceptible. The acetic acid is used n addition to the reagents to detect soluble and dissolved mucin, combined acids of oleoresius, combined fatty acids, and other bodies yielding precipitates in acid media. The albumin re- agents all being used in acid media, form precip- itates when such substances are present ; thus the acetic acid prevents any errors which may otherwise arise. If albumin be present there will be an increas- ed cloudiness or precipitate in the tubes to which the Millard's and Tanret's tests have been added. When very faint traces are present the opalescence produced, being distributed throughout the liquid, is more easily perceptible than the results obtained by applying the zone or contact test ; the reagents being free from color, and the urine also deprived of consider able coloring matter by filtration through the French chalk, gives greater delicacy to the re- action. When the specimen is acid and the reaction by Millard's test is more decided than that by Tanret's and acetic acid, being least by Tan- ret's, it shows the presence of mucin from bile and the nucleo-albumin from bile. This mucin appears to be the only soluble form of mucin found in acid urine, and with and with it is al- ways to be found the nucleo albumin, the mucin from the mucous membrane being soluble only in alkaline urine. The reason that Millard's test gives this increased reaction is that it is a more delicate reagent for mucin than either acetic acid or Tanret's test. When the reaction is more decided in the tube containing the acetic acid than it is in the tubes to which the Tanret's and Millard's tests been added, and no foreign bodies are precipit- able by acetic acid, it shows the presence of serum or para-globulin. When albumin serum alone is present, the re- action is indicated in the tubes contanining the Millard's and Tanret's tests, acetic acid giving no reaction unless mucin be present, as in alka- line urine or in specimens which have been treated with alkali for clarification, when the source is the mucous membrane, or in acid specimens when it is derived from the bile. When mucin is present in solution from either source the Millard's test always gives more in- creased reaction than the Tanret's test or acetic acid, being much more decided in the tubes containing the acetic acid and the Millard's test When any of the other forms of albumin are present with the serum albumin, the specimen is best treated with one-fourth its volume of glacial acetic acid, heated to boiling, set aside for one hour, then filtered through French chalk as above directed. This separates mucin from bile and mucous membrane, serum-glo- bulin, and foreign substances, there being retained in solution serum-albumin and the nucleo albumin from bile, and these may readily be differentiated by adding ferrocyanide of potassa to the acetic acid solution, without applying heat ; the ferrocyanide being a more delicate reagent for the nucleo-albumin than either Tanret's or Millard's tests, yields a heavier reaction. Sugar. Water, i drachm ; copper solution, 10 drops ; alkaline tartrate, 10 drops ; heat to boiling, con- tinue to heat for one minute ; if no change has taken place it shows the solution to be reliable. Add now 10 drops of the urine, heat again to boiling, continue the heating for one minute • set aside for teu minutes ; if no reaction by separating suboxide of copper, it shows the sugar to be present below o. 10 per cent. To show the presence of less than o. 10 per cent, sugar in urine, it is necessary to use the indigo-carmine test, consisting of two separate solutions; a 0.2 per cent, solution of sodium indigo sulphate in acidulated distilled water in the one, and the other a 25 per cent, aqueous solution of crystallized sodium carbonate, usetl by adding 5 drops of the sodium-indigo sulphate solution to a drachm of the sodium carbonate solution, heat to boiling, when the solution will acquire a green color. Add now 10 drops of the urine, heat again to boiling, and keep the fluid as near this temperature as possible without ebullition for one minute, by holding the tube in the flame withdrawing and successively re- placing it at short intervals. If sugar is present, the color will pass from green to violet, purple, red, and finally straw-color, which remains without further chauge in color, the latter color being the indication for the presence of sugar. By shaking the tube to admit oxygen of the air and cool the fluid, the colors will return in the inverse order to that which they appeared. By this method urine containing o. 10 per cent, sugar will change the test to a red, while o 02 per cent, changes it slowly to the straw-color THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 75 the greater the proportion of sugar the more rapid will be the change to yellow, and from the degree of rapidity with which this change in color takes place, the proportion of sugar may be approximately estimated. Uric Acid. Taking o.oi per cent, as normal standard. To a definite portion of the filtrate from the phosphate test, add a concentrated solution of nitrate of silver until the mixture becomes deep gray or black, set aside for fifteen minutes; add half a volume of stronger water of ammonia, set aside, allow precipitate to subside, and pour off as much of the clear liquid as possible ; again add an equal volume of strc nger water of am- monia to the residue mixture ; set aside for half an hour and note bulk cf the precipitate and compare it with a standard volume or bulk obtained as an average from several specimens containing the above amount. The uric acid is precipitated as silver urate. If urates or free uric acid have separated as a precipitate, they are re dissolved by adding a slight excess of solution of caustic soda to the specimen previously well shaken, diluting with half a volume of water, making neutral with dilute nitric acid ; then proceed to precipitate the phosphoric acid as directed under phos- phates. Keep the volume of the fluid double that of the urine. Meat diet very acid by acid phosphates crys- tallizes uric acid and retains the oxalate of cal- cium in solution. Carbohydrate diet, faint acid by acid phos- phates, sometimes alkaline by alkaline phos- phates crystallizes oxalate calcium and retains uric acid in solution. The acidity of the urine is reduced by the acid fermentation (lactic and butyric) of the carbo- hydrates, forming lactates and butyrates, which like citrates and acetates when administered reduce the acidity of the urine. And these acids (lactic and butyric), like some of the constitu- ents of meat under impaired oxidation, instead of being oxidized to carbonic acid as they are normally, yield intermediate products of oxida- tion, as oxalic acid for example. With few exceptions, as the proportion of uric acid increases, the indican reaction becomes more intense. Indican. Jaffe's Test. To concentrated hydrochloric acid (3J ) add a minute quantity of chlorinated lime ; then add one quarter of the volume of the urine ; if the chlorinated lime is added to excess the color will be destroyed, if not in sufficient quantity the reaction wiil be faint. With few exceptions, the indican is increased as the uric acid rises in proportion. Urobilin. ioo c.c. of urine, shaken with 50 c.c. ether, the ether separated, evaporated without heat, the residue dissolved in alcohol and examined by micro -spectroscope. Oxalate Calcium. Taking 0.005 P er cent, as a normal standard. 100 to 200 c.c. of the mine previously well shaken, add from 5 to 10 c.c. of a 25 per cent, solution of calcium chloride, add ammonia to alkaline reaction, shake well, neutralize by acetic acid, set aside for twenty-four hours; separate precipitate by filtration, wash with water, wash with hot solution of soda, then agaiu with water, until the filtrate shows no perceptiple reduction with permanganate of potassium; allow to drain, dissolve the residue in dilute sulphuric acid, washing the filter care. fully with the dilute acid, heat the filtrate to near boiling point, and titrate with ^ perman- ganate : each, c.c.=o.oo54 calcium oxalate. Bile. HupperVs Method. To 2 ounces of urine add about 2 drachms of milk of lime — shake well — separate precipitate by filtration, transfer to test-tube, add alcohol and concentrated sulphuric acid ; upon heating, the alcohol acquires a green-yellow color. Phosphates. Taking 0.20 per cent, as a normal standard. Dilute the urine with an equal volume of water ; to one-half ounce of the mixture add two drops of a 25 per cent, solution of magne- sium sulphite, then four drops of stronger water of ammonia; shake well, then set aside for half an hour, note bulk of the precipitate, and compare it with a standard volume or bulk obtained as an average from several specimens containing the above proportion. The phosphoric acid is precipitated as amtno- nio-magnesium phosphate. If a portion of the phosphates have separated from solution in alkaline specimens, they should be re-dissolved in nitric acid, then made neutral by caustic soda, before proceeding as above. 7 6 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL Urha. Estimated by the hypobromite method in a nitrometer. Solutions. Potassium bromide . . 125 grammes. Bromine 125 Water sufficient to make . 1000 c.c. Caustic soda .... 250 grammes. Water sufficient to make . 1000 c.c. Used by mixing equal volumes. The accompanying table is calculated from the quantity of urea, taking 400 to 500 grains daily as a normal standard. The Relation of Urea to Specific Gravity. j» Urea. I. OO I.20 OBITUARY. Sp. grav I.OIO 1. 012 1. 014 1. 016 1. 018 1.020 1.022 1.023 i-35 1.50 1.65 i-75 1.85 1.90 Spec. grav. I.024 I.025 I.026 I.027 I.028 I.029 I.030 Urea. 1-95 2.00 2.05 2.10 2.15 2.20 2.25 Quantity of urine for twenty-four hours, 90 to 48 fluid- ounces, taking 400 to 500 grains as the normal daily quan. ity. Quinine Solvents. — The inconvenience and possible objection to adding sulphuric acid to quinine sulphate, for use in aqueous solution, is noted by Crousel in L' Union Pharmaceu- tique, 1894, who has found a substitute for the acid in tartaric and citric acids, which are already used for preparing solutions of mercuric chloride for subcutaneous injection. These acids agree better with the digestive fluids ; they are, besides, habitually ingested in the form of fermented beverages (wine, cider). They thus constitute eligible solvents of quinine salts, and even of most other alkaloids that are but little or not at all soluble in neutral liquids ; and they will be of special advantage, it is main- tained, in hypodermatic injections, owing to their very feeble action on the constituents of the blood. The proportions necessary to render 0.5 Gm. of quinine sulphate soluble in 60 Gm. of distilled water are : tartaric acid, 10 Cgm. ; citric acid, 30 Cgm. A CASE is reported in the Indian Medical Re porter, in which a Hindoo woman took 10 grains of strychnine hydrochlorate as a poison. Her stomach was vigorously washed out with solution of permanganate of potash and re. peated injections of chloral and potassium bro- mide were given per rectum. She recovered, having taken 220 grains of chloral and 240 grains of the bromide.— Brit, and Col. Drug. FRIEDRICH AUGUST FLUCKIGER. By EDWARD SCHAER. The death on December 1 1 , at Berne, at the age of 66, of Dr. Friedrich August Fliickiger — an Emeritus Professor of the University of Strasburg and one oi the honorary members of the Society — is an event which will produce throughout the entire world, in pharmaceutical circles where science is valued, the deepest re- gret and the greatest sympathy. Since there is no doubt that at a subsequent period a complete biography of this prominent authority and investigator will be published in some German journal, only a short sketch of his life and partial recognition of his scientific achievements will be attempted on the present occa- sion. F. A. Fliickiger was born on May 15, 1828, at Langenthal, a small village in the Canton of Berne. The son of a mer- chant, he received an education partly in his native country, partly in Berlin, at a commercial institute very celebrated at that time, and he was intended for a pharmaceutical career. He passed through the whole pharmaceutical curri- culum, having been placed as a pupil, in the year 1847, with an apotheker in Solothurn. He was then engaged for a short time in France, Germany and Switzerland, as an assistant, concluding his pharmaceutical studies in the year 1851-52 at Heidelburg, where, in the position of chemical assistant to Professor Delffs, he obtained the degree ot Doctor of Philosophy by means of a dissertation upon the fluorine compounds of anti- mony, which was distinguished by the care and precision of the work. In the following year he worked in Paris with the well - known chemist, Wurtz, and after adding to his knowl- THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 77 edge in London, began, in 1853, his career as a practical apotheker and part proprietor of a pharmacy in the small town of Bnrgdorf, near Berne, There he prosecuted his occupation until i860, together with incidental scientific and literary studies, and then took the posi- tion of manager of the State pharmacy in the town of Berne, to which place he transferred his residence. He occupied this position — with which several other officials (for instance, the members of the Sanitary College and the Pharmaceutical Examiners), were connected, and at the same time that of forensic chemist to the Canton of Berne, until 1873. A year after taking this new position in Berne he began to give public lectures on pharmaceutical subjects, especially pharmacognosy, as tutor at the Univer- sity of Berne, and in 1870 he was elected extraordinary professor in recognition of his academic activity. In 1873 he accepted the very compli- mentary invitation to take the professor- ship of pharmacy and directorship of the pharmaceutical institute at the newly es- tablished University of Strasburg, where he continued for nearly twenty years as an ornament of its mathematical and natural science faculty, and where his death is now lamented as a great loss. With the greatest success and indefati- gable loyalty he continued his labors as teacher, investigator and author until 1892, when, at the age of sixty-four, he resigned, with the object of spending the evening of his life in the undisturbed quiet of literary work in the chief town of his native canton, after having devoted the best years of his life to the academic representation and promotion of his call- ing. At the invitation of a friend he visited New York during this year, returning from there with many pleasant and in- structive recollections at the commence- ment of October. Very soon afterwards indications of a complaint, which had no doubt long been latent, manifested them- selves and in a very short time termi- nated his life. Fliickiger's scientific achievements and merits cannot of course be sufficiently ac- knowledged in a short sketch of his life, but only mentioned in a cursory manner. Indefatigable industry in scientific in- vestigations was a characteristic of his work, assisted as it was by remarkable powers of memory and an astonishing acquaintance with all departments of literature relating to pharmaceutical and natural science. This is the key to an almost astonishing many-sidedness which enabled him without the least danger of superficiality to carry out important work in all departments of his calling and in almost equal degree to cultivate pharmacognosy, pharmaceutical chemis- try and the history of chemistry and of drugs, with such success that, independ- ently of his larger writings, upwards of 300 memoirs have been contributed by him to pharmaceutical literature on those subjects. For a powerful stimulus in promoting his scientific calling he was, no doubt, indebted to his intimate participation in the construction of the first Pharmaco- poeia Helvetica while residing at Burg- dorf. This he had to carry out as Presi- dent of the Swiss Apotheker- Verein from 1857 to 1866. He was also engaged as chief editor of the second edition of the Pharmacopoeia Helvetica, 1872. The preliminary work, experiments, observa- tions and literary studies necessary for this purpose may be regarded as the basis of his " I^ehrbuch der Pharmakog- nosie des Pfianzenreiches," carried out in Berne, the first edition of which was published in 1867 by Gaertner, at Ber- lin, and acquired for him at once a uni- versal reputation and well