!

i

^'^ili!

Entered at the New York Post Office as secotid
class matter.

^anuarv, 1896.

NO. I.

Contents:

GENEEATION, - . - - -
By H. a. Haubold. M. D.

EDITORIAL, -

IN MEMORIAM. . - - -

ALUMNI NOTES, - - - - -
CONSTITUTION, CLASS OF '96. -
THE MOST RECENT WORK, - -

NEW REMEDIES, - - - - -

INTELLIGENCE IN PLANTS, - •
A PROPOSED NEW PHARMACY LAW,
SULPHUR MINES IN LOUISIANA,

A NAUGHT OF SOD i, - - -

A SEIDLITZ POWDER SAVED IT -

PUBLISHED BY

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK ....

^< <

"" 5 w

.?:^ o J?;

Oji.

o
o

Cl,

V

c3

^ .s

J o

O '^
r- (U

5 -Q

o <f

c *->

o
'm

o
m

m

u

>— I

H

< 5

O H

WW

< J?

73 ^

^ O

.5 '^

CI, rt

<^ a;

o

.S o

12 <J-' S

_VH .^ ^

o

o o
o o

o ^'

. I
I

N3

C<\ CO

o

o

o

o
o

o

tn
(U
N

03

o

T3

"a. ^

^ o

cu

3
>

oj

S t/3

O
O

CO

o ^

o 2

^ f:

•5 :5

■Tfi >0 lO

o <u

4-1 tfi

w 8

t/2

5 Z-r

O e

O
U

d

w ^
H Q

m

>*

o

O)

OJ

bX)

re

V. ^

-S u

bcf-H >

c OJ 5J

g X rt

O
a

5

(A
\^

rrt

?-•
O

P.
O

>^^

Td i

U C>

he-
1-

aj li

!3 „

^ pi

„

^5

;=! "cs

•V

t-

':; ^

(3

dj

& o

o rt

s 'S

o

d o

r2 rt

ca

t= '^

^ 1=1

c5 -'-'

■-c

o

s

■;3 <=

rt (U

H^

Id

-• >^

c!

° g

O ^

<D

0, -ii

H r,.

*-<

EH g

a h:1 g

(U

1697

OLDEST STAND ON BROADWAY.

PHAKKACr

BALTIMORE 1813.

NEW YORK 1830.

/7I83 BROADWAY

TRADE MARK.

Chapel-

1764

i\1[The Original A E;uxir;1830.

EHWBlmiSlYA

High Test. \J[^True Bark.

A reliable product by an old house.

A Wholesome Tonic, Creates Appe-
tite, Induces Assimilation, Recuper-
ates Strength. Tones up the System in
Debility and Convalescence.

CK3 fi <^-^

nMJoovtr^xu

Over 80 Years' Unbroken Record! 65 years in Same Spot

Nearly midway between the two Colonial Churches.
PRESCRIPTIONS PREPARED SOLELY BY GRADUATES.

MILHAU'S CHALYBEATE CALISAYA

An elixir containing pyrophosphate of iron; does
not injure the teeth.

Agency for

Dr. DECLAT'S PHENIC PREPARATIONS,

AVTHI^NTIC ANIMAZ, EXTRACTS

All the heading Brands.

MlLHAU.

From prime assayed Holivian l,eaf.
■ Revives, Steadies and Sustains the
Nerves National Formulary, thrice
strength of the Imported Wines.
Benign, diuretic; while cocaine wines
are toxic, excitant. .^^j

Confers wonderful endurance to
stand physical and mental exertion'.

J. MILHAU'S SON, Ph. G., druggist and importer,

183 Broadway, NEW YORK.

CABLE, "MILHAU." TELEPHONE, 3780 CORTLANDT.

PUBLISHED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Vol. III.

New York, January, 1896.

No. I.

GENERATION."

By h. a. haubold, m. d.,

Assistant to the Chair of Physiology, Bellevue Hospital Medical College, Visiting Surgeon to Harlem Hospital,

Fellow to State Medical Association, etc.

The question of spontaneous generation The function of generation as regards

is now definitely settled. Its discussion the male senses with the comparatively
is of purely historical interest and as the simple process of penetration of the male

LIBR^
NEW ^
BOTAN

QARLi

time allotted to me this evening is neces-
sarily short, I shall dismiss this sub-
ject with the statement that there is
no such thing as spontaneous generation.
There are, of course, certain distinct

element into the substance of the ovum
and its fusion with the same.

This is called fecundation of the ovum.
The fecundated ovum then undergoes
certain changes that are the first processes

forms of generation that obtain in some of its development, forms its attachments

of the lower forms of animal life. But to the body of the mother, continues its.

we are not concerned with these to-night, development and is nourished and grows

The subject of this lecture is Human until the foetus at right is brought into

Generation and here it is necessary that the world.

certain physiological conditions must ob- The female organs of generation are

tain. These conditions I shall now dis- divided into internal and external.

CU.SS. The external are the vulva with its

In physiology there is no such thing adjacent parts of the vagina. The in-

as immaculate conception. The creation ternal are the uterus, fallopian tubes and

of a new being begins with the union of
the male and female elements of genera-
tion. This in the male is the spermato-
zoid, and in the female the ovum.

The union of these two elements is
brought about by an act that is known
as sexual connection or copulation.

the ovaries.

The ovaries are the true female organs
and in them alone is the female element
produced. The fallopian tubes and the
uterus are accessory organs, the female
element, the ovum, passing through the
lallopian tubes into the uterus, where it

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

forms the attachments to the mother that
are necessary to its further development.
A minute description of these accessory
organs belongs to descriptive anatomy
and I shall not do more than attempt to
give you a more or less clear idea of their
form position as we progress.

The ovaries, as you see, are situated to
either side of the uterus in close proximity
to the fimbriated ends of the fallopian
tubes.

Each ovary is about an inch and one-
half in length, half an inch in thickness
and three-quartersof an inch wide. They
weigh about 75 grains each.

In making a section of the ovary it is
seen to consist of two kinds of tissue ; a
cortical substance about -w^ of an inch in
diameter and a medullary substance con-
taining a large number of blood vessels.
The cortical substance alone contains the
Graafian follicles.

The medullary substance consists of
trubeculue of fibrous tissue, a few mus-
cular fibres and a large number of blood-
vessels.

Graafian follicles were first described
by De Graaf in 1672. They are contain-
ed in the outer or cortical substance of
the ovary only, and according to Henle
are about 36,000 in number. A Graaf-
ian follicle at the age of puberty meas-
ures from the smallest -g-^o- inch in diameter
to the largest nearly half inch in
diameter. In a fully developed follicle
an ovum measures about y^ inch in
diameter.

In the process that culminates in the
discharge of the ovum into the fallopian
tube the Graafian follicle gradually en-
larges and finally ruptures on the surface
of the ovary. A Graafian follicle con-
sists of a proper coat and a lining mem-
brane, both of which are composed of
fibrous tissue. Within this is a layer of
epithelial cells called the membrana
granulosa. These cells form an accumu-

lation at a certain point being pushed
over as it were by the liquid that fills the
Graafian follicle. This accumulation is
called the discus proligerus and contains
the ovum in its center.

The Uterus, or as it is commonly called,
the womb, is a pear shaped body situated
between the bladder in front and the
rectum behind. It opens below into the
vagina by an opening called the os-
uteri. It is usually when not impreg-
nated about three inches long and two
inches wide at its widest portion, where
the fallopian tubes come off. It is held
in place by ligaments that are attached
to the pelvic walls and adjacent organs.

The uterus consists of muscular fibres
of the non-striated variety and it is the
contraction of these fibres that ultimately
results in the expulsion of the matured
foetus. It is lined by mucous membrane.
This membrane is smooth and firmly at-
tached to the body of the uterus and un-
dergoes remarkable changes during men-
struation. Under ordinary conditions its
tnickness i.s from ^r to y^ of an inch in
diameter, but it measures during men-
struration ^ to y of an inch.

The Fallopian Tubes lead from the
ovaries to the uterus, as shown in the
drawing. They open into the uterus by
a small opening that gradually increases
in diameter, so that they are rather
trumpet shaped. Near the ovary they
turn backward and downward. The ex-
tremity near the ovary is fimbriated.
The tubes are lined by mucous mem-
brane which is covered by ciliated epith-
elium.

The Ovum is, as you remember, is con-
tained in the Graafian follicle surround-
ed by the discus proligerus.

There have been many descriptions of
the anatomy of the ovum offered to
science, but that of Nagel is the one
generally accepted.

The human ovum is y^- of inch in

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

diameter and consists of an outer clear
membrane called the vitelline mem-
brane, this is surrounded by the cells of
the discus proligerus. Within the cells
of the discus proligerus is a layer of
•epithelial cells called the corona radiata,
and these are in immediate contact with
the vitelline membrane or zona radiata.
within the vitelline membrane is a clear
space to the fact that the vitellus or yolk
is smaller than the space it is contained
in, this space is called the periveteline
space. Continuing our description from
without inward, the next substance that
presents itself is the vitellus itself, it is
limited externally by a translucent area
called the outer clear space. Next this
and internall5^ is an accumulation of
small granules, the protoplasmic zone,
and within this larger granules the
■dentoplasmic zone.

The germinal vesicle is imbedded in
the vitellus and contains the germinal
spot.

Mechanism of the Discharge of the
Ovum. — A ripe Graafian follicle meas-
sures f to |- inch, and presents itself as
a rounded elevation surrounded by blood-
vessels, on the surface of the ovum.

At its most prominent portion is a
small ovoid space that is devoid of blood-
vessels, and it is this spot that finally
gives way and the ovum is propelled
into the fimbriated extremity of the fal-
lopian tube.

The changes that take place in the
Graafian follicle subsequent to the dis-
charge of the ovum, result in the forma-
tion ot the corpus luteum. The changes
described above usually take place near
the menstrual period, and it is probable
that the discharge of an ovum is precip-
itated by the sexual act. Still, ovula-
tion may take place entirely indepen-
dently of these two phenomenae.

Menstruation occurs in human females
about every 28 days. The changes that

take place in the viterus are simple
enough. The mucous membrane lining
becomes thickened, thrown into folds
and largely distended with capillary
blood vessels. These blood vessels rup-
ture and the fluid is discharged by the
vagina. Menstruation occupies between
3 and 8 days, and when it has ceased the
mucous membrane returns to its normal
state.

Male Organs of Generation. — The
chief physiological interest attached to
the anatomy of these organs relates to
the testicles. As regards the penis, it
will be necessary to do little more than
describe it in a general way.

The Testicles are two ovoid organs
contained in the scrotum. The tunica
vaginatis is a short sac that lines the
scrotum and is reflected over the body of
the testicle and the spermatic cord. The
spermatic cord is composed of the vas de-
ferens and the blood vessels that nourish
the testicle and is the avenue through
which the male element of generation
passes on its way toward the penis.

Beneath the tunica vaginalis are the
testicles with their proper fibrous coat.

These organs are ovoid, flattened and
measure r}^ inches in length, about i^
inches from before backward, and nearly
an inch from side to side. They weigh
about three-quarters of an ounc each.

The proper fibrous coat of the testicle
is called the tunica albuquila. It is
thick and strong, and is simply for pro-
tection of the contained structures. Sec-
tions of the testicle show that a process
of the covering subdivides the testicle
into two compartments ; the upper is
called the Corpus Highmorianum, the
lower is subdivided again into a number
of lobules, which contain the tubes that

create the semen.

These tubes exist to the number of

about 840 in each testicle. Each tube

represents a tangled mass. When un-

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

raveled, it is found that a single tube
measures about 30 inches in length.
These tubes all unite into about thirty
larger ones, called vasa recta. These
latter now pass out of the testicle, and
form a series of small conical masses, the
epididymus, from thence they pass on up
through the spermatic cord to the urethra
at its prostatic portion.

At the base of the bladder are situated
two small sacs, the vesicular seminalis,
and it is here that the semen is stored up
until it is ejaculated.

The Spermatozoids are the essential
male elements of generation, and are de-
veloped in the testicle. In the healthy
male, at the climax of a normal venereal
orgasm, 11 to 92 grains of seminal fluid
are ejaculated from the urethra. I shall
confine myself to a description of only
the essential element of generation con-
tained in this fluid. Indeed, the other
constituents are of no importance what-
ever.

Spermaiozoids were discovered by Van-
Hansen in 1677. They present a flat-
tened, conoidal head and a long, taper-
ing tail. The tail is in active motion,
which propels these little bodies into the
channels of fecundation in the female.

Microscopical examination does not
reveal any very distinct structure in the
substance of the spermatozoid. They
consist of a head, an intermediary seg-
ment, a tail and a terminal filament.

Fecundation Development of the Ovum.
— As to how the spermatozoid gains ac-
cess to the ovum, it is only necessary to
state that coitus is possible through erec-
tion of the penis and its entrance into the
vagina of the female.

There are, of course, modifications in
the detail of this act: but I need not dis-
cuss them here.

Fecundation usually takes place in the
dilated portion of the fallopian tube. It
probably never takes place in the uterus.

Although it may occur at any time, im-
mediately before or after the menstrual
period is the most favorable time for it.
An orgasm on the part of the female is not
essential to conception, still there can be
no doubt that the occurrence of this
phenomena is favorable to it.

Union of the Male and Feynale Ele-
vients. — In the ova of certain animals, an
opening called the micropyle, has been
demonstrated in the vitelline membrane.
Its existence is to be inferred only in the
human ovum. It is certain that the
spermatozoid gains entrance to the vitel-
lus but just how many it is necessary to
fecundate a human ovum is not known.
All that can be said upon this point is that
there probably is a direct union between
the two generative elements, soon to be
followed by the series of charges involved
in the first process of development.

There are many questions connected
with hereditary transmission which have
no reasonable explanation in science.

The question of the influences that
determine the sex of a child, the visita-
tion upon an offspring of deformities and
peculiarities such as spoken of in Oliver
Wendel Holmes' Elsie Venner, etc., etc.,
would lead simply to a recital of remark-
able facts with no explanation for them.

A peculiar, and it seems to be an inex-
plicable fact is that previous pregencies
have an influence upon offsprings. This
is a fact well known among cattle and
dog breeders.

What the mechanism of the influence
of the first conception is, it is impossible
to say, but the fact is incontestable.

The same influence is observed in the
human subject. A woman may have, by
a second husband, children who resemble
a former husband. Indeed a white woman
who has had children by a negro may
subsequently bear children to a white
man, these children presenting some
of the unmistakable peculiarities of the

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

negro race. A fact that stands out as a
glaring example of the most terrible and
inexplorable of all laws discovered by
scientists, that of atavism. After the
penetration of spermatozoids and their
union with the vitellus, the appearance
of the vitellus undergoes a change. This
change consists in an enlargement of the
granules and their more complete separa-
tion from the clear substance of the vitel-
lus.

Polar Globule. — The next process ob-
served in the ovum is the separation
from the vitellus of a clear, rounded
mass, called the polar globule. And
now the germinal vesicle disappears.

The formation of the polar globule
takes place by the projection of a portion
of the vitellus, which slowly detaches it-
self from the yolks. A few hours later
the polar globule again merges into the
substance of the vitellus, and the latter
organ takes on its original form.

Segmentation of the Vitellus. — Almost
immediately following the phenomena
just described the vitellus undergoes the
process of segmentation, by which it is
divided into a number of small cells,
called the blastodermic cells.

As segmentation has been studied in
the inferior animals, there appears at the
site of the polar globule a furrow, and
another immediately opposite ; both
deepen until the vitellus is divided into
two globules. These globules then di-
vide into four, then eight, and continue
to subdivide until the vitellus is divided
into a large number of cells.

When the cells of the blastoderm are
completely formed they are pushed
against the vitelline membrane by the
formation of a certain amount of liquid.
It is probably in this condition that the
ovum passes from the fallopian tube into
the uterus at about the eighth day after
fecundation.

Primitive trace. — The cells formed by

the segmentation of the vitellus form a
layer in the form of a membrane called
the blasto-dermic membrane. This mem-
brane ultimately subdivides, as I shall
describe in a few moments.

Soon after the formation of the single
blastodemic membrane a layer of smaller
cells, accumulate at one place, surround-
ed by a dark area, this is called the em-
bryum spot. The portion in the centre
of the ;iew cells is called the primitive
trace. There are are only temporary
structures and soon disappear.

Now a permanent double fold appears
with a groove between , and this ulti mately
closes over and forms the first evidence
of the spinal canal. At the same time
the single blastodemic membrane sep-
arates into layers and in profile section
we have the following arrangement :

There are three membranes, the epi-
blast externally, the meso-blast which
has two layers and the hypoblast inter-
nally from theepiblast and external layer
of meso-blast we have developed the
bones, muscles, skin and nervous system.
From the hypoblast and internal layer
of the mesoblast are developed the digest-
ive tract, the heart, bloodvessels and in-
ternal organs generally.
In the mamalia a more extensive and
complicated process takes place, for here
the new being is developed in the body
of the mother and consequently it is
necessary that certain connections be-
tween them must take place. This is
obtained by the formation of the foetal
membranes.

As we have seen the external covering
during the first stages of development of
the ovum is the vitelline membrane, but
this soon disappears and when the fecund-
ated ovum is received into the uterus it
consists only of the blastodermic cells
subdivided into the laj^ers described be-
fore.

The blastodermic cells are, as vou

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

know, divided into three distinct layers,
the epiblast or outside membrane, the
meso-blast which is again subdivided
into the epiblastri-meso-blast because it
adjoins the epiblast and the hypoblastic,
meso-blast because it adjoins the hypo-
blast, which is the most internal of the
three layers of cells.

If we now begin the description of the
foetal membranes with this division in
mind we see that first of all there, is a
thickening of the three membranes at a
certain point within the vitelline mem-
brane.

From this thickened portion and from
the epiblast and its adjoining layer of
meso-blast, a double fold appears and
surrounds the foetus until it unites be-
hind and there joins together. The ex-
ternal layer encroaches on the vitelline
membrane, and the latter now disappears.
This double membrane is called the
annion. This annion is non-vascular
(has no blood-vessels). Soon after the
development of the annion the allantois
is formed. This membrane is vascular.
It encroaches upon the annion and takes
the place of its external layer. This I
illustrate to you in the drawing.

The structure of the ovum is now as
follows:

The chorim which is the name given
the altantois, as it is the external mem-
brane and formed from the hypo- blast
and the hypo-blastic meso-blast. The
annion which is the internal layer oi the
aniniotis fold that remains during fcetal
life and the embryon itself.

Now, there are two membranes that
are furnished from the mother.

When the ovum drops into the uterus,
it is received between two little double
folds of the mucous membrane.

As development goes on, these folds
increase in size and completely surround
the embryon. They are called respect-
ively the decidua vera and decidua re-

flexa. At the front where the blood-
vessels enter is the decidua serotina.
During the life of the new being in the
mother elements for its nutriton are de-
rived from the mother and find their way
into the body of the foetus through its
membranous attachments.

The Localization of Alkaloids .—Souvan has
published a preliminary account of some work
on the localization of the alkaloids strychnine
and brucine in the seeds of various species of
strychnos. The reactions for both alkaloids
were obtained in the cells of the endosperm
and embryo, but not at all in the membranes.
With nitro-sulphuric acid, red-orange and vio-
let colors are obtained in diflferent portions of
the tissue. It appears, therefore, that the alka-
loids occur closely associated in these tissues.
Further results may be ex-pected.— Journal de
Pharmacie.

Formyl Piperidine. — It is well known that
chloral, under the influence of alkalies, decom-
poses into chloroform and formic acid. A sim-
ilar reaction takes place, according to Loth,
when piperidine is used in the place of the al-
kali. When equimolecular quantities of the
two bodies are allowed to react at the tem-
perature of the water bath, formyl-piperidine
and chloroform are obtained. The alkaline
character of the pepper alkaloid is here shown
in a very marked way :
CCl3COH+C5HioNH=C5HioN.COH-fCHCl3.

Formyl-piperidine is an oily liquid of agree-
able odor, boiling at 220° C, soluble in water and
alcohol. A solution of ether, when treated with
dry hydrochloric acid gas, gives crystalline
needles of the composition CjHmN.COH HCl,
whose plantinum salt melts at 171°. The thera-
peutic action of this interesting alkaloid derivat-
ive is now being studied, — Fharm. Zeit.

Saccharin Controversies.— h. bitter quarrel is
going on between the firms of Fahlberg, List &
Co. and Dr. F. von Heyden Nachfolger, and
literature of a very polemical character is being
freely circulated. Fahlberg, List & Co. deny
that the saccharin sold under the registered
name of " Crystallose " by the rival firm is
100 per cent, saccharin, melting at 224°. The
best they send out, say Fahlberg & Co., is not
over 94.5 per cent., meting at 2io°-2i7°, and is
merely crystalline soda saccharin, which was
long ago introduced by themselves. Whereas
their own pure saccharin, they urge, contains
over 97 per cent, of the pure sweetening body.
There appears to be little hesitation in giving
the lie direct, and such a quarrel is much to be
regretted between rival manufacturers. — The
British and Colonial Druggist.

The alumni journal.

Published under the auspices of the

Alumni Association of tlie Colleie of Pharmacy

OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK,

1 15-119 WEST 68th STREET.

Vol. III.

January, 1896.

No. I.

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,

Fred. Hohenthal, 857 Third Avenue.

All communications relating to finances and business
matter in general should be addressed to

Thos. E. Davies, 543 Third Avenue.
All communications relating to subscriptions should
be addressed to

Nelson S. Kirk, g East 59th Street.

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.

Another year of prosperity has gone by, and
once more the managers of The AlumniJournal
bid its readers, "Greeting for the New Year."
When we look back upon the work done by
The Journal during the past year, we find
that not only has it done the work for which it
was originally intended, but that it has also
kept track of the more important events which
have happened outside of the college, and
which would be likely to interest and benefit
our readers. The large increase in the sub-
scription list, shows that The Journal has and
is supplying a long felt want, for through the
"Class Reports" columns our graduates are
able to communicate with each other, and find
out what their classmates are doing ; we regret

that more of the older graduates do not take
advantage of these columns to communicate
with each other.

Commencing with the new year, the Alumni
Association will offer some new attractions to
induce the members to meet each other in the
Alumni Room, and also to induce those grad-
uates who are not members to join us.

Beginning with January 8, 1896, the Alumni
Association will open its doors every Wednesday
evening, to the members and to all students of
the College; once a month a sociable is to be
held, to which the friends and also lady friends
of the members, will be cordially invited and
made to feel at home.

An announcement, which will undoubtedly
please many of the members is, that a piano
has been provided for their entertainment ; this
should bring about a larger attendance of the
music loving Esculapii to the social gatherings.
The piano will be a very useful instrument on
social nights, when our embryo pianists may
delight the ladies to their hearts' content.

One thing which must not be forgotten by
any one is, that the "First Annual Ball of the
Alumni Association," will be held in the Ban-
quet Hall of Madison Square Garden, on the
22d day of January, 1896. Every member and
every student should make it a point to be
there, if possible, and bring your friends, for on
the success of this, the first ball of the Associa-
tion, may depend the success of any future
balls. As to the success of the ball there can
be no doubt, for the prime movers of the affair
are men who have always given the welfare of
the Association their first thought; therefore

Come one, come all !
To the Alumni ball.
And let us all be merry.
Let the strife of life
Be out of sight
On that night of January.

*Due credit must be given to Mr R. Boenke, '95,
his valuable assistance in the present issue.

for

The large audience which listened to the lec-
ture delivered by Dr. H. A. Haubold, on "Gen-
eration," on the night of Wednesday, December
nth, was not merely drawn by the subject of
the lecture itself, but was largely due to the
genial doctor's popularity, since he was intro-
duced to us last year by his lecture on " Diges-
tion and its Pharmaceutical Aids." Although the
subject of his last lecture does not directly con-
cern our pharmaceutical friends, still it could
be plainly seen by the attention shown to the
learned doctor's discourse that they take an in-
terest in all that concerns either the medical or
the pharmaceutical professions.

s

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

At the next Alumni meeting, to be held on
January 15, 1896, Dr. Smith ElyJellifFe will de.
liver a lecture on " Our Common Poisonous and
Edible Mushrooms." This is a lecture which
everybody should attend, as it oflfers a field of
wide research, especially to those engaged in
country practice. It is a well known fact that
every year a number of persons die from the
effects of poisonous mushrcoms, having gath-
ered and eaten them by mistake for the edible
ones. It will be well worth your time to attend
the lecture, for it will be illustrated with colored
lantern slides, to impress more fully upon the
minds of the audience the physical properties
of the plants. Taken all together, the doctor's
pleasing personality, combined with an inter-
esting subject, will make it a very entertaining
lecture.

IN MEMORlAfl.

J. NIVEN HEGEMAN,

Secretary of the College of Pharmacy of the City of
New York.

Died November 11, i8gs-

The class of '96 desire to express in
fitting terms their sense of the loss they
have sustained in the death of Mr. Hege-
man, the wise counsellor, the true friend,
the gentle mentor, the able secretary.

Though but recently entering the paths
of pharmacy, which he walked so long
and so honorably, we realize the loss
which has come to our Alma Mater, to
pharmacy, to the community, and to his
family and friends.

We desire to emulate his virtues, we
deplore his death, we mourn his loss.

To our college we pledge our most
earnest and loyal support that the stand-
ard of pharmacy which he upheld be
ever borne aloft in integrity.

To the family of Mr Hegeman we
tender our deepest sympathy and in
token thereof we will forward to them a
copy of our memorial.

J. Y. Cantwell,
H. H. Hagen,
Jas. a. HERLI1.Y,

Committee.

Adopted at the special meeting of the
Senior Class, held at the college, Novem-
ber 18, 1895.

Merton J. Coats, Pres.

J. E- BUTTERWORTH, See.

Eugenol Derivatives. — According to Gass-
man and Krafft, eugenol, the important con-
stituent of oil of cloves, when treated with
monochloracetic acid yields eugenol-acetic acid.
65 grs. of eugenol are heated in a sand bath for
20 hours with 130 grs. of 30 per cent, soda solu-
tion and 37.5 grs. of monochloracetic acid. The
sodium salt thus formed is decomposed by
hydrochloric acid, and the free eugenol-acetic
acid separates in crystals. These are volatile
with steam and form needles, melting at 75°,
easily soluble in the usually organic solvents,
but not easily in water. By treatment with
large excess of soda in amyl alcohol it is con-
verted into the isomeric form, isoeugenol-acetic
acid. This, in its turn, is oxidized by potas-
sium permanganate, and yields aldehyde and
vanillin acetic acid identical with the acid
formerly described under this name. It forms
white crystals, melting at i88°-i90°, soluble in
warm water and alcohol. It forms stable salts.
By the action of phosphorous pentachloride, it
is decomposed with the formation of vanillin.
The connection between the three acids and
vanillin is shown as follows:

Eugenol acetic acid,
CgH, (CH..XH:CH2) (OCH3) (OCHoCOOH).

Iso-eugenol acetic acid,

C6H3(CH;CH.CH3) (OCH3) (OCHOCOOH).

Vanillin acetic acid,

CgH^lCOH) (OCH3) (OCH2COOH).

Vanillin,

CeH3(COH) (OCH3)(OH).

— Berichte.

An Isocinchonine Derivative. — Viol has pre-
pared the hydrobromate of isobutyl-cinchonine
by the following method: 14 gr. of cinchonine,
8 gr. of isobutyl bromide and 42 gr. of isobutyl
alcohol are heated for 36 hours in a reflux con-
denser. The crystalline salt contains one mole-
cule of water, which is driven off" at 100°. The
water free hydrobromate melts at 176°, is solu-
ble in water and alcohol, insoluble in ether and
chloroform. It is dextro rotary (a)d=-(-i25°
in aqueous solution.— ybwr. Pharm. a. Chem.

Aceiamido-Antipyrin. — If antipyrin be treat-
ed with nitric acid, it is converted into nitro-
antipyrin, which, under the reducing action of
zinc and acetic acid becomes amido-antipyrin.
The latter body, when warmed with sodium
acetate and acetic anhydride, yields acetamido-
antipyrin in the form of small crystals, melting
at 109° C, soluble in water and in alcohol.
The antipyretic action of this body is very
marked. — Pharm. Central.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

^lanqi^i Notes.

The social features of the Alumni sociable
previously announced in this Journal, will
commence on Wednesday evening, January 8th,
when a forerunner, in the shape of a sociable,
will be held, the object being to bring together
the students, alumnists and graduates, so that
a more fraternal feeling will be manifested,
thereby adding to the social success of the Ball.
The '96 Glee Club, a very strong organization,
will enliven the occasion with popular selec-
tions. Geo. Burger will also favor us from his
reportoire, which is a very strong one. As Mr.
Henning says, "We want everybody as soon as he
or she crosses our threshold, to consider them-
selves members upon that occasion and act ac-
cordingly." Come over any time after 7.30 p. m.
and bring your friends especially the ladies,
who will surely fall in love with our new piano.

MARRIAGES.

Miss Seraphine Monaghan, '89, who will
be remembered as one of the class favorites, was
married on October i6th, last, to Mr. Thos. A.
Mayer, son of the president of the city trolley
line. The wedding was largely attended by
relatives and friends who were very profuse in
their congratulations to the happy couple. After
a short trip they returned to Fordham where
they are now living.

Miss Sadie E. McKane, '92, joined the
happy bonds of wedlock a short time ago and
is now in this city.

brevities.
Reports are that ex- President Graeser is
making fine progress in his second years' course
at the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Ira Belfry, whose business trip to Canada
was mentioned in the last issue, has resumed his
position with Vincent, of Brooklyn. Previous
to this engagement he had been with Messrs.
Tsheppe & Schur and Hegeman, of this city.

'93 NOTES.

As chairman of the committee on arrange-
ments I have received up to date, December 20,
1895, a few favorable and substantial replies
from numerous wholesale and manufacturing
firms.

The ball is bound to be a success. I never
saw such enthusiasm. Every one of the class
who is approached answers promptly and quite

a number have asked for more tickets t6 be dis-
posed of among their friends.

Will Munson is married. Good luck and
the best ot wishes from the class, Will !

Valedictorian Webb wears a plug hat and
had his whiskers trimmed lately. May they
grow and multiply as the sands on Coney Is-
land's beach and never know Webb's improved
hair tonic.

AT the lecture delivered by Dr. Haubold, our
roll consisted of B. Schreiner, J. Powers, of
Plainfield, N. J., H. Heller, E. F. Lohr, W. A.
Hoburg and J Tannenbaum,

The subject " Generation " seemed to interest
every one present.

The long wished for piano has arrived at last
and music and song was indulged in at the meet-
ing on Wednesday, December 11, 1895.

Mrs. Tannenbaum rendered selections from
"Cavalleria Rusticana," "Norwegian Bridal,"
"Procession" and "Czarina " while Mr. Hoburg
and the irresistible G. Burger, '94, tried to sing
"In old Madrid" in a duet.

H. SawE is with Erb, 65th st. and Amsterdam
ave,

J. Horton UhlE succeeds the firm of Dohl &
Uhle at 144th St. and Amsterdam ave.

Mr. Uhle is the basso profundo of the class
quartet (God forgive the misnomer).

Farmer Schenck is with Grinnel at Asbury
Park and Schencky kicks the other foot.

L. Jacobson is with Bohmfalk, 42d st. and
3d ave.

Don't forget the ball is to be held Wednes-
day, January 22, 1896, at the Madi.son Square
Garden Banquet Hall at 10 P. m.

If you have not received any tickets by mail
why, come and get them at the garden on the
night of the ball.

H. Heller is on the reception committee and
Chas. T. Cubit is chairman of the floor com-
mittee.

Of course, Mr. Cubit, you can have the floor
that night, but leave it there because it belongs
to the garden.

J. Tannenbaum, Ph. G.,
116 E. ii6th St., City.

'94 NOTES.

Happy new year !

Another year with all its glory is past. When
we glance back it seems but a short time since
'95 was introduced to us. A brief considera-
tion, and we realize what has occurred in the

t6

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

elapsed time, not only in the alumni, but in
94's ranks as well. Many of our members
have taken unto themselves "better halves."
others are contended with serving time in
boarding houses, while the remainder live home
amid the pleasures of bachelor life. Taking it
altogether we have done very well since that
eventful night in Carnegie, when the coveted
sheepskins became ours. Yet we are not satis-
fied, we want a little more fellowship, exactly
what the Alumni places at our disposal, when
President Stover says the alumni room will be
open every Wednesday evening during the
winter. The subject of Prof. Haubold's lecture
proved to be a very interesting one, from a
standpoint of which it is hardly necessary to
discuss. The vote of thanks extended was
well deserved for the gentleman is a true
friend of the boys, who will hereafter know
where to go to get pointers. Our roll of honor
was graced by Dr. Krueder, Messrs. Pond. Ed.
Grube, Berger, MuUer, Herold Sturger and Joe
Kussy.

Geo. Hai,l, formerly with Lawrence & Co.,
on Broadway, and laterly manager of a store up
the State, is now with Warner, 7th Avenue and
38th Street.

Fbom a canvass taken by myself, I can assure
you that it is not a case of who's going to the
ball, but who isn't going. Of the latter divi-
sion, fortunately, there are very few, and I
hope these few will reconsider, for it is an op-
portunity of us having a '94 reunion, something
which several influential members have for
sometime been agitating, but with little suc-
cess. " Smoke up, boys," and let '94 lead the
classes in attendance.

Frank Nelson Pond, who gained consider-
able prominence in his political campaign with
ex Secretary Linnig, and who for a long time
was with Hanson on Sixth Ave., is now with
Albert Schurr, on Belleville Ave., Newark.

Robert F. Murison has succeeded F. S.
Munson, as proprietor of a store on Willoughby
ave. and Fleet streets, Brooklyn. Murison is
quite a hustler, and will, doubtless, make a suc-
cess of his new venture.

A SURPRISE of the evening of November nth,
was the presence of Bernard Muller at a lecture.
He has been with Geo. E. Herether & Co.,
169th Street and 3d Avenue, about a year, and
the prospects are that he will remain there for
some time to come. Bernard is going to join
the Alumni soon, after which we will see him
quite often.

I HAD occasion to be present at one of ex-
Secretary Linnig's sociables, a short time ago.
He is, indeed, a fortunate fellow to be sur-
rounded by such pleasant associates. His
dialect remains unchanged, and is amusing as
ever when he wants to be. He recommended to
me a certain brand of cigars, in fact presented
me with a sample of same; well it might have
gone in Brooklyn, but not in New York. It
reminded me very much of Bill Nye's Interna-
tional, so-called, because when smoked in this
country, it could be smelled in Europe.

Geo, Burger has a new song, very good it
is, too, the first part being very simple; while
the second partis, well, simply awful. George
is as bright as ever. While coming over to
Prof. Haubold's lecture, he met a lady on the
bridge train, who asked him if the cars stopped
at the other end. To which Geo. quickly
answered; " If they don't, you'll get a rattling
good bump."

Joseph Remington Wood was quietly mar-
ried (at least to his old College associates), on
December 5, 1895, to Miss Elizabeth R. Nichol-
son, at the bride's home, in Haverford, Pa.

Inquirer. — Yes ; Paul B. Hudson is still
with Fear & Co., the druggists' specialists of
this city.

Sadie. — I understand Henry Struck is located
somewhere on Fourth Ave., Brooklyn.

Thos. E. DaviES wants a couple of N. Y. C.
P. men to help him in discharging his duties as
hospital steward of the Eighth Batallion, as the
batallion will soon be a regiment, and honors
will be even. It will be a good chance for some
enterprising collegians.

NEr<soN S. Kirk, Ph. G.,

9 E. 59tt St.

'95 NOTES.
When this issue reaches you, the effects of
Christmas and New Year's will have disap-
peared, and we will be in 1896,

Even though only eight months have elapsed
since our departure from college to enter upon
our career, what a change could be noticed if
all the boys were once again to assemble!

As our friend, David M. Wells, said, on the
night of our commencement, we entered col-
lege as boys and leave it as men.

If, perhaps, he were mistaken in calling all
of us men then, his remark would now be fully
justified.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

II

East, West, North and South, to every part
of the Union have they scattered; some to meet
a bright future, others to find disappointment
awaiting them ; but all have been contented
with their lot, and now, with the New Year,
will work on with renewed energy.

BREVITIES.

Better late than never, and, therefore, a
Happy New Year to you all.

I DEEPlrV regret that illness caused my ab-
sence at Dr. Herrmann A. Haubold's lecture
on " Generation," on December nth last, and
for that reason I am unable to report on that
subject; but from what I heard, I understand
that the meeting was very well attended, and of
a highly interesting nature.

"A VOICE from the hills" — Jesse I. Bailey.
See last month's Journal.

C)TTO Hensel has again accepted position
with Eimer & Amend, Eighteenth street and
Third avenue.

William Broesler is with Bernstein, at
Canal and Essex streets.

Albert Koehler can be found "twisting
pills " at C. E. Vetter's Pharmacy, One Hundred
and Sixteenth street and Madison avenue.

Henry G. Steinheuer is with H. A. Cas-
sebeer ; Ernst Meyer is with Ebert, Seventy-
ninth street and Second avenue.

You are not only helping along the Alumni,
but also renewing old friendship, and the affair
promises to be a grand success, as Rudolph
Giess has told me, and he ought to know, he
being on the committee. Try and be there; lots
of the boys are going.

A NEW metal, glucinium, which seems to be
destined to become of great importance in the
very near future, has been discovered. It will
not be of very much use in pharmacy; but on
account of its peculiar qualities, it will be used
especially for electrical purposes. As its atomic
weight is 9.1 and its specific gravity 2.00, its at-
tractive power is considerably greater than that
of iron, and its conductability is equal to that
of silver. Glucinium, therefore, is more capa-
ble of resistance than iron, and a better con-
ductor than copper, and, in addition to all that,
it is lighter than aluminium. If these claims
for this new metal should be confirmed by prac-
tical use, there is no doubt that glucinium will
be used extensively for electrical purposes, the
more so as its commercial value will amount to
about |2o a pound, or 160 times less than the

same volume, and 10 times less than the same
weight of platinum.

The '95 Observer,
Notice! All matter relating to the Class of
'95 should be sent to

RUD BoENKE, Ph. G.,

437 E. 87 th street.

AT a special meeting held on Dec. 9th, Alfred
H. Mason was unanimously elected to succeed
the late J. Niven Hegeman as secretary of the
college. Mr. Mason's wide field of experience
makes him an excellent man for the position.
But a short time ago he was elected chairman of
the Society of Chemical Industries, New York
Branch, and has done much towards furthering
their interests.

A meeting for a discussion of the State
Poison Law will shortly be held.

I HAVE heard that "Church Tower" — oh !
beg pardon, I meant to say Belfry, has returned
from Canada and is with Vincent, of Brooklyn ;
let's hear from you, Belfry.

Kirchein is with H. C. Schmidt, cor. of 91st
St. and Park ave.

Rosenthal is in partnership with his brother-
in-law at the corner of 6th st. and 2d ave. and
also at loth st. and 2d ave. ; he reports a flourish-
ing business.

I HAVE not heard anything of Brown yet, but
I guess since Commencement Day his capillary
appendages have had plenty of time to grow
once more upon his smiling countenance.

While I was down to Parke, Davis & Co.
the other day, I saw Fergie who looked as
though he was working hard ; he must have
been trying to distinguish Northwestern Senega
from the true Polygala Senega.

The last time that I saw Gieschen was during
the summer, when he was working in his old
position up on the Boulevard, where he has
plenty of chances to see the Bloomer Girl pass-
ing on the bike.

ManvillE was in the store a short time ago ;
he is traveling for Boehringer & Sons.

Trau was last seen at a masquerade ball in
the costume of an Indian'which fitted him to a T.

Boys, don't forget the first annual ball of the
Alumni Association on Jan. 22, 1896, as we
want to be well represented therefrom. A new
feature in the Alumni rooms is the piano; it will
be very useful in making the evenings pass
pleasantly when the Alumoi starts its opeu

12

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

house every Wednesday evening, commencing
with Jan. 8, and a sociable once a month, Jan. 8
being the first one.

New Brunswick, — No; I have not seen Gif"
ford since Commencement Day, when he was
still wearing his button, "Girl Wanted."

Boys of '95. — Send all your news to our
genial R. Boenke, S57 Third avenue, who is
now your class reporter.

CONSTITUTION, CLASS OF '96.

COI,I.EGE OF PHARMACY, CITY OF NEW YORK.

CLASS OF '96.

" The class of '96 has adopted the old class pin
of '91, '92, '93, '94. It is a serviceable pin of
good design. One of the causes moving to
adopt it was the wish to have it permanently
adopted as the distinctive badge of the college.
It will be a matter of no small amount of grati-
fication to be able to identify all graduates of
the college by their class pins, which cannot be
done if each class selects a new and different
one.

The illustrated lectures on botany that Prof.
Rusby will give after the holidays, is a new
departure in teaching the subject that has been
advanced by the Professor. The great worth of
the system is apparent, and is another example
of Prof. Rusby's zeal and devotion in the in-
terest of the students of N. Y. C. P.

It is a matter of regret that a charge of mis-
conduct on the part of the class visiting Squibb's
laboratory, should be sent. The privilege ex-
tended by Drs. E. R. Squibb and Sons, is a rare
one and should be appreciated. At the same
time we are inclined to believe that the affair
has been exaggerated, if, indeed, a cause for
the report exists at all.

Jonathan Morris,

Rep. Sect. I.

'78 NOTES.
Frederick W. Turner has a very extensive
practice as a veterinary -surgeon, in Harlem.

J. W. — No ; bromide is not furnished free to
those who get nervous from the melodious ( ? )
eflfusious of our amateurs on the new piano.
Bring it along yourself. Bring a whole lot, we
may all need a dose.

The School of Pharmacy of North-western
University has 225 matriculates this fall, which
is an increase of 39 above the attendance of last
autumn. Of this 225, about thirty have had no
previous drug store experience. Twelve are
women ; 158 are Juniors, 56 Seniors, and 11
are engaged upon their second years' work for
the degree of Pharmaceutical Chemist.

ARTICLE L

NAME AND MOTTO.

Section i. This class shall be called the
"Class of '96 of the College of Pharmacy of the
City of New York.

Sec. 2. The motto of the class shall be ?
ARTICLE II.
ELECTIONS.

Section i. All the officers of the class shall
be elected by ballot on the first regular meet-
ing of the class of each year, and shall enter
upon the duties of their offices at the next reg-
ular meeting. A majority of the legal votes cast
shall be necessary for a choice.

Sec. 2. No election shall be legal unless a

quorum be present, and no proxy vote shall be

permissible.

ARTICLE III.

OFFICERS.

Section i. The officers of this class shall con-
sist of a President, First Vice-President, Second
Vice-President, Recording Secretary, and a
Treasurer, and the officers so elected by the
class shall be chosen exclusively from the active
members of the diffisrent sections of the class
of '96.

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
First Vice-President shall perform the duties in-
cumbent upon that office. In the absence of
both President and First Vice-President, the
Second Vice President shall take the chair. In
case of a vacancy in the presidency the Vice-
President shall become President of the class.

Sec. 4. The duties of the Recording Secretary
shall be to read the minutes, record the pro-
ceedings 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
authority of the President, and keep a strict ac-
count of the financial affairs, a written report of
which shall be presented at each regular meet-
ing.

Sec. 6. Every officer at retirement shall
present a written report of all his official trans-
actions.

ARTICLE IV.

MEMBERSHIP.

Section i. This class shall be composed
of active and honorary members.

Sec. 2. Active members shall consist ex-
clusively of Seniors of the class of '96.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

Sec. 3. Honorary members shall consist of
the Faculty of the College of Pharmacy of the
City of New York ex officio. They shall be en-
titled to all the privileges of the active mem-
bers.

ARTICLE V.

MEETING.

Section i. There shall be a regular meeting
of the class every second Wednesday unless a
majority of the members otherwise decree.

Sec. 2. Special meetings of this class shall be
called by the President.

Sec. 3. Oue quarter of the voting members
of this class shall constitute a quorum at special
meetings, but at regular meetings a majority
shall rule.

ARTICLE VI.

IMPEACHMENTS.

Section i. Any member may be removed
from ofiSce at any regular meeting by a two-
thirds vote of the members present, provided
he shall have been impeached in a manner speci-
fied in the By-laws, and provided a majority of
the members be present.

ARTICLE VII.
COMMITTEES.

Section i. All the committees to be appoint-
ed by the President, or by the Vice-President in
the absence of the President.

Sec. 2. They are to consist of three mem-
bers unless otherwise appointed by the Presi-
dent. All committees to appoint a chairman to
officiate.

Sec. 3. All committees shall report finally
within two weeks after time of appointment at
the regular meetings.

BY-LAWS.
Section i. The following order of business
shall be observed at all regular meetings :

1. Reading the minutes of previous meeting.

2. Reports of committees and officers.

3. Unfinished business.

4. Miscellaneous business.
5 Adjournment.

Sec 2. In the absence of both President and
Vice-Presidents a chairman shall be appointed
pro tetn.

Sec. 3. The yeas or nays on any question
may be recorded at the request of not less than
five members.

Sec. 4. The resignation of any officer or
member shall be acted on at the regular meet-
ing when presented

Sec. 5. All impeachments shall be made in

writing and signed by ten members, and all
charges shall be fully specified.

Sec. 6. All impeachments must be referred
to a special committee to be appointed by the
President, whose duty it shall be to investigate
the charges and report to the class, at the next
regular meeting, and which if in favor of the ac-
cused shall be final. Otherwise the class shall
deal in accordance with the Constitution, as to
whether he shall be reprimanded, suspended,
or expelled. No accused member shall be dealt
with until the committee has made a final
report.

Sec. 7. The expense that this class may in-
cur shall be paid by the members accordingly.

Sec. 8. A proposition for amendment or ad-
dition to these By-laws shall be made by a mo-
tion and voted upon and adopted at the regular
meeting, when passed by a vote of two-thirds of
the members present.

Sec. 9. Any portion of the preceding By-
laws may be annulled by a vote of two-thirds of
the members present.

Sec. 10. To see that the Commencement ex-
ercises of the class are properly conducted an
Executive Committee shall be appointed by the
class, to consist of ten members, as follows:
President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-
President, Secretary and Treasurer of the class,
and five additional members. The President to
be chairman of such committee.

Scarvola Keouigh, Wahl. — This plant is em-
ployed by the East Indians as an antidote for
fish poison. In Dutch Indies it is known as
Bapatjeda. The decoction has a very bitter
taste, and acts as a diuretic and slows the heart
movements. Hartmann has found in the root
two glucosides, oue in the form of microscopic
crystals, which produces the characteristic
effects of aconite oa the tongue. The other
glucoside is a resinous mass. — Apotheker Zei-
tung.

According to a German contemporary, the
aniline dye trade is likely to be disturbed by a
new patent, which is to be worked in conjunc-
tion by the Badische Anilin and Soda Fabrik
and the Friedr Layer and Co., Joint Stock Ani-
lin Works. A reduction of prices for some of
the dyes will, it is hoped, be compensated for
by an increase in the consumption in branches
of industry in which the particular dyes referred
to have been previously used. — The British &
Colonial Druggist.

H

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

THE MOST RECENT WORK.

Compounds of Antipyrin with Phenols. —
Pateiu and Dufau have previously reported that
artipyrin combined with one molecule of either
of the naphtols forming crystalline compounds
without the elimination of water. They have
now investigated the possibility of similar com-
pounds with dihydric phenols of the benzene
series being formed. The phenols used in the
experiments were pryocatechol, resorcinol and
hydroquinol (ortho meta and para dihydroxy-
benzene). Pyrocatechin combines in the pro-
portion of one molecule of phenol with two of
antipyrin, when both bodies are dissolved in
water, with the formation of a crystalline com-
pound slightly soluble in cold, easily in hot
water, alcohol and chloroform, but with diffi-
culty in ether. It melts at 78°-79°, and gives a
greenish black color with ferric chloride.
Guaiacol, the monomethyl ether of pyroca-
techol, combines with one molecule of the base,
and veratrol, the dimethyl ether does not com-
bine at all, thus showing that the hydroxy
group of the phenol is the determining factor.
Resorcinol and antipyrin combine in the pro-
portion of one molecule of each. The body is
crystalline, melts at 103°- 104°, and gives a
blood-red color with ferric chloride. One
molecule of hydroquinol combines with two
molecules of antipyrin forming a crystalline
body melting at I27°-I28°. It is very soluble
in ether, and also in chloroform, in which latter
solvent it is dissociated. It gives a puce color
with ferric chloride. — Journal de Phar. et Chivi.

Glucine, — A new product analagous to sac-
charin has just been introduced. Whilst glu-
cine is the trivial name applied to it, the consti-
tution is that of a complicated sulpho acid, ob-
tained by the action of fatty aldehydes on the
dyestuflf chrysoidin and afterwards sulphorat-
ing. Glucine does not interfere with the di-
gestive functions nor any other organs of the
body. It is far less sweet than saccharin, one
part being equivalent to 100 of ordinary cane
sugar.

The taste differs from that of saccharin. In
this respect it resembles sugar rather than
saccharin. — Phar in. Post.

New Sources of Alcohol. — The possibility of
obtaining pure ethylic alcohol from Asphodelus
ramosus and Scilla maritima by fermentation
has occupied the attention of G. Riviere and M.
Bailhache, who have experimented with pure
cultivated wine yeasts. They have previously
shown that, by the aid of such yeasts, it is pos-

sible to obtain alcohol of good flavor without
rectification, from beetroot juice or malted
grain. The alcohol obtained from the asphodel
and squill is described as being of equally good
quality, and the investigators think its manu-
facture from those sources may constitute a
profitable industry, especially in Algiers and
Tunis, where both plants grow wild and in
abundance. — Comp. retid., cxxi., 659.

Oil from Rubber Tree Seeds. — The seeds of
the rubber tree yield a large quantity of oil,
which compares favorably with linseed oil. At
present this oil has been extracted in small
quantities only; but with more systematic regu-
lation of the rubber industry, it is probable that
the rubber tree seed will be included among
the more valuable economic products. If it
proves that such oil, similar to linseed oil, can
be obtained in paying quantities from these
seeds, it is probable, says Popular Science, that
from this will be produced the ideal rubber sub-
stitute. The nearest approaches to a substitute
for india rubber have been made from linseed
and kindred oils, and, perhaps, the oil of the
rubber seeds may be exactly what has been
looked for.

New Aconine Derivatives. — Whilst endeav-
oring, without success, to synthesise aconitine
and benzaconine from benzaconine and aconine
respectively, W. R. Dunstan and F. H. Carr
have obtained two new derivatives of the last-
named compound. Dibenzaconine, C24 Hj.
(Bz)2NOio, crystallizes from ether in rosettes
of needles (m. p. 265°) ; but is insoluble in
water. Its hydrobromide and aurichloride
have been prepared. Tetracetyl — aconine, Co^
H35( Ac)4NOjo, is also insoluble in water, but
readily soluble in ether and in alcohol. It
crystallizes in small prisms (m. p. 196°) from
either of these solvents. — Proc. Chem. Soc, 155,
1 78.

Toxicity of Acetylene. — In view of the prob-
able increasing use of acetylene as an illuminat-
ing agent, the experiments of N. Grehaut pos-
sess considerable interest. The gas used in this
investigation was prepared from calcium car-
bide supplied by M. Moisson, and the subjects
of these experiments were dogs and rabbits.
As a result, it is stated that toxic effects are
producd when acetylene is present in air to the
extent of 40 to 70 per cent. The gas is, there-
fore, much less poisonous than ordinary illumi-
nating gas. The risk of explosion, when mixed
with air, is very great in either case. — Comp.
rend., cxxi., 564.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

15

NEW REriEDIES.

Pinapine. — This eminently fancy name is
used for so simple a body as pine apple juice,
the recently extracted juice when allowed
to ferment, gives a white liquid, having
the characteristic odor of the pine apple. It is
recommended for stomachic disorders, es-
specially acidity and chronic c^-xtdsrh.— Rund-
schau.

Quinine Carbonate. — This salt is recom-
mended as being far less bitter than the ordi-
nary salts of quinine. It crystallizes in fine
needles of the composition C20H24NO2.H2-
COj.HoO. It is fairly soluble in water, and
easily so in acids, of course, as the CO 2 is
thereby evolved. — Repertoire de Pharmacie.

Drimys Granatensis. — Some time ago, Schu-
chardt stated that this bark contained contoine-
Hesse has, however, made a very careful exam-
ination of the bark, and denies this. He ex-
tracted, however, a body CiaHj^Oj, which he
terms drimine, as a white crystalline powder.
It is easily soluble in hot alcohol and chloro-
form, but not in ether, alkalies or water. It
appears to be an indifferent kind of body, and
contains neither hydroxyl or alkyi-oxy groups.
Besides drimine, Hesse has found a white pow-
dery substance of acid reaction, very slightly
soluble in water, but dissolving in lime water to
form a neutral solution. This he terms drimic
acid. From the leaves, drimol Ca^Hs^Oj was
extracted by alcohol in small white needles.
This body melts at 73°-74°, and distils un-
changed. On acetylation it becomes acetyl-
drimol C2sH5-(C2H,,0)Oo in white tablets,
melting at 42°-43°. — Liebig's Annalen.

Essential Oils. — Cedro oil, the oil from citrus
medica, differs somewhat from citron oil in
physical and chemical properties. It forms a
yellow liquid of some pleasant taste. Its specific
gravity is .871 and its optical activity +67°. 8^.
The genuine oil is said to be unobtainable in
commerce. It is veiy expensive and usually
adulterated with citron oil. Natural wintergreen
oil has recently been investigated, and minute
differences detected between the oil from Gaul-
theria and that from the birch. That from
Gaultheria contains 99 per cent, of methyl
salicylate, and the remaining i per cent, con-
sists of a paraffin, probably triacontaneCjoHea,
an aldehyde or ketone, a secondary alcohol
CgHifiO, and ester C14H23O0 ; to the latter the
oil probably owes its small optical activity-. The
birch oil contains 99.8 per cent, of methyl
salicylate, traces of the parafiin and of an ester
C11H24O2. It is optically inactive. Coriander

oil has also received some attention. The oil
from the entire fresh flowering plant was found
to the extent of .12 per cent. It had a specific
gravity of .853. It is not soluble in 70 per cent,
alcohol. After standing for a few months, its
specific gravity rises to .856 and its optical
activity becomes +i°2'. The oil from the half
ripe herb, with the fruit, has a yield of .17 per
cent. It has a specific gravity of .866 and a
rotation of +7°io'. It is soluble in three parts
of 70 per cent, alcohol. Its specific gravity
rises on keeping to .S69. The oil from the ripe
coriander fruit is yielded to the extent of .83
per cent, and has a specific gravity of .876 and
an optical activity of +io°48'. It is soluble in
three parts of 70 per cent. Si\zo\^o\.—SchimmeVs
Berichte.

Digitalis. — Hendrix contributes a useful
paper on the active principles of digitalis to the
current number of the Annates de Pharmacie.
In view of the discussions on the therapeutic
value of the commercial products, a short
resume of the paper will not be out of place.
Schmiedeberg isolated, sometime ago, fou^
distinct bodies. He distinguished these as (i)
digitonine, (2) digitaleine, soluble in water;
and (3) digitaline, (4) digitoxide, insoluble in
water. No one of these must be confounded
with the commercial or official products, which
are almost universally mixtures. According to
Merck, the pure amorphous digitaline of the
Codex and of the Belgian Pharmacopceia, is
chiefly the true digitaline of Schmiedeberg with
a little digitoxine, whilst the crystalline digi-
taline of the Codex is almost entirely digitoxine.
The powdered digitaline of German commerce
(there is no official product) is principally
digitaleine with a little digitonine and digi-
taline. Merck's digitoxine is the pure digi-
toxine— the most active principle of the drug.
Kiliani states that the bodies extracted from the
leaf are quite different from those in the seeds;
and digitaline does not occur in the leaves, ac-
cording to this authority. If this is correct, it
follows that the digitaline of the Ph. Belg. con-
tains no digitaline at all, as it is prepared from
the leaves. As the commercial products are
extracted from the seeds, the difference in the
therapeutic action of the glucosides and the in-
fusion is easily explained. Whilst Kiliani does
not agree with the statement of Schmiedeberg
iu all particulars, he admits the same formula
for digitaline as does the latter chemist, viz.,
C5HSO2, or some multiple of it. With all this
uncertainty as to what one is really using, it is
by no means surprising that the therapeutic
results are found to be so very variable and un-
certain, and it is to be hoped that the chemistry
and manuf cture of the digitalis principles will
be undertaken on a more definite basis in the
future. — 77i!^ British and Colonial Druggist.

i6

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

INTELLIGENCE IN PLANTS.

