Gentian is again nearing that effective under normal conditions, owing to the recent augmenting of spot stocks by heavy arrivals from primary sources. For whole root 16c to 18c, and for powdered 18c to 20c can now be done. Although there has been but little if any change in the powdered form of Hydrastis, increasing competition for the whole root finds reflection in the lower prices now named by holders in the local market and at country sources of supply. For prime whole root, $5.50 to $5.75, and for powdered, $5.75 to $6.00 the pound are the ruling quotations. A material reduction of spot stocks of Ipecac has inspired a sharp upward movement for both varieties. Cartagena is in very scanty supply and Rio virtually unobtainable at any price. Arrivals at local ports have been very meagre and included five cases from San Juan and sixteen bags from Cartagena. Cartagena is now quoted at $2.40 to $2.65; powdered, $2.65 to $2.90; Rio, $2.75 to $4.00, and powdered, $3.00 to $3.25 the pound. Spot stocks of Taraxacum have been recently replenished by more liberal arrivals of the German description, a reflection of which is the lower prices now quoted by local holders and importers. Cut is quoted at 37c to 40c; powdered, 42c to 45c the pound. Although Triticum has been held at abnormally high levels for several weeks, with stocks very meagre and impossible to replenish, it is now offered off by many holders in the hope of stimulating the movement in the consuming channels. The cut description is now quoted at 36c to 40c the pound. False Unicorn (Helonias) is still in meagre supply on spot, and although generally held at the high levels recently reached, it is offered off in some quarters by holders who desire to convert their stocks into available funds. For the whole root the range of price is $1.35 to $1.50; for powdered, $1.45 to $1.60 the pound.

Saccharine. Declined; noteworthy price concessions have made on this artificial or synthetic sweetener as supplies have been augmented considerably by more liberal offers from manufacturers and as the demand has slackened so that the movement in the consuming channels is for only limited quantities. For either U. S. P. refined, which is 550 times as sweet as sugar, or for pure soluble, which is 500 times as sweet as sugar, the price range is $3.75 to $4.10 the pound, or 30c the ounce, containers inclusive.

Safrol. Declined; the replenishment of spot stocks by arrivals from primary sources and a further slackening off of the demand have combined to bring about a reduction in buyers' favor, now quotable at 55c to 65c the pound.

Seeds. Stocks of all descriptions of Anise in the local markets are of meagre proportions and Turkey's participation in the European war has made prospects for additional shipments of Lavant Seed so remote that a sharp lift in prices of all descriptions has resulted with quotations as follows: German or Levant, 18c to 20c; powdered, 23c to 25c; Sifted Italian, 20c to 22c; powdered, 23c to 25c the pound. Star Anise is unchanged at former quotations and is freely offered at 32c to 35c the pound. Recent importations of Spanish Canary have proved of sufficiently heavy proportions to induce local holders to lower their prices for all descriptions fractionally. The outlook for the future, however, is uncertain, as the recent cessation of shipments of South American from Argentina and the impossibility of obtaining further supplies from Smyrna and from Turkey may result in the supply proving inadequate to the demand, and in this event prices will no doubt react to higher levels. For recleaned seed, the range of price is now 11c to 13c the pound. Cardamoms are only in fair demand and the limited movement in the consuming channels has found its reflection in lower prices for all descriptions with extra bold bleached quoted at $2.10 to $2.25; No. 1 bleached, $1.85 to $2.00; powdered, $2.10 to $2.25; decorticated, $1.85 to $2.00 the pound. The demand for Celery has slackened to such an extent, and receipts from Marseilles have augmented spot stocks so materially that a further recession has followed on the recent flurry in the price of this seed. Prime seed is now quoted at 24c to 27c; powdered, 27c to 30c the pound. A seasonable falling off in the demand for Larkspur, associated with the recent replenishment of spot stocks by arrivals from sources of supply, has tended to lower prices; now quotable at 48c to 52c; powdered, 52c to 55c the pound. Although all supplies of Turkish Poppy Seed have been shut off, owing to the involvement of this country in the general European war, prices for this description and also the Dutch and German are fractionally lower, reflecting the abatement of the demand, and as available supplies have proven adequate for all requirements. In the primary markets the Dutch and German descriptions are fractionally higher and stocks reported reduced to small proportions, which may lead to a general revision on spot, particularly if the demand becomes more active. Blue Dutch is now quoted at 15c to 18c the pound. The growing scarcity of Sabadilla, with prospects remote for an early replenishment by arrivals from primary sources, has inspired a general upward movement, resulting in a price range of 32c to 35e for whole and 37c to 40c the pound for powdered. The growing scarcity of both the large and small descriptions of Sun Flower seed finds reflection in the higher prices now generally asked for either. The small seed which is usually handled by retail druggists is now quoted at 10c to 12c the pound.