earned recog- 7» THE A L UMN1 JO URN A L . nition. That work, the second and third editions of which appeared in 1883 and 1891, founded a new epoch in the science and study of pharmacognosy, one of the most eminent representatives of which Fliickiger was generally acknowledged to be. Of still greater interest to all English- speaking pharmacists was " Pharmaco- graphia," published in 1875 conjointly with Daniel Hanbury. In conjunction with that distinguished representative of English pharmacy Fliickiger continued for many years a joint work, which led to the production of a book which is not only generally valued throughout Eng- land and America, but was also of im- portance in regard to all the subsequent publications by Fliickiger upon the sub- ject of pharmacognosy. After the death of Hanbury in 1878 the second edition, revised by Fliickiger, was published by Macmillan. During the same year ap- peared the first edition of his " Pharma- ceutical Chemistry," which treated in a masterly monographic manner of the more important pharmaceutical chemi- cals, and contained an abundance of original observations by himself. The second edition of this work was published in 1 888. As supplementary to his "L,ehr- buch der Pharmakognosie," Fliickiger published in 1873 the " Grundlagen der pharmaceutischenWaarenkunde," of which a second edition appeared, in which Professor Tschirch assisted, and where the anatomical botanical relations indispensable to the study of pharmacog- nosy were treated of. Since the relatively large extent of Fliickiger's "Pharma- kognosie " rendered that work less suit- able for the use of students, he repro- duced its quintessence in a more compact form as a small handbook, the " Grund- riss der Pharmakognosie," which was intended for use by students attending lectures. This book, which soon became popular throughout German - speaking countries, was published in 1884, and in 1892 a second edition appeared, not long before the death of the author. One of the last literary productions of this pharmaceutical author was the work entitled "Reactions," published in 1892, in which the chief chemical reactions of the more important organic substances used in medicine and pharmacy are de- scribed, and an inconceivably large number of original observations by the author are recorded. This was in part a fruit of his labors as member of the Pharmacopoeia Committee of the German Empire. Passing over Fliickiger's his- torical writings, it may be mentioned that he proved himself a master of style in numerous essays, accounts of travels, and other literary productions. His way of writing made all his productions in the highest degree attractive. In concluding this brief notice, it may be said that Fliickiger gave evidence of a combination of unusual natural facul- ties, with a great store of carefully ac- quired knowledge and untiring industry, giving rise to unique literary productions. No one can be compared with him or any one placed before him as having contrib- uted so largely to scientific pharmacy. Switzerland, his native land, will long continue to include him among her most eminent scientific men. Honor to his memory. — Pharm. /our. T?' which is used in the urinary organs, might be worth a trial in Europe, the Brisbane plant being scarce. — Pharm. Jour. Tran., 1894, 253. Thermophilic Bacteria. — A. Macfayden and F. R. Blaxall have made experiments with a view to studying the range of temperature at which it is possible for bacteria to grow. After inoculating agar-agar with garden soil, they found that an abundant growth of bacteria was obtained at the comparatively high temperature of6o°-65°C. To such organisms the term "thermophilic bacteria" is applied. They are widely distributed in nature, being found in faeces sewage, Thames water and mud, surface soil, and soil at a depth of five feet. Dust from the streets invariably contains them, and they are also present in sea water. In fact, they may almost be termed ubiquitous. About twenty different forms of thermophilic bacilli, have been isolated all, with one exception, being spore- bearing organisms. They will not grow at or below blood heat. Some liquefied gelatin, others did not. A number of them curdled milk, and one converted starch into sugar. In broth and agar cultures putrefactive decomposition took place, iodol and sulphuretted hydrogen being produced. The organisms also produced an active decomposition of meat and blood alumin, and several of them produced a fermentation of THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. cellulose. They are said to exercise perfectly all the functions common to saprophytic organ- isms at 6o° to 65 C, that is to say, at a tem- perature which is usually fatal to the life of cell protoplasm. — British Med. Journ., 1894, 644. Novel Hydrocarbon in Fir Tar — A. Renard describes a novel hydrocarbon occurring amongst the products of distillation of fir tar, which is probably a member of the aromatic series. When purified it is a colorless liquid, boiling at 254°-257°. Its density at o°C. equals 0.9419, its refractive index is 1.507, and it is without action on polarized light. Its analysis and vapor density indicate its formula asC H H 22 . Exposed to air it becomes brown in color, but hydrochloric acid does not affect it. With bromine it forms colorless crystals of a tetrabromide derivative, C 14 H 18 Br 4 , and an un- stable bibromide, Ci 4 H 23 Br 2 , may also be pre- pared. A nitro-deiivative. C 13 H 21 N0 2 , is formed by the action of fuming nitric acid upon an acetic solution of the hydrocarbon, and a sulphonic derivative by the action of sulphuric acid. The latter when separated, distilled, and otherwise purified, yields about 15 to 20 per cent, of a saturated hydrocarbon that boils at about 25o°-253°, corresponds to the formula C 14 H 26 , and is unaffected by the strongest acids. The sulphonic acid remaining in solution may be separated by precipitating it as an ammoniac- al salt, which is very soluble in water. The acid also forms an insoluble baiium salt (C 14 H 21 S0 4 ) 2 Ba. The last reaction noted of the hydrocarbon, C l4 H 22 is the very marked blue coloration produced on treating it with a mix- ture of sulphuric acid and alcohol. This, ac- cording to Maquenne, is characteristic of the aromatic hydrides. The partial transformation of the new compound, when treated with sul- phuric acid, into a saturated hydrocarbon may be compared with the transformation of hepti- nene, C V H 13 , into toluene hexahydride, and it may possibly be correct to regard it as bi hepti- nyl, C 7 H 1( — CvHjf, or bi-tolyl octo-hydride (H 4 — C 7 H 7 )— C 7 H 7 — H 4 ). This formula also accords with the transformation of the com- pound into a satuiated hydrocarbon or bi-tolyl dodecahydride (H, .— C 7 H 7 )— (C 7 H 7 — H,.), by fixation of four atoms of hydrogen. — Pharm. Jour. Trans. ,\^\, 354; Covip. rend., cxix., 625. Constitution of Limonene. — Wallach has determined the constitution of limonene from the following considerations :— Limonene reacts with bromine, forming limonene tetrabromide which is decomposed by sodium methylate thus : — C 111 H 1(i Br 4 -f-3NaOCH3=C 10 H 14 BrOCH 3 +3NaBr+2CH 3 OH. The product can be made to yield the methyl ether of carvol by treatment with silver acetate and acetic acid, and by treatment with hydro- bromic acid dipentene tetrabromide results. Since carvol and dipentene can be obtained from limonene tetrabromide, that compound must have one of the three lollowing for- mulae : — CH, Br CH, Br CH, Br H 2 H, HBr HBr H 2 HBi HBr HBr H, Br H, C 3 H- Br C.,H 7 Br C 3 H- Br I. II. III. The third is considered an unlikely configura- tion from analogy. By acting on I. with sodium methylate, no product could result which would yield carvol or dipentene derivatives on treatment with silver acetate or hydrobromic acid. But II. would yield the ether, and is cap- able of forming carvol ether and dipentene tetrabromide. Now terpineol yields a tribromide of known composition, and the three bromine atoms in its formula are in the same position as those presupposed for limonene tetrabromide, whilst the compound yields carvol ether by proper treatment, identical with carvol ether obtained from limonene. Thus the formulae for limonene tetrabromide and limonene are con- firmed.— Ann. der Chem. 281, p. 127. (P.J. Tr) Localization of Alkaloids in Plants. — In a paper in the Bulletin of the Belgian Microscop- ical Society (1894), M. Clautriau describes the mode of distribution of the alkaloids in a variety of plants, which he arranges under five types, viz. : — ( 1 ) In a layer of cells lying between the endosperm and the true testa (Alropa bella- donna. Datura stramonium, Hyoscyamus niger); (2 J in two laj ers, especially in the outer one, between the endosperm and the peri- carp ; also, to a smaller extent, in the epiderm, and in the cells which accompany the vascular bundles (Conium maculalum); (3) in the en- dosperm, especially in its peripheral cells (Aconitum napellus, Delphinium stapkisagria); (4) in all the cells of the endosperm, and to a smaller extent in those of the embryo (Strych- nos nux-vomica) ; (5) apparently in the coty- ledons and plumules (Lupinus albus). The al 102 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. kaloids take no active part in germination, but are formed in the seedling by decomposition of the albuminoids. In Papaver somniferwn the amount of alkaloids decreases as the seeds ripen, and this is accompanied by an elimina- tion of nitrogen. Their chief function here ap- pears to be to protect the plant from consump- tion by animals. — Pharm. Jour. Trans., 1894, 355- Formation and Function of Tannins. — In a paper in Programm der Pealschule vor dem Holstenthore in Hamburg, G. Mielke traces the formation of taunins in plants through phenols, phenol -alcohols, and alde- hydes ; they occur, in chemical combination with sugar, as glucosides, and play an im- portant part in vegetable economy, since they are the indispensable materials for the produc- tion of lignifying substances. They are never formed out of albuminoids, and are not nutritive substances ; they can take part in metabolism only when they revert to their previous stages by absorption of water. Resins and essential oils are probably the final results of the meta- morphosis of tannins. — Pharm. Jour. Trans., 1894, 355- Action of Light on Diastase. — J. R. Green states that the results of the experi- ments that have so far been conducted show that light, whether solar or electric, exercises a destructive effect upon diastase, which con- tinues after the exposure to light is discon- tinued, the exposed solution gradually becom- ing weaker until it possesses no diastasic power. This deleterious influence is confined to the rays of the violet end of the spectrum, the others being slightly favorable rather than destructive. Part of the solution so found to be affected by light-rays was kept in darkness and maintained its diastasic power unimpaired for more than a month, by which time the exposed portion of the solution, which had also been kept in dark- ness after an exposure of from two to eleven days, possessed no power to act upon starch. The experiments were performed on an extract of malt prepared by infusing ground malt with water or salt solution, and the results would seem to indicate the desirability of care- fully protecting malt extracts from the action of light. A comparison of the diastasic power of fresh malt extract with that of similar material exposed in the pharmacy for varying periods suggests itself as an investigation of direct phar- maceutical and medical interest. At the same time it yet remains to be proved that the dias. tase is the chief or only active agent in malt extract. The coloring matter of the barley -husk has been proved to act as a screen which pre- serves the diastase from the destructive effect of light, whether it is dissolved in the extract made from malted barley or used separately as a screen placed before the cells in which ex- posure is made. — Pharm. Jour. Trans., 1894, 355, from Annals of Botany. Wheat and Rye Starch. — E. Guenez points out that these starches possess very similar characters, and it is difficult at times to say de- cidedly that a given sample consists of one rather than the other. To distinguish the two kinds he recommends that a little of the material be mounted in water for examination with the microscope. The wheat starch will then be seen to contain comparatively few split grains, which possess an isolated fracture situated near the edge or proceeding from the centre to the circumference. In the case of rye starch the split grains are more numerous and possess a star-shaped fracture with three or four branches, apparently originating in the centre of the grain and rarely reaching the grain. Some grains may also be found which have only a linear crack, but this will be larger in the centre of the grain than towards the edges, just the reverse . of what occurs in wheat. — Bull, de pharm. de Bordeaux, xxxiv., 2S9. {P.J. Jr.) Tinctures and Tincture Making. — (H W. Jones, )— The Pharmacopceial (B. P.) tinctures are made by several methods, the bulk being produced by a combination of maceration, per- colation and pressure. By those means it was intended to fully exhaust the drugs, and present the soluble constituents in a definite volume of liquid. The purpose was answered, but with more complex working than necessary. In the original edition of the 1885 Pharm., Tinct.Zingib. fort, was directed to be prepared by percolation, but in the "Additions," subsequently published, three others were ordered to be so made. The general instructions forTiuct. Hamamelidisand Tinct. Hydrastis were perfect, and it was to be taken as a sign of the times that the more modern method was recognized. That the bulk of the tinctures of the Pharmacopoeia could be so prepared would not be controverted. The three essential points to be attended to were : (1) To damp as quickly as possible to avoid loss, and to store in a closed vessel during macera- tion ; (2) To properly pack the moistened in- gredients so as to avoid air-spaces; and (3) To keep the surface just covered with the mens- truum during the entire process. Some opera- tors packed straightway into the percolation THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 103 after damping, but in most cases, at least, the author found it advisable to store for 24 hours in a separate closed vessel, and to finally mix well together, adding a little more menstruum if really necessary before the final packing. The percolator was generally advised to be of a coni- cal shape, but operating on a large scale, with a considerable amount of material, a vessel of that form had the disadvantage of giving a large surface to the upper layer of spirit, and consequent liability to loss from evaporation. Whatever form of percolator was adopted, it was a distinct advantage to have the bottom part of it tapering. For the author's own part he preferred a tap, which could be closed or opened to a simple tube; and showed a model of a percolator which he had devised. This con- sisted of an upright, somewhat narrow, metallic vessel, with a funnel shaped bottom part pro- vided with a tap having a thread-screw on the outer part, so that tubes of various lengths could be screwed on or off. The special feature of the perculator being a band of metal around the bottom part deep enough to enclose the tap when the tubes were removed. By means of the band the apparatus would stand erect on any plane surface. In use the percolators were arranged on a stout bench with diamond shaped holes, through which the hand could be passed to turn on or off the taps or fix the tubes. In commenting on various tinctures, it was con- sidered that with Tinct. Camph. Co., the opium could advantageously be replaced by a corres- ponding amount of Tinct. Opii. as advocated by Squire. In the case of Tinct. Cardam. Co., the author said he would venture to suggest that the variety of raisins known as"sultanas" might be used, as they contained no stones, As was well-known, the B. P. instructions gave a pro. duct of more than 80 ozs. without making up. It was a tincture which could be prepared by percolation if the various ingredients were well mixed together. It had been suggested to pre- pare Tinct. Cascarillae by means of a weaker spirit, but Groves found that even with proof spirit it was nothing like so good as when the spirit was slightly stronger. Tinct. Guaiaci ammon. would be better prepared with a stronger menstruum, Wright's proportions of 18 ozs. S. V. R. and 2 ozs. Liq. Ammon. Fort giving 82 grs. per oz. of solids as against 62 grains for the present spirit of ammonia. Tinct Myrrhse was an example of a tincture which could not be prepared by percolation without previous maceration. Tinct. Podophylli should not be fluorescent.