A writer in Italia termale, who has
evidently given the subject a great deal
of study, brings forth numerous instances
to show that plants, at least some of
them, if not all, possess a certain some-
thing, which for lack of a better name,
we may call intelligence, and which we
have hitherto ascribed to the animal
kingdom alone. Among the numerous
citations made by the author, we may
note the following :

The Mimosa pudica, or " sensitive
plant," at the slightest touch, at once
folds its leaflets, and the least jar of the
box or pot in which they are growing,
produces the same effect. If the potted
plant is being moved, say in a vehicle of
any sort, the leaves at first are kept
tightly closed, but shortly they open one
at a time. The moment the motion
stops every leaflet shuts up so suddenly
as to appear that the action was instan-
taneous. The sensitiveness of this plant
is marvellous, indeed.

The Dinoea ymiscipula, or " Venus' fly
trap," catches flies and digests them.
The leaves are shaped like two panniers,
and the moment that a fly lights on one
they close on it, making it a prisoner.
It then exudes a fluid which digests the
insect, and is again absorbed, the nourish-
ment passing into the vegetable system.

If the stamens of the barberry are
touched with a straw they curl up like a
snake.

A Phytolacca {Phytolacca Elect rica)
bend themselves one by one, each in its
turn, to the pistil to deposit their pollen.

Hura crepitans bears a male flower on
one branch and a female on another.
At the period of fecundation, the bows
incline themselves toward each other
until the flowers touch the male upper-
most. The act of touching is accom-
panied by a slight cracking or snapping

noise, something like the snap of an
electric discharge; hence the plant name
— the Crepitating Hura.

Finally, there are light-producing
flowers, such as Calendula offici7ialiSt
Tropa'olum vtajus, Lilium bulbiferum,
and others. Many more, and quite as
wonderful examples, might be given ;
but those cited are sufficient to show that
plants may develop a certain intelligence
which, like life itself, escapes definition.
— National Druggist.

A new Constituent of Cassia Oil. — Bertram
and Kursten have fonnd that during the rectifi-
cation of a large quantity of cassia oil in tne
laboratories of Messrs. Schimmel & Co. a crys-
talline residue is left after the distillation of the
oil, which can be purified by re-crystallization
from alcohol. The crystals form large, well-
shaped crystals, in six- sided plates, with ob-
lique edges, melting at 45°-46°, easily soluble
in alcohol, benzol, acetone, or ether, sparingly,
soluble in petroleum ether, and separating from
this solvent in colorless prisms, which are very
slightly soluble in water. Under normal pres-
sure the substance boils at 295°, and under a
pressure of millimetres at 160°. It possesses all
the properties of an aldehyde. Fusion with al-
kalies gives salicylic acid, and by the action of
potassium permanganate, methyl-salicylic acid
is formed, and with silver oxide it yields
// — methyl coumaric acid. Hence the constitu-
tion of the body is probably methyl coumaric
aldehyde.

,OCH3
~CH=CH— COH

The correctness of this conclusion is confirm-
ed by the synthesis of this body by means of
the condensation of methyl-salicylic acid and
acetaldehyde.— /cwr. Prakt. Chemie,

According to Java advices, boring for petro-
leum in the Dutch Indies continues to give
satisfactory results. In the districts around
Sourabaya, the oil wells yield abundantly and
a brisk local trade in the product has sprung
up. In Mid-Java also the same industry has
been started with success. Pipe lines have
been laid from wells to the tramway, and tank
cars are there filled for despatch to Samarang
where oil warehouses are being built. — The
British and Colonial Dtuggist.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

17

A PROPOSED NEW PHARMACY LAW. *

A proposed new pharmacy law which
is undergoing discussion at present among
various pharmaceutical organizations, is
as follows:- "It shall be unlawful for
any person to retail or deliver any poi-
sons enumerated in Schedules A and B
without first ascertaining that the pur-
chaser, who must be known to the seller,
is aware of their poisonous nature: that
they are to be used for a legitimate. and
stated purpose, and distinctly labeling,
with a ' poison label' bearing the name
and address of the proprietor of the store
in which they are sold, and the name of
the poison delivered, the bottle, box,
vessel or packet in which it is contained,
and, as to the poisons included in Sched-
ule A; besides complying with the fore-
going, an entry shall be made, or caused
to be made, in a book kept for that pur-
pose, stating the date of sale, the name
and address of the purchaser, the name,
quantity and quality of the poison sold,
the purpose for which it is represented to
be required, and the seller's name; said
book to be always open for inspection by
the proper authorities during business
hours, and to be preserved in said store
for at least five years, or, in the case of
abandonment or removal of store from
the jurisdiction of the city, town or
county wherein it is located, deposited
with the authorized board of pharmacy
of that locality.

" Any person violating the provisions
of this section shall be guilty of a mis-
demeanor, and, upon conviction thereof,
be fined in a sum not exceeding $25 for
violating the provisions of Schedule A,
and not more than $10 for violating those
of Schedule B.

" None of the provisions of this section

* We have just learned that it was decided that the
President appoint a committee of Seven consisting
ol the foui professors and three members (practising
pharmacists) to draft a new Poison Bill, and report to
next stated meeting of the College in January.

shall apply to the dispensing of poisons,
in not unusual quantities or doses, upon
the prescriptions of practitioners of medi-
cine.

"Schedule A.
" Arsenic and its preparations; corro-
sive sublimate, white precipitate, red
precipitate, iodide, biniodide and cyan-
ide of mercury, cyanide of potassium ;
hydrocyanic acid; cobalt and its salts,
cantharides and its preparations, except
the collodion and the cerate made there-
from; creosote; carbolic acid in crystals,
or solutions of same containing more
than lopercent. of the acid; chloroform;
chloral hydrate and croton chloral hy-
drate; croton oil; cocaine and its salts;
essential oil of bitter almonds, tansy and
pennyroyal; oxalic acid; conium, curare,
coculus Indicus, cotton root, ergot, savin,
belladonna, calabar bean, St. Ignatus
bean, the hellebores, the henbanes, In-
dian hemp, nux vomica, aconite, opium
(excepting Dover's powders and the
syrup or other equivalent preparations,
liquid or otherwise, of the same; also
those preparations containing not more
than 9 grains of opium to the ounce),
stramonium (except the leaves), and
their oils, tinctures, extracts, alkaloids
and the salts of same, and such prepara-
tions into which any of the above enu-
merated drugs enter in poisonous qanti-
ties.

" Schedule B.

" All other drugs, chemicals and phar-
maceutical preparations not enumerated
in Schedule A and ranked as poisonous
in standard works on materia medica."

In discussing Schedule B, it said that
it was " somewhat novel in feature, self-
adapting, as it were, and would include
new poisons as fast as they became
known; the only further legislation re-
quired in the future under this law being
but supplementary, and would simply

li

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

consist in transferring from Schedule B
to Schedule A such poisons as experience
or policy would place there. ' ' A request
to the Legislature to impose penalties on
those misrepresenting the purpose for
which poison was purchased by them, or
giving fictitious names and addresses,
will accompany the bill. Copies of this
bill were directed to be sent to the vari-
ous pharmaceutical organizations and
boards of pharmacy in the State.

The Sale of Organic Serum in France. —
The application of the law relating to the sale
of therapeutic serum and other organic liquids
of a similar nature, which was passed in April
of this year, has given rise to several points of
uncertainty. In an article published in the
Union Pharmacetique, M. Bogelot gives an
opinion upon the following question which was
propounded to him: "Should one refuse to
sell such fluids as those of Brown Sequard and
Consiatin Paul to such people to whom one had
been in the regular habit of supplying them be-
fore the passing of the law ?" Such liquids cer.
tainly come under the head of injectionable or-
ganic liquids, and have hitherto been prepared
and sold freely by pharmacists. Considering
the strict letter of the law, these fluids certainly
come under its application and should hence-
forth be sold only by means of prescriptions.
In a matter of civil affairs or common rights we
should say that the law could not have a retro-
spective action ; and, therefore, that those phar-
macists already engaged in the manufacture
need not sacrifice their acquired rights. But in
the case of a law involving the public health
and order, against which no private interests
should prevail, it is less certain ; on the other
hand, if one ceases manufacturing these liquids,
ordered by therapeutic usage, can one also de-
prive doctors and sick people of a means of
treatment which promises to cure them of their
special diseases ? The proper course appears to
be for the pharmacists who have undertaken
the manufacture to put the question before the
Administration, and ask for either a personal
authoriiation for manufacturing, or for a decla-
ration that the products dealt with do not come
within the scope of the law which requires them
to be only sold on the order of a prescription.
It seems, also, that until the Administration has
declared itself as to the interpretation of the
new law in this case, pharmacists should, in the
interests of sick people, continue to make and
sell the products in question." — Repertoire .

SULPHUR MINES IN LOUISIANA.

It looks as if Sicily had shipped its
last ton of sulphur to the United States.
At the increased rate of production cer-
tain to follow, the Lake Charles sulphur
mines of Calcasieu County, Louisiana,
will not only be able to supply the entire
demand of the United State-, but of the
world for commercial sulphur.

This important piece of news will
naturally be of interest wherever sulphur
is used, while the facts will cause no
small amount of consternation in Sicily,
which for many years has held the mar-
kets of the world in this important
product.

Two and a half years ago F. B. Squire,
secretary of the Standard Oil Company,
was prospecting for sulphur lands con-
tributory or adjacent to the Gtilf of
Mexico. Owning large tracts of phos-
phate lands in Florida, Mr. Squire's idea
was to secure sulphur, and thus produce
fertilizers in the vicinity of the Gulf, to
supply the Cotton States by water with
cheap fertilizers. In his search, Mr.
Squire made inquiry all over the south-
ern extremity of the United States, ex-
tending into Mexico. Nothing that
seemed practical materialized, although
he by no means had abandoned the idea.

One day, when en route from Cleve-
land to New York, he met a gentleman
on the train who knew considerable
about sulphur lands in Louisiana. He
was told it was not possible to mine the
sulphur, as it was below a bed of quick-
sand, 300 feet thick. But Mr. Squire
went to work, got such men as the Van-
derbilts, the Coopers, Rockfellers, the
Hewitts and others interested, capitalized
a company, experimented with the sul-
phur, found it could be mined and re-
fined, and now they propose to go ahead
and produce the article.

At present 100 tons of chemically pure
sulphur are being pumped out of these

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

19

vast mines every twenty-four hours.
This means at least 36,500 tons per an-
num, or an aggregate equivalent to one-
third the entire consumption of the
United States. Such an amount, how-
ever, under the new conditions, can be
increased to any amount necessary to
supply the United States,

Sulphur at, say, $5 per ton delivered
in Cleveland, is a very different thing to
sulphur at $20 per ton, and the demand
will increase. The new sulphur com-
pany will increase the output to supply'-
the demand of the market, whatever it
may be, and as it will cost about 50 cents
or $1 to produce it, we may expect a
tremendous drop in price and a corres-
pondingly enormous increase in consump-
tion.

If nothing unforeseen happens to this
industry in Louisiana, within a fevv^ 3'ears
the Sicilian sulphur industry will be
wiped out, and the United States will
supply not only the home market, but
the world with sulphur, at a price which
will quadruple its present consumption
and be beneficial to a thousand branches
of manufacture.

Oil of Peach-Kernels. — It is sometimes diffi-
cult if not impossible to distitjguish by physical
tests between this oil and true oil of sweet
almonds. Dr. A. Schneegans says that there is
always as much bromidehyde present in the
former as will react with sodium bisulphite
solution. The plan is to shake up a small
quantity of the oil with a saturated solution of
the bisulphite, separate the solution from the
oil and add alkali to the solution, when the
odor of bitter almonds will appear.

Soap Berry Tree. — In a pamphlet recently
published, Prof. L. J". Trabut, of Algiers, de-
scribes one of the soap-berry trees, sapindus
utilis (s. mukorossi, Goertner, var. carinatus,
Radlk.). The fruits of this plant contains 38
per cent, of saponin, more than four times as
much quillaia bark, which contains 8 to 9 per
cent. only. An adult tree will yield fiom 25 to
100 kilos, of fruit, and is, therefore, a plentiful
source of saponin.

A NAUGHT OF SODA.

The little girl came into the drug store, sayS
the Philadelphia American.

"Pleath, thir," she said, "mother thayth
have you a naught of soda ? "

" A what," repeated the clerk.

"A naught of soda," reiterated the littlegirl.

" Do you want a glass of soda water? " asked
the clerk.

" No, thir. Mother thayth I can't have that
till evenin'. She thayth have you a naught of
soda?"

" What can she mean," muttered the puzzled
clerk. The child grew impatient.

"A naught of soda," she said, sharply.
"Why, it ith a funny bottle wif a thquirter to
it, and it goeth 'siz' when you work it."

" Oh ! You mean a syphon of soda," exclaim-
ed the clerk.

"Oh! Thyphen? Thyphen ? Yeth, thir, it
wath thyphen. But typhens and naught ith the
thame, ain't it? "

And the cleik said that cipher and naught
were the same.

Eggs., Wags and the Druggist. — "Yes, I
had to move the eggs off the counter," said the
Indiana street druggist to a Chicago Record re-
porter. " There are too many bright men in
this neighborhood; that's the reason. A dish
of nice white eggs sets oflF a soda counter, but I
can't put mine out without getting them dated.

' ' What ? You never heard of dating eggs ?
See that real estate oflSce over there ? Well,
that fellow would come over here for a drink,
and as soon as I turned my back he would pick
up an egg and mark it with a lead pencil, 'April
15, 1895,' and set it back in the dish so that any
one who came up to the counter could see it.
Of course I couldn't see it behind the counter.
I've seen a man come in to order an egg phos-
phate, but when he glanced at the eggs and saw
one on top dated four or five months back, he
would weaken and take a plain five-cent drink.

"The real-estate man was the first to do it.
He started the others, and they had all sorts of
fun with those eggs. I didn't mind it much so
long as they dated the eggs 1492 or 1776, but
when they dated them about a year back or
wrote ' feathers ' on them I thought the joke
was going a little too far. The trouble was
some people who came in didn't know it was a
joke. They thought the eggs were six or eight
months old That's why I have to keep the
eggs on the back shelf.

" Too many humorists in the neighborhood.''

20

THE ALUMNI JOUNAL.

A SEIDLITZ POWDER SAVED IT.

"If there be one thing, upon which I pride
myself next to my hobby of the strictest ac-
curacy," remarked Colonel Monkhouse to a
contributor to Judy, " it is upon my presence of
mind. It has often proved of the utmost value
to myself, and also to others.

"On one occasion I saved thousands upon
thousands of pounds to a steamship company
simply by my habit of rapid thought, followed
by equally rapid practice.

" It was on the Mediterranean, when I was on
my passage out of India. By some blunder of
the first mate, we ran on to a sand bank, and
there we stuck. The sea was calm and there
was no panic, but the question arose as to what
was to be done.

" Wait till the tide rose ? There was no use
in doing that, for in the Mediterranean there is
only a rise and fall of an inch or two.

"The Capi^ain proposed to signal the first
vessel that passed to take off" the passengers and
crew and leave the vessel to her fate, as she was
so fast that to attempt to get her off" by towing
would have been of no use.

"A storm might have proved useful, the
captain said, by giving as a little more water,
owing to high waves, but there was not even
the most remote chance of one; but the obser-
vation gave me a suggestion.

" I knew that the cargo we were taking out
consisted largely of chemicals. I asked the
captain if he knew what these chemicals were,
but he did not. We therefore examined the
ship's manifest, and I at once knew that the
steamer was saved.

" Among the contents of the hold were large
consignments of tartarated soda, of carbonate
of soda and of tartaric acid. I caused the casks
to be brought up on deck, and had the heads
knocked out, the two former chemicals being
piled up on one side of the deck and the third
on the other. At a given signal the whole of
the crew started to shovel the material over-
board — there was altogether several tons of it.

" Immediately the sea in our immediate
neighborhood rose and got into the utmost
commotion; though quite close at hand, the
water was as calm as a duck pond. There was
a heavy lurch, and the vessel slipped off" into
deep water.

" How was it that throwing chemicals over-
board raised a storm ? The matter was simple
enough. I selected the ingredients that con-
stitute a seidlitz powder; but I did it on a large
scale.

"No, I was not awarded salvage; but the
passengers and the owners presented me with
testimonials." — New York Telegram,

Palatable Cod-Liver Oil may be prepared, ac-
cording to Standke {Dent. Med. Wochensch.),
by allowing freshly-glowed, granulated char-
coal to remain for some length of time in con-
tact with good oil, under the exclusion of air.
Every trace of disagreeable odor and taste may
thus be removed, it is stated ; and cod-liver oil
treated in this manner, has a mild and agreeable
taste, and is distinguished by its stability. Its
palatability may further be increased by the ad-
dition of saccharin and cinnamon oil.

To detect Sesame Oil in Olive Oil, the Journ.
de Pharvi. recommends the following method :
Shake vigorously a mixture of equal parts of
the olive oil and a 1.14 solution of pyrogallic
acid in hydrochloric acid (sp. gr. 1.124), and set
aside until it has separated into two layers.
Draw off" the upper (oily) one, with a pipette,
and boil the remainder (acid) for five minutes.
If the sample contain any sesame oil, the acid
turns purple on boiling ; pure olive oil only
gives a yellow color. — It is claimed that the ad-
dition of even i per cent, of sesame oil can
easily be detected by this method.

SIX HUNDRED ($600) DOLLARS IN
PRIZES.

The special attention of our readers is called
to the advertisement of the Palisade Manufact-
uring Co. with the above title on second page of
cover of this issue.

The prize contest which this well known firm
announces will no doubt attract a great deal of
attention, and result in the submission of many
articles of merit on " The Clinical Value of An-
tiseptics both Internal and External." The
prizes are extremely liberal, and the well known
professional and literary eminence of Dr. Frank
P. Foster, the talented editor of the New York
Medical Journal, who has kindly consented to
act as judge, is a suflScient guarantee of the im-
partiality to be observed in the awarding of the
prizes.

We are assured that there is absolutely " no
string" attached to the provisions of this contest,
and any physician in good standing in the com-
munity is invited to compete on equal terms
with every other competitor.

Further particulars as to conditions, etc., can
be obtained by addressing the above named
firm.

Entered at the New York Post Office as second
class matter.

--'Ar'A^,\;',\A^.^.SA\.y.~.'-^A.:'Ar.\;'^>.^'^^>\-;!r.\>^/:r,\V<i>>;>.\,V-,v>^,>V>^^^ 1

jfebruar^, 1896.

No. 2.

Contents:

OUR COMMON EDIBLE AND POISON-
OUS MUSHROOMS AND TOiDSTOCLS 21
By Smith Ely Jelliffe, M. D.

BOOK REVIEWS, - - - 31

THE MOST RECENT WORK, - 34

NEW REMEDIES, - - • 34

EDITORIAL, - - . 35

THE ALUMNI BALL, - - - 36

ALUMNI SOCIABLEP, - - 37

ALUMNI NOTES, - - 38

SENIOR CLASS NOTES. - - 41

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEESrOF THE "

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, - - 42

WHAT NEXT, - - - 43

AMERICAN PHARMACIES, - 43

THE AUSTRALIAN DRUGl.CLERK, 44

THELWONDERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY, 46
HOW CAMPHOR IS CELTIVATED IN

FORMOSA, - - - - 47

THE PRACTICAL USE OF OZONF, 48

LIQUID AIR, ... - 48

PUBLISHED BY

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE COLLEGE;OF PHARMACY
.... OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK ....

oi.
or

o
o

.Si O

-^ J!

(LI "ji;

^ o

D ^_)

O t/2

o V

0) <^
t> C

]o

'tn

h4

iz;

O
pq

o

I— (

Pi

W
en :;

^ 5

O H

><1

WW

> <1

0* .ti

a o
^ o

. c3

a,

OS

• 1-1

a!

o o o o
o o o o

o
o

=^

O ^

VI

c3

13

3

.2

>

o

<1

o

m

O

^^ -

'1 <U (U

•- 'O -^

(U

O lO

0)

p^

V-i

o

O ilO

rr^ ^ ^ ^

•73 'O j_> .!_)

OI CO ^ lo

o

'Id
Td

a!

a

(U

m

w 8

^ -a

^^i a!
Q O

^ o «

xn (u

rt .4_»

o

.;:; ^ (U

ScH .>

r-j OJ

C (U JJ

•■-H +-I _C

• - s ^

g w c3

Ch (L» tn

c«
<u
;-!

Td
Td

c
o

Td

o
o

•n
c

C3
t/:

ni

1— t

3
o

■!->

;-(
rt
P^

O

to

O

a

d
to

w to

<

m
t— (

k4
<1
Ph

CO

W

O

>3^

13

■4^

-r-^

tlO

' '

£^

p

-4-3

!3 _

,0

_

r-H

c3

H

rt

O

Is

05

o cl

fl "D

J=I

«^

rrt '«

<^

F-i

oj

Ti

rt

O t^

a

■43

^

(X>

^''^^

H

t3
Pi

t.

t-l

K

03

^

n, .::;

H

f>->

tiH

1 — 1

>H

0!

a.^

□Q

a>

BROADWAY.

, tj TRADE MARK.

PHAKMACY I STCPA\^H?S

BALTIMORE 1813. M MAPE

NEWY0RKI830. || 1754

/»7I83 BROADWAY^

OLDEST STAND ON
1697

I11[The Original A\ Elixir;! §30.
^'A^HiGH Test. V^True Bark.

A reliable product by an old bouse.

A Wholesome Tonic, Creates Appe-
tite, Induces Assimilation, Recuper-
ates Strength. Tones up the System in
Debility and Convalescence.

Qvs- ■ — n ■- g-^

nujfaaetrsjvtt

Over 80 Years' Unbroken Eecord ! 65 years in Same Spot.

Nearly midway between the two Colonial Churches.
PKESCRIPTIONS PREPARED SOLELY BY GRADUATES

MILHAU'S CHALYBEATE CALISAYA

An elixir containing pyrophosphate of iron; does
not injure the teeth.

Agency for

Dr. DECLAT'S PHENIC PREPARATIONS,

AVTHJEiNTIC ANIMAI, EXTRACTS
All the I^eading Brands.

MlLHAU.

From prime assayed Bolivian I,eaf.

Revives, Steadies and Sustains the
Nerves National Formulary, thrice
strength of the Imported Wines.
Benign, diuretic; while cocaine wines
are toxic, excitant.

Confers wonderful endurance to
stand physical and mental exertion.

J MILHAU'S SON, Ph. G., druggist and importer,

NEW YORK.

TELEPHONE, 3780 CORTLANDT.

183 riroadway,

CABLE, " MILHAU."

PUBLISHED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

LIBRA!

NEW V«j

BOTaNJv

OARUii

Vol. III.

New York, February, 1896.

No. 2.

OUR CO/VIMON EDIBLE AND POISONOUS HUSHROOMS AND TOADSTOOLS.

BY SMITH KLY JEr-LIFFE, M. D.,
Professor of Pharmacognosy at the College of Pharmacy of the City of New York.

It may be a one-sided view of the uni-
verse, but we of the human race are
rather apt to think that the heavens and
the earth and all that in them is, were
created for the sole and special purpose of
adding to our comfort or pleasure. And
when we are brought into sudden and
painful contact with the business end of
a mosquito or wasp, or find that the edi-
ble looking mushroom turns out to be
deadly, we wonder in an injured way
why such things were made, and imply
that it was an oversight on the Creator's
part that our convenience was not con-
sulted.

Now, if we could regard mankind as
merely an incidental element in the world,
and look at life from the standpoint of
the several hundred thousand species of
fungi that exist, we should be persuaded
that all the other plants in the world as
well as all the animals, including man
himself, were created for the express pur-
pose of prolonging their existence.

O-stensibly our evening is to be spent

in finding out what fungi are good for us
to eat; but we must admit that we are
rather late in our inquiries, for during
the last few million years the fungi have
been di.'-covering that every created thing
was good for some one of them to eat, and
since man came upon the scene, they have
been finding one way after another to prey
upon him. It is therefore only fair that
we should devote our attention to turning
the tables upon our parasitic friends, and
try to discover how best we may prey
upon them, without endangering either
our digestions or our lives.

Of course, no one will misunderstand me
and imagine that the class of fungi called
mushrooms, that grow in the fields and
woods ever injure man unless he of his
own freewill has eaten them first. The
great foes to life are among the very low
but very powerful fungi, the bacteria.

The bacteria which number their vic'
tims by the thousands, kill more human
beings in a day, than are poisoned by
mushrooms in a year.

22

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

All the fungi are beasts of prey, speak-
ing from a vegetable standpoint. The
germ of cholera, typhoid fever, and con-
sumption, diphtheria, ringworm, and the
disease of fungus foot, knovi^n in India,
present types of the fungi that live upon
the human body. Yeast lives upon the
flour and sugar in the process of bread
making. Moulds live upon bread and
cheese and preserves, while the higher
fungi which we call mushrooms or toad-
stools indiscriminately, draw their life in
a more harmless way, from decayed ani-
mal matter, or from manure, or dead
wood.

The ancients were very superstitious
about the fungi, although there were a
number which they were accustomed to
eat. Their idea was that they were formed
during thunder showers, which was not
so far wrong after all, and that the gods
were directly responsible for them.

There is something very wonderful in
the way the mushrooms spring up over
night. Apparently it is only necessary
for some genius of the woods to repeat a
mystic formula like that which raised
Aladdin's palace and the umbrellas ap-
pear already formed. The growth is how-
ever not so sudden after all, for long be-
fore any thing appears above ground the
fungi are being slowly formed under
ground. The mycelium which corre-
sponds to the root stem , and leaves of a
higher plant is slowly pushing its way
through the crevices of decaj^ed wood or
sucking the nitrogenous food out of old
and exposed manure. Here and there on
the masses of mycelium tubes which ap-
pear like bundles of tangled white
threads, and which the cultivators call
spawn, there will appear a small knob.
This is the incipient fruit body which
will afterwards become the umbrella.

The illustration shows the method of
development in the common and edible
field mushroom. The small knobs are

embryonic umbrellas which grow very
slowly. Little by little the cap or um-
brella is formed, but tightly compressed,
until in a small space everything is per-
fected. As long as the weatner remains
dry the umbrellas literally "lie low," but
as soon as the ground has become soaked
with a heavy rain, they absorb the mois-
ture as a sponge would and swell in a few
hours to their full size. It is a difficult
thing to actually watch the transforma-
tion. One observer watched all night to
time the growth of a fungus that was
nearly ripe, and just before dawn he was
rewarded by seeing it grow three inches
in twenty-five minutes.

When the umbrella swells, the cover-
ing which has bound the cap down to the
stalk breaks and frees the cap so that it
can stretch out to its full size. Generally
at first the umbrella appears half open,
later it is apt to be almost flat, and when
the mushroom is quite old it has a ten-
dancy to turn inside out. The covering
originally over the mushroom is called
the veil, and when it leaves a tattered
fragment clinging to the stem after
breaking, the remains are known as the

ring-
When the gills are finally spread out

straight, the fungus is ripe and ready to

shed its spores which grow all along their

edges.

Not all of the higher fungi have gills,
however, and one of the first points to be
noticed in classifying them is the char-
acter of the under surface. In other species
the gills become irregular ribs, and in
others they form short spines on which
the spores are borne. Still other kinds
have a smooth under surface dotted over
with minute pores out of which the spores
drop when the fungus is ripe.

Other fungi such as the puff-balls can-
not scatter their spores by the simple
process of dropping them on the ground.
They are wholly surrounded by a skin,

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

and the spores are born inside on threads,
and when the pufiFball is ripe, the skin
cracks and the spores escape like a cloud
of dust.

In still another kind of fungus the
spores grow inside enclosed in a lot of
small sacs, each of which holds a certain
number. These fungi have to wait for
decay to set the spores free. The truffle
of England and France belongs to this
class. In a cross section of it the little
oval shaped sacs may be seen crowded
with spores. This fungus is round and
is buried several inches under ground so
that men have to dig for it, and often de-
pend on dogs to scent it out. In France
when a wide awake boy sees his dog
pawing industriously at the foot of a
tree, he is on the alert for truffles at
once, and will start to digging himself
for this marketable delicacy.

The morel or American truffle as it is
sometimes called, has its spores imbedded
in the same way, although it does not
resemble its foreign cousin, for it grows
above ground. It is not so well known
here as in France and England. Al-
though there is not so great a delicacy as
the truffle, yet it is eaten quite freely.

I have read that in Yorkshire the wo-
men that gather cowslips to make cows-
lip wine, took a few morels in the corner
of their baskets in hope of making an ex-
tra shilling.

The only difficulty in cooking it is
that the earth is apt to get into the pitted
surfaces, and the morel has to be well
washed and dried in a napkin before it is
put on to stew, otherwise one is liable to
eat a considerable quantity of their al-
lotted peck of dirt, in one meal.

This well marked and easily recogniz-
ed species grows commonly in some parts
of the country and is not found in other
places. It comes up in April and May,
and is fond of grassy places near streams.
There is no danger in trying it if one is

fortunate enough to be where it grows
for it has no dangerous relatives that
parade in sheep's clothing trying to pass
themselves off as the genuine article.

There is a very palatable substitute for
pan cakes or ^%^ plants, in some species
of the puff ball group of fungi. All the
species of puff balls or Lycoperdons are
edible, that is they are not poisonous ;
but some are not very palatable, for in-
stance those with warty yellow skins,
and those that are all inky black inside
can scarcely be considered tempting.
The giant puff ball is a delicious article
of diet. Puff balls must be gathered at
just the right time, however, when the
insides are white and fleshy for when
they have yellow stains inside they are
not fresh, and if they are cottony and
dusty it shows that the spores are formed
on their threads and they are too old to
be good.

The giant puff ball will sometimes
grow to be 20 inches in diameter, but it
is then too apt to be like cotton wool to
make good tritters for any day in the
year except the first of April. The best
and most convenient size to cook is a
medium one about the size of an apple.
The skin should be removed and the puff
ball sliced, as one would a tomato or egg
plant, and then be dipped in batter or
^•gZ^ and fried.

One enthusiastic Italian mycophagist
says that when the puff ball is con-
veniently situated one should only take
a single slice at a time, cutting it off
horizontally and very carefully. It will
then go on growing, and one can have a
fresh fritter every day in the week. Pos-
sibly the Italian gentleman had a castle
in a ravine where the puff balls grew
thick about his kitchen door. Personally
I should hate to have to go up to the
Bronx every morning to cut my fritter.

Before advancing to the more compli-
cated fungi that have pores, there are

24

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

several families whose reputations are
unsullied by the connection of poisonous
members. But just as some people whose
reputations are perfectly blameless, and
their family connections irreproachable,
are nevertheless hard-hearted and unat-
tractive, so among these non-poisonous
families we find many that are tough and
leathery and anything but inviting.

Among the Clavarias, or club fungi,
many of which would be as unsavory as
corks, there are some delicate, coral-like
species that make a very good sauce
when stewed. They are either grayish-
white or yellow to brownish, and
very brittle and of course do not keep
their shape when cooked. Any of them
however that are not bitter and which
seem tender enough to crumble up in a
sauce may be eaten without danger, as
they will be found to give a good flavor
without any danger of running across
poisonous species.

There is a large class of fungi that
have pores on their under sides. The
whole lower surface when slightly mag-
nified will be found to have a honey-
combed appearance by reason of these
regular holes or pores, out of which the
spores drop when the fungus is ripe.
Sometimes one will find them in a soft,
velvety state, just shedding their spoies.
Some of them are umbrella shaped and
others grow like shells with beautiful
irridescent rings of grey and green and
purple on their upper wavy surfaces.
These are too woody to eat; so also are
the beautiful shell fungi that hang like
brown polished ledges from the dy-
ing trees or decaying stumps. On
these the pores may be plainly seen when
the white bloom on the under side is
scraped away. The whole family of fun-
gi that have pores are 'called Popypotii,
but from the edible and poisonous stand-
point there is one group that is of special
interest known as Boletus. These all

have a stem and a more or less regular
cap. They must each go upon their
respective merits, for some are edible and
some are not.

The Boleti are always thick and fleshy,
never woody, and quite solid in their ap-
pearance. If the cap be cut off and mag-
nified the under surface will present a
honeycombed appearance, which is due
to the opening of the pores or tubes in
which the spores are contained. These
tubes lie crowded close together, as a
cross section of the fungus will show to
the naked eye. Many Boleti change
color when they are cut.

There are altogether about forty edible
species in this family, and several that
are poisonous or at least very fiery and
peppery to the taste. Those that are
commonly eaten have a very fine flavor,
As a rule it is fpretty safe to try a mild
colored Boletus, such as ed2ilis, which is
brownish on top and yellowish under-
neath, or hiteus, and which is yel-
low. Some which are slightly acrid
to the taste when nibbled raw, are
very good when cooked and made
into a sauce or fried. Those with
white or yellow or greenish tubes
are generally safe to eat, but a wise rule
for the inexperienced is to avoid all lurid
or high colored Boleti.

One called Satanus, or Satan's Bole-
tus, is amber colored on top and deep
crimson below, and is quite poisonous,
so also Bolettis alveolattis, whose rosy
red top acts as a danger signal.

You have probably all heard of the
beef steak fungus of which there is a
tradition that one was found in England
weighing thirty pounds.

The beefsteak or liver fungus is worthy
of its good name, for it really resembles
meat in its flavor. It is also called "Poor
man's fungus," for it is claimed that it
contains as much nourishment as meat.
Its scientific name is Fistuli7ia hepatica.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 25

Fishdina refers to the fact that it has of the yolk of an g:^^. Generally, it is a

little tubes on its under side which groups little one-sided, and has revolute edges,

it with those fungi that have pores instead which makes it the dispair of the amateur

of gills, and hepatica means liver-like, and to sketch.

refers to its general appearance, which Because it is so easily recognized, it

resembles the color of liver. would be safe to recommend it were it

It grows on stumps of trees, principally not for the fact that its virtues are shadow.

oaks and chesnuts, and its first appear- ed by the close resemblance of a disagree-

ance is like a little rosy pimple. In a few able species of the same kind. The

days it becomes tongue shaped, thereby poisonous Cantharellus is often found in

causing the Italians who are fond of it to rank grass and decaying herbage. It is.

call it "oak tongue." or "chestnut ton- just the same color, but instead of being

gue." If there is rain, it will soon grow smooth and waxy, it is covered with

broad and deep red, but in dry weather down, and the ribs and veins are very

I have watched specimens that hardly crowded and thin.

grew a half inch in a week. Of course. We now come to that class of fungi

when they are old, they are tougher than which has gills and which contains the

the toughest old steer that the most un- more interesting species. They are all

principled butcher would seek to palm called Aga?'icus or mushrooms, for the

off on an innocent public, but when they word mushroom is the common name for

are young and tender they may be fried any specimen of the great group Agari-

in butter or minced with herbs, and make cus each with a different name,
really a very nice dish. There are in the group at least two

I hear that this fungus grows quite hundred edible species, a great many that

abundantly in Bronx Park. I have found are neither edible nor poisonous, simply

it in several places on Long Island, and I disagreeable to the taste, and a certain

have no doubt but that it may be found number that are deadly poison. To know

in Prospect Park, although I have never them all requires an immense amount of

happened to see it there. It is therefore study, but this is not necessary for an ac-

by no means uncommon with us, and curate knowledge of a few, for if one will

probably by diligent search on the stumps but notice carefully certain points, and

of oak and chestnut, one might find con- not be led away by general resemblances

siderable quantities of it near at hand. in shape and color, it will be possible to

Cantharellus cibarius, is another edible be absolutely sure of a few species that

fungus that does not belong to the class are good to eat and those that are notori-

with true pores nor to those with gills; it ously dangerous.

has a transition form which is provided In making a study of the fungi, it is
with ribs, and is therefore allied to the necessary after noting the size, shape and
fungi with true gills. This fungus might color of the specimen, and where it grew,
be called the edible golden cup fungus; if to jot down observations upon the posi-
its classical name were to be literally tion and character of the veil, also the
translated. It is eaten in some places in size and shape of the gills, whether they
Europe as a staple article of diet. Its are of equal or unequal length, also
appearance is quite characteristic, and it whether they change color as the mush-
is therefore easily recognized. It has a room grows older, or after it has been
stout, tough yellow stem, and a cup that picked,
will hold water, it is just about the color Still another point to be observed and

26

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

noted, is whether the gills change color
as the mushroom grows older, or after it
has been picked.

SPORES.

Another important thing is to find out
the color of the spores. This can be done
by cutting the cap off and laying it gill-
side down on a piece of paper. Dark
paper shows up the white spores better
than white paper. After leaving it a few
hours there will be found a perfect ring
of spores, either white, sulphur colored,
pink or brown, with as many transition
shades as are found in a description of a
spring fashion plate.

It is probable that the fairy rings arise
from the scattered spores of a single fun-
gus. One mushroom exhausts the
nourishing power of the soil under it and
most of its spores must fall upon pre-
empted ground ; but those on the outer
edge may find nourishment enough to
develop a few struggling mycelium
threads. These produce a cluster of
mushrooms around the circle vacated by
the parent; and in turn exhaust the soil.
So with each successive generation the
ring grows wider until at last if accident
or stones or weeds do not prevent we find
a fairy ring in all its perfection.

Nobody fears the edible field mush-
room, but to many it is the only edible
species they will touch without fear and
trembling. It is easy to distinguish it if
one knows other species and realizes how
much some poisonous kinds resemble it.
Its color is a dirty white or grey on top,
it has a short stem with a white wooly
ring around it. The unequal gills are a
delicate pink at first, but later they turn
to a brownish purple owing to the color
of the spores which are purplish, never
white. One important thing to remem-
ber is that it never grows in woods, but
always in fields and preferably in pastures
where cows or sheep have fertilized the

soil and kept the grass cropped. In such
places from August to October one may
be almost sure of finding a good crop of
field mushrooms, that is if there has been
rain.

As a rule most people who know the
common field mushroom are apt to lay
down rules for edible species based on its
characteristic dirty grey top, its brown-
pink gills and purple spores, but the
more one studies the family the more
difficult it is to give any general rules by
which the edible species can be dis-
tinguished from the non-edible. It is
like the French rule for forming the
plural, the exceptions are so many, and
the exceptions of the exceptions so much
more numerous; that the original rule is
completely lost to sight.

So my advise to beginners is not to
choose fungi for a meal by any general
rule, but by carefully comparing a speci-
men point by point with some well
authenticated work, till it is as familiar
to you as a potato or a turnip and eat no
others.

The field mushroom has a poor relation
that is often avoided because it is not
exactly like its more popular relative.
This is the horse mushroom, or Agaricus
arvensis. It is a little larger than the
field mushroom, and it is pure white on
top. Its gills are at first a beautiful
pink, but when the mushroom is older
they are apt to turn a brown to purplish
or to black. It is very delicate to eat
when it is young and still pink under-
neath, and none but the epicure would
be the wiser were it to be eaten by mis-
take instead of the field mushroom, but
such is the popular prejudice against it
that the cultivator cannot sell it in the
market except for catsup or pickles, but
for that purpose large crops of it are
raised. It may grow on the borders of
woods or the borders of garden beds ;
also about stables.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

27

AGARICUS PROCERAS.
A very common mushroom that has
been eaten since the days of the Romans
is the Parasol Ag:aric, Agaricus procerus.
It is sometimes called the shaggy mush-
room, for its parasol top is covered with
scales. One author says of it; " When-
ever a large parasol shaped mushroom is
found with white gills, a long spotted
stem, swollen at the base, with a ring
that will slip up and down, it must be
the parasol mushroom, and it can be
eaten with perfect safety."

There is a general saying that all fungi
which have a milky juice are poisonous,
but there is at least one, Ladarius deli-
ciosus, or the golden milk fungus, that is
very good to eat. The milk flows out of
the gills when they are bruised, and as
far as looks go it certainly appears poi-
sonous, for it is an orange or red liquid
which turns greenish on exposure to the
air.

There is a mushroom very similar in
size and shape that gives an innocent
white milk, but it is poisonous.

So also is the fiery milk mushroom,
which is white or cream colored and
very appetizing to look upon. But its
taste is biting, and a little nibble of it
has the effect of biting and searing the
tongue like a hot iron. Some writers say
that this species is eaten in Russia and
other countries, and that pickling it takes
away the bitterness. However that may
be, it is known that cows will eat it
eagerly, but it makes their milk bitter
and very disagreeable to the taste.

Another group of the Agaric or mush-
room family that contains edible as well
as non-edible species, is the Riissjcla
group. The beautiful pale rose mush-
room with a cap that deepens to red, and
pure white gills, belongs to this group.
But in spite of its attractive color and its
neat clean look, it is well to leave it
alone, for it is Russula emetica, and al-

although I cannot promise that if you eat
of it you would surely die, yet I can as-
sure you that it is well named, for a
meal of it would act as an excellent
emetic.

Another Russula that is very beautiful
but not so attractive from its green,
warty appearance, is Russjila virescence^
the Verdette mushroom. It is not very
well known here, and its green color
causes a feeling of prejudice, but in some
parts of the continent it is a great favor-
ite. They say the peasants in the neigh-
borhood of Milan are in the habit of
toasting it over wood embers and eating
it with a little salt.

There is no doubt whatever about the
excellent qualities of the very common
and very variable Ru.ssula that grows in
our woods, called Russula heterophylia.
It is pure white on the gills and has no
ring or bulb, and its cap may be either
greenish or gray with a little purple in it
or yellowish brown. To know it you
must see it in all its hues, and to apprei
ciate its delicious nutty flavor it must
be fried in sweet butter and eaten hot as
a relish.

I have found it in Bronx Park, in Long
Island and in the woods of Connecticut.
It is by no means rare, neither is it very
common, but it has ' such a delicious
flavor that it is worth while learning it
under its many disguises of color, and
searching for it, every time one takes a
walk through the woods.

COPRINUS COMATUS

Is an edible mushroom, quite different
from that have been described before. It
is called the "maned mushroom," and it
is used by the English for catsup, as it
has a rich juice, but it is only within the
last few years that it has been recognized
as an edible in this country. It has a
suspicious look when it begins to grow
old, for it becomes quite black around its
lower edges. It never should be eaten

28

lUh ALUMNI JOURNAL.

when it gets to this stage, but only when
it is young. I have found it in the
Quaker cemetery in Prospect Park.

Of all the poisonous mushrooms, those
belonging to the group called A7nanita,
are the most interesting, because some of
the species resemble so treacherously some
other edible species of other groups, to all
but the initiated.

The one that is most commonly mis-
taken for the edible field mushroom, is
the common Spring mushroom, or Amayi-
ita vernus. It is white all over, even on
the gills, which is not the case with the
field mushroom. It comes in the spring
time stead of the autumn, and it grows
in the woods instead of in pastures and
fields.

Another point to be noticed in this as
well as in other species of this group, is
that there is a sheath at the base of the
stem; this is the remains of the volva.
Some mushrooms when young as we have
seen, are completely covered with a mem-
brane like a delicate eggshell. When this
ruptures a portion of it remains at the
bottom, and often some of it sticks to the
•cap in little warty excressenses. Not all
mushrooms with a volva are poisonous,
but it is wise as a rule for the unitiated to
leave a specimen alone, if it is provided
with this sheath at the base of the stem.

Experiments show that a dog that was
fed upon a little cake made of this mush-
room, died six hours after eating it. It
is recorded among many other cases that
a French gentleman, his wife and child
ate of this mushroom, at six o'clock one
evening, and that the next day they
all suffered from nausea and fainting.
The father and child died, but the
woman's life was saved by the use of
emetics and stimulants. She, however,
continued to feel the effects of the poison-
ing for six months after.

Yet in this so called deadly group
Amanita, whose very name is a symbol

of death, there are several deliciously
edible kinds. One of these is called
Caesar's mushroom, or Amanita Caesari.
When it first appears it pushes itself out
of the ground and sits up on end like an
^%% ; it is pure white for it is covered at
first by the volva which is present in all
the Amanitas and which is therefore
taken as a danger signal by the
wary. After a few days there ap-
pears something that looks like the yolk
of an egg, of a yellow or orange red
color protruding from it. This is the
first visible glimpse of the umbrella. If
the weather is damp it will go on in-
creasing in size and unfolding, until the
whole umbrella in the royal colors of
Caesar bursts forth. This edible Amanita
is not very common, but it may be found
in damp woods and hilly places all sum-
mer. It is a curious thing to watch
growing, and someone in describing it,
called it the "poultry mushroom " from
its egg-like appearance when it first
pushes its way out of the ground.

Although this particular Amanita is
good to eat, the group as a whole should
be studied for the purpose of avoiding it
for it is not very safe to try experiments
with it as some of the species are fairly
good when quite young and very poison-
ous when older, and others are only fit
to eat if they have been prepared in a
certain way.

The place to look for danger in the
Amanitas is not in the color but under-
neath the cap, for all the Amanitas have
pure white gills and white spores. They
all spring from a volva and have the re-
mains of it attached to the base of the
stem. This base is always bulbous.
This combination of characteristics con-
stitutes the danger .signal and when they
appear, beware !

The Fly Mushroom is said to be one of
the deadliest. It is a magnificent one to
look at, with its tall straight stem and

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

29

lianging veil, its large symetrical orange
or clear yellow cap, and its pure white
gills. It is a much neater, cleaner fun-
gus than many of the edible kinds, per-
haps it is in that way that so many of
the Amanitas work destruction, because
they are so unsuspicious and attractive in
their appearance.

The poison extracted from it is an al-
kaloid called muscarine, which is used
in the manufacture of fly poison. I was
interested last summer to find several
dead flies lying close to a yellow cap I
had cut off" and laid on paper over night
for the purpose of obtaining the spores.
On testing it I found that flies and small
insects succumbed after merely walking
over it.

There are some curious stories told of
this particular mushroom. It s^eems that
the natives of Kamschatka, and certain
tribes in North Eastern Asia, have used
this fungus since time immemoriable as
an intoxicant, instead of wine or brandy
or opium. They collect in hot weather
and try it, or, if it dries on the ground so
much the better. Then when they have
a stock of it they hold an orgy. One or
two of the the tried specimens form a
dose, they swallow it without chewing
it, and in course of time become delight-
fully, happy and riotous. They jump
and dance and tell all they know, and
show signs of great intoxication. They
know just how much they dare take, for
a larger dose would prove fatal.

The name muscarine is applied to the
poison of many of the Amanitas. It has
been found that the poison can be boiled
out, for a quart of water in which some
of these mushrooms had been boiled,
killed a dog in eight hours, when the
boiled mushrooms themselves were fed
to two other dogs without any bad ef-
fects.

This explains the stories we hear of
the Russians eating our poisonous species

as lood ; for many kinds can be eaten
when dried and pickled which would
otherwise be poisonous. The brine serves
to draw the poison out just as it does in
egg-plant, which if eaten without being
soaked in salt and water would have a
poisonous effect.

As an illustration of the digestive
powers of some persons, it is told that a
gentleman who was detained as a prisoner
in a small town in Poland amused him-
self by making a collection of the fungi
of the neighborhood. He had all kinds
edible and poisonous, when suddenly his
collection disappeared. Investigation
showed that it had been stolen and eaten
by the soldiers who could not resist the
temptation to appropriate such a whole-
sale delicacy.

Out of for v ^ ecies of Amanita only
eight are really poisonous, and possibly
they would be almost harmless if taken
in small quantities, or boiled or pickled.
The danger lies in all cases in eating them
in good faith as field mushrooms, for in
an average meal there is sufticient mus-
carine taken into the human system, to
act as a powerful poison.

When a physician is called in to aid
a victim of mushroom poisoning his first
object is to learn how long after eating
the efiects were first felt. For the minor
poisons manifest themselves in four or
five hours, and the deadly poisons of the
Amanitas seldom take effect under eight
or twelve hours.

It must be remembered that many of
the non-edible mushrooms do not endan-
ger life. They merely cause sickness due
to their acridity or to some peculi&r
property. Even the good field mush-
room has been known to produce illness,
but one also jnay read of cases on record
where unripe peaches and over-ripe water-
melon have had the same effect. Any
mushroom that is not perfectly fresh may
produce a minor poisoning, but relief can

30

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

generally be obtained in the same way as
in illness caused by fruit poisoning, viz. ,
by emetics and purgatives.

As long ago as in the second century,
Dioscorided made the observation that
some cases of fungi poisoning were due
to indigestion from eating decaying speci-
mens or leathery kinds, and not to a true
poison.

If a physician does not know anything
about the different species of fungi, or if
he does know them, but has no samples
to examine, and is obliged to depend on
the time test, he has to remember that if
his patient has made a very promiscuous
meal of mushrooms, he may have eaten
the less dangerous which produce sick-
ness within a few hours, and also some of
the Amaiiitas that will not produce symp.
toms until the next day, therefore he may
have to resort to two entirely different
methods of treatment, and though relief
may be given after treatment for a minor
poison, he must watch for symptoms of a
more dangerous character.

"When muscarine begins to work, the
victim is generally very nauseated and
faint, and suffers paroxysms ot great
agony. The effect of the poison is to
depress the heart action, and to paralyze
the centers of respiration.

This fact was discovered in this coun-
try by a Dr. Shadle, when he was call-
ed to attend a family of five persons who
were all suffering from the same distress-
ing symptoms. The day before they had
all eaten heartily of field mushrooms,
which, they had gathered in the woods.
Probably their repast consisted of the
Spring mushroom, the one that so much
resembles the field mushroom save for its
pure white gills.

Two of them had tried to see which
could eat the most. All began to suffer
violently at daybreak the next day. A
neighbor to whom they had extended the
courtesy of their delicacy was also taken

ill, and even the cat who had the scrap-
ings of the dish was sick.

Dr. Shadle applied heated bricks
to the ice - cold extremities of his
patients to restore circulation, and tried
to rally the falling heart action by stimu-
lants. Finally he concluded that the
poison, whatever it was, was narcotic in
its nature and acted on the nerve centers,
especially those governing the function of
respiration and in the action of the heart.
Accordingly he began to administer
atropine in larger and larger quantities,
and found that a perceptible improvement
in the heart action followed each dose.
Three of the patients lives were saved,
but the two that had eaten the largest
quantities died. Since then Atropine
has been tested and found to be a perfect
antidote for the poisonous alkaloid of the
Amanitas.

It is late in the year to try to get up
an enthusiasm for something that is past
for the season. The woods are barren
of edible fungi, and whosoever longs for
a dish of some of the common kinds that
the connoisseur pronounces so delicious
must content himself with pictures of
them for the winter, unless he would
like to try the experiment of cultivating
them. It in not an unusual thing in
Europe for the wealthy as well as the
poor to have their own mushroom beds,
and cultivate in the house or yard
enough mushrooms for their own use.
In fact, enthusiastic writers on the sub-
ject of mushroom culture express them-
selves as lost in amazement that more
enterprizing Americans do not have pri-
vate mushroom beds.

In this age, when women have turned
to account every faculty for developing
industries and making money, it is quite
possible that they could go into the un-
dertaking with great success, either to
provide themselves or their friends with
an expensive luxury or to turn pennies

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

31

into dollars at a rate far beyond the wild-
est suggestions of confidential advertise-
ments.

The first two requisites for the suc-
cessful culture of mushrooms is an even
temperature of 50 to 60 degrees, and a
quantit}^ of manure A farm is the
easiest and best place to start a mush-
room bed, for after the manure has been
properly dug up by the farmer or one of
his hands, his wife or daughter can at-
tend to it with more profit than they can
to poultry.

The making of the bed is of course
the chief labor. Good clean horse ma-
nure mixed with some from the cow's
stable should be turned over every day
for two or three weeks. It should then
be packed in shallow trench and the
spawn, which is nothing more or less
than the mycelium threads packed close-
ly together, should be stuck into the
manure at intervals, and the whole thing
covered with fresh rich earth and
watered occasionally.

A cellar is, however, an ideal place for
mushrooms. If the manure is prepared
away from the house it will not give a dis-
agreeable odor when packed and covered.

An Englishman, when writing of a
visit to a friend's house, says that when
he went down to his cellar to see his
method of heating the house, by some
hot water system, he found all the avail-
able space on the floor covered with little
flat mushroom beds that were perfectly
odorless, and that had been bearing good
crops from November to May.

There are plenty of practical directions
for the culture of mushrooms in the agri-
cultural reports and in agricultural mag-
azines, and the large florists and horti-
culturalists sell the spawn in cakes which
can be broken up into bits and sown
through the bed. Once it is prepared,
if the temperature is constant, all grow-
ers declare that beds need but compara-

tively little attention, and that a crop can
be gathered every other day. There
seems, then, to be no reason why we
should not cultivate this delicacy all win-
ter, until the summer woods and fields
provide us with the great variety which
nature offers.

BOOK REVIEWS.

Semi-Annual Report of Schimmel &
Co., (Fritsche Brothers), Leipzig and
New York, April and October, 1895.

Few pharmaceutical publications of the
year are of more interest and value than
the one here under review, not only by
virtue of its original contributions to our
knowledge of essential oils, but through
its intelligent representation of the
changes in and present state of the com-
merce in them. The most striking feature
in the reports of this year, particularly
the April report, is their unmistakable
evidence of a marked improvement in the
quality of this class of products as found
upon the market. We feel that the
columns of the Materia Medica Depart-
ment of the Journal cannot be better
used than in printing a resume of this
subject compiled from the reports before
us.

The growing importance of ionone is
attested by the fact that the Company has
thereby been obliged to abandon its cul-
tivation of violets, replacing this plant by
experimental fields of coriander, parsley,
celery and angelica, designed to provide
material for the purpose of scientific and
practical research, as to the genesis of
volatile oil in plants. The first fruits of
these experiments are comprised in the
following facts established with reference
to oil of coriander. The entire plant dis-
tilled in a fresh condition during the
period of flowering, yielded 12 per cent,
of an oil with specific gravity of .853, in-
soluble in 70 per cent, alcohol, and with
an extremely bug-like odor, which almost

32

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

disappears after keeping for two and one-
half months. The entire plant distilled
when the fruit was half ripe, yielded 17
per cent, of oil having a specific gravity
.866, soluble in three parts of 70 per cent,
alcohol, and with a somewhat buggy
odor. Oil from the ripe fruit distilled
immediately after harvesting, yielded 83
per cent, of oil, having a specific gravity
of 876, solubility same as the last and of
a pure coriander odor. The promise is
made that similar experiments will be
made next year upon the oil of caraway
which is better suited for the purpose.

Peppermint oil was distilled separately
from two parts of the same collection, the
first in a fresh state, the other after being
very carefully dried. The former show-
ed a specific gravity of .912, the latter
.915, and there was a marked difference
of odor in favor of the former. Careful
estimates are made for the crop of Amer-
ican peppermint oil for the year 1895 as
follows :

Michigan, 100,000 pounds to 110,000
pounds.

Indiana, 27,000 pounds.

Other localities, 10 000 pounds.

The average yield per acre in New
York is from old plantations 18 pounds
per acre, trom new plantations 23 pounds
per acre.

Experiments similar to those above
recorded with peppermint were conducted
with angelica root, calmus, tarragon and
other articles and the result summed up
in the statement " that the future of the
distillation of essential oils lies in the em-
ployment of freshly gathered, raw
material."

