25

oxaluria, and also the Action of Large Doses of Dilute Mineral Acids on Metabolism. He shows that these acids have a marked diuretic action, that they increase the total 1

acidity of the urine, and produce an increase in the excretionof nitrogen and of soda. There are twelve articles on patho- <

logical subjects, amongst which may be mentioned the (

following :-Dr. Ralph Stockman on Iron in the Liver and Spleen in Various Diseases ; a case of Pernicious Ansemia; the Experimental Production of An&aelig;mia in Dogs; and the Treatment of Chlorosis by Iron. The pharmacological ’articles include one on Catha Edulis, and another on

Viburnum Prunifolium (Black Hs,w) by Dr. Theodore i

Shennan ; one on Carbonic Acid Gas in Diseases of the i

Alimentary Tract, by Dr. A. L. Gillespie; and one on

Malayan Arrow Poisons by Dr. Ralph Stockman. _____________

JOURNALS AND REVIEWS.

Birmingham Medical Review.--Mr. T. L. Webb contributesa practical paper on Preserving Pathological Specimens forthe Museum and for Microscopical Examination. He recom-mends Tores’s fluid for large masses, perchloride of mercuryfor small portions requiring careful study, and diluteformalin where the process must be rapid.

Scottish Medical and Surgical Journal.--Dr. James Rorie,of the Dundee Royal Lunatic Asylum, publishes the first

portion of a paper on Homicidal Insanity, describing sometypical cases. Dr. A. H. F. Barbour (Edinburgh) writes onBleeding in Pregnancy and Labour, and its Mode of Arrest.Dr. Robert Jardine (Glasgow) records a case of PersistentHymen in a woman in labour; " the husband, who was ayoung man, did not seem to be aware that there was any-thing wrong."

Edinburgh 3fedical Journal.-Mr. W. Bevan Lewis, of theWest Riding Asylum, contributes a long and elaborate his-tological paper on the Structure of the First or Outermost

Layer of the Cerebral Cortex. Dr. P. McBride and Dr. A. L.Turner continue their articles on Naso-pharyngeal Adenoids.Altogether there are eight original communications.

Dublin Journal of Medical Science.-This number containsa further instalment of Dr. J. Knott’s article on AnginaPectoris. Dr. H. S. Pardon (Belfast) has a short note onEcphyma Globulus, a contagious skin affection of rare

occurrence.

Revue Philanthropique.-The opening paper is by M.Jules Siegtried, who takes Working-class Dwellings for hissubject. He first gives a short account of the work ofnumerous associations formed for the purpose of erectinglow-rented dwellings, commencing with the Societe des Cit6sOuvrieres de Mulhouse, founded in that town in 1851, andmaking a brief reference to English building societies andthe operations of the Peabody Trustees. The greater part ofhis article is devoted to the Soci&eacute;t&eacute; Fran&ccedil;aise des Habitations&agrave; Bon Marche, founded in the end of 1889. Professor

Grancher, of the Hospital for Sick Children, writes on Dis-infection in Home Nursing.

17w Intercolonial Medical Journal of Australia.-Thenumber of this journal bearing date April 20th, 1897,has among other interesting articles one describing a

form of nerve degeneration in horses, especially of the

optic nerves. The disease closely resembles tobacco

amblyopia as seen in the human subject, and is most

probably due to the eating of the native tobacco plant,though this point has not yet been satisfactorilysettled. Dr. J. W. Barrett, who contributes the paper,sums up as follows : ., The chief symptom of the diseaseis blindness, and the blindness is due to degenerationof the optic nerve. Tobacco would readily produce thesesymptoms, and apparently the tobacco plant grows in the

affected areas." Dr. A. J. Wood relates a case of a Half-

penny Impacted in the &OElig;sophagus removed after localisationby the x rays.

In the Phonographic Record for June Dr. Lundie pointsout that flat-foot is not exclusively an affection of adoles-cence. Dr. Colborne sends notes of Ophthalmic Work inChina ; Dr. Given narrates a case of Paralysis of the Second,Fifth, and Sixth Cranial Nerves; and Mr. Peyton Beale, in a.suggestive paper on Perforating Ulceration of the AppendixVermiformis, draws attention to oedema of the skin over theregion of the cxcum as pathognomonic of the lesion. As such.cases are never seen before perforation this localised &oelig;dema,in Mr. Beale’s opinion, is a sure guide to the source of theacute peritonitis which is present. Immediate laparotomy,.quickly performed, with removal of the appendix, is the onlypossible treatment. Mr. Beale deprecates washing out theabdomen, and after allowing the pus to well out he plugthe wound lightly with iodoform gauze.