- The author had recently seen a tincture that was strongly so ; and he had pointed out some yearb ago that, that result was due to the employment of resin precipitated in alum water instead of by the B. P. method. Heat was necessary in making Tinct. Quininse , and the suggestion of Lunan as to the substitu- tion of carbonate of ammonia for the hydrate was worthy of the attention of the pharmaceuti- cal authorities, since the product formed a clear solution with 13 parts of distilled water, whereas the present tincture required 26 parts. However made, tincture marcs retained a de- cided amount of spirit. By pressure, a certain proportion could be obtained ; but a relatively large quantity was left behind. He had found, for example, that a batch of 60 gals, of Tinct. Opii. would leave something like 2 gals, in the marc; and a similar amount of spirit would be retained by marcs resulting from 16 gals, of Tinct Cinchon.Co., Tinct. Hyoscyami and Tinct. Sennae. In no case was it desirable to wash out that spirit with water if it were intended to form a part of the finished product. On the whole, he preferred to percolate right through with the proper menstruum till the full bulk was obtain- ed, and to recover the spirit from the marc by distillation in a large still, with sufficient water to prevent the formation of clots of material. To wash certain marcs with water took con- siderable time, during which the mass was apt to become mouldy or decompose. In reference to standardized tinctures, there was a definite statement as to the alkaloidal strength of both Tinct. Opii., and Tinct. Nuc Vomicae in the Pharmacopoeia. Experience had shown that the menstruum did not exhaust the Opium, but by taking a tincture made with a strong opium and one made with a B. P. drug, the percentage required could be obtained by mixing the two in the proportions indicated by an assay. As to the method of assaying Tinct. Opii , he would prefer to follow the B. P. method as closely as possible rather than attempt wash- ing out with acetic ether and chloroform. Familiarity with Tinct. Nuc. Vomicae had not strengthened the view that the use of extract was the best method of preparing it. Similarly the employment of extracts of other drugs was not to be advocated. The subject had received particular attention at the 1893 meeting of the British Pharmaceutical Conference, and had been condemned. A tincture was supposed to contain the constituents of the drugs, as they existed in the drugs themselves, unaltered by heat. Gerrard's statement had not been con- troverted, that with atropine, a solution boiled io4 THE A L UMN1 JO URNAL. with alcohol even for ten minutes lost 50 per cent, of its alkaloidal power. At present there was no direct authority for standardizing gener- ally, but there was such a demand for standard- ized preparations, and the result was that, in the absence of official methods, each wholesale house or each pharmacist, was left to fix the standards, so that uniformity was not likely to exist. Something was wanted more than mere statements of percentages : the methods of analysis should be well defined. Meyer's solu. tion was out of date, and it was hardly settled whether volumetric methods or gravimetric pro- cesses should be followed; or even in some cases, as that of aconite, if the test should not be physiological. Messrs. Wright and Farr stood pre eminent amongst British workers, and had for several years been publishing the most im- portant results, and he thought their methods of assay might well be adopted. Various stand- ards had been suggested, but in most cases of average good drugs, but the author of the paper had met with a practical difficulty which re- quired some consideration. It was, that it was not difficult to obtain drugs frequently above any average that might be fixed, and the ques- tion arose— Should we use less to produce a preparation of "average" strength ? He thought not, as the Pharmacopoeia distinctly ordered a definite weight to be taken, so that for the pres- ent, at least, he ventured to suggest that the standard adopted should be that approximating to the highest percentage. Concentrated tinc- tures might receive some attention at their hands. They were more properly described as fluid extracts, and experience had shown that fluid extracts prepared with proof spirit, at least, were somewhat unstable. So that it might be asked what strength of spirit should be used for exhaustion. As an example, they had Tinct. Catechu, and to produce a concentrated tincture four times the ordinary strength, it was required to dissolve or exhaust 10 ounces, of catechu, with sufficient proof spirit to produce one pint of finished liquid. Could a permanent and satis- factory preparation be so made. Again, capsi- cum formed a tincture in which an excess of spirit might appear to be used for exhaustion but the dose being small, it was probably better for dispensing purposes than a stronger tincture given in smaller amounts. If concentrated tinctures were used, let them be employed for special .purposes rather than for the preparation of the official tinctures.— Brit, and Col. Drug, 1894, 489. MANUFACTURE OF ESSENTIAL OILS. The essential oil industry has derived considerable advantages from the pro- gress in the chemical investigation of es- sential oils. The term which used often to be applied to the supposed work- manlike manufacture of an essential oil, that it had been turned out according to the rules of the art {lege artis) is now no longer suitable. A mode of manu- facture based upon intelligent prin- ciples has replaced rule - of- thumb work ; craftmanship has been ousted by science, which, in teaching us the physical and chemical properties of an oil, indicates at the same time ways and means of improving its manufacture. Nowadays each raw material requires its own method of distillation, every crude oil its own special mode of rectification. The processes of preparing similar oils are sometimes altogether different in principle, while in other cases slight de- viations in method are sufficient to bring about important improvements in the manufacture. The fact that freshly distilled oils have a disagreeable sub- sidiary odor, the so-called "still smell," was formerly looked upon as quite a matter of course, but it is now known to indicate either want of knowledge in the process of distillation or gross carelessness. The fresher the oil, the purer should be its odor and taste. Freshly rectified oil of caraway should smell just, as aromatic and agree- able as the freshly crushed seed. If, as a result of defective distillation, an oil has once acquired the well-known mouldy sharp odor, no amount of ex- posure of the oil to the air will remove this entirely ; but, on the other hand, the oil, if kept in this condition, all the more rapidly falls a victim to the fate of almost all essential oils, viz., resinifica- tion or other decomposition, without hav- ing ever been really pure in odor or taste. — SchimmeV s Bericht, 1894. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 105 THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK. ISy Prof. H. H. RUSBY, M. D. {Continued from March issue.) Articles of the first class are chiefly purchastd from the wholesale druggist. Nevertheless, the pharmacist is not prop- erly qualified to escape with readiness the results of deception and error unless he has a fair knowledge of the original sources of supply. Indeed, in the case of a number of articles the best results require that the pharmacist should seek his own crude materials in a state of nature. Owing to the probability that a number of other vegetable drugs are more efficacious when used in the tresh condition, a still further knowledge of this character is likely to be required from the pharmacist in the future. The principal portion of his knowledge of materia metica, however, will always be restricted to the identification and esti- mation of the crude materials as found in the warehouses or sample rooms of the wholesale druggist. In making such selection he is obliged to depend in the case of all but three of the 175 drugs of this class, upon his knowledge of botany. Great efforts have been made within the past decade to discover chemical processes by which botany might be relieved of this responsibility, and at the same time greater accurancy be attained in the estimation of vegetable drugs. Up to the pre-ent time, however, a success sat- isfactory to the Pharmacopoeia Commit- tee has been attained only in the case of the three drugs, opium, cinchona and mix vomica. For the entire remainder, the application of botanical knowledge is the only means at the command of the pharmacist. Botany so applied consti- tutes the chief portion of the branch of study known as pharmacognosy. Its requirements of the student are most ex- acting. As there is no part of the plant which does not in one or more cases enter into the materia medica, it follows that the student's knowledge of vegetable structure must extend to every one of the plant organs. Up to the present time the Pharmacopoeia has assumed that all these drugs are to be selected by the pharmacist in a crude condition, so that it has required of him only a knowledge of the organs in situ, or entire. The fact, however, that fully seventy-five per cent, of these products are purchased in a powdered or more or less comminuted condition particularly — and more especi- ally from foreign sources, — that adultera- tion is to be looked for, has called for an increasing resort to the aid of the com- pound microscope and an increasing re- finement and complexity in the observa- tions required. The proper preservation and storage of his materials is a matter of no small con- sequence as enabling the pharmacist to prevent destruction or deterioration, ac- cidental reactions between the article stored and the occurrence of dangerous errors. The same will apply to prescription reading. Those who have not inquired into the matter would find it difficult to realize what almost insurmountable diffi- culties are presented to the young phar- macist in the reading of prescriptions. Illegible writing, misplacing of symbols, ambiguous abbreviations, incorrect and misleading spelling, and bad Latin con- stitute only a portion. A good knowl- edge of Latin is, of course, one of the requisites of the pharmaceutical educa- tion ; but even this will not always en- able the pharmacist to correctly interpret instructions which themselves contain errors. It is in point of fact simply im- possible for a pharmacy course to com- plete the student's knowlege of prescrip- tion reading. Long experience in drug store practice is the only means at com- mand. -o6 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL ^iltinjui Association. The pharuiaceulical meeting of the Alumni Association was held March 13, '95. Despite the very disagreeable weather, quite a large audience gathered to hear the very interesting lecture de- livered by Mr. Chas. E. Pellew. E M , who is well known by all the recent graduates and present students of the college; this fact, probably accounting for the large audience. The classes of '93 and '94 were both well rep- resented; the class of '94 especicially distinguishing itself by the large num- ber present, prominent among whom was Nelson S. Kirk, who supplies The Alumni Journal with very interesting and valuable class matter in each monthly issue, thereby stimulating the interest of the students in behalf of the Alumni Association. The College of Physicians and Surgeons, was also very well repre- sented, by students, quite a few of whom brought their lad} 7 friends. The lecture proved very interesting indeed, and the audience were well re- paid for "braving the elements" to hear the jovial son-in-law of Prof. Chas. F. Chandler. Not enough members of the executive board of the Association being present to transact business, no executive board meeting could be held. Respectfully submitted, W. A. Hoburg, Jr., Sec'y. '93 NOTES. Who does not remember Banks H. Bouton, who could smile so sweetly at all the pretty girls and receive smiles in return, better than any other man in our class ? I met him in New Rochelle, where he is at present managing Hafford's phar- macj 7 . Congratulations upon his engage- ment to Miss Edith Le Fevre, are due to him, and I'm sure that all who know him will heartily wish him all happiness and luck for his future. Apropos of engagements and mar- riages. A good number of our '93 seem to have been stricken with it. Harry Heller is married, Zwigly, ditto, so is Kipp, from Sing Sing. Julius Tan- nenbaum announces his engagement to Miss R. J. Goodman. He has reformed at last and is selling plasters for it, and is thus getting a "pull." One of '93 boys has "Pharmaceutical Chemist" on his cards. Would Chemi- cal Pharmacist do as well ? Will members of '93 communicate with J. Tannenbuam, to keep up the '93 column, and help make it to be anxiously looked for ? Julius Tannenbaum, Reporter, 74 East 105th St., City. '94 NOTES. One of the most interesting as well as suc- cessful lectures of the Alumni series was that delivered by Dr. Pellew on Wednesday evening, March 13th. It would seem that by the manner in which he officiated the subject was one of his especial liking. He began with accounts both weird and start- ling of famous poisoners before Christ, passing up through Socrates' time. He laid particular stress on Lucuster, a noted preparer of poison- ous draughts, who was employed in this capac- ity bv her emperor. Of modern cases those of Dr. Buchanan and Mrs. May brick were briefly considered until the Carlyle Harris case was reached. Here the doctor dwelt considerable time enumerating episodes of this young man who was under his tuition at College both before and after the fatal dose was given. Arsenic in some form being the predominat- ing poison, the Marsh apparatus in working or- der was on exhibition, and how familiar it look- ed ! The anticipation of the audience, large for such a stormy night were fully realized. The delegation from '94 was an evidence of the Doc- tor's popularity. The roll of honor was headed by ex Secretary Liunig, then came Messrs. Kellar, Dawson, Kussey, Race, Krueder, Col. Wade, Clarke, Auerbach, Burger, Erb, Geisler, Gruber, Hutchinson. Loveland, Van Tassel 1 and Stoerzer, a total of 18 or nearly 15 per cent. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 107 of our class. This looks as though enthusiasm was gaining a very promising outlook for the Alumni Association whose ranks have already been largely swelled by our class. Formerly imbued with the spirit of athletic sports. Col. Wade and B. Edgar Dawson were among the first to join the New Manhattan Athletic Club which has recently opened under auspicious circumstances. A day's labor of fif- teen hours does not prevent them from taking their favorite course which usually consists of gymnastic exercise, a few miles' spin around the track followed by a plunge in one of the largest and finest tanks in the country, and finally a rub down several times a week, but to the contrary this " heroic treatment " has put them in fine condition. As guests of these gentlemen several of their classmates have recently enioyed the hospitality of the club JOE KusSEY.our able Valedictorian, still resides in Newark, N. J., and may be found any day practicing the profession in H. M. O'Neil's store which formerly belonged to the Crescent Drug Co. and is one of Newark's largest phar- macies. Joe has not forgotten his old associates and expresses regret in not seeing more of the familiar faces. He speaks about eventually tak- ing up either medicine or dentistry. AT the reception of the Pharmaceutical Club I was particularly impressed with the popularity of several of our boys with the fair sex. Dawson was overwhelmed with " Beauts," Race was ex- ceedingly gallant to the handsome cashier of a prominent drug firm in this city, while Clarke said, as he ran his fingers through that luxuriant beard of his "no thanks I'll not indulge tonight." Upon close observance I noticed he was eyeing a Deutsche Apotheker's daughter and I dare say he envied her "steady." MUST not the lectures be interesting when a man will come from Plainfield, N. J., to attend them ? Well, that is just what one of our loyal classmates (John P. Hutchinson) does and fur- thermore intends to do. He has been with J. H. Leggett since last September and is thriving beautifully on Jersey's balmy air as is also Ger- ard who is manager for Frank E. Hatch, of Rutherford, N. J. Think this OVER, on Wednesday evening, April 10th, a lecture will be given by A. Ernest Gallant. It will be the last of this season's series. You are in a position to attend. Will you doit? Nelson S. Kirk, Ph. G., 9 E. 59th st. pernor (^lass N°tes. ^/ * AT a meeting held Wednesday evening, Feb. 20, 1895, the following matters were regularly considered : Valedictorian. — Chairman reported that the time specified for receiving names had expired, and that up to the present time eleven names had been handed in. He requested that the committee be relieved from further duty, and moved that final action be taken on the matter at a meeting to be held two weeks from date. Committee discharged and motion carried as follows : Moved that the candidate receiving the high- est number of votes be chosen for the honor ; that the one having the next highest number be selected as substitute ; that each contestant ap- pear before the class with some prepared speech or selection. Revision oj Constitution.