copies the leading facts. As to the cause of malaria, the article says: "It has long been known that any continued prevalence of malarial fever was attended by the occurrence of extensive changes, apparently of a degenerative character, in the physical condition of the blood; and these changes, when they were made the subject of investigation by the aid of modern microscopes, were traced to the presence of parasites as invariable concomitants of the disease. Blood owes its color to the presence of innumerable minute bodies called its red corpuscles-bodies so minute and so numerous that a single cubic millimeter of blood contains an average of about 5,000,000 of them—and it is within these corpuscles that the parasites were discovered. Malarial fevers are characterized by definite exacerbations and intermissions; and it soon became apparent that these were severally coincident, in point of time, with successive stages of the life history of the parasite, each attack of fever denoting the hatching of a new brood and presenting the successive stages of shivering, of heat, and of sweating coincidently with their growth and development, at the conclusion of which each corpuscle which had been invaded by them perished and its function as a carrier of oxygen to the tissues was abolished. Unlike the now familiar vegetable parasites collectively called microbes, by which so many other diseases are occasioned, the parasite of malaria belongs to the animal kingdom; but, like the microbes, its numbers increase with amazing rapidity. Until they reach a considerable amount, the parasite would not be productive of serious symptoms; but, by the time an attack of fever is fairly established, these numbers often amount to something like 250,000,000, and thence would range upward to 1,000,000,000." That American medicine of all medicines, "quinine," is given due credit for its work in fighting the plasmodium causing the chills and fever. The method of action of this febrifuge, which was introduced into Europe by the Jesuits in the seventeenth century, is described as follows: The treatise next considers the first evidence against the busy mosquito. The improved microscope and new methods of microscopical research are responsible for his conviction. The testimony of this instrument may yet cause the total extinction of the insect which now makes New Jersey so famous as a summer resort. The Times says: "The next stage in the investigation was to ascertain through what channel the malaria parasite became introduced into the human body; and Dr. Patrick Manson, who had previously traced another form of infection to the mosquito, was, we believe, the first to suggest that this insect was the most probable delinquent. The investigations of Major Ross, to whose letter claiming priority we were glad to give insertion, finally established the correctness of the hypothesis. The particular mosquito concerned is of the species known to naturalists as anopheles, and the evidence of the crime is complete. He, or rather she (for the ladies of the family are the sole offenders) is furnished with salivary glands which secrete the poison which she injects into her bites. A female may be hatched from a captured larva, and fed for the first time by being permitted to bite a man suffering from fever. She will swallow one or more of the parasites or their spores as part of her meal, and, if kept in confinement, their life within her body may be observed. They ultimately find their way from her stomach to her salivary glands, and from these are injected with the poison nto the blood of the next victim whom she may select or may be furnished with. The process can be watched from beginning to end, and it constitutes a chain of morbid action of the most interesting and curious character, which, at the same time, completely clears up the whole question of the nature and causation of the fever." The habits and life history of the mosquito have been thoroughly studied by American naturalists and the coal oil method of destroying the pests put in practical operation in some places. But we quote from our English authority: "All speculations about air, about soil, about 'malaria belts,' and the like have been rendered obsolete. There is no reason to believe that the parasite finds access to the human body through any other channel, or that the 'gnats' or 'mosquitoes' which infest regions free from malaria are examples of anopheles. If this particular insect could be extir "It has long been known that quinine was the most potent of all remedies for ague; and its administration at all sorts of times and in all sorts of doses had gradually led to the experimental determination of the conditions of its greatest efficacy; but, prior to the discovery of the parasite, it was regarded as being essentially "antiperiodic" in its effects—that is to say, as exerting some mysterious influence in pre-pated, there is every justification for the hope that venting the rhythmical recurrence of morbid phenomena. The discovery of the parasite led to the further discovery that quinine cured ague simply by poisoning the parasite, and that it was most effective for this purpose when given in such doses and in such