WE have received from Messrs. Henry Graves and Co., ofPall Mall, London, an artist proof of one of their recent

publications&mdash;" Inasmuch as." The subject is a nurse holdinga child in her arms. It is admirably executed, and likely to bepopular. The price is one guinea per impression for theartist proofs, and 10s. 6d. per impression for the prints.

Analytical RecordsFROM

THE LANCET LABORATORY.

ANTIKAMNIA AND SALOL TABLETS.

(J. M. RICHARDS, 46, HOLBORN-VIADUCT, E.C.)ACCORDING to our analysis, antikamnia contains as its chief

constituent acetanilide, or antifebrin-a well-kLown anti-

pyretic-in association with caffeine, which may be supposedto exert a modifying and favourable influenca over theaction of the former drug, chiefly in counteracting its.

depressing effect upon the heart. Valuable as this formula..

may be as an analgesic and antipyretic in the treatment..of neuralgia, rheumatism, &c., it has been further modified.

recently by the addition of salol, which, as a milder agent;than salicylic acid, has been employed in acute rheumatismThe combination is doubtless a useful one, and we are gladto find that it is "offered to the profession" and not forindiscriminate use.

CHINOSOL SOAP AND POWDER.

(B. KUHN, 36, ST. MARY-AT-HILL, E.C.)A year ago we expressed the opinion that chinosol, in view

of the many advantages which it presented, would become ofspecial service as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and deodorant.Since that time it has been somewhat extensively employedwith excellent results. It presents the important advan-tages that it is not caustic, corrosive, or poisonous, while it.is free from objectionable odour and it does not coagulate’albumin. It will serve as an admirable substitute for iodo-

form, carbolic acid, or even the powerful antiseptic corrosive.sublimate. Chinosol is a bright yellow powder, freelysoluble in cold water, and possessing a faintly aromaticodour. It may be employed in the form of tablets for

making up solutions of definite strength, and recently it hasbeen incorporated with soap adapted either for medicinal ortoilet purposes. The soap basis proved on examination to,.

be perfectly neutral. Still more recently, crude chinosol

powder and chinosol disinfecting powder, for ordinary-domestic disinfecting purposes, have been prepared. Baoterio-logical experiments have shown chinosol to be a very power-ful antiseptic, while practical experience has proved that itmay safely be employed.

26

SERRAVALLO’S BARK AND TONIC WINE.

(ROBERTS AND Co., 76, NEW BOND-STREET, W.)From clinical results published on the Continent this wine

would appear to be of distinct value in chlorosis and anaemia..Its value in this connexion depends most probably on theassimilable nature of the two medicinal constituents, the

presence of which our analysis has confirmed. The iron is

present as an organic combination, while in spite of the

presence of the principles derived from Peruvian bark thewine is commendably free from excess of astringent mattersand is not at all styptic. It is a sweet, somewhat syrupyliquid of peculiar purplish colour, with a slightly bittertaste. Iron was found in important quantity in themineral matter obtained on incineration of the residue, whileether extracted a bitter substance, which proved to befluorescent in sulphuric acid, and which responded to theordinary tests for alkaloids. Analysis gave further resultsas follows: Extractives and sugar, 21-05 per cent. ; mineralmatter, 0’25 per cent. ; alcohol, by weight 13.0 per cent.,by volume 17’17 per cent. The wine affords an agreeableway of presenting two valuable tonic agents.

HUMANISED MILK (GAERTNER’S PROCESS).(FRIHRN MANOR DAIRY FARM, LTD., 20, FARBIN6DON-STREET, E.C.)