— Chairman reported that the committee had completed its work, in accordance with instructions ; that Constitution as revised was respectfully submitted to the President, and requested that committee be dis- charged. Moved, seconded and carried, that committee be discharged, and that Constitution be read by the Secretary and be voted on by sections. This was done, and Constitution accepted as a whole. Executive Committee.— Moved, seconded and carried, that in order to be in accord with the Constitution the previous Executive Committee be discharged and that a new one be appointed to consist of ten members, as follows, viz.: President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treas- urer of the class to act as ex officio, and that three (3) members be chosen from each of the two sections. The following gentlemen were thereupon chosen to constitute an Executive Committee : Jesse I. Bailey, President ; Harry B. Ferguson Vice-Frtsident ; Thomas P. HefHey. Secretary ; James B. Carter, Treasurer. Section 1— Francis P. Bannon, Daniel E. Brown, George R. Man- ville. Section 2— Frank B. Beh, William M. Kerr, Frank L,. Chambers. Class Photograph. — Chairman of this commit- tee read the various estimates submitted by dif- ferent photographers, and asked that they re- ceive further instructions. On motion, seconded and carried, it was de- cided that the committee place upon the bulle- tin board the complete list, with full details, before any action be taken. io8 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. Class Flag. — Chairman of the committee re- ported that as its duties were practically ended, it be relieved. It was accordingly discharged with thanks. Class Pin. — After discussion on this matter, on motion, seconded and carried, the award was made to C. B. Braxmar, who guaranteed that the workmanship and quality would be in every way equal to the original design sub- mitted. Price per pin to be $2.50. On motion meeting adjourned. T. P. Heffley, Sec'y. A MEETING was held Wednesday evening, March 6. After calling to order, President Bailey stated the character and importance of the business for consideration. The following matters came up before the class, respectively, by motion, were seconded, voted upcn and carried : Commencement. — It was decided that the Valedictorian should make his address at the Commencement exercises instead of at the class supper. Valedictorian. — It was decided at the previ- ous meeting that the candidate receiving the highest number of votes be chosen for this honor ; that the one receiving the next highest number be selected as substitute in the event of any unforeseen or unexpected circumstacne preventing the other party from fulfilling the duty ; and that each contestant appear before the meeting with some prepared speech or se- lection. In accordance therewith addresses and declamations were rendered by four of the candidates. Motion was then made, seconded and carried that the candidates be voted for by ballot, and Messrs H. B, Ferguson and F. L. Flick were appointed to act as tellers. The result was the choice of David M. Wells as Valedictorian, and of Frank B. Beh as substitute. Motion was made and carried that the elec- tion be made unanimous, which was done, and at the call of the meeting both of the gentle- men responded pleasantly and fittingly. Class Poet —On motion, seconded and car- ried, Mr. Francis P. Bannon was elected as Poet for Class of '95. Class Historian — On motion, seconded and carried, Mr. Frank L. Chambers was elected to fill this office. Class Prophet.— On motion, seconded and carried, Mr. William M. Kerr was chosen to act in this capacity. Adjournment, by regular motion. Thomas P. Heffley, Sec'y. VISIONS OF THE PAST. Dedicated to the Class of '95, N. V. C. P. There are times when our thoughts will wander Back to our college days ; And lead us through scenes and enchantments That live in our hearts always. And we dream of our bygone pleasures, Heedless of sorrow and pain; We sigh when we think of the present, And wish we were boys again. Thus we sleep on forever thinking. Life is a rippling stream ; Which is bearing us onward forever, In the sweetest of measures — a dream. —Francis R. Sheahan, Class of '95. Attention is directed to the students of the Senior Class to the article on Alkaloids, Alka- loidal Salts and Neutral Principles arranged in an excellent form for study by A. N. Doerschuk and published as a supplement to the National Druggist, for March, 1895.— Editor. CONSTITUTION OF THE CLASS OF '95 OF THIS College of Pharmacy of the City of New York. ARTICLE I. NAME AND MOTTO. Section i. This Class shall be called the ' ' Class of '95 of the College of Pharmacy of the City of New York." Sec. 2. The motto of this Class shall be " Entre nous" (Between ourselves). ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP. Section I. This Class shall be composed of Active and Honorary Members. Sec. 2. Active Members shall consist exclu- sively of Senior students of the Class of '95. SEC. 3. Honorary Members shall consist of the Faculty of the College of Pharmacy of the City of New York, ex-ojficio. They shall be en- titled to all the privileges of the Active Members. ARTICLE HI. OFFICERS. Section i. The officers of this Society shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Record- ing Secretary and a Treasurer, and officers so elected by the class shall be chosen exclusively from the Active Members of the different sec- tions of the Class of '95. SEC. 2. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Class. SEC. 3. In the absence of the President, the Vice- President shall perform the duties incum- bent upon that officer. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 109 In case of a vacancy in Presidency, the Vice- President shall become President of the Class. SEC. 4. The duties of the Recording Secre- tary shall be to read the minutes, record the proceedings of each meeting, and take charge of all official documents belonging to the Class. SEC. 5. The Treasurer shall collect all moneys due the Class, disburse the same, with the au- thority of the President, and keep a strict account of the financial affairs, a written report of which he shall present at every regular meet- ing. SEC. 6. Every officer at retirement shall pre- sent a written report of all his official trans- actions. ARTICLE IV. ELECTIONS. Section i. All the officers of this Class shall be elected by ballot on the first regular meeting of the Class of each year, which shall be the last Saturday in October, and shall enter upon the duties of their office at the next regular meeting. A majority of the legal votes cast shall be necessary for a choice. SEC. 2. No election shall be legal unless a quorum vote, and no proxy vote shall be per- missible. ARTICLE V. IMPEACHMENTS. Section i. Any member may be removed from office at any regular meeting by a two- thirds (%) vote of members present, provided he shall have been impeached in a manner specified in the By-Laws, and provided a ma- jority of members be present. ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS. Section i. There shall be a regular meeting of the Class every second Wednesday, unless a majority of the members otherwise decree. Si c. 2. Spec'al meetings of this Class shall be called by the President. Sec. 3. One-fourth of the voting members of this Class shall constitute at special meeting a ■quorum, but at regular meetings a majority shall rule. ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION. Section i. Every amendment, alteration and addition to this Constitution shall be presented by motion and adopted at the regular meeting when presented by a two-thirds ( yi) vote. SEC. 2. A two-thirds ( % ) vote shall be re- quired to suspend any clause or clauses of the Constitution. BY-LAWS. SECTION i. At the regular meetings of the class, the following order of business shall be obsesved : 1. Reading the minutes of previous meeting. 2. Reports of Committees and Officers. 3. Unfinished business. 4. Miscellaneous business. 5. Adjournment. SEC. 2. The regular election shall take place immediately after the reports of the Committees and Officers, at which meetings there shall be no other business transacted. Sec. 3. In case of the absence of both the President and Vice-President, a chairman shall be appointed pro tempore. SEC. 4. The yeas or nays on any question may be recorded at the request of not less than five members. SEC. 5. In order to defray whatever expenses the class may incur, each member shall pay accordingly. SEC. 6. The resignation of any officer or member shall be acted upon at regular meeting when presented. SEC. 7. All committees shall report finally, within two weeks from the time of appointment. Sec. 8. All impeachments shall be made in writing, and signed by five members, and all charges shall be particularly specified. SEC. 9. All impeachments must be referred to special committee to be elected, whose duty it shall be to investigate the charges and make a report, which shall be presented to the class at the next regular meeting, and which, if in favor of the accused shall be final. Otherwise, the class shall deal in accordance with the Con- stitution, whether he shall be reprimanded, sus- pended or expelled. The member so complained of shall be furnished with a copy of the charges made against him as soon as the said committee shall be appointed. SEC. 10. All propositions for amendment, alteration or addition to these By-laws shall be made by motion and voted upon, and may be adopted at the regular meeting when proposed by a vote of two-thirds of members present. SEC. 11. The whole or any portion of the preceding By-laws may be suspended by a vote of two-thirds of the members present. Sec 12. Any other matters. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL, Sec. 13. An Executive Committee shall be appointed by the Class, consisting often (10) in number, as follows : President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Class, e.\ officio, and six (6) additional members, equally chosen from each of the two sections, duty of said Com- mittee to see that the commencement exercises of the Class are properly conducted. Junior N°tes. Juniors now is the time fcr review if you have not already commenced. Examination day is less than four weeks off, and there are few of us indeed, whose year's record would not be benefited by some extra study. Before our next issue, the 20th of April will have gone, and the question, have you passed, will be settled. The Journal merely hopes that every Junior can answer that question with yes. SkylER says you don't know what work is until you have pulled Moffat up to the third or fourth floor on the dumb-waiter. The class enjoyed a laugh on one of our professors the other day, who after lecturing, several mintutes, describing a chart, discovered that it was upside down. Invitations are out for a reception to be held at 38 W. 94th street, Thursday evening, March 21, given by Messrs. Jant, Gugorins and Zriner. These gentlemen deserve great credit in trying to bring the class together socially. PETTiNGER says a tuber is the root with a tube on the inside. Some of the class have their doubts. IT has been decided to hold the arithmetic examination about two weeks before the others, which is very satisfactory indeed, to the stu- dents. Prof.— How would you determine in the power of , percolation when the drug is ex- hausted. X. — No answer. Prof. — Take the cochineal for instance. X.— Its a light color. Prof. — Light blue or green. X. —Light green. J. Y. Cantwell, 261 W. 42d Street. our three little maids Few classes can boast of girls rare In wisdom, or features fair, For only Juniors seem to have Such girls with dark and golden hair. One from haughty, God's descended One fr m Cupid's smiling hand, One like Psyche never offended Her anger could command. Such the three in combination Tipping softly, in they come, Then a storm of approbation Slartles like a bursting bomb. 'Tis because the boys are happy And their hands give vent to bliss. Not because they would be naughty Gentle maids don't think amiss. C. H. Patrick, THE SYNTHETIC FOOD OF THE FUTURE. 1 By HARVEY W. WILEY. The problem of human nutrition is the great groundwork of sociology. I use the word nutrition in its broadest sense, including clothing and fuel, which, while not as essential as food to life, are quite as important factors in civilization. Until within a few years the study of nutrition and the means of providing it have been deemed the exclusive function of agricul- ture. In the development of this idea, we have seen springing into existence in all parts of the civilized world, within the past twenty-five years, colleges of agri- culture and agronomic experiment sta- tions in large numbers. Especially in this country have we seen the greatest activity in this line. In all the States and territories, fostered by the federal government, schools have been establish- ed in which instruction in agriculture has been made a fundamental branch of the college curriculum. There are fifty - seven agricultural experiment stations in the United States. Each State and ter- ritory has at least one. Louisana has three, Alabama, Connecticut, Massachu- setts, New Jersey, aui New York each two, and the Departat«i.t of Agriculture 1 Retiring address of Harvey W. Wiley, as President of the Society, Boylston Hall. Harvard University, Dec. 28, 894. (Reprinted in Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, March, 1895}. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. two, one in Florida and one in California. For the support of the State and territorial stations, Congress has made an appropria- tion for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 1895, of $745,000 and for the Department stations $10,000, in all $755,000. The agricultural colleges in the States and territories have also been endowed by grants of public land proportionate in extent to the numbers of Senators and representatives in Congress. The annual money value of these grants varies with their extent and wisdom with which they have been invested, but the total sum is approximately a million and a half dol- lars. In addition to this a sum of money is granted annually to each agricultural college directly from the treasury, and this sum is to be increased at the rate of $1,000 per annum until it amounts for each institution to $25,000 a year. This amount will be reached in five years. At present the total sum so granted is nearly a million dollars, and it will soon be a million and a quarter. The total amount of the financial aid thus granted directly from the treasury to the agricultural colleges and experiment stations is at the present time approximately three million and a quarter dollars annually. To this must be added the amount given directly by the States and arising from private endowments — a sum of no inconsiderable importance. In all it may be said that about four million dollars in this country are annually devoted to the promotion of agricultural and allied education and re- search, a sum more liberal than that de- voted by any other country to similar objects. The natural result from such investi- gations is an increase in soil productive- ness, the reclamation of lands supposed heretofore to be unfit for tilage and a greater economy of food production. The supply of human food, therefore, appears to more than keep step with the increase in population and food consumption. In so far as economic reasons extend, there is no occasion to look outside of scientific agriculture for the supply of human food. But another view is presented of the subject of a more strictly scientific aspect, based on the remarkable progress which has been made in the past few years in the domain of synthetic chemistry. The year 1828 marks a new era in the history of chemistry. It was in this year that Wohler succeded in making synthetic urea by the union of cyanic acid and ammonia. Urea is not of a high order of organic bodies; in fact, it is a result of retrograde action in the ving organism and the consequent result of the breaking down of higher organic bodies ; yet its artificial formation was a brilliant victory of chemical methods, a bold and successful charge on the breast works of organic compounds. To change the figure, it was the crossing of the dead line which had been drawn previously between the liv- ing cell and the inanimate crucible. The line once having been crossed, the old distinctions between the organic and the inorganic world have been completely obliterated. With them have gone also the divisions which were supposed to separate the animal from the plant. It is now known that animals do not get their entire nourishment from so-called organic nor plants from inorganic com- pounds. Many plants, espicially those of free of chlorophyl, live alone on organic compounds. Especially noteworthy among these, from the character of the chemical activity which they manifest, are the vegetations of a bacterial nature, living largely on organic products. Even the green plants first fabricate the inor- ganic elements into organic compounds before taking them into their tissues. The green cells are the tiny kitchens in which the meals of the plant molecules are prepared. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. Without dwelling on further details of this subject, it is sufficient for the present purpose to state that the progress of modern science has entirely changed our ideas respecting the sharp lines of divi- sion which were formerly thought to ex- ist between the animal and vegetable, and between the nature of artificial chem- ical compounds and those produced by biochemical action in the living organ- ism. We stand, therefore, face to face with the fact that it is possible to pro- duce, by artificial means in the labor- atory compounds which have heretofore been the results of exclusive biochemical functional activity of living organisms. One remarkable fact in connection with Wohler's synthesis of an organic com- pound is of interest here. While all the chemical world wondered at Wohler's achievement, nearly fifty years elapsed before this rich field of chemical progress was further cultivated to any extent, with the single exception of the synthesis of acetic acid by Kolbe, in 1845. But since that time remarkable progress has been made. It is not my purpose here to recite in detail the synthetic accom- plishments of Berthelot, Kekule, Kolbe, Maumene. Baeyer, Hoffmann, Frank- land, Ladenberg, Fischer, and many other celebrated workers in this field. 1 For the put pose of the present paper, only two points in organic chemical svn- thesis need be considered ; viz., first, the economy of the process, and second, the probability of the production of food compounds suited to the nourishment of man. In respect of the first point, we find many illustrative examples of synthetic products which are furnished at a so small an expense as to practically exclude from the market the corresponding natural articles. Among these may be mention- ed salicylic acid made artificially by Kolbe's process. Salicylic acid occurs as a natural product in the flowers of 1 See Rise and Development of Organic Chemistry, by C Schorlemmer, revised edition, 1894. -J. prakt. Chem., 2, 10, 93. Spirea ulmaria and as a methyl ether in the oil of wintergreen {Gaultheria p)o- cumbens). It can be formed by synthesis in various ways, as, for instance, by fusion of salicylaldehyde with potassium hydroxide. Salicine, coumarine, indigo, cresol, or toluenesulphonic acid may be substituted for the salicylaldehyde. When phenyl carbonate is heated with a caustic alkali, salicylic acid is also produced. It may also be obtained when an alkaline solution of phenol is boiied with carbon tetrachloride. But none of these pro- cesses, although of great interest chem- ically, have any value commercially save that of Kolbe, or more properly, Kolbe and L,autemann, which consists of passing carbon dioxide into sodium phenylate. But it will be observed that the phenol which is the base of the process, is itself an organic compound, or the result of the destructive distillation of an organic compound produced by nature. It is not impossible to produce phenol by artificial synthesis. It is said that by surrounding the points of an electric arc light with hydrogen that carbon and hydrogen com- bine to form acetylene, C\ Ho. Accord- ing to Berthelot,- fuming sulfuric acid absorbs acetylene and the product so formed fused with coustic soda forms phenol or sodium phenate. But it needs no further illustration to show that a phenol formed in this manner could never, on account of its great cost, be used for the commercial manufacture of salicylic acid. A distinction should be made in this matter between the formation of possible food products by synthesis from existing organic natural bodies, and the synthesis which begins with the inorganic elements themselves. The transformation of one organic body into another of greater value to human industry is quite a different matter from the building up of organic bodies without the help of a living or- ganism. 3 Compt. rend. 68, 539. I To be continued.) ^JKAS* mmm n*.^*. ! ;.y PUBLISHED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK HUimni \ HDw College of |p)barmac^ of tbe Citv? of IWew \)ovU. 115 XiXIlcot 68tb Street. # /IDav, 1895 ||| ^^^^^^^ > N ;';.<-.'>,v'?,v>y.^.^.>-v>-v: ■ f pi i m mwr^^ m wrmr OVER-SHADOWED Creosote has been so highly lauded as a remedy for pulmonary disorders that its great efficacy in gastrointes- tinal troubles has been almost over- shadowed and forgotten. Liquid Peptonoids with Creosote occupies a distinctly valuable field in the treatment of gastric fermentation, as the Creosote destroys those lower organisms which produce fermentation without unfavorably affecting the process of digestion, while the Peptonoids assist in its retention and assimilation by reason of the peptogenic power which they impart to the combination. The unpleasant taste oi the Creosote is almost entirely eliminated. Two minims of pure Beech- wood Creosote and one minim of Guaiacol, to the tablespoonful. THE ARLINGTON CHEMICAL CO.. YUNKERS, N. Y. Oldest Stand on Broadway NY ST PAULS ChAPEL- (siiaiiifilU Over 80 Years' Unbroken Record ! 65 years in Same Spot. Nearly midway between the two Colonial Churches. PRESCRIPTIONS PREPARED SOLELY BY GRADUATES IN PHARMACY. -» MILHAU'S m- CHALYBEATE ELIXIR OF CALISAYA BARK. Containing pyrophosphate of iron. Agency for DR. HAMMOND'S ANIMAL EXTRACTS PROF. BLANCHARD'S FOODS. DR. DECLAT'S PHENIC ACID PREPARATIONS, ETC., ETC. J. MILHAU'S SON, Ph. G., DRUGGIST AND IMPORTER, 183 BROADWAY. NEW YORK, Cable, "Milhau." Telephone, 3780 Cortlandt. IJ/The Original A v Elixir;1830. MlLHAfSPLISA¥A ^*%High Test. ^Trus Bark. A reliable product by a responsible house; not a "fake " solution of Cin- vhonine or other cheap alkaloids. A Wholesome Tonic, Creates Appe- tite, Induces Assimilation, Recuper- ates Strength. Tones up the System in Debility and Convalescence. Milhau. From the assayed Bolivian Leaf. Revives, Steadies and Sustains the Nerves. Strength of the National Formulary three times that of the Im- ported Wines. aL^lSAYA Confers wonderful endurance on Body and Brain to stand physical and mental exertion. PUBLISHED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK Vol. II. New York, May, 1895. No. 5. AN HISTORICAL SKfcTCH OF POISONS. NEW By CHARLES E. PELLEW, E. M., BOT Demonstrator of Physics and Chemistry in the College of Physiciaus and Surgeons, New York, and Honorary (_, ; Assistant in Chemistry in fhe School of Mines, Columbia College. QO far as we can tell, the first use of poisons was for smearing arrow- heads, and thereby increasing the effi- ciency of man's early and primitive weapons. The names Toxicology, in fact, is derived from the Greek rd%or (toxon), an arrow, and in all parts of the world we still find barbarous races em- ploying this device. The first poisons used for this purpose were probably from the poison glands of snakes ; then followed the use of various vegetable compouuds, infusions of the dangerous leaves, roots and fruit met with in the woods. Later came the use of stale blood, or other decomposing animal mat- ter, a practice probably first learned from noticing that old and dirty arrowheads produced more deadly wounds than clean ones. These three varieties of poison are made use of by savage races to this day. The curare, or Indian arrow poison from South America, is chiefly com- posed of vegetable extracts, but in some cases, at least, it contains material from poisonous ants and from snakes. The pigmies, met and described by Stanley in Central Africa some few years ago, use a most active arrow poison, made from five different plants, and containing con- siderable strychnine; and in Java th natives still steep their arrows in the dried juice of the deadly Upas tree, the Strychnos Tieute. But more remarkable are the bacterial and toxine arrow poisons. In the South Pacific Islands the natives have for ages been accustomed to dip their arrows in the decomposing bodies of their enemies U4 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. slain in battle, and but a few years ago an English missionary, Bishop Patter- son, died in agony from a slight wound from one of those weapons. While, quite recently, an account was given in one of the medical journals, of a tribe who en- venomed their arrows with mud from a particular swamp, which they had found by experience produced rapid and fatal symptoms of lock-jaw, evidently an early and active, if somewhat unscien- tific, use of the tetanus bacillus. After once learning the properties of these substances it was an easy step to begin to use them in food and drink, and we find the priests, as the most intel- ligent and educated class, in ancient times, as now among the savages, pass- ing down from generation to generation the secrets of this art. In one of the early Egyptian papyri it is mentioned that " whosoever shall disclose this name (referring to some one of the sacred mysteries) shall suffer the penalty of the peach," thereby indicating that at this early period the deadly prussicacid, and the method of preparing it by dis- stillation, had been discovered, and was in use by the priesthood. As early as Homer's day the properties and uses of various powerful drugs were undoubtedly known. Fair Helen of Troy, for instance, is related to have given her husband Menelaus and his re- tainers a sleeping draught of ' nepenthe,' the night that she eloped with the ill- omened Paris. This draught, like the drugged cake given by Jason, at Medea's instigation, to the dragon guarding the golden fleece, is supposed to refer to the use of opium; while the story of Circe changing the comrades of Ulysses into various animals by her enchanted wine, has been supposed to refer to the peculiar intoxicating effects of other vegetable drugs, like Cannabis Indica, added to overdoses of alcohol. The Greeks, until their downfall as a nation, made but little use of poisons for private malice. They employed them as a means of suicide, as for instance, in the case of Demosthenes, and also for a special purpose, i. e. for public execu- tions. This was probably owing to the great respect they paid to the human body, which made them unwilling to dis- figure it unnecessarily by decapitation or otherwise. The state poison used by the Athenians was a strong infusion of the poison hemlock, cotiium niaculatum, and one of the most interesting and most touching passages in all ancient literature is the description by Plato of the death of Socrates, by this means, B. C. 399. Socrates was a thoroughly upright man, a good citizen, a capable soldier, a wise and elevating instructor, but he had raised a host of keen personal enemies by his brusque manners, his new doctrines, and his exasperating methods of public argument. Condemned to death, finally, on the charge of corrupting the young men, he disdained to ask for mercy, and spent his last day with his friends, talking on various subjects of in- terest, cheering them, and convincing them of his perfect readiness to meet death. Finally, at sunset, the fatal draught was brought in ; he drank it quietly, and when, after a little time, the poison took effect he lay down on the couch, covered his face with his robe and passed away. It is interesting to notice that the symptoms of the poison as given THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. "5 by Plato correspond perfectly with those observed by recent experiments with the same drug. The Persians and other Eastern na- tions took up the careful study of pois- ons at an early date and used them free- ly, if, indeed, we can believe the many tales related by the early historians. Thus one of the Persian Queens, Statira, was poisoned in the royal palace in a very ingenious way. Her mother-in-law was carving a bird and gave one slice to the queen, taking another slice herself. She had spread the poison on one side of the knife only, and so while her own meat was perfectly wholesome, the poor queen on eating her portion was taken violently ill and soon died. The death of Alexander the Great, after his con- quest of Persia, was attributed by some of the contemporary historians to poison, although the records, when carefully studied, indicate that he died from malarial fever aggravated by his own imprudence and the folly of his physi- cians. In ancient Rome there was a cause celebre as early as 330 B. C. It came to the notice of the authorities that there was an unusual number of sudden and suspicious deaths among men of high rank, and especially among senators prominent in sumptuary legislation. On investigation they found a regular asso- ciation of fashionable women to whose efforts this diminution in the population was due. Twenty-two of the most prominent of them were arrested and ex- amined, but claimed that they were per- fectly innocent. They said that they were simply interested in medicine, and had been studying the effects and properties of some new and powerful remedies ; indeed they were so convinced of their own in- nocence that they offered to drink their own potions in court. They did this, and all died from the effects, while one hundred and seventy more of their asso- ciates were hunted out, tried and ex- ecuted. Even these rigorous proceedings did not extinguish the habit of poisoning at Rome, especially after the Eastern con- quests had introduced to the capitol the luxury and the vices of Greece and Asia Minor. In Sulla's day we find very severe laws passed on the subject, and Sulla's great enemy, Mithridates, King of Pontus, made his name famous for his researches into the properties and uses of poisons. He was one of the first to study the subject scientifically, growing and cultivating trees and plants, employ- ing the physicians of the day to experi- ment with them, and studying their ef- fects not only on animals but also on man. We find that he was familiar not only with the hemlock, but also with aconite, hyoscyamus, hellebore, and a few other less important vegetable drugs. Mineral poisons were as yet unknown, but he knew the irritant properties of cantharides and other insects, and, curi- ously enough, seemed to depend largely upon "bulls' blood," probably in a fer- mented condition. It is said that Mithridates studied this art not only for use against his ene- mies, but also to protect himself. Indeed, he is reported to have so fortified his sys- tem, partly by constantly taking small doses of poison, partly