Minutes of the Pharmaceutical Meetings.
March 21st, 1871. The meeting was called to order by the President, and the minutes of last meeting adopted.
Mr. Boring exhibited a specimen of Compound Syrup of Sarsaparilla as improved by the addition of glycerin in place of part of the sugar. Several specimens from the large natural deposite of Phosphates, recently utilized by the Charleston, S. C., Mining and Manufacturing Company, were presented. Some of these are bones, vertebra, &c., of large animals, but others appear of irregular and indefinite shapes, so as to obscure their origin. The quantity of this material is immense, and it is readily obtained near the surface. According to the published analysis it contains about 29 per cent. of phosphoric acid, equal to about 63 per cent. of bone phosphate of lime; its chief use at present is in the fabrication of fertilizers. The subject was referred to Mr. Boring
Prof. Maisch exhibited samples of Vanilla planifolia—Bourbon Vanilla. This variety does not possess the same delicacy of odor as the Mexican. The bean differs from the Mexican, being shorter, wider and terminating more abruptly at the ends. The price of this variety is $5 to $6 per pound.
Prof. Maisch made some remarks upon several varieties of Rhubarb not met with in our markets. These rhubarbs were grown in Austria, and marked Rheum Emodi and Rheum Palmatum; they are cultivated to a considerable extent, principally for dispensing to the poor, being very much cheaper in price, The sample was handsome in appearance, and sold at $5 to $7.20, gold, for 108 pounds. This variety is so well prepared that it is very difficult, except upon close examination, to distinguish it from good Chinese rhubarb.
James T. Shinn presented a sample of Pure Oil of Citronella.
Mr. Gailard spoke of the Elixir of Pepsin, Bismuth and Strychnia, and the difficulty experienced by most apothecaries in preventing precipitation, and suggested forming a citrate of the quinia and strychnia with excess of citric acid, neutralizing the excess of acid with ammonia; by this means he obtained a satisfactory preparation. Some remarks were made upon Elixirs, particularly upon that of Iron, Quinia and Strychnia, which, as prepared by certain manufacturers, appears to be without unpleasant bitterness.
Remarks were made in reference to the stamping of proprietary articles and perfumes.
Then adjourned.
CLEMMONS PARRISH, Registrar.