The important subject of size, develop-
ment of roots, etc, as affecting oil per-
centage is somewhat elucidated by the
following experience with angelica root :
' ' The damp weather of the year 1 894 has
naturally exercised a considerable influ-
ence upon the development of the roots

of the angelica plant which attained an
extraordinary size. On some of our Mil-
titz fields we harvested a few really ex-
traordinary specimens, but they contain-
ed much water and were poor in oil. The
same experience was met with last year
by the sugar factories in the case of the
sugar percentage of the beet. Taking
the figure 100 as a normal oil yield of
angelica, the yield in the very dry year
1893 was only 80, and in the very wet
year 1894 the average fell as low as 60.
The following differences were
found between the oil from angelica
root and that from leaves and buds dis-
tilled before the expansion of the flowers.
The oil from the herb has a specific
gravity of .886 at 15 degrees C. an optical
rotation of +20 degrees to 25 degrees.
That from the root has a specific gravity
of .863 to.918 at an optical rotation of
+ 25 degrees to 31 degrees. The herb
yielded only .09 per cent, of oil-

The deterioration of the oil of bitter al-
monds by the oxidation of benzaldehyde
into benzoic acid is described, and the im.
practibility of preventing it by the perfect
exclusion of air is remarked upon as hav-
ing led to experiments looking toward its
prevention by the addition of alcohol.
From these it is concluded that the addi-
tion of 10 per cent, of alcohol has a strong
preserving influence, and that a smaller
addition not merely fails to act as a pre-
servative, but is directly injurious to the
oil.

To so great an extent is the consump-
tion of anethol replacing that of anise
oil, that the firm's sales of the former have
reached five times that of the latter.

The researches of Power and Kleber
on Bay Oil, previously published in the
Pharmacetitische Ruyidschau are discussed,
and the following scale of its constituents
presented, those existing in the largest
amount standing successively before the
others.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

33

Eugenol, Myrcene, Chavicol, Methyl-
eugenol, Methyl-chavicol, Phellandrene,
citral. The fact is emphasized that the
test for pinene deiermines adulteration of
this oil with oil of turpentine, and the
method of testing described.

The decrease in the consumption of
cajuput oil is noted and taken in connec-
tion with the corresponding increased
consumption of the very similar article
Eucalyptus oil, the explanation is not
difficult.

The physical properties of calamus oil
have undergone examination with the
establishment of a specific gravity of from
.962 to .970, and a rotation of + 13 de-
grees 8 minutes to 31 degrees. It is
pointed out that adulteration with cedar
wood oil or a fraction from gurjum balsam
could be made without affecting the speci-
fic gravity, while it would lower or even
reverse the rotation, and it is believed that
such adulteration has been encountered
in commerce. It is considered that + 10
degrees, is the lowest rotation proper for
a pure sample, which must give a clear
solution with 90 per cent, alcohol in all
proportions.

Difficulty of obtaining supplies of cam-
phor oil are considered to be due to the
consumption in Japan of nearly the whole
of the product, aside from any influences
of the recent political situation.

The sale of caraway oil from which a
portion of the carvol has been extracted
and the sale of adulterated carvol, are
said to prevail to an alarming extent.
The former product is readily distinguish-
ed by the falling of its specific gravity
below the normal, which is .908 to .910
at 15 degrees C.

The adulteration of cassia oil has been
stimulated by the scarcity of supplies,
and it is stated that the greatest care is
necessary in the selection of this article.
The principal adulterant used in the
country of production is said to be resin,

while alcohol is found to have been ad-
ded to parcels after their receipt in
Europe. It would appear that the de-
termination of the cinnamic aldehyde is
the only reliable method of determining
the value of this important oil. The
firm considers that a satisfactory sample
should yield from 70 to 75 per cent, of
aldehyde.

Certain observations are reported as
leading to the conclusion that cedar-
camphor, of which mention has fre-
quently been made in older literature,
' ' is not a constituent of fresh cedar
wood, but is formed in it only in the
course of prolonged preservation of the
wood under favorable conditions."

Spurious oils of matricaria are at least
in some cases indicated by their failure
to congeal to a buttery consistency, due
to the presence of paraffine, which are a
constant constituent of the genuine arti-
cle.

The exports of citronella oil from Cey-
lon have grown from six and one-half
million ounces in 1885 to more than fif-
teen million ounces in 1894. The United
States stands second in the consumption
of this article, taking about sixty per
cent, of the amount taken by the United
Kingdom. Considerable quantities of
this oil are consumed in the manufacture
of geraniol.

The product of East African cloves for
the year 1894 is said to have reached the
enormous total of about 18,000,000
pounds. Some very valuable contribu-
tions to our knowledge of clove oil are
contained in the October report, but can-
not be here reproduced.

A new variety of coriander fruit from
Tunis is reported, its size intermediate
between the Dutch and the Moravian, of
good bright color and fine aroma, but
not especially rich in the yield of oil.
Prof. H. H. Rusby.
(7o be continued.^

34

THE ALUMJS/l JOURNAL.

THE MOST RECENT WORK.

Effect of Electricity on Plants. — According
to the results obtained by Prof, A. Aloi, both
atmospheric and terrestrial electricity exercise
a favorable influence on the germination of
seeds and on the growth of plants, as is shown
by their quicker germination and by their yield-
ing a greater weight of produce in the same
time. Prof. Aloi anticipates that the applica-
tion of electricity will be one of the most im-
portant new appliances in the agriculture of the
future. — Bulletine de la Societa Botanica
Italian a.

Systematic Arrangement of the Elements. —
Julius Thomsen {Zeil. anorg. Chem., /Spj),
arranges the elements in ascending order of
atomic weights in three main groups, of which
the first contains two series of seven elements,
the second two series of seventeen elements and
the third thirty-one elements. Hydrogen stands
by itself. Electro-positive elements are at the
one end of each of the four smaller series and
electro-negative elements at the other. Tlie
arrangement serves to show relationships be-
tween the elements beyond those shown by the
ordinary periodic scheme.

Chemical Phenomena of Osssification. — P.
Camille Chabrie {Compl. rend., 1895), has found
that the conversion of the fundamental carti-
lagenous matter into the fundamental osseous
matter is the result of a simultaneous oxidation
and the substitution of the amido group for
the hydroxyl group, the change being brought
about by the influence of ammonia or ammoni-
um salts in an alkaline medium, but not in the
■presence of lactic acid. The same change seems
to be brought about in the organism by urea in
consequence of its ready convertibility into
ammonium salts, Ammonium carbonate de-
stroys the blood corpuscles, with liberation of
lecithin, which acts as a feeble base and com-
bines with carbonic acid. If lecithin, emul-
sified in water, is added to a mixture of sodi-
hydrogen phosphate, and sodium hydrogen
carbonate, to which some calcium chloride has
been added, a precipitate of calcium carbonate
and phosphate is formed, owing to the combi-
nation of the lecithin with the carbonic acid that
would otherwise keep them in solution. It would
seem, therefore, that the lecithin set free by the
destruction of blood corpuscles is one of the
main causes of calcification. In presence of
lactic acid, as in cases of osteomalgia, this pre-
cipitation of calcium salts could not take
place, and the action of the acid an the lecithin
would liberate fatty acids, which are always

present m such cases. The presence of rela-
tively high proportions of magnesium salts
under the same conditions arises from the fact

that the solubilities of calcium and magnesium
salts of fatty acids are practically the same in
dilute solutions of lactic acid, whereas in nor-
mal ossification the conditions are not such as
favor the precip tation of magnesmm salts.

NEW REMEDIES.

Leifon. — Crude, watery borneol, obtained
from Blumea balsamifera, said to be identical
with Ngai camphor.

Medidladen. — Extract of spinal cord, used
against gout.

Plperovatine. — Alkaloid from Piper ovatum.
Spastic.

Rubrol. — Solution of boric acid, thymol and
some coal tar derivative. Injection in gonor-
rhea.

Stypticm. — C12H13NO3 + H2O.HC2. A
Hemostatic.

Zincohetnol. — Zincated hemol. Antichloratic
and antidiarrheic. Dose : 0.5 gm. — Merk's Bul-
letin.

Aminol. — Said to be an aqueous solution of
a gas possessing antiseptic and deodorizing
properties ; described as a colorless, slightly
turbid liquid, possessing the odor of trimethyl-
amine, reaction strongly alkaline to test paper,
specific gr. at 175° C. i.oi.

lodoformal. — A yellow powder having a
strong odor of cumaino. Is insoluble in water
and in ether, nearly soluble in boiling alcohol,
melts at 128° C. Yields iodoform when acted
upon by hydrochloric acid and iodine by the
action of concentrated sulphuric acid.

Phenosuccine. — Produced by the action of
succinic acid upon paraamidophenol ; it forms
small colorless needles, which dissolve in 83
parts of water and melt at 155° C. Analgesic
and antipyretic.

Sodiuin Phenosuccinate. — Obtained on heat-
ing succinamine with sodium hydroxide. An-
algesic and antipyretic.

Theiienit. — A new food preservative, whose
chief active constituent is said to be Sodium
Bisulphite.

'frophenin. — Von Merrony describes it as a
homologue of Phenacetine, obtained by heating
paraphenetidin with hopionic acid. It melts at
120° C. and is soluble in about 2,000 parts of
cold water. Its properties are antipvretic and
antineuralgic. The dose as an antipyretic is
from 0.3 to 0.6 (5 to 10 grains). To secure its
analgesic action i.o (15 grains) doses, repeated
3 or 4 times in 24 hours, are given without fear
of producing unplesant secondary eflfects.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

35

Published under the auspices of the

Alumoi Association of tlie Collep of Pharmacy

OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK,

1 15-1 19 WEST 68th STEERT.

Vol. III.

February, 1896.

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 onlv, and sent to the editor.

Fred. Hohenthal, 857 Third Avenue.

All communications relating- to finances and business
matter in general should be addressed to

Thos. E. Davies, 543 Third Avenue.
AH communications relating to subscriptions should
be addressed to

Nelson S. Kirk, g East 59th Street.

EDITOR.

FRED. HOHENTHAL, Ph. G.

ASSISTANT EDITORS,

JOHN DELSON. 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.

The Alumni Association of N. Y. C.
P. has held its first annual ball Wednes-
day, January 22d, at the Banquet Hall
of Madison Square Garden. It will be
remembered till the second one will be
given. The anxiety as to whether or
not it will be a success disappeared at the
ball room as ether above some Bunson
burners. It has been a great social suc-
cess. Mother "Alma" had her own
children, at least a great part of them,
under her wings together for several
hours. And who enjoyed it more, than

the children ? Why, it looked as if a
banquet was given to each individual
graduate. A greeting here, a hallo
there, indeed, they went so far as to em-
brace each other (and this long before
Nectar and Ambrosia had made their ap-
pearance).

Fellow graduates ! Why not keep to-
gether a whole year around ? What is
the object of the Alumni Association, if
not to keep the graduates in social con-
tact ? And who benefits by it ? I hardly
think it is the Association at large ; more
surely the individual members and then
only when all keep together. With the
steady growth of our College the Asso-
ciation must grow, verily, the one with-
out the other seems to be a theory which
would not work practically. Are we not
proud that the New York College of
Pharmacy occupies a building which is
the finest pharmac}?^ building in the
Union ?

Fellow graduates ! Think about it
and then ask yourself: Why should not
the College be as proud of its Alumni, as
the Alumni is of the College ?

Ample sociability you have shown at
the ball, then a nicer and more sober
affair could not have taken place.
Therefore, with the year 1895, drop the
inactivity you have heretofore shown to
our Alma and do take interest in the
Association, for year after year the Asso-
ciation grows, and if each one should only
interest himself just a little, the time
cannot be far when the College will be
as proud of the Alumni as we are vice
versa. And this is not the only point
that is to be gained. The Association
could raise a voice then in Pharmaceuti-
cal affairs which not only will be heard
but will also be respected. This is the
main object. This is our aim. And to
reach this end, how many graduates are
working for this now? You can count

36

THE ALUMNI JOUNAL.

them on the fingers of j'our own hands.
Is it right ? Should we allow just a few
only to do the work for the whole Asso-
ciation ? No. You want it not. All
put your shoulders to the wheel and see
how merrily it will go around. Every
Wednesday evening there is a social
gathering at our Alumni room, No. 33.
The newest feature is the piano. It is
also like a boy trying to win the affection
of a girl, by giving her candy, telling
her sweet words and what not, so the
present officers of the Association offer
all kinds of inducement, as they say,
"to keep the boys together," Gentle-
men, unlike girls, show your afiection, if
you have any, towards our Association ;
if not, say so, that we shall know it.

It is said that some manufacturers and
wholesale dealers of this city, Chicago
and other small towns, have united to
take decided steps against cut rates of
dry goods dealers and others. This kind
of black draught has worked them up.
Well, no wonder ; they got a good dose
of it, and they can thank all the ancient
and modern gods if they get over the
effects of it. Help them, any how.
Have pity on this severe patient. It
may do us some good, too.

The Cuban revolution affects the drug
trade as far as sponges are concerned.
Medium grade sponges, the most of
which come from Cuba, are rare, the
fisheries mostly having stopped. Bel-
ligerent rights ought to be granted to
revolutionists, otherwise those who need
cold sponge baths will be in the soup.

Boys, be ready for the lecture of Prof. H, A.
Haubold next season. It will be as interesting
as all the previous ones have been. You all
know him, don't you ?

A PHYSICIAN not a thousand miles from New
York prescribes a new and unheard of organic
drug — " Podophyllin muriate." Analyze it,
please, ye organic chemists.

THE ALUMNI BALL.

One of the social events of the season
(at least in pharmaceutical circles) was
the First Annual Ball of the Alumni As-
sociation, which occurred on the night of
January 22d last. After the overture had
been played the grand march was led by
Mr. Searles, and then the dances follow-
ed each other rapidly, while between
them our graduates found time to greet
each other and renew old acquaintances.
In the wee small hours of the morning,
when our appetites had waxed stronger,
the supper march was taken up and we
were led to that place from which no man
or woman returneth hungry. During
the supper and while the irrepressible
spirits of the boys were for a time sup-
pressed, speeches were made by President
Stover and ex-President Graeser.

After supper the pleasure seekers ad-
journed to the ball room, where the dance
went on merrily until it was time for the
weary revellers to wend their way home-
ward-
Following is the extract of a pharma-
ceutical paper, which we reprint for the
reason that it gives so good an account
of the committees and the wholesalers'
representatives :

O. J. GriflBn, the genial and popular clerk of
the college, was very much in evidence with
the Ladies' Wheel Club of Flushing, the mem-
bers of which took advantage of the proximity
of the ball room to the Bicycle Exhibition to
attend both. He was accompanied by Mrs.
Griffin, who earned the distinction during the
evening of being one of the best dancers on the
floor. Miss Hepburn, daughter of the well
known and respected pharmacist. John Hep-
burn of Flushing, was one of the charming
wheel women of Mr. Griffin's party. The fac-
ulty of the college was ably represented by Pro-
fessors Coblentz, Ferguson and Diekmann, and
the share they took in the pleasure of the even-
ing was thoroughly appreciated by every mem-
ber of the association. Secretary Mason helped
along things ereatly by his presence, and none
enioyed the dancing more. The trustees of the
college were represented by Reuben R. Smith,

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

37

who was accompanied by Mrs. Smith. The
absence of President Fairchild was much re-
gretted. He was prevented from attending by
the serious illness of his wife's father, Judge
Tappan. A. C. Searles took an active part in
the festivities, and much of the credit for the
smooth way in which things ran during the
evening is due to him. Fred. Hohenthal, the
editor of The Alumni Journal, added greatly
to his popularity by his efforts to make all feel
at home and his services in introducing
strangers.

The committees under whose direction the
affair was conducted were as follows :

Floor Committee— Charles T. Cubit, chair-
man. H. C. Yager, Harry Heller, G. H. Carter,
S. S. Shears.

Reception Committee— Herman A. Graeser,
chairman; Frederick Hohenthal, Nelson S.
Kirk, M. J. Coates, H. Jewett McKellar.

Press Committee— Wm. H. Ebbitt, chairman;
A. Henning, J. Tannenbaum.

Arrangement Committee — Julius Tannen.
baum, chaiiman; Wm. H. Ebbitt, Adolph Hen-
ning, Arthur C. Searles, John Oehler, Rudolph
Gies, George Burger, Geo. C. Diekman, M. D.,
Ewen Mclntyre, Wm. A. Hoburg, Jr., Thomas
M. Davies, Eugene F. Lohr, Timothy B. Breen.
In addition to those mentioned above, the
following is a partial list of those present at the
ball : Carl Mittenzweig, Eugene Lohr, Francis
Warner, Robert Cordner, C. W. Race, William
Gregorius, F. Borggreve, P. H. C. Winkler, J.
Horton Uhle, C. P. Freschbier, G. F. Burger,
Arthur Worthington, W. H. Finkernagel, J-
Delson, A. Mueller, R. Boenke.

Among the ladies present, mention must be
made of Mrs. R. Gies, whose costume was much
admired; Miss Speckler, Miss Prager, Miss
Abendroth, Miss Fieberling, Miss Hoburg, Miss
Estelle Boyer, Miss Lohr, Miss Mittenzweig,
Miss W. Lotze, Miss Briggs, Miss Bollingham,
Miss Barnett, Miss Vogel, Miss Ellsworth, Miss
Coleman, Miss R. Eraser, Miss Gladhill, Miss
Range, Miss Valerius, Miss Herold, Miss
Leavens, Miss Fredericks, Miss Schall, Miss
Borggreve, Miss Jacobs, Miss Kauffmann, Miss
Bluemert, Miss Klein, Miss Worthmann, Miss
Remington, Miss Ingersoll. The married ladies
present included, among others : Mesdames
Smith, Breen, Remington, Rogers, Hanck,
Doherr, Hayward, Humphreys, Ottendorf,
Warner, Tracy and Hohenthal.

Many well-known wholesale firms of the city
contributed to the success of the gathering by
the presence of their representatives, and in a

few instances of members of the firms them-
selves. W. H. Scheiffelin & Co. were represented
by W. H. Ebbitt, who was chairman of the Press
Committee, and who contrived to make things
exceedingly pleasant for the reporters. Fox,
Fultz & Co. were represented by the head of the
firm, Clarence Fox, and M. R. Thurlow; Parke,
Davis & Co. were in evidence with Chas, E.
Smith; Whitall, Tatum & Co. by Albert Tatum
and W. W. Tamlyn; Johnson & Johnson, had a
representative present in Mr. Rogers; Wm. R.
Warner & Co. of Philadelphia and New York,
could scarcely be overlooked with the beaming
countenance of H. I. Yager, so much in evi-
dence. The absence of Brent Good was made
up for by the presence of his son Harry and Mr.
Toy. Jas. Tufts of Boston and New York, was
remembered by Mr. Ellsworth, his New York
agent; Keasby & Mattison, by A. N. Cox; the
Young Perfumery Co. by A. L, Brady; the Low
Art Tile Company, by J. H. Sangston.

It was far into the morning hours before the
dancers dispersed. The enjoyment of the even-
ing was sustainad to the close, and many were
the expressions of praise bestowed on the efficient
committees which had charge of the general
arrangements.

ALUriNI SOCIABLES.

The Alumni Reception Committee take
pleasure in announcing that until further notice
their room will be open every Wednesday even-
ing after 7.30 P. M. Programme to be an-
nounced in the Journal. Graduates and stu-
dents are respectfully invited to participate.
One plank in our platform of hospitality is to
give every guest a free rein.
For this month we have :
Feb. 5.— Smoker.

Feb. 12.— Lecture by Herman Heydt, Ph.B.,
LL.D., on " Five Minute Glimpses of Europe."
Feb. 19. — Reception.
Feb. 26. — Card party.

Nelson S. Kirk,
William A. Hoburg, Jr.,
Geo. H. Burger,

Committee.

SCIENTIFIC PARADOXES.

A druggist in the very act of using drugs, dis-
penses with them.

What becomes of all the meat in America?
We eat what we can, and can what we can't.

38

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

^lair^i^i Notes.

'93 NOTES.
The first annual ball of the Alumni Association
was a success, the greatest success ever achieved
by any pharmaceutical body. The Class was rep-
resented on all committees and have done their
work nobly. We were represented by Mr. and
Miss Lohr, Mr. and Miss Hoburg, Mr. Lawrence
and lady, Stage brothers and ladies, Mr.
Friese and lady, Mr. and Mrs. A. Kraemer, Mr.
and Mrs. H. Heller, Mr. and Mrs. J. Tannen-
baum, Mr. and Miss Mittenzweig, Mr. and Miss
Amboss, Mr. and Miss Speckel. The following
unattached gentlemen were also present: Chas.
Cubit, Uhle, Bill Reu swig, Carrol Daddirian and
Ihmels. What a display of brain, beauty and
wealth !

And so the ball passes into history as a grand
success.

'•Wii^iv you try our beef, iron and wine?" va-
ried with "Will you try our celebrated coca
wine?" repeated over and over again by a
young lady in a Harlem dry goods store, is the
latest in advertising drugs in department stores.

E. Spinnetti is conducting a pharmacy in
Venezuela. 'Tis said that he is engaged to be
married.

J, P. CoiyONEL bought out his employer and
is now the proprietor of a snug pharmacy at 3d
Ave. near i loth St.

Mr. King dissolved partnership with R.
Goldberg. His present address is wanted.

Did you put in your bids for bonds yet,
boys ?

Once again. The ball was a howling, roar-
ing success, and don't you forget it.

J. Tannenbaum,

116 E. ii6thSt.

Beneath the soft glow of the incades-
cent bulbs ; to tne music of Eben's un.
comparable band, the frou-frou of silken
dresses, and the soft laughter of sweet
female voices, the Alumni Association
achieved its first grand victory on the
field of social triumphs.

The first annual ball of the Association
has proven a success far beyond our most
sanguine expectations.

Such a renewal of old friendships ;

such a reunion of old class-mates, many
of whom have not met since that night
in '93, when we arose to receive our de-
gree as the names of the successful ones
were read by one whose voice has since
been stilled by the dark messenger. The
grim visitor has dealt lightly, so far as
I know, with the boys of '93, but the
rosy little god has been playing sad
havoc amongst us, Tanny, Novotrey,
Munson, Zwingley, Lunpfer, Kramer
and Heller have all fallen victims to his
fatal shafts, with many other counties to
be heard from. Our class was well
represented, from the "wilds" of Jersey
came the ever beauteous " Billy " Rens-
wig ; from " Trolley town, over the
river," came jolly " Doctor " Fred Law-
rence, and the cherubic Mittenschwing,
also Frischbien, not he of '96, but his
brother, who brought a large bundle ot
remembrances from " Otto."

The tall and willowy Uhle, the fresh
and youthful brothers Stage, the dark
and nihilistic Kramer, the gentle and
poetic Lohr, the stout and steady Cubit,
the young and trusting Ihmels, the blase
Specker, the aggressive Tannenbaum and
myself reported "present," as did also
Miss IngersoU who wrestled with the
mysteries of pharmacy at our side during
the junior year.

The discovery of Professor Coblentz.
Dr. Dieckman and Professor Ferguson
was the signal for many a repetition of
the question, " What's the matter with
Coblentz? (or Dieckman, or Ferguson ?)"
and great was the relief shown when the
answer invariably came forth in a lusty
shout of " He's all right," and a swarm
of the boys surrounded our old, well be-
loved teachers for the rest of the night.
A great surprise to our guests was the
beginning of the the festivities on time.
After the orchestra had performed the
overture to " Orpheo," which set the
eet of the boys to moving, the military

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

39

cadences of the grand march, dedicated
to the Alumni by Professor Eben, was
borne upon the air and then — oh ! what
a galaxy of great stars of the Alumni
Association moved out upon the floor,
headed by our Vice-President, Mr.
Searles, closely followed by Messrs. Hen-
ning, Hoburg, Hohenthal, Graeser, Eb-
bitt, Mason and many other shining lights
of pharmacy.

Under the guidance of Mr. Cubit, the
chairman of the floor committee, the long
line of ladies and gentlemen marched,
wheeled and countermarched, until at
last flllingthe ballroom from side to side,
they came down the room sixteen couples
abreast, with firm and martial tread, and
line unbroken.

Dance followed dance in rapid succes-
sion until a weakness fell upon us, which
was prescribed for very successfully by
Dr. Terhune in the supper room, to which
we marched, headed by Mr. Cubit.

The viands surrendered uncondition-
ally to the attack of the guards, and no
quarter was shown.

The boys of '92, '93, '94, '95 and '96,
gave evidence that they were present by
venting their spirits in their various class
yells.

Let it be said to the credit of '93 that
we were distinctly " in it."

When the cravings of the inner man
had been appeased, and while we loitered
over our cofiee and cigars, Mr. Stover, our
president, in response to a call from the
assemblage, made a few brief and pointed
remarks, which were enthusiastically re-
ceived. He was followed by our popular
ex-President, Mr. Graeser, who also
covered himself with glory, then refreshed
in mind and body, we returned to the
ball room, and from then until the strains
of "Home, Sweet Home" stole through
the room, we kept up the worship of
Terpsichore.

Where is Hohenthal ? Did not you see

Mr. Hohenthal was heard all over the
ball and dining room. But Mr. Fred.
Hohenthal had disappeared. The duty
of his profession was rather cruel to him
on this night, but he left his representa-
tives, Mrs. Hohenthal and her sweet and
amiable sister, Miss Emma Klein.

Farewells and good-byes resounded
through the corridors, a few college yells,
and then we separated; not one of us
without the feeling that this has been in-
deed the entrance to a great and glorious
epoch in the history of the Association
and something to think and talk of until
the second annual ball gives us new
material for thought.

Ninety-three you have done well. Eet
us see you again at the summer outing
with your sweethearts and wives.
Yours fraternally,

Happy Harry, '93.

'94 NOTES.

The Ball ; a grand success ; now for the Wed-
nesday evening sociables. Read the programme
and go by it. Nothing pleases the loyal '94's
more than to see a large delegation present on
an "open house night." A schedule will be
found on another page. Can't you come ?
What's that? Certainly, we would be most
pleased to have her come, too, on either a recep-
tion or lecture night.

Lost, strayed or stolen, Brater and a few
others ; information concerning them would be
appreciated by me.

Many of us cannot spare the time or expense
of a European trip. On Feb. 12th Dr. Heydt
will give a 5 minute talk on the principal cen-
ters. Make an effort to hear him, it will be very
interesting.

You know of something interesting, why not
postalize it on or before the 20th, so that it will
appear in the following issue ?

FrankIvIN G. Hills is again in town. He is
with Knapp, 362 Hudson st.

Ex-Secretary Linnig has resigned his posi-
tion in Brooklyn and is now with Otto Seifert,
at 84th st, and East End ave., this city. From
his window Blackwell's Island may be easily
seen. We hope you will not have occasion to
be drawn any nearer this famous institution.

40

IHE ALUMNI JOUNAL.

Freddie in an interview with a Journai, re-
porter the following conversation occurred :

Reporter — So you have moved back to New
York, eh ?

Freddie — Not back, old man, but forward.
Moving to New York from anywhere is a move
forward, not backward.

I guess, he's right.

To a true sense of the word, no '94 man has
shown more business tact and enterprise than
Geo. C. Frolich. It seems but a short time
since I announced his departure into business
in Mamaroneck, N. Y., and subsequent marri-
age. To-day we find him studying the thera-
peutic value of Opii Camph, and other soothing
cordials, so familiar to papas, with Miss Frolich
as a subject. Literature has also claimed him,
as he is the editor of a bright little social paper
called Orienta, in the ads of which, testimonial
of his various pharmaceutical products are con-
spicuously displayed.

The 1895 milepge record of the N. Y. C. P-
cyclers was as follows :

M. A. Auerbach, '94, 2300.

N. S. Kirk, '94, 2140.

G. E. Ruckert, '98, 2095.

C. W. Race, '94, 2001.

L. B. Wade, '94, 1700.

The club promises to do some interesting
work this season with such men as Hoburg, '93,
Clarke, Born, Dawson, Simrell, Drs. Krueder
and Wurthmann, '94.

Burger will make an excellent Alumni re-
porter. We hope he will receive the co-opera-
tion of every Alumnus.

Seldom bas such enthusiasm been manifested
in pharmaceutical ranks as that displayed at
the ball. Our Faculty was represented by
Profs. Coblentz, Dieckman and Ferguson, while
the college's appreciation was made evident by
the presence of Secretary Mason, Messrs.
Hohenthal, Breen, Ebbitt and others. And
what a grand time we did have. Old Sages are
shaking their heads, and saying, "I told you so.''
For it has been a long needed aflFair which sim-
ply needed pushing, but there was no one there
to push, until '93 and '94 joined forces.

Class Pins— I am about to order some pins-
if you need one, kindly send in your order at
once.

On account of sickness, Louis W. Schultze
has been obliged to resign his position with F.
A, Gundlach, io6th street and Columbus ave.

Fred. Trau, is quite a skater, ice, of course
During the January cold snap, he was discover-
ed by a Journal reporter on the Central Pa rk

pond. In a short space of time we were inform-
ed that he is with G. Kleinman, 78th street and
Park avenue.

Nelson S. Kirk, 9 E. 59th St.

'95 NOTES.
I AM sorry to say that personal matters pre-
vented me from being present at Dr. Jelliffe's
lecture on January 8th ; although it is a poor
way to start as a reporter, I promise not to be
guilty of the same offense at the next lecture.
Dr. Jelliffe's lecture was a very entertaining and
instructive one, giving the more important
characteristics which distinguish the edible
from the poisonous mushrooms. The lecture
was handsomely illustrated with colored lan-
tern slides, many of them having been execu-
ted by the genial doctor himself. The only mem-
bers of our class present were Dosh and Manville.

The Alumni Ball, which was held on the
night of January 22d (and the morning of the
23d for those that stayed), proved to be a very
successful affair. I know, for one, that I never
enjoyed a ball as much as I did the Alumni's.
Everybody who was somebody seemed to enjoy
it, and a circumstance which made it much
more pleasant is that everyone knew some one
else. I expected to see more of the boys up,
but could only count ten on the floor ; but even
this was a good showing, for I was told that
about seventy-five per cent, of our class are
not in town. Those present were : Cordner,
Dauscha, De Soto, Gies (and wife), Hensel,
Jorgenson, Mueller, Steinhuer, Walter and
myself Few as we were, I believe that the
other classes will agree with us in saying that
we made as much noise as any of them. During
supper our headquarters were established by
pinning one of our class flags against the pil-
lars of the Cafe, around which our class cry
was given, and given with such energy that the
nearest ladies had to hold their hands to their
ears for fear of being deafened. I hope that at
the next ball I will be able to give you a better
account of the class in regard to attendance. I
must not forget to mention the fact that Miss
Ingersoll, who attended the chemistry lectures
during our junior year, was also seen at the
ball. Professors Coblentz and Ferguson and
Mr. Diekman of the Faculty were present.
Schuyler was there in all his glory, and after
supper the boys of the different classes got
around him calling for a speech.

I HEAR that the Post-Graduates have organ-
ized a Bowling Club, and that the members are
having fun with Gies and Walter, who are
rivals for the championship thereof.

WOELL is at Wohlfarth's Pharmacy, iioth
street and 3d avenue, t-'chmelz and Koehler
must have been making a round of the town
on the day following the Alumni Ball, for they
came in to see me, walking arm-in-arm, about
6:30 p. M., and stayed but a few minutes.

Boys, don't forget to attend the next Alumni
lecture on February r2th. to be delivered by H.
A. Heydt, Ph.B., L.L.B., on "Five Minute
Glimpses of Europe." Judging by the title, the
lecture will be a very entertaining one.

RUD. BoENKE, Ph.G.
437 East 87th St., New York.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

41

^Si^ior Glass Notes.

'96 CLASS MOTES.
" Benzol, Phenol, Thymol, Tar,
Euginol, Carbinol, Rah ! Rah ! Rah !
Salix, Radix, Rig — Giger Rix !
N. Y.C. P. '96 !

Above is the second edition of our "war
cry." Our class is the happy possessor of four ;
our criers — oh. Mama !

Mr. W. Lee Knight, of the Class of '95,
made a call on some of his '96 friends recently.
Mr. Knight was one of the most studious mem-
bers of his class and is now reaping the just
reward of his labors, holding a desirable posi-
tion behind the counters of a well known firm
at Haverstraw, N. Y.

Our brother correspondents will find GifFord
at Watertown, N. ¥., and undoubtedly will
also find him at Carnegie Hall at our com-
mencement exercises. We hear that he has
no more use for the " girl wanted " button.

It has been lately discovered by one of our
students that brimstone is identical to sulphate
of calcium. Another astonishing fact was made
known that lard was a fat obtained from bulls
and steers.

At the Materia Medica examination which
was held on January 6th, Louis Protzmann and
Mr. Snappenberg stood at the head of Section
2. Mr. Frank H. Finley takes the lead in prac-
tical work in the pharmaceutical laboratory.
No student has a perfect rating.

We have heard nothing further of Messrs.
E. R. Squibbs and Sons, and we take it for
granted that our letter did much in the way of
soothing the irritation. Our reply was delayed
in order that we could thoroughly investigate
the grievance and arrive at the facts stated in
the communication. We endeavored and finally
succeeded in being as decorous as possible in
the tour through the laboratories. Certainly,
Messrs. S. & S. can appreciate the fact that our
class, or similar classes, are not characterized
by manifest lethargy or inactivity. 'Tis true
that the horn may have added to the enthusiasm
of the occasion but we have not the slightest
doubt but that the possessor, yielding to the
predominating good feeling, desired to speak
louder than words in his appreciation and praise
of the distinguished Squibbs' laboratories.

IB' you have an idea our class is cutting no
ice, purchase a copy of the New York ' ' Times, ' '
of December 31.

Quite a celebration of fireworks in the phar-
maceutical laboratory on the day of manufac-
turing the gauze. Several explosions occurred
through none of a serious nature.

At last our glee club committee has succeeded
in gathering together a few of our boys who
are endeavoring, even at the eleventh hour, to
make the club a success. The enthusiasm
shown at the class meeting at the opening of
the senior year predicted success in any under-
taking, but has proved to be more or less of a
failure. The flag committee which promised to
present the class with four designs has proved
unsuccessful. The Pin Committee crippled by
the voice of the class has been unable to obtain
an estimate as to the cost of the pin chosen.
Let it be hoped that the class meetings have a
full attendance and the important duties of
each member be rendered with enthusiasm.

We wish to extend thanks to the Alumni
Association for the complimentary tickets pre-
sented. A majority of our boys will undoubtedly
represent the '96 class, and without doubt, the
occasion will prove of valuable social interest.
Chas. Wetmore Smith,

Rep. Sect. 2.

The Western Druggist has an article which
is headed " Cycle in Drug Stores " He states
that bicycles are the natural companion to the
soda fountain. He asks whether the average
drug stores outside the larger cities are adapted
to carry as a side line a stock of bicycles or the
accessories, as lamps, oils, saddles, pumps, ce-
ments, etc., or both. The article ends: "These
are questions in which thousands of druggists are
at present much interested, and replies, based

on experience or special investigation, would
be of great value." Baby carriages would be
more profitable and just as appropriate.

A QUORUM of our older pharmacists think it
is never too late to learn, and congregate once
a week at Goerwitz' Beer Halle to discuss the
merits of the amber liquid, and at the same
time, under instructions of a son of sunny Italy,
try to master his language. Possibly after they
have enveloped several kilos of cerevesea Ital-
ian comes quite natural and they can speak it
without an effort.

Their trusting spouses forgive their staying
out late for the sake of science.

Poor deluded angels — bless them.

SYNONYMS,
Bismuth oxyiodogallate — Airol.
Flurol — Sodium Fluoride.
Salipyrazoline — Salipyrine.
Traumatol — Sodocresol.

42 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

OF THE

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

FOR 1895-6.

Presidejii :
ALFRED STOVER.
Vice-Preside7its :
A. C. SEAREES. DUDLEY T. LARIMORE.

OTTO HENSEL.
Treasurer :
ADOLPH HENNING, 68 William Street, New York.

Secretary :
WM. A. HOBURG, Jk., 115 W. 68th Street, New York.

Registrar :
K. C. MAHEGIN.
Executive Board :

^ r. ^ .r f FRED. HOHENTHAl!

To Serve One Year ....«( _ ^

I HENRY KREUDER.

( WINFIELD JOHNSON.
To Serve Two Years . . . . { _ ^ „ ,,^^,,

I NELSON S. KIRK.

r T. B. BREEN.
To SERVE Three Years ... \' ^ ^ hEROLD.

Delegates to the Aiinnal Meeting of the America?i Pharmaceutical Association

CHARLES HOLZHAUER.
E. W. RUNYON. GEO. W. REED, Jr.

LEWIS BLUMAUER. OTTO C. B. GROM.

Committees :

On Papers and Queries :

HERMAN GRAESER. JOHN OEHLER.

GEO. C. DIEKMAN.

On Publication :

K. C. MAHEGIN. WM. A. HOBURG, Jr.

ADOLPH HENNING.

Reception ;

NELSON S. KIRK. WM. A. HOBURG, Jr.

GEO. H. BURGER.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 43

WHAT NEXT. AMERICAN PHARHACIES.

BY C. H. PATRICK.

Now that poets have exhausted,

All their wit on "Trilby" fair.
And the people are disgusted

With the style of Trilby air.
You will wonder if her phoenix

Will again in distant years.
Rise and climb to novel's zenith.

Filling maidens eyes with tears.

Or, perhaps you still may wonder,

If she has a brother fair?
Who on men will shed a luster.

In our next century scare.
And the husband's all sit reading,

Of the hero's mighty charge.
Heedless of his good wife's threatenings,

While the babies run at large.

And perhaps Grover may wonder,

In his silver bloomers new,
Will people forget his blunder.

In the recent tariff stew?
And elect him for a third term.

To reign our people just.
While he goes out pigeon hunting.

And the old flag trails in dust.

Or McKane may dream of "Coney,"

And the pull that brought him fame,
But when he wakes, oh, how fuuny,

To behold that ball and chain.-.
And to hear the merry jingle,

Of his comrades hustling out.
Waiting on him for to mingle.

As the guard yells ''all file out."

So we are ever kept guessing,

Of the future's hidden book,
Of the rapid transit scheming,

And how big Broadway will look.
Who will be Parkhurst's next victim ?

What will be Croker's next text.
Will New York and Brooklyn mix in.

What on earth will we have next?

RULES FOR DOSES.
Dr. Griffith gives the following as the best
scheme known for ascertaining the doses for
children. It obviates all guessing at weight,
etc,, so objectionable to other rules :

Adult I

i8 years 3-4

12 years 2-3

8 to 10 years -- 1-2

6 years i-3

4 years i~4

3 years i~5

2 years i^7

I year \-\o

9 months 1-15

6 months 1-20

3 months 1-30

The following is part of an article
which was printed in one of our daily
papers not long ago. It is an article sup-
posed to be written by a foreigner, after
a visit to this country.

"A few words must really be given to one
order of shops so diflferent from our own ; I al-
lude to the drug stores. With us, this business
is a sort of mystery ; the personage who dis-
penses drugs is scarcely engaged in a pursuit
merely commercial ; he makes display of his
diplomas, and officiates as one dedicated to a
cult. Not so in the United States, where the
drug store is an avenue for the dispersion of
flowers, cigars, postage stamps and refreshing
drinks. The proprietor of one drug store out
West is also Postmaster and cuts hair. I must
be permitted to quote our lively countryman,
M. de Guerville :

"'Landed in New York,' says he, 'my
friend, William P., whom I had known in
Paris, took me in hand, and undertook to show
me New York. After a breakfast at Delmon-
ico's Sunday morning, the American ' Bignon,'
we set out to explore Central Park. "That
rose in your buttonhole is a beauty, William,"
said I.

"'"Hang it!" he answered, "You must
have one, too. There ought to be a drug store
hereabouts ? ', and he looked around.

" ' " What do we want of a drug store ?" said
I.

" ' "To get you a boutonniere," said he; and
sure enough, he descried a drug store and in-
sisted on decorating me with a beautiful flower.
As we were returning from the Park later — it
was July, and grilling —

'' ' "Aren't you thirsty?" asked William.

"' I professed my willingness to accept re-
freshment.

"'"There ought to be a drug store here-
abouts." he answered, and took me into one.
They gave us a mixture of ice cream and soda
water which prickled the palate, the throat and
all the way down, and was, in short, abomin-
able. After we had dinner at the close of the
day we again strolled up Broadway.

" ' "Let us smoke," said William.

" ' "Content," said I, and he added :

" ' "There ought to be a drug store here-
abouts."

" 'I was paralyzed, but we discovered a drug
store and there we procured cigars. Returning

44

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

toward our hotel, I asked a direction to the
Post Office.

"'"That's of no use," answered William;
"here are letter boxes on the corners, and the
carriers empty them before you could reach the
Post Office."

" ' " But I have no stamps," I urged.

" ' " That's soon settled. There ought to be
a drug store hereabouts" ; and entering the
first one I procured postage stamps and mailed
the letters in my pocket.'

"Thus far speaks M. de Guerville. To his
experiences let me add ray own. In Boston I
was under the charge of a charming American,
Miss Alice W. We had been walking some
time, and I suggested something to eat. She
assented, and I looked about for a restaurant.

"'We needn't find a restaurant,' she ex-
plained ; ' there must be a drug store here-
abouts,' and actually, at the next corner of
Tremont street, in an enormous shop, we got
some very good cakes. A little later I felt that
I must return to my hotel, in order to write a
letter to New York, making arrangements for
my Western tour.

"'That is quite unnecessary,' said Miss
Alice. ' There must be a drug store here-
abouts. ' And in the nearest drug store I was
able to buy the needful stationery, write my
letter, get my stamp and post my letter. In
short, I pronounce the American drug store the
special Providence of the visiting foreigner."
[Yet neither of these pilgrims seems to have
discovered the drug store " Directory."]

THE AUSTRALIAN DRUG CLERK.

The Australian chemist, says the
Chemist and Druggist of Australasia, has
the weakness of his countrymen, and, as
the boy is father to the man, the patient
apprentice may serve as an illustration.
In the winter he is patient. He has decided
that the busy time is over, that there
will be no " biz " doing for the next few
months and that he need not even bother
about polishing up the glassware, since
the flies have given up working for the
season also. He lays himself out, there-
fore, to prolong any work he may be
engaged in by asking questions, more or
less relevant, concerning the same. If he
is engaged in dusting a bottle, he gazes

at its spotless surface and asks, "Where
do flies go to in winter?" or "If flies have
their use how is it there is no use for them
now?" A stranger would try to snub
him, a familiar would know that it would
be as easy to snub the prince of inter-
viewers as an Australian youth. " He
looks innocent enough," said a magis-
trate who was asked to commit a boy of
ten for insubordination. "Yes," was
the reply," he does now, but you should
see him when he's roused."

ON A CUSTOM OF MANUFACTURERS.

Besides, what can be done when the
apprentice, to whom the chemist has
sworn to impart a full and complete
knowledge of his business, pauses in the
act of weighing up quinine to ask if it
would alter the chemical composition of
this drug to pack it in smaller compass?
And when (still pausing) he goes on to
calculate that thousands of pounds must
be wasted annually by the conservative
Britisher, who sends out quinine and tan-
nin, and benzoic acid and the like in bot-
lles which could be made to hold six
times as much, and thus, inferentially,
afiirms the common sense of the colonial
and the manufacturers' want of it, who
would be inclined rather to admire his
attention to practical details than to cen-
sure his abstraction. Neither, on the
other hand, can it be asserted that his
remarks are altogether wanting in sense
when he grumbles at the slowness of a
suppository machine that will only turn
out one at a time, or ventures to think
that ready-made pills are the most ele-
gant. If, in short, he " works " under
protest, and seems to protest too much,
the master is rarely in a position to chide
with consistency, for does not he himself
feel the winter to be a season of lazy-
discontent, when the only thing that can
be done with energy is to discuss (or
cuss) the state of the roads in the coun-
try, or "those trams" in town? Btit

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

45

when the glorious summer approaches
quite another picture is presented, and a
very different side of the national char-
acter displayed. The people then are not
deliberately preparing for hard times and
helping to manufacture them by their
preparations. The dust is with us and
sore eyes; the drains and fevers ; the
heat and liver and stomach complaints.*
the thirst and chills, etc. Every one is
liable to be sick, no one can afford to be
sick in "the busy season," and every one
has money, more or less. The chemist,
as a natural consequence, is kept busy
earlv and late, and is able to bear all at-
tendant discomforts with the utmost
cheerfulness. And how does the appren-
tice behave in these days ?

THE APPRENTICE IN FLY TIME.

Let us look in at Mr. Blank's shop in a
country town between lo and ii a. m.
on a January day when the thermometer
is at 95 degrees in the shade already and
rising rapidly. There are several people
in the shop who are anxious to get home
before it gets too hot. The apprentice is
cleanini?- mirrors with the rapidity which
is requisite when the water dries on the
glass almost as soon as applied. A cus-
tomer remarks that the flies gave him a
lot of work. "Yes," he assents without
pausing, "they do. They cause blight,
poison wounds, spread disease germs,
sell fly papers and insect powders; don't
know what we should do without them."
It was not exactly what the customer
meant, but he has no time to explain
before the duster is laid aside and the
youth sets to work on a batch of pills.
"Will these do; Mr. Blank ? " he says in
a few minutes (he never says * 'sir," by
the way, except to his inferiors). The
pills are "passed," and he lends a hand
at the counter, serves three or four cus-
tomers, gets off "our own" on them with
the skill and assurance of a veteran, and
then is asked for ' 'some violent powder

for baby what's shaved under the arms:"
He is young enough to laugh at this, and
Mr. B tells him sternly to finish off some
powders, while he inquires what quality
of violent powders she wants, with a
diplomatic emphasize on the N which not
only puts an end to the "lady's" resent-
ment, but seals her as his customer for
life.

MAKING SUPPOSITORIES IN HOT WEATHER

The mail comes in and Mr. B learn,
that a drug he had ordered is out of stocks
The apprentice sugge.sts that he should
run down to "the opposition" for some
before they know about the scarcity. He
does so, gets half of what they have, and ^
returns perspiring and chuckling, to find
a new difficulty arisen. There is no ice
to be got in town," says Mr. B, "and
how on earth does that idot expect we
are going to make up these suppositories
with the thermometer about 150 degrees
in the shade?" (We mentioned that
it was rising.) Some shavings of theo-
broma on the scales melting gradually,
give point to the query. "I can do them
outside," the apprentice says, and think-
ing he means the cellar, Mr. B weighs
up the ingredients, hands them over to
his aide, and attends to other work. In
a little while our friend turns up smiling
with six perfect cones and — wet hair.
"Great Galen !" exclaims the master,
"did you make them under the shower?"
"I did," replies the ingenious one, "and
I don't think its a bad idea, you see you
cool yourself and the stuff at the same
time." There is no gainsaving this, and
as the hour is about up we will leave the
subject, cheerfully looking forward to ten
hours more of work, which could not be
properly accomplished if the energy and
resource both of himself and his master
were not practically inexhaustible.

It is no exaggeration to say of the class
of natives of which Mr. B and his ap-
prentice are the type, that there are few

46 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

things they will do if they see no neces- taining coins showed only the coins and
sity for doing them, and few things they the metallic clasp. This remarkable re-
will not do (and do well) when the neces- suit is accounted for on the theory that
sity arises. lyike the steeds of the Arabs the strange medium which produces im-
they will only walk or gallop, but it may ages of hidden objects on a photograph
well be that their tendency to walk when plate is not light at all. It is equally
opportunity offers provides a reserve incorrect to describe it as electricity. It
force for the galloping, and may enable is some force or influence produced by
them to get more enjoyment out of life, Crooke's tube when excited in a peculiar
and yet to accomplish as much as is done manner, but it is not the visible light or
by the constant plodding of the Britisher, glow which comes from the tube. That
or the ceaseless energy of the American, visible light has the same qualities as an
— Ai7ier. Drug. & Pharm. Record. ordinary light. The invisible new me-

• ■ dium has not the same qualities. For

THE WONDERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY. instance, it will not penetrate clear glass.

Electricity and photography are the It will penetrate ground glass, though

two fields in which everything is to be more feebly than wood or other organic

expected and nothing astonishes. Where matter. Aluminum is far more trans-

the two are combined we have indeed to parent than glass. Kven copper is less

expect marvels. The kinetoscope, tho' opaque than glass.

in a sense little more than a toy, is an Mr. Swinton, the London electrical en-
evidence of the wonders to be expected gineer, exhibited a large collection o
from electricity and photography work- these strange photographs at the Camera
ing together, and a still more remark- Club. Reemployed a half horse-power
able result than that shown in the electric current, and passing it through
kinetoscope has been accomplished by an induction coil, loaded ten lyCy den jars.
Professor Rontgen, of the University of The discharge from them was passed
Wurzburg, Germany. through a second induction coil by a
So far the report rests upon newspaper secondary system by which Crooke's tube
authority, but the original reports have was excited. He said that he had only
been so generally confirmed as to lead to succeeded in this way, and had failed
their acceptance as being correct. More- with Crooke's tubes excited by an ordi-
over, the experiments have been repeated nary induction coil.

with brilliant success at the London An almost equally remarkable discov-

Camera Club. The negatives are pro- ery is reported by W. Inglis Rogers, in

duced by placing the object to be pho- the Amateur Photographer of November

tographed between a Crooke tube and a 22. Mr. Rogers asserts that he has been

wooden plate holder containing an ordi- able to photograph the retinal image of

nary sensitive plate, exciting the tube an object. His first experiment was done

by means of a secondary induced current alone; the second was in the presence of

of electricity for from 4 to 20 minutes and three other men, one being a physician,

then developing the negative in the usual A small object, in one case a shilling, in

manner. The slide is not removed from the other a postage stamp, was placed in

the plate holder. good light before the writer, who gazed

A negative thus made from the living fixedly at it for one minute; the light was

hand shows only the bones of the hand, then shut off, and the test object replaced

while the negative of a leather purse con- by a rapid photographic plate, at which

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

47

the author looked steadily for a period
(in the second experiment) of 20 minutes,
concentrating his thoughts meanwhile
wholly upon the image of the object he
had been previously fixing. During the
substitution of the plate for the last ob-
ject, the observer's eyes were closed. The
plate was then developed in the ordinary
way, and reproductions of the psycho-
grams are given in the journal. In the
first case, in which a shilling was the
test object, the print shows an ill defined
circle on the plate, and in the second,
when a postage stamp was employed
(and a larger plate used than before),
"two impressions were obtained, one
from each eye, and at respectively the same
distance from each other as the eyes."
These impressions (in the reproduction),
according to the British Medical Journal,
bear a distinct resemblance to a postage
stamp. These latter experiments, or sim-
ilar experiments, can be carried out by
any one with a little assistance. — Amer.
Dr7iz & Pharm. Record.

HOW CAflPHOR IS CULTIVATED IN
FORMOSA.

One of the principle products of the
territory which has come under Japanese
administration as a result of the war with
China is camphor. In the Scottish Geo-
graphical Magazine, Mr. John Dodd,
writing on Formosa, tells us how this
product was cultivated.

" Small shanties are scattered over the
hills where the camphor trees grow, and
in all directions the clearing of the woods
is going on at a rapid rate. Some trees
are cut up for camphor making, others
are sawn into planks and knees for the
building of junks and boats of all de-
scriptions. On the hill sides are build
distilleries consisting of oblong shaped
structures, principally of mud bricks,
and about 10 to 12 feet long, 6 feel broad
and 4 feet high. On each side are 5 to 10

fire holes about a foot apart and the same
distance above the ground. On each fire
hole is placed an earthen pot full of
water, and above it a cylindrical tube,
about a foot in diameter and 2 feet high,
passes up through the structure and ap-
pears above it. The tube is capped by
a large inverted jar, with a packing of
damp hemp between the jar and cylinder
to prevent the escape of steam. The
cylinder is filled with chips of wood
about the size of the little finger, which
rest on a perforated lid covering the jar
of water, so that when the steam rises it
passes up to the inverted jar, or con-
denser, absorbing certain resinous mat-
ter from the wood on its way. While
distillation is going on an essential oil is
produced and is found mixed with the
water on the inside of the jar. When
the jar is removed the beady drops solidi-
fy, crystallization commences, and cam-
phor in a crude form, looking like newlj*
formed snow, is detached by the hand,
placed in basked lined with plantain
leaves, and hurried ofi to the nearest bor-
der town for sale.

"With regard to camphor, as in other
commercial matters, the Chinese gov-
ernment has acted very foolishly. For
over 30 years, to my knowledge, there has
been a constant demand for camphor and
yet the administration has done nothing
to prevent the reckless waste of the for-
ests and taken no steps to provide for the
reafforestation of uninhabited tracts un-
less for cultivation. True, as far as I
have explored the mountains of the in-
terior, camphor trees seem to be exceed-
ingly numerous and, there is at present
no fear that the supply will run short for
many years to come. But the increased
demand for camphor in these days of
smokeless powder may hasten the de-
struction of the trees, and therefore it is
to be hoped that the Japanese will assure
the supply in the future by planting

48

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

saplings on waste lands. I planted a lot
in my garden in 1869, and when I left in
1890 there were trees 30 to 40 feet high
and upward. From this experiment I
conclude that trees 50 years old would be
large enough for all ordinary purposes to
which the timber is applied." — Amer.
Drug. a7id Pharm. Record.

THE PRACTICAL USE OF OZONE.

When electric sparks are passed
through the air a peculiar odor is soon
noticed. This odor arises from the pres-
ence of ozone, which is produced from
the oxygen of the air when the latter is
subjected to the action of electricity.

Ozone is one of the most powerful oxi-
dizing agents known, and, although no
method for producing has been discovered
which is as practical as we would like to
have it, ozone has still achieved some
practical successes. It has been used in
the artificial ageing of brandy, sweet and
heavy wines and liquors. It improves
the aroma of coffee and renders uninjuri-
ous the disagreeable odors of the coffee
beans. It improves tobacco. One of the
most interesting and recent uses of ozone
{Brooklyn Manufacttirer^ is to improve
the resonance of wood, and to artificially
age wood.

The wood is placed from 12 to 24
hours in a closed and warmed room into
which ozonized air is conducted. In this
way the wood hardened and becomes
resistant to exposure, and also more
resonant. The operation of thickening
linseed oil in the manufacture of lino-
leum, which is a process usually requir-
ing several months, can be finished in a
few days by the use of ozone. In bleach-
ing linen ozone is very eSective and re-
quires only one-third as much time as the
grass bleach; which is, of course de-
pendent on the weather and the time of
year. One of the recent technical uses
of ozone is in the production of pure de-
rivatives of starch, as, for instance, sol-
uble starch, dextrine and "crystal gum,"
the ozone assisting in the removal of all
substances which give a dark color, an
odor and disagreeable taste. In cheap
production ozone offers an attractive
problem to electricians. — Amer, Drug,
and Pharm. Record.

LIQUID AIR.

At a recent meeting of the Chemical
Society, Professor Dewar exhibited a
portable apparatus for making liquid air
or oxygen, and showed that by attach-
ing a silver flask, containingabout a liter
of liquid air, to a pump, within twenty
minutes they could reduce it to a solid.

He then referred to experiments made
in order to determine the corrected dens-
ity of oxygen. Following the classical
researches of Joule and Playfair on the
coefficient of expansion, he had made use
of liquid air for taking the specific grav-
ity of a number of bodies. A silver ball
was immersed in a flask of liquid air. On
withdrawing it immediately it was ob-
served to be quite dry, owing to the
liquid around it assuming the spheroidal
state. On replacing it in the liquid, after
some minutes a distinct hissing sound
was heard which indicated the point
where the ball had reached the same
temperature as the liquid. In this man-
ner the figures for bismuth (1.3), plati-
num (1.386) and a number ot others had
been obtained. These lead to the calcu-
lation that oxygen had a constant dens-
ity of 1.367.

An interesting lecture experiment was
next shown. A sealed flask containing
the vapor of bromine was exhibited, and
the top was rubbed slightly with a cotton
wool mop dipped in liquid air. Gradu-
ally the red color faded away as the tem-
perature in the flask was reduced by the
evaporation of the liquid air. This was
explained as due to the liquefaction and
subsequent solidification of bromine,
which, in the solid state, forms beautiful
red crystals. Solidified nitric oxide looks
like copper sulphate.

Finally Professor Dewar pointed out
some of the difficulties in the way of ob-
taining liquid hydrogen. Air was cheap
enough, but the case was different with
pure hydrogen. Then again, a very large
amount was needed, owing to its excessive
lightness, and, said the professor, " The
expense is awful." It was quite evident
that he still hoped to get over these diffi-
culties. — Amer. Drug and Pharm. Record.