by the use of anti- dotes, that when at last, completely over- thrown, he tried to save his family and himself from the disgrace of a Roman triumph by the most powerful poison in his possession, he was obliged, after see- ing his family die around him, to call in the services of a slave swordsman to put an end to his own life. The composi- tion of his famous antidote, " mithrida- ticum," as handed down to us, is prob- ably more or less fictitious, for it consists of a mixture of sixty or sev- n6 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. enty different substances, some of them absurd, some of them incompatible, and the most active having simply some pur- gative or stimulating action. As Roman society became more and more corrupt, towards the beginning of the Christian era, the art of poisoning be- came of more and more importance, until, in the early Empire, it developed into a court science. The two Emperors, Nero and Tiberius, made the greatest use of it, and in their day the court poisoners achieved a most unenviable pre-emi- nence. Two women, Locusta and Pon- tia are the ones whose names have come down to us as the leaders, and the stories of their work show with what extraordi- nary boldness their crimes were commit- ted. One example will be sufficient. Nero was desirous of getting rid of Britannicus, a gallant young prince of the imperial house, just returned from his conquests in Britain. An attempt was made on his life, but it failed, the young soldier's rugged constitution throwing off the poison. Accordingly Locusta was brought to the palace, and she prepared her po- tions and made her experiments in the Emperor's presence. Her first decoction was tried on an animal, without success, simply acting as a violent purge. A second brew was made, stronger than the first, which killed a goat in five hours. This was promising, but not yet satisfactory. So a third decoction was made, probably with the aid of a good deal of aconite, and this, tried on a pig, produced al- most instant death. It was then ready for the young prince. There was a banquet at the palace that night. Nero and his family were re- clining at their meal. At a lower table lay on their couches Britannicus and the younger members of the family, with trusted attendants standing by each to taste the food and drink as they were handed round, for fear of poison. The wine was passed, thick and syrupy, and hot water was served at the same time to thin it and dilute it. These were duly tasted and mixed, but the young prince, finding the mixture too hot, called for some cold water. A boy ran up with a flask and poured it directly into the cup which Britannicus held out to him. The prince drank again and fell back in his place almost at once, pale, fainting and gasping for breath. The guests started from their seats and crowded around, but Nero ordered the attendants to carry him out. saying that it was a fit, and that he had been subject to them from his youth. So the banquet went on, while Britannicus was lying dead in the anteroom. Of course in those days but little was known about the post mortem symptoms, and proof of death by poisoning was al- most impossible to obtain. This was shown, some little time before, by a curi- ous decision'ot the great court of the Areo- pagus, in Athens, to which one of the Ro- man proconsuls of Asia had referred a case of a woman poisoning her husband. The learned court adjourned the case for ioo years, deeming it impossible to decide truly on the testimony offered. In this case of Britannicus there was so muoh reason lor suspecting foul play that the populace insisted upon having the body of their beloved prince exposed in the Forum. The proof then mostly relied on, at any rate by the laity, was the external appearance of the body, and it is related that, dreading this exposure, Neio had the face of the dead prince carefully painted and whitened, so as to look natural. This answered very well till the afternoon, when a thunder-storm came up, and beating upon the corpse, washed off the chalk and exposed the livid, discolored features beneath. (To be continued.) THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 117 FIRST AID TO THE INJURED.* By A. ERNEST GALLANT, M.D. Lecturer for the Society for First Aid to the Iniured, etc., New York. During the summer of 1891 my vaca- tion was spent in the picturesque and historical region of the Madeline Islands at the northwestern end of Lake Supe- rior, and there I witnessed the devas- tation wrought by one of those terrific wind and rain storms which come up so unexpectedly from the lake. Nothing can stand before its fury. Windows forced in, houses unroofed and lifted from their foundations, cellars filled, foundations undermined, and frequently serious results to life and limb. Just as the storm came up a small traveling cir- cus of one tent and a few cages of wild animals was filling the hearts of the country folk, from far and near, with all the wonders of the ring, clown, bareback riders, etc. In an instant the tent and its occupants were dashed with terrific force to the ground and pandemonium reigned supreme. Women and children screaming, wild animals howled and roared, strong men fought with the fury of the insane to free themselves from the debris, cut heads, bruised bodies, dis- located and fractured limbs were numer- ous. All combined to make a scene al- most sheolish. Every physician in the neighborhood was called to the spot and the wounded received appropriate care- The scene remains vividly impressed on my mind and has convinced me of the importance of training every man, woman and child in First Aid. In order to present the subject in a nemonic way the title of the organization may be divided as follows : I. The Society. II. For Instruction in First Aid. III. To the Injured. ♦Delivered before the New York College of Pharmacy, April 10th, 1895. I. — THE SOCIETY. Following out the noble work of Miss Florence Nightingale, Professor Esmarch established the Samariter Verein in Ger- many, and later the work was carried to the British Isles, where, under the title of St. John's Ambulance Association of London, and the patron saints of Ire- land and Scotland, the work has extend- ed to the antipodes. Throughout the British domains, not only laymen, but the police, military officers and men, railroad employees, miners, and many others, have been in- structed, examined, and granted certifi- cates. The St. John's Association has granted nearly 25,000 certificates, dis- tributed over 40,000 Esmarch bandages and sold over 70,000 books on " First Aid." In this city the First Aid work was organized in 1882, as a committee of the State Charities Aid Association, under the championship of the late General G. B. McClellan. In 1883, having out- grown the work originally started, the committee reorganized as the Society for Instruction in First Aid to the In- jured. The report of the society for the eleven months ending March, 1895, shows that during that period 39 classes, made up of 228 men and 330 women, received the regular course of instruction. Since the organization of the society 7,443 persons have taken the regular course and 3,927 passed the examination and were award- ed diplomas. II. — FOR INSTRUCTION IN FIRST AID. The object of the Society is to give in- struction by means of lectures and prac- tical demonstrations in the use of means to be employed before a physician arrives, and thus provide for the immediate ap- plication of the measures at hand to allay suffering and save life. n8 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. The course consists of five lectures, which are given free to those unable to pay; for others, the fee is three dollars. One lecture per week, of one hour and a half, the last half hour is devoted to practical work, such as the application of bandages and splints, restoration of the apparently drowned, lifting the injured, carrying on stretchers, etc. The course of five lectures and the ex- amination embraces a brief description of the bones, muscles, veins and arteries, and points where the circulation may be controlled by pressure, hemorrhage, and various means of controlling it. Artificial respiration, resuscitation of the apparently drowned, the treatment of burns, scalds, frozen limbs, and bites of animals. The signs and treatment of fractures; how to apply splints, first aid to those suffering from shock or collapse, fainting, sunstroke, apoplexy, epilepsy or drunkenness. Lifting and carrying the injured with improvised stretchers. In addition, for women only, nursing, ventilation of sick rooms; use of thermo- meter; making poultices; changing sheets; lifting the sick, and how to feed them. . The examination is held by the Medi- cal Examiner, the week following the last lecture, and all are expected to at- tend. Diplomas are awarded to those who prove themselves to possess an in- telligent comprehension of the subject. III. — TO THE INJURED. Every individual who is suffering from the result of an injury, with or without an external wound, from any cause, is a subject for assistance from graduates in first aid. Confining ourselves for this evening to the subject of wound treatment, we will consider it in the natural order, viz.: i. Expose the wound. Stoo hemorrhage or bleeding. Dress the wound. Rest. Shock. EXPOSE THE WOUND. In order to ascertain the seat and ex- tent of injury, we must first take off or cut away the clothing and expose the injured member, the importance of this point cannot be over estimated, and may be illus- trated by the experience of one of our graduates. "The street accident she had so earnestly prayed for, took place." The man had broken his leg ! She confiscated the walking stick of a passer-by, and broke it up in three pieces for splints. She tore up her skirt for bandages. When all was completed she summoned a cab and took her patient to the hospital. "Who bandaged this limb so credit- ably ?" inquired the surgeon. "I did," she blushingly replied. " Well, it is most beautifully — most beautifully done ; but you have made, I find, one little mistake. You have band- aged the wrong leg." STOP THE BLEEDING. — (A.) NATURE'S METHODS. Nature has endowed us with three means by which she attempts to stop bleeding : (a) As soon as a man is in- jured we note that the face and whole surface of the body becomes pale and he complains of feeling weak and faint. This condition is due to the sudden contrac- tion of the arteries throughout the body, and the heart pumping with less vigor, thus reducing the force with which the blood is distributed throughout the body. We can increase the effectiveness of this condition by holding the limb per- pendicular, (b) Next we notice at the point of injury the blood congeals or clots to form a plug which will seal the open mouths of the torn vessels. This coagu- lation we encourage by exposure to the air, and (c) by keeping the part ab- solutely at rest. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 119 (b.) artificial methods. 1 . Pressure of the (a) thumb or finger directly in the wound is the most natural and almost instinctive way of arresting bleeding, or a (b) pad ot gauze, muslin, or linen wet in water, squeezed as dry as possible and tightly bandaged over the wound will readily control the hemorrhage. When, however, large arteries have been severed, and ex- tensive injury done, it will be necessary to bring pressure to bear at some point above the injury to shut off the whole blood supply to the limb by compressing the main artery. In the middle of the groin the femoral artery can be readily compressed by the thumbs on ihe thigh bone ; and the brachial artery is easily recognized, pulsating, by pressure of the fingers in the groove along the inner side of the upper aim. These two landmarks are known as pressure points and import- ant to keep in mind. The fingers or thumbs soon become tired and resort must be had to the (c) "improvised torniquet " or the (d) Esmarch rubber tube. To apply the torniquet, loosely tie a piece of bandage, muslin or string around the limb, place a pad of gauze, or a roller bandage, over the artery at the points named above, and with a stick twist the loop until the pad is pressed very tightly against the limb and the bleeding ceases. Any piece of rubber- tubing or bandage, elastic suspenders or garters wound very tightly around a limb will control the most severe hemor- rhage. A hard pad place in the bend at the knee, and the leg pressed firmly against the thigh will stop bleeding irom the foot or leg. It is important to remem- ber that the blood is forced from the heart through the arteries to every organ and member of the body, thence passes through the hair like capillares and is then taken up by the veins and carried back to the heart to be again sent out on its life-giving function. If large veins are torn the bleeding will continue even after we have put on the torniquet above the wound as it has only stopped the current from the heart and not toward it. A tightly fitting bandage or another torni- quet ivithout a pad must be put on below the seat of injury. 2. Position. — Raising a limb to the perpendicular will markedly diminish the blood supply and materially aid in arresting hemorrhage, DRESS THE WOUND, In considering how to dress a wound our chief anxiety must be to prevent the serious condition, unfortunately so fre- quent, known as blood poisoning. Whenever the epidermis or scarf-skin is injured, even if the opening be no larger than the prick of a needle-point, serious results may occur. You ask me why ? Certain forms of vegetable life or bacteria (almost omnipresent), when in any way introduced and shut in under the skin, rapidly multiply and produce poisons (toxines), which being unable to get out at the point of entrance, are forced into the blood and lymph vessels and poison the whole system. How can we avoid so dire a result ? By apply- ing a dressing that will prevent the skin from healing over and shutting up the poisonous germs, and which, sponge- like, will soak up the bacteria, the poi- sons which they generate, and put the wound in such a condition that they can- not live. Recent investigations by some for the most eminent pathologists have proven that infected living tissue cannot be wholly freed from infection by any known method of washing or by the use of chemicals not dangerous to life. Ab- sorbent cotton, dry gauze, powders, ointments, etc., only help to form an im- pregnable " scab" which dries over the wound, shuts in the germs and produces the condition we wish most to avoid. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. Appreciating the importance of this fact in relation to infected wounds, Professor Van Arsdale, of the New York Poly- clinic, spent several years while in Ger- many experimenting with various drugs in watery solution and oily mixtures, and determined that R Bals. Peru mxxx Ol. Ricini 3i on absorbent gauze (sterilization not necessary) prevented the union of the edges of the skin and allowed the gauze, like a moist sponge, to absorb the dis- charge as fast as formed from the wound. DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Take cheese-cloth or absorbent gauze, fold it about 1 6 to 32 thicknesses, large enough to a little more than cover the wound, pour on sufficient balsam oil to soak three or four layers of gauze and apply the oily side directly to the wound. Next cover the gauze with gutta percha or rubber tissue — oil muslin or oil silk will do as well — then bind the whole on with a triangular or roller bandage. USES. The above dressing is applicable to all cases where the skin has been in any way injured, such as bruises, cuts, burns, scalds, acids, punctured wounds, bites of snakes or animals, insect stings, frost bites, crushed fingers or toes, etc. Leave the dressing on for three days, if surgi- cal advise cannot be secured. This places the wound under the most favorable conditions for rapid healing. For First Aid purposes in the city, one ounce balsam oil, one yard absorb- ent gauze and nine square inches rubber tissue will be q. s. for the majority of wounds. Large quantities must be sup- plied in cases of extensive destruction of skin, as in burns or scalds. REST. In nearly all cases of injury we must assist what Proiessor Hilton has called the " chief natural therapeutic " by the use of a sling, splints or other means of securing rest to the injured member. The exact knowledge of the anatomical relations necessary to replace a fractured limb compel a word of warning not to attempt to do more than apply a tem- porary splint, that we may avoid making the injury greater. The Triangular Bandage of Esmarch affords the most convenient bandage for First Aid work, the many uses of which form an important part in the course of instruction. Take a square of muslin, gauze or cheese-cloth, fold on the bias and cut so as to give two triangles. Fold to the desired width, begin by folding in the central point. A triangle made from yard-wide cloth makes an excellent sling in case of injury to the hand, arm or shoulder. SHOCK. After any injury of more than slight severity we notice the face is pale, the surface of the body cold, the pulse is feeble, respiration slow, and if conscious, the patient complains of feeling faint and dizzy. Many faint from fright, the loss of blood or severity of the injury. Under these circumstances, after having con- trolled the hemorrhage, everything must be done to stimulate the circulation. Heat in any form, applied externally or internally, is the best stimulant. Hot water ad libitum, with a little whisky or brandy, by the mouth or injected into the rectum through a fountain syringe — whisky one ounce, hot (ii5°-i20° F.) water six or eight ounces, every hour or two, with hot bottles placed outside the blanket, to avoid burning the skin, hot bricks, sand bags, dry flaxseed, etc., placed around the body and between the legs — will all aid in overcoming the seri- ous condition fatal to so many, known as shock. Brisk rubbing of the limbs toward the body will also aid the circulation. When the face is flushed or the head injured avoid the use of stimulants. CLASSES. Classes of five or more are constantly being formed at the society rooms, 105 East Twenty-second street, where in- formation may be had regarding the course, and hand-books and other sup- plies may be procured. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL, Published under the auspices of the Alumni Association of the College of Pharmacy OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, H5=ii() WEST 68th STREET. Vol. II. May I, 1895. No. 5. The Alumni Journal will be published Monthly. Entered at New York Post Office as second-class matter SUBSCRIPTION : Per Annum, . . . One Dollar Single Copies, ... 15 Cents. All copy for publication, or changes of advertisements should reach us on or before the 20th of the month pre- vious to the issue in which they are to appear. All matters relating to publication should be written on one side of the paper only, and sent to the editor, Henry Kraemer, 115-119 West 68th Street. All communications relating to finances and sub- scriptions should be addressed to A. Henning, Treas., 115-119 West 6Sth Street All communications relating to advertising should be addresssd to A. K. Lusk. 1 Park Row. EDITOR, HENRY KRAEMER, Ph. G. ASSISTANT EDITORS. FRED. HOHENTHAL, PH. G. K. C. MAHEGIN, PH. G ASSOCIATE EDITORS, CHARLES RICE, Ph. D. CHARLES F. CHANDLER, Ph. D., M. D , L.L.D., etc. ARTHUR H. ELLIOTT, Ph. D., F. C. S. HENRY H. RUSBY, M. D. VIRGIL COBLENTZ, A. M., Ph. G., Ph. D. EDITOR'S ANNOUNCEflENT. With this issue terminates the services of the present editor in his editorial ca- pacity of The Alumni Journal. We were in hopes of introducing in this is- sue the new Editor to the readers of The Alumni Journal, but as we go to press we understand that the final negotiations have not been made, and we must, there- fore, refrain from any statements in this direction. We can say, however, that the mantle of editor is very likely to fall upon an alumnus of the College of Pharmacy of the City of New York. It seems very fitting at this time to urge upon the members of the Alumni Association, and all those affiliated, either directly or indirectly, with the college, to support him in his ardu- ous labors of making The Alumni Journal, (what we have before pub- lished, as being its prime object) — the avenue whereby the college, and alumni and students primarily shall be bene- fited. If he does not receive this support it will be necessary for him to fill up The Journal with such material at his command, and which he may consider of the greatest value to this end. In the January issue we emphasized this fact, that the first object of The Alumni Journal was to publish news concern- ing ihe alumni and the college, and that all of the other things incorporated were but subsidiary in the Journal, although of value to the readers. PHARMACEUTICAL FELLOWSHIPS. In addition to the Fellowships pre- viously announced as being held by the School of Pharmacy of the University of Wisconsin, we now learn of this institu- tion receiving two more graduate schol- arships of $400 each, both for two years. Again we repeat; when will we in the East awake out of our lethargy and see that quality is more desirable than num- bers and that these Fellowships mean higher pharmaceutical education. PRELIMINARY EDUCATION. The reason why students do not seek, and all colleges of pharmacy do not re- quire, a higher preliminary education than is even demanded by the best of them, is because of the questionableuess THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. of its paying. It seems well at this time to repeat an old story, the moral of which is very evident : Some years ago, a gentleman residing at South End, in Boston, was furnished with a prescription containing among other ingredients the following : Syr. Scillae i fl. oz. Tinct. Ejusdem \ fl'. oz. With the recipe he went to the nearest apothecary. "I cannot put up that medi- cine for you," said the apothecary. "I have all of the ingredients but one — Tincture of Ejusdem. Dissapointed, the gentleman went from one drug store to another, until at lenth he reached the store of a well-known pharmacist at the North End. Without making any re- marks, the pharmacist proceeded to put up the recipe. "What! exclaimed the gentleman, have you Tinct. Ejusdem ! I have been to fifty shops, more or less, but no one had it. Some pharmacists even averred that they had never heard of it." "The recipe," quietly remarked the druggist, "calls for one ounce of Syr. of Squills, and a half fluid ounce of the Tincture of the same." AN EXAHPLE. In the British and Colonial Druggist of a recent issue, we find the following : "The antidiphtheritic serum of the Pasteur Institute is now being delivered to pharmacists in Paris. None is dis- tributed to any but pharmacists, to whom the public and the doctors should apply for it." In America, we have some things of which we are proud, but we cannot or ought not to forget that we have not by any means all of the best things. Experi- ence also teaches us that what is a good thing in one place may not be good in an- other.LJving in a Republic, we have factors which, as the nation grows, seems to pre- vent the universal adoption immediately of even these things which are applicable here, and so while we must cherish the example of the physicians and pharma- cists of Paris, we exceedingly regret that we see no possibility of this rational con- dition of affairs in the United States. AHERICAN PHARHACEUTICAL ASSO- CIATION. Organized 1852. Incorporated 1888. Section on Pharmaceutical Education and Legislation. The Committee on Education and Legislation of the 43d annual meeting, to be held at Denver, Col., August r4, 1895, desires to present statistical in- formation on these two important branches this year. In order that the educational and legal status of Pharmacy may be im- proved, it is deemed essential that the present requirements as existing in over forty States be summarized for ready re- ference and comparison. Secretaries of Pharmacy Boards, Colleges and other members are respectfully requested to transmit the information required for the subjoined Queries at the earliest date for tabulation by the Secretary. Papers on subjects considered by this Section are urgently solicited and should be in hand together with an Abstract or Synopsis not later than June 15 that thev may be printed for distribution at the meeting. Kindly advise the Secretary of this Section as promptly as possible what contribution you intend to make. Fraternally, James M. Good, Chairman, 2348 Olive St., St. Eouis, Mo. James H. Beal, Associate, Scio, Ohio. CarlS. N. Hallberg, Secy, 358 Dearborn St., Chicago, 111. POISON LEGISLATION. 1 . The legal restrictions on the practice THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. i 2 3 of Pharmacy in English-speaking coun- tries are primarily based upon the princi- ple of protecting the public against the indiscriminate sale and use of poisons. It is desirable to have a collective re- port of the Poison Laws of the States, including separate Acts as well as the Poison sections of the various Pharmacy Laws, the important provisions, with suggestions for their codification, to be presented in tabulated form. 2. Present a list of Proprietary Ar- ticles containing poisons : medicinal, antiseptic, insecticidal, or of general or popular use, giving the character of the poisonous ingredients and approximately their proportion ; also state whether or not the packages contain any references to, or caution against the dangerous char- acter of the contents. 3. The Committee of this Section de- sires to present a Statistical Report on the number of deaths and percentage of death-rate occurring during a stated period (one or more years) from the use of poison, stating (1) kind of poison, (2) in the form used, (3) accidental, (4) suicidal, or (5) homicidal. This information may be obtained from the Coroners and should be trans- mitted to the Secretary of this Section. REGISTRATION STATISTICS. This Committee desires to present a Collective Report embracing the follow- ing information from every Pharmacy Board in North America, based upon the year 1894 : 4. REGISTRATION OF PHARMACISTS OR LICENTIATES : a) The total number of Candidates for Registration as R. Ph's or Licentiates. b) The total number registered as R. Ph's or Licentiates. c) The number of Graduate Candi- dates. d) The number of Graduates register- ed on Diploma. e) The number rejected on Diploma. f) The number of G r aduates register- ed by Examination. g) The number rejected by Examina- tion. h) The number of Non-Graduates registered by Examination. 5. REGISTRATION OF ASSISTANTS. i) The total number of Candidates for Registration. k) The total number of persons regis- tered as Assistants during the year 1894. /) The number of Graduate Candi- dates. ni) The number of Graduates register- ed on Diploma. ti) The number rejected. (?) The number of Non Graduates registered by Examination. 6. REGISTRATION OF APPRENTICES: p) The number of Apprentices regis- tered . r) The Educational Requirements. s) The Age. COLLEGE ATTENDANCE. It is asserted that the great multiplica- tion of Drug Stores is in a measure owing to the large number of graduates turned out by the Pharmaceutical Schools and Colleges. 7. Present statistics showing the num- ber of students in attendance at the Pharmaceutical Schools and Colleges in North America. Also the number gradu- ated during the same period. To attain uniformity in the proportion of graduates to students, the period covered by one school year, '93-' 94, should be taken. 8. Should Scholastic Education be re- quired preliminary to entrance into Pharmaceutical Schools or Colleges ? If so, in what degree is it practicable of en- forcement ? Should such education be a requirement for registration of Appren- 124 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL, tices by the State Boards of Pharmacy preliminary to eligibility for examination as assistant and pharmacist ? 9. Present an exhibit of practical ex- perience requirements for all the Phar- macy Laws. What should be the minimum period required for the respective grades of registrations and how can this be de- fined as applied to practical experience in a pharmacy or "drug store ?" REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS 10. What States recognize more than one grade of Licentiates, and by what Titles are the several grades distinguish- ed ? When two grades of licentiates are recognized, what are the Age require- ments ? a) For the higher or Pharmacist's grade? b) For the lower or Assistant's grade? it. In what States is it customary to present the same list of Questions to Can- didates for both grades, the grade or certificate granted, depending upon the percentage of correct answers returned by the Candidate? What are the advan- tages and defects of this method ? 12. To what extent is it customary for Pharmacy Boards to require Candidates to demonstrate by practical work their fitness for Registration ? Is it possible under existing circumstances to greatly extend the principle of practical exami- nations ? 13. Where experience is a requirement for graduation or registration, should a distinction be made between experience gained in a city pharmacy and that ob- tained in a country drug store, and what should be the ground of such a distinction when made ? Also, to what extent, if any, should menial service in a drug store, unconnected with compounding, be taken as experience ? 14. What Pharmacy Boards and what Institutions teaching pharmacy make any of the above-named distinctions as to what constitutes , "experience in a drug store?" Section on Scientific Papers.— 1895. LIST OF QUERIES. i. Is the thin green Wild Cherry Bark really more valuable therapeutically than the older and thicker brown barks? Make comparative assays. 2. Do all the well known brands of Quinine Sulphate conform to the tests of the U. S. P., 1890? 3. Devise a method of assaying Digi- talis that yields the true amount of the one or more active principles of the drug. 4. Separate, purify and describe the various active ingredients of digitalis. 5. Is English Digitalis as superior to the German as the difference in price would indicate ? 6 What percentage of the U. S P. pepsins of the market come up to the pharmacopoeia requirements ? 7. Determiue in case of such drugs as can be secured whether they yield prod- ucts of greater value therapeutically when percolated in the fre.sh than in the dry state. 8. Compare all the well-known meth- ods of assaying Belladonna leaves, Bel- ladonna root and Henbane leaves, apply- ing titration by volumetric acid solution to each, and determine which method extracts the most alkaloid from the drug. 9. Do the same for Coca leaves and Ipecac Root. 10 Determine the relative values of Western and Southern Senega. 11. What is the quality of Calcium Sulphide dispensed by pharmacists ? 12. In what cases can Acetic Acid be advantageously substituted for alcohol in the exhaustion of the drug ? 871-1893 Alumni Association OF THE College of Pharmacy OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK ALUMNI DAY WEDNESDAY, MAY 8th, 1895 EXERCISES TO COMMENCE AT 2 P.M. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. The Pharmaceutical Era is the only weekly drug paper in America. Its specialty is prompt and complete service. Sold at the low price of $2.00 per annum. D. O. Haynes & Co., Publishers, 106 Fulton St., New York. The Best Perfumes BEAR THE TRADE MARK . B. Smith & Company TRADE. MARK REGISTERED. FOR SALE BY DRUGGISTS ONLY. SOLON PALMER & CO. Wholesale . * IDrugoists T Pharmaceutical Ghemists AND MANUFACTURERS OF NON-SECRET REMEDIES And "SPECIALTIES," Nos. 861=865 BROAD STREET, Send for Price List. NEWARK, N. J. R. W, ROBD WHOLiESRLiE * DRUGGISTS, 182, 184 and 186 Greenwich Street, F. M. Robinson.) D. W. Kent. C. S. Littell. j NEIaZ YORK, THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES OK THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION President. HERMAN GRAESER. Vice-Presidents. A. C. SEARLES. DUDLEY T. LARIMORE. PETER J. EHRGOTT. Treasurer. . ADOLTH HENNING, 68 William Str"eet. Secretary. WM. A. HOBURG, Jr. Registrar. NEWTON DART PHILLIPS. Executive Board. ~ c „ . n v f K. C. MAHEGIN. To Serve One Year .... J I. ALFRED STOVER. To Serve Two Years . ' FRED HOHENTHAL WM. A. HOBURG, Jr. ns o ^ „ { D. PERAZA. To Serve Three Years . . . \ { C. BENKE'NDOERFER. Delegates to the Annual Meeting of the American Pharmaceutical Association. THOMAS F. MAIN, Chairman. EDWARD V. ZOELLER. EWEN McINTYRE. SAMUEL J. HINSDALE. D. PERAZA. Committees. ON PAPERS AND QUERIES. . WM. H. EBBITT. JOHN OEHLER. WM. H. MADISON. ON PURIFICATION. ADOLPH HENNING, FRED HOHENTHAL. ALFRED STOVER. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. A. SKIN OE BEAUTY IS A JOY FOREVER. Dr. T. FELIX GOURAUD'S Oriental Cream, or Magical Beautifier. Removes Tan, Pimples, Freckles, Moth-Patches, Rash and Skin diseases, and every blemish on beauty, and defies detection. On its virtues it has stood the test of 43 years ; no other has, and is so harmless we taste it to be sure it is properly made. Accept no counterfeit of similar name. The dis- tinguished Dr. L. A. Sayre, said to a lady of the haui-ton (a patient) : "As you ladies will use them, I recommend ' Gouraud's Cream ' as the least harmful of all the Skin preparations.' 1 '' One bottle will last six months, using it every day. Also Poudre Subtile removes superfluous hair without injury to the skin. New York, Nov. nth, 1887. Ferd. T. Hopkins, Esq. : I would like to know the price of One Dozen bottles of your Oriental Cream, as I use it and like it. Would like to get a supply to take on my tour, soon as possible. Answer and oblige, Mrs. James Brown Potter, Brevoort House, New York. New York, Sept. 29th, 1890. Mr. F. T. Hopkins, Dear Sir : I received the bottles of "Gouraud's Orien- talCream." Please accept thanks ; it is the only reliable beautifier I have used so far, and take pleasure in testifying to its merits. Yours sincerely, Carmencita. FERD. T. HOPKINS, Prop'r, 37 Great Jones St., N. Y. For sale by all Druggists and Fancy Goods Dealers throughout the U. S., Canadas and Europe. Also found in N. Y. City at R. H. Macy's, Stern's, Ehrich's, Ridley's, and other Fancy Goods Dealers. 83^~I of Base imitations, f 1,000 Reward for arrest and proof of any one selling the same. 'Beware Calisaya W La Rilla/ is an exquisite cordial of Calisaya bark — the best of all tonics and anti- periodics. HERMAN QRAESER. President Alumni Association, college of Pharmacy, city of new yoak. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. OUR hEADI^G SPECIALITIES: Peptenzyme. Coea JVIuseatel. Carnriek's Soluble Food. Panerobilin. Protonuclein. HEED & GAWfllCK 124 and 126 South Fifth five. NEW YOHK- Our DISSECTING MICROSCOPE -Is endorsed by THIS College, as by all OTHERS. Our OIL=IMMERSION 1/12 Ca-nnnf be surpassed. JOSEPH ZENTMAYER. OPTICIAN. MANUFACTURER OF DISSECTING STAND. Established in 1853. Microscopes .— a^ AND Microscopical Apparatus, 209 8. ELEVENTH ST., PHILADELPHIA, PA. ENTIRE NEW CATALOGUE. SEND FOR ONE. WM. A. HOBURG, Jr. SECRETARY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, CITY OF NEW YORK. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. KNOWING the trouble Physicians have had in procuring accurate Clinical Ther- mometers, I wish to call your attention to my Standard Instruments. These goods are made of the most improved glass, and only skilled and careful workmen are employed by me on this class of work. All Instruments are fully seasoned before being graduated, are carefully retested before shipment, and are guaranteed not to increase their read- ings WITH AGE. CHAS. J. TAGLIABUE'S STHNDHRD ]V\ggi)if^ii)g [ens front (finical 'Jhern)on)eters OF EXTREME PRECISION. Every Instrument, whether bearing my name or the name of my customers for whom I make them, will /V\ have the word Standard and my trademark, thus, (fl-v engraved on each. Each instrument is furnished — ' with a certificate of correctness, and all are guaranteed within fo of one degree. SEND FOR CATALOGUE. CHAS. J. TAQLIABUE 49 to 53 Fulton Street, NEW YORK. The First "Bank of Deposit" that Provided Separate Banking Facilities for Women. A. D. 1869. CHAS. B. FOSDICK, Pres't. J. S. CASE, Cashier. SECOND NATIONAL BANK OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, 5tl? /}ver?ue, corner 23d Street, (Under 5th Avenue Hotel) Invites Business, Personal or Family accounts, and affords every facility for the accommodation of customers. In connection with the Bank are the rooms and vault of THE 5TH AVENtiE SAFE ® DEPOSIT- COMPANY. The Vault of this Company is ENTIRELY OUTSIDE THE BUILDING, and is absolutely FIRE AND BURGLAR PROOF. Gas Stoves FOR HEATING and COOKING FOR SKLE BY C. F. HETZEIv, JR., - 242 Sixth Avenue WM. M. CRANE & CO., - 83S Broadway BLOOMINGDALE BROS., 3d Avenue, 59th and 60th Streets HENRY McSHANE MFG. CO., 625 Sixth Ave. W. D. GRANT, - - 206 West 42d St. W. H.JACKSON & CO., - 29 E. 17th St. H. C. F. KOCH & CO., - 132 West 125th St. BACHUS PORTABLE STEAM HEATING CO., - - - 136 West 134th St. JOHN W. DUNN, - . 25 East 14th St. GAS APPLIANCE EXCHANGE, 37 West 14th St. ADOLPH HENNING, Treasurer Alumni Association, college of Pharmacy. City of New Vor THE AL UMNI JOURNAL. m. lewinson, c. e. george a. just, c.'e. Telephone Connection. lewinson & just, Consulting Engineers and Contractors. 128 WEST 42d STREET, N. Y. Iron Work for Buildings, ' Structural Iron and Steel, Foundations. • • Roofs and Bridges. EXPERT EXAMINATIONS AND REPORTS. The entire ornamental and structural iron and steel work of the College 0/ Pharmacy was executed by us. RESERVED. COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, 1 15 WEST 68TH STREET. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. €€ IS NOT THIS WORTHY YOUR RECOMMENDATION? THE BEST" NURSER. READY FOR USE. EASY SUCTION EASILY CLEANSED. NIPPLE CANNOT COLLAPSE. PREVENTS Wind-Colic AND The air-inlet stopper is practically solid rubber with a simple, perfect, automatic air-valve. It will not leak. It is as easily taken out and put back as a cork— but the baby cannot pull it out. It admits air BACK OF THE FOOD as fast as food is sucked out, thus making it IMPOS- SIBLE FOR THE NIPPLE TO COLLAPSE, and for the baby to suck air. NEW YORK INFANT ASYLUM: "'The Best' Nurser has been tried at the Asylum and is recommended most warmly, especially for the facility with which it can be kept perfectly clean.'' NEW YORK LYING=IN ASYLUM: " We have used 'The Best' Nurser and find it seen as having combined all essential qualities. We therefore heartily recommend it NEW YORK MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN it does all you claim for it." „_„-, r, *.._».*, ,« «~ . . ,„ WESTERN NEW YORK SOCIETY, THE CHILDREN'S HOME, Randolph, N. Y. : "After giving The Best' Nurser a thorough trial, are greatly pleased with it and have discarded all other bottles. 'The Best' Nurser has been a wonderful aid in the healthfulness of our babies." A "CLINOFAST" Nipple FREE with each Nurser. Our "CLINGFAST" Nipple is WARRANTED PURE GUil. Retails at 25c. BOWEL TROUBLES. n and is recommended superior to any we have "Are pleased with ' The Best ' Nurser; THE GOTHAM CO., 82 Warren St. New York. AT the foot of Mt. Carmel, a Mission Society has taken advantage of the superior OLIVE OIL made in Palestine, to support itself by the manufacture of an exceptionally fine Olive Oil Toilet Soap, which they ship direct to their agents, A. Klipstein & Co., 122 Pearl Street, New York. Both makers and importers GUARAN- TEE the quality. It has been favorably known in Amer- ica for many years as CARMEL SOAP. It contains no adulteration, is not artificially perfumed, and depends for popular favor on the simple fact of its absolute purity. Possessing the emollient properties of Olive Oil, it is unsurpassed for the toilet and bath, and superior to all other soaps for the teeth and hair. Asa NURSERY SOAP it has no equal, being, in fact, simply the Purest Form of CASTILE SOAP, and being pressed into cakes is more convenient to use and more economical than the old unreliable bar form of Castile Soap. The importers will be pleased to send a sample cake FREE to any druggist who will men- tion this publication. OF INTEREST TO THE PHARMACIST. OILS LEU10N, 0RRP6E and 8ERGWT. Imported from Messina, Italy, N** ? R 1 G '^ oil cor SOLD BY WHOLESALE DRUGGISTS. r General Agent in America, HILON H. SAWYER, 96 and 98 Maiden Lane, New York. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. THE NEW COLLEGE BUILDING THE College Building is six stories high, fireproof throughout, and the only building in the world constructed for the education of pharmacists exclusively. Accommodations are supplied for 1,000 students with per- fect comfort, and many more may find room for work without crowding. The laboratories are fitted up for 150 students working simultaneously — a feature of the greatest importance. The designs for the building were under consideration for nearly a year, and are the result of the best architectural skill, combined with the judgment of a score of the best members of the pharmaceutical profession in the United States. Every detail for the practical education of the student has been most carefully considered, and no expense has been spared to carry out this all-important object. The exterior is after the Italian Renaissance architecture, built of light grey stone, buff brick and terra-cotta, decorated with marble to har- monize, making it an ornament to our city and something to be proud of in the memories of the alumni of the College. The interior, of iron and fireproof materials, has been planned to afford the greatest possible comfort to the individual student, and special care has been given to the important sanitary problems of light and ven- tilation to insure the preservation of the health of its occupants. It is probably the best heated, lighted and ventilated college building in the United States. On the Basement floor will be the apparatus for heating and ventil- ating, consisting of boilers, engines and fans for forced circulation of fresh warm air. Here are also located the students' coat room and gymnasium, and commodious toilet rooms, together with large storerooms for the College supplies, and a special room for the comfort of lady students, of which our College has a number every year. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. ^ a o > X © £ > LU * z 4> Z f- +j LU V u LU or r/) H tfj J3 ■M c X 0> z < "O c DO « a> •o 3 IC C - ' -< •a "™ «j s_ ™ a> & "i c — — u o 01 o Q :* Id W u a z UJ UJ C* ^ D H tf) X * LL a 7 LU 5 C* z O H C/) o >> * u S3 a E O >- a. £ w z THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. The First Floor, a few steps above the street level, contains the Office of the College, the Library, with the best collection of books on Pharmacy and the allied sciences in the United States ; the fine Canby Herbarium, recently acquired by the College at great expense ; the hand- some meeting room for the College members and the various affiliated societies, such as the Board of Pharmacy of the City of New York, and the Alumni Association. Here also will be found the Trustees' Room. The Second and Third Floors are devoted to the Lecture Room, and accomodations for the preparation of lectures, with special rooms for Quizzes. The lecture room is built to accommodate 500 students, and seats are provided for 400. It has been designed without columns to give every student an unobstructed view of the lecture table, and every seat is an independent and comfortable arm-chair, with an extension on the right arm, that students may take notes with comfort and dispatch. This room is lighted in such a manner that the faces of both professors and students are protected from glare. The heating and ventilation is by machinery specially constructed for the purpose, and the most perfect of its kind. On the Fourth floor is located the Department of Botany and Materia Medica. Here will be found the Museum of Materia Medica, the Microscopical Laboratory, for 100 students, working at microscopes together; also, special rooms for the accommodation of the Professor of the Department and his assistants. Quiz rooms take up part of the fourth floor. On the Fifth floor is located the Pharmaceutical Laboratory, which will accommodate 450 students, 150 working simultaneously ; each student having his own individual closet and drawer for apparatus. There is probably no laboratory in the world so well fitted for the instruction of students in practical pharmacy. The floors are asphalt, perfectly water-tight, and the drainage has been designed with special reference to pharmaceutical manipu- lations, on a practical scale. The heating and ventilation of this laboratory has been thoroughly studied and arranged for. On this floor also are the supply room for the laboratory, a scale room and accommodations for the director and his assistants. On the Sixth floor is located the Chemical Laboratory, with accom- modotions for 450 students, or 150 working simultaneously; each student THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. S. G. HULL. W. S. HULL. S. G. HULL & SON, DeeontoFs, Painters and Polishers, FINE WALL PAPERS, • 4- WINDOW SHADES, . X- SIGNS, ETC 391 HUDSON STREET, Near Houston Street, NEW ^VOF^P^- having his own individual closet and drawer for apparatus. L,ike the Phar- maceutical Laboratory, the floors are asphalt and water-tight. The ventil- ation of this room has been well provided for, with high side windows and two large skylights ; the heating, also, has received the best attention. On this floor there is a stock room for supplies, a scale room, accommoda- tions for the director and his assistants, together with toilet rooms for all laboratory students. All the laboratories have been specially arranged to give the students practical instruction, by making them work with their instructors and at the same moment ; a system without a rival in scientific education. From the above it will be seen that the College of Pharmacy of the City of New York is the best equipped institution of the kind in the world, with the safest^ healthiest and most comfortable building that human skill and forethought can construct for the education of the pharmacist. We claim it is without a rival anywhere, either in its Faculty, its methods, or its accommodations. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. HISTORY OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. HE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION of the New York College of Pharmacy was founded May 24th, 1871, for the purpose of elevating the standard 1 of Pharmacy, advancing the interests of the College, and bringing the graduates of the College into closer fellowship. Among the founders of the Association were the following well-known guaduates : .Messrs. Thos. F. Main, P. W. Bedford, for many years Pro- fessor of Pharmacy at the College, and one who always to the end of his life worked for that which was highest and best in Pharmacy ; Jules L,. A. Creuse, Theo. Frohwein, B. F. Mclntyre, M. Frohwein, Geo. C. Close, Class of 1 83 1, one of the first three graduates of the College, one actively inter- ested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the Association and the College for a period of sixty years, until his death in 1891, a splendid example of faithful devotion to Alma Mater, W. Hegeman, and Wm, Wright, Jr. At this time the College was occupying rooms in the University building in Washington Square. The first president of the Association was Mr. Daniel C. Robbins. Conversational meetings were features of these earlier gatherings of the Alumni Association, where original papers, of value and interest to Phar- macy were presented by the members. One of the first acts of the Association after its establishment, showing the desire to stimulate the students to greater and better efforts, was the offer of a prize for the presentation of the best thesis by a member of the graduating class. A few years later this offer was changed, and a gold, silver and bronze medal was awarded to the students ranking first second and third in order of merit ; the ten THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. SECTION OF STERILIZING LABORATORY. Sterilized Dressings for Operations delivered in sealed cylinders, ready for immediate use. Much care is used in the preparation and sterilization of our Catgut, Kangaroo Tendons, Silk, Silk-worm Gut and Sponges. . SURGICAL DRESSINGS An inspection of our Sterilizing Laboratory is cordially invited. Laboratories : 120 Park Ave. and 61 East 41st St VAN HORN & ELLISON, Park Ave. and Forty-first St., New York. Tel ephone Call "230 Spr ing." -TFT Tte Claries i Pleasants Co. Wholesale and Retail Druggists m JVIanufaeturing GRISTS 57, 59 & 61 W. Houston Street, And 166 Wooster Street, NEW YORK. Paints, Oils, Varnishes, Aniline Colors and Dyestuffs. J¥> Vi/t ISSUE A PWAPHLET THAT WILL INTEREST YOU. . rris^r LUsed Without bed P PERFECTLY ASEPTIC. ANATOMICALLY CORRECT t&lOs. THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. PART I. i. PIANO SOLO, Selected. Walter A. Pick. 2. ADDRESS OF WELCOME TO CLASS OF '95. Hieronimus A. Herold, Ph.G., Chairman Alumni Day Committee. 3. VIOLIN SOLO, Merry Musical Monologue. Hugh J. Emmett. 4. SOPRANO SOLO, Select