a way as to be present in the blood in sufficient quantities during a certain period of their growth. But it seldom killed them all, and more usually left a few individuals, perhaps more or less languishing, but still living and reproducing their kind, and capable of giving rise to a fresh attack of fever, even after the lapse of many months." malarious fevers would disappear from the earth; and, fortunately, the extirpation does not seem likely to present any insurmountable difficulty. The eggs are laid in water, and the larvæ, when hatched, live in water for about a week before they assume the mosquito form. As larvæ, like those of the common gnat, they rise to the surface of the water to breathe; and a film of oil on this surface is speedily fatal to them by blocking up their air spiracles. The fullyformed mosquito lives for many weeks, but is not presumed to travel far, and probably always obtains its food within easy reach of its native pool of water, to which it periodically returns for the purpose of held responsible for the trouble, it is likely that great depositing its eggs." While all of this has at least a smack of newspaper science about it, the main facts are presented and are worthy the careful attention of every person who is in a position to destroy mosquitoes or their larvæ. The knowledge of the true and apparently only cause of malaria will also enable many to avoid the disease by keeping away from mosquitoes. It is not likely that the extermination of the pests will be effected in the very near future. The price of quinine will not fall on account of the newly gained knowledge of the malaria. The manufacturers of chill cures will have a market for some time to come, and our comic newspapers will continue their jokes about "the ager.” Scientific Discoveries are Often Made far in advance of their period of usefulness. They sometimes come about in an empirical manner, and are given little or no attention until the time is ripe for their practical application. We are reminded of this by a report from Dr. Lewellyn F. Baker, who is in the Philippine Islands at the expense of the Johns-Hopkins University, for the purpose of studying tropical diseases. According to the doctor, some of the Jesuitical records of 200 years ago show that the natives of the Island of Mindanao recognized a relation between mosquitoes and intermittent fevers. But the observations were two centuries ahead of time. It required the present perfection of the compound microscope and the detail of technical bacteriology to render the knowledge of such a relationship of practical value in medicine. Dr. Barker pays tribute to some of the hard-working, self-sacrificing investigators when he says: "We are already in possession of an analysis of the more prevalent diseases peculiar to the tropics and of the many facts of importance concerning etiology, pathology, prophylaxis and cure. Among the most fertile in results has been the work done by Fayrer in India, and in Cochin, China, by Calmette, on snake poison; in Algiers, by Laveran, and in India, by Ross, on the malarial infections; in Bombay, by Vandyke Carter and Obermeier, on relapsing fever; in China and other countries, by Manson, on filariasis; and in the West Indies and South America, by Sternberg, Guiteras and Sanarelli, on yellow fever." The Ague Seldom Shakes a Person to death, but the disease opens the way for a multitude of other complaints. It is estimated that malaria is indirectly responsible for the death of 5,000,000 people a year in India. The British government has long realized the important part played by this disease in that country. The statistics for 1897 show that out of an army of 178,000 white and black troops over 75,000 were admitted to the hospital on account of malarial fevers. No record is made of the number of soldiers who were troubled with the diseases but not admitted to the hospital. If statistics on this disease covering the entire civilized world were gathered, the results would startle the thinking public. Since the mosquito is efforts would be made to exterminate the insect if the real position which malaria holds in the list of diseases was more fully realized by the public at large. Medical Works of Interest to Pharmacists.-In the list of medical works, or those by medical authors which will interest pharmacists, we take pleasure in mentioning The Peripatetic M. D., by William D. Spore, a graduate of the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis, and for many years surgeon in the employ extremely interesting, full of information and will of various steamship companies. His sketches are appeal to the general reader as well as physicians and pharmacists. The price of the volume is $1.00, and can be obtained by addressing the author, care of F. P. Hoeck & Co., First San Francisco St., Number 12, City of Mexico, Mexico. Other works of special interest to pharmacists and physicians were mentioned in the MEYER BROTHERS DRUGGIST for November, page 328; February, page 36; March, page 69, and April issue, page 110. Pharmacists Travel occasionally and pay freight and express charges frequently. They are all interested in railroad transportation affairs. This has induced the MEYER BROTHERS DRUGGIST to establish a new feature. We have added a Transportation Department. In the future, each issue of this journal will contain at least one article on transportation matters. This, we feel confident, will be of interest to our readers. We shall consistently advocate the cause of retailer against unjust discrimination, and we have engaged the services of a traffic man who is fully informed, and whose sympathies are in line with what he writes. Our readers are invited to contribute to this department as freely as to other sections of the journal. Let us hear from you often. No Pharmacy Law for Maryland before 1902.