Entered at the New York Post Office as second
class matter.

vivff>ff^!i^^i^^m^^^ :^!mf^^s^s^^ i;mM^^^

fIDarcb, 1896.

No. 3.

(Tontents:

FIVE MINUTE GLIMPSES OF EDEOPE, 49 il
By Herman A. Heydt. Ph. B., L.L. B. ,'|

THE VARIOUS SYNTHETIC PROCESSES |
FOR VANILLIN,

Bv Prof. ViRGII. COBLENTZ.

56

EDITORIAL,

BOOK REVIEWS, .

By Prof. H. H. RuSBY.

THE MOST RECENT WORK,

ALUMNI COLUMN,

ALUMNI NOTES,

SENIOR CLASS NOTES,
POISONING BY FLUTES, .
A " STATUTORY " CHEMIST,
POSITION DURICfG SLEEP.

59 ^1

lit

60 V

63 I
65 I
66^

68 ;

69'

70

70

I

PUBLISHED BY

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK ....

0||.

o
o

CO

N

a.

^ <

1^ '.

<u

"5 n
!72 o

rt

J O

5 -^

o oj

o

O
pq

u

t— I

W

< 2

to W
O ^

WW
> <

c o
^ o

CI Q

.S '^

O^ OS

O "S

o
2:^ o

o

o o o o

O O O o

o* >o o >o

»0 t^ LC (M

1 — I

O

o

^%^

.;; o ^

(^ 'Z

•- ^ '^5

03

^ .2

t; - : ' ^

-c -a -S :5 ^

c-i CO ^ >^ 10

r-i

c

xn

C3

O '-^

3

a; o

J3

o ^

o o

•T3

a;

I—"

o
o

(/3 O;
i-,

75

-a

C

o

to^

in

03 „'

,^-< 03

to s

u 3

IS ^
03

o oj a;

T - -^

-ti a •-::

3 ^
O

(/3 &■ 3

^ S K^ rt
o3
U

73

3
O

o
'd

3

u

»— *
3
O

<M

03
Oh
u
O

to

O

o

d
to

w

«

en

o

a « -t;

•rH 03 flS

£- "O B

.

r-2^-3

4)

a g S

i=l ? ^ s

cs

od

ts t; ■*-» *=

» (- fj

2 tH OS -"

■^

h s> .S
■;3 j( a>

a

^"-^ ►^

g ^

*-2H >,

^

hI&I

03

n>A s

a>

1697

OLDEST STAND ON BROADWAY-

.PHAKMACY

BALTIMORE 1813.

NEWYORK 1830.

/ 7I83 BR OADWAy

TRADE MARK.

1764

THE ♦ <

T^lNITVYML. EXTRHOX OO/S''

C A RDIN E, heart extract, for Heart troubles

CEREBRINE, brain extract for Epilepsy,
Brain, Nerves, Hysteria, etc.

HEDULLINE, extract of Spinal Cord, for
Locomotor- Ataxia, etc.

MU5CULINE, for Muscular Rheumatism,

OVARINE, for Diseases of Women, Steril-
ity, Nervous Prostration, etc.

TESTINE, for Nervous Debility, Impair-
ment, Impotency Exhaustion, etc.

THYROIDINE, for Obesity, Goitre, Skin
Diseases, Myxoedema, etc.

m-PositiveJy guaranteed as the only brand always strictly according to Dr. Hammond's

published formulas. $100 forfeit if not.

Dr. DECLAT'S PHENIC PREPARATIONS, for Cancer, Consumption and all Fevers.

Medals awarded, Paris, Lyons, &o. for Phenic Acid and Compounds.

J MILHAU'S SON, Ph. G., druggist and importer

183 Broadway, NE:W YORK.

CABLE, " MILHAU.

TELEPHONE, 3780 CORTLANDT.

PUBLISHED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Vol. III.

New York, March, 1896.

No. 3-

FIVE MINUTE GLIMPSES OF EUROPE.

By HERMAN A. HEYDT, Ph. B., L. L. B.

LIBRARY
NEW YORK
BOTANICAL

Qarden.

Mr. President, Members of the Aliunni
Association and Friends: —

When your committee honored me
some time ago with the request to address
you this evening, I was in quite a quan-
dary what to talk about. I know it
would be quite apropos of these troub-
lous times to talk of civil service reform,
the Venezulean question, of the Tariff
bill, etc., but knowing that for the past
few years your minds have been troubled
with Materia Medica, SO, and the like,
I deemed it advisable to forget scientific
subjects for the evening and to discuss
personal reminiscenses.

But then came the second quandry.
One thousand and eighty incidents loomed
up before me, and if I allotted five minutes
to each, it would be 5400 minutes or 3^
days. I had a serious consultation with
chairman and he informed me the human
system was so constructed that it could
not withstand poor oratory longer than

one hour. And he begged me not to talk
to you longer than one hour. So, bearing
in mind the story of the church-member,
who upon being asked why he always
sleeps during the sermon, said, I am con-
veyed to the land of Nod by the parson's
train of thought,! will ask you to go with
me to Europe and we will take five minute
peeps at some of the interesting things
we find there. As I said before, the one
great drawback to this subject is the
quandary it puts me in as to where to go
and what to see, for there are so many,
mau}^ things which we have not and
which are certainly worthy of our notice.
It would be infinitely easier for me to de-
scribe the tour of the Continent than to
jump from one place to another, but I
understand your committee is very par-
ticular and insistent, therefore I will con-
fine myself strictly to my subject, "Five
Minute Glimpses of Europe." Under
this head I will attempt to give you .some
idea of the Whitechapel District of Eon-

50

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

don, the dykes and lowlands of Holland,
the concert gardens of Germany, the
canals of Venice, the Colosseum of Rome,
the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Firth of
Firth Bridge, Scotland, the Giants'
Causeway and the Blarney Stone of Ire-
land. You might well ask, why don't I
describe St. Paul's or St. Peter's, or
Paris, or the various things of note ; but
I answer, I cannot describe everything
to-night, hence have selected those subj ects
which I considered of especial interest.

It was in June, 1892, that I set foot in
England — and a splendid country I found
it. The people are polite, hospitable
and courteous, but have the abomin-
able habit of wearing little skull caps
perched on the back of their heads and of
constantly smoking pipes. But without
further description, in four days I was in
London — London, the wonderful, Lon-
don, the immeasureable, London, the
largest city of the world. And I was not
disappointed, I was perched in the 26th
floor of the hotel — at least so it seemed
to me, and to this day I have not found
out whether it was an inadvertence or the
lofty British sense of respect to a foreigner.
At any rate the room was lofty. It was
a Saturday night and high up as I was,
I could hear a constant humming and
buzzing from the street below, which
plainly told me I was surely in the Me-
tropolis of the world.

I lost no time in paying my respects to
the police authorities at Bow street. Bow
street is as famous to us as our Bowery
or Wall street is to them, and told the of-
ficials that I desired to make a tour of
Whitechapel under police protection. I
was recommended to the authorities in
Leman street (which is in the heart of the
district) and a sergeant was put at my
service; but whether it was for love of
notoriety or more especially for the gold

sovereign, I will not pass an opinion up-
on. I had heard so much about the
squalor, the wretchedness, the poverty
and the danger of this dark district of
London that I felt very anxious to ex-
plore it. At nightfall we started out and
commenced at a place called Swallow
Garden, a forsaken, dangerous locality in
the shadows of which Jack the Ripper
committed his first murder. The dark,
narrow streets were filled with toughs
and drunken sailors, who.se loud, maud-
lin noises filled us with fear. But we
had our police officer with us and felt
safe. It is just like the women who so
bravely cross 23d street and Broadway
when escorted b^^ a manlj^ specimen of
our finest.

A sudden turn brought us to Dock
street and the Sailors' Home. This lat-
ter was a large, high building, whose in-
terior resembled the accommodations of
a ship. There were no floors but a net
work of iron ladders led to the various
tiers in which the bunks were situated.
The bunks were no wider than four feet
and about eight feet long — ^just room
enough to sleep. On the ground floor
was the mess room with apartments for
officers and others for common salts. The
place had the unpleasant odor of a ship
and I was glad to get out, but it was so
unique and extraordinary that it left a
lingering impression. Likewise the odor.
Our guide showed me an old salt seated
in the door-way who was known under
the flattering sobriquet of ' 'Jim , the Miz, ' '
because he was so mean and penurious.
I wonder if he was any meaner than the
son of Benjamin who was troubled with a
a decidedly refractory tooth. During the
night it robbed him of sleep till finally in
his desperation he called upon the den-
tist. It was two o'clock in the morning
and the sleepy molar-operator had lo-

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

51

cated the victim when Isaac exclaimed :
" Hold on a minute, how much will it
cost?"

" $1.00 with gas, 50 cents without,"
was the reply.

" $1.00 with gas? Day light is good
enough for me, I will wait till morn-
ing."

My friends, if he was any meaner than
that, I feel sorry for him.

After we left the Sailors' Home we
began a regular winding in and out
through a maze of dark alleys and
dangerous byways. When suddenly, we
were confronted by a low wooden struc-
ture, which had long ago ceased to be a
habitation, save for a grog shop in the rear
of the first floor over which a decidedly
advoirdupois female presided. She was
not fair; fat, and about 50. The sergeant
asked for a key and this guardian of the
spirits handed out a huge,rusty key, which
was large enough to serve as an anchor.
We then walked along the dilapidated
hall to the yard, and on the other side
entered a small doorway, from which
an old narrow winding stairway led to
the floor above.

We entered a large musty room and
stood in the sanctum sanctorum of the old
court of Wellclose Square. The ruins of
the bench, the lawyers' stalls and the jury
box were still to be seen, but the judicial
ermine was gone, the pleading parch-
ments had also gone the way of the un-
known, and moths and rats sported where
once legal learning had echoed and
pleaded for some poor wretche's life, I
thought of Hamlet — alas ! poor Yorick !
On the floor above was the prison room
where condemned murderers were con-
fined. It was a stuffy little hole, with
a wooden door all bolts and rivets, and a
little window near the ceiling grated and
screened, through which the sun no doubt

shone to mark the passing of the days,
which brought the culprit nearer to
eternity. We cast a curious glance into
the cell and passed on.

Our road then led through Ship Alley,
Ti^er Bay and Plumbers' Row, to the
scene of the second murder, and then we
struck into Whitechapel Road where the
Salvation Army barracks are situated.
This building is a large, spacious one
adapted to the purpose for which it was
intended. We explained our mission to
the attendant, and he escorted us upstairs
to a large hall, the size of the entire
building used as sleeping apartments by
the outcasts who manage to reach this
haven of shelter. To me the place looked
like a morgue. Large pine boxes, exactly
like those used to encase coffins were
placed side by side through the length of
the building and constituted the beds.
There were 280. Lodging is one penny
per night, and I watched the poor
wretches pay their small dues, go over
to a huge pile and take a large rubber
cloth, then go to their boxes, and after
divesting themselves of their ragged
clothing, lie down and cover themselves
with the rubber cloth.

One poor fellow was just about retiring
when I came in. "This is a very sorry
life, sir," he said, observing me. I beg-
ged pardon for the intrusion, for it seem-
ed to me here was a case of a soft heart
beating under a rough coat — the fellow
.seemed ashamed of his surroundings. Oh
why need the spirit of mortal be proud?
The Czar certainly is a brother to the
poor miner. ' 'You see, ' ' said the attend-
ant, this keeps them from sleeping in the
alleys and wagons, and in the morning
they have free use of the lavatory and
baths. A breakfast of coffee and rolls
can be had for tuppence, and a dinner
for 4d. In the winter we give a plate of
soup for a 'apenny, and meat and vege-

52

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

tables for tuppence. This keeps them
from the grog shops."

When I left the building, my admira-
tion for the Salvation Army received a
sudden inflation, which tne suggestion
of tambourines, cornets, noise and pan-
demomium could not shake. I felt like
joining it at once — in a hurry, and as it
is said they have so many nice sweet
girls who fight for salvation, I thought
it just the place for one born and destined
to be a bachelor like me. But then, there
is another side to the question, and I
considered the uncertainty of enjoying a
curtain lecture accompanied with a tam-
bourine solo or a hallelujah chorus, hence
I resisted the temptation.

I have been informed that General
Booth intends a like innovation for New
York, and I sincerely trust it may be the
means of bringing the better element of
the social waifs to a happier condition of
life. The poor, as the Bible says, we
have with us always. The amelioration
of their condition is a problem which has
been often wrestled with but not thor-
oughly solved — and perhaps it never will
be. It seems we are confronted, ever
since Plato, by an impassable brink.

We then reached Spitalsfield, which is
a dangerous district and I clung closely
to our sergeant, for the place was dimly
lighted, the streets similar to alleys, and
so crowded with the outcast of both sexes,
that we were compelled to walk in the
centre of the wagon way.

The sergeant stopped before an old
toppling house. Just then a young girl
emerged from the rickety building and
my eyes followed her till she v/as lost in
the gloom. She was young, and yet,
alas, old! I regretted that this bud should
be choked and eventually withered by
the surrounding human weeds. To think
that a young girl whose natural grace

should have been the pride of her par-
ents should live and grow up in the
darkness of wickedness.

The sergeant peered in shouting
"Biddy, Biddy," and an old cracked
voice from within called back, "Is it you,
Mr. Sergeant?" Being assured it was the
proper personage, she appeared. The
sergeant quietly informed me that a few
coppers would be a wonderful "open
sesame" and so they were, and I noticed
that this quality is possessed by the coins
of all nationalties, and especially in New
York.

"This is Biddy McCarthy," said our
guide, " and she will show you her
house." Perhaps Biddy was proud of
her house; perhaps she was not. At any
rate, it was too dark for me to study her
features. Presently she returned with a
candle, and in an old squeaky voice said,
"Follow me." I then saw our hostess
was an old hag similar to Lytton'sin his
Zanoni. Her form was shriveled and
bent, her nose hooked, eyes cruel and
distrustful, cheeks sunken, and a few
long teeth projected over the un-
der lip. The odor was not inviting.
She led the way up a narrow wooden
stairway, which creaked and groaned
with our weight and threatened to yield
to its unusual burden. If you can
imagine a dark, gloomy, silent building,
with an old hag crawling up its dingy
stairway with a little candle, followed by
three perhaps too venturesome Ameri-
cans, you may know what an uninviting
place it was,

Presently the hag stopped. She
opened a coor and fumes were emitted
which almost staggered us. "This,"
she said, " is our lodging, forty-eight
beds, 2d. per night." The business
tone in which she said this convinced me
that she had often thus induced the

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

53

not discriminating customers. She en-
tered, but I begged her not to disturb
the sleepers. The light awakened a
5'oung lad and he curiously looked at
us. He had a nice face and sweet eyes,
but the stamp of his low associations was
plainly visible. I felt sorry for him:

When Biddy McCarthy had shown us
her lodging house we deposited our cop-
pers into her willing hands, bade her an
affectionate adieu and prepared to go. I
suppose the coin was a good elixir or
memory stimulant, for our hag suddenly
remembered another important room on
the ground floor. It was uninviting,
with cracked walls and large spaces
where the plaster fell out, but she said
it was important, for here Jack had com-
mitted another murder, and as proof she
showed the spattered blood-stains upon
the walls. We acknowledged the au-
thenticity and soon breathed freer in the
open air. I know not whether we re-
ceived an invitation to call again, for my
mind was not bent in that direction.

We continued our way through this
black spot which is found in every large
city in a lesser or greater degree, and
shortly found ourselves in Petty Coat
Lane. You will notice how fanciful a
Londoner is in the matter of names.
Some of these alleys are no more than
four feet in width and run zig-zag so as
to render detection almost impossible.
Our guide stood at one angle and clearly
demonstrated that a murder could be
committed without detection and that
an approach from one direction would
mean escape from the other.

Continuing along the alley we finally
emerged into Leman street and entered
the tavern of the Red Lion, where, with
many a smile and a look of importance,
the proprietor told us Dick Turpin lost
his life. How glad I was to hear this.
You know it is so nice to know exactly

where Dick Turpin died — I know you
all do.

But our tour was not yet ended.
Starting off in another direction we came
to the Irish quarter. The sidewalk was
about three or four feet in width, and
the female denizens, some with decided
avoirdupois, sat on the stones with their
backs to the walls of the house and the
feet at perfect right angles with the gut-
ter, calmly smoking their pipes — short-
stemmed clay affairs. Not to disturb
their comfort we made a detour and
promenaded along the gutter.

Then came the Hebrew quarter. It
was Sunday night, but there was no
appearance of it, for all the provision
shops were open, with their Kosher meat
and'garlic; the streets were crowded with
a moving throng, the thoroughfares
packed with peddlers, yelling and ex-
tolling their wares, while hundreds upon
hundreds of oil torches filled the air with
their stench. And amidst it all thou-
sands of children sported, ignorant of
the blessings of life and duplicating in
their small way, the miserable exist-
ence of their parents. But these peo-
ple are not fastidious, and in the ver-
nacular, with them " Everything goes."

Our stroll through the quarters of the
various nationalities was intstructive and
novel, and while on the way home we
were convinced there is but one London
and that the greatest city of the world.
The trip through Whitechapel I shall
never forget. It was weird, strange and
fascinating. The district, however, is a
very large one and you must bear in
mind that some sections are quite re-
spectable. We are apt to fall into the
error of believing all Whitechapel to be
disreputable.

And right here I wish to take up the
argument with John Burns, the English

54

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

labor leader, who so recently visited this
country. He says New York has more
poor than lyondon, the lower class are
worse than in lyondon and that vice is
greater here. Such utterances from a
man who is supposed to know, aston-
ished me. It is a fact which needs no
demonstration that every large city has its
poverty and its vice, and no amount of
reform movements can eradicate it. And
the larger the city the greater the evil.
And do you, my friends, imagine for one
moment that an old city like London,
with its 4,000,000 of people, can be bet-
ter than New York? Do you imagine
that New York can show places worse
than the ones I have just described to
3^ou ? And you must remember there is
much which I have not spoken about,
not being fit subjects for a lecture.
When we reflect that our city is de-
cidedly cosmopolitan, that we harbor the
refuse of other nationalities, we can feel
proud that we are what we are.

But my five minutes about White-
chapel are now up, therefore we will go
to Holland. I promised to speak of the
dykes of this forlorn country, but at the
outset I wish you to distinctly under-
stand that although the country is below
the level of the sea it is not surrounded
by huge walls which keep back the
waters while the waves roll and roar far
above the heads of the inhabitants.

I remember while at school reading of
the brave little boy who heard water
trickling through the dykes, and he put
his little fingers in the opening and thus
stopped the leakage and thereby saved
the whole country. And I remember
how the teacher told us what a good
little lad he was, and how little things
will prevent great accidents, and then we
would stare with open eyes and open
mouths while she told us to be good and
observe little things, and I longed for a

dyke with a leak so that I could put my
finger in and become great. But now-
a days it is easy to become great. All
you need to do is to shout reform and
death to Tammany Hall — and there you
are !

As I was saying, in some places along
the shore we find a sea wall similar and
a little higher than ours at the Battery.
But in the interior we find the country
uneven, and at Rotterdam one section of
the city is 14 feet higher than the other.

The city is interspersed with canals like
at Venice, and it was very interesting to
observe the canal boats being raised from
the lower to the upper section. The sys-
tem is the same as that employed in the
Erie canal of our State. The fields of Hol-
land are all surrounded by drains, con-
verting them into little islands, hence the
country is not adopted to vast agri-
cultural pursuits.

But if we follow the source of the Rhine,
whose delta is in Holland, we soon reach
Germany, and here we find a different
state of things. The Germans are a
cultured enlightened people and stand
foremost amongst the people of the conti-
nent. But the subject which I have
selected for this evening is the concert
halls and beer gardens. It is said the
German is a great beer drinker. I won't
deny it, for he is. But if we compare
him with the Englander, we find the lat-
ter a far greater consumer; and statistics,
upon which we always like to rely to
prove our point, show that a larger quan-
tity of malt beverages are brewed in old
England than in the Fatherland. The
Briton likes his "alf-and-alf."

During the course of my progress
through the German empire, I was greatly
surprised to find a decided absence of
intoxication. I wondered if the bever-
ages were less alcoholic, or if the German
constitution were much stronger than the

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

55

American. It was neither. The great
source of evil in this country, and one
which social reformers seem to overlook,
is the abominable practice of what is
termed "treating." This is decidely
English, and should be done away with.
Just look at it for a moment. Suppose
you desire to take one drink, but in the
saloon should happen to meet several
friends. Common civility or custom re-
quires you to invite them to a drink, each
one then invites the other just for appear-
ance sake, and you leave with three
drinks, whereas you only desired one.

To illustrate the German custom, let
me tell you what befell me in a little
German village. It was at the time when
the cholera raged in Europe, and having
made its appearance in Paris where I was
stopping, I crossed into Germany. I
struck a small villagenear the Rhine, and
put up at a place called the hotel, but
from the noise and bustle required to pre-
pare my room, I was quite convinced
several months must have elapsed since
my predecessor had revived his weary
frame upon the downy bed. But I should
not call this bed downy, tor it was very
uppy — one of those old-fashioned kind
which required a step ladder to reach the
top with. In the morning while peace-
fully taking my breakfast, an oflBcer
entered and inquired whether a stranger
was stopping there. I wondered if it
was a crime to be a stranger. In order
to stimulate my appetite for breakfast, I
was informed the burgomaster desired to
see me, and with visons of extradition
treaties and international complications
before my mind, I appeared before his
august personage. The magistrate inter-
ested himself in the date and place of my
birth, and actually asked me if I ever
had the cholera! This seemed so humor-
ous that I could not help smiling, as I
negatived the proposition.

I was released upon giving this in-
formation, the freedom of the village was
at my disposal, and the cholera examina-
tion was at an end. In the evening I
was introduced to the " 400 " which, by
the way, consisted of but eight persons :
the burgomaster, the school teacher, the
druggist, the doctor, the general mer-
chandise man, etc. The rendezvous of
these celebrated dignitaries was at my
hotel and we all gathered about a large
round table preparatory to spending the
evening in talking and drinking. I felt
I was the guest of honor and of course
related about my travels. Forgetting
that I was not in America, I was about
to say, "What will you have, gentle-
men ? " just like a true American, when
one of the " 400 " rang the bell. A maid
appeared and he ordered a drink, entire-
ly ignoring me and the rest. The others
then ordered their drinks and I wound up
at the finish. During our animated con-
versation, if the enthusiasm of the speaker
" drove him to drink," he would do so,
order another and continue his discourse.
During the progress of the evening some
drank eight, some six, some four glasses,
but under our blessed system each man
would be required to drink eight glasses
and perhaps more than his system could
afford.

As you see " treating " is not part of
the German system. But I wish to speak
more especially of the German beer or
concert garden. And this is apropos
of the discussion which our Mayor has
evoked by his opionion regarding the
opening of saloons on Sunday. And I
wish to emphasize the fact that a strict
observance of Sunday law cannot be ob-
tained in this city, for a personal canvass
last Sunday showed me that although
the front curtains are down and the doors
locked, a thrifty business was done within.
In Germany such places are open and in

56

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

Frankfort and at Berlin I wandered in
the beautiful Palm gardens and parks,
listened to the music and watched the
people in their perfect quiet enjoyment.
There was the pater familias, who dur-
ing the week is tied to his work, with his
wife and children, happy in the content-
ment of his family. There was the
mother busily knitting or looking after
the children, and was there excessive beer
drinking ? None whatever. In the
evening the open air concert places are
lit up by small fairy lamps amongst
which the throngs wander in perfect de-
portment and respectability. I ask you,
could such places thrive here? How
quickly would they sink to the disreput-
able and cast an odium about the locality.

My time is rapidly drawing to a close,
but I will not stop till we make a jump
from Germany to Rome, so that I can tell
you what befell me there. It was on Aug-
ust 6, 1892, and I was told a grand festi-
val was to be held in the Church of Sante
Marie Maggiore. I hastened thither and
having run the gauntlet of beggars and
cripples who blocked the doorway seek-
ing alms, I stood within the grand edifice
whose marbled pillars were clothed in the
finest drapery, with altar decorated and
crowded with choir-boys, and as they
chanted the hymns, I observed small
flakes like snow fall from the ceiling,
then coming taster and thicker till the
floor, choristers and priests were covered
with this apparent snow. The scene was
so unique and strange that I could not
help but to investigate it, and learned that
in some past century a priest and some
pope had each dreamed that snow to the
depth of three inches had fallen during
the night. And each, unknown to the
other, had wandered to this spot to as-
certain the truthfulness of the dream.
And as the story goes, there they met
and marvelled, and to commemorate the

event a church was built upon the spot
(and a costly edifice at that), where each
year on August 6th the festival of the
falling snow is celebrated.

My friends, I pity the poor Chinese in
their idolatry and ignorance, but pray,
what do you call this ? Where is the
Christianity ? Where is that benevolence
when money is spent in decorating the
house of God, while God's poor, beggar-
ed creatures stand at the doorway penni-
less ! I leave you to think about it.

My contract was not to make you suf-
fer longer than one hour, hence although
I have covered very little ground, I will
stop. One of the last things I did in
Europe was to kiss the Blarney Stone, so
as to become a fluent talker, but had I
ever dreamed that I would ever address
you, I would have kissed it several times
more, so as to make my talk more inter-
esting.

THE VARIOUS SYNTHETIC PROCESSES
FOR VANILLIN.

By Prof. VIRGIL COBIvENTZ.

The following presents a very interest-
ing study on the subject of Vanillin, by
Dr. Altschul, (^Pharvi. Centrh.), which
serves to illustrate the possibilities of or-
ganic synthesis. The search for syn-
thetic methods of production for the
natural perfumes and essences, has like
that of the newer synthetic remedies of
late years, developed a special field of
organic research. Thus we have for
many years prepared artificial fruit flavors
by the action of fatty acids on the various
alcohols, these have been followed speci-
ally by such products as the artificial oil
of wintergreen (methyl-ester of salicylic
acid), eugenol, bitter almond oil (artifi-
cial), thymol, artificial musk (nitrated
butyl toluenes) and others. During the

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

57

past decade the study of the group of
terpenes has been a very productive field,
yielding us such odorous and valuable
principles as geraniol, ionon iron, isobo-
rneol, carvocrol, eucalyptol, camphor,
vanillin, etc Among these artificial
aromatics, the rapid progress in the
various synthetic processes for the pro-
duction of vanillin demands particular
attention. Vanillin was first produced
synthetically by Messrs. Tiemann &
Haarmann, from coniferin, a glucoside
discovered by the latter in the cambial
juice of the Coniferae. This glucoside
consists of one molecule of dextrose com-
bined with one of coniferyl alcohol, thus:

CH^CH— CH.OH

JOCH3 +CbHiA

OH Coniferin,

By means of an oxidizing agent, the
aliphatic side chain in this coniferyl
alcohol is oxidized into an aldehyde
group resulting in vanillin,

COH

l^/''0CH3
OH

which is the methyl ether of protocatech-
uic aldehyde

COH

OH
This process was patented by Haar-
mann in 1877, according to which the
hot aqueous solution of coniferin (obtain-
ed by exhausting the wood with water)
was oxidized with chromic acid, then ex-
tracted with ether, the residue remaining
after the evaporation of the solvent was
vanillin, which was purified by recrystal-
lization.

The knowledge that vanillin was a
comparatively simple benzole derivative
led to a large number of experiments in
view to its direct synthesis. The first
attempts were to oxidize bodies of a like
constitution to coniferin, such as olivil, a
gummy exudation from the olive tree,
further from the acetyl derivatives of
homovanillic acid and ferulicacid, which
are to a certain extent intermediate pro-
ducts of the oxidation of coniferyl al-
cohol.

CH=CH— CH.OH

OCH.

CHoCOOH

OH

Coniferyl Alcohol.

I 'OCH,
OH

Homovanillic Acid.

CH=CH— COOH

OCH,

OH

Ferulic Acid.

By complete oxidation vanillic acid

/COOH
C^H^ — OCH3
\0H

is prodced, from which vanillin may be
obtained by the action of chloroform and
potassium hydrate, the carboxyl being
replaced by an aldehyde group.

Of greater practical interest is the con-
version of eugenol into vanillin. Eugenol,
as is well known, occurs as the main
constituent of clove oil, hence can be
readily obtained ; in constitution it is an
allyl guaiacol

/CH,— CH^CH, (i)

CSH3-OCH3 (3)

\0H (4)

The allyl group (CH — CH=CH,), like
the aliphatic side chains, is converted by
oxidation into an aldehyde group, thus
eugenol is converted into vanillin. An

58

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

CHClo

isomeric compound, iso-eugenol, which
results from heating eugenol in an alkali
solution, also yields vanillin under the
same circumstances. Usually derivatives
of, and not eugenol itself, are employed,
those compounds in which the free
hydroxyl group (of eugenol) contains
substituting groups which are readily re-
moved by oxidation, being preferred , for
example, acetyl eugenol

/C3H,
C6H3— OCH3

\0— CH3CO

is readily oxidized by permanganate to
acetyl-vanillin, which on saponification
yields vanillin.

In place of the acetyl derivatives a
a number of other eugenol derivatives
have answered the same purpose. Messrs.
Auger and Boissieu by the action of me-
thylene chloride on eugenol sodium, pre-
pared a methylene-bi-eugenol, this on
oxidation yielded methylene-bi-vanillin,
which when converted into a hexa-
chloride derivative and treated with
hydrobromic acid yielded vanillin.

CH3O— yCeH,

CH=<

.0

O

/

'CfiH,

CH3O-
CH^^CH— CH/

Methylene-bi-eugenol.

COH.
CH3. O— ^CeH,

O

CHn/

CH3.O— >CeH3

COH^

Methylene-bi-vanllliu,

/

CH3 O— >CeH,

X,

o

CO.,

\

/

CH3.0 — .C6H3
CH Cl/

Methylene-vanillin-hexa-chloride.

COH

CH3 O — ^CeHj

OH
OH.

CH3. O — .CeHs

COH

2 mol. Vanillin.

Messrs. Boehringer & Co. introduce a
benzyl rest into the hydroxyl group of
eugenol, then by heating with potassium
hydrate, the iso-compound is produced,
this on oxidation yields benzyl- vanillin,
which on heating with hydrochloric acid
gives rise to vanillin, thus :

/CH3— CH=CH2
CeH,— O.CH3
\O.CHAH5

Benzyl Eugenol.

/CH=CH— CH.
C6H3 — O.CH3

XO.CHAHs

Benzyl -iso-eugenol.

/COH
CeH3-O.CH3

XO.CHAHb

Benzyl vanillin.

/COH
C^Hs— O.CH3
\0H

Vanillin.

(To be continued.)

Aromatic spirit of ammonia has had its
oil of allspice replaced by oil of nutmeg.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

59

Published under the auspices of the

Alumoi Association of ttie Collep of Pharmacy

OF THE CITY OF NBW YORK,

115=119 WEST 68th STREET.

Vol. III.

March, 1896.

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,

Fred. Hohenthal, 857 Third Avenue.
All communications relating to finances and business
matter in general should be addressed to

Thos. M. Davies, 543 Third Avenue.

All communications relating to subscriptions should
be addressed to

Nelson S. Kirk, 9 East 59th Street.

The entertainments by our Committee
are proving a grand success, but we ad-
vise the Committee to be conservative
and remember the old maxim, "the
more haste, the less speed." These
social meetings are a new feature, and
we must not be to suddenly enthusiastic.

The latest discoveries in photography
have not been sufl&ciently developed lor
us to make particular mention of them
in this number. When we have more de-
finite details we will devote some con-
siderable space to their description.

Now, Class of ' 96, you are on the home-
stretch, go it for all you are worthy and
get there, so you can take your diplomas
home with you as a fitting reward for
your hard work and a just and well de-
served compliment to the eminent profes-
sors and instructors who have so faith-
fully labored to perfect your knowledge
of our art.

EDITOR.

FRED. HOHENTHAL, Ph. G.

ASSISTANT EDITORS,

K. C. MAHEGIN, Ph. G.

J. KUSSY, Ph. G.
RUD. BOENKE, 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.

SMITH ELY JELLIFFE, M. D.

GEORGE A. FERGUSON, Ph. B.

EDITORIAL.

How are the boys ? We hope they are
well and busy, and we further hope that
every one who knows of another graduate
of our College who is not a member of
our Association, will go to see him and
bring him into the fold. Never forget
your Abna Mater.

The Parade and Reception of the 8th
Regiment was a good success due to the
efforts of our Business Manager, T. M.
Davies, who is the Hospital Steward. It
may please many of our members to learn
that our genial friend Dr. H. A. Haubold
has lately been appointed surgeon of the
8th Regiment, and all who know him will
be sure to be attended with the best of *
skill in case of war, surely when Dr.
lyouis K. Nefif is also on the medical
staff.

The first edition of Prof, J. N. I^loyd's
famous work, Editor pha or " The End of
Earth" having been exhausted, a second
edition, with additions, is now in print
and will be ready in a short time.

€o

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

BOOK REVIEWS.

By Prof. H. H. RUSBY.
{Continued from Fibiiiary issue.)

Semi-Annual Report of Scliimmel &
Co. (Fritzsche Brothers), Leipzig and
New York, April and October, 1895.

One of the most instructive portions of
the report is the chapter on ' ' Sicilian
and Calabrian Essential Oils," of which
a carefully tabulated statement is given
and discussed. It is shown that while the
total exportation for 1894 was 78,406
kilos (nearly 13%) greater than during
1893, its value was 1,408,666 Lire (or
more than 11%) less. This is attributed
in part to^^the gold premium, which had
varied from 10 to 15%, and furnishes a
contribution to the pending discussion as
to the effects^of the depreciation of a na-
tional currency^upon the prosperity of the
agricultural classes.

A great improvement is noted in the
quality of Bergamot oil over that of the
preceding season. 40*^0 is given as a
fair requirement of ester-content. The
question of cause of variation in ester-
percentage is tentatively discussed, and
it is suggested as probable that in " pro-
portion as the land npon which the trees
grow has been longer cultivated, so the
ester-content of the fruit increases." It
is also indicated that while the percent-
age of oil decreases as the fruit ap-
proaches maturity, its ester-percentage
increases. It is pointed out that the
solubility tests previously given for
adulteration of this oil with fatty oils
have not been found satisfactory and that
evaporating to a residue not exceeding
6% by weight, is a safer method.

Attention is called to systematic at-
tempts to adulterate Lemon oil without
affecting its optical character, and the
necessity of a satisfactory test for the per-

centage of citral is again alluded to. The
strongest emphasis is laid upon the neces-
sity of preserving this oil in a dark and
cool place, in completely filled bottles.

The great rise in the price of Rose-
mary oil is attributed to the great drought
the preceding year, which almost com-
pletely destroyed the crop in some sec-
tions.

Owing to the same trouble the produc-
tion of German Rose oil was heavily cut
down and this, added to an unusually
keen competition among buyers, has
caused very heavy advances in the price.
This has in turn led to great dullness in
the trade. The following statement oc-
curs :

' 'The Bulgarian Government continues
to manifest considerable interest in the
rose culture. Last year it despatched an
expert to Kezanlik and the surrounding
district in order to study the industry
and acquaint himself with the general
position of the article. It is said that
this expert, in the report submitted by
him to the ministry, has pointed out the
dangers to which the Bulgarian rose
culture is exposed by the German com-
petition and has laid stress upon the
necessity to improve the arrangements
for the preparation of the oil. There can
be but little doubt that the Bulgarian
distilling plant, which is still the same
that was used half a century ago, is quite
out of date ; but the chief thing certainly
will be to abandon the practice of adult-
erating the oil of rose, and thereby to ob-
tain for the Bulgarian article a greater
measure of confidence among the con-
sumers. In our opinion the greatest
danger to which all producers of rose oil
are exposed lies in the advance of chem-
istry, which as it is seen in the case of
neroli oil, is now paying particular at-
tention to the artificial preparation of
such oils."

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 6r

The statement that Bulgarian Rose oil shape of the fruit is more globular than

contains roseol while the German con- that of the lemon, and the nipple, which

tains geraniol, is combated. is strongly developed, is broader and

Reference is made to a sudden and large flatter. The fruit although edible, has a
demand for Jaborandi Leaf oil, but the mawkish, sweet and unpleasantly aro-
use made of it is not known. matic taste. For the purpose of oil manu-

Lavender oil with more than 40 per facture the green fruit is pressed before
cent, of ester content is said to be very ripening, as the yield is then at its great-
rare, est. It appears that oil of sweet lemon

The damp season in the producing dis- has already been investigated chemically

trict has caused a very low percentage as far back as i860, by M. S. Luca. It

yield of L,ovage oil. is true that that author mentions Citrus

The remarks relating to IJme oil are Lumia as the parent plant, but from the

so very interesting that we reproduce description of the fruit, which entirely

them in full: ' agrees with that given above, as well as

"In our last report, (p. 34P), we have from the Italian name applied to it, and
already given details concerning the the result of the investigation, we have
properties and the origin of the West reason to believe that the oil investigated
Indian oil of limes from Citrus medica L. by him was the same."
var. acida Brandis. We then pointed out The April report contains a valuable
that whereas the juice of the West Indian table contrasting the requirements of 17
lime fruit is sour and contains citric acid, pharmacopceias with reference to Pepper-
that of the Southern European lime from mint oil, and this is followed by several
the Citrus I^imetta Risso is sweet. The pages devoted to the differences between
essential oils of the plants are also very the oil of English, Japanese and Ameri-
diflerent in their characters, for while the can production. The best evidence so far
oil of the West Indian lime has a strong obtainable, shows the following percent-
odor of citral, and is hardly distinguish- ages of menthol in these oils : American,
able from oil of lemon, except by the 45-60; English, 58-67, Japanese, 60-77.
greater intensity of its odor, the lime oil The content ot santalol in East Indian
from Citrus Limetta Risso does not in Sandal Wood oil is placed provisonally
any way resemble oil of lemon. Its odor at about 90 per cent. It is predicted that
on the contrary reminds one of oil of the Macassar wood oil may entirely dis-
bergamot. We have had an opportunity appear from commerce, as it cannot be
of subjecting an oil of this kind to a produced on a paying basis in competi-
chemical examination, and we shall tion with the former. Venezuelan oil is
shortly report the results. We have to said to be produced with great irregular-
express our indebtedness to Mr. Siles of ity.

Reggio, for detailed information concern- The determination of the freezing point
ing the parent plants of the fruit as well is considered an ample provision for test-
as for a supply of the oil. In Calabria ing star- anise oil, and it is stated that a
the lime tree is known as arancio, or great decline has recently been witnessed
Limoncello di Spagna, and its fruits as in the quality of the oil as determined by
aranci, or limi di Spagna. At the flower- this method. A practical method for
ing period, which falls in May, the tree obtaining it is thus described :
bears flowers of a pure white, and the " Before the sample is taken from the
fruit ripens in December or January. The tin the contents ot the latter should be

62

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

carefully examined, so as to see whether
they are completely dissolved, and have
been vv^ell stirred. About 200 grammes
of the oil should then be taken from the
tin, poured into a bottle and an accurate-
ly marked thermometer, graduated, at
least to half degrees, placed into this
sample. The sample is then cooled
down to about 5° C. by placing the bot-
tle in broken ice or in icewater. During
the process of cooling care should be
taken to avoid shaking the bottle or
moving the thermometer, as this might
cause the crystallizing process to set in
prematurely. When the oil has cooled
down to 5° C. it is made to crystallize
either by adding to it a little crystallized
star-anise oil or by scratching the side
of the bottle with the thermometer.
While solidification is proceeding, the oil
should be steadily stirred, in order to ex-
pedite the freezing process. In the course
of the process the temperature rises
rapidly, and the point at which the mer-
cury-column ceases to rise should be
noted. This is the freezing point." The
mean freezing point is considered 16° C,
the highest observed was 17.50 and the
lowest 14°.

Oil of Tansy has acquired a fresh im-
portance as being the best source of thu-
jone (tanacetone).

The following resume of the occurrence
of Salicylate of Methyl in the vegetable
kingdom is of great value :

"Salicylate of methyl has recently
been detected by E. Bourquelot {Comptes
rendus, 119, 802) in the root of Polygala
vulgaris L,., P. depressa Wender, and P.
calcarea Schulz, as well as in the stalks
of Monotropa hypopitys L. Bourquelot
considers it probable that, as is also the
case with the bark of Betula lenta, the
ester is not present in the above men-
tioned plants in the free state, but is
formed by the action of a ferment upon a
body analogous to Proster's Gaultheria.

"Salicylate of methyl appears to occur
rather frequently in the vegetable king-
dom ; so far as we are aware it has up to
the present been found in :*

Gaultheria procumbens L- (flowers and
leaves) — Cahoins, 1843.

Gaultheria punctata Blume (flowers
and leaves) — De Vrij , 1871.

Gaultheria leucocarpa Blume (flowers
and leaves) — De Vrij, 1871.

Gaultheria Leschenaultii D. C. (flow-
ers and leaves) — Broughton, 1876.

Betulalenta Willd (bark)— /'r^f/^r, 1844

Polygala Senega ly. (root) — Langbeck^
1881.

Polygala alba (root) — Renter, 1889.

Polygala vulgaris (root) — Bourquelot,
1894.

Polypala depressa Wender (root) —
Bourquelot, 1894.

Polygala calcarea F. Schulz (root) —
Bourquelot, 1894.

Monotropa hypopitys (stalk) — Bour-
quelot, 1894.

lyaurus Benzoin (bark) — Schimmel &
Co., 1885.

Spiraea Ulmaria L. (flowers) — Schnee-
gans and Ge^'ock, 1892."

The position of the artificial article is
thus stated :

"Synthetic wintergreen oil, however,
has given a death-blow to the natural
article. Even the most bigoted opponents
of synthetical preparations cannot deny
that pure methyl-salicylate is a perfect
substitute for the natural oil, nor have
all attempts to discredit the artificial oil
been able to prevent it from finding em-
ployment and recognition everywhere.
The price has been depressed to its lowest
possible limit by competition."

In this abstract I have endeavored to
give only the more important generaliza-
tions of the report. The entire work is
crowded with other valuable matter
which want of space forbids our repro-
ducing^

*This list might be considerably extended.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

63

THE HOST RECENT WORK.

Action of Carbonic Oxide on Man. —
The experiments made by the author J.
S. Haldine, on himself, show that the
symptoms caused by carbonic oxide de-
pend on the extent to which the Haemo-
globin has been saturated; the percent-
age saturation of the Haemoglobin of the
red corpuscles may be estimated during
life by a simple colorimetric method.
Carbonic oxide is a "cumulative" poison.
The symptoms do not become sensible
during rest until the corpuscles are about
one-third saturated; with half saturation,
the symptoms (respirator37 distress, head-
ache, etc.), become urgent.

Similar symptoms are experienced by
mountaineers at high attitudes.

When air containing this gas is breath-
ed, about half of that actually inhaled is
absorbed, except when absorption is
coming to a standstill.

The time required for the production
of sensible symptoms in an adult depends
on the time required for the inhalation of
about 660 cc, or the absorption or about
330 cc. of the pure gas; this time in dif-
ferent animals varies with the respera-
tory exchange per unit of body weight
and is about 20 times as long as in man
as in a mouse; hence, a mouse can be
used as an indicator in a coal mine before
men penetrate into it.

The maximum amount of carbonic ox-
ide capable of being absorbed by the blood
from air containing a given small percent-
age, depends on the relative affinities of ox-
ygen and carbonic oxide for Haemoglobin ,
and the relative tension of the two gases
arterial blood. The affinity of carbonic
oxide for Haemoglobin, is about 140
times that of oxygen, and the oxygen
tension of human arterial blood is, ap-
proximately 16 per cent, of an atmo-
sphere.

Distinct symptoms, appreciable dur-

ing rest, are not produced until about
0.05 per cent, of the gas is present, with
about 0.2 per cent, urgent symptoms are
produced. With a given percentage of
carbonic oxide in air, a certain percent-
age of saturation of the blood is reached
within about 150 minutes, and is not
afterwards exceeded, however long the
breathing of the vitiated air is continued.

The disappearance of the gas from the
blood when fresh air is again breathed,
is always much slower than the absorp-
tion of the gas, and is chiefly due to dis-
sociation of carbonylhaemoglobin by the
mass influence of the oxygen in the pul-
monary capillaries, and the consequent
diffusion of the gas outward through the
alveolar epithelium. — (/. Physiol, 1895,
18, 430-462).

Finiction of Diastase in Plants. — Dias-
tase may be readily detected in the cells
of plants by digesting the tissue, for a
sufficient length of time, with a solution
ofguaiacumin absolute alcohol, and then
immersing sections of it in a dilute solu-
tion of hydrogen peroxide ; a fine blue
color is developed in those cells which
contain the enzyme. The author (J.
Griiss) finds that diastase is always
present in those parts of the plant from
which it is necessary that starch should
be removed for purposes of nutrition. As
the amylolytic power of diastase is in-
hibited by the presence of more than a
certain limited amount of glucose it would
seem that in assimilation the formation
of glucose precedes that of starch, and
continues as long as the sugar is remov-
ed by circulation. When, however, the
sugar commences to accumulate beyond
the requirements of the organism, it un-
dergoes polymerisation to maltose and
eventually to starch, which, in the pres-
ence of glucose, is not hydrolyzed b}^ the
diastase ; as soon, however, as the glu-
cose is reduced by circulation below the

64

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

inhibitory proportion, the starch is
hydrolyzed by the diastase, and the sup-
ply of soluble nutritive material thus
maintained. The amylolytic power of
diastase is increased in presence of salts
of the alkalies and alkaline earths, and
by asporagine, etc. — J. Pharm., 1895.

Emulsionizing heavy Coal-tar Oils. —
The heavy coal-tar oils possess great dis-
infecting powers and would find greater
application if a satisfactory emulsifying
agent could be found, so that it could be
handled with some degree of conveni-
ence. C. Durand recommends in the
Archiv de medicine et phar., 1896, the use
of powdered horse-chestnut for this pur-
pose, for the preparation of a liter of this
emulsion 50 Gm. of the powder are taken
with 50 Gm. of water and 900 Gm. of tar
oil the first two ingredients are well mix-
ed, then the oil added and the whole
well agitated. This produces (as is
stated) a permanent emulsion which can
be diluted into water in all proportions
without separation. The same author
recommends this method of preparation
for emulsion of petroleum products, oil
of cade, etc., where they might be em-
ployed in treatment of various skin dis-
eases.

Vahcatioft of Ergot. — Prof. Beckarts
applied the Keller's method of assay for
ergot to a large variety of commercial
samples and finds that the small grains
yield a much larger percentage of cornu-
tin than the large and well developed
grains, also that as regards activity the
Russian ergot stands best, followed in
order by the Austrian, Spanish and last-
ly the German. Although it is not yet
definitely settled as to whether the ac-
tivity of ergot depends upon one or sev-
eral principles, yet it is generally agreed
that " cornutin " is one of the most ac-
tive, hence Keller's method of assay de-
pends upon the isolation of this princi-
ple. The drug is first exhausted with

petroleum ether (benzine of boiling point
under 50° C.) to remove the fatty matter,
then dried, mixed with magnesia and a
little water and extracted (by shaking)
with ether, of the supernatant etherial
fluid, a volume representing 15 Gm. of
the dried drug is drawn off" and shaken
with acidulated water, from this the cor-
nutin is extracted by ether after adding
ammonia, the etherial solution is evapor-
ated, in a tarred capsule, to dryness and
weighed. This represents the activity
of 15 Gm. of the dried drug free from fat.

Recovery from Morphiyie Poisoning by
the Use of Potassium Permanganate. —
The Brit. Med. four, reports recovery in
a case where a man had taken a solution
of one Gm. of morphine sulphate, by the
use of potassium permanganate. The
physician found the patient, who had
taken the dose one and a half hours pre-
viously, in a very critical condition.
0.35 Gm. of the permanganate dissolved
in 300 Gm. of water were introduced
into the stomach, after which the patient
was kept in motion as much as possible.
In halt an hour vomiting ensued. This
was followed up by two more doses of the
same strength at proper intervals, each
dose being followed b}^ vomiting. The
patient very soon showed signs of im-
provement, and in ten hours all danger
was over.

A Sevsitive Reagent for Albumiii in
Urine. — The following reagent, recom-
mended by Dr. Jolles, recognizes with
certainty the slightest traces of albumin
without being in any degree influenced
by the composition of the sample:

Mercuric chloride 10 Gm.

Succinic acid 20 "

Sodium chloride 10 "

Distilled water 500 "

The test is applied by acidifying 5
Cc. of the filtered urine with i Cc. of
acetic acid (30^0. following with 4 Cc.
of the reagent, and shaking. In a second
test tube 5 Cc. of the filtered urine are
acidified with i Cc. of the acetic acid,
followed by 4 Cc. of water. This will
show the presence of macin, enabling
one to compare the two so as to avoid
any false interpretation of the test. This
reagent will detect the presence of one
part albumin in 120,000.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

65

;3^1aEQi>i Goliin^q,

With the present issue of the Journal there
has been added and inaugurated a column
which will be devoted to classes having no
special representative as have the classes of '93,

'94. '95.

The earnest cooperation and support is soli-
cited of graduates to contribute their "mite"
to same, of matters pertaining to the college,
the alumni, or their respective class.

ALUMNI SOCIABLES.

The first of the Wednesday evening recep-
tions was held on February 19th. It scored
such a success that the committee have decided
to give another in March, to be conducted on a
more elaborate scale. We cordially invite all
our graduates, as we can assure them a pleasant
evening. Following is the schedule :
March 4th. Smoker.

March nth. Lecture by Dr. Wendell C.
Holme.s, on "The bright and dark sides of hos-
pital life," with illustrated stereopticon views.
March iSth. Reception.
March 25th. Card party.

Nelson S. Kirk,
W. A. HoBURG, Jr.,
George F. Burger,

Committee.

The "embryo" sociable of our association
was held in the assembly rooms of our college,
on Wednesday evening, February 19th. The
attendance was largely participated in by the
younger element of the Association and by the
students of the college. The festivities com-
menced at 8.30 p. M., and came to a climax a
few minutes before midnight.

Programme was as follows : March, Lanciers,
Waltz, Polka, Quadrille Waltz, Schottische,
Waltz, Yorke, Two Step, Lanciers, Waltz. Var-
souvianna, Schottische, Waltz.

Among those present were : W. H. Ebbitt,
'79; J. T. Comerford, '86; Floyd M. Stage, '93;
J. S. Stage, '93; E. F. Lohr, '93; W. Hoburg,
'93; A. Herold, '94; N. S. Kirk, '94; J. H. Wurth-
mann, '94; H. Struck, '94; Geo. C. Manville,
'95; Fred. L. Flick, '95; R. Gies, '95; C. P.
Gould, '96; H. C. Van Buskirk. '96; E. J. Zeiner,
'96; W. Gregorious, '96; A. H. Carter, '96; C. L.
Stephens, '96; W. C. Vincent, '96; O. G. Qag-
ham. '97; D. J. O'Brien, '97; T. G. Wilbur, '97;
W. H. Roberts, '97; H. C. Neubrand, H. Wilson.

The ladies roll consisted of: Mrs. R. Gies,
and the Misses C. Ruckert, E. Ruckert, C.
Schmidt, M. Groome, B. Lohr, H. F. Euler, N.
Peterson, N. S. Sowter, T. M. Boj^er, D. Bar
rett, F. Stage, B. Schall and Mrs. R. Ross.

Herman A. R. Graeser, our worthy ex-
President, deserves recognition. Although be-
ing a student in medicine at the P. and S. and
conducting his prosperous pharmacy, yet he
finds time to attend the Alumni meetings. His
entrance to the amphitheatre at eveiy lecture
provokes an outburst of applause from the
audience, prominent among which are the
students of the College who recognize in Mr.
Graeser one of their best friends.

Adolph Henning, our genial Treasurer,
commands the respect and admiration of every
member of the Association by the earnest and
steadfast manner in which he executes the af-
fairs of the Alumni. Mr. Henning should be
looked upon as an example by all enterprising
members. It is noteworthy to state that Mrs.
Henning frequently graces the Alumni room
with her presence.

A high hat brigade has been formed by
Messrs. Hoburg, Kirk and Tannenbaum. The
object of the organization is to induce all the
members to appearat the meetings and sociables
with high hats. Gentlemen ; may your honest
endeavois be crowned with the high hat of suc-
cess.

If appearances signify conclusions, we may
look forward to having our ranks swelled by a
large delegation from the Class of '96. At every
meeting the class has representatives present.

Messrs. Hoburg, Kirk and Burger compose
the Entertainment Committee of the Alumni
room. With such able entertainers as Messrs.
Hoburg and Kirk on the committee, our Wed-
nesday night smokers and our monthly sociables
will certainl} become famous.

All matter relating to this column should be
addressed to

Geo. F. Burger, Ph. G.,

115-119 W. 68th St.

"Doctor, didn't I understand you to say that
brandy is a good remedy for dyspepsia?" asked
a Dallas society lady of her family physician.

"Yes, Mrs. Yerger, it is an excellent remedy.

"I don't agree with you. Doctor. Before I
kept brandy in the house my husband had dys-
pepsia every few weeks, but now he suffers
from it every day, and it seems to be getting
worse and worse." — Texas Si/iings.

66

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

^^lan^i^i Notes.

BREVITIES.

Mr. James T. Shillinglaw, '87, formerly
in business in Malone, N. Y., under the firm
name of Shillinglaw & McNulty. is now with
P. B. Knapp & Sons, 362 Hudson street, New
York City, he having sold his interest in the
above named firm.

Mr, August C. Giest, '91, has accepted a
position with W. F. Krembs, 1125 Madison
avenue, New York City.

L. Ambos, '93, formerly with Herman Graeser,
of 40 Stanton street, is now at McKane's phar-
macy, Willis avenue and 139th street.

Mr. F. G. Hills, '94, has resigned his posi-
tion at P. B. Knapp & Sons, 362 Hudson street.

Samuel Morris, '94, is no longer with J. VV,
Case, ofSomerville, N.J.

Mr. a. E. Wrknsch, '95, has purchased a
store in his native town of Montclair, N. J.

J. Oehler.

'93 NOTES.

Mr. Tannenbaum's other interests being so
varied and occupying so much of his time,
caused him to resign the ofiSce of class reporter.
At his earnest solicitation, I undertook to keep
up the interest in the columns and, while I
cannot hope to do as well as he did, yet with
the CO operation of my classmates I will en-
deavor to keep the column as eagerly looked
for every month as it has been heretofore.

LISCHKE has been heard from at loth ave.
and 31st St. How is it, Lischke? Could not
your aesthetic taste be satisfied in New York,
that you have to travel to Bridgeport every
week ?

Ricksecker, he of Napoleonic serious mien,
is with Johnson Chemical Co., 353 3d ave.

AT last I can add to Schuyler's peace of mind.
Twomey has been discovered in the wilds of
Sheepshead Bay. He says, his cup of happi-
ness is full, for does not the august "Paddy"
Gleason again rule his native town, with a firm
and gentle hand ? (Also an axe.)

Curtis will graduate as a full-fledged M. D.

from the University when the flowers bloom in
the Spring. Beware, ye long-suffering and
patient public.

Wrensch has moved down-town. He is
managing Wheeler & Guck's store on Cath-
erine St.

The first social evening at the College on
Wednesday evening, the 19th of February, was
a brilliant success. For a first effort it went
beyond anything, anybody had expected, and
the result was a most enjoyable evening for
everybody. The music was good, the girls
pretty, amiable and plentiful, the floor in ex-
cellent condition, and everybody ready for a
good time. It was just like one big family party
and everybody went home, vowing to come to
the next one on March i8th. There was room
for more, so come all who were not there, as
well as those who were, and bring your friends
with you. '93 was represented by the Stage
brothers and sister; *' Billy " Hoburg alone and
unchapperoned, and yours truly with sister.

Any items of information which will add to
the interest of the column will be most grate-
fully received and acknowledged.

Eugene F. Lohr,

375 3d ave.

'94 NOTES.

Our expectations of a pleasant lecture were
fully realized at Prof. Heydt's discourse on his
European trip, which was delivered on the 12th.
His description of ihe famous Whitechapel dis-
trict in London was very interesting, as was the
peculiar 'go as you please" system of indulging
that prevails in Germany. Prof. Heydt will
meet us again in April. In the meantime, look
for that sociable notice in another column.
Come over to see us and show the boys you
are not a "sleeper."