Seidlitz Mixture.-Declined; keen competition among leading makers in the domestic markets and between domestic makers and foreign producers has resulted in further price cutting, which has established this staple on a very low basis, from which a recovery is to be expected if this price cutting war is ended. For the usual requirements of druggists the price range is now 19c to 22c the pound.

Sodium. With the close of the active consuming season for Citric Acid, associated with large arrivals from primary sources of not only this derivative, but also Citrate of Lime, all Salts into which this commodity enters during the process of manufacture are lower and Sodium Citrate by 6c the pound, so that it is now quoted at 75c to 78c the pound. The lower prices for Benzoate reflect not alone the close of the canning and preserving season, but also the availability of supplies in the local market where it is offered more liberally by manufacturers. Granular is now quoted at 67c to 70c; powdered, lc the pound higher.

Spices. An increasing demand is noted for virtually all crude spices and buying of spot goods is especially active, as it is now recognized the local market is the cheapest in the world for almost all deliveries. Trading in 1915 arrivals has begun and is reaching larger proportions daily. Uplifts in many parts of the spice list are generally expectel as stocks in first hands are at the lowest levels reached in recent years, as in 1914 short crops of all peppers, cloves and pimenta were made. The various items comprising this classification are now quoted as follows: China Cassia, 16c to 18c; powdered, 20c; Saigon Cinnamon, 52c to 55c; powdered, 60c; Ceylon Cinnamon. 47e to 50c; powdered, 55c; Capsicum of the true Mombassa or African description, 24c to 26c; powdered, 28c; Zanzibar Cloves, 30c to 32c; powdered, 35c; Stemless Italian Sage, 17c to 20c; ground, 20c. Penang Mace, 82c to 85c; powdered, 90c; Myristica (nutmeg) Penang whole, 32c to 35c; powdered, 40c; genuine Hungarian Paprika, 57c to 60c for the ground; Black Singapore Pepper whole, 18c to 20c; powdered, 20c to 22c; White Singapore Pepper, 33c to 35c for whole, and 35c to 38c for powdered; Pimenta (Alspice), 13c to 15c; powdered, 18c to 20c; natural extra bold Jamaica Ginger, 28c to 30c; natural regular, 23c to 35c; bleached, 28c to 30c: powdered, 32c. Mixed spices, 27c to 30c; Madras powdered Tumeric, 13c to 15c; Cochin powdered, 18c to 20c the pound, according to quantity.

Styrax Liquid.-Advanced; Turkey's participation in the general European war has complicated still further all shipments of this Austrian product from the country of production and resulted in a sharp advance on spot for available stocks. The U. S. P. article is now quoted at 47c to 50c the pound. Thymol. Advanced; with a renewal of buying operations it has been discovered that spot stocks are once more inadequate for the demand, and while the outlook for a material replenishment of supplies here has been further darkened by unfavorable reports on the size of the crop of Ajowan Seed, associated with the recent action of Germany and France in placing an embargo on exportations of the finished material, prices have been advanced sharply. The future position of this staple is involved, as it is reported on good authority that the greater part of this year's crop of Ajowan Seed is now being held in Italy and that almost insurmountable difficulties are being encountered by manufacturers in other European countries in attempting to obtain even a moderate supply of this Indian product. U. S. P. crystal is now quoted at $7.50 to $8.00 the pound.