Nothing could be more satisfactory than the compositionof this product or more excellent than its condition. It

presents a composition practically identical with mothers’milk, and a sample kept some months in the laboratoryremained sterile and perfectly sweet. The results of our

analysis were as follows: Water, 88’65 per cent. ; total solid

matters, 11’35 per cent., of which 3’10 consisted of fat, 6’43of milk sugar, 1 82 of casein, and 0 35 of mineral matter.The milk is prepared on the following excellent plan. Milk

fresh from the cow is diluted with an equal quantity ofsterilised water. The diluted milk is then submitted to rapidcentrifugal force in such a manner as to effect the separationof two streams, one containing practically all the cream, andthe other the skim milk along with objectionable particlessuch as hairs, dirt, sand, &c. To the creamy milk thus

separated milk sugar is added in the proportion of from 3 to4 grammes per 100 c.c. The result is then a product with anexcellent proportion of fat, and of other constituents inaccordance with the proportions found in mother’s milk. It

obviously presents very distinct advantages over cow’s milkthat has been merely diluted with water, and, what is offurther importance, the process yields a milk which is freefrom objectionable impurities such as may act as sources ofinfection. We are not surprised to learn that this milk hasgiven satisfactory results in actual experience of infant

feeding.ST. RONAN’S TABLE WATER.

(ST. RONAN’S WELLS AND MINERAL WATER Co., INNERLEITHEN, N.B.)

Excluding salt, this well-aerated water shows a remarkablefreedom from dissolved mineral matter. It is peculiarlysoft and fresh to the taste. Oar analysis of the water wasas follows : Total solid matter, 1’05 grammes per litre ;common salt, 0’90 gramme per litre; bicarbonate of soda,nil calcium carbonate, a distinct amount. The water is thusonly slightly mineralised, while it is free from organicimpurity.

OLD SCOTCH WHISKY (BRIG 0’ PERTH BLEND).(MATTHEW GLOAG, 24, ATTWEL ATHOLL-STREET, PERTH.)

The flavour of whisky is entirely a matter depending uponthe skill in blending, while its wholesomeness may be

measured by the time the spirit has been allowed to mature.The above whisky, though of full alcoholic strength, possessesa delicate and soft flavour. It is further free from anyexcess of colouring matters and extractives. Analysis gavethe following results : Alcohol, by weight 44 64 per cent., by ;volume 52-29 per cent., equal to proof spirit 91’64 per cent..; extractives, 0-12 per cent. ; mineral matter, nil; acidity I

reckoned as acetic acid 0’016 per cent. This whisky is clearlya wholesome and well-blended spirit, possessing age, and isdesirably smooth and mellow to the taste.

BYNIN AMARA.

(ALLEN AND HANBURYS, LIMITED, PLOUGH-COURT, LOMBARD-STREET, E.C.)

This excellent preparation is a distinct advance on

Easton’s syrup. Not only does it contain the phosphates ofiron, quinine, and strychnine unimpaired, but the vehicle fortheir palatable administration is, as our experiments haveshown, a powerful digestive of farinaceous food. Thisvehicle is bynin, or liquid malt, which exhibits a powerfulliquefying and converting action upon starch. Bynin amara,is a thin brown syrup of not unpleasant though decidedlybitter taste. It contains no objectionable preservatives, andpresents the medicinal ingredients of the excellent formulaof Easton’s syrup in correct ratio and in approved form.We succeeded in proving the presence of each and all of thetonic constituents indicated. The formula is such as is

admirably adapted for the administration of one of thebest tonic combinations known.

SOLVEOL.

(BURGOYNE, BURBIDGES, AND Co., 12 AND 16, COLEMAN-STREET, E.C.)

According to our examination solveol is a neutral solutionof pure cresol. It is a clear, brown, thin liquid, perfectlymiscible with water. On adding hydrochloric acid to solveola crystalline buff-coloured precipitate results. Solveol on

burning yields an ash of carbonate of soda. Its advantages asan antiseptic in midwifery and gynxcological practice, andfor antiseptic irrigations generally, are evident when foremostamongst its properties are that it is non-poisonous and non-caustic, while it is said to be not incompatible with albumin,&c. The merit of the preparation appears to be that itrepresents for the first time a neutral aqueous solution of

cresol, the practical application of which hitherto has beenmade inconvenient and unsatisfactory by reason of its

insolubility.BYRRH WINE.