The last Alumni meeting was a very pleas-
ant one to the '94 delegation; first, because of
Treasurer Henning's report, which showed that
the ball had netted us a slight piofit; and sec-
ondly. Secretary Hoburg's presentation of the
names of Case, Struck and Erb for member-
ship.

Since assuming the management of the sub-
scription department of The Alumni Journal
I have received some very nice testimonial let-
ters from such men as Prof. Lloyd, Messrs.
Milhau Frolich, Wilcox, Linnig, Murrison,
etc.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

67

Quite a number of the '94 boys contemplate
joining the College. In fact, Krueder, Wurth-
man and Kirk have already been proposed for
membership.

H. A. Herold is rapidly acquiring profi-
ciency in amateur dramatic circles. We hope
he will entertain us some day with one of his
dramatic sketches : ''Fun in a drug store"
might prove a success, especially if we could in-
duce Stoerzer to furnish the libretto. We would
promise not to treat him as they do in Jersey,
where after the first act the masculine portion
of the audience go out, pretending to seek a
florist, but, not finding any open, patronize an
egg foundry instead. Returning, they wait for
a chance opportunity in order to pass them up
one by one. Result — a predomination of H2S
odor.

Robert M. Ullrich some time ago bought
a store on Throop avenue, near Myrtle ( Brook-
lyn again). Being quite a hustler, his com-
petitors have doubtless felt his proximity by
this time.

F. C. A. SCHAEFFER, of the firm of Steinam
& Schaeffer, is interested in three Brooklyn
stores, the one on Driggs and Graham avenues
being most graced by his presence.

Ezra J. Horton is located in his home in
Peekskill, N. Y., where he is with C. E. Greg-
ory of N. Division street.

Harry C. Anness, night manager of Hud-
nut's Pharmacy, Broadway and Fulton street,
is said to be one of lower Broadway's most
popular drug men.

Chas. H. Pryor is again in town. A few
weeks ago he accepted a position with a firm
on Hudson street.

ISADOR Fried has left Dorn in Columbus
avenue, whom he had been with for some
time.

Paul B. Hudson has left Fear & Co. and is
now with McKesson & Robbins of this city.

Henry G. Born is still with Livingston &
Wenzel, where he admirably displays his phar-
maceutical ability. Last year with his Rem-
ington we considered him a "scorcher." Now
he talks of getting a tandem.

W. C. Youngs is now with Eitner & Amend,
i8th street and Third avenue.

Don't forget your lady friends on reception
night, March i8th.

Nelson S. Kirk, Ph. G.
9 E. 59th Street.

'95 NOTES.

February 12th being a legal holiday, Mr.
Heydt's lecture was not as well attended as it
should have been, although the subject was very
interesting; of our boys there were present,.
Messrs. Flick, Gies, Jorgensen, Ohlandt, DroU-
inger and myself.

LOST.

On May 9th last, a number of '95 boys owning
the following names: Aquaro, Bailey, Bannon,
Blackmore, Bradner, D. E. Brown, W. D.
Brown, Brizizinski, Burns, Carter, Chambers,
Cherey, Christiansen, Connolly, Davis, Durr,
Eckstein, Engle, Ferrer, Fletcher and Flick.

Any information relating to the above named
gentlemen will be thankfully received.

found.

Wells was visiting his home at Milford, Pa.,
when last heard from. Cooley is at Olean, N.
Y. Wrensch has bought a store in Montclair,
N, J. Here's luck to you Wrensch. Ohlandt
is with M. C. Ridder, 409 First street, Hoboken,
N.J.

I SAW Boyd at the Herald Square Theatre, on
Wednesday, February 19th, accompanied by a
young lady. What did you say ? Was it his
sister? Well, I guess so; its only natural that
he should take his sister, you know.

The next alumni lecture promises to be an
interesting one, the subject being "The Dark
and Bright Sides of Hospital Life." Don't fail
to be there. Rud. Boenke, Ph.G..

437 E. 87th St.

At a meeting of the class of '97 held some
time ago, the following officers were elected :
President, H. J. McKellar; First Vice-President,
F. W. Rutherford; Second Vice President, S. S.
Shiers; Secretary, W. K. Albright; Treasurer
E. J. Diekmann; Class Historian, Miss Fellows;
Sergeant at-Arms, Oscar Wilde.

All communications in regard to class of '97
should be sent to R. W. Milne, '97, to 20 W,
32d Street, or at the College.

68

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

^cpior Glass Notes.

the; N. Y. C. p. &T. VALENTINE'S DAY.

BY MISS MADGE O'CONNOR.

We heard the " Phillies " and saw them.

And candidly we were surprised.
We expected sober, staid, young men,

But their appearance opened our eyes.
Their j'ells and musical war cries

Remind us of our "ninety-six" —
Their ladies, genuine Minervas,

Full of learning and maybe of tricks;
Their boys, with lungs of Comanches,

Filled the halls with resonant sounds,
Like cowboys on Western ranches,

Whose roistering knows no bounds.
Yet in courtly " kotowing "

The "heathen Chinee" is not in it
With the "Phillies." Their bowing
Reminds of the French minuet.
However, it must be confessed
That the "Phillies" rank stcond best.
As the New Yorkers stand forth
Without rivals on earth.
Some one of these days
We'll deflect Roentgen's X ray.s.
And then we can tell
Why New Yorkers excel.

A LARGE number of the Senior students suc-
ceeded in passing the City Board of Pharmacy
of February. About one hundred and twenty
took the examination and nearly one hundred
were successful in attaining the desired rating.

If those Coniacs could find their way over to
desk i4ra the occupant promises that no names
will be mentioned.

I HAVE been asked by several of the Class to
state plainly the true history of the difficulty
our Class has been laboring under in the adop-
tion of a Class Flag. This would take too long
and would be wearisome to some, but looking
on the sititation from a sensible and united
standpoint, it would have been better had the
Class unanimously adopted some design other
than the two under dispute. The feeling that
is now manifested can never be subdued, and
notwithstanding, the advocates of the N. Y. C.
P. flag claim theirs as the official, yet it is
understood that a majority of the sustainers of
the Benzol flag will adorn their rooms with the

College colors, arranged, not in a kindergarten
ABC arrangement, but in the form adopted by
our College, our predecessor classes and also
as an emblem of the teaching of our good Pro-
fessor Chandler. The action of either side does
not show a united feeling, and so near the close
of a Senior year the situation seems almost un-
called for. Why could it not have been left to
the College officials and insured us a more
united Class?

The first class of " The First Aid to the In-
jured " took their examination some days
since and succeeded in passing three out of the
class of fifteen. Of those two would have un-
doubtedly failed had it not been for their
"face." Three who were not granted a sheep-
skin and who's answers seemed very satisfactory
were undoubtedly forgotten.

RUSBY says : "If you want it real hot, mix
a mustard plaster up with cold water." We
would judge that this could be explained on the
theory that a hot supper can be had by eating
pepper sauce and crackers.

Mr. A. Deutschberger, Mr. F. H. Finley
and Mr. C. Wetmore Smith, were successful
in passing the King's Cotinty Board of Pharm-
acy of January last.

Our Glee Club is coming to the front after
all and is making very favorable progress under
the leadership of Mr. Bagley, a member of the
class of '97. The officers of the Alumni Associa
tiou kindly offered the use of their room and
piano which was very thankfully accepted.

We are sorry to learn that only two feminine
faces will be able to gaze upon the audience
from the stage at Carnegie Hall on commence-
ment day. Miss E. M. Aschenback, a member
of section one, has closed her college work and
will soon (we areiniormed) have "Mrs. "prefixed
to her name instead of the affix Ph. G., which
would have undoubtedly been her pleasure of
attaining had she remained to the end of the
term. Miss Ascbenbach was a faithful and
hard workiug student, and although laboring
under many difficulties, she stood at the head
in the practical work of the pharmaceutical
laboratory. Her future home will be at New
Rochelle.

A VERY pleasant time was reported at the
social hop of the alumni, on the evening of
February 19th. The senior class received a
very cordial invitation, and was rt-presentedby
a goodly number.

TFIE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

69

Professor Bastin, of the Philadelphia Col-
lege of Pharmacy, accompanied by others of
the college staff, and about fifteen of the senior
students made us a very pleasant call a short
time since. The company was of a very jovial
nature, and gave some very clever class cries.
They spent the evening at a Broadway theatre,
and on the following day accepted an invitation
extended to them by Messrs. Parke, Davis & Co.
to visit the emporium of the company.

A MEMBER of the junior class (we were unable
to learn his name) attended one of our phar-
macy lectures, and at first was somewhat inter-
ested, but as the blackboard equations waxed
long, and still longer, and the articulation from
off our silver tongued professor grew swift, and
yet swifter, the poor fellow fully realizing his
work of next year calmly fell asleep. Undoubt-
edly he will awaken next year.

The class motto recently adopted is, " Ne
cede malis,'" meaning, "Yield not to mis-
fortunes." Our president thought it was, "Yield
not to temptation," but this small error is
easily excusable in view of the fact that he used
to teach a Sunday school class before comiug to
the city.

The contract to make the class pin of '96 has
been awarded to the Gorham Co., and can be
had by members of the class from any of the
committee having the matter in charge. The
pin is conceded by all to be very neat and
serviceable ; besides there are more pins of this
design among the graduates of N. Y. C. P. than
any other.

At a regular meeting of the class held Wed-
nesday, February 19th, the Executive Commit-
tee on Commencement Exercises was elected.
The committee consists of ten, including the
regular class officers and the following five
members : Protzmann, C. Wesley Smith, C.
Wetmore Smith, J. M. Kraft and J. Morris.

At a meeting of the class it was voted that
we have our pictures taken as a remembrance
of college days.

Regular cabinets of each member are to be
made from which a mat picture will be made by
the photographer. It may not be out of order
to remind the class that each member should
go to the photographer as soon as possible as a
great many must be taken requiring some time.
One advantage of no small degree is that each
member may in addition get a dozen photos at
greatly reduced rates. Any information relat-
ing to this may be obtained from O. F. Ives.

The members of Section one are sorry to lose
Miss Aschenbach as a classmate. Ill health has
obliged her to discontinue her studies and seek
country air and rest. She will later join one of
the following classes. We all wished that she
might have graduated with the Class of '96.

A large number of '96 took the examination
of the City Board on February loth. All hope
to have passed.

It was pleasing to note the large attendance
and unusual interest taken by the students and
their friends at one of Prof. Rusby's lectures
at the college Monday evening, February loth.
The lecture was one of the Professor's favorites
and was beautifully illustrated with lantern-
slides showing the plants of the different
natural orders that have been taken up in the
course. The part of the lectiire relating to
Cinchona barks was most interesting and in-
structive, the history of their growth and and
mode of collection based on Prof. Rusby's per-
sonal experience, while in South America.
Jonathan Morris,

Rep. Sec. i.

POISONING BY FLUTES.

Dr. J. H. Smith, in a paper read at a
meeting of the Homceopathic Medical
Society, reports several cases of "flute
poisoning." Grenadille, or cocus wood,
has for many j^ears been employed in the
manufacture of this musical instrtiment,
inasmuch as it gives a brilliant and pow-
erful sound, which mellows and becomes
more flexible with the age of the instru-
ment. Dr. Smith says: " There is most
trustworthy testimony from Germany,
England and America to the fact that
cocus wood, and no other material, is
found by certain susceptible flutists ca-
pable of producing seriotis irritation of
the lip, necessitating the use of a cres-
cent shaped silver or gold lip-plate, shel-
lacked to the mouth-hole or embrasure."
The author describes the malady as a lip
excessively swollen, extremely red, with
large blotches covered by vesicles. Re-
lief is had by the application of a solu-
tion of nitrate of lead in water, i to 2000.
— Drug Cir.

70

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

A "STATUTORY" CHEAIIST.

It seems rather odd to us on this side
of the water to hear our English phar-
maceutical brethren describe themselves
as "chemists," for, while the pharmacist
is necessarily a chemist in some degree,
at least, we apply that term with a wider
signification; but it is still odder to learn
that this title cannot be safely appropri-
ated in Great Britain by any one not a
druggist.

Two important cases in which its use
was a part of the contention were re-
cently on appeal before the court of last
resort in Scotland. Two persons who
were dealers in scientific and especially
photographic apparatus had described
themselves on the signs at their place of
business, the one as a "photographic
chemist" and the other as a "technical
chemist." They kept and sold the poi-
sonous chemicals which photographers
use, and claimed that they were justified
in selling at retail any articles required
in the arts, whether poisonous or not.
For having made such sales they were
prosecuted under the pharmacy act, and
at the same time their right to the use
of the word "chemist" was also legally
questioned.

Although the judges were evidently
not in sympathy with the restrictions of
the pharmacy act, at least in so far as it
applied to these cases, they felt bound to
decide against the defendants.

These points had been previously set-
tled in England, and it is now clear that
throughout England no one but a phar-
macist has the right to sell scheduled
poisons at retail for any purpose what-
ever, and that even half of the title of the
"chemist and druggist" cannot be ap-
propriated by any other dealer.

We might remark in passing that we
understand that the "chemist and drug-
gist" cannot even call himself a phar-

macist, which he really is, because that
might be considered an encroachment on
the domain of the " pharmaceutical
chemist," who possesses the "major"
qualification, while the "chemist and
druggist " is only a " minor" man.

Perhaps some day the simple title of
pharmacist will be found to answer
everywhere as an eminently proper and
convenient title for those whose business
is pharmacy. — Drug Cir.

POSITION DURING SLEEP.

There is a well-known physician of
this city who has been studying for some
years the positions of persons during
sleep.

"Sometimes I wonder," said the doc-
tor, "why our learned scientists have not
paid more attention to the positions
which, persons young and old, are prone
to assume during sleep. It seems to me
that the phenomena really offer a fruitful
field of study, for I have come to the con-
clusion that there is an important physio-
logical meaning or significance in the
different sleeping positions.

"The natural attitude adopted by
young children, when free to do as they
please with their body and limbs is inter-
esting. You have seen, of course, chick-
ens asleep on the roost. You may have
noticed them, also, with the head under
the wing and the legs drawn up close to
the body. Now that is exactly the posi-
tion of the chick in the ^%%. Similar con-
ditions may be noted among the four-
legged animals. Puppies and kittens
lie curled up during sleep, just as they
were born.

"Now, what is the natural position of
babies during sleep ? You will find in
nine cases out often that young children,
when old enough to control their limbs
and are unfettered by clothing or cover,

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

71

draw up their legs and bend their heads
over in their arms. They simply resume
the position they occupied in embr3^onic
life.

"Of course, the trouble is in too many
cases that our children are not allowed to
sleep according to their natural inclina-
tions, and mothers and nurses interfere
with the position most convenient for
them. So, too, Indian babies are seldom
allowed to sleep in the position they like
best. The squaw bundles the little one
into a motionless thing, and often straps
the child tightly to a board."

"But you will observe how babies
sleep in warm climates, where they are
not bothered with much clothing, you
will find them sleeping in the natural
position I have described. Whether
they sleep on mats of grass, on the warm
earth, or in hammocks, the children lie
in the curled-up position. My attention
was first called to this position by the
negro babies down South. There I often
saw the negro mammy lay the black baby
down to sleep on its stomach and won-
dered whether or not the child was com-
fortable.

" Since then I have found this practice
common among mothers and nurses in
sSouthern countries. They know that
their young ones like to sleep in the same
position as do many animals — that is,
with the stomach downward and the legs
and the arms, usually, bent under them.

" After a while boys and girls of 4 or
5 years of age slightly change their at-
titude during sleep. They now lie on the
side, face also on the side, and with the
legs drawn up, using one of the arms as
a pillow. This is the position assumed
by the higher order of monkeys in their
sleep.

"It is not until boys and girls grow
up that they stretch out their limbs full
length in sleep.

^" The lower order of monkeys sleep
in the crouching position with the head
bent down upon the knee.

"There is one position during .sleep
that is peculiar to humen beings. It is
lying flat upon the back. No animal of
its own choice takes such a position in
sleep. One of the keepers at Central
Park, who has excellent opportunities
for watching the animals there, says that
he has never found the apes sleeping up-
on their backs.

" We all know the usual disagreeable
results of sleeping on the back. A per-
son in sleep will often roll over flat,
whereupon he or she sees strange sights
and hears odd noises. Many a time I
have seen mothers and nurses go to the
child on its back, muttering or crying in
sleep and then gently turn the dreamer
over on the side. The right side is pre-
ferred by many people, while some find
the left side comfortable, I do not know
that it makes much difference. Some
think that we should not lie on the left
side, because it oppresses the heart and
lungs and interferes with freedom of cir
culation of blood and breathing."

A mixture which is often prescribed
and generally causes much trouble is one
composed of :

Zinc sulphate, gr. viii.

Lead acetate, gr. xv.

Fid. ext. Krameria, 3tss.

Water, ad 5iv.
The way in which a pharmacist gener-
ally puts this up is by dissolving the
salts in the water and adding the fluid
extract. This causes an unsightly mix-
ture in which the precipitate settles, and
the light flocular matter which forms on
the addition of the fluid extract rises to
the top.

The proper way to make this is to dis-
solve the zinc sulphate in the water, then
rub the lead acetate to a fine powder in a
mortar, to which add the fluid extract'
stirring rapidly and constantly; this will
at first fsrm a smooth gelatinous mass,
and on the addition of the zinc sulphate
solution, a smooth mixture will be
obtained, and not flocular and lumpy as
in the first case; with the latter method
the precipitate would slowly settle on
standing.

72

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

ANOTHER METHOD OF UTILIZING A
DRUG STORE.

By R. B.

A recent number of the Journal con-
tained an article describing the experi-
ence of two foreigners in relation to drug
stores in Boston and New York. Now,
one thing which they had not the oppor-
tunity of finding out is, the way in which
drug stores are often utilized by the pub-
lic as storage warehouses.

For example : A learned follower of
^sculapius, may be busy putting up a
prescription, when suddenly, he will
espy what he supposes to be a prospective
customer; he walks forward with a beam-
ing smile wreathing his countenance,
and with the expectancy of making a
sale, when his expectations are rudely
shattered by the query; "May I leave
this package here for a few minutes, I am
going to visit a friend, and do not wish
to carry it with me." After the druggist
has recovered from the sudden shock, he
generally manages to articulate "Why,
certainly, madam," and the chances are
that her few minutes will be changed to
a few hours.

I know of one particular case, which
happened in a store in which I was
clerking. It was in the latter part of
December, 1894, that two young men
came into the store and asked permission
to leave their skates for a half an hour;
(these were real metallic skates) it was
about 9 p. M. when they left them, and
naturally, I expected to see them return
about 9.30, but at 10 o'clock they had
not returned for them yet — to make the
story short, those skate were lying
around the store for fully two months
before they were called for, and during
that time our boy-of-all-work swore
softly to himself whenever he had to put
them out of his way.

One woman when she returned for a
parcel which she had left, sweetly asked,
"Are there any charges?" "Oh, no,"

said I, and was about to add, "This is
no storage warehouse, but a drug store,"
but I thought it might hurt her feelings,
so refrained from saying it.

GROWING OF CORK TREES IN THIS
COUNTRY.

About thirty-five years ago several
young cork trees were sent to Sanders-
ville, Ga,, by the Government and set
out to test their adaptability to the
climate. Three or four are yet living,
the largest one being two feet or more in
diameter. Recently it was stripped of
its bark around the trunk, and samples
of the cork 2 V2 inches thick were sent to
Washington and to the Atlanta Exposi-
tion. It is rumored that the Department
of Agriculture will in the near future is-
sue a bulletin on the subject of cork ad-
vocating the culture of cork trees in this
countr)', urging that forests of this species
of oak could be established with great
profit in the Southern States. Statistics
show that $2,000,000 worth of cork is
imported into the United States annually.
It is steadily increasing in value, bring-
ing now eleven times the price that was
was paid for it in 1790. The soil of Cali-
fornia is said to be particularly well
adapted to the cork oak, the tree grow-
ing there with greater rapidity than in
Europe. Already about 1,000 of these
trees have been planted in the San
Gabriel Valley. The University of Cali-
fornia has distributed several bushels of
the acorns, which, by the way, are very
good to eat, tasting like chestnuts. —
Drug. Cor.

Young Hopeful — Mamma, will Willie
get shot ii he goes to the war ?

Mamma — He will be exposed to that
danger.

Young Hopelul — Oh, no, he won't. I
saw him at the light infantry last night,
and he marched in the back row, right
behind a great big fat man. — Detroit
Journal,

THE BRIGHT AND DARK SIDE OF

HOSPITAL LIFE, ... ?3

By Wendell C. Phillips.

THE VARIOUS SYNTHETIC PROCESSES
FOR VANILLIN,

Bv Prof. ViKGIL COBLENTZ.

86

GIANT BIRDS OF AMERICA, .
EDITORIAL, .
ALUMNI COLUMN,
ALUMNI NOTES,

COLLEGE NOTES

SENIOR CLASS NOTES, . •

BOARD EXAMINATIONS IN JERSEY, 98
THREE STAMPS FOR A NICKEL, . 99
WHY THE CLERKS WARY, . 99

DYSPEPTIC ORANGES, ... 100

89
91
92
93
96
97

THE

PUBLISHED BY

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
... OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK ....

u

Auld

Lang

Syne."

The person who was
unfortunate enough to
become seriously ill was
obliged to uncomplain-
ingly ingest the vilest of decoctions and, infusions, a silent but expressive
shudder being the only protest possible. Since those days the patient
has learned to demand more palatable methods of medication.
Elixir LaCTOPEPTINE now renders it easy for the physician to
meet this reasonable demand, as it effectually disguises the unpleasant
taste of unpalatable and nauseous remedies. The contained
Lactopeptine also assists in the retention and absorption of other
medicaments because of its well known
digestive potency. The Bromides,
Iodides, and Salicyclates should always
be prescribed with ElIX^K

Lactopeptine as a vehicle.

Send for Samples.

iCWUPJCHi

OLDEST STAND ON

BALTIMORE 1813.

NEWYORK 1830.

AT 183 BROADWAY

BROADWAY.

TRAliE' MAKK

1764

MCMLypinscMt

THE • i

KNITVYT^L- EXTRT^OT CO/S''

CARDINE, heart extract, for Heart troubles

CEREBRINE, brain extract for Epilepsy,
Brain, Nerves, Hysteria, etc.

riEDULLINE, extract of Spinal Cord, for
Loconiotor= Ataxia, etc.

MU5CULINE, for Muscular Rheumatism,

OVARINE. for Diseases of Women, Steril=
ity, Nervous Prostration, etc.

TESTINE, for Nervous Debility, Impair-
ment, Impotency Exhaustion, etc.

THYROIDINE, for Obesity, Goitre, Skin
Diseases, Myxoedema, etc.

JIS' Positively guaranteed as the only brand always strictly according to Dr. Hammond's

published formulas. $ioo forfeit if not.

Dr. DECLAT'S PHENIC PREPARATIONS, for Cancer, Consumption and all Fevers.

Medals awarded, Paris, Lyons, &o. for Phenic Acid and Compounds,

J. MILHAU'S SON, Ph. G., druggist and importer

183 Broadway, - NEW YORK.

CABLE, "MILHAU." TELEPHONE, 3780 CORTLANDT.

PUBLISHED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Vol. III.

New York, April, 1896.

No. 4.

LIBRAR

NEW YOI
JOTaNIC,

aAHDE^

THE BRIGHT AND DARK SIDE OF HOSPITAL LIFE.

Bv DR. WENDELL C. PHILLIPS.

Ladies and Geyitlemen : — old sexton, who was deaf and who didn't

I rarely ever commence to speak upon quite understand her, and he put it on

any one of the subjects upon which I the pulpit, and so when the young min-

lecture that I do not think of a little ister got to the church he found the note

anecdote that is told of a young- woman
who was an organist in a church. She
was a very young woman and unmar-
ried, and in that church they had a very

on the pulpit and it read like this : "You
keep on blowing till I tell you to stop."
Now you may have that experience with
me to-night, if I do not get at my sub-

old pastor, and she was not so much in- ject and commence to talk to you right
terested in the old pastor, and the music away.

didn't always go just right. Sometimes
the boy that blew the organ did not do
his duty. He knew better than she did
when it ought to stop, and all sorts of
things happened in that church. But
one time there was a very fine young
minister came to exchange with the old
minister, and that day she was particu-
larly anxious that the music should be

I suppose that to most people the ques-
tion ot hospitals is rather uninteresting,
except to those who are curious enough
to desire to know many things that go
on inside of hospitals ; but there is a
peculiar history to hospitals and one that
to my mind is interesting and at the
same time very instructive. You know
that hospitals have not been brought to

good, and so she made special prepara- the perfect condition in which we find
tions and took every possible precaution them now until a very recent date, al-
that the music should be perfect that though we have a history I believe of a

day. In order to carry out all of her ideas
she thought that it would be a good plan
to send a little note to the boy that pump-
ed the wind into that organ, giving him
some directions as to what he should do.
She did so and handed the note to the

hospital in Caesarea as far back as the
third century ; but in the fifth or sixth
century — no, I think, it was in the
seventh century — the first hospital was
founded in Paris, the Hotel Dieu, which
still stands, and has grown from time to

74

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

time until now it covers, I think, about
five acres of ground. The oldest hospital
in America is the Philadelphia Hospital,
which was established some time I think
in 1742, and the oldest hospital in this
city is the New York Hospital, which
was established in 1770, although there
had been hospital work before that time,
which I shall speak of a little later on.
But to give you some idea of the enor-
mous number of people who receive treat-
ment in the hospitals of this city I will
just quote a few statistics from the 1892
reports, and in those reports you will
find that the number of people who were
treated in the hospitals, which are under
control of the Board of Charities and
Corrections, alone was about 40,000 that
year, and as near as I can make out from
careful study of the reports of other hos-
pitals, about 30,000 received treatment
in hospitals more or less controlled by
private interests, and if you will add to
them the 250,000 people who received
free treatment in the dispensaries you
will find that about one-quarter of the
entire population of this city received
treatment in the hospitals and dispen-
saries. You take that amount from the
population of the city and then figure
that there is one ph5'sician to about 600
and you will have about 150 of those 600
that get free treatment, and you will find
that there are not a great number of peo-
ple to each physician in this city. But a
word now as to the expense. It costs
about $4,000,000 to run the hospitals of
this city, both public and private hos-
pitals, in round numbers about $4,000,-
000. The hospitals under the control of
the Board of Charities and Correction
consume about 30,000 barrels of flour a
year and that flour makes about 6,400,-
000 pounds of bread. Now some of you
women know what it would be if you had
to make all that amount of bread. But
that is the amount of bread made in the

hospitals alone under the control of the
Board of Charities and Correction. But a
point that may interest some of you
young men more would be the fact that
at Belle vue Hospital, in the Outdoor
Department alone, they use about $20,000
worth of drugs every year, which is in
that one hospital with its Outdoor De-
partment about $20,000 to $25,000 of
drugs. So you can get an idea of what
the people are getting in a city like this.
Now, if we have the lights turned down
I think we will commence to show some
of the pictures. I have a large number
of pictures to show you, and I must has-
ten in order to get through with them
within the time allotted to me. I am
going first to show you a picture of the
famous old institution down in Twenty-
sixth street, known as Bellevue Hospital.
This is one of the great institutions of
this country — this building which you
see here. It was established in 1806, but
it was the outgrowth of some hospital
work begun between 1650 and 1700, and
at that time, in 1685, I think, but I am
not sure of the date, the population of
the city was 1,000. An enormous city,
wasn't it? 1,000 population ! But just
see how the city has grown. In 1731
there was an epidemic of smallpox in the
City of New York, and the people were
aroused to the necessity of having some
place to put those who were attacked by
the disease, and they built a hospital
down where the City Hall now stands,
and it had five beds. That was a great
work done at that time. A hospital was
established with five beds ! But in 1806,
DeWitt Clinton was made Mayor of the
City of New York, and he started to
make some reforms along this line (I
suppose he was a reform Mayor), and
they bought a piece of land in the locality
where Bellevue Hospital now stands, in
the locality known then as "Kipp's Bay
Farm," and it took in that section of

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

75

land bounded onl the West by Second
avenue, on the North by Twenty-eighth
street, on the South by Twenty-sixth
street, and on the East by the East River;
about six acres of ground, and they paid
the enormous sum of $35 an acre for
it. It is worth almost $35 a square
foot to-day. Now there was more wis-
dom and sagacity in making such a
good real estate investment. The first
hospital built was the main building
that you see here in the center. That
was the first building. It was put up in
1806, and that served not only as the
Charity Hospital of the city but it was
also the alms-house, the penitentiary,
and it served for a workhouse for those
who had to be sent to such a place. Now
they have put on these enormous wings,
and aside from this there are six pavilions
and two chapels, besides the Morgue and
a whole lot of other buildings added since
that time.

Now this gives you a little idea when
you compare the growth of that hospital
down near City Hall with five beds, and
then look at what is done in this hospital,
where they treat from 15,000 to 17,000
internes alone every year. You can get
some idea of the growth, not only of the
city, but of sickness and those who need
charities in a city of this kind.

Now there is a picture of a stretcher,
and we often say when we see a person
being carried on a stretcher, "See that
poor tellow on a stretcher." But it was
a wise Providence that led some one to
invent the stretcher, for if you had to be
carried upstairs from one ward to an-
other by two attendants, one taking hold
of your shoulders and another your feet,
and neither of them keeping step, prob-
ably, and then be carried on a stretcher,
you would find that the comfort of a
stretcher was very much greater than
any other way; and it is the most humane

way probably of carrying a patient from
one ward to another.

I will now show you a picture of Bellevue
Hospital, out on one of the fire escapes,
down near one of the wards, and these
are children that are out there sunning
themselves. People sometimes think it is
a terrible thing to go to a hospital, but I
don't think those children look very un-
happy. They look fairly happy, except
this little one. She would, only the sun
was shining in her eyes and made her
look rather unhappy. But you see the
nurses taking care of them, and it is said
by those who are in charge that not only
the children in Bellevue but in all other
hospitals, especially the Hospital for the
Ruptured and Crippled, where there is a
large number of children, that they never
cry but twice. The first time is when
they are coming in, because they have to
come and don't know what they are
coming to, and the second is when they
have to leave the hospital and these com-
forts and go back to homes where, per-
haps, the comforts and the supply of food
do not compare with what they get in the
hospital.

We will pass from this to another pic-
ture not surrounded by so many com-
forts These are cells — the alcoholic
cells — where the poor fellows who are
overtaken by too much indulgence in
strong drink are finally delivered into the
hands of the strange tormentors that tor-
ment people in that condition, and they
are landed down here in cells. You will
find them in all sorts of shapes and condi-
tions, just getting over attacks of delirium
tremens.

But we must hasten. I want to show
how some of the work that is done. This
picture brings to mind some of the ad-
vancements in surgery during the last
few years. Those of you who are living
in the last years of this century are living
in the greatest 25 years that have ever

76

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

existed from the commencement of the
world; and just think what has happened
since this old hospital was established in
1806. When that hospital was established
there was no anaesthetics, when that hos-
pital w>is established there were no anti-
septic measures used for its prevention of
poisoning from gunshot wounds, and
oftentimes, even within my own remem-
brance as a physician, I can remember
they thought they had reached the cli-
max of antiseptic surgery when down in
Bellevue Hospital they arranged a little
tin basin to put under an injured leg to
catch the pus when it dropped. Now
just think of that compared with the
antiseptic dressings we have to-day.

Now you see these children here are
bow legged children or knock-kneed. The
one you see here first is bow-legged and
you see the same child up there down
here. This is his appearance after the
operation as he is about to leave the hos-
pital. You see his legs after they have
been straightened out. You see how
much stronger and firmer he looks. Just
think what has been done in surgery dur-
ing the last fifty years ! Is it possible
that advances can be made ? Is it possi-
ble that the achievements which we are
to teach can compare with those we have
reached, can compare with those great
things that have been done during the
fifty years just past ? Think of the suffer-
ing saved, and of the hundreds of thou-
sands of lives saved because we know how
to save them. In those days it was con-
sidered that a compoitnd fracture of the
leg was fatal. It was fatal in almost all
instances. To-day we never expect to
lose a compound fracture. Those live^
are all saved.

But we must hasten. This takes you
up into the amphitheatre of Believe Hos-
pital, and oh, what a tale could be told
if the walls of that old amphitheatre
could tell all the things that have hap-

pened there ! It is the place where al-
most every medical man reaches some
time in his life. He paces these corri-
dors and finds his way into the amphi-
theatre of Bellevue Hospital. Some of
the famous surgeons of by-gone days
have done their most famous work stand-
ing in this room of which you see a
picture before you. Many oi you who
are physicians, and some of you who are
students, will recognize the face of the
famous surgeon who stands in that
picture. I would like to mention his
name, but in order to get that picture at
all I had to promise I would mention no
names. This man is a very famous sur-
geon, who is explaining the steps of an
operation in orthpoedic surgery, and he
is about to have the patient brought in.
It would be a grand thing if the walls of
that institution could speak ; if what has
happened within the walls of that institu-
tion could be written ; the stories of those
who go in there. What a book, if pub-
lished, it would make ; and how many
strange things would happen if we knew
or could know to-day all that has ever
transpired in that great institution.
Those walls are often ringing with the
cat-calls and wild-hoots of the medical
students ; yes, they have got as many as
pharmacy students, and also with the
groans and moans of those who have had
to undergo those fearful and frightful
operations, especially before the days of
anaesthetics. But they have also rung
with the pains and praises of those who
have been brought from death to life
praising those who have given their ser-
vices and devotion in order that their
lives might be saved.

Now you see here the picture of an
ambulance. The word ambulance is
from the Latin word ambiilo, which
means to walk. It means a moving hos-
pital, a walking hospital. They were
first used by the French during the Napo-

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

77

Iconic wars, but they were very crude
affairs, which followed after the armies
and tried to do something for those who
had been injured. But it was Yankee
ingenuity that brought the ambulance to
its present perfection during our late war.
Now you must remember that that is
only about thirty years ago, and it was
not until 1870 that Bellevue Hospital
had an ambulance at all. But to go back
to the days when there were no am-
bulances, no hospital corps ; when noth-
ing was done on the battle-field for those
who received injuries and wounds. Just
think of the horrible torture and suffer-
ing that must have been endured by the
poor soldiers left on the battle-field when
the army moved on ; one poor individual
injured trying to aid and sustain another,
who had perhaps received almost the
same injury and left there on the battle-
field to die. But this ambulance as you
see it here is the perfection of ambu-
lances. Just think how many times you
see them in this city every day, and
hardly stop to think of their history and
what they do. It is so easy to get an
ambulance. About all you have to do is
to "push a button" and the ambulance
"does the rest." The ambulances in
this city respond yearly to about 7,000
calls, and you can get one by going to
any police station. I am not sure about
the fire alarms, but you can at the police
station. You see one here. The ambu-
lance surgeon is supposed to put any
fracture or injury of any kind into fair
condition before he takes the patient to
the hospital, where the final dressings
are put on.

Now we are in another part of that
location down there in East 26th street,
and I am showing you now a picture of
the interior of the Morgue — that is, the
old Morgue — the interior. You see those
rough pine boxes piled up here one upon
the other. Inside each of those is the

body of some person who has died and
been left without any friends. You
would hardly think so, but there are
about 7,000 to 10,000 people die in this
city every year with no one to claim
them — from 7,000 to 10,000. Superin-
tendent Blake, of the Outdoor Poor De-
partment, states that in his opinion there
are 100,000 people in this city all the
time, walking up and down these streets
with no place to go when in health — no
home, no friends — simply that tramp,
tramp, tramp of the tramp going through
this city all the time. About 10,000 of
them die every year with no one to claim
them. Most of you are aware of the fact
that the bodies of these people who die
in these institutions and in various places
are used for dissecting purposes in the
colleges. They keep them in the Morgue
a certain number of hours or days, and
then if no one claims them they are either
photographed or some identification
made, their clothing saved, and then
they are sent to the different colleges for
dissecting purposes. In the summer
time, when the colleges are closed, the
bodies are sent to the colleges just the
same. At most of these colleges they
have enormous great vats with salt water
in them, and they throw the bodies in
and keep them until the fall time comes
again. (Laughter.)

Now I am going to show you a picture
of another wagon that you see once in a
while in the streets. It is known as the
"Black Maria," only it happens to be a
"White Maria" in America. They have
painted them white here, but in some of
the old countries, England for instance,
they have been painted black and re-
ceived the name of the " Black Maria."
Now, that wagon goes around to the
police courts and to the station houses
and picks up the criminals and those
that have been sentenced, and they carry
them down to the foot of East 26th

78

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

street, where they put them on a boat
and they are sent up to the "summer re-
sort" on Blackwell's Island.

Now we have left the foot of East
Twenty-sixth street, and going up the
East river we come to the first building on
Blackwell's Island, which is now known
as the City Hospital. It used to be called
the Charity Hospital. It is about on the
same footing as Bellevue Hospital, doing
about the same work, and the care is
about the same in every way as given in
Bellevue.

We will now take one or two squints
into the interior of this hospital and I
will first show you a ward for convale-
scents — that is the convalescent ward.
These men have been there some time.
They are nearly all well of the ailment
which they had on entering, and are
about ready to go home. They are able
to sit up and play games, and they wait
the time to come when the physicians
tell them they can go home.

Now I will show you another kind of
a room. This is a ward not for conva-
lescents, but a ward for incurables. These
old women you have seen here have been
pronounced incurable, and when that
time comes they are sent into this ward.
They are just waiting for the time to
come, when they will be released from
their sufferings by death.

We will hasten on to another building.
You see here a building and a number of
tents up. Now it has been proven that
many diseases are better treated in the
summer time in tents. Typhus fever, ty-
phoid fever and many other diseases are
better treated in the summer time in tents.
So that a large number of these tents are
put upon Blackwell's Island, in order
that patients may get outdoor treatment.

Now we will take a look into the in-
terior of another ward for incurables in
one of these buildings. The doctors are

making a diagnosis of a case on the other
side of the room.

I think there are one or two other pic-
tures quite similar to the one you see
here. This is also a ward for incurables.
It is a part of the little pavilion over on
the Island. I noticed when I went
through there, for these are photographs
that were taken, most of them by myself
and a friend who went with me- 1 noticed
when I went into one of the wards for
incurables for men — it was just a little
before election time, and I spoke to the
doctor, whom I happened to know, and
who went through with me. I said,
"These men don't quite look to me as
though they were incurable." He said,
"No," but they will be incurable until
just before election, and then they will
be sent down to the city to vote the
proper ticket.

Now here is a building that does not
look like any of the buildings here. You
notice the windows are very small, with
strong iron bars going across from above
downwards and crossways, so that a hu-
man being cannot squeeze through the
windows. This is a picture of the Peniten-
tiary on Blackwell's Island, the home for
thieves and thugs, and murderers and ward
heelers, and ex-aldermen (laughter), and
sometimes political bosses. There is a
room up there which they will point out
where one famous political boss spent
the last days of his life. Now that
Penitentiary accommodates 2,100 prison-
ers and it is generally full. 2,100 prison-
ers spend their time there; and what is
very peculiar about a prisoner is that if
he is a prisoner once, he is generally a
prisoner the greater part of his life. Now
I never could see any great enjoyment in
a life of crime. I have never tried it,
and do not think I shall ever try it, be-
cause a prisoner generally spends the
most part of his life in prison and at hard
labor. I just happen to know of a per-

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

79

son who thought he would rather steal
than work, and he stole a pocketbook
from a woman. The book had 25 cents
in it. He was caught and sent up for
three years, and on good behavior he
released I believe, in about three or four
or five months less than that time;
and after he got out he was a citizen
for three days- He did the very same
thing again, and he was sent up for
six years. That man is going to
to have about six years of punishment
for three or four days of liberty. I don't
see how they get any enjoyment out of
that; but still, it seems to be the life that
they care to live.

This was a snap shot taken in the cel-
ery beds up there. Now it is not all
comfort you can see up in .the penitenti-
ary ; but I will show you some other
pictures.

There they are in full uniform. They
seem to have a fondness for stripes rather
than checks. You see them going to and
from their work.

Now we have another picture, which
is the best picture of the lock step I have
ever seen. It was hard to get, because if
you go and ask to take photographs of
the prisoners you are not allowed to do
it. But as we were going home we saw
a gang coming and we waited until they
got near and we had a fine snap shot ar-
rangement and we snapped it at them.
You can see the very step and one leg
I'ust meeting as though it were going to
fit right where the other one had been.
You can tell it almost always. You can
tell it on a man even if he is alone, and
it is said that clever detectives, even if
they do not know a man has been a
prisoner, can tell it by his walk. They
even get the walk of a prisoner after a
time — the walk of a criminal.

There is a picture of a Charity Hospital
nurse, with a tendency to smile, and at
the same time she was quite pleased to

have her picture taken. That is in one
of the wards of the Charity Hospital on
Blackwell's Island.

Now we pass away from Blackwell's
Island for a little time and come to a
picture that many of you are familiar
with and that is the grand Insane Asylum
on Wards Island, (laughter.) I mean
you are familiar with on account of hav-
ing ridden by it so many times on your
way to Glen Island in the summer,
(laughter.) That is a picture of one of
the largest buildings in the State, but
not to be compared with some of the
State hospitals, especially the one at Og-
densburg. This building has been used
for males alone, but recently there is an-
other building on the same Island where
they have taken some female insane
patients. Now you know that just with-
in a few weeks the care of the insane in
the city of New York has passed over to
the State. Formerly we had the pleasure
of taking care of our own insane people,
and at the same time paid taxes to the
State ; but we now have sense enough to
throw the burden onto the State, and it
will be better done, T am sure, than in
the past.

But just think of the difference between
the treatment of the insane people to-day
and that of a century ago. Why, it was
only in 1736, in the reign of George the
III., in England, that the laws governing
the killing of those who were insane were
repealed. But those laws were not re-
pealed in England until they had murder-
ed 30,000 insane people, in France 20,000
people, and even our own country is not
altogether free from a burden of that
kind, as you will recall the history of our
own Salem a great many years ago. Now
we look upon insane people entiiely dif-
ferent than we did in those days. Let
me tell you some of the deeds they did
in England in some of their insane
asylums during those early days. Now

8o

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

it was considered that an insane person
was a vicious person. That was their
explanation of insanity. It was vicious-
ness. So they used to dig a great, big,
deep well, and in the bottom they put all
sorts of snakes and reptiles, and they
would take these insane persons and drop
them down among the reptiles and draw
them up and down again many times.
Then they used to have great circular
swings and put them in these circular
swings and run them around as fast as
possible, and all sorts of tortures of that
kind ; and it was stated that the doctors
of those days considered that kind of
treatment very beneficial to the patients.
Another thing that will give you a
little idea of the horrible torture that
these people were subjected to is this.
It is the case of Noyes. It is on record ;
any of you can look at it. It happened
in one of the asylums of Great Britain.
He was a peculiarly vicious insane pa-
tient — probably subject to chronic mania
— and was very troublesome. They took
him down into a dungeon, way below
the ground, where he only had room to
get up and lie down, and up on the wall
was an iron standard set up against the
wall and fastened to the wall, and around
his body was put an iron band. To this
band was one link attached, and that link
was attached to the standard, and when
he wanted to lie down he would slide the
link down the standard and lie down,
and when he wanted to get up he would
have to slide it up. He was never re-
leased from that position for twelve
years. You can get an idea of the care
given to our insane people as compared
with what it was then. What has been
the result ? From what has this change
come ? It has come from this. We have
come to recognize insanity as a disease,
not as a vicious characteristic. It is a
disease and these people must be treated
as sick people. They are sick people

and they should have that kind of treat-
ment. We do treat them that way, and |
as far as it is possible we give them good
food, the best of care, and all of them \
outdoor exercise. Why, if you take a '
ride in Central Park any day you will
see from ten to fifteen to twenty insane \
persons riding in carriages. You are not
aware of it. They ride in carriages.
They are allowed to go out.

But let us take a look at a few of them.
Those are insane women on Blackwell's
Island, out for their afternoon outing.
They are taking a walk with their at-
tendants, and they are allowed to walk
and run and romp and do almost any-
thing they like.

I remember a very strange feeling
came over me as I went to the Hospital
on Ward's Island and with two or three
of the physicians was sent out into one
of the back yards, where there were about
IOC men, and they were allowed to talk
with us, and I turned around and found
the doctors had all left me and I was in
there alone, and I began to think it was
about time I was moving on. I did move
on.

There is one peculiar thing about in-
sanity. It changes the whole tenor of
one's way. That is to say if a person
who is very pious when he is in his
normal condition, should become insane
he becomes one of the kind that will
swear and rant, and one of the most
wicked of people ; but you take a man
who is naturally wild and irreligious and
let him become insane, he generally wants
to pray all the time.

Now let us take another picture. That
is a picture of an insane boy — or man he
is now — up on Blackwell's Island, and it
only shows a type of insanity. Now that
boy harnesses himself up every morning
with this harness and this wagon and he
works around the Island all day long.
He unharnesses himself at noon and has

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

8i

dinner and afterwards harnesses up again.
Now he calls himself a horse. Rethinks
he is a horse, and to all intents and pur-
poses he is a horse. So that he has earn-
ed the name of "Johnny the Horse."
He has been there a long time and is
quite harmless and everybody that goes
to Blackwell's Island asks to see "Johnny
the Horse." He is one of the sights.

Now that is a picture of the Almshouse
on Blackwell's Island . In passing through
the streets many beggars ask you for
money to buy something to eat. They
ask you for alms- Now you can always
say, " My good friend, you don't need to
go hungry in the City of New York. The
city provides places for such people as
you." Now if I had no home, no shelter
and no food, I consider that I would be
a truer man to go to the proper author-
ities and be put into a place like this than
I would to belittle myself to stand on the
streets and beg of those who went by for
something to eat. Of course these peo-
ple up there — I don't suppose the bill of
fare is anything like Delmonico's or the
Waldorf, and I don't suppose they have
quai) on toast for dinner or the delicacies
of the season ; but they have enough to
eat and they have a fairly good bed. I
think most of them have it a great deal
better than they had before they went
there. But here is a place where they
can be sent to if they are in absolute
need.

Now we will take a look upon some of
the people who go there. This is a
picture of the same building. You see
some of the old women out with their
sun-bonnets on. It was a very peculiar
sight to me to pass along and see these
people, some of the old women with their
snuff-boxes and pipes, and they were
smoking and having a good time and
they seemed to be enjoying life a good
deal. Some of them didn't care to have
their pictures taken and drew their bon-

nets over their faces, but I induced some
of them to let me take their pictures.

There is a picture that is still further
up ; that is the final resting place of the
unnumbered dead of the City of New
York; that is the Potter's Field, on Harts
Island. There are about 10,000 people
buried there every year, and they dig
long trenches, and any of them who are
buried whole of course they have room
enough : but in most cases their bodies
are sent up after they have served their
purpose in the dissecting room before
they are sent there.

Now we will come back to the city,
and this is a picture of the interior of the
Carnegie Laboratorj^ where all the ex-
periments were made at the time of the
last cholera scare. Now we will just
take a look that will give you the posi-
tion of the physician when he is making
an examination with the microscope for
some of these germs. You will see he
has got the test tubes here and all the
cultures, and he is just making an ex-
amination.

But we must hasten on because there
are a number of pictures I wish to show
you still. This is a picture of the Babies'
Hospital, over on Fifty-sixth street, and
lycxington avenue. There are two hos-
pitals in the city besides the Charity Hos-
pital, but they are under private control,
where they take young babies under, I
think, two years of age. Most of the hos-
pitals will not take children under two
years of age; but these two, the babies'
ward of the Post Graduate, and this at
Fifty-sixth street take children under two
years of age. You can, of course, send
them up to the nursery on Blackwell's
Island, where they have young children
under two years of age. But most of
them come here and into the babies' ward.
I will show you a picture of the interior.
Here you see where the babies have their
cribs and little rocking horses, and the

82

IHE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

nurses taking care of them, inside of one
of these rooms in the Babies' Hospital.

This is another room in one of the
hospitals of the city, the cooking room
on the top floor of the Manhattan Eye
and Ear Hospital. I will show you one
or two other pictures of the children's
ward of the hospital. You see some of
them have had operations upon their
eyes; others upon the ear, nose or throat,
and they are in here for cure after these
operations. This is a picture of the
operating room in the Manhattan Eye
and Ear Hospital, with the head nurse
attending.

Many of these photographs I have had
taken myself, others I have procured
wherever I could get them.

There is a picture of a woman who is
ill with consumption, and I throw it on
the screen that I may call your attention
to one fact in connection with consump-
tion, and that is that we are trying in
this city to stamp it out ; and I want to
say also that the care that has been given
by the Board of Health during the past
three or four years has lessened the
death rate ot consumption nearly i,ooo a
year. It may seem an incredible thing,
but in Europe about a million people die
of consumption every year. In the
United States in, 1890, 91,000 thousand
people died of consumption. In the City
of New York in that same year over
6,000 people died of consumption. About
one-quarter of all the deaths in the world
are due to consumption. Now, if as
many people as that died of cholera or
smallpox, why the newspapers would be
just wild with indignation, and protest
after protest would be made by the peo-
ple ; and yet here is a disease going on
all the time and carrying off hundreds
and hundreds more people than any of
the diseases above named, and yet we
have very little to say about it. When
we come to think that consumption is

due to a germ, and that germ is con-
tained only in the sputum, and that it
the sputum could be destroyed before it
ever has a chance to become dry, it
would only be a question of time before
we could stamp it out of the country.
But if the sputum is allowed to become
dry and pulverized and get into the air,
then germs are liberated and absorbed
into the system and spread the con-
tagion. If we could only destroy the
sputum ! We used to think people in-
herited consumption. That theory has
gone by. You cannot inherit disease
very well. Disease does not belong to
me or to you, and it is not going to be
propagated except in very rare instances,
and especially in consumption. I don't
think people ever inherit consumption.
But you can inherit a tendency to dis-
ease, and you can inherit certain family
characteristics. If your father or mother
had a big nose you may have a big nose
too, and if they had little noses you
might inherit a little nose; but to inherit
disease, I do not think you do — not to
any very great extent. This woman
you can see with all these coverlets and
all those things around the room. If she
was careless about destroying sputum
the room is liable to be contaminated.
There are two or three things we must
do in this country. One is to show the
people that they must not expectorate
upon the floors of public buildings or
street cars or stores, or upon the floors
of their own houses. That is one thing
that must be stopped, and I see that
some of the street-cars last week have
put up an order of the Board of Health
forbidding expectoration upon the floors.
We must help them. And if we could
only teach people who have consumption
in their homes to see that the sputum is
completely destroyed, it would not be
very long before the death rate would be
very greatly reduced. It is being re-

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

83

duced very rapidly in some of our larger
cities. New Haven and Philadelphia
have gotten further along than we have,
but in our own city we are reducing the
death rate now very rapidly from con-
sumption.

There is another way that shows you
how it may be propagated. Here is a
consumptive. He is not able to go to
his work. I suppose he had to stay at
home and his wife perhaps had to go out
and work and he takes care of the little
children. Now, if you let that man be
careless and expectorate upon the floor
or in various parts of the room , and no
great care taken for the destruction of
the sputum, the little one is almost sure
to become contaminated with the dis-
ease.

Now^ there is a picture that will give
you a little idea ofthe enormous numbers
of bacteria in the world. Those are little
particles of dust that you see here. This
little stick that you see here looks like a
long stick of wood. That is a little par-
ticle of dust that you see on the rays of
the lantern going to the screen. There
is another little piece of fibre of wood,
and up there is another little particle of
sand. Here in the center of that is a
little fibre of sand. Now these were de-
veloped, that is, they were put under
proper conditions for the development of
bacteria, and after four or five days they
were picked up and magnified, and around
this little particle of sand you see this
great colony of bacteria had formed. Four
different colonies have formed on this
little fibre of wood, one colony here, one
here, one here and one there, and on this
little fibre four others had formed, all
different kinds of bacteria, had formed
upon that little piece of wood, that is any
ordinary dust. It is fortunate for hu-
manity that most kind of bacteria have no
aflSnity for the human being; that is, they
become destroyed if you breathe them in;

but, of course, some of them do not. We
have bacteria for consumption, bacteria
for typhoid, for typhus, for cholera and a
good many other diseases; but for most
bacteria, the human body has no affinity,
so that they are almost inert in most in-
stances.

Now, there is a picture showing you — ■
and I tried to tell you a little while ago
that consumption was not inherited ; it
is infectious or contagious. To prove
that to you I will show you some sec-
tions in one of the wards in Philadel-
phia. Wherever you see those black
spots they are consumptive centres; they
are centres for consumption or tubercu-
losis. Just see how it thrives ! Here is
a location where there is consumption.
Here is a location where there is none.
There is another. Down here a whole
block with only one centre of consump-
tion in it. But look up here how it runs
along, and you can see that it creeps
from one place towards another, and that
these buildings have become contami-
nated ; and you can tell consumptive
centres in various parts of the city, and
it will only be a year or two now when
you can tell where consumption has been
epidemic, where it has been going on for
years in certain places- And now you
may not know it, but we are obliged to
report to the Board of Health all cases of
consumption after death, and after death
the Board of Health go to the tenement
house or wherever a death has taken
place, and they paste a notice on the
doors of those rooms, saying, "These
apartments are not fit to be occupied un-
til the landlord has complied with the
requirements of the law and has put
them in proper renovation by destroying
all germs." Now, that is done in this
city to-day.

There is a picture of the tubercle bacil-
li — a picture of the bacilli of tuberculo-
sis. Now, some countries have gone

84

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

further than we have in the question of
the care of consumptives. We ought to
have some great national institution that
would take charge of consumptives, take
them away from their surroundings to
country places, where all the proper con-
ditions can be fulfilled. Of course we
have two or three buildings — I believe
the new St. Luke's Hospital has a con-
sumptive ward or a certain number of
wards for consumptives, and I believe
there is also an institution in Fordbam
that takes consumptives. But here is
what has been done in other places. This
is the Royal National Hospital for Con-
sumptives on the Isle of Wight. They
keep them there and a great many of
these lives are saved. We must remem-
ber that a great many people who have
consumption never die of it. They get
well. It is found on post mortems that
about 95 per cent, of those who have
died from other diseases gave indications
of having had consumption at some time
in their lives.

There is a picture of a trained nurse in
full uniform — and it is an occupation
that for any young woman I think is a
worthy one if she has got to support her-
self, because it means fairly good support
and at the same time a fairly good re-
muneration. It is overdone, the same
as medicine is overdone. I suppose all
these professions are overdone, unless it
is the profession of pharmacy.

Now I have a picture here — I hope
you are not too familiar with this build-
ing. This is a picture of the Tombs,
down in Centre street. There is a build-
ing that if it could tell the happenings
within its walls, what great romances
and what great stories would be given to
the public press of the world ! A won-
derful old building and wonderful are
the scenes that have transpired within its
walls. But let us look at the interior.
Here is a cell where young boy criminals

have been sent up tor ten days for minor
oflFenses. You see they have been ar-
raigned here and the Tombs " angel "
has commenced to do something to try
and reclaim these boys. I suppose she
is sometimes successful. She is a wo-
man of wealth and gives her time to try
and reclaim these little fellows that get
into the Tombs for a few days lor minor
offenses. Now she may be successful in
some cases, but as a rule until he be-
comes a man he generally keeps coming
up for ten days now and ten days again,
until we find him in the class of men we
shall see as we throw the next picture on
the slide. Here you find the older men.
They have been up for ten days all their
lives generally, and yet the work of re-
form still goes on, and they are still
striving to do something to reclaim them.

Sunday afternoon services in the
Tombs. You don't see the prisoners be-
cause they are in their cells, but the ser-
vice goes on and they listen from the
doors of their cells.

That is another service that is going
on in the ten day pen similar to the one
you saw a minute ago. These are all
pictures from the Tombs. This is where
the Sisters are carrying on a service for
the reformation of some of the young
women criminals that you see down
there.