-Notwithstanding the systematic, intelligent and persistent efforts made by the good pharmacists of Baltimore and the State at large, the Maryland pharmacy bill failed to become a law. Those in a position to know, however, feel that considerable advancement has been made over previous efforts, and undoubtedly the next legislature will enact proper pharmacy legislation. Among those who have labored unceasingly must be mentioned Mr. Louis Schulze, vicechairman of the legislative committee of the Maryland Pharmaceutical Association. Presidential Addresses are the order of the day in the months of May and June. This is the convention time, and more pharmaceutical associations meet at this season than in any other calendar division. These annual documents are often instructive as well as interesting. This is especially true when the officer confines himself to timely topics and discusses them in a plain, matter-of-fact way. If the reader of this item perchance has such a document to write, we urge him to see that it is long on clear-cut, common sense and short on ponderous platitudes. STRAY ITEMS AND COMMENTS. Vol. 16, page 105; Vol. 17, pages 299 to 304; Vol. 24, page 579; Vol. 25, page 379, and the Druggists Circular for March, 1874. Oil of Sandalwood, East India.-We contend that the East India (English) is the only quality of Oil of Prof. Virchow has just celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his labors as Professor Ordinarius in the University of Berlin. He is now in his seventy-eighth | Sandalwood that should be dispensed by jobbers. year. Wall's Pharmacognosy notes are continued in each issue of the MEYER BROTHERS Druggist. They are deserving of the careful reading of every one interested in Pharmacognosy. Lavoisier. Nearly $30,000 have been raised for a monument to Lavoisier, and it will be unveiled during the Paris Exposition. An open space behind the Madeleine is the site which has been selected. The National Wholesale Druggists' Association has been upheld by Justice Russell, in the Supreme Court, to whom was referred the suit of John D. Park & Sons Company, brought on account of the patent medicine agreement. Justice Russell holds that the complaint does not present sufficient cause for action. The Illinois Pharmacy Law is considered a model in its way and is often quoted in various sections of the country. The Sucker State also has a new medical law, but the profession seldom mentions its provision which permits the Christian Scientist healer to practice without supervision or control by the authorities. The Baking Powder Manufacturers are looking after their interests in Washington. A provision of the proposed pure food law requires that all manufacturers of baking powder must place on each package a statement of the amount of alum which they contain. The manufacturers expect to have these conditions removed. Postage Stamps In Book Form are soon to be issued by the Government at an additional expense of one cent per book. They will hold twenty-four, fortyeight and ninety-six cents' worth of stamps. Those who have met with the annoyance, difficulty and loss caused by stamps sticking together will appreciate the thoughtfulness of the third postmaster-general in issuing stamps in book form. We un Texas Quicksilver bids fair to become an important item of commerce. Excitement in that State is at fever heat and prospectors and speculators are going into the district in considerable numbers. derstand that several pharmacists are interested in the discoveries. It is claimed that the ore, for richness, has never been surpassed. Microscopy for Pharmacists.-Dr. Fred Hoffmann, for many years a resident of this country, now living in Berlin, Germany, was probably the first pharmacist to urge upon the druggists of this country the desirability of microscopical work. Those interested in the subject can see what the doctor had to say a quarter of a century ago, by referring to the proceedings of the American Pharmaceutical Association, The so-called German, bought so frequently on account of its lower cost, is often a mixture of Oil of Cedar, Oil of Copaiba, Castor Oil and Alcohol, to which a little Oil of Sandalwood is added as a balm to the conscience of the manipulator. When this mixture is used, the physician is disappointed and the patient loses faith in the physician. The druggist depends on the physician and the physician depends on the druggist. They should work together to accomplish the results desired. The difference in cost is but a trifle as compared to the satisfaction a druggist must feel in the knowledge that he has done his duty faithfuly in filling a prescription according to the physician's reasonable expectations. Confectionery for the Philippine Soldiers.