Turpentine, Venice.-Advanced; fractionally higher prices are now named for this commodity, which is used extensively in making an application for wounds, in consequence of which the British and German governments have prohibited its exportation from their respective countries and a shortage is not unlooked for in the immediate future with materially higher prices. The true Venice description is now quoted at 42c to 45c. The "socalled," which is in reality a mixture, at 22e to 25c the pound. Vanillin. Declined; a flagging buying movement and keen competition among manufacturers of this substitute for Vanilla Beans have combined to bring about a reduction of prices in buyers' favor. One ounce cartons are now quoted at 47c to 57c the ounce, according to quantity.

Wax. There is an active demand for Yellow Ceresin, further additions to spot stocks by arrivals from primary sources have combined to bring about a reduction of prices. White is unchanged at former quotations; Yellow is now quoted at 22c to 25c; White, 32c to 35c the pound. The bleached description of Montan is in scanty supply and strongly held at a sharp advance. Prices vary according to quality and holders. Some comparatively small lots of crude, including 412 bags from Rotterdam, are once more available in the local markets, although even this description is firmly held at former quotations, which follow: Crude, 17e to 20c; bleached, 52c to 55c the pound. The recent replenishment of spot stocks of Beeswax has resulted in fractionally lower prices for both the Yellow and the bleached description, which are now quoted as follows: Refined yellow in bulk, 46c to 48c; one pound cakes, 48c to 50c; one ounce cakes, 53c to 55c; country yellow in bulk, 42c to 45c; refined white in once ounce discs, 63c to 65c for the strictly pure and 47c to 50e the pound for No. 2, which is really a mixture.

THE FIRST COPPER CENT made in America was the product of a blacksmith. The bit of metal represented a deer and bore the words: "Value me as you please." Three sledge hammers contained in a crown were represented on one side, with the inscription, "I am good copper, 1737." The other side bore a representation of a broadax, with the inscription, "I cut my way through."

Address all communications to the

MEYER BROTHERS DRUGGIST

222 SOUTH BROADWAY,

.$600.00

337.50

187.50

97.50

ST. LOUIS, MO., U. S. A.

CHARLES WEST

Charles West, Boston, Mass., president of the N. W. D. A., was represented on the cover of the MEYER BROTHERS DRUGGIST for January. He requests the members of that association to arrange for attendance at the 1915 meeting.

The III. Ph. A. has decided to meet at Centralia in 1915.

The A. Ph. A. meets at San Francisco, Calif., August 9-14.

The Market Review in the MEYER BROTHERS DRUGGIST is interesting, instructive and useful.

Index to the MEYER BROTHERS DRUGGIST for 1914 appeared in the January issue for 1915. Have the volume bound at once.

Market Review, Page 58.

Index to Advertisements, Page 80

Want Advertisement Department, Page 79
Missouri Reciprocity, Page 55
Interstate Reciprocity, Page 45
Examination Questions, Page 47

Editorial

Poisoning Record in

Scotland. For fifty-eight years, that country has kept a record of accidental and suicidal poisonings. The report for 1912 has recently been made public. It shows one hundred and forty-two cases of poisoning, classified as: accidental, 55; suicides, 33; anaesthetics, 55.

Among the cases of accidental poisoning, opium leads with nine; phenol follows with seven; potassium cyanide is next with five; then came hydrochloric acid and ammonia with four each and carbon bisulphide and oxalic acid, three each. Two cases each occurred from coal gas, strychnine and nicotine. Of the following poisons, one case each is reported: alcohol, chloral, phosphorus, arsenic. barium chloride, cocaine, hydrocyanic acid, potassium nitrate, mercuric chloride and formalin. In two cases, the poison was not stated and in one is given as "narcotic."