Now we pass away from the Tombs to
a little pleasanter picture, and this picture
represents one of the very sweetest char-
ities I think that are established in our
city ; that is the Day Nursery, so called.
The woman who takes her child to the
Day Nursery is usually a woman whose
husband has either died, been taken
away from her suddenly or has suddenly
decamped and left her with these young
children, and she is obliged to support
them. She can take her young baby to
the Day Nursery and by giving and by
giving five cents to the people who run

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

85

it, the child gets a good bath, all of the
milk it wants to drink, food if it is old
enough, and is cared for and amused all
day and then at night the mother gets
her child, for she has earned her day's
wages of $1,25 or $1.50 to support her
family. These are the charities which
are done by the women of this city, who
feel the necessity of doing something to
help those who are not so fortunate in
life as they are. It is a great, wise and
good charity.

This is a picture of a little kindergar-
ten, taken in a mission church of this
city.

Of course, I haven't shown you the
pictures of all the hospitals. If I should,
it would take all night to get through.
There are the the New York and Presby-
terian, and all the other enormous hos-
pitals in the city which you know very
well.

There is a picture of one of the Fresh
Air Homes, taken in the dining room.

Working the growler. You see the
point, and it is quite intelligible here in
this growler gang that the oldest man in
the crowd has the can. He has been
there a good many years and he knows,
of course, what is best.

In this picture you see a little boot-
black is having his own shined now.

That picture is not a fancy's dream at
all. That is a photograph that was taken
on Howe & Hummell's steps one Sun-
day, down in Centre street. Of course,
it does look horrible to see a drunken
woman, but when you come to simmer it
down, it is not very much worse than a
drunken man. But the hope, I think, of
the American people, is in the soberness
of its women. You go to London and you
will see women walk right into grog
shops and go up to the bar and drink.
You don't see that in America, and I be-
lieve that is one of the strong points of

this country. You don't see that kind
of thing here.

Here is a picture of a ten cent lodging
house at 11 o'clock at night — one of
these lodging houses down in the Bowery.
See the lodgers. Here is one row of them
up here, and another down here, with
their feet hanging out and arms hanging
out in every direction. But there is not a
boy in that crowd. They are all men of
about fifty years of age or over, and I
suppose it would be just simply impossible
to come anywhere near hitting the num-
ber of bacteria present in one of these
places, and not only the lower forms of
animal life like bacteria, but some of
that are larger and are visible to the
naked eye. What could ever happen to
any man at fifty years of age to bring
him to a point where he would have to
live under the vile conditions that these
men are living in down there. It is not
necessary to say that when a man gets
to fifty years of age, if he has no friends,
there is nobody to blame but the man
himself. He is to blame. We all have
friends if we keep them, and there is
something wrong entirely, absolutely,
radically wrong in a man that has to live
in this condition. I am going to tell you
what puts them there in nine hundred
and ninety-nine cases out of a thousand,
and the cause of it can be spelled with a
word of three letters, R-U-M.

Here is a little ice cream vender down
in City Hall Park. You see the boys
buying their penny's worth of ice cream.
I suppose they got it on a piece of brown
paper.

I showed that picture one night down
in Oliver street, in the public school. I
did not know myself what the picture
was at that time. I knew it was a museum
somewhere and the boys began to say,
"There's Beefsteak John's." It was the
museum you see as you go down on the

86

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

Elevated to the City Hall, on the right
hand side — a dime museum.

Now there is a picture that looks funny
and yet it is pathetic. That is a group
of little children who are posing for their
photograph. That is the way they pose
down in Thompson street. They don't
go to photograph galleries and pay $12
a dozen for their photographs ; but they
have curly hair and they have nice
features just the same, when they are not
dirty.

Now that is a picture of Battery Park
and Staten Island in the distance. I am
showing you these pictures to rest your
eyes a little after looking at the hospital
pictures. I never see that picture down
there at the Battery Park, with Castle
Garden, that I do not think of the story
of the Irishman that came over. He was
heard telling some friends of his experi-
ence. He said, "They took me to Castle
Garden and faith I could see no castle or
garden there."

There is a summer scene up in Central
Park — the Lake up in Central Park, and
if you will watch it j^ou will see it change
from a summer scene to a winter scene.
(Applause.)

Ladies and Gentlemen — I feel as though
I owed you an apology for taking so
much time with this lecture ; but it is
some two years since I delivered it and
I have had to deliver it absolutely with-
out notes, and my memory is not quite
as good as if I was giving it very often.
I thank you for your very kind atten-
tion.

THE VARIOUS SYNTHETIC PROCESSES
FOR VANILLIN.

By Prof. VIRGIL COBI.ENTZ.

{Continued fjoni March issue.)

Closely related to the process of Messrs',
Boehringer is that of Majert, in which
benzyl chloride is replaced by phenyl-
chloro-acetic acid or chloro-toluic acid,
these two differing from the former in that
they contain an additional COo group ;.
thus

C,HaC( —CI
^H

CeH,C<— CI

^COOH

Benzyl chloride.

Phenyl-

/H

chloro-acetic acid.

C34

C<— CI
^H

COOH

Chlor-toluic acid.

Effect of Alum in Bread. — According
to Bigelow and Hamilton ^Hygien. Rundsch.),
bread containing alum or aluminum hydrate is
less completely digestible than pure bread, and
the presence of phosphate of aluminium ren-
ders bread still less digestible. The 10 or 12
per cent, of albuminoids digested in the pres-
ence of the two former aluminium compounds
seems to become quite insoluble when there is
an equivalent quantity of the phosphate.

Bv the action of these chlorides on
eugenol sodium, eugenol ethers are form-
ed, these being analogous to benzyl euge-
nol (Mch., p. 58) ; by the the action of
alkalies these ethers are converted into
the ISO compounds which on oxidation and
subsequent saponification yield vanillin.
The following formulae give a general
idea of the relationship of these three
source products of vanillin :

/CH,— CH— CH^
C,H3<^O.CH3^

O. C<^— CbH,
^H

Benzyl eugenol.

f CH„— CH=CH.,
I O. CH3

CeH3^ /H

I O. C<— C,H,
t ^COOH

Eugeuol-benzyl-acetic-acid.

( CH,.— CH^CH,
I O. CH3
CeH3^ /H

I O. C<— CeH,. COOH
I ^H

Eugenol-toluic-acid.

Thus far, the various processes men-
tioned here depended upon the oxidation

'IHE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

87

of an aliphatic side chain group in the
mother substance to yield an aldehyde
group, while the hydroxyl and methoxy
groups were already in their proper posi-
tion in the original substance. Lands-
berg devised a process in which a simple
crude material was selected in toluol,
which was successively converted into
/«£'/a-chloro- toluol, nitro ch loro- toluol (i,
3,4), nitro-chlorotolyl bromide (i, 3, 4),
and nitro-chloro-benzaldehyde (i, 3, 4),
this latter compound being converted by
the action of a methyl alcoholic solution
of a caustic alkali, into para nitro- /?z-me
thoxy-benzaldehyde, which through re-
duction of the nitro group, diazotating
and boiling the resulting amido com-
pound yielded vanillin ; the various phases
being represented by the following :

CgH^C

a,Hr,CH3

C.H4

yCH, (i)

CI

(3)

/CH3 (i) /CH.Br
€,;H3-C1 (3) -— CeH3-Cl
\N0, (4) \N0,

■(I)
(3)
(4)

/COH (i)
— - C,H,-C1 (3) -—
\N0, (4)

/COH (i) /COH
C„H — OCH3 (3) — - C.H3-OCH.

\N0, (4) \NH,

(I)
(3)
(4)

COH (i)

— - C,H3— OCH, (3)

\0H (4)

Ullrich (1884) patented a method for
the production of para-nitro-m-methoxy-
benzaldehyde, which is used in the above
process, he, however, starts out from
/«^/«-methoxy-cinnamic ester, converting
itf. into />ara-nitro-m-methoxy-cinnamic
ester, which on oxidation yields^, nitro-
?«-methoxy-benzaldehyde, from which
vanillin is obtained as already explained,
thus :

.CH=:CH— COOC,H5 (i)
OCH3 (3)

m — Methoxy-cinnaniic ester

/CH^:--CH -COOC.H5 (l)

C3H3-OCH3 (3) _—

\N0, (4)

p — Nitro-m-methoxy ciuuainic ester.

/COH (i) /COH (i)

C,H.-0.CH3 (3) -— C.H — OCH3 (3)

\N0, (4) \OH (4)

p— Nitro-m-methoxy-benzaldehyde. Vanillin.

In the various processes thus far men-
tioned, the aldehyde group is introduced
by oxidation, or other processes, into the
benzene nucleus. Since benzaldehyde is
readily produced this has been selected
by Messrs. Meister, Lucius & Briining as
material for production, introducing the
necessary hydroxyl and methoxy groups.
Meta-amido-benzaldehyde (a derivative
of benzaldehyde) is converted into a diazo
compound which on boiling yields m-
oxy-benzaldehyde ; this is nitrated and
methylated, giving w^/a-nitro-w-methoxy
benzaldehyde, which is converted into
vanillin as explained above.

Another class of syntheses start out
from protocatechuic-aldehyde, of which
vanillin is a direct derivative, through
the introduction of a methyl group.

( COH (i)

C^Hs - OH (3)

(OH (4)

Protocatechuic Aldehyde.

(COH (i)
C6H3- OCH3 (^

(oh

.0)
(4)

Vanillin (methyl-proto-
catechuic aldehyde.)

This process of the introduction of a
methyl group in protocatechuic aldehyde
was first patented by Bertram (1890) who
laid out the following rules for alkylat-
ing :

I. Vanillin is formed when the methyl
group replaces the hydrogen of the
hydroxyl which stands in \\i^ para
position to the aldehyde group :
a) in methylating dimetallic salts of

protocatechuic aldehyde ;
U) in methylating mono-acetyl deriv-

88

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

2.

atives of protocatecehuic alde-
hyde.
Isovanillin is formed, that is when
the methyl group replaces in the
hydroxyl occupying the vieta posi-
tion :

a) in methylating mono-metallic salts
of protocatechuic aldehyde,
in methylating di-acetyl com-
pounds of protocatechuic alde-
hyde.

COH

b)

COH

COH

JOCH,

OH

Vanillin.

OH

O. CH3

Isovanillin.

Homologues of vanillin may be pre-
pared after this process, in which an ethyl
group is introduced in place of a methyl.

Another class of vanillin syntheses
start from the mono-methyl ether of pyro-
catechin (guaiacol), which on treatment
with chloroform and alcoholic potassa,
yields vanillin direct.

COH

/\

OCH,

OH

Guaiacol

OH

Vanillin.

O. CH3

In this process a side product is form-
ed, in which the aldehyde group enters
the ortho instead of the para position, this
product being methoxysalicylic aldehyde.

COH' 'O. CH3
OH

This feature has been avoided by von
Heyden, in which guaiacol-carboxylic
acid (produced in his synthetic salicylic
acid process) it treated with chloroform
and alcoholic potassa, yielding vanillic
acid, from which vanillin is obtained up-
on the removal of CO. group ;

coohI J0CH3

COOH' JOCH

OH

Guaiacol carboxylic acid.

OH

Vanillic acid.

Lately Fajans devised a process in
which by the action of CO., on guaiacol
sodium at 180° C, aguaicol-di-carboxylic
acid is formed, thus :

COH

COOH' 'OCH,
OH

Then on treatment with chloroform
and potassa, the carboxyl group (para)
is replaced by the aldehyde group, yield-
ing vanillic acid which is converted into
vanillin by heating.

Summing up the various processes,,
they may be classified as follows :

1. Through oxidation of an aliphatic
side chain, vanillin may be obtained
from

a) coniferin, glucovanillin, olivil,
acetoferulic acid ;

U) eugenol, isoeugenol, aceteugenol,
eugenol acetic acid, aceto-iso-
eugenol, benzyl-iso-eugenol, me-
thylen-iso-eugenol, iso-eugenol-
toluic acid,

2. The following compounds are capable
of being converted into— ^-nitro-?«-
methoxybenzaldehyde, which is readi-
ly converted into vanillin :

Toluol (as /'-nitro-;?z-chlorotoluol),
cinnamic acid (as 7«-methoxycinnamic
ester), benzaldehyde (as w-amido-
benzaldehyde).

3. Through introduction of a methyl
group in protocatechuic aldehyde
yielding vanillin :

The di-metallic salts, the mono-
acetyl, the benzyl and the benzol-
sulpho compounds of protocatechuic
aldehyde.

I HE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

89

4. From guaiacol, vanillin is obtained:
a) through introduction of an alde-
hyde group by treatment with
chloroform and caustic potassa ;
U) through conversion into guaiacol-
carboxylic acid, introduction of
an aldehyde group and splitting
oflF of the car boxy 1 group ;
c) through conversion into guaiacol
di-carboxylic acid, treatment with
chloroform and caustic potassa
finally removing the ortho car-
boxyl group.

GIANT BIRDS OF AnERICA.

THE COCOPAH MOUNTAIN VULTURES ARE

LARGER THAN CONDORS.
{Los Angeles Correspondence of The Philadelphia Times.)

While the International Boundary
Commission has resurveyed the territorial
lines between the United States and
Mexico and has set up a string of granite
monuments all the way trom El Paso
westward to San Diego, on the Pacific
Ocean, since September, 1892, it has been
the means of giving to the scientists of
the world much valuable information.
The country through which the commis-
sion worked its way from El Paso west-
ward is probably as wild, desolate and
dangerous to human life as any on this
continent. Thousands of square miles
through which the boundary line between
the Union and Mexico runs is as hope-
lessly a burning desert as the Sahara.
There are mountains and canyons there
that have never been trod by white men,
and any company of a dozen or so white
men would be hazarding their lives to
attempt to go there for purposes of ex-
ploration. The temperature in that region
ranges from 110° to 125° for weeks at a
time in summer.

When the International Boundary
Commission and its accompanying body
of United States soldiers and laborers
started from El Paso on an expedition of

three years the opportunity to send men
for scientific purposes along with the
party was eagerly improved by the author-
ities of the Smithsonian Institution at
Washington and at the Academy of
Sciences at the City of Mexico. There
were mineralogists, geologists, entomol-
ogists, geographers and general natur-
alists in the party, and they gathered to-
gether literally a carload of specimens in
the animal, vegetable and mineral king-
doms.

The most fruitful results of the scien-
tific expedition were those among the
birds and animals. Dr. Edgar A. Mearns,
United States Army, had charge of the
collecting of ornithological and mammal
specimens in the progress across the de-
serts and mountains and through the
Cocopah Indian region. The doctor and
his assistants collected nearly 20,000
specimens of curious life, and they have
been busy for weeks in arranging the
enormous collection. The doctor has
packed his specimens in San Diego and
has gone on to the Smithsonian Institu-
tion with them, expecting to put in some
two years in classifying them and putting
them in shape for the information they
will impart to naturalists everywhere.

Among other birds making their last
stand in the Cocopah Mountains before
the advance of man is one of noble size — a
bird that, as a strong, powerful and grace-
ful flyer, is the peer of American birds. It
is a California vulture. In size it is
larger than the South American condor,
that king of birds in the cloud-touching
Andes. Few of these birds are left in
California, and they are not numerous
even in that part of the Cocopah Moun-
tains traversed by Dr. Mearns. It has
been remarked that the California vulture
is a cowardly bird, but the members of
Dr. Mearns' party do not think so after
observing one of these vultures fight a
rattlesnake. It was in the early morn-

90

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

ing. The big bird had seized the snake
behind the head and was struggling up-
ward with its writhing, deadly burden.
The snake's captor appeared aware that
its victim was dangerous. The burden
was heavy, as the reptile was nearly five
feet long. The great pinions of the vul-
ture waved rapidly as it slowly ascended
from the mountain mesa. Although
large in size, these vultures are not as
strong as they appear to be. Up and up
and up went the bird and the rattlesnake.

The grip of the bird on the snake's
body was not of the best. The snake
seemed to be squirming from its captor's
talons at least sufficiently to enable it to
strike at the great bird. The triangular
head of the snake was seen to recoil and
dart at the mass of feathers. It did this
once or twice, and then with a shriek the
vulture dropped its prey, The bird was
then probably 500 feet or so above the
observers. The astonished men below
were then treated to a spectacle seldom
seen anywhere. Few birds but a vulture
could accomplish such a feat. The in-
stant the snake escaped from the bird's
clutches it dropped earthward like a shot.
And like a shot the bird dropped after it,
catching the astonished snake in midair
ere it touched the ground with a grip
that caused death. At any rate, the
snake ceased to wriggle, and the vulture
soared away to a mountain peak to devour
its hard-earned meal. Why the snake
did not bite the vulture and cause the
death of the bird can only be explained
by the fact that the thick feathers prob-
ably protected the biped's flesh from in-
cision by the reptile's fangs.

These vultures are closely allied to the
common turkey buzzard. Their color is
a glossy black, with patches of white un-
der the wings. The greater part of the
neck is bare, like the turkey buzzard,
with a ruffle where the feathers begin.
There is a bright orange patch on

the head. A fair sized specimen of the
California vulture is four feet high and
weighs about twenty pounds. Years
ago, when these huge birds were common,
it was a familiar sight in the valleys to
see California vultures and buzzards feed-
ing on the same carcass in perfect har-
mon5^ while occasionally a raven would
join them. These vultures were frequent-
ly caught alive, when gorged, by a lariat
in the hands of a cowboy. One cause of
the extermination of the vulture in Cali-
fornia has been through the medium of
poisoned meat, prepared by ranchers to
kill pestiferous animals. The breeding
habits of the vulture are practically un-
known, although it is supposed to nest
in caves or cliffs, like the turkey buz-
zard. Owing to the practical extinction
of the bird its eggs are as rare and valu-
able as are those of the great auk, and
will probably become more valuable.
Some fifteen perfect eggs of the great auk
are in collections, one of these eggs being
worth $1,500 or more. Only two eggs
of the California vulture are known to
exist. Even the National Museum at
Washington does not possess one of these
valuable specimens.

Observations of bird life at different
places along the route of the boundary
survey, which often took the naturalists
into the mountains, were of rare interest.
At one point along the shores of a small
lake many dead birds were seen. These
birds were known as the "eared grebe."
The bodies of the birds found within the
limits of a given distance were counted,
and the number of dead birds about the
shores of the entire lake was estimated at
350,000. It was thought that one of two
causes, or both combined, must account
for the death of so many birds. Either
the water, which was saturated with salt
and soda, was in some way injurious to
them, or remaining to search for proper
food, which did not exist in the lake,
they became so weak as to be unable to
fl}^ and died of starvation. It is said by
old guides that this tremendous bird
mortality occurs at this particular point
regularly every year.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

9^

Published under the auspices of the

Alumni Association of tlie College of Pharmacy

OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK,

115=119 WEST 68th STREET,

Vol. III.

ApriIv, 1896.

No. 4-

The Alumni Journal will be published Monthly.

Entered at New York Post Office as second-class matter

SUBSCRIPTION :

Per Annum,
Single Copies,

One Dollar
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,

Fred. Hohenthal, 857 Third Avenue.

All communications relating- to finances and business
matter in general should be addressed to

Thos. M. Davies, 543 Third Avenue.
All communications relating to subscriptions should
be addressed to

Nelson S. Kirk, g East 59th Street.

EDITOR.

FRED. HOHENTHAL, PH. G.

assistant editors.
K. C. MAHEGIN, PH. G.

J. KUSSY, Ph. G.
RUD. BOENKE, Ph. G.

ASSOCIATE EDITORS,

CHARLES RICE, Ph. D.

CHARLES F. CHANDLER, PH. D., M. D

ARTHUR H. ELLIOTT, Ph. D., F

HENRY H. RUSBY, M. D.

VIRGIL COBLENTZ, A. M., Ph. G., Ph. D.

SMITH ELY JELLIFFE, M. D.

GEORGE A. FERGUSON, Ph. B.

L.L.D., etc.
C. S.

in city or country, they will not let go of
their allegiance to their Alma Mater (the
noblest and best College of Pharmacy) or
to the Journal, which hopes to hear
from all with notes for each issue.

The Annual Meeting (and election of
officers) of our College was much better
and more enthusiastically attended than
in previous years, and the brilliant staff
of ofiicers elected bodes well for the en-
suing year. At the conclusion of the
election the retiring President, Samuel
W. Fairchild, was presented with a
beautiful bronze figure mounted on a
solid marble pedestal (five feet high in
all) as an appreciation of the wonder-
ful and indefatigable work he had done
for our College. The President respond
ed in happy words, stating that when he
entered the room he saw that canopy-
covered figure, but paid no further at-
tention to It, supposing it one of the ap-
paratuses used by the professors to il-
lustrate their lectures. The professors
present smiled.

The next lecture \s\\\ be by the same
accomplished gentlemen, Herman A.
Heydt, Ph. B. LL. B., who delighted
us with the European lecture, and will
be on Motmtain Climbmg in Switzerland,
illustrated with stereopticon views, on
Wednesday evening, April 8th, at 8.
o'clock. It is sincerely hoped a good
audience will be present, as Mr. Heydt' s
lectures are too good to be missed.

EDITORIAL.

The Annual Meeting of the Alumni
Association on the celebration of Alumni
Day will take place on May 6th, the day
before the Commencement of the College.

Full details will be published in the
next issue.

Before another Journal is issued the
boys of '96 will have passed through the
severe ordeal of showing what they have
learned (or don't know), and many will,
after having pocketed their sheepskins
and doffed their high hats and swallow
tail coats after the Commencement is
over, travel to different parts of the
the country to commence the battle of
life in earnest. We hope that, whether

Merck's 1896 Index has just been
issued and will be found by all who pos-
sess it as a very handy and correct refer-
ence book.

This year's Commencement of our
College will take place at Carnegie Hall
on May 7th in the usual felicitious man-
ner as in previous years, as can only be
expected when such genial and experi-
enced gentlemen who have managed
these delightful and impressive ceremo-
nies before are in charge again.

The very accurate report of Dr. Phil-
lips' excellent lecture was taken in short-
hand by Messrs. Chas. W. Morris and
W. A. Cornell, of 252 W. 22d .street,
New York, who can be recommended for
their superior qualities in that line for
medical and pharmaceutical work.

r2

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

^^Zilan^r^i Goloin^^.

OUR SOCIAL MEETINGS.

CARD PARTY.

'T WAS indeed a humor loving contingent
that assembled in the Alumni room to partici-
pate in the card party held Wednesday even-
ing, February 26. Tobacco in ever) form, in-
cluding pipes, were supplied to the guests
gratis. After the inspiration for card playing
had ceased, stories were given, not fish stories,
but students' stories. Singing was then in-
dulged in, the piano issuing the accompani-
ment. A recitation followed, and then the star
attraction ot the evening was rendered in the
form of a one act farce comedy which was side-
splitting in every sense of the word, the princi-
pal actors being Messrs. Ruckert, '98, and Kirk,
'94, whose abilities as comedians are justly
styled talented. Merrymaking was continued
until Roosevelt's "no man's hour" was reached,
when the Alumni room became deserted, the
verdict of the departing guests being — an even-
ing well spent, with a wish for a repetition of
the same.

Among those present were Editor Hohenthal,
'81; Secretary Hoburg, N. S, Kirk, '94; J. C.
Becker, '96; T. E. Butterworth, '96; G. H.
Carter, '96; Mr. Irvine, '96; A. E. Gartner, '97;
G. T. Ruckert, '98, and many others who claim
the friendship of the foregoing gentlemen.

SMOKER,
The smoker held Wednesday evening, March
4, exceeded all our previous smokers in attend-
ance. By 9 o'clock the Alumni room became
saturated with guests, all of whom possessed
that jovial disposition which is characteristic of
typical entertainers. Vice - President A. C.
Searles acted as master of ceremonies. The
college glee club rendered some choice and up-
to-date selections, while others exhibited their
skill on the piano. Among those present were
Vice-President A. C. Searles, Treasurer Hen-
ning, N. S. Kirk, '94; G. H. Carter, '96; E-
Uhle, '96; W. McKenna, '96; J. Brooks, '96;
B. Hulick, '96; J. Hostmann. '96; A. Mass-
mann, '96; T. E. Butterworth, '96; A. Imhof,
'96; C. Patrick, '96; C. L. Stevens, '96; J.
Peterson, '96; G. H. McCoy, '96; F. W. Trow-
bridge, '96; T. G. Wilbur, '97: C. E. Bagley,
'97; D. J. O'Brien, '97; J. B. Kelly, '97, and
their friends.

LECTURE.

A SMALL but appreciative audience occupied
the amphitheatre at our college on Wednesday
evening, March 11. Dr. Wendell C. Phillips
delivered a very interesting lecture entitled
"The Bright and Dark Side of Hospital Life,"
which was illustrated by stereopticc.n views.
The able lecturer highly commended Bellevue
Hospital and laid great stress in emphasizing
the philanthropic work done by charitable in-
stitutions.

After the lecture a business meeting was held
in the Alumni room, President Stover oflBciat-
ing. Those present were President Stover,
Editor Hohenthal, Treasurer Henning, Secre-
tary Hoburg, "Boss" Geo. Burger, '94; L. Erb,
'94; H. Krueder, '94; T. Davies, '94; R. Gies,
'95; E. Meyer, '95; J. Jorgenson. '94; G. Diirr,
'95, and last, but not least, ex -President
Graeser, '89.

SOCIABLE,

Thk Sociable held Wednesday evening,
March 18, in the Assembly Rooms of our Col-
lege, proved a miniature repetition of our ball
held in January, The music was rendered by
Professors Stirweiss and Schubert. The danc-
ing order was given a la carte.

Duirng intermission Miss Zimmerman ren-
dered vocal selections as did Mr. and Mrs. Gies
who are noted for their entertaining proclivities.
Father Time recorded the even small hours of
the morning ere the band played "Home, Sweet
Home."

Among those present were President Stover,
Editor Hohenthal, Secretary Hoburg, F. Borg.
grere, '92, J. S. Stage, '93, F. M. Stage, '93, E.

F. Lohr, '93, C. Stoerzer, '94, J. Kenny, '94, F.
Corves, '94, T. M. Davies, '94, N. 3. Kirk, '94,
R. Gies, '95, H. Struck, '94, H. Wurthman, '94,

G. H. Jorgensen, '95, C. P. Gould, '96, G. E.
Manville, '95, B. Gulick, '96, N. Brownell, '96,
C. Gregorius, '96, C. F. Smith, '97, F. D.
Lursch, '97, G. Ruckert, '98, E. J. Mahlstadt,
W. A. Neuman, F. Ruckert, A. C. Coe, A.
Massmann, A. Scheotser, W. S. Burger, W. C.
Vincent. The ladies roll— Mrs. R. Gies, Mrs.
F. Hohenthal, Mrs. Meagher, Mrs. Ph. Fraser
and the Misses N. Lowter, C. Ruckert, E.
Ruckert, J. A. Stage, M. Meares, S. Meares,
M. Gottlieb, E. Klein, H. Hoburg, E. Gladhill,
M. Mansfield, A. Mansfield, B. Schall, H.
Vogt, M. Vogt, S. Does, M. Murray, M. Borg-
grere, B. Mainken, M. Koenig, M. L. Vincent,
Zimmerman and Ives

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

93

NEWSY AND PERSONAL.

Rudolph GiES, '95, has been appointed a
member of the Entertainment Committee, vice
Wm. A. Hoburg, '93, resigned.

Henry Struck, '94, has qualified as a mem-
ber of our Association Bravo! Heinrich.

A VALUABLE addition has been made on the
editorial staff of our Journal in the person of
Joe Kussy, '94, as assistant editor,

Chas. W. Roberts, '92, has recently assumed
the management of the Linden Pharmacy, in
Hartford, Conn.

Andrew E. Hegeman, '92, has the grand
distinction of being the proprietor of a phar-
macy which is one of the handsomest in Bath
Beach, N. J.

Joseph N. Doak is manager of Rudolph
Gies' pharmacy on Third avenue near 28th
street, New York.

Echoes are heard that Graeser, '89; Kreuder,
'94, and Wurthman, '94, are living up to ex-
pectations as students at the P. and S.

A majority of the active members of our
Association have been elected members of the
college.

That our sociables are cutting ice is signifi-
cant in the fact that three matrimonial engage-
ments have been announced since we inaugu-
rated the social calendar. Beware, ye bachelors.
This is leap year. Belter have a mitten in your
pocket.

Geo, F. Burger, Ph. G.,

115-119 W. 68th St., N. Y.

^lanii>i Notes.

BREVITIES.

Any of our readers or friends of a photo-
graphic turn of mind can hear of something to
their advantage and obtain some of such goods
very cheaply from one of our friends who is
giving up the pastime. Address : Amateur,
care Editor's Office.

Our Secretary would like to have the ad-
dresses of the following members named below;
any of our readers able to furnish them will
favor greatly by communicating with Mr. Ho-
burg :

Gurdon S. Badger, Class '90 ;

H. A. Braecklein, '90 ;

H. W. Walp, '90 ;

Andrew G. StaflFord, '90 ;

Fred. O. Schroeder, '89 ;

Fred. G. Hartman, '90 ;

Louis D. Huntoon, '90 ;

Emil Buehler, '88 ;

F. K. Burr, '88 ;

A. W. Moschowitz, '88 ;

Chris. H. Magenheimer, '89;

Antonio Pisani, '90 ;

M. C. Brown, '89 ;

Chas. C. Stewart, '90 ;

Edw. Stone, '91 ;

C. Benkendoerfer, '90 ;

Alphonse Dubois, '90 ;

Frederico Peiter, '90 ;

J. Mochowitz, '90 ;

Chas. H. Roese, '90 ;

Gus. Katz, '90 ;

J. H. Morey, '89,

F. W. Schaub, '92, is now with Joseph Weber
at Lexington avenue and 56th street.

'93 NOTES.
It has been the source of great regret to me
that I was prevented from attending the lecture
by Dr. Phillips on March 11. Those who were
present say the subject was a most interesting
one, to which the Doctor did full justice. I will
not be so remiss the next time, as such oppor-
tunities must be taken advantage of.

We civilians can breathe easier. The coun-
try is safe. Eugene C. Webb has joined the
8th regiment, and has been duly installed as a
hospital steward. And, by the way, common re-
port says that Webb has raised a beautiful crop
of hirsute appendages.

Talking of beards, how many of you have
seen Tanny's lately? His luxnrant growth
gives him quite a distinguished appearance, and
several people have asked me lately whether he
is a philosopher or a French Count.

Those of you who have not read "Happy
Harry Heller's" article in a recent issue of a
contemporary, cannot claim a full and liberal
pharmaceutical education. It is written in the
right spirit, of which we should have more in
our ranks.

"Papa" Lauffer, and those who does not
remember him with his fierce and war-like
mustachios, and his Prussian lieutenant-like
carriage, writes me from Bloomfield, N. J., that
if his two youngsters keep on the way they
have started, they will be Ph.G's, N. Y. C. P.
1915 and 1916. Let the good work go on. I
can only advise the boys "Go ye and do like-
wise."

94

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

Fate seems to arrange things so that we
always have several of the class in the Annexed
District. Now there are James Wilson, at 138th
street and Willis avenue; L.J. Meighan, 151st
street and Courtland avenue; and L,. Ambos,
139th street and Willis avenue.

Apropos of J. Wilson, the young man with
curly hair and of good moral character. He is
studying German. He was having a most spirit-
ed and exciting discussion with a German lady
customer on the merits and demerits of Kamillen
Thee, and was flattering himself that he was
getting along swimmingly, when she floored him
with "Oh, dear, I wish there was some one here
who could speak German." Thus are our most
fondly cherished hopes rudely dashed to pieces
in a moment. Better luck next time, Jim.

Iv. J. Meighan has made use of his phar-
macognosy specimens in a very attractive win-
dow display. Who will now dare say that the
value of our theoretical education ceased when
we got our sheepskin that eventful evening?

Oh ! into what serious complications has not
the Wrensch family involved us ? I hear from
one source of "unquestioned veracity," that our
Henry C. Wrensch. Jr., (don't forget the Jr. ),
has bought a store in Montclair, N. J., and
from another column in the Journal, I gleam
that it is his illustrious brother of '95. If one of
the Wrensches won't come forward and end
the suspense by telling i^s who it is, I am
afraid we will have to get a diplomat from
Washington to unravel the complication, which
threatens to become of national importance.

Our Wrensch writes me that he has not been
wrensched down as far as Catherine street, but
is at Pearl and Madison streets. He requests
me to insert the following " ad. : "

For Sale or To Let — A copper-lined, double-
back action, collapsible and indestructible high
hat, suitable for any one who wishes to join the
high hat brigade, will sell or rent, as desired. For
dates, terms, references, etc., address, H. C.
Wrensch, Jr., 426 Pearl street.

The reception on the i8th inst., was very
enjoyable. The number present was almost
double that of last time. '93 deserves a lecture,
for while all other classes were largely repre-
sented, the faithful of '93 were again; Billy
Hoburg and sister, Stage brothers and sister,
and myself. Those of you that do not come
punish yourselves, for the affairs are all most
enjoyable. "So buck up," boys, and let us
see you, if it is only one evening a month,

Eugene F, Lohr. Ph.G., 375 3d ave.

'94 NOTES.

"It's all over, boys ;" the proud distinction
we have always cherished as being the Banner
Class is about to be grasped from us. For '96
under ordinary conditions will graduate at least
175 as compared to our 128. While we regret
having to accept second place, we realize that
the inducements offered by our Alma Mater are
being appreciated. Hops that '96 will recipro-
cate, by appreciating the value of the Alumni
Association.

The '94 delegation to the Reception on the
i8th was a conspicious one, as a glance at Prof.
Burger's column will indicate. We should like
to see class interest grow in Alumni social af-
fairs, for "to promote sociability" is one of the
Association's objects.

As a diagnostician. Dr. Kreuder is making
quite a reputation, tne following case speaking
for itself. At the Smoker held on March 4th,
a smooth faced, gilded pharmacist lit one of the
pipes, which were on top ; assuming a comfort-
able position he began to enjoy a sweet solace,
listening to the alternate piano and banjo selec-
tions, suddenly he arose from his chair, pressed
his hands against his head and persisted in say-
ing that he had banjos inside. Dr. Kreuder
was hastily summoned, and after a thorough
examination, announced that the patient was
suffering from Catarrh (Guitar).

With the addition of "Joe" Kussy to the
editorial stafi" of The Alumni Journal its
value as an up to date journal will be consider-
ably enhanced. A glance at his contributions
during our senior year, would reveal many
columns, which for originality and cleverness
have yet to be surpassed. Though inclined to
be of a quiet, unassuming disposition, he is
nevertheless an ardent worker for the Alumni,
and we thoroughly appreciate his presence at
any of our social functions and particularly
should we, when we take into consideration the
fact, that he has the journey from the "wilds of
Jersey" to accomplish it.

Have you heard it ? One of our Benedicts
was down to Macy's buying some hosiery ; after
making the purchase and to relieve the mono-
tany of the necessary wait in procuring the
change, he began chatting with the clerk, when
a young lady came up and with a Bostonese ac-
cent asked for a pair of "girters," in the follow-
ing way, "I desire to purchase a pair of girdular
apparatusses capable of holding in the proper
position the covering of that portion of the
nether limbs, which modesty prevents me from

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL

95

mentioning." The clerk fainted and the Bene-
dict hurried home with his — well, what he
bought.

Henry G. Born is at present with Oscar
Kress & Co., of this city, but intends embark-
ing in business for himself shortly. Brooklyn
will probably claim him.

Remember the date of the next and last Re-
ception, Wednesday, April 15th,

Nelson S. Kirk, Ph. G.,

9 E. 59th St.
'95 NOTES.

At the last meeting of the Alumni Associa-
tion Dr. W. C. Phillips delivered a lecture on
hospital life, which was illustrated by stereop-
ticon views. Quite a large number were present,
notwithstanding the inclement weather. Of
our boys there were present Messrs. Diirr,
Flick, Gies, Jorgenson and Aquaro.
LOST.

Messrs. Franck, Geritzen, Gieschen, Gif-
ford, Green, Greenleaf, Greer, Harding, Hil-
liard, Hastorf, Hawn, Heinig, Hentschel, Ber-
ing, Hoefling, Horton, A. A. Kellog, J. H.
Kellog, Kerr, Klein, Klipp, Kneuper, Knight,
Koerber, Koster, Lourie, Lavalaye and Lurch.

Any information relating to the above named
gentlemen will be thankfully received.

FOUND.

Hummel is at Glasco, N. Y.

Cordner has been travelling for Fairchild
Bros. & Foster for some time.

Diirr is dispensing (with ) drugs at 905 Eighth
avenue, in the store of F. B. Bracher. He was
elected a member of the Alumni Association at
the March meeting.

Broesler is with H. Graeser, Ph. G. , corner
of Stanton and Forsyth streets.

Dauscha is still artistically twisting pills at
Miller Bros, store, 48th street and loth ave.

Foster joined the benedicts about two or
three weeks ago, and we take this opportunity
of congratulating him. His wife is said to he a
very handsome woman.

Wrensch reports that he is doing a very
good business in his Montclair store at 610
Bloomfield ave. His brother is in this city at
present; he is associated with him in the business.

For the past seven months Wrensch has been
with our former instructor, Wm. H. Madison,
Ph.G., and he says that together they composed
the "Faculty" of the "Imperial Pharmacy,"
238 State street, Bridgeport, Conn. His junior
clerk, named Curtis, is a member of the class
of '97.

The next alumni lecture is to be delivered on
April 8th, the subject to be " Mountain Climb-
ing in Switzerland," by H. A. Heydt, Ph.B.,
LL.B., who gave such an interesting lecture

in February.

RuD. Boenke, Ph.G.,

437 E. 87th St.

Follow^ing is the programme for the Alumni
Wednesday evening sociables for the month of
April :

April ist. Smoker.

April 8th. Lecture by Herman A. Heydt.
Ph. B., LL. B.

April 15th. Reception.
April 22d. Smoker.
April 29th. Open.

Nelson S. Kirk.
Rudolph Gies,
Geo. F. Burger,

Committee.

PENNSYLVANIA MUSINGS.

The Alumni Journal of March came to my
hand like a good letter from an old friend.

Yes, through necessity I am sojourning in the
mountains of Pennsylvania, in a successful
effort to regain my health. The county of
Pike which Horace Greeley made popular in
that memorable expression, "There is nothing
in Pike County but rocks, rattle-snakes and
Democrats," is noted for its great natural beauty
and health-giving air. Here no poisonous gases
from factories or marshy ground contaminate
nature's health restorer. Milford is a mecca to
which invalids make their pilgrimage from con-
jested cities. As Whittier has said :

"There's iron in our northern winds,
There's healing in our pines."

What does one find to do in winter? It
might be a natural question. Mountain climb-
ing, skating, sleighing, and the pleasure of in-
door games, while away the hours of recreation.
The more fruitful hours, however, are those
spent in scientific research, and practical in-
formation coupled with a study of literature.

I have just spoken of mountain climbing, and
in that connection wish to refer to the Sawkill
Falls which are near town. They are truly a
beautiful winter scene as they are framed ia
their setting of snow like masses of pearly ice.
The splashing water comes dashing between the
rough and rugged rocks, and suddenly plunges
thirty feet, catching and gathering its flood of
water in a basin some fifty feet wide; it as un-
expectedly leaps full eighty feet into its deep,
dark basin below, and wends its way in pretty^

96

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

cascades to the placid Delaware. The crystal
ice around the falls, hanging in pendants and
supported in stately pyramids, causes the sun
to scintilate back and forth from neighboring
walls of "crystal clear." The emerald green
pines make a fitting frame to illumine the living
picture as they blend with the complimentary
blue of the heavens. The laughing water, as it
prances away in miniature cascades in the
ravine below, blends with the reverberating
war of the cataract tike the softer tones of
architectural music, or the singing of the birds
among the sighing pines.

In a recent stroll I went to the cliffs. "The
Cliffs" resemble the palisades of the Hudson,
as they are perpendicularly in majestic grandeur
several hundred feet above the winding Dela.
ware valley. The road at its base is said by
bicyclists to be the best one in Pennsylvania.
But I am digressing. What I was going to
mention has almost been lost in my mind. It
was that while taking this walk to the cliffs»
and gathering a winter bouquet of bitter,
sweets, the shiny leaves of the beautiful rhodo-
dendron holding in their fingers the inanimate
life of exquisite blossoms, and the warm looking
fruits of the sumac. I was poisoned by the
toxic rhus glabra. Fortunately I remembered
a remark of Prof. Rusby in this connection,
and my hand was soon healed. Is it the ex-
perience of others that the fruit poisons as well
as the leaves ?

D. M. Wells, '95.

(College Notes.

Prof. Arthur H. Elliott, has resigned
from the chair of chemistry and physics, and
will henceforth devote all his time to gas, being
chemist for the Consolidated Gas Co. There will
at present be no successor to him, as it is intend-
ed to divide the work of his department among
the other professors.

Prof. Rusby, sailed for South America, on
March 21, to be gone .some time in the interest
of science.

The following are the officers of the college
for the ensuing year, 1S96-1897:
President:
Edward Kemp.
ist Vice-Presidefit :
Charles F. Chandler.
2d Vice-President:
John R. Caswell.

jd Vice-President:
Gustavus Ramsperger.
Treasurer:
Herbert D. Robbins,
Secretary:
Alfred H. Mason.
Assistant Secretary:
O. J. Griffin.
Trustees to serve for three years :
Clarence O. Bigelow,
Samuel W. Fairchild,
George Massey,
Ernst Molwitz,
Reuben R. Smith.
Trustee: {term to end in iSgT.)
Charles S. Erb.
Trustees to serve two years:
Charles Holzhauer,
William M. Massey,
Albert Plant,
Charles F. Scheirssner,

Horatio N. Fraser.

Trustees to serve one year:

Hermon W. Atwood,

Thomas J. MacMahon,

Charles Sice,

George B. Wray,

Charles S. Erb.

'97 NOTES.

Professor Ferguson has our deepest sym-
pathy in his sorrow.

Our classmate, Mr. William Becker, recently
met with a painful and exceedingly unfortunate
accident causing the loss of his right eye.
We hope Mr. Becker will keep up a stout
heart and not give way to discouragement over
his loss.

"Where there is smoke or the odor thereof
there is fire," was borne out the other day dur-
ing a botany demonstration, when Dr. Rusby
detected the faint odors of burning woolen fibre
and damp wood. At first, there was apparent
cause for alarm. On investigation, however,
one of our worthy classmates was discovered
contentedly puffing away on an "Egyptian" (?)
cigarette in the lower hall. Luckily for this
fume producer the doctor did not make the
nvestigation in person.

Keep up your "style," gentlemen ! Our class
historian. Miss Fellows, "is a spottin' yer."

Section 2 men should not forget the advice
given them in regard to their table drawers.

"Wild Wooly" has been so very quiet lately
that we fear he is ill or in love. Which is it
Mr. "Wooly?"

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

97

The Dramatic Club has failed to germinate.
"Chemicus or the Druggist's Pill" was evident-
ly too much of a bolus for the boys.

Our gentle classmates, the ladies, have done
po remarkably well throughout this present
term that we are, from sheer admiration, com-
pelled to oflFer our regards and sincerely hope
that they will pass through the "April Ordeal "
with colors unlowered.

Mr. Oehler'S descriptive and very thorough
drills in Chemistry and in Physics have enabled
all, who have given him strict and reasoning
attention, to gain a firm footing in those two
studies. No fear need be felt by these for the
examination results.

What has become of Mr. MoflSt ? We have
not had the pleasure of seeing his cheerful
countenance for some time. We hope he is not
sick.

"Sleepy Hollovv^" Livingston is exclusively
in love with the fair Morpheus. During any
"quiz" he may be seen, either courting her em-
braces, or already tightly elapsed therein. There
is no doubt but that she is a "peach," Mr.
Livingston, but she'll give you the mitten at
examination.

Another gentleman was heard to murmur as
he became unconscious. "Let me off at BuflFalo."
Arrival due April 27. Porter will see gentleman
off safely.

"'97" BIDS Dr. Rusby au r^'z/ozV and devoutly
prays he will meet with every success in his
botanical researches in Venezuela and that he
may return in good health and spirits.

R. W. Milne.

^Jepior Glass Notes.

The prompt action on the part of those stu-
dents who have paid the dues toward gradua-
tion is very commendable and practically in-
sures the success ot our Commencement. Those
who have not paid should not feel timid about
doing so, as all money assessed will be needed.

The question of graduation of the post
graduates comes up for the first time in the
history of the N. Y. C. P. this year. The mem-
bers of this class are to be congratulated on
their uncommon interest that has made them
spend an extra year exploring the mysteries
of the profession. We welcome them to a
place in our graduation exercises.

The class was given, without any extra
charge, a practical illustration of how the con-
tents of the U. S. P. may be assimilated. This
method does not require any special effort on
the part of the student and seems also to be
very forceful and efficient. You are referred
to the class crier for full particulars.

" I want two ounces of Peroxide of Gin,"
she said, her big brown eyes surveying the
obliging clerk behind the counter. Under all
the circumstances, can Kraft be blamed for not
being able to immediately fill the order?

We could not have selected a better pho-
tographer than Dana to make our class picture.
It will be of the carbonette finish. A number
of the members of the class have decided to
take a dozen cabinets of the same finish at the
discount offered.

Very few topics have been discussed in
class meetings during the past month. The
subject of graduation arrangements have taken
up most of the debate. Other matters will be
attended to as their importance bring them up
for discussion.

Section i, like Section 2, is indeed sorry to
lose Prof. Rusby, who sailed for South America
on March 21st. We should liked to have had
him stay to see us through and to be with us at
the annual banquet. We are obliged to console
ourselves by thinking his thoughts are with us,
though he may be at the time fighting innu-
merable insects and animals which are thick in
that portion of Venezuela. In the height of
our Commencement festivities we will remem-
ber him and pledge a toast to his success, good
health and the capture of the rare specimens
of vegetable and animal life.

Mr. W. Lee Knight, of Haverstraw, N. Y.,
a member of the '95 class, has made several
calls at the college of late.

Our lecture course in materia medica has been
brought to a close, as Prof. Rusby is making
preparations for an extensive trip abroad, visit-
ing the Southern States, Mexico and various
parts of South America. Our class will receive
quiz from H. B. Ferguson.

The microscopical course under Prof. Jelliffe,
has begun and our boys are pleased to meet our
Junior Professor again. He wears that same
old, and original smile, and our work under his
instruction, although difficult, is not looked
upon as an unpleasant task.

After wending our way through fathomless
difficulties, our class has at last reached the
aromatic stage in organic chemistry.

98

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

Mr. George B. Wray, of the examination
committee of the college, made us a short call
a few days since. His name was unknown to a
majority of the class, but undoubtedly we
will have the pleasure of meeting the gentleman
in the near future.

Mr. G. H. p. Carter, our class treasurer,
having accepted a position as drug clerk neces-
sitating his immediate attention, has resigned
the office which he held, and also discontinued
his course of lectures. He was succeeded by
Mr. W. H. Vincent by a unanimous vote.

Photographer Dana has for the past two
weeks been subjecting his camera to a series of
ordeals which, for severity and proof of stability
no doubt outclass any ever inflicted upon a
specie of the kodak order. This unlamentable
cruelty may be explained by the fact that the
class of '96 are to have a class picture, and Dana
was awarded the contract for producing the
same.

Jonathan Morris.

Rep. Sec. i.

BOARD EXAHINATIONS IN JERSEY,
U. S. A.

At the last meeting of the New Jersey
Board of Pharmacy, held at Trenton, the
number of successful applicants did not
exceed eight per cent, of the entire num-
ber examined.

It indicates that a higher standard has
been adopted than that of former exam-
inations, which, certainly no one, pos-
sessing a triendly interest in our profes-
sion, and surely no Ph.G. will regret.

The number of applicants receiving
diplomas in that State on previous Board
meetings, who barely succeeded in ob-
taining the required percentage, has been
unwarranted and inconsistent with the
number of those who spend time and
money in endeavoring to secure a more
thorough and comprehensive knowledge
of the theories and practices pertaining
to our profession.

The higher standard of the examina-
tions in New Jersey may be the outcome
of the law which went into effect January

I, and which made it compulsory for
every pharmacist not then registered,
(graduates of the N. Y. C. P. included),
to pass an examination or run the risk of
prosecution.

However, the writer knows that the
majority of the successful candidates were
Ph.G.'s, and we venture to opine that no
graduate of the N. Y. C. P. will find
fault with the course adopted by the State
Board of New Jersey.

At the Alumni reception held Wednes-
day evening, March 18, one could not
help but be impressed by the universal
good fellowship prevalent. The bonds
of friendship formed at college may be
weakened by protracted absence, but
even this cannot sunder them, and when
such reunions as that of the i8th occur,
and classmates of the past again meet
and dwell upon the recollections of their
days at college, how thoroughly enjoyable
and inspiring is the event.

Let us hope that the Alumni v/ill con-
tinue in the course they have outlined,
looking towards the promotion of mutual
friendliness and sociability among the
graduates of the college.

We are informed that the New Jersey
College of Pharmacy is about to erect a
new building devoted exclusively to the
purposes of the college.

The college is to be congratulated on
its remarkably quick and steady progress,
due, no doubt, to the zeal and energy
manifested by those most closely associat-
ed with It. Perseverance and zeal are
ever the forerunners of success.

Mixed Merchandise. — A likely
negro girl, fit for town or country has
had the small-pox, she is about fifteen
years old ; as also to be sold sundry
drugs and medicines by John Briggs over
against the meat market in New York. —
New York Gazette, of 1733.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

99

THREE STAMPS POR A NICKEL.

The sad event chronicled in the follow-
ing lines occurred several days ago in the
small and insignificant-looking structure
on F St., between Fourteenth and Fif-
teenth Sts., which the United States
Government uses as a branch post office.

She was an extremely pretty girl, with
the brightest eyes, the pinkest cheeks,
the reddest lips, the cutest nose and the
sunshiniest face that had been seen in
that locality in years.

So pretty she was that the susceptible
clerk at the stamps window gulped as if
he had swallowed something when she
came trippingly up to the window and
spoke to him.

"Have you postage stamps?" she
asked as innocently as if Government
post offices usually dealt in haystacks and
grindstones.

But the clerk never noticed that. He
didn't notice anything but the sparkling
vision before him with three unstamped
letters in its soft, white hand.

" Yes, miss," he responded, making a
herculean effort to suppress his emotion.

" Can I get three for a nickel ? "

Now, this clerk loved his little joke,
and a man who will joke on a sacred sub-
ject is fit for treason, stratagem and
spoils.

" Yes, miss," he answered, and quite
tenderly, too.

' 'Oh, how nice, ' ' she twittered. "Mam-
ma said they never sold them any less,
no matter how many we wanted. But I
said I was sure they would, and now
won't mamma be surprised when I lell
her that I got three for a nickel ? ' '

The coy, arch smile she sent fluttering
through the window to the clerk was
something to be treasured in the heart of
any man to his dying day.

" I am sure she will," he murmured
smiling back at her as best he could un-
der the circumstances.

' ' Well, give me three, please, ' ' and she
laid a nickel down in the window before
him.

He did not dare look at her, but kept
his eyes on the drawer where the stamps
are confined.

As he picked out two twos and a one
and laid them beside that soft, little hand
waiting for them on the window still,
there came into her beautiful eyes such a
look of tender reproach that he went
right over to the regi.stry clerk and
registered a solemn vow that never, no,
never again, would he permit his sense
of duty to dull the finer faculties of his
feeling. — lVashingio7i Star.

WHY THE CLERKS ARE WARY.

A drug clerk was recently severely cen-
sured for not allowing a wounded boy to
be brought into the store of which he was
in charge for treatment. It looked in-
human and doubtless the young man was
a little extreme in his views.

On the other hand, those who have not
been along where the drug clerk now is
have no idea to what extent they are
bothered with other people's business.

The following little sketch from a daily
paper may serve to throw some light on
the subject :

"No, ma'am," said the Third avenue
drug store clerk, as he looked industri-
ousl}^ out of the window; "I can't possi-
bly advise you what to get for your sis-
ter's hand. If it is a bad bruise you
better see a doctor, or go to a dispensary.
Sorry, but I couldn't do it. I can give
you any simple salve you wish, but you'd
better see the doctor in the next block. ' '

"It wasthecarstartin' an' her with her
foot not ofifn'n the platform when the con-
ductor he rang twict, and she slipped an'
come down on her hand, and it's been a-
festerin', and my husband he says she
ought to take the law to the company.
Not a stroke of work can she do with the

lOO

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

pain of it. Don't you think the company
would do something ? "

" I don't know anything about the
company," said the drug clerk, emphati-
cally.

"Supposin' I brought her over for you
to look at it, and see what ought to be
done for it^"

Couldn't think of it. You'll have to
see a regular physician." As the woman
went out reluctantly, the clerk turned to
a customer with a meaning wink. "No,"
he said, "I am too old a bird to be caught
with such chaff. I know just what she
was after. I don't mind telling you that
I've been caught in my time.

"She is after some of the company's
money. The sister may have been hurt
through a conductor's carelessness, but
that is no reason why I should mix my-
self up with her case and get subpoenaed
and go to court and lose days from my
business waiting to tell the judge that I
don't know one fact about the case.
That's what a drug man gets when he
goes playing the good Samaritan with
cable-car victims. I've got as big a
heart as the next man, but I have my
living to earn, and my family to support,
and I can't afford the luxury of being a
witness in any more cable-car cases. See?' '

DYSPEPTIC ORANGES.

A mysterious disease which has at-
tacked many orange trees in Florida has
been discovered to be indigestion. The
Department of Agriculture in its " Year
Book" pays special attention to dyspeptic
oranges, and describes the disease and its
cure. Its cause is the same as that
which so often brings on dyspepsia in
human beings — overfeeding. Excessive
cultivation and too much much nitro-
genous manure affect tbe orange tree
just as too much heavy table d'hote din-
ners affect a man. Instead of looking

pale and taking pepsin tablets, however,
the orange tree turns a very dark green,
and a reddish brown sap exudes from the
twigs. The tips turn up and shape
themselves into S-like curves. The fruit
turns a lemon yellow color before it is
half ripe, and has a very thick rind. As
it ripens, the fruit splits open and be-
comes worthless. The reddish brown
resin gets on the fruit before it is ripe and
renders it unsalable.

Most of the diseases of the orange tree
are due to a lack of cultivation, audit
was thought that a tree would not take
more nutriment from the soil than it re-
quired. This is not so, for the tree takes
up all it can get, and then, like a small
boy who has eaten too much plum pud-
ding, becomes sick.

The dark green color which the foilage
then assumes is ver}^ handsome, but it
means no oranges, or at least, none that
are any good. The disease is known as
die-back, because the twigs begin to die
at the tips and then gradually die back
to the branches. To cure the disease all
that is required is to withhold the fertil-
izer, but when the disease has gone too
far and gum pockets begin to form on
the bark there is no cure for it. — Kansas
City Journal.

Experiments reported by Breslance
Lancet show that staphylococcus pyo-
genes aureus can survive immersion in
carbolized oil 5 per cent, for three days,
in carbolized petrolatum one day only,
fat four hours, in lanolin thirty minutes,
and in cold cream twenty minutes. Zinc
ointment exerted no germicidal action
whatever, and it would appear that the
only trustworthy ointment bases for anti-
septic purposes are such as contain or
will absorb water, as does wool fat. or
cold cream. In addition, the oil or fat
employed should be free from any ten-
dency to become rancid.

Entered at the New York Post OflBce as second
class matter.

/IDa^, 1896.

(Tontent^:

No. 5.

101

103

105

ASEPTIC CATGUT, . . .

By Charles Rice, Ph. D.

DETERMINATION OF CAFFEINE IN
TEA, ....
By E. H. Gane, Ph. C.

OPIUM ASSAY, ,

By D. B. Dott, F.R.S.K., F.I.C.

VIVISECTION, ... 113

By H. a. Haubold, M.D.

FORMIC ALDEHYDE IN THE PRE-
SERVATION OF MILK AND ITS
DETECTION THEREIN, . 115

By R. T. Thompson.

THE CATHODE RAYS, • 115

INFLUENCE OF THE CHEMICAL NA-
TURE OF SUBSTANCES AND THEIR
PERMEABILITY BY THE ROEN-

T&EN RAYS,

By Maurice Meslans.