(VIOLET FRERES, 68, CHEAPSIDE, E.C.)Our analysis of this wine was as follows : Alcohol, by

weight 16’46 per cent., by volume 20.24 per cent.; extrac-tives with sugar, 13’86 per cent. ; and mineral matter,0’23 per cent. Byrrh is a pleasant, somewhat full-bodiedwine, with a distinctly bitter flavour. On further examinationthis flavour would appear to be due to the presence of tonic

bark extractives. On extraction with ether a powerfullybitter residue was obtained which responded to tests

characteristic of cinchona constituents. The wine is freefrom injurious bitters and serves as an agreeable and whole-some tonic and stimulant.

VAN HOUTEN’S PURE SOLUBLE COCOA.

(C. J. VAN HOUTEN & ZOON, WEESP, HOLLAND.)It is a widespread but very erroneous notion that

certain of the excellent cocoas manufactured in Hollandcontain added alkali. This impression has been mainlydue to an error of interpretation of certain results affordedon analysis. As is well known, cocoa in its natural state orin the form of crushed bean is quite unfit for food. Cocoa,therefore, must be prepared. The first step in this processis to eliminate as far as possible the excess of highly indi-gestible fat, which is generally done by expression in hotbags. After this process the cocoa generally containsabout 30 per cent., instead of over 50 per cent., of fat. It

may still be considerably improved for dietetic purposes byso preparing it that it may be made more soluble in, butin reality more miscible with, hot water, milk, or otherfluids. With this end in view the simple addition ofan alkali, as carbonate of potassium, or, as in the Germanmethod, of ammonia, has been suggested. From the

dietetic point of view, as was pointed out in THE LANCET

27

-of Jane 20tih, 1896, this resource is distinctly objection-;able. By Van Houten’s process (the original Dutch

method) a real improvement in the manufacture of

cocoa which considerably added to the dietetic valueof the product was effected. In this process thecocoa is not at any time or in any way prepared ortreated with carbonate of potash, ammonia, or other.alkali. The impression that it was so treated arose

from the fact that on burning the cocoa so prepared astrongly alkaline and an increased ash was obtained. Asa matter of fact, the decoction of Messrs. Van Houten’scocoa shows a faintly, though distinctly, acid reaction. Itis just as logical to conclude that claret contains free alkali.Claret is of course strongly acid, but on burning the acidresidue of the wine a strongly alkaline ash consisting of

potassium carbonate remains. The important improvement inthe dietetic properties of Messrs. Van Houten’s cocoa consistsin the enrichment of the cocoa by the addition of a trifling,quantity of certain neutral salts, which, it is important toadd, are perfectly normal constituents of the cocoa itself.

Far from being objectionable, this procedure is fullyjustified by the evidence of experience as to the increaseddietetic value of the cocoa so prepared. In a recent analysiswhich we have made the results distinctly indicate the.advantage of this method. Thus this cocoa yields a- decoction containing a maximum proportion of the valuablefood constituents of the bean ; and, of more importance still,’these are presented in a condition more easy of assimilationand digestion than in cocoa not so prepared. The addition

of a free alkali is, we hold, objectionable, because we havereason for believing that it would act unfavourably on thenourishing and stimulating cocoa substances. When cocoa,’for example, is treated with alkali, an ammoniacal smell is at.once evolved, which is probably due to the decomposition ofthe nitrogenous stimulating substances, as theo-brolaine. InMessrs. Van Houten’s cocoa, on the contrary, there is abso-lutely no free alkali, while the method of preparationundoubtedly adds to its nourishing properties and, moreimportant still, to its digestibility. It has been said that<one of the objects of adding alkali to cocoa is to partlysaponify the fat and thus give the decoction a rich andfrothy appearance. There is absolutely no trace of soap, wefind, in Van Houten’s cocoa. The important effect of VanHouten’s process is, however, to increase the miscibility of- the cocoa with water or milk, and to enrich it by the additionof a small proportion of its own natural constituents. An

important economy is thus ensured. This treatment furthertends to develop that fine aroma and flavour which make- cocoa an acceptable beverage.

" APPLE JUICE."

(THE APPLE JUICE CO., 143, CANNON STREET, E.C.)This is a fermented beverage like cider with a small alco-

tholic strength. Analysis gave the following results : Alcohol,by weight 5’25 per cent., by volume 6 55 per cent., equal to,proof spirit 11-49 per cent. ; acetic acid, 0’39 per cent. ;malic acid, 0-43 per cent. ; total extractives, 8 55 per cent. ;mineral matter, 0’31 per cent. The excessive amount ofvolatile acid or acetic acid is an objectionable feature in this.analysis. This result is borne out by the unpleasant sour.taste, which is quite different from that of the fixed acidsof the apple. Acetification has evidently set in, in spite ofthe juice being preserved, as we found, with salicylic acid.This fact, coupled with the quantity of saccharine matters i

.resent, renders this preparation not as wholesome as it

,might be.EASTON’S SYRUP PALATINOIDS.

(OPPENHEIMER, SON, AND Co., 14, WORSHIP-STREET, E.C.)Palatinoids containing the equivalent of half a drachm of

Easton syrup have recently bee-n prepared. The contents.consist of a bluish-grey, finely divided powder, containing,

phosphate of iron in an unoxidised condition, together withquinine and strychnine. The advantages of Easton’s syrup inthis form (that is, in a jujube, excluding the deterioratinginfluences of the air) are obvious. The formula is excellentand the constituents are preserved in their original state.

" CYMRALIS " TABLE WATER.

(R. ELLIS AND SON, RUTHIN, N. WALES.)This effervescing water is bright, well aerated, and com-

mendably soft to the taste. The water-supplies of NorthWales are admirably adapted for the preparation of aeratedwaters since they are so pure. Cymralis, we find, is slightlyand agreeably mineralised. The total solid matter amountedto 0 88 gramme per litre. It is slightly alkaline, the degree ofalkalinity being equivalent to 0’25 gramme of biocarbonateof soda per litre. This, coupled with the purity of the gasemployed, accounts for the peculiarly soft flavour of thewater.

SANITAS DISINFECTANT SOAP.

(THE SANITAS CO., BETHNAL GREEN, E.)Sanitas has the distinct merit that though a decided

disinfectant it has an agreeable smell. Further, it is quitecompatible with soap. A specimen of sanitas soap recentlysubmitted to us had somewhat the appearance and characterof soft soap, but it proved to be a neutral soda soap, freefrom irritants. It evidently contains a good proportion ofsanitas oil. For cleansing and detergent purposes it shouldanswer admirably.

New Inventions.AN EFFICIENT DRAINAGE PLUG.

FOR some two years past in cases where it has been

necessary for me to make a permanent opening into any ofthe viscera, my attention has been specially directed towardsdevising some plan to relieve patients from the extremediscomfort which arises from lack of proper plug or conduit,and after repeated experiments I have now decided upon avery simple plan, which has proved so eminently satisfactorythat I am sure it will meet the well-known difficulties ofsuch cases. As shown in the diagram it consists of a tubewith a flange and a pear-shaped expansion at the end, whichis inserted into the viscus. This with a plug or clip answerswell for gastrostomies. For the ga.ll-bladder, &c., it is onlynecessary tn attach a.

receiver. My experiencewith this plug has beenso satisfactory in the

already mentionedoperations that recentlyI have tried it in a caseof left inguinal colo-

tomy, simply dispensing /with the tubing portionand keeping it in posi-tion by a hollow padded ;,,;colotomy truss; it is ;’,;answering most satis- factorily. Simple as the contrivance is, it has only beenartived at after numerous experiments as to shape, &c., andcorrectness in these details is essential. I now find I can

effectually plug without distending the opening, so that it isnot necessary to be constantly changing the size ; and, again,the action is in some respects automatic, as a sudden impulse,such as coughing and the like, tends to expand the pear-shaped extremity so that it neither allows of its own expul-sion nor the escape of fluid by its side. The particulars Ihave mentioned govern the construction of the plugs whenempluyed for any purpose, but it is essential to have themmade of a suitable size and with suitably shaped necks tomeet the requirements of each case. Such details can bebad from Messrs. Down Brothers, 21, St. Thomas’s-street,London, S.E., who have afforded me invaluable assistance incarrying out the experiments.Cavendish-square, W. W. ARBUTHNOT LANE.W. ARBUTHNOT LANE.