—It is stated that about fifty tons of candy have been sent for distribution in the army in service at the PhilipThis is the first time that the Commispine Islands. sary Department of the United States has furnished The British army reIt is claimed confectionery to the soldiers. ceives candy as a portion of its rations. that those living in tropical climates are healthier when they have a suitable amount of confectionery. Shipment to which we refer consists mostly of chocolate creams, lemon drops and other acidulated candies. The goods are put up in oval, one-pound tin cans, suitable in shape to fit the top of the soldier's uniform. It is probable that the general publication of shipments of fifty tons of candy will have a stimulating effect on the small boys to make them ambitious to become soldiers. Good Advice for the Retail Drug Trade.—While pharmacy is a profession, and the members give time and attention to professional affairs, the occupation must also be made a business if those represented are to receive sufficient recompense to constitute a fair living. In looking over a recent number of a publication issued by the National Cash Register Co. for its salesmen, we find some advice which will apply with equal force to the retail druggists of this country. The month of March is past but another one is here, and our readers can make it one of profit if they take unto themselves, and extend to all associated with them, the following suggestions: HOW TO MAKE MARCH "GO OUT LIKE A LION."-The way to dig a town out of a blizzard is for every man to sweep his own doorstep. The way to reach our March Quota is for every man to reach his own. The way to beat it on the month is to beat it every day. The way to do a day's work is to start right, plug hard and hang on. If the few happy-go-lucky men in our selling force who think life is too short to bother about doing things right every time would realize that it is too short to do anything else, we would never miss a quota. If this fits you, put it on. Dissolve the terpin hydrate in the alcohol with the aid of heat; add the glycerin and syrup. Let stand over night and filter through paper. Chilblain Remedies (13).— Mix. Oil of rosemary. Cologne spirit.. 1⁄2 fl. dr. .1⁄2 fl. dr. .32 fl. ozs. There Exists Some Confusion in the Terms "Sea Foam" and "Shampoo" (15).-Both are preparations to be applied to the head to remove dirt, dandruff, etc., from the scalp and hair. Barbers make the following distinction: "Dry Shampoo" and "Wet Shampoo;" if the first is desired they employ "Sea Foam," which is a water-clear liquid preparation containing a volatile alkali, glycerin, spirit, and water, applied to the scalp and hair in just sufficient quantity to moisten the same, and by vigorous rubbing produces but a slight foam, which is removed by rubbing with a wet towel. When the second is asked for, a preparation is employed that contains soap, salt of tartar, borax and water-alcohol and glycerin being excluded, as the object is to produce a thick and firm lather, which is removed by means of a large quantity of water. The above must be borne in mind when "Sea Foam" or "Shampoo" is called for by the customer; as in most cases the preparation is expected that gives a copious lather, and when this is not obtained the preparation is condemned as being not Sea Foam Liquid. Ammonia water Glycerin... Directions: Shake and apply morning and good. 2 fl. drs. .....I fl. oz. Alcohol I fl. oz. ..I fl. oz. .6 fl. ozs. .8 fl. ozs. Mix. night. Solution of subacetate.. Spirit of camphor.. Oil of turpentine... ......I fl. oz. Directions: Shake and apply morning and To Make a Cologne Water (14) of the first quality requires the very finest of oils and spirits. The characteristic odor of the Farina colognes is that of neroli, somewhat modified with other oils of the orange family. Ageing is said also to play an important part in improving the product. It is stated. that the Farinas, after having made the mixture of the formula, allow it to stand for six months and then distill. In the following formulas, after the mixture is finished, let it stand several days in a warm place, then add just sufficient of distilled water, rose water or orange flower water to produce a slight milkiness of the mixture; agitate occasionally and allow to stand for days, weeks or months, as convenient, and before using filter through paper, or paper pulp, to make perfectly clear and bright. Water. Mix and perfume if desired. Shampoo Liquid. EXAMINATION QUESTIONS. Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy.-A. (1) What is the purpose of the pharmacy law of this State? (2) What does the law consider a drug or chemical which is fatal to adult human life in quantities of 60 grains or less? (3) What does the law require for the sale of a drug or chemical which is fatal to adult human life in quantities of 5 grains or less? (4) Give common names of three drugs which are used as insecticides. (5) Are there any restrictions for the sale of insecticides? B. (1) What effect has heat upon solids? (2) What effect has it upon liquids? (3) What instrument is used for measuring the degrees of heat? (4) Name the different scales of degrees in common use. (5) Which of these is recognized by the U. S. P.? (6) How many degrees are included between the freezing and boiling points of water in each scale? (7) How may degrees of one of these scales be converted into those of another? (8) Give an example. (9) What is the purpose of a water bath? (10) Why does the Bunsen burner give a smokeless flame? C. (1) Give the official Latin name of Cramp Bark. (2) Give Nat. Ord. of plant yielding it. (3) Briefly describe the drug. (4) Give its medical properties. (5) Give the official Latin name of the preparation made from it. (6) Give official name of Black Haw. (7) Give Nat. Ord. of plant yielding it. (8) Briefly describe the drug. (9) Give its medical properties. (10) Give official Latin name of the preparation made from it. D.-Define the following: (1) Benzin. (2) Benzene (benzol). (3) Benzoin. (4) Camphor. (5) Chloral U. S. P. (6) Chrysarobin. (7) Coccus. (8) Gamboge. (9) Phenol U. S. P. (10) Spermaceti. E. (1) What is Bismuth? (2) Give its chemical properties. (3) How is Bismuth Citrate prepared? (4) In what liquids is this salt soluble? (5) How is Bismuth and Ammonium Citrate prepared? (6) In what liquids is it most soluble? (7) How would you recognize Bismuth subcarbonate? (8) How Bismuth subnitrate? (9) What dangerous impurity is liable to be present in Bismuth salts? (10) Give test for limit of said impurity. F.-Give full Latin name and ingredients of each of the following official preparations: (1) Vegetable Cathartic Pills; (2) Dover's Powder; (3) Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia; (4) Syrup of Hydriodic Acid; (5) Compound Tincture of Benzoin. G.—(1) Give the official Latin name of Squill. (2) Give the botanical name of plant. (3) In what natural order is it included? (4) What is its habitat? (5) What portion of the plant is used? (6) Describe it as it exists in the natural state? (7) Describe it as it is found in the market. (8) Name its active ingredients. (9) Give its therapeutic action. (10) Give dose of crude drug? H.-Give official Latin name and maximum dose of each of the following: (1) Sodium Phosphate. (2) Potassium Ferrocyanide. (3) Cerium Oxalate. (4) Zinc Oxide. (5) Lactucarium. (6) Iron Ferrocyanide. (7) Tr. Quillaya. (8) Tr. Iodine. (9) Tr. Gelsemium. (10) Tr. Strophanthus. I. (1) Why should pharmacists know how to take the specific gravity of liquids? (2) At 15.6°C. how many grammes will 1,000 Cc. of distilled Water weigh? (3) How many grammes will 1,000 Cc. of ether weigh? (4) How many grammes will 1,000 Cc. of alcohol weigh? (5) How many grammes will 1,000 Cc. of Mercury weigh? K.—(1) Give official Latin name of Turpentine. (2) How is it obtained? (3) What products are obtained by distilling it? (4) In what forms is the distillate official? (5) Which should be used for internal use? (6) What product of the residue is official? L.-(1) How is Salicylic Acid made? (2) What is the principal objection to prescribing it in simple aqueous solution? (3) Name three official salts of the acid. (4) What official liquid is made from the acid? (5) Give the official name of the salicylic ether of phenol? (6) Describe its physical properties. (7) What are its medical properties? (8) What is its dose? (9) How is it usually administered? M. (1) Give the official Latin name of Phenylacetimide. (2) Give the chemical name and graphic formula of aniline. (3) Show by reactions how it is derived from benzene. (4) How is acetanilid made? (5) Give its chemical, physical and therapeutic properties. N. (1) Give the botanical name of the plant from which Castor Oil is obtained. (2) In what countries does the plant grow? (3) From what part of the plant is the oil obtained? (4) What is the dose of the oil, and how is it best administered? (5) How would you proceed to prepare an emulsion of Castor Oil? O.-Name the antidotes for: (1) Iodine; (2) Opium; (3) Chloral; (4) Veratrum; (5) Phosphorus; (6) Paris Green; (7) Tr. Aconite; (8) Carbolic Acid; (9) Aqua Ammonia; (10) Nitric Acid. P.-What two well-defined series of compounds does iron form? (2) State the valence of each series. (2) How is Reduced Iron made? (4) What should its color be, and what impurity does it usually contain? (5) What three forms of Ferrous Sulphate are official? (6) What Iron Salt is contained in Liquor Ferri Tersulphatis? (7) How does "Monsell's Solution" differ in character of its iron compound from Liquor Ferri Tersulphatis? (8) In making the official solution of the Ferric Chloride, how is the acidulated solution of Ferrous Chloride oxidized, and what is the special order of mixing the acidulated solution and the oxidizing agent? Is the former added to the latter, or the reverse, and why? Q.-(1) Give official definition of Asafoetida. (2) From what countries is it obtained? (3) How is it gathered? (4) How may it be powdered without injury to its medicinal properties? (5) What are its chief constituents? (6) What are its medicinal properties? (7) When rubbed with water, it forms an official preparation; give its name and properties? |