THE HISTORY OF PHARMACY.

By Dr. Niniam Falkiner.

EDITORIAL,
ALUMNI COLUMNS,
COLLEGE NOTES, '93.

" '• '94. .

" '■ '95, '97. .

" '96, .
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. .

PUBLISHED BY

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF T;HE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
.... OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK . . . '

116

117

. 119
121
123
124
125

126-127

12a

"Auld
Lang
Syne

1J

The person who was
unfortunate enough to
become seriously ill was
obliged to uncomplain-
ingly ingest the vilest of decoctions and infusions, a silent but expressive
shudder being the only protest possible. Since those days' the patient
has learned to demand more palatable methods of medication.
KlIXIR LaCTOI'EPTINE now renders it easy for the physician to
meet this reasonable demand, as it effectually disguises the unpleasant
taste of unpalatable and nauseous remedies. The contained
Lactopeptine also assists in the retention and absorption of other
medicaments because of its well known
digestive potency. The Bromides,
Iodides, and Salicyclates should always
be prescribed with ElIXT. R

Lactopeptine as a vehicle.

Send for Samples.

OLDEST STAND ON BROADWAY

tCWUBSH
1697

PHARMACY

BALTIMORE 1813.

NEW YORK 1830.

/V7I83 BROADWAY

TRADE MARK.

Ch|/^pEL-
1764

HSiCJtBB/eiTiSUt*

THE •«

KNITV^T^L EXXRMOT CO/S"

CARDINE, heart extract, for Heart troubles

CEREBRINE, brain extract for Epilepsy,
Brain, Nerves, Hysteria, etc.

riEDULLINE, extract of Spinal Cord, for
Locomotor= Ataxia, etc.

MUSCULINE, for Muscular Rheumatism,

OVARINE, for Diseases of Women, Steril
ity, Nervous Prostration, etc.

TESTINE, for Nervous Debility, Impair
ment, Impotency Exhaustion, etc.

THYROIDINE, for Obesity, Goitre, Skii
Diseases, Myxoedema, etc.

JS^Positively guaranteed as the only brand always strictly according to Dr. Hammond's

published formulas. $ioo forfeit if not.

Dr. DECLAT'S PHENIC PREPARATIONS, for Cancer, Consumption and all Fevers

Medals awarded, Paris, Lyons, &c. for Phenic Acid and Compounds.

J. MILHAU'S SON, Ph. G., druggist and importer

183 Broadway, NEW YORK

CABLE, " MILHAU.

TELEPHONE, 3780 CORTLANDT.

PUBLISHED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

11

^ LIBRAR
NEW YOK

botanio

QARUEN

Vol. 111.

New York, May, 1896.

No. 5.

ASEPTIC CATGUT.

By Charles Rice, Ph. D.

There is much diversity of opinion
among surgeons regarding the most ef-
ficient way of rendering catgut ligatures
absolutely sterile. Some still prefer the
old-fashioned carbolized gut, prepared by
macerating or digesting the raw gut with
a 5 to 10 per cent, solution of carbolic
acid, or chromicized gut, made by ma-
cerating the raw gut during forty-eight
hours in a solution of 50 Gm. of carbolic
acid and 0.25 Gm. of chromic acid in i
litre of water, then removing and drying
the gut, and transfering it to carbolized
oil (i in 5.) Others, and probably the
majority of surgeons prefer catgut which
has been sterilized by certain liquids with
the aid of heat. The liquid most gener-
ally used for this purpose is alcohol. In
using alcohol for sterilizing catgut, it
has been found that the more water the
alcohol contains, the lower must be the
temperature of digestion; otherwise the
gut will soften or become rotten. If ab-
solute alcohol be used, the gut may be
enclosed with it in hermetically sealed
vessels, preferably glass tubes closed in

the flame, and subjected to a heat, under
pressure, up to 230° F. and more, with-
out the least injury to its strength. If it
were subjected to such treatment while
in contact with hydrous alcohol, it would
become weak and altogether worthless.
Yet, the ordinary 94% alcohol may be
used if the temperature is not carried be-
yond the boiling point of the liquid at
the ordinary atmospheric pressure, that
is, if the alcohol is boiled in an open
vessel. And in this case it has been
found that the boiling should not be con-
tinued materially beyond one hour. At
one time, sublimated gut was recommen-
ed and in use. This was prepared by
adding a certain proportion, usually i in
1000, of corrosive sublimate to the liquid
(alcohol) in which the gut was boiled,
but it was soon found that this rendered
the gut more or less rotten, and therefore
highly dangerous, as it was apt to break
at any time, thus causing serious or fatal
hemorrhage. It is not the writer's pur-
pose to give an account ot the various
other methods heretofore proposed for
preparing sterilized catgut. His present
object is to describe those which have

I02

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

stood the test of time, and are now in
use in the principal public hospitals of
New York City.

Before speaking of the methods of ster-
ilizing, something should be said of the
raw catgut. Experience has shown that
only the very best, smooth (not rough)
musical strings should be used. Under
ordinary circumstances, five sizes are
suflEicient. These are violin D, AandE,
and first and second banjo strings. These
come in boxes containing thirty strings,
each string measuring about 67 inches
in length, being separately tied with
fine twine. When the latter is cut, which
need not be done until after the catgut
has been sterilized, care must be taken
not to scratch or nick the gut, as it would
become weak at that spot. Although
these musical strings undergo, in the
course of their manufacture from the in-
testines of various animals (pieferably
lambs and kids) a series of purifying pro-
cesses, such as the removal oftheadhere-
ing mucous membranes, repeated mace-
ration in weak alkali solution and fre-
quent washing, yet they always retain
more or less septic matter, which, if not
removed or rendered inert, would be sure
to cause trouble to the surgeon and his
patient. Every string, moreover, before
it is finally rolled up and tied is rubbed
with a cloth impregnated with some fatty
oil, which penetrates the substance of the
gut, and renders the latter more or less
impervious to the ordinary solvents. A
gut therefore, which is afterwards treated
merely with an aqueous solution of car-
bolic acid, or with cold alcohol, with or
without some antiseptic salt, is by no
means to be trusted. It is essential that
all fatty matter be extracted from the gut,
or at least, that the latter be thoroughly
penetrated by an actual solvent of the
fatty matter, which solvent will, at the
same time, render permanently sterile

any septic matter or germs that may be
contained in the gut.

The methods which are now almost
exclusively employed in the public hos-
pitals for sterilizing catgut are the fol-
lowing ;

I. Maceration in oil of juniper and
subsequent boiling with alcohol of 94% ;
then transferring to and keeping in
chloroform saturated with biniodide of
mercury.

2. Treatment as under No. i, but
with ommission of the maceration in
oil of juniper.

3. Simple maceration for at least for-
ty-eight hours in chloroform saturated
with biniodide of mercury. The strings
are left in this solution and taken out as
wanted.

Some five years ago, when the writer's
attention was specially called to the ne-
cessity ot devising some method by which
catgut and other surgical ligatures could
be rendered really sterile and trustworthy,
he made a number of experiments, the
object of which was to ascertain in the
first place what processes and solvents
had the least weakening effect upon the
tenacity of the gut, and secondly which
of them would effectually sterilize the
gut. It was thus found that chloroform,
itself a most powerful antiseptic and ger-
micide, was the most satisfactory solvent
of the fatty matters in the gut. And it
was further found that complete sterility
was effected by saturating the chloroform
with biniodide of mercury.

Numerous samples of the catgut thus
prepared were examined bacteriological-
ly, but in no case was the presence of
any living germs revealed. At one time,
some years ago, suppuration was ob-
served to set in after the use of a catgut
all derived from one particular lot just
imported, and it was at first supposed
that this had been imperfectly sterilized.

IHE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

103

Yet on examining samples of it under
circumstances which would surely have
revealed the presence of septic matter,
the results were negative. Nevertheless
it is now deemed advisable to use the ad-
ditional precaution to subject the catgut
to a preliminary sterilization, by boiling
it with enough alcohol of 94% to keep it
covered. This is done in a large wide-
mouthed Erlenmeyer flask, to the neck
of which is fitted an upright Allihn's
glass condenser (the condensing tube of
which has a number of bulb-like expan-
sions), whereby loss of alcohol is avoided.
The flask is set upon a steam-bath, and
the boiling kept up for one hour. The
strings are then taken out and immediately
transferred to the biniodized chloroform
in which they are left until wanted.
When they are taken out for use, they
are placed for a minute or so between
folds of sterilized gauze, to allow the
chloroform to evaporate. They will now
be found to be beautifully clean and more
or less bleached, and to have lost none
of their strength. Some surgeons prefer
the method mentioned above, under No.
I , which involves a previous maceration
in oil of juniper. In fact, the raw gut
is put into this oil and kept therein un-
til it is to be treated with boiling alco-
hol. The oil of juniper acts as a solvent
of the fatty matters, and therefore
may be regarded as an auxiliary to the
chloroform. But it is not necessary, and
may be omitted.

The biniodized chloroform or "Chloro-
form with Biniodide," as it is usually
called, is prepared by adding 35 grains of
biniodide of mercury (free from lumps)
to 5 pounds of pure chloroform contained
in a flask provided with an upright
condenser, and boiling until the
biniodide is dissolved, which requires
about half an hour. The solution is
then transferred to bottles which
must be well stoppered. This solution

is of the strength of i in 1000, and at the
ordinary indoor temperature is permanent.
When exposed to a temperature of about
60° F. or less, some of the biniodide will
separate in beautiful red crystals, but the
amount is never large, unless the liquid
is exposed to great cold. This biniodized
solution is at the same time a very deli-
cate reagent for the presence of chlorine
compounds existing as contaminations in
the chloroform. Any one of these com-
pounds which contain chlorine in looser
combination will set free enough iodine
to impart to the solution a pinkish or
pink tint. The depth of this color which
is characteristic for a solution of iodine in
chloroform, is in direct proportion to
the amount of contaminating chlorine
compounds present. Sometimes the tint
is developed at an early stage, during the
boiling of the chloroform with the binio-
dide. Again, it may make its appear-
ance gradually. It is not believed that
the presence of these contaminating
bodies have any deleterious influence
upon catgut which might be treated with
the solution, but the writer has preferred,
whenever the pink color revealed itself,
to make another use of the solution,
namely to recover the chloroform by dis-
tillation and to set it aside for use in
chloroform liniment or for other external
or coarser purposes.

New York, April 12, 1896.

THE DETERMINATION OF CAFFEINE
IN TEA.

BY E. H. GANE, Ph. C.

The exact determination of caffeine in
tea leaves is attended with great difiSculty.
Numerous processes have been devised,
but as will be seen later, most of these
have been based on inadequate informa-
tion, and are valueless for the purposes
intended. The process hitherto almost

I04

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

universally adopted, is that devised by
Paul and Cownley, which consists in
treating the powdered leaves with MgO,
and exhausting the dried mixture with
alcohol. Two years ago, Allen, in an
exhaustive paper on caffeine (Pharma-
ceutical Journal lyll. , p. 213), hinted that
this process was open to suspicion, the
complete exhaustion with alcohol being
in some cases impossible. Having occa-
sion recently to determine the caffeine
content of a large number of samples of
tea, I have made a thorough study of the
above and other processes, and the results
are embodied in the present paper.

At the outset I would say that a large
portion of my work has been merely con-
firmatory of the work published in Allen's
paper previously referred to, a paper
which I venture to say has not in this
connection received the attention it mer-
ited. This work may be briefly summa-
rised as follows ; —

1 . Aqueous solutions of caffeine can be
concentrated by boiling, and subsequent
ly evaporated to dryness in a water oven
without any loss of alkaloid.

2. Boiling caffeine with lime causes
decomposition, the loss varying under
different conditions from 20 to 50 per
cent. Boiling with magnesia causes
practically no change.

3. Admixtures of powdered tea leaves
with lime or magnesia cannot be com-
pletely exhausted by percolating with
solvent, such as chloroform, ether, etc.
This fact was first pointed out by Paul.

4. Determinations of caffeine, based
on treatment of the leaves with lime and
subsequent boiling with water are value-
less owing to decomposition of the alka-
loid.

As the above facts have been previous-
ly pointed out, a detailed account of con-
firmatory experiments is not necessary.
Finally, as the result of my own observa-
tions, based on the examination of a very

large number of samples of tea, I have
come to the conclusion that the process
ot determining caffeine in tea by treating
with magnesia and exhausting with alco-
hol, is open to considerable error and
should be abandoned.

The difiiculty met with in extracting
caffeine from the leaves is probably due
to its association in the leaf with other
bodies, possibly, as suggested by Allen,
in the form of a glucoside similar to that
occuring in kola nuts ; or possibly owing
to combination with some tannoid body.
Experiments with a view of elucidating
this point have met hitherto with but
little success.

Zoller (Zeitschr. Anal. Chem. XII., p.
106) supposes that the cellular structure
of the tea leaf causes the obstinate reten-
tion of part of the caffeine, and has sug-
gested a process based on the destruction
of the cellulose with sulphuric acid and
subsequent exhaustion with alcohol after
neutralisation with lead oxide. This
process gives accurate results, but owing
to the retention of the caffeine by the
charred tissue, prolonged treatment with
large quantities of the solvent is necessary.
This process is too tedious for every- day
work.

Herlant's process, based on the solu-
bility of caffeine in sodium benzoate is
open to objection that complete extract-
ion cannot be obtained under two weeks*
time.

Squibb's process, consisting in boiling
the tea leaves for a few minutes with
magnesia, is one of the most satisfactory
yet devised, the only objection being that
the boiling is not continued long enough.
Several hours boiling is necessary to en-
sure complete extraction.

The method finally adopted as the most
satisfactory, and as yielding the best and
most concordant results, was that sug-
gested by Allen. The process is as fol-
lows : Six grms, of finely powdered tea

THE AL UMNI JOURNAL.

T05

are boiled with 500 c. c. of water, using
a reflux condenser, for six hours. The
decoction is filtered, and the filtrate made
up to 600 c. c. Heat to boiling, and add
4 grms. of acetate of lead. Attach to a
reflux condenser and boil for 10 minutes.
Filter, take 500 c. c. and evaporate to
about 50 c. c. Remove the excess of lead
by means of sodium phosphate, and final-
ly concentrate to about 40 c. c. The caf-
feine is then removed by shaking 4 or 5
times with chloroform. Four extractions
are absolutely necessary to ensure com-
plete extraction, and it is advisable to use
a fifth.

This process I have lound to give ex-
cellent results. Paul's objection to it
that it does not extract all the caffeine
seems to be unfounded, for after examina-
tion of over 50 samples of tea, I have not
in any case found the process yield a less
amount than the alcohol process, whilst in
some cases it yielded considerably more.
From the numerous determinations made,
using both Paul's and Allen's methods,
I have selected 12 samples as showing the
variation in the two processes. The re-
maining samples yielded practically the
same result by both methods, Appended
the results are tabulated ;

Yield of Caffeine.

Sample.

Paul's
Process

Allen's
Process.

r Ttlack tea dust

Per Cent.

2.51
2.86
3.06
1.67
3.18
1. 41
1.52

3-05
1.24

3-93
398
1.98

Per Cent.

2.56

2. Black whole tea, Japan

3. Black Amoy, whole leaf

» rtref Ti dust

2.89

3-14
2.56

5. Black Congou, whole leaf

6. Green Hyson, whole leal

1 Greet! swe^DinffS

3.36
2.10
1.70

R "Rlack Assam - -

3-36

Q Crreen dust -

2.22

4.01

IT Cevlon whole leaf

4.12

1.96

tained with alcohol, although 5 grms. of
the tea and magnesia mixture were in
these cases treated with 3000 c. c. of al-
cohol. Even in ordinary cases, where
complete extraction by this method is ob-
tainable, from 1 j4 to 2 litres of alcohol
has to be employed to secure extraction
of 5 grms of tea. This in itself makes
the process objectionable from its expense.
The residual caffeine could readily be ex-
tracted from the mixture by boiling with
water.

The caffeine isolated by Allen's pro-
cess can be obtained in a state of perfect
purity very readily, but when using the
alcohol process it is a matter of consider-
able difficulty to remove the whole of the
green coloring matter. In all cases the
residue obtained from the chloroformic
solution was purified as carefully as pos-
sible. In the case of those obtained by
Allen's process the residues were snow
white and showed the melting point of
caffeine. In carrying out this latter pro-
cess I have found it advisable in some in-
stances to continue boiling it with water
for eight hours, though as a rule, six is
amply sufficient. Owing to the slow-
ness with which the decoction filters, I
prefer to boil the tea with the whole of
600 c. c. of water, and to add the acetate
to the solution before filtration. This
saves considerable time.

In conclusion I would say that the re-
sults above given show Paul's statement
that water will not completely extract tea
leaves to be erroneous. Allen's process
is cheaper to work, less tedious, and
gives more accurate results than Paul
and Cownley's method. — Jour.Soc. Chem.
hid., Neiv York Section.

In the case of samples 4, 6, 9, it will
be seen that the yield by Paul's process
is very low, compared with that yielded
by boiling with water. Complete ex-
traction could not in these cases be ob-

OPIUM ASSAY.

BY D. B. DOTT, F.R.S.E., F.T.C.

Opium being one of the most valuable
of drugs, and the source of one of the
most important of the alkaloids, its ac-

io6 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. \

\

curate valuation has attracted much out an undue and uncertain loss of alka-

attcntion, involving extensive experi- loid. Various plans have been proposed

mental work. The alkaloids of opium and tried to overcome this difficulty,

vary in proportion, but the following Firstly, and most obviously, the treating

percentages given by Pictet ("Alkaloides of the crude morphia precipitate with \

vegetaux," p. 173) may be regarded as benzene and the like to remove impuri- 1

not far wide of the mark. ties. By this means narcotine and its

Morphine- _-__ 10 allies, codeine and resinoid are removed,

Narcotine 6 u i. i.i. -j • r r i. •

. but the residue is far from being pure

Papaverine i b tr ,

Codeine 05 morphine. Moreover, it is found that the

Thebaine 0.3 precipitate obtained by rendering alka-

Narceine _ 0.2 line a mere aqueous extract of opium

The morphine is usually in larger pro- does not contain the whole of the mor-
portion. The alkaloids exist in com- phine, or otherwise, that the separation
bination with sulphuric and meconic is so gradual and irregular as not to be
acids. Although codeine is the only one complete in a reasonable length of time,
of the minor alkaloids which is presently Then came the device of adding a rela-
in constant demand, further uses may yet tively large amount of alcohol or mix-
be found for some of the others or their ture of alcohol and ether to the aqueous
derivatives. For instance, while nar- solution before precipitating with am-
cotine is of feeble activity, hydrocotar- monia. By this means the morphine
nine, which can easily be prepared separates much more readily, in a more
from it, has a decided physiological ac- crystalline and purer form, than from
tion. But whatever may be the case in the watery solution. Petit's process and
the future, opium is at present invariably Fliickiger's earlier process partake of
assayed by determining the amount of this nature. In practice, such methods
morphine which it contains. The pro- are quite unsatisfactory. The loss of
cesses employed for the purpose have morphine is considerable, and varies so
undergone a gradual evolution, so that greatly with the quality of opium, tem-
the methods now in vogue compare very perature and circumstances that a true
favorably with those of the earlier years correction of loss is impossible. The in-
of the century. Some of these earlier troduction of lime in assaying opium is
determinations are quite misleading as generally attributed to Mohr, and ap-
the crude precipitate weighed as mor- peared to be a decided improvement. A
phine does not afiford any accurate indi- modification of this process was official
cation of the amount of that alkaloid in the 1867 British Pharmacopoeia. The
actually present, Even now there is by first improvement on the process was to
no means unanimity of opinion or uni- abolish the boiling with the lime, which
formity of practice in regard to this mat- was an unwise and decomposing per-
ter, although we are rapidly coming to a formance; and now as improved by var-
clear understanding of the subject. Gen- ious chemists, it is a method widely used
erally speaking, the difficulty attending and is official in the present British Phar-
an accurate assay of opium may be stat- macopoeia. Briefly stated, it consists in tri-
ed: that on account of the chemical con- turating a weighed portion of opium with
ditions in which the morphine exists in excess of lime and water, filtering, tak-
the drug it is impracticable to precipi- ing what is supposed to represent hall
tate the morphine in the pure state with- the opium, adding to it alcohol, ether.

IHE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

107

and excess of ammonium chloride, col-
lecting the precipitated morphine, which
is dried and weighed. The assay pro-
cesses for opium being elaborate and
troublesome, it was very natural that
attempts should be made to devise a
volumetric method. Morphine is readily
oxidized by iodic acid, ferric salts, per-
manganate, and bichromate. Mylius
suggested the use of iodic acid, relying
on the amount of iodine liberated as
equivalent to a fixed proportion of mor-
phine. I have tried the addition of ex-
cess of bichromate of potash in acid solu-
tion and titration with standard ferrous
sulphate. But there is uncertainty in
all these methods. In the first place,
we do not know how much of the oxida-
tion may be due to impurities; and sec-
ondly, there is no evidence that a further
or secondary oxidation does not occur.
Iodine is so apt to react with alkaloids
that its liberation from iodic acid by
morphine does not appear as a promising
plan for the estimation of opium. Even
when working with pure morphine, I
have not obtained very constant or satis-
factory results, but I have only tried a
few experiments. The subject has not
been by any means thoroughly worked
up; it is sufficient to say that these indi-
rect methods are not at present of any
practical importance. What the analyst
now wants, is to get hold of the actual
morphine in as pure a state as practica-
ble and weigh it. The method of Tesche-
macher and Smith ("Chem. News, Iviii)
is one of the best for that purpose, and is
much relied on. The official U. S. pro-
cess is substantially the same, and in its
present form is mainly due to Dr.Squibb.
It consists in exhausting the opium with
water, concentrating, adding alcohol,
ether, and excess of ammonia; collecting
the precipitated morphine, washing with
alcohol and with water (both being satu-
rated with morphine), drying, washing
with benzene, drying, and weighing. A

correction for impurities may be applied
by treating with lime-water, which dis-
solves the morphine and leaves most of
the impurities behind.

Considering the useful work that has
been done in this subject by American
chemists, it was very appropriate that
among the first papers contributed to the
New York section of this Society were
two able communications on the assay of
opium. These were given by J. H. Wain-
wright (this Journal, 1895, 254), and L.
Kebler, (this Journal, 1895, 464), and
were followed by instructive discussion.
I propose to offer a few further comments.
In the first place, I would note that the
morphinate of lime and ammonium chlor-
ide process, formerly official in the United
States and now official in the British
Pharmacopoeia, was condemned by nearly
all the speakers, mildly by Dr Wain-
wright and emphatically by Dr. Coblentz.
The latter stated that the students at
college obtained such discordant results
by the process that it had to be abandon-
ed, while now by the Squibb method very
satisfactory numbers are obtained. Speak-
ing from a more limited experience, I en-
tirely concur in the condemnation. In the
first place the idea of taking half the solu-
tion as containing half the morphine of the
opium is a delusion and a snare. It is a
striking example of the danger of going
by theory instead of by experiment. If
a given weight of water be added to the
drug, the variable amount of soluble mat-
ters increasing the volume of the solution
will cause appreciable error. Similarly,
if the mixture be made up to a given vol-
ume, the varying bulk of the insoluble
portion will cause some error. But
there is some further source of error, and
it seems to me to be this. It is well
known that it is always difficult to ex-
tract the last portions of alkaloid from
plant tissues. The process is very little
anolagous to the washing, say of a sul-
phate of barium precipitate, where the

io8

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

chloride becomes quickly so attenuated
as to give no perceptible reaction. A
vegetable powder after long continued
percolation, still persistently gives up
small portions of alkaloid, so that, as a
rule, it is not practicable to completely
exhaust. This reluctance to part with
the latter portions of alkaloid may in
some cases be partly chemical from a
small amount of the alkaloid existing as
a merely insoluble salt. It is probably,
however, far more generally a physical
question due to the manner in which the
alkaloid or its salt is fixed in the plant
:ells, very much in the same way as it is
dtfiicult or impossible to thoroughly wash
an alkaloidal salt out of animal charcoal.
Seeing that the powdered drug does not
readily yield its alkaloid even to repeated
fresh portions of solvent, it will do so
much less readily and very tardily when
merely kept in contact with a compara-
tively strong solution of the alkaloid, so
that in any practicable length of time the
drug will not have passed nearly all its
alkaloid into solution. The next scource
of error is the large proportion of solution
from which the morphine is precipitated.
Morphinate of lime is readily soluble in
water, but it is necessary to use a rela-
tively large bulk of water, so that the
errors from mass of material, as above
referred to, may not be inordinately in-
creased. Thence it results that slight dif-
ferences in the solvent power of the liq-
uid due to variations in temperature,
manipulation and other circumstances,
must distinctly affect the yield of mor-
phine, which is in small proportion to the
mother liquid. In the next place, the
larger the amount of morphinate of lime
the greater will be the amount of ammo-
nia liberated by the ammonium chloride,
and thus the amount of morphine held in
solution will be increased. It is assumed
that morphine is insoluble in ether, but
I know that when freshly precipitated
and presumably partly amorphous, the

alkaloid is by no means insoluble in
ether. This is just a possible source of
error. Another point as to which there
is some doubt, is the proper proportion
of ammonium chloride. The amount al-
ways prescribed is much in excess of
theory, and there is good reason to be-
lieve that this excess interferes with the
precipitation of the morphine. After all,
the morphine obtained in this process,
though usually very pure, cannot always
be assumed to be the pure alkaloid.
Wherefore some process of purification or
estimation must be applied, and that
brings the method into the same category
as others in which the precipitate is
rather less pure, but can be readily esti-
mated.

In comparing the related processes of
Teschemacher and Smith, of Squibb, and
of Fliickiger, we have no hesitation in
rejecting the last mentioned. Its weak
points are the taking of an aliquot por-
tion of the filtrate, too much dilution,
and too much alcohol. Dr. Squibb's
method has the advantage over that of
Teschemacher and Smith, that it pre-
.scribes more definite directions, which
tend to constancy of results, and are to
be commended in an official process. On
the other hand, the Teschemacher and
Smith's method has the advantage of
greater concentration during the precipi-
tation, which minimises the loss of alka-
loid in that operation, and the decided
merit of titration of the precipitate with
standard acid. There has been some
discussion in England as to the inception
of the idea of estimating the alkaloid by
standard acid, as if it were a recent in-
vention. It was in constant use by the
late D. R. Brown, of Edinburgh, 25 years
ago, as I had frequent opportunity of ob-
serving. All the speakers at the Ameri-
can meetings referred in terms of com-
mendation of the Squibb process, and
deservedly so. Dr. Wainwright found
the results by the 1890 U. S. P. process

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL. 109

to be always higher and more constant is certainly wrong in its instruction to
than by the 1880 U.S. P. process; the dry at 96°— 100°, meaning obviously in
greatest difference of percentage 9- 2:7-3. a water-bath. It has never been the
and the least 9-4 : 90. Admirable as custom to reckon morphine in the anhy-
the method is, and altogether superior to drous state. Moreover, morphine loses
that presently official in the British its water very slowly at the temperature
Pharmacopoeia, it is still not above criti- of a water-bath. If anhydrous morphme
cism. It is .rather elaborate, requiring is desired, then dry at no m an air-
too great an expenditure of time for or- bath. Of course, if the morphine is to
dinary practical purposes. I think also be titrated with standard acid, it does
it gives results rather under the truth, matter whether it is over-dried or not.
particularly ifcorrected by the lime-wat- Kebler's paper entered very fully
er treatment. To precipitate about i grm. into the amount and nature of the mm-
of morphine from over 30 c.c. of solution eral matter found in the morphine pre-
containing nearly one-third volume of ^ipitate, and on the determination of the
alcohol and excess of ammonia, is not ash as a means of correcting for impuri-
possible without appreciable loss. Of ties. Several years ago Dr. C H.
course there must always be some loss in Warden analyzed the ash of Indian opi-
precipitating an alkaloid like morphine, um, and found ("Chem. News," xxxvuK
but the point is that the loss ought to be h6) the the following percentages:—
as small and as constant as possible. 1.98 FeA, 7-i3 CaO, 2.31 MgO, 37-24
This is to be sought for in keeping the K,0, 1.70 Na,0, 23.14 SO3, 10.90 P^Os,
solution concentrated and avoiding a 1527 SiO^. In 1881 I contributed a
large proportion of spirit. The assumpt- paper (Proc. R.S.E., Jan. 1881) on the
ion that alcohol saturated with morphine salts of meconic acid, and showed how
cannot dissolve a further quantity of readily that acid forms a basic calcium
morphine is not to be implicitly trusted salt. I have since proved that this basic
when the spirit has become charged with salt neutralises acids, as one would ex-
other matters, and the morphine precipi- pect, and that its formation should, if
tate may not be entirely in the crystalline possible be avoided, as leading to a slight
state. There is a slight element of risk in error in titrating the precipitated mor-
this washing with morphiated spirit, more pbine with acid. Kebler found in
especially should the precipitate be ex- the morphine (U.S.P. 1890 process) 0.9
ceptionally impure. Dr. Squibb found to 1.4 per cent, of ash; of the composit-
the impurity to vary considerably, as in- lO":
dicated by the lime-water test, and Dr. Soluble in water (K3CO3, K.SO,. NaCl)..7.88

. , ^ , , . , , Silica 0.83

Wamwright found that m a sample of Ai^^i^iutn phosphate 0.43

Persian opium the 16 per cent, of mor- Magnesium phosphate ---13-45

phine indicated was reduced to 1 1 per Calcium carbonate 56.17

cent, when corrected by treatment with It is evident, therefore, that even if the

lime-water, so that the precipitate which calcium existed wholly as basic meconate,

is being treated is not a constant factor, the error in titrating would not be very

In the American discussion Dr. Squibb serious. But there is a more interesting

received general support in his content- fact brought out in Kebler's results,

ion that the morphine should be dried at which might almost have been anticipa-
60° C, so as to avoid loss of water of ted from Warden's analysis. I refer

hydration. The British Pharmacopoeia o the considerable amount of potassium

no

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

salt found in the ash. Kebler does
not indicate but I think there can be
little doubt that the potassium would ex-
ist in the precipitate as the sparingly sol-
uble potassium-magnesium-phosphate,
which would be decomposed when igni-
ted with the organic salts. There would
therefore be a small error due to neutral-
phosphate in titrating with standard acid.
It is difficult to suggest a means of getting
rid of this trifling error, which is not
open to objection. The slight error due
to basic-calcium-meconate may be elimi-
nated by adding a small quantity of am-
monium oxalate before precipitating. By
this means the calcium is thrown down as
neutral-oxalate, which does not interfere
with the titration. Kebler inclines
to the belief, that determination of the
ash, after calculating the carbonate into
meconate, is the best means of correcting
for impurity in the morphine precipitate,
but he admits that titration with acid
is nearly as accurate and much more ex-
peditious. It is evident that in the case
of a precipitate containing a good deal of
organic impurity, estimation by standard
acid would be the better way ; while if
the precipitate contained basic mineral
matter it might be more accurate to cor-
rect by an ash determination. The idea
of washing the precipitated morphine
with lime-water is a good one, though
somewhat tedious. By this means the
alkaloid is entirely dissolved, and most
impurities left behind. I have used bar-
yta-water for the same purpose. Being
stronger it has a more powerful solvent
action on the morphine, but possibly it
also dissolves more coloring matter.
Treatment with lime-water or baryta-
water may sometimes be useful as a
check, but practically I think titration
with decinormal acid is the best means
for estimating the morphine precipitate.

In the "Pharmaceutical Journal" I
have described two methods of opium

assay, (XXII. 740 and XXIV. 874)
which I have since slightly modified. As
they appear to have some advantages,
they may be here briefly described.

A. ID grms. of opium are exhausted
with spirit of "proof strength" (.920 sp.
g.). Kvaporate to one fourth volume.
Dilute this with half its volume of water
containing .05 grm. of ammonium oxa-
late, then cautiously neutralize with
ammonia so as to leave just perceptibly
acid. Allow to stand for an hour, filter,
and concentrate to 8 c. c, then transfer
to a flask or bottle holding 100 c. c. by
means of 2 c. c. water and 3 c, c. alco-
hol, afterwards adding 2.5 c. c. solution
of ammonia (.960 sp. g.) and 25 c. c.
ether. The flask is corked and shaken
occasionly during the next hour. After
18 hours the ether is decanted as com-
pletely as possible, the precipitate collect-
ed on counterpoised filters, washed with
morphiated water and dried. It is then
washed with chloroform and dried about
60° C. Finally it may be titrated with
standard acid. The success of this
method depends chiefly on the careful
neutralization of the solution, avoiding
any considerable amount of free acid on
the one hand, and avoiding also, on the
other, any precipitation of morphine- If
these conditions are observed, a very pure
precipitate is obtained, the treatment with
standard acid being almost superfluous.
This method is very suitable for the esti-
mation of tincture of opium. I have been
accustomed to use neutral litmus paper
as indicator in acidifying the morphine.
Farr and Wright recommend to add ex-
cess of acid, and titrate back with „ soda,
using methyl-orange as indicator.

B. 10 grms. of opium are digested with
30 c.c. water, until all soluble matter has
apparently passed into solution. 1.8
gram, barium chloride dissolved in 10
c.c. water is added, the mixture diluted
and well stirred. It is then filtered, and

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

Ill

washed till practically exhausted- The
filtrate is warmed, dilute sulphuric acid
added in quantity just sufficient to pre-
cipitate the barium, the solution filtered
and set to evaporate, sufficient ammonia
being added to nearly neutralize. When
concentrated to 8 c.c. (.05 grm. ammon-
ium oxalate added) it is allowed to cool,
mixed with i c.c. alcohol and i c.c. ether
and then ammonia added till no further
precipitate is produced, and a distinct
odor of ammonia is present after stirring,
and breaking down any lumps that may
have formed. After four or five hours
the precipitate is collected on counter-
poised filters, washed with morphiated
water and dried. It is then powdered,
washed with chloroform, dried and
weighed. A weighed portion of the pre-
cipitate is neutralized with standard acid
and the percentage calculated. The
former method gives a purer morphia
precipitate which on that account is more
easily accurately neutralized than that
obtained in the latter method. On the
other hand the neutralization of the so-
lution before concentrating, in order to
precipitate resinoid, etc., must be care-
fully conducted. Should the addition of
ammonia be carried rather far, acetic
acid must be added to perceptibly acid
reaction, so as to ensure that all the
morphine is in solution.

The method (B ) has the advantage of
being more expeditious, and requiring
less work than probably any of the others.
The precipitated morphine, however,
contains much impurity, rendering the
exact neutralization with standard acid
somewhat difficult. Yet it is a good
practical process, and sufficiently accu-
rate for most purposes. It may be modi-
fied so as to give a purer morphine by
first exhausting the opium with water
and then adding the barium chloride to
the filtrate. This necessitates an addit-
ional filtration, but gives an ultimate

precipitate containing less color and im-
purity. In the case of a comparatively
pure morphine, such as is usually ob-
tained in the B.P. or U.S. P. processes,
it may make little practical difference,
whether the correction is by treatment
with lime-water or by acidyfying with
standard acid; but in the case of a less
pure precipitate the difference is very
marked, as the following figures show.
The purified precipitate obtained in
method (B) above described, indicated by
washing with baryta water 94 per cent,
of morphine, while by titration with ^-^
acid it indicated only 83 per cent. The
same precipitate, after washing with
morphiated spirit, indicated by titration
87 8 per cent, of morphine, showing that
that method of purification is of very
limited value in such a case. It is in-
teresting to note that Dr. Squibb in his
"Ephenieris" and Dr. Geisler at the
New York meeting have both given
numbers which confirm the truth of a
note I published (Pharm. Jour.) some
years ago, to the effect that the formula
of hydrated morphine is Bg(H20)9, and
not BHoO as generally stated. Dr. Geis-
ler found 6.8 per cent, as the average
loss on drying, Bs(H.,0)9 requiring 7.1,
and BHoO requiring 5.9. This gives 305
as the equivalent instead of 303.

It was suggested by Rutherford Hill
at one of the evening meetings of the
Pharmaceutical Society, that amylic al-
cohol might afford a good means of sepa-
rating the morphine in the assay of opium
That is a well-known method of separat-
ing small amounts of morphine and sim-
ilar alkaloids in the analysis of medicines.
I have tried it in several different ways,
wet and dry, with quite unsuccessful re-
sults, largely due to the fact that mor-
phine is very sparingly soluble in that
menstruum. It .seems scarcely possible
to devise an amylic alcohol method which
will offer any advantages either as to ac-

112

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

curacy or expedition over the best of
those presently in use. At least, that is
the conclusion at which I arrived.

As regards the extraction of opium
with water, my experience does not agree
with that of Endemann. It must have
been a very exceptional sample of opium
which yielded a considerable amount of
morphine to dilutt sulphuric acid, after
being practically exhausted with water.
Excess of acid may facilitate the exhaust-
ion, requiring less water lor total ex-
traction, but that is the most that can be
said. At all events, I have never met
with an opium which did not give an
acid reaction, and it would be very
strange if the morphine could not be ex-
tracted by water from such a drug. It
is difficult to state exactly the amount of
water required to exhaust a given weight
of opium, as it depends on the manner in
which the extraction is conducted, and
on the degree of accuracy desired in the
analysis. Less water is required if the
opium is exhausted by the pharmaceuti-
cal method of percolation than if treated
on an ordinary filter. As a rule I regard
the ID grms. of opium as exhausted
when the filtrate or percolate amounts to
1 20 c. c, the opium having been digested
with about 40 c. c. of water before perco-
lating.

I append results of assay of a sample
of Turkey opium by each of the methods
referred to, the numbers representing the
percentage of morphine hydrate :

B.P.

U.S.P.

T. andS.

A.

B.

11-45

11.23

12.20

12.23

12.43

As regards the purity of the precipitate
obtained in these processes, the first three
were practically pure morphine. A. in-
dicated 98 per cent, and B. 82 per cent.
It is not to be inferred that the relative
value of the methods is always exactly
as indicated above. The B.P, process is

specially liable to give varying results,
and is generally relatively lower than
above. A process which gives a different
result, according as it has been con-
ducted on a cold day or a warm day, or
has been continued for 48 hours instead
of 24, is of limited value. It is a great
fallacy to attach value to a method be-
cause it gives concordant results in two
experiments conducted under identical
conditions. In practical working these
conditions cannot be attained. This
applies very truly to the morphinate of
lime and ammonium chloride process
presently official in the B.P. Quite re-
cently several chemists working indepen-
dently have obtained fairly concordant
results with the methods A. and B., but
considerable discrepancies with the meth-
od B. P. I agree with our American
friends that it is not a trustworthy pro-
cess, and that a process on the lines of
the U. S. P. is to be preferred. At the
same time I should prefer the method of
Teschemacher and Smith, or that de-
scribed as A., as representing more truly
the full morphine-content of the opium,
and giving nearly as pure a morphine
precipitate. Indeed, if it is permissable
to wash the variably impure morphine
with morphiated spirit on the assumption
that the precipitate loses no morphine or
always a constant slight amount (a prop-
osition which I doubt), then the T. and
S. process is perhaps as good a one as we
possess. I would only suggest the evap-
oration to a definite quantity, say seven
grams, instead of a "syrupy consistence,"
and the addition of .05 grm. ammonium
oxalate before precipitating. The method
A. has the advantage that the morphine
is not exposed to the risk of washing
with morphiated alcohol, most of the im-
purities being got rid of by having the
morphine first in a spirituous and then in
an aqueous solution, and particularly by
neutralizing the latter. The question

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

113

naturally arises, may the results of these
methods of assay not be vitiated by the
presence of certain adulterants ? It
would be much more difficult to adulterate
than at first sight appears. Any inor-
ganic salt added with the intention of in-
creasing the ammonia precipitate and
neutralizing the volumetric acid, would
infallibly give a precipitate with the me-
conic acid and so draw attention to its
presence by the unusual appearance.
Probably all the cheaper alkaloids are
soluble in chloroform, and would be re-
moved on washing with that menstruum.
I am not going to say what I think
would be the most likely method of adul-
teration to escape detection. But in any
case of doubt, it would be well to divide
the morphine precipitate into three por-
tions ; one to be neutralized with stand-
ard acid, the second to be washed with
baryta water, and the third to be incin
erated and the ash weighed. By so pro-
ceeding it is scarcely possible that the
result could be in error. In conclusion,
I wish to express my indebtedness to the
writers of the papers before referred to,
and to those who took part in the discus-
sions at the New York meetings. — Jour.
Soc. Chem. Ind.

VIVISECTION.

By H. a. HAUBOLD, M.D.

Assistant to the Chair of Physiology, Bellevue

Hospital Medical College, Surgeon to

Harlem Hospital, etc.

There is not a single important fact in
physiology that does not owe its recog-
nition to vivisection.

The history of vivisection is the his-
tory of scientific medicine and surgery.

There is a story that tells of vivisection
being practised as early as fourteen hun-
dred years before the Christian era, by
one Nebsecht, a native of Egypt. Neb-
secht was the son of a famous priest of
the Temple of Seti in Thebes. Debarred

from lecturing by an unfortunate impedi-
ment of speech, he threw himself upon
the study of organic life.

It was during his silent musings in
the so-called Necropolis, that he con-
ceived the plan of making observation on
animals, by dissecting them during life.

Indeed it is claimed by historians, that
during that time the heart was seen in
action in rabbits who were tied to pieces
of board and cut open with scalpels made
of flint or stone.

Of course these experiments were car-
ried on in secret, because of religious
prejudices prevalent at that time. Neb-
secht himself was ultimately discovered
at his work, tried by a tribunal of High
Priests, and executed for meddling with
the "work of the Gods."

The first genuine result of vivisection
is illustrated in Harvey's discovery of
the circulation in 1616.

The classical picture of Harvey illus-
trating his discovery to Charles I of
England, is a familiar subject to every
one. What radical changes this was
productive of in the conception of phy-
siology, can be readily imagined.

Up to that time no reasonable explan-
ation could possibly have been conceived
of the nutritive processes, the convey-
ance of those elements of regeneration
necessary to the growth and mainten-
ance of the body to the tissues, and the
taking up of the products of dissimilation
and their elimination by the various ex-
cretory organs. Nor could the pheno-
mena of respiration been even remotely
conjectured upon. Knowing now as we
do, that the circulating fluid is concerned
in carrying oxygen to the tissues and
taking up carbonic oxide from them.

The later day pioneers in vivisection
were Magendie, Brachet, and later Claude
Bernard in France.

In fact so extensive were the indulg-
ences of the school of Magendie in 1845-

114

IHE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

1850, that an attempt was made by a
number of so-called philantropists, to
have a prohibitory act enacted, by an
appeal to Bonaparte III. This appeal
was unsuccessful however.

Magendie, a student of Boyer, ulti-
mately succeeded Recamier in the Chair
of Physiology at the College of France.
Magendie was a genuine pioneer in ex-
perimental physiology, to him belongs
the credit of proving that the veins are
concerned in carrying off the products of
dissimilation. He also showed the ne-
cessity of a varied diet, i. e., consisting
of organic nitrogenized, non-nitrogenized
and inorganic constituents.

He was largely concerned in the early
attempts at the localization of the areas
in the brain that give motion to certain
distinct groups of muscles, a knowledge
that to-day enables the surgeon to suc-
cessfully operate on cases of brain injury
and disease.

He also shares with Sir Charles Bell
of England, the distinction of proving
that the anterior roots of the spinal
nerves are concerned in motion, and the
posterior in sensation. Still this gen-
uinely belongs to Magendie (1822), as
Bell claimed that the anterior roots were
concerned in motion and sensation, whilst
the posterior roots governed the "secret
functions of the body."

Bernard was Magendie' s assistant,
and later succeeded him as Professor of
experimental physiology.

Perhaps no physiologist known to his-
tory ever combined the dexterity in op-
erative skill and the ingeniousness in
devising methods of investigation, that
found their origin in Bernard.

It is to him that we owe our under-
standing of the glycogenic function of the
liver. Although quite different views were
held at the same time of Bernard's experi-
ments, by Pavy of lyondon, these views
were ultimately reconciled by the truly

remarkable observation made by Austin
Flint of New York.

Bernard was the first physiologist to
make direct experiments upon the pan-
creas, by establishing an artificial fistula
and obtaining the pure secretion of this
organ. Before this, no idea of the di-
gestion of fats was entertained.

Again his experiments on the nerves
that animate the organ concerned in the
production of the voice were a valuable
contribution to science.

So much for some of the things that
vivisection has accomplished in the di-
rection of a clear understanding of the
phenomena that take place in the organ-
ism. These are matters of history, facts
that go far to denounce the absurd idea
that vivisection is a needless, profitless
barbarism.

A great many new facts have been
developed since the era referred to, all
the older discoveries have been verified
many times. Some of them are demon-
strated yearly at the medical schools
much improved and perfected, regarding
the details left untouched by the older
experimenters. Surely a man who has
once seen the heart acting in a living
animal, must always have a clear image
in his mind when he puts his ear or the
stethoscope on a patients chest.

To-day, rapid strides are being made
in the field of experimental physiology.
But greater and far more important is
the fact that the science of bacteriology
is only exact when experiments are made
with the various micro-organisms on
living animals.

That terrible wide-spread disease, tu-
berculosis is now being clearly under-
stood and placed in the category of in-
fectious diseases, as the result of experi-
ments on living animals. So it is with
most all the other infectious diseases, in-
cluding Asiatic cholera, typhoid fever, all
the septic surgical diseases and puerperal
fever.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

"5

Indeed the whole theory of antisepsis
and asepsis is based on the recognition
and isolation of the bacteria of septic in-
fection, conclusions arrived at definately
and positively only as a result of vivi-
section or the infection of the lower ani-
mals.

And last but not least, the new science
of serum-therapy, as illustrated in the
use of anti-toxin in diptheria. A disease
hitherto more fatal and more largely dis-
tributed than small pox, now reduced to
a mortality only one half as large as ob-
tained previously.

So here is then the office of that much
abused, much slandered art, vivisection.
To demonstrate and teach facts previous-
ly ascertained, to develop the phenomena
of animal life not yet understood, to aid
in the clear conception of diseases and
the discovery of means for their prevent-
ion and cure.

FORMIC ALDEHYDE IN THE PRESER=

VATION OF niLK AND ITS DETECTION

THEREIN.

Since a dilute solution of formic alde-
hyde (formalin) is being used as a milk
preservative, R. T. Thompson has con-
tributed to the Chemical News (vol. lxxl
247) a note on its preservative action
and an analytical method for its detect-
ion.

The author finds that a 40% solution
of formalin is at least four times as effect-
ive as a mixture of boric acid and borax,
and equal to Salicylic acid; he also notes
that boric acid alone is much less effect-
ive than when used with borax. To de-
tect the presence of formic aldehyde in
milk, 100 c. c. are distilled until about
a fifth comes over; this is transferred to
a stoppered tube, and about five drops
of ammonio-nitrate of silver in 30 parts
of water, dilute ammonia being added
until the precipitate at first formed is
dissolved, care being taken to avoid an

excess, then the whole is made up to 50
parts of water. The mixture of milk
distillate and silver solution is then al-
lowed to stand from 12 to 18 hours in a
dark place, when if formic aldehyde is
present, a strong black color or deposit
will be produced. A light brown color
must be disregarded, nothing short of a
distinct black tint being sufficient to in-
dicate the presence of formalin. When
as little as two grains of formalin per
gallon of milk has been used, a distinct
reaction is obtained. The author finds
that 4 or five drops of formalin added to
100 C.c. of milk will enable samples to
be kept for six weeks, which have given
the same results on analysis after that
time as were obtained from the samples
when fresh. Formalin should therefore
prove useful in preserving samples of
milk which may be required at a later
period for analytical reference. — Ph.

fournal.

•

THE CATHODE RAYS.

Two hypotheses have been proposed
to explain the properties of these rays.

Some authorities think with Goldstein
Hertz and Lenard, that this phenomen-
on is due, like light to the vibrations of
the ether, or even that it is light with a
short wave length. Others, Crookes and
J. J. Thomson, consider that these rays
are formed of matter charged negatively
and traveling with great velocity. From
a *paper by Jean Perrin of the Paris
Academy of Science, we learn that ac-
cording to his experiments, the facts ob-
served do not easily agree with the the-
ory which regards the cathode rays as ul-
tra-violet light, on the contrary, they are
in harmony with the theory which re-
gards them as material radiation.

Their utility in human pathology and
surgical diagnosis has been already fully
proven.

♦ Scientific American Supplement, No. 1055, Page 16868

ii6

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

INFLUENCE OF THE CHEMICAL NATURE
OF SUBSTANCES AND THEIR PERME=
ABILITY BY THE ROENTGEN RAYS.

BY MADP-ICE MKSLANS.

Numerous experiments have demon-
strated that certain bodies are transparent
to the radiations emitted by the Crookes
tube, while others present as regards
these rays a relative opacity. I have un-
dertaken to examine vi^hat is the relation
which may exist between the transpar-
ency of these substances and their chem-
ical nature, and if the Roentgen rays may
not furnish a new means of investigation
in the domain of chemistry. I will here
merely indicate the most striking of the
results which I have obtained ; they are
manifest on an examination of the photo-
graphic proofs which I submit to the
Academy, and which refer to about fifty
substances, simple and compound. These
results, though incomplete, seem to me
to offer some very definite conclusions,
and determine me to pursue this study
further.

The transparency or opacity of bodies
to the "X" rays is not absolute; the influ-
ence of thickness has been already dem-
onstrated, and the role of density has
been examined. The specific chemical
nature appears to me to present a very
considerable influence. I have compared
together the various nonmetallic bodies
as well as their acid derivatives, and the
salts, metallic or organic, which they
yield. My experiments have related
chiefly to organic bodies, and to their es-
sential element, carbon.

I have been hitherto able to establish
the extreme transparency not merely of
carbon in its different states, compared
to those ot other nonmetals. The slight
opacity of organic compounds when along
with carbon they contain merely the gas-
eous elements, hydrogen, oxygen and
nitrogen. Still this transparence is far

from being uniform, and presents very
various degrees which appear connected
with the chemical function of these bodies.

The photographic proofs which accom-
pany this memoir have been obtained by
shutting up a photographic plate in a
frame for negatives, and arranging upon
the little board which covers the plate
the substances whose transparence it was
desired to study, lighting up the whole
with a Crookes tube, placed at a distance
of 20 cm. After an exposure of thirty
minutes, the plate and development gave
silhouettes of the bodies experimented
upon, the relative intensities of which
measured their transparence.

Diamond, graphite, anthracite, sugar
charcoal give a faint tinge of tonality sim-
ilar to that of wood or of paraffin of an
equal thickness, while sulphur, selenium,
phosphorus, iodine, afford very strong
images of great opacity.

The organic substances, ethers, acids,
nitrogenous substances were easily trav-
ersed by the "X" rays, and gave images
scarcely perceptible; but the introduction
into the organic molecule of a mineral
element, such as iodine, chlorine, fluo-
rine, sulphur, phosphorus, etc., gives to
the molecule a great opacity.

The sulphates of the alkaloids are in |

i

this case. In like manner iodoform is j
very opaque, while the alkaloids, picric j
acid, magenta and urea are very trans-
parent. Phthalyl fluoride is much more
opaque than phthalic acid, although the '
molecular weights of the two bodies ap- j
proximate very closely. The metallic i
salts possess a great opacity, but which
varies with the metal and the acid.

These results are corroborated by the \
photography of hands and of small entire !
animals executed by Prof. Roentgen and i
others. In these proofs the muscles re-
main transparent. They are, in fact,
substances formed entirely of carbon, hy- ;
drogen, oxygen and nitrogen. The bones

1

IHE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

117

on the contrary give strong images. The
opacity is due to the mineral elements
which they contain.

The differences in the chemical consti-
tution of the matters forming nerves,
blood, etc., will doubtless permit us to
obtain their photographic images, thanks
to their unequal transparency.

I hope to carry out with more exacti-
tude these researches on definite chemical
species, and I purpose studying the rela-
tion between the chemical constitution of
bodies and their degree of transparency
to the Roentgen rays. At present the
result which seems established is the
transparency of carbon and its compounds
with hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, and
the great opacity occasioned by the intro-
duction into the organic molecule of other
mineral elements, especially CI, S, P, and
above all, I. — Comptes Rendus, cxxii, p.

309-

•

THE HISTORY OF PHARPIACY. *

By Dr. Ninian Falkinkr.

The history of Pharmacy is the history
of the living world, and we must not, in
the happy possession of the fruits of
science, forget that all we have comes to
us from those who have gone before. The
great Burke says: ' 'Those will not look
forward to their posterity who never look
backwards to their ancestors." If this be
true that in the ordinary mind there is an
intense pride and anxiety to know, in
generations back, that our ancestors were
honorable men, how much the more shall
we, who are the scientific descendants of
those who have labored in the past for
the advancement of knowledge and for
the good of their fellow creatures, endeav-
or to honor and cherish the memories
of those who have left their foot-prints in
the narrow pathway of mediaeval know-
ledge.

♦Lecture delivered to Pharmaceutical Chemists, and
Apothecaries Association of Ireland, March 13th.

From the earliest days of the history of
mankind, two great necessities for the
community have always existed, firstly,
that of the minister of religion and sec-
ondly, that of the healer of the sick.

Primitive man, gifted with powers of
observation, saw that animals when sick
were attracted by some instinct which we
cannot understand toward some herbs,
which relieved their indisposition. The
dog doses himself with triticum caninum,
the cat revels in the odor of Valeriana
officinalis, the Indian mongoose is said to
procure an antidote for snake bite in
mimosa octandra.

Probably from the earliest time man
would be led to observe the behavior of
animals when suffering from disease or
injury. In savage man we must seek the
beginnings of our civilization, and it is
in the lowest tribes and those which have
not yet felt the influences of superior
races, that we must search for the most
primitive forms of pharmaceuiical and
medical ideas and the earliest theories
and treatment of disease. The lowest
form of belief that exists is called Anim-
ism, which may be defined as a belief
which attributes beath and all forms of
disease to magic, which is influenced by
the spirits of dead men. Amongst these
people we cannot expect to find much of
the early development of the science of
pharmacy ; they were, however, probably
acquainted with the properties of some
herbs and poisons, as in the case of the
obi poison.

So far as we can judge by records of
the past, the oldest place in the civiliza-
tion of the world must be assigned to
Egypt. It is most probable that the first
kingdom of Egypt existed 8000 years ago;
its history is more reliable than that of
China, and more recent than that of As-
syria and Chaldsea. We require no further

iiS

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

proof than the mummies in our museums
to convince us that the Egyptians from
the period from which those interesting
objects date, must have possessed a very
accurate knowledge of anatomy, of phar-
macy and a skill in surgical bandaging
very far suspassing that possessed now- a-
days by even the most skilled professors
of the art. Mr. Granville says there is
not a single form of bandage known to
modern surgery of which far better ex-
amples are not seen in the swathings of
the Egyptian mummies; the straps of
linen are found without one single joint
extending to loo yards in length.

Professor George Stokes, librarian to
the interesting Dublin institution,
Marshes' Eibrary, after his appointment,
when getting the place into order, found
a box containing a mummy; he sent for
me and asked me to examine it, and on
doing so found that there was a malfor-
mation of the bones of the right arm and
fore- arm. I handed the specimen to Pro-
fessor E. Bennett, who exhibited it at the
Academy of Medicine. The famous"Ebers
Papyrus" was purchased in 1874 by Dr.
Ebers at Thebes. This papyrus contains
no pages, each page consisting of about
twenty-two lines of bold Hieratic writing.
It may be described as an encyclopseiia
of medicine as known and practiced by
the Egyptians of the eighteenth dynasty,
and it contains prescriptions of all kinds
of diseases— some borrowed from Syrian
medical lore, and some of such great an-
tiquity that they are ascribed to the
mythological ages when the gods yet
reigned personally on earth. Among
others is given the recipe for an applica-
tion whereby Osiris cured Ra of a head-
ache. In this papyrus is an example of
an old Egyptian diagnosis and therapeut-
ics as follows: "When thou findest any
one with a hardness in his re-hit (pit of
the stomach, and when, after eating, he

feels a pressure on his intestines, his
'hit' is swollen and he feels bad in walk-
ing like one who suflFers from heat in his
back, then observe him when he lies
stretched out, and if thou findest his in-
testines hot and a hardness in his re-hit,
say unto thyself, this is a disease of the
liver. Then prepare for thyself accord-
ing to the secrets of the science from the
plant pa-che-test and dates, mix them,
and give in water."