When it comes to suicide, coal gas is at the head with fourteen cases. The record then drops to two cases each for oxalic acid, potassium cyanide and opium. The following poisons have only one case each: phenol, hydrochloric acid, phosphorus, strychnine, arsenic, formalin, A. B. C. Liniment. In six cases, the poison was not determined.

It must be gratifying to the pharmacists of Scotland to know that the greater number of suicides are caused by the agent, "coal gas," over which they have no control.

Camphor is well fixed in the materia medica of this country and enters largely into some of the industries. The world's supply comes from the Island of Formosa and is controlled by the Japanese government. Camphor is readily made synthetically, but all attempts to compete with the natural product have thus far failed on account of the expense of production. The Japanese government reports that the present resources of Formosa will maintain an annual supply of six and one-half million pounds for at least eighteen years to come. Re-planting and various methods of preserving the trees are expected to extend the source of supply indefinitely. Those engaged in the camphor industry lament the wasteful methods of earlier days. At the present time, camphor is distilled not only from the wood, but also from the leaves of the tree and what are known as dwarf trees are also utilized.

The camphor tree, like the cinchona tree is very selective in its altitude. For this reason, it is not likely that new camphor forests of importance will be discovered as the interior of Formosa is explored. The high mountains of the interior are not favorable for camphor growth.

The Linseed Oil Market is always of interest to the drug trade. It is also an important item in general commerce, for the normal consumption of oil

in the United States when reduced to an expression in seed equivalent amounts to 26 million bushels of linseed. The market attracted attention as soon as the war opened in Europe and has kept dealers guessing ever since. At the present writing, the price of linseed is advancing at a season when it would logically be expected to decline. The Oil, Paint and Drug Reporter feels justified in stating that the market this season has been one of "contraries." The editor reviews the subject under the heading of "The Perversities of the Linseed Oil Market." We have often advised our readers against speculating in the drug market. A study of the linseed oil market of late will certainly convince any one that it is a good market to let alone as far as speculative investments are concerned.

This does not mean that the retail dealer should run short of goods. Purchases should be made for the normal demand, but do not invest your surplus capital in linseed oil.

Why Ointments?-Somehow, this class of pharmaceutical preparations stands out prominent in the list of goods supposed to be handled by a pharmacist. It is probably the ancient history of ointments which comes down to us from early times and the fact that the public at large is acquainted with ointments and salves that causes the laity to always think of ointments in association with pharmacists. This fact was emphasized by those who drafted a bill intended to place the control of the drug stores of Illinois in the hands of the city councils and the village boards of trustees. The bill is intended to regulate "all drug stores, pharmacies or apothecary shops or places wherein drugs, nostrums, ointments, or applications are sold." The word ointments," is not particularly out of place, but why not have substituted for it, tinctures or syrups or fluid extracts or any one of the long list of classes of pharmaceutical preparations which are as frequently sold as ointments?

Interpret the Parcel Post Law.-The North Dakota Ph. A. calls for a ruling which will define specifically just what medicinal compounds, drugs and medicines can be transmitted through the mail upon prescriptions of licensed physicians, also what household remedies can be safely sent to the rural route patrons of retail pharmacists. The association claims that the postal regulations should be made to conform to the various state poison laws. It is further claimed that the pharmacist's responsibility should cease when the package is delivered at the post office, provided the medicine contained therein conforms to the poison law and is packed according to postal regulations. Denying retail pharmacists, particularly in small places, the use of the mails for the use of legitimate medicinal compounds is a serious hardship. It causes delays, interferes with the work of physicians and defeats one of the real objects of parcels post.

Itinerant Venders will come in for a good show of attention during the present session of the var