Olive oil, almond oil, etc. These have but a minor utility. They are employed to lower the meltingpoint of stiffer fats, but they must be used in judicious fear of granulation.

Soap. Certain soaps have a distinct value in adjusting bases. In ointments proper (those of a fatty base) they are usually immiscible, but in creams containing a considerable amount of water they are frequently a very happy addition. They facilitate absorption and tend to produce a smooth cream. However, they require skilful handling; and in adjusting a formula each must be worked. out in its own equation.

3. MISCELLANEOUS AGENTS.

A small number of agents having characteristic properties make a class of miscellanies which must not be overlooked. They have no recognition in the U. S. P. but they lead in their modifications to some very successful preparations. We will examine a few.

Ammonium Stearate, Sodium Stearate, or Potassium Stearate, as made from stearic acid, commercially pure, when worked up with a suitable proportion of water, make an emollient cream possessing very desirable qualities. In appearance, the finished product is pearly lustrous, and strikingly attractive as a cosmetic. Small amounts of glycerin or soft fats may be incorporated if manipulated carefully. These preparations are absorbed immediately by the skin, drying in quickly, softening the tissue, and filling generally the office of a harmless cosmetic. Ammonium Oleate exercises peculiar power in connection with the inert petrolatums as a solvent. When combined with petrolatum, the resulting mixture readily takes up considerable amounts of iodoform, iodine, bromoform, salol, phenol, and many other valuable medicaments, yielding solutions or mixtures which are absorbed by the skin. They are of good service in medication by inunction. These are the "vasoliniments" of German practice.*

THE MASSAGE CREAMS.

The peculiar property of "rolling up" which characterizes massage creams of current popularity is obtained through the use of a large proportion of freshly-precipitated casein. Indeed, the base is almost entirely moist casein; a little adeps lanæ being incorporated to hold it together and give it "drag,' and glycerin in sufficient amount being used to keep it from drying when stored. The casein is prepared

*See Dieterich's Manual, 1901, p. 749, and Am. Jour. Phar., Ixxiii, p. 220.

from milk by precipitating with an acid or alum, washing and draining to the proper dryness. Creams of this nature act mechanically: the little rolls, under the pressure and friction of the fingers, knead the skin, stimulating vascular activity and removing accretions. Such products must be protected against putrefaction by the use of a suitable preservative, and against drying by the exclusion of air.

THE MANIPULATION OF OINTMENTS.

To these brief notes upon the constituent elements of ointments, we may appropriately add such comment upon technique as will guard against failure from causes that transpire during the manipulation.

A therapeutically perfect ointment is one the constituents of which are mutually inert and impervious to atmospheric and actinic influences. It would reasonably follow that the simpler in construction the better, that the fewest possible materials should be employed, and that these should be of a minimum susceptibility to alteration.

Chemical change, a prolific source of difficulty, is an insidious factor which alone makes ointments a perplexing subject, requiring deliberate and searching forethought and painstaking care. The chemical reaction is so retarded by the comparatively inactive fats, moreover, that it frequently manifests itself only after the lapse of time. The trouble caused by rancid (acid) fats has been already touched upon: . it is but one of several troubles. Resorcin, the iodides, salicylates, mercury salts, silver salts, many organic bodies, and still other substances obey the great law here as elsewhere-only more deliberately.

Melting-points demand attention on every side. In melting fats preparatory to mixing a base, that of the highest melting-point should be melted first and completely before the next lower is added; this is to minimize the risk of overheating the lower-melting fats. Overheating is to be guarded against constantly. In this connection it may be observed that for melting purposes steam is far preferable to an open flame.

Granulation is a consequence often attendant upon mixing fats whose melting-points are in wide contrast. A paint-mill is of much assistance in remedying the difficulty once it has occurred; but the use in the first place of materials of nearer meltingpoints is better. The melting-point is not a dependable guide to firmness in different fats, and it is especially disconcerting in mixtures; for instance, oil of theobroma, when reënforced with 5 per cent of white wax, will become firmer but of a lower

melting-point. This phenomenon, quite in line with chemical analogies, holds sometimes until surprising proportions of stiffening material are added. Hence the melting-point of mixtures can best be determined by trial. The softening influence of camphor, phenol, etc., must always be borne in mind.

When all is said that touches upon pharmaceutical excellence, perfection is not approached unless due thought is given to the manner of introducing the medicinal agents. If medication is to be performed by inunction, medicaments in ointments must be

introduced in solution as far as possible-tannic acid in glycerin, the metals and alkaloids as oleates preferably, iodides and bromides in water, etc. If the active agent is insoluble, see to it that it is extinguished as thoroughly as muller or paint-mill will accomplish it. No rule can be laid down. All rests in the nature of the therapeutic agent and the use to which it is destined, plus pharmaceutical common sense. Certainly morphine sulphate in white petrolatum is as hopeless as morphine oleate in adeps lanæ is laudable.

PERSONAL.

AN ALABAMA PHARMACIST.

Mr. W. E. Bingham, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a familiar figure at the annual conventions of the N. A. R. D., and is particularly prominent in the pharmaceutical affairs of his own State. Born in Alabama in December, 1853, and moving with his parents to Mississippi in 1865, he completed the course in the public schools, and then entered the University of Mississippi in 1872, graduating therefrom with the degree of B. A. in 1876. He taught school for a year, and then entered the drug business in Moss Point, Miss. This was in the fall of 1877, and Mr. Bingham was then 24 years old. In 1882 he moved to Tuscaloosa county, Alabama, and since 1887 has been in his present location in Tuscaloosa. His business is a very successful one.

W. E. BINGHAM.

Mr. Bingham joined the Alabama Pharmaceutical Association in 1886, served as its president from 1897 to 1899, and since 1901 has been the secretary. An ardent advocate of the N. A. R. D. movement, he has been on hand at all of the national conventions and has served two terms as a member of the National Executive Committee. A good churchman, Mr. Bingham is an elder in the Presbyterian church at Tuscaloosa, and is superintendent of the Sunday school. An enthusiastic fraternal society man, he is an Odd Fellow, a Mason, a Knight of Honor, and a Knight of Pythias. He is Past Mas

ter of Rising Virtue Lodge No. 4; ex-High Priest of Tuscaloosa Chapter No. 1, R. A. M.; T. I. M. of Tuscaloosa Council No. 4, R. & S. M.; Eminent Commander Tuscaloosa Commandery No. 13, Knights Templar; and a member of the Zamora Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Birmingham, Ala.

Mr. Bingham was married in 1878 to Miss Nannie Hendrick, of Talladega, Ala., and they have two sons and a daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Bingham were unfortunate enough to lose a promising son of 19 years during 1905.

LETTERS.

AN APPEAL ON BEHALF OF THE SAN FRANCISCO DRUGGISTS.

To the Pharmaceutical Press:

A great calamity has befallen the people of San Francisco, and two hundred druggists have lost their all. These brothers of ours had prosperous businesses and comfortable homes a few days ago; now they have nothing, the accumulation of a lifetime having been swept away by earthquake and fire.

The N. A. R. D. has set about raising a fund not less than $100,000 to be used to assist in reëstablishing these brothers in life again. Major Kramer says a half million can be raised and starts "the ball a-rolling" by sending his check for $500. The Dr. Miles Medical Co., the Wells & Richardson Co., the Chattanooga Medicine Co., Horlick's Food Co., the Allcock Manufacturing Co., Solon Palmer, and other large firms have responded with equally generous gifts. The Emerson Drug Company's donation is $2000.

The heart pulse of druggists and their friends everywhere throbs with deepest sympathy for the suffering people of the stricken city, and all have doubtless responded through other channels to the general relief call. But the special purpose of the N. A. R. D. fund ought to, and we feel sure will, appeal to every big-hearted, high-minded man identified in any way with the drug trade.

I am therefore requested by the Executive Committee to bring to your attention the work undertaken on behalf of our unfortunate brethren by the National Association and to ask your coöperation and assistance in raising $100,000 or more, as expeditiously as possible, for the specific purpose hereinbefore stated.

Recognizing your past services to the cause we represent, I confidently anticipate a response on your part that will make our task easier and bring the hour of its accomplishment nearer. As avenues of thought, influence and information, reaching the drug trade of the entire country, yours will be a noble part in a noble achievement.

Our motto, "To live and let live," will have a broader and more sacred meaning when the present work has been completed, and the great mission of the N. A. R. D. will ever afterward possess a deeper and more far-reaching significance. Our distressed. and unfortunate craftsmen, once again given a fresh start in business, their homes reëstablished, the sun of hope having risen above their now darkened horizon, joy warming their hearts and with songs on their lips and brightness in their eyes-all the result of the ministrations of the N. A. R. D.-who would there be in all the world mean enough to ever again point the finger of scorn at this matchless organization of ours, and with the tongue of slander say its motives were unworthy, its ideals base, and its aspirations ignoble?

Let us now join hands in the splendid labors before us and make "To live and let live" in this great crisis of our stricken brothers' lives "To live and help live." Fraternally yours, CHARLES M. CARR, Director, N. A. R. D. Department of Publicity.

April 21, 1906.

REGARDING MR. FARRINGTON'S VETERINARY FORMULA.

To the Editors:

In response to the many inquiries that have come to me regarding formula "432" as given in my article, "Horse Cents," in the March BULLETIN, I would say that "432" will not blister if covered with a bandage or if not covered. It will usually produce the best results when bandaged. All the directions necessary for the liniment are, "Rub the part well twice a day," though a shake label should of course be put on as there is no way of preparing the mixture so that it will not separate. "432" is not particularly recommended for poll evil, though after the first stages it might be used to advantage. The label that I use on the remedy is simply a prescription label with the number in large figures. This prevents duplication by other dealers and gives the package a genuine prescription look.

Delhi, New York.

FRANK FARRINGTON.

To the Editors:

SHOW-CARD WRITING.

I believe that a good, breezy, well-lettered show card is the best paying advertisement in the drug business. If the letters are poor, with no harmony or contrast between colors of cardboard and paint used, if the words are crowded and hard to read, or if other defects in the mechanical part of the sign are in evidence, then it makes no difference how bright, newsy, interesting, or attractive the thought conveyed may be, the effect and consequently the results are lost. Just so if the meaning of the sign lacks "ginger," or vim, or news interest, no matter how good the letters, or how perfect the construction or the color blending, the sign is a failure.

A Bunch of Home-made Show Cards.

I do not believe there are very many live druggists but can letter signs that will sell goods. Of course all druggists can't make equally good signs, but the average druggist is a good penman, and a man handy with a pen will, with a little practice, make a good sign writer. If you will occupy a few spare minutes every day with the work, and display interest and confidence in it, it will not be very many days before you will have a show card which, even in your own estimation, will be good enough to display in the window.

Don't be afraid to show your interest in this kind

of work, as it is a big income-bearing pastime when once you get it going right. Notice the signs made by the professionals of your city, then keep at the work during your spare time, and in a month you will be enthusiastic on the subject and then you will not be able to tear yourself away from it.

As to brushes and paint, there is hardly any use to give advice, for every druggist can mix up water colors by using dry colors and a weak solution of gum arabic. Use the brush that you can get along best with and stick to it. The immediate results of this work are worth every man's efforts. J. ALBERT Kiedaisch.

Keokuk, Iowa.

THE CLERK'S SIDE OF IT.

To the Editors:

In reading your March issue I was struck by two articles practically contiguous, one discussing the income of pharmacists, and the other containing a few hints from the "Observer" concerning the noncompetent, or in this case, it seems, the non-grafting clerk.

Now I would like to make a few remarks from a drug clerk's standpoint. I would like to know why in these days any one should compare pharmacy with a profession, and at the same time cite as examples of large incomes those derived from stores. where the professional end of it is forgotten or thrust in the background, and where the words "drug store" are used as an excuse to keep open at all hours a place devoted to other lines?

I know whereof I speak, as I close a prominent store four nights a week and work every other Sunday, and I'm sure there are many clerks who sell the same lines in other kinds of stores, get as much salary as I do, and quit at 6 o'clock every night. Yet the drug clerk should be satisfied when his friends in the banks, dry-goods stores, wholesale houses; when the iron-worker, the carpenter, the lather, and hod-carrier call in the evening with more money than he has and listen to his description of the chemistry of a fine comb or the pharmacopoeial requirements in regard to the cut or color of an envelope! He should meekly thank God on Sunday, when selling hair brushes and soap, and when his friend in the real estate office passes in an auto, that he is at least not liable to sudden death that way!

If the large department stores should keep open till 12 o'clock every night, and all day Sunday, what a holy howl would be raised in the name of humanity all over the country! And yet at the same time

nine-tenths of the sales made in every drug store in the United States between 6 and 12 P.M. and on Sunday are of articles such as could be dispensed with until business hours the following day.

I am not objecting to selling medicines, or necessary sick-room or emergency supplies of that nature. No amount of inconvenience will make a druggist insensible or callous to the needs of the afflicted, but that excuse should not be given for conducting a bazaar when all legitimate business is closed. If the druggist and drug clerk would get a little business sense, do business during business hours, dissociate pharmaceutical education from "grafting" salesmanship; if, to use a slang expression, they would "get next" to their outlandish hours and miserable incomes, compared to those of less-educated trades, then we could compare incomes and find fault with clerks.

But as long as the trade, profession, or mixture, is run as it is now, the proprietors will have the same difficulty in finding the combination drug clerk, and the clerks will become more and more dissatisfied and take any opportunity to bid the profession (?) farewell. A. E. O'NEILL.

1226 Market St., San Francisco, Calif.

TO BULLETIN READERS FROM MR. CURRY. To the Editors:

I wish to acknowledge through the BULLETIN OF PHARMACY the many interesting letters I have received in response to the Easter window offer in the March number. I would like to respond to each one personally, but the task would be almost impossible. There are so many expressions of appreciation that it is especialy gratifying to the writer to know that his BULLETIN articles on window dressing have seemed to strike a very responsive chord. The letters, over sixty, and still coming, came from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and from ocean to ocean. They surely show the wide range of the BULLETIN'S circulation, and the letters were all full of good words for the BULLETIN.

The background for the Easter window was sent to Mr. W. M. Hanna, 2899 Archer Ave., Chicago, whose letter reached me first. I only wish I had one for each druggist who wrote me.

Many writers sent me splendid hints, and the majority expressed a special admiration for the BULLETIN and its valuable helps in practical and business pharmacy. One of the nicest letters I received was from a druggist's devoted wife living