The Jews were indebted to Egypt for
their primary ideas of medicine, but they
cast away the ideas of demonology and
magic which clouded what was good in
the practice of Egypt. The Talmud re-
commends onions for worms, and wine,
pepper and asafoetida for flatulency. The
Talmudists are responsible for calling the
earth, air, fire and water elementary
bodies. In the middle ages tue Jews
rendered service to the healing art, and
had a large share in the scientific work
connected with the Arab domination of
Spain.

To be continued.

•

At a recent Pharmacy examination,
one of the questions given was: — Define
"Bacteria."

"Bacteria," wrote the future Ph. G.,
"is a ferment capable of decomposing
and replacing lung tissue."

And the examining Professor who was
marking the paper, paused a few mom-
ents to recuperate. — J. Kussy

The lecture delivered April 8th, by
Herman A. Heydt, L.L.B., on Mozin-
iaitt Climbing in Switzerland., will be
published in our next issue.

One of our young men after procuring the
photo of one of our lady students (and?) was
heard to remark (as he closed the album and
laid it inside) "when shall we three meet
again." C. W. Smith.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

119

Published under the auspices of the

Alumni Association of tlie Collep of Pharmacy

OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK,

1 15-119 WEST 68th STREET.

Vol. III.

May, 1896.

No. 5-

The Alumni Journal will be published Monthly.

Entered at New York Post Office as second-class matter

SUBSCRIPTION :

Per Annum,
5ingle Copies,

One Dollar
■ 5 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,

Alfred H. Mason, 59 Maiden Lane, New York.
All communications relating to finances and business
matter in general should be addressed to

Thos. M. Davies, 543 Third Avenue, New York.
All communications relating to subscriptions should
be addressed to

Nelson S. Kirk, 9 East 59th Street, New York.

EDITOR Pro tem.
ALFRED H. MASON, Ph. C, F. C. S.

ASSISTANT EDITORS.

K. C. MAHEGIN, Ph. G.

FRED. HOHENTHAL, Ph. G.

J. KUSSY, Ph. G.

RUD. BOENKE, 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.

SMITH ELY JELLIFFE, M. D.

GEORGE A. FERGUSON, Ph. B.

The Editor is not responsible for the views expressed
by the authors of papers, etc.

EDITORIAL.

Commencement Exercises will be
held at Carnegie Hall, on Thursday,
May 7th, at 8 P. M., President Fairchild
in the chair.

Music by Rogers' 7th Regiment Band.

Address by Mr. John W. Keller.

This will be the first annual commence-
ment of Post Gradiiate Co7irse.

It is expected that a very large class
will be graduated.

Invitations will be sent out by the com-
mittee after May ist.

Our readers will regret, that pressure
of other duties has rendered it necessary
for Mr. Fred. Hohenthal, Ph.G., to re-
sign his position as Editor. We are all in-
debted to him for the ability with which
he has conducted the work, andh is will-
ingness to help the Alumni on every
occasion, and we trust he will still con-
tinue to lend his aid in the good cause.

In cheerful compliance with the flat-
tering unanimity of your Committee,
that he should do so, the Editor, pro.
tem. undertakes to relieve them in an
emergency and endeavor to conduct
this department of the Journal, so as to
make it worthy of the Alumni, and of our
College. Fully occupied with his daily
duties, and also holding honorary offices
for the advancement of pharmacy and
allied subjects, this means further sacrifice
of duties to his family, and burning the
midnight oil, and as "all work and no
play; makes a dull boy," he assumes the
office temporarily, to ascertain to what
extent such sacrifice is necessary. Al-
ways devoted to the interests of his
younger friends and fellow students, if
his labors as an amateur in the cause,
are of service to them, without danger to
himself, he is willing to make the experi-
ment, relying upon the hearty co-opera-
tion and assistance of those who are will-
ing to be associated with him in the
work.

"Content if hence th' unlearn'd their wants may

view,
The learn'd reflect on what before they knew."

The new prospectus of the College for
1896 — '97, will be issued about June ist.

Every person who knows him, and
especially those associated with our Col-
lege, will rejoice that Professor Chandler
is making rapid recovery from the surgi-
cal operation recently undergone.

I20

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

Our College. A physician (editor
of one of the leading medical journals in
this city), remarked: "I consider a two
years course of study in the New York
College ol Pharmacy, the finest training
any boy could have, and if I had a son
who intended Lo become a lawyer, doc-
tor, engineer or join any of the profess-
ions, I should give him two years in your
College first."

We may all feel gratified by this, but
those of you who in a few days will
receive that qualification which afiiliates
you with our College as your Alma Mat-
er, will feel proud that you have by your
hard work, honestly attained such a dis-
tinction, and with your foot placed firmly
on the first step of the ladder, go on in-
creasing that knowledge, determined to
be students all your lives, knowing that
the future of the institution depends up-
on the efforts of its Alumni to keep it in
the position which it now justly claims
as one of the most important Colleges of
Pharmacy in the world.

Annual Meeting of the New York
State Pharmaceutical Association will be
held at BuflFalo, June 23, 24, 25, George
J. Seabury, President.

Having successfully graduated, your
first duty will be to join the Alumni As-
sociation of your College.

We congratulate Charles H. Bjork-
wall '95; Charles E. Dosh '95; Harry
B. Ferguson '95; George H. Jorgensen
'95; Joseph F. McCarthy '93 and Herman
Walter '95, who were elected members of
the College at the last meeting of the
Board of Trustees.

The College was well represented at
the Seventeenth Annual Exhibition of
the New York Microscopical Society,
April 14th. Exhibit No. 33, in alcove
III., by members of the Classes of '96
and '97, being quite an attraction. Pro-
fessor Jeliffe and Alfred H. Mason were
also exhibitors.

The Fifth Annual Commencement of
the Brooklyn College of Pharmacy took
place April i6th at the Association Hall,
Brooklyn. Twenty-five graduates re-
ceived diplomas, and nine members re-
ceived certificates of examination.
"Trustees" gold medal was awarded to
Harry B. Palmer, of Asbury Park.
Silver medal to John Scheller and the first
"Brundage" Pharmacy Medal to E.
Clayton Woodcock, who delivered the
Valedictory address. The Alumni prize
was awarded to 1^. G. Rowlenson, senior
class.

A humorous and practical address to
the graduates was delivered by Hon,
Henry A. Powell (who was made L.L-D.
for the occasion). Those on the plat-
form remained seated, whilst the candi-
dates irregularly walked down the centre
of the hall to their places. The hall was
decorated with the College colors, and
so were the ushers — a good miscellane-
ous concert helped to make a most en-
joyable entertainment, at which about
1500 persons weie present.

At a College Meeting held on April 6th, the
following were unanimously elected to serve as
the City Board of Pharmacy for the ensuing 3
years: Drs. Cyrus Edson, Wm. Balser, Diek-
man, Jeliflfe and Mr. John Oehler, the former
two being elected on a separate ballot as a mark
of courtesy for their 21 years of active service.

It may be interesting to note that attention
was called to the fact that nearly 40 per cent, of
the members present at the above meeting were
Alumnists.

Under the guidance of Prof. Rusby as Chair-
man of the Committee, the meetings for the
reading of Scientific papers next season will
undoubtedly bring the members of the College
into closer relationship and ultimately prove
advantageous.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

121

"AlvUMNI DAY."

On May 6th, the Alumni Association will
tender its annual reception to the students.

For the past nine years, it has been customary
to select a day annually called Alumni Day, for
the purpose of becoming acquainted with the
students. In former years talent was hired for
the occasion, but this year we will be entertained
by ladies and gentlemen who have very kindly
volunteered their services. The Alumni Day
Committee is composed of Messrs. Herold,
Searles and Burger. Last year we had a stage
built in sections, so that we could take it apart
and use it again.

Members of the Association will meet at the
College on Monday, May 4th, and put it to-
gether. The next day Mr. Searles, who has
charge of the decorations and who has been on
this committee every year for the past nine
years, will put his men to work and decorate it
with flags and bunting. The other members of
the committee have been very busy securing the
services of their, and the Alumni's friends for
this occasion. Miss Nellie Gaffney of New
Rochelle, will recite some humorous Irish pieces;
The College Glee Club, Selections; Mr. Throck-
morton, Recitations, and Mr. E. BischcfF, Solos,
these are only a few of the "good things" in
store for those who are fortunate enough to
attend.

During the entertainment the Roll of Honor
will be read by the Chairman of the Exam.
Committee. Following this, the President will
award the Alumni prizes to the Juniors.

After the entertainment the Annual Meeting

of the Association takes place, when, as usual,

ofiScers will be elected for the ensuing year.

All members are requested to remain and attend

the meeting as very important business will be

transacted. Members and students are cordially

invited to attend the entertainment and bring

their friends.

HiERONiMus A. Herold,

Chairman Alumni Day Committee.

AT a recent meeting of the senior class a com-
mittee was appointed to work with a like com-
mittee of the Class of '97 to wait upon the College
officials that they adopt the Class Pin of '93, '94,
'96 and recently adopted by the '97 Class, as an
official N. Y. C. P. pin. A report of the com-
mittees has not yet been given.

MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION,
APRIIv 8th, 1S96.
The Meeting was called to order by the
President, 9 30 P.M.: present Miss Agnes P.
Mahony, '95, Messrs. Henning, '76, Stover, '83
Dr. Diekman, '89, Heller, '93, Hoburg, '93,
Herold, '94. Kirk, '94, Erb, '94, Gies, '95, Diirr,
'95, and Ferguson. '95.

The minutes of the previous meeting were
read and adopted.

The President appointed the following gentle-
men the "Alumni Day Committee:" H. A.
Herold, Chairman, A. C. Searles, and G. F
Burger.

The following report of the "Entertainment
Commtttee" was then read by the chairman of
committee, W. S. Kirk.

"On this, our second monthly report, we take
pleasure in announcing that owing to our ac-
quired familiarity with the sociables, we have
made them less expensive and more popular
than last month.

During March the following entertainments
given were under our auspices : March 4th,
Smoker; i8th, Reception; 25th, Card Party.

For this month we respectfully submit the
following for approval : April ist. Smoker, 15th
Reception; 22d, Smoker; 29th, Smoker; Nelson
S. Kirk, Chairman, R. Gies and G. F. Burger,
Committee, Motion made and carried that the
report be accepted and placed on file.

Motion made and carried "that the Association
award the customary gold, silver and bronze
medals to the graduating class," President
Stover appointing Mr. Henning as a committee
of one to attend to same.

Motion made and carried ' 'that a committee
be appointed to purchase the same prizes for
the Junior class as were awarded last year," Mr.
Graeser being appointed as a committee of one.

Motion made and seconded "that the usual
'Examination Committee' be appointed to rate
the Junior papers for prizes": motion carried.

Following is the committee appointed: — Dr.
Geo. C. Diekman, Chairman, and Messrs.
Hoburg, Oehler, Kreuder and Ferguson.

Motion made and carried to have committee
appointed to audit the treasurer's accounts;
committee essrs. Gies, Heller and Kirk.

Motion made and carried to have the annual
meeting connected with the Alumni Day cele-
bration.

Motion made and seconded that "Alumni
Day," be made "Alumni Night ;" motion lost.

Motion made and carried that "Alumni Day'^
celebration be held on May 6th, 1896, at 2 P. M.

122

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

The following gentlemen were proposed for
membership in the Association, and having
qualified, were elected, the Secretary casting
one afl&rmative ballot, electing the same; viz.
Joseph Siegmann, '93, 213 East Fifth Street, New
York ; Abraham Weiss, '94, 709 Sixth Street,
New York ; Fred. Borggreve, '92, 12 18 Broad-
way, New York, Messrs. Kirk and Herold acted
as tellers.

Motion made and carried that Mr. Kirk and
the other members of the "Entertainment Com
mittee" be extended the thanks of the Assoc-
iation for their services.

Motion made and carried that a committee
be appointed to look into the matter of an
"Alumni Button." President Stover appointed
Mr. Kirk, Chairman, Mr. Henning and Miss
Mahegin.

There being no further busin the meeting
adjourned. Respectfully submitted.

Wm. a. Hoburg, Jr., Secretary.

OUR SOCIAL MEETINGS.

SMOKERS.
The Smokers held March 25th and April ist
were as successful as their predecessors. The
Alumni Room on each occasion presented its
cheeriness and homelike appearance. The
guests were never in a more jovial mood, and
our famed piano verified the assertion that its
music is tuneful and harmonious. Owing to an
oversight the names of the participants were
not obtained.

LECTURE.

Herman A. Heydt delivered a very interest
ing Lecture on Wednesday evening, April 8th,
entitled "Mountain Climbing in Switzerland."
By 8 o'clock every seat in theampitheatreof the
College contained an occupant, the " fair sex "
being well represented. By the aid of stereop-
ticon views Mr. Heydt demonstrated the hard-
ships and trials of mountain climbing, especially
that of the mountain "Yungfrau" in Switzer-
land.

After the lecture a business meeting was held
in the Assembly Rooms of the College, President
Stover oflBciating. Among those present were
President Stover, Ex-President Graeser, Treas-
urer Henning, Secretary Hoburg, Dr. Diekman
'88, Harry Heller, '93, N. S. Kirk, '94, L. Erb,
'94, H, A. Herold, '94, H. Kreuder '94, T.
Davies, '94, J. Jorgensen, '94, R. Gies, '95, A.
Meyer, '95, G. Diirr, '95, A. Mahoney, '95.

SOCIABLE.

The last sociable of the season was held in the
Assembly Rooms of the College on Wednesday
evening, April 15th, Dancing commenced at
9.30 o'clock sharp and terminated long after the
hour of midnight had been recorded. The la-
dies present presented a fairy-like appearance
and their costumes were significant of spring-
time. During intermission vocal selections were
rendered by Miss Zimmermann, the College
Glee Club and Mr. Gies, '95. The programme
was as follows : Lanciers, Waltz, Schottische,
Varsouvianna, Two Step, Waltz. Lanciers,
Waltz, Polka, Yorke, Waltz, Schottische, Lan-
ciers, Two Step, Waltz.

Among those present were President Stover,
Treasurer Henning, E. Lohr, '93, Floyd Stage,
'93, J. S. Stage, '93, J. Siegmann, '93, N. S,
Kirk, '94, T. E. Davies, '94, C. W. Race, '94, F.
Cowes, '94, R. Gies, '95, R. Boenke, '95, H. B.
Ferguson, '95, G. E. Manville, '95, C. P. Gould,
'96, B. Gulick, '96, N. Brownell, '96, G. H.
Carter, '96, R. Zeiner, '96, H. J. McKellar, '97-
C. E. Bagley, '97, C. L. Pirver, '97, R. Eraser,
W. S. Burger.

The ladies' roll was graced by Miss K. C.
Mahegin, '89, Mrs. R. Gies, Mrs. A. Henning,
Mrs. S. B. Reed, Mrs. R. Eraser, Mrs. J, Meagh-
er, and the Misses K. Tisch, E. Ruckert, C.
Ruckert, C. Smith, F. A. Ives, F. R. Clark, M.
L. Zeiner, L. Williamson, J. A. Stage, L. M
Stage, B. Kauflfmann, R. Siegmann, A. Speck-
mann, A. Zimmerman, M. Meares, S. Meares.
E. Lotze, B. Gledhill, E. Gledhill and many
others whose names the reporter failed to ob^
tain.

NEWSY AND PERSONAL.

F. Borggreve, '92 has been elected a mem-
ber of our Association. Thanks to the efforts
of Mr. Kirk.

Dr. Diekmann, '88honoredthe Alumni with
his presence at the meeting held April 8th.

From the wilds of Jersey we are informed
that A. Frank, '88 has become a benedict.
Geo, F. Burger, Ph. G.

115-119 West 68th Street.

Before this has reached the eyes of our read-
ers, we will know whether or not our endeavors
have been crowned with success. The Senior
class has labored under numerous inconveni-
ences, nevertheless we are endeavoring to
capture the trophy as the leading class in the
history of Our College. C. W. Smith.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

123

(College Notes.

'93 NOTES.

Commencement ! That magic word which
for every Ph.G. signifies only the consummation
of that upon which his hopes and aims were
concentrated for two years, is again upon us.
Two years, which sometimes seemed long, but
are now among the most cherished recollections
of one's life. Our boys are now so widely
scattered that it is next to impossible to again
bring them together as they were on our Com-
mencement. But what would we not give to
again have them all together, either arranged
according to feet and inches, a la Atwood's
excellent assorting process, or all jumbled to-
gether, Uhle next to Sasse and Heller beside
Hopkins. But I had best "come out of the
clouds," for 'tis a vain dream, and the best I
can hope for is an occasional letter from some
of the boys, or a less than occasional sight of a
familiar face.

While it is true that our interests are now so
widely different, and not at all the same as they
were then, causing as some might claim, a feel-
ing not the same as it used to be, still I maintain
that for the time being, our interests would be
identical, the renewing and strengthening of
our old friendships. How many of you will
come to the Commencement of the Class of '96?
You will all be welcome, and assured of an eve-
ning which will bring memories of the cele.
brated year of '93 back to you in a manner
which will make you feel that the boys think of
each other still.

Teddy Edlich was seen borrowing a dose of
bromo the other day, and as he sadly put his
hand up in the neighborhood he thought his
head ought to be, he remarked that night-keys
have the hardest work to do in the morning.

The study of medicine seems to agree with
our friend Chas. Schlichter. He is becoming so
stout that there is no danger of a Jersey Zephyr
blowing him about like a corn-stalk. He seems
to think that a man never wants to be an angel
if he can make a living at anything else.

Now may we look to the rapid advancement
of all interests connected with the College-
Messrs. Hoburg and Tannenbaum have been
elected members of the College.

Jos. P. Carroli. is with C. M. Rawlins & Co.
at 2090 8th Avenue.

A. Moi,iNA, the dark and mysterious, is
studying medicine at Bellevue.

Emil Bohata is with Bohmfalk, 54th Street
and 2d Avenue.

Said Tanny, with a far-away dreamy look in
bis soulful eyes: "There are two things in life
a man is never prepared for — twins."

Our little yodler Huber says he has only now
found out that life is worth living since he has
subscribed for the journal.

In reply to a request of mine to send me some
news about himself, Bolduan modestly answered
that he did not think his doings would interest
the boys. If any other man is laboring under
that misapprehension let him cast it from him
forthwith. Bolduan is going to study medicine
at the P. & S., and no doubt will be on the
honor roll there just as he was at our College.
He has gotten to be quite an analytical chemist,
and has a fine labratory, with all improved ap-
paratus.

The adoption by the class of '96 of a class pin
of the same design as ours, was, in a measure,
due to Bolduan's efforts, and he is very enthu-
siastic in getting up a movement to have all
classes adopt it. The design originated, I believe
with '91, and if all classes fell in line like we did,
we would soon have a characteristic College pin
which would identify an N, Y. C, P. man any-
where, no matter of what class he was.

"Old Sport" Zwingli has lifted his melodi-
ous voice and let some news of himself drift
New Yorkward. He is still managing Kent' >
Pharmacy, 159 Main Street, Paterson, and say
he is very well for and old married man. He
wishes me to agitate the question of having a
rousing characteristic dinner. As soon as
Commencement and the Outing are over I am
going to start in; so be ready boys and those
who are willing can begin now to send me their
full addresses so that I can compile a list.

Carl A. Meisner is still rolling pills and
selling stamps. His address is 208 E. 75th vSt.

SCHAAF Bros, now have two stores, one at
3409 Third Avenue and the other at 798 Eighth
Avenue.

Eugene F. Lohr, Ph. G.

Conrad Glogan, '94 is now the proprietor of
Cleaver's Pharmacy on Summit Avenue, Jersey
City. If he will now confine his thoughts on a
good insecticide that will annihilate some of
those notorious "Jersey Mosquitoes" his fortune
will be made. Try it old man. N. S. Kirk.

124

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

'94 NOTES,
Having to use the popular expression, "been
jumped on" considerably, for the brevity in my
notes in the last issue, I will take this oppor-
tunity of setting myself right. Early in March
I made an examination of the subscription
book, which revealed a host of delinquents,
many of them being prominent men, and as this
state of affairs cannot be remedied any too soon
I resolved to "shake them up'- at once, feeling
confident that my colleagues, Lohr and Burger
would make up any deficiency that might re-
sult from the aforesaid brevity. These delin-
quents take up so much of my spare time, that
I think eventually of adopting the tactics of my
friend, Goodfellow Gunning, editor of the
Tombstone Inscription, whose favorite and ef-
fective means of collecting subscriptions is to
fire a load of shot into the delinquent subscrib-
scribers as they pass his door, which invariably
reminds them quite forcibly of their tardiness.
Are you one of these delinquents? If so, kind
ly settle up at your earliest opportunity, so that
I may not be justified in giving this "song and
dance" again.

By the way, the N. Y. C. P. Cyclers have re-
sumed their runs, and would be pleased to hear
from any of "Our Graduates" who are devotees
of the wheel, and desire to join them in a run
under the Blue and Gold.

I UNDERSTAND that '96 and '97 are going to
urge the College authorities to adopt the Class
pin, used by '92, '93, '94 and '96, as the oflBcial
Class pin. It is more worthy of the support
the Alumni members will give it.

I HAVE always regretted that '95 bolted, for
our pin is recognized as the N. Y. C. P., or to
be "up to date," the C. P. C. N. Y. pin every-
where.

The Alumni Sociables have proved them-
selves to be proper affairs, in the right direct-
ion, affairs which are going to make it more
active than ever. Already several old gradu-
ates have joined us and a host will follow suit.

Though sorry I cannot announce the course
of the Reception Committee's work next season.
I feel convinced that they will be authorized to
carry on their gatherings in much the same
manner as has already predominated, with pos-
sibly greater facilities. These sociables, espec-
ially the receptions are popular to the under
graduates and I hope in the future will prove
more so to the Alumnists and graduates.

Burger is continually expanding his sub-
maxillary area with schemes, his latest one is an
Alumni Nutting Party to be held next Fall.
Quite an idea, and George will doubtless ex-
pound his ideas in such a way as to make it a go.

I NOTE with pleasure the addition of two
more '94 men to the militia of their respective
States. Col. Louis B. Wade of Erasers is a pri-
vate (with hopes) in our crack Seventh, while
Carl Richter occupies in the Second, N. G. S.
N. J. the rank which Davies refers to as "horse
pistol steward. Thus at the present time we
have T. M. Davies, '94, 8th Reg't, N. Y. ; E. C.
Webb, '93, 8th Reg't, N. Y. ; L. B. Wade, '94,
7th Reg't, N. Y. ; C. Richter, '94, 2d Reg't, N.J.

After leaving his position in Mott Street, I
mean Mott Haven, Bernard Mueller accepted
another in Fleischmann's N. Y., which has
proved to his liking to such an extent, that he
will probably locate there shortly.

Tunis F. Cook is with Speth, Cornelia Street
and Broadway, Brooklyn, and Lauffer is with
Sautter, Bedford Avenue and S. 5th Street.
Have not as yet had an opportunity to interview
them.

Frank E. Eei.y has joined the now large
list of '94 Benedicts and is with Lord's Pharma-
cy at 36th Street and Seventh Avenue. Again
we extend our best wishes.

It has become my sad duty to inform my
class-mates of the loss of one of our goodly
number in Fred. W. Drenckhahn which occured
in February. He will be remembered as a friend,
who, in the proverbial balance, would never be
found wanting. His demise robs his family of
a devoted son and brother, whose future was
one of the brightest. May his soul rest in peace.

George H. Born, '86 and Henry G. Born,
'94 have together purchased a store on Bedford
Avenue, Brooklyn. George has been in busi-
ness for himself for some time, and will doubt-
less find a good partner in his brother, who has
the reputation of "punching pills" as fast as the
next one.

George S. Tomlinson is conducting the
store formerly controlled by his father, the late
George G. Tomlinson on Amsterdam Avenue
and io2d Street.

Nelson S. Kirk, Ph. G.

9 East 59th Street.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL

125

'95 NOTES.

The lecture "■Mojintaiti Climbing in Switzer-
land," yihich.via.s AeMv&r&di by H. A. Heydt.
L. L. B., on Wednesday, April 8th, was one of
the best attended lectures of the season. It
was handsomely illustrated by stereoptican
views; those of special interest to the audience
being, "Moonlight Courting," in two views,
and, "Spooks in a Graveyard," which included
a skeleton dance. One thing noticeable about
the audience was, the large number of ladies
present, who were undoubtedly attracted by the
report of Mr. Heydt's last lecture.

Of our boys there were present Messrs. Diirr,
Gies, DroUinger and myself.

On Wednesday evening, April 15th, the last
reception of the Alumni Association was held
in the Herbarium, the evening was enlivened
by a number of recitations and songs, which
were highly appreciated.

Gies favored the guests with a few solos, ac-
companied by Walter on the piano.

Our representatives were, Messrs. Bjorkwall,
Gies, Ferguson, Manville, Walter and myself.

LOST.

Miss Mahony and Messrs. McLellan, Meig-
han, Merritt, Meyer, W. Miller, Jr., Morse,
Murray, Musgrave, B. E. and G. A. Oats, Ohl-
andt, Owens, Parker, Pennington. Prevost,
Prote, Raymond, Reynolds, Richter, Roberts,
Roeber, Rohne, Rose, Ryan, Sawyer, Sharni-
kow, Schwallie and Sheehan, Any information
relating to the above named lady and gentle-
men will be thankfully received.

FOUND.

Aquaro was married some time ago, and is
manager of the store corner of James and Madi-
son streets, and owned by Mrs. Benedetti.

Something new — Broesler is a papa.

W. D. Brown is with Weidenfeld, 1928 Third
avenue.

Fred. L. Fi,ick has resigned his position at
Eschmann's Pharmacy, 9th avenue and 51st
street.

L. I. Cherey has purchased the store former-
ly owned by A. Paulini, at 104 Canal st.

RUD. BoENKE, Ph. G.,

437 East 87th Street.

The floor of the Pharmacognosy room is rather
slippery, is'nt it Hoyt? Never mind it won't
hurt long. C. W. Smith.

'97 NOTES.

On one dark and moonless night last month,
a heavy detachment of our class-men sallied
forth to Barnum's show, under command of
our President, the gallant Colonel McKellar of
South Carolina. To this gentlemen's expert
generalship, was due the light list of casualties.

The boys had a good time and bad nearly
everything their own way. But they finally
received one damper in the fifth auricle. It
was after a particularly daring feat by one of
the performers, that we arose to our feet, and
gave vent to a mighty slogan. The band in-
stantly ceased playing, the cheeks of the audi-
ence blanched, and a panic was eminent, when
a small urchin saved the house by yelling: "Ah
dey ain't no Zulus, dems de Protectory mugs,
see." Confidence was restored, smiles rippled
once more o'er the faces of the assembled mul-
titude and the band played on. "We seen our
duty, and we done it" (we left). We had a
glorious time !

Your reporter took occasion to interview the
fair Miss Johanna, in order to see just what im-
pression we had made upon her and her col-
leagues in the menagerie. This was found to
be most favorable, the only dissention was the
hyena, and Miss Johanna said he was envious
because he had caught cold in the parade and
was unable to yell.

Ah! but here I am going to let out one little
secret on the Colonel.

Miss Johanna told me in a burst of extreme
confidence, that she was much smitten with
our gallant Colonel. In her own words: "Thot
gintlemen what youse call the Colonel, is a
bute. Mama! waudn't oi loike to elope wid him!"
Then she became silent and would speak no
more.

Choice of Weapons?— W-e-1-1— let us make it
broadswords at twenty paces and corn-stimu-
lant on the side.

Mr. "Wooly" was overheard to remark that
our friend Mr. Buchle has a strapping name,
and none hit him.

Aeter diagnosing "Wild Wooly's" case we
find that he is suffering from intermittent rush-
es of "fair Gussie" to the heat. He will pull
through.

R. F. NEOFFATT of the class of '97 has just
accepted a position at White's Pharmacy in
Long Island City.

R. W. Milne,

20 West 32d Street,

126

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL

I ^ 1

<^-

^er^ior Glass Notes.

N. Y. C. P. "96.

Deuschberger met with what might be
called a severe accident the other day, At
least its the general class opinion that " 'Twas
a close shave."

I AM positive the second section of the College
joins heartily in extending thanks to Prof. H.
Ferguson who so kindly and ably filled the dif-
ficult position of Materia Medica Quiz Master
during the absence of our Prof. Rusby. Mr.
Ferguson not only proved his ability in this ca-
pacity, but obtained at once a true friendly
feeling with the students and we feel greatly
indebted to him for the earnestness shown. We
wish him the brightest success in his future
undertakings.

We are indebted to Messrs Wm. R. Warner
& Co. for the valuable hand-book presented to
each of our students, entitled " Therapeutic
Reference Book." It is gotten up in a very
unique style and proves a source of valuable
information.

WANTED.— Any detailed information con-
cerning Mr. F. W. H, of Section i. Seen on
Sunday, April 12th, 8 o'clock p. m. in Hoboken
N. J., "rushing the growler." Last seen on
said day 11 o'clock p. m. with said "growler "
on a synonomous expedition bearing a '97 class
pin of the Hoboken High School. The pin is
said to have belonged to a 14 summer lassie of
that "country."

Another luxuriant growth of lilacs manifests
its presence in Section 2. Friend Terry is the
possessor.

At a recent meeting of the class it was de-
cided that a banquet be held in preference to a
ball. Under the circumstances this is undoubt-
edly a wise conclusion as the financial condi-
tion of many of our students at the present time
would not permit the latter to be carried out in
a manner justifyable to the PH. G's of the class
of '96, A committee was appointed to superin-
tend arrangements, select the "battle ground,"
etc., and the affair will take place on Tuesday
evening, May 5th. Let it be hoped that not a
student be so unfortunate as to fail in his exami-
nation and not enjoy the pleasures of that eve-
ning.

A SENIOR student of the College of Pharmacy
of one of our sister States being asked, "what is
Oil of Spike, " replied "Its and oily liquid ob-

tained from railroad spikes." They say he
graduated.

Only five of our boys failed to attain the re-
quired rating in practical pharmaceutical work.
The first prize of that department will be award-
ed by special examination of a certain number
of those having the highest rating.

We are indebted to Prof. Coblentz for the
special evening lecture on prescription com-
pounding given us a short time since. We re-
gret the disturbance which ensued and the gen-
tlemen implicated in the "performance" ac-
knowledge the size of the torpedoes to have
been somewhat above regulation.

One of our officers wishing to indulge in a
little of the pleasures of correspondence an-
swered by publication an "Ad" in the Herald
giving the college address and signing a fic-
ticious name which chanced to be identical to
that of one of our students. The latter party is
now in need of a private secretary.

The exchanging of Photo's has of late been
the order of the day. The workmanship of the
club rate cabinets of the Dana Company was
not a decided "Ad" to the house as many of
the students are very dissatisfied.

By permission of our "New Editor" I would
like to announce to section 2 which elected me
as their reporter that notwithstanding my name
has not been published in previous editions of
the Journal yet my items have each and every
month been published fully or in part and
when not signed by their proper author was
given credit to Mr. Morris reporter of section
I. Undoubtedly the error was a misunder-
standing at the press office. *

A NUMBER of the boys attended Barnum &
Bailey's "Greatest Show on Earth" and carried
with them the official N. Y. C. P. flag. The
clown nearly spoiled their evening's entertain-
ment by asking if they were members of the
New York Catholic Protectory.

The last hop of the Alumni Association was
quite largely attended and a very pleasant en-
tertainment given. Our famous Glee Club cap-
tured several applauds.

Chas, Wetmore Smith.

72 West 49th Street.

*Ed. — Very sorry, but please do not write
your report upon the back of telegram forms,
sign your name and address in full, and we will
all try to give you the credit you so richly de-
serve.

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

127

TO THE CLASS OF '96.

THE SHART DRUG CLERK AND THE
(iUILELESS FARMER.

As commencement approaches and
with it the parting hour for you who
have for a number of years studied side
by side, and cultivated, for each other, a
feeling of the warmest and truest friend-
ship, the thought must often present it-
self that many of you go forth from
college into the world in paths en-
tirely opposite, perhaps never again to
meet and greet one another.

It is with feelings of profound pleas-
ure intermingled with those of sincere
regret, that you appear together for the
last time as a class. How dear to you
is your Alma Mater, the benign mother
whose glory you share, and whose prais-
es you will sing, whether you remain
here in the city, or are called to regions
far distant! How dear to you are your
associates; how you prize their friendship
and good fellowship! And, permeating
all these sentiments, how deep is your
regret at parting with the scenes of, and
the associations formed at College.

And yet, year alter year, students
graduate and return to their homes, leav-
ing no trace of themselves, no evidence
that they once were students of our Col-
lege, beyond the memory of their names.

How pleasant it would be if all our
graduates would avail themselves of the
opportunities offered for maintaining a
constant relationship between themselves
as classmates, and towards their Alma
Mater, as men, ready to extol her vir-
tues and to rejoice in her ever increasing
influence.

And yet, how few comparatively avail
themselves of the opportunities presented.

Join the Alumni Association! In no
other way can you so strongly retain the
sweet remembrances of your college days,
in no other way can you more highly
honor your Alma Mater.

T. KUSSY,
629 Broad St., Newark, N. J.

Funny mistakes happen in drug stores.
Here is one that took place in Rockville,
Conn,, the other day.

A prominent druggist took the agency
for an asthma cure, and, in order to
boom the remedy, made a display of the
medicine in his window. His first order
was a small one, and, to make a fair dis-
play would require a good many pack-
ages which he did not possess.

This difficulty was easily surmounted.
Procuring a lot of wrappers, and getting
a number of wooden blocks of the right
size, the enterprising druggist wrapped
the blocks up and made them to appear
like the regular packages.

The display in his window was a good
one, and he received many compliments
for his skill at window dressing.

A man from the country — a farmer —
saw the many packages and read the
card, which stated what the contents
would cure. As the man was troubled
with this annoying disease, he sauntered
into the pharmacy and asked a clerk for a
package of the medicine. The clerk
forgetting himself, gave him one of the
dummy packages from the window ar-
rangement, and the farmer went his way
feeling elated that he now had something
to cure his asthma.

The following night at about 12 o'clock
he arose from his bed and sought his new
purchase. He tried hard to apply the
contents of the package, but it was of no
avail. At his first opportunity he went
to the drug store and asked for direct-
ions. The clerk was equal to the occas-
ion.

"Saw the wood," said he, "and use
the dust mixed with vinegar in equal
parts."

Again the farmer went his way rejoic-
ing, and he hasn't been heard of since.
— From Market Report., abstracted by /.
Ktissy .

128

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

]V[iscellaT>eoas Itcn^s.

CURIOUS PRESCRIPTIONS.

Having slight pecularities of interest to dis-
pensers:

No. I.

R Quin. Sulph : gr. iij.

Ac. Hyoroch Dil hi v.

Am. Carb gr. v.

Aq. ChloroL 3j.

The only satisfactory way of dispensing this
is to neutralize the acid with the am. carb., rub
the quinine down with mucilage, and add one
to the other.

No. 2.

R Bismuth Carb gr. 120.

Potass. Bicarb gr. 90.

Sp. Am. Arom 3 iij.

Tr. Cardam Co 3 iij.

Aq. Calcis ad 3 viij.

The color of the tinct. card co. in above is
discharged.

No. 3.

R Liq. Potassse

Sp. other Nitres, aa 3j-

This requires an amber color with a slight
precipitate.

No. 4.

R Zinci Broiii gr. 16.

Sodii Brom 3ss.

Tr. Nucis Voni m 64.

Aq. ad 3 viij.

A flocculent precipitate occurs in this, as two
drops of acid hydrobrom is sufficient to clear it,
the addition is recommended.
No. 5.

R Cocain Hyd gr. iij.

Argent Nit gr. J<.

Aq. Dest 3 ss.

In dispensing this, silver chloride is precipi-
tated, which is evidently not intended, there-
fore nitrate of cocaine should be used in place
of the hydrochlorate. — Ph. Journal.

The Metrological Society of America have
introduced a Bill at Washington, to make the
metric system of weights and measures the legal
standard of the United States in 1901.

A Washington drug clerk was lately put in
jail for receiving mail under a fictitious name.
A decoy letter from the secret service entrapped
him.

There is a street in the aristocratic portion
of the city of Canton, China, called "Physic
street." It is the abode of the wholesale drug-
gists.

The Oi^dest Prescription in the Wori.d.
— In the course of a deeply interesting lecture
by Prof. Macalisher, at Firth College, Sheffield,
on "Studies in Ancient Egyptian Literature,"
the lecturer stated, that, among the earliest
prescriptions was one for a "hair wash", for
promoting the growth of the hairs for the mother
of Chata, second King of the first dynasty, who
reigned about 4000 B. C. It is as follows:

Pad of a dog's foot i

Fruit of date palm 1

Ass' hoof I

Boil together in oil in a saucepan. Direct-
ions for use: Rub thoroughly. — Montreal Ph,
Journal.

[When were saucepans first used? Ed.]

The Oldest Botanical, Work is sculptured
on the walls of a room in the great Temple of
Karnak, at Thebes, in Egypt. It represents
foreign plants brought home by an Egyptian
Sovereign, Thothmes III , on his return from
a campaign in Arabia. The sculptures show
not only the plant or tree, but the leaves, fruit,
and seed pods, separately, after the fashion of
modern botanical treatises. —

Newcastle Chronicle.

Pharmacology is the basis of therapeutics,
and of all rational treatment, and that medical
man who does not know the principles on
which he prescribes, is an empiric, and little
less than a qnack.. - - Murrell.

The Western Chemists' Association (of
London), have unanimously adopted the fol-
lowing resolution, and sent it to the various
Medical Colleges:

"That this meeting is of opinion that the prac-
tice of prescribing proprietory medicines is be"
coming so extensive as to be seriously injurious
to the progress of pharmacy and detrimental to
the best interests of the medical profession, and
considers it to be most desirable that all pres-
cribers should adopt the practice of writing
prescriptions without the name of any particular
maker attaclied, so that they may be dispensed
by any pharmacist from recognized and pub-
lished formulae. "

Deep and rapid breathing is recommended
as a means of stopping hiccough.

In the new edition of the British Pharmaco-
poeia, the metric system of weights and meas"
ures will be adopted.

i

.J

Entered at the New York Post Office as second
class matter.

^v,^v,^v,^v,^-<y/ ,^r-^■■>:yAy/.y/.y/Avy^y<y<.^<;yft'^^^ff^

June, 1896*

NO. 6.

129
131

132

, s.

Contcnte:

JOINT PHARMACOLOGICAL INVES-
TIGATION BY THE AMERICAN
MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AND
THE A. Ph. A., - - - -
By H. H. RuSBY, M. D.

WHY LATIN IS USED, - -
JUSTIPIABLE USE OF PRESERVA-
TIVES, ------

By Joseph F. Geisler, Ph. C, F. C
THE VALUE OP A MICROSCOPE, -
By L. A. Wilson, Cleveland, O.
THE HISTORY OF PHARMACY,
{Continued.)
By Dr. Ninian Falkiner.
APPARATUS FOR THE DETECTION
OF BORIC ACID, - - - -

By W. M, DOHERTY.

BUNSEN ANTICIPATED,
"CHARAS," The Resin of Indian Hemp,
By Mess. Wood, Spivey andEASTERFiELD
SIXTY-SIXTH ANNUAL COMMENCE-
MENT of the COLLEGE OF PHAR-
MACY of the CITY OF NEW YORK,
ADDRESS TO GRADUATES, - -
By John W. Keller.

ROLL OF HONOR, - - - "
LIST OF GRADUATES, • - -

EDITORIAL

0. J. GRIFFIN-Biographica], -
THE SUMMER OUTING, - - -
ALUMNI COLUMNS, - - - -
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, - - -
ANNUAL MEETING, - - - -
PRESIDENT STOVER'S ANNUAL AD-
DRESS

134
134

13'i

13{
13!

13£
14C

145
145
14!
Hi
14!
1&
15;
15

i

COLLEGE NOTES, '93-'94,
'95, '96.
NEWSY AND PERSONAL,

PUBLISHED BY

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF T-HE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
.... OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK . • ■

15:

15

15

151

"Auld
Lang
Syne.

ji

The person who was
unfortunate enough to
become seriously ill was
obliged to uncomplain-
ingly ingest the vilest of decoctions and infusions, a silent but expressive
shudder being the only protest possible. Since those days the patient
has learned to demand more palatable methods of medication.
Elixir LaCTOPEPTINE now renders it easy for the physician to
meet this reasonable demand, as it effectually disguises the unpleasant
taste of unpalatable and nauseous remedies. The contained
Lactopeptine also assists in the retention and absorption of other
medicaments because of its well known
digestive potency. The Bromides,
Iodides, and Salicyclates should always
be prescribed with ElIXIR

Lactopeptine as a vehicle.

Send for Samples.

OLDEST STAND ON BROADWAY.

1697

PHARMACY

BALTIMORE 1813.

NEW YORK 1830.

>H7I83 BROADWAV:

TRADE MARK.

chapeJ--

1764

'HI

«(

KNITV^T^L- EXTRKOX CO.'S''

CARDINE, heart extract, for Heart troubles

CEREBRINE, brain extract for Epilepsy,
Brain, Nerves, Hysteria, etc.

riEDULLINE, extract of Spinal Cord, for
Locomotor=Ataxia, etc.

MU5CULINE, for Muscular Rheumatism,

OVARINE, for Diseases of Women, Sterih
ity, Nervous Prostration, etc.

TESTINE, for Nervous Debility, lmpair=
ment, Impotency Exhaustion, etc.

THYROIDINE, for Obesity, Goitre, Skin
Diseases, Myxoedema, etc.

JiS'PositiveJy guaranteed as the only brand always strictly according to Dr. Hammond's

published formulas. $ioo forfeit if not.

Dr. DECLAT'S PHENIC PREPARATIONS, for Cancer, Consumption and all Fevers.

Medals awarded, Paris, Lyons, &c. for Phenic Acid and Compounds.

J. MILHAU'S SON, Ph. G., druggist and importer

183 Broadway, NEW YORK.

CABLE, " MILHAU." TELEPHONE, 3780 CORTLANDT.

PUBLISHED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

LIBRARY
NEW YORK

botanical
Garden.

Vol. III.

New York, June, 1896.

No. 6.

JOINT PHARHACOLOQICAL INVESTIGATIONS BY THE AHERICAN HEDICAL

ASSOCIATION AND THE AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION*

By H. H. RusBV, M. D.

When one examines the pharmacologi- before performing their own portion, so
cal portions of the many ponderous that the same work has been duplicated
volumes composing the index to the over and over again, and in such a way
surgeon -general's library, and those of as not only to fail of confirming or re-
the index medicus, by which the former futing or of supplementing conclusions
has been succeeded, remembering that a already reached, but in very many in-
very large part of pharmaceutical litera- stances of unnecessarily and mischiev-
ture is not here represented, the convic- ously coming into conflict with them,
tion is forced upon him that our knowl- This charge against investigators is fully
edge of the practical utility of medicinal and eloquently sustained by the small
plants is small beyond all reasonable subscription list of the i7idex medicus for
comparison with the amount of time many years past — throughout its entire
that has been bestowed upon their study, history in fact. No class is more culpable
This fact is not difficult to explain, at for this neglect than medical editors,
least in part. It is largely due to the whose duty of criticising and weeding
method, or rather want of method, which out contributions on these lines has been
has prevailed, by which partial investiga- almost utterly neglected. This again is
tionshad been made by individuals with- in a large degree due to the great num-
out regard to their relation to the compli- ber of medical journals, run almost con-
mentary parts; these being left undone, fessedly for the most part as advertising
the part performed remaining unutilized sheets, and recognizing quantity with
and becoming finally buried and for- little regard to quality in the contributed
gotten. This neglect has been made matter,
farther operative by the habit of investi-
gators of failing to search the work of
previous investigators in the same lines

*Read before the joint section on materia medica and
therapeutics at the Atlanta meeting of the American
Medical Association.

I30 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

An almost equally responsible factor dead weight. This is to promote a new
is the narrow view which physicians, and method of undertaking and carrying out
especially medical teachers, have been pharmacological investigations,
taking of their responsibilities in the de- When the writer expected to act as
partment of pharmacology. In leaving chairman of the delegation from the
to the pharmacist the practical details American Pharmaceutical Association to
connected with botany and pharmaceuti- this meeting, he planned to propose cer-
eal chemistry, they have gone to the ex- tain changes, having this object in view,
treme of ignoring these subjects almost in the manner of carrying on our joint
altogether in principle as well as in fact, work. Although absence prevents his
and have as an inevitable consequence oflBcial action in this direction, it appears
become incapable of utilizing the rich desirable that his ideas should be inform-
materials which have been placed within ally presented.

their reach by pharmaceutical investiga- The chairman of this section and that
tors. There is no question that in the of the delegation have followed the
investigationof pharmacology, pharmacy ordinary custom in such bodies of con-
has during the last decade very far out- tenting themselves with attending to the
stripped medicine. "Why does not the routine business of their offices and issu-
medical profession catch up," would ing general invitations to the members to
have been a very pertinent, even if not present contributions. The result has
wholly respectful title for this communi- been that the proceedings have been
tion. somewhat heterogeneous in character.

The joint section of materia medica While it is, of course, desirable that
and therapeutics of these two associa- members should be left free to select any
tions — which section by the way should subjects which they prefer, and while
change its name to "The Joint Section of nothing could, or should be done by a
Pharmacology," is altogether the most chairman, to deter anyone from so con -
competent and appropriate agency for tributing, yet, it would seem very desir-
correcting the defects to which reference able that at a meeting so peculiarly
has been made, and it is this which con- adapted as this is to the performance of
stituted the chief hope in its establish- joint work, some such work should be
ment by its leading promotors. To the specially arranged for in advance by con-
great majority of observers in both certed action by the two chairmen. The
professions it has never appealed from chairman of the section is elected at the
this standpoint. They appear to have preceeding meeting, but the chairman of
seen in it merely an influence for the the delegation is appointed by the Presi-
promotion of cordiality between physi- dent of the American Pharmaceutical
cians and pharmacists, either from senti- Association, and it has not been custom-
mental considerations merely, or to ac- ary for this appointment to be made un-
complish the negative result of checking til quite late in the year. Selection of
the friction which was apparent in certain the delegates has thus to be made by
quarters. correspondence, extended often over a

In this direction it has justified our long period, and by the time arrange-

expectations, and we are satisfied it has ments are perfected, there is no time left

proven a success. But it must begin to for special investigation work to be done

do something more positive if it would by the members of the delegation, of

not before very long begin to act as a such a character that it would fit with

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

131

related work done by the members of the
section.

The writer would therefore suggest
that the President-elect of the American
Pharmaceutical Association should ap-
point the chairman of the delegation
during the session of the American
Pharmaceutical Association at which he
is elected, and that that chairman should
proceed immediately to act with the
President in making up a list of dele-
gates. The chairman should then at
once confer with the chairman of this
section in regard to undertaking one or
more definite pharmacological investiga-
tions, to occupy one or more members of
each of the contributing bodies. The
members to do the work should be
selected, and after acceptance should
place themselves in correspondence with
one another for carrying out the work in
a manner calculated to reach some
definite and completed result.

An instance of failure in such an at-
tempt in the case of the present meeting
will illustrate the principle involved. It
was the desire of the writer to have the
subject of the Viburnum barks investi-
gated. A thorough chemical study of
V. prunifolium was first to be made and
the constituents isolated in sufficient
quantity to admit of physiological ex-
periment by some member of this section.
The active constituent or constituents
being thus determined, the related
species were to be examined with refer-
ence to the possession of such constitu-
ents, as well as of others, so that a just
conclusion could be reached as to their
claims for recognition by the pharmaco-
pceia, and, if recognized, then as to their
recognition separately or under one defi-
nition. When the attempt was made to
put this plan into execution, it was found
impossible to complete the work in time
for the meeting, though this would have
been possible had it been started at the

beginning of the preceding year. There
is no reason why such a plan of work by
the proposed method should not run
through two or more years, if its comple-
tion in one year were found impracti-
cable.

The writer believes that important
practical results would follow the adop-
tion of this plan or some modification
thereof.

Why Latin is Used. — The New York
Herald publishes the following reply to the
query why doctors use latin in writing their
prescriptions, instead of English: —

In the first place, Latin is a more exact and
concise language than English, and being a
dead language, does not change, as all living
languages do.

Then, again, since a very large number of all
drugs in use are botanical, they have in the phar-
macopseia the same names that they hive in
botany — the scientific names. Two-thirds of
such drugs have not any English names, and
so could not be written in English.

But suppose a doctor did write a prescription
in English for an uneducated patient. The
patient reads it, thinks he remembers it, and so
tries to get it filled from memory the second
time. Suppose, for instance, it called for iodide
of potassium and he gets it confused with cyan-
ide of potassium. He could safely take a num-
ber of grains of the first, but one grain of the
second would kill him.

That is an extreme case, but it will serve for
an illustration. Do not you see how the Latin is
a protection and a safeguard to the patient ?
Prescriptions in Latin he cannot read, and con-
sequently does not try to remember. Latin is
a language that is used by scientific men all
the world over, and no other language is. You
can get a Latin prescription filled in any coun-
try on the face of the earth where there is a
drug store.

We had a prescription here the other day
which we had put up originally, and which had
been stamped by druggists in London, Paris,
Berlin, Constantinople, Cairo and Calcutta.
What good would a prescription written in En-
glish be in St. Petersburg?

To MIX Balsam Peru with oils, first mix with
a little Castor Oil, after which any other fixed
oil easily combines.

132

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL,

JUSTIFIABLE USE OF PRESERVATIVES.

By Joseph F. Geislee, Ph.C, F. C. S.

The perishable nature of many articles
of food has tested the ingenuity of man
to devise means to keep, for a consider-
able length of time, such food in a sound
and wholesome condition. Many methods
have been used with more or less suc-
cess. Some are permissable, others pro-
hibited on sanitary grounds. The most
primitive methods are those of drying
and refrigeration, which haye been in
use from time immemorial. The former
was applied in the simple drying of
meats by exposure to the sun, and which
is still in vogue, and in a modified form
now applied to dried meats and dried or
dessicated fruits. The utilization of ice
and low temperatures dates back to an
equally remote period, and have led to
the elaborate methods of refrigeration as
now practiced. Other methods in use
are those of smoking, applied principally
to meats and fish, by which the empyreu-
matic oil and other products of combus-
tion act as antiseptics. Then follow those
depending on the addition of preserva-
tives or antiseptics, such as salt, sugar,
vinegar, alcohol, and the long list of
chemical compounds, such as boracic
acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, saccha-
rin, hydronaphthol, etc. The most
ingenious method is no doubt that in
which, after the expulsion of the air by
boiling and other means, the food is
hermetically sealed in tin (canned goods)
or glass receptacles.

CHEMICAL PREPARATIONS.
The discovery of salicylic acid and
other antiseptics led to their use in food
products, since which time much has
been written pro and con concerning
their use as preservatives. A few years
ago a sanitary commission in Paris, con-
sisting of eminent scientists, made a
thorough investigation regarding the use
of salicylic acid, and, more recently, also

benzoic acid and other drugs, as a result
of which the use of these and other anti-
septics in food has been generally con-
demned and prohibited. It is but natural
that when bodies high in authority saw
fit to legislate against the use of preserva-
tives in food products, others should
follow the precedent and adopt similar
prohibitory measures.

It is argued that digestion is practically
a fermentation, and since this is the case,
a substance which will prevent fermenta-
tion will also prevent or disturb digestion.
And, further, in the case of organic anti-
septics, such as salicylic acid, the loss by
decomposition of the acid on long keeping
of the preserved article makes it difficult,
if not impossible, to estimate the quantity
originally used, whence it might follow
that the quantity of salicylic acid origin-
ally added may have been decidely ob-
jectionable, but after long keeping re-
duced to a permissable quantity through
natural decomposition, and thus bring it
within the limit set by sanitary author-
ities. Thus there would not be sufficient
safeguard against the excessive use of
salicylic acid.

HYGIENIC PRINCIPLE QUESTIONED.

The hygienic principle underlying
these objections is of questionable stabil-
ity, although if it is proper to err at all,
it is best to err on the side of safety. This
is quite in keeping with sanitary acts,
and yet there is a more rational way of
looking at the matter. It must be obvi-
ous to any one that the true merit and
wholesomeness of food products depend
first whether they are in a condition to
be eaten. The appearance, smell, taste
or peculiar flavor make an article of food
palatable, and as it deteriorates from
these standards it depreciates in pecuniary
and dietetic value. In fact, the flavor
and smell are in many cases the indica-
tions of the wholesomeness of a food.

According to the character of the

THE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

133

flavor, people show preference for a food,
and according to their like or dislike for
that particular flavor, a food might be-
come wholesome or unwholesome for that
particular individual. No doubt the sys-
tem can adapt itself, under peculiar con-
tions, to food which under other condi-
tions would make the same unwholesome
and followed by serious consequences.
This is not an argument in favor of bad
food, but intended merely to call atten-
tion to the peculiarity of the difierent
kinds of foods upon different individuals
under varying circumstances. Verily, it
may be said : "What is one man's food
is another man's poison." In some cases,
the ill-eftects are due to the flavor, in
others to indigestibility, and in some,
especially meats, less to any unwhole-
someness of the meat that to the effect of
the imagination, resulting from some dis-
like of that particular article.

WHAT ADDITIONS ARE PERMISSIBI^E.

It is desirable to exclude from food
everything that is unnatural thereto, and
yet this has its limits. Some foods during
the course of their preparation must re-
ceive the addition of condiments, such as
salt or spices, to make them palatable.
Admitting the food to be wholesome, the
question arises : What additions thereto
are permissible from a sanitary stand
point?

The preservatives which are used to
keep food fresh act by preventing fermen-
tation. The question therefore arises :
What is the physiological effect per se,
under these conditions of the preserva-
tives used. The age, idiosyncrasy, and
the peculiar condition of the individual,
whether in good health or debilitated,
may give rise to varying conclusions.
It is well known in the practice of medi-
cine that some of the most intense pois-
ons are, when judiciously used in small
quantities, of the greatest benefit to the

system, either as stimulants or nerve
tonics. Such are used, of course, under
peculiar conditions, nor could their use
be long continued without deleterious
effects. But it shows, nevertheless, that
because a substance is poisonous in one
condition it is not necessarily so in
another. Further, many of the irritant
poisons show their poisonous properties
only when they come in contact with the
system in concentrated forms.

WHEN PRESERVATIVES WILL BE
TOLERATED.

Many substances having pronounced
poisonous properties are taken into the
system dailj^ without any apparent ill-
effects; in fact, in many cases with pro-
nounced beneficial results. This is notably
the case with the condiments. A mustard
plaster would not be a very palatable diet
for any gastronome, and yet the active
principle of such a plaster is daily used
in the prepared mustard of the household-
Red pepper, the volatile oil of cloves,
cinnamon, nutmegs, lemon, or the deli-
cate ethers which impart the agreeable
flavors to the fruit, are, when taken into
the system by themselves in considerable
quantities, highly poisonous. Yet they
are in daily use, and delight humanity
with the agreeable taste and flavor they
impart to food, rendering the food in
many cases more wholesome and digesti-
ble than otherwise. Why is this ? It is
due to the degree of attenuation, the
difference in quantity and concentration,
and the different form in which these
substances are brought into contact with
the vital parts of the system. The quanti-
ties used are too insignificant to do harm.
In this attenuated form they are no longer
the powerful irritants, or whatever their
peculiar effect may be, but stimulants.

The small quantity of preservatives,
limited to quantities actually required to
preserve a properly prepared food pro-

134

7 HE ALUMNI JOURNAL.

duct, are in that condition of little or no
consequence, as far as any deleterious
effects upon the healthy human organism
are concerned. Boards of health are
given almost unlimited power in the mat-
ter of determining what is permissible as
an addition to food products from a sani-
tary standpoint, and